BABYOURSELF Magazine - Fall 2011

FALL 2011

sanity for sleepless mommies

Orla ndo

pampering for preggos

 the

Ladies



REALITY

54 months of breastfeeding

must for

!

haves

the PERFECT

nursing station

SIX FALL COSTUMES ANY ONE CANMAKE

shoulders

move of the month

learn a new exercise

finding the

PERFECT BRA

ABC 

the

s



babyourself.com • Fall 2011

3

babyourself

babyourself Volume 2, Issue 5 ~

fall 2011

Fall 2011

www.babyourself.com www.facebook.com/babyourself www.twitter.com/babyourself

EDITOR IN CHIEF kristi corley

CONTENTS

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

know yourself

elisabeth nixon

17 Ask the Doc pt 2 11 Breast Massage -

EDITORS ABC’s of self breast exam

jennifer hatcher

How to store breast milk

elisabeth myrick

Learn the health benefits

22 Toning Your Shoulders -

WRITERS

Move of the month

special features

kimberly kimmig

18

jennifer hatcher april merritt - md elisabeth myrick

12 Breast Cancer Awareness 14 Perfect Feeding Area 18 DIY Fall Costumes -

Faith, courage, and a pedicure

FOOD vickie myers

15 items you should have

Let your creativity loose

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

treat yourself 7 Fall Fashion -

16 Reality Chic -

justin carrier pamela guldi paula oliver Platforms, accessories, and cloths that last 54 months of breastfeeding

20 Apple-ishous -

Maternity and nursing lingerie

26 The Neurotic Dad -

We are excited to feature local photographers within babyourself magazine!

Our apologies to Erica Clements Photography for misspelling her name in the summer issue! To see her work visit www.ericaclements.com

7

babyourself.com • Fall 2011

the nielsens photography and design

WEB AND DESIGN andy corley

Learning patience and flexibility

20

4

elisabeth nixon photography

Get ready for Fall with these yummy treats

24 Gorgeous Bras -

PHOTOGRAPHY

To advertise in babyourself call 321-696-3962 or email advertising@babyourself.com

22

PHOTOS COURTESY EL ISABE TH NIXON PHOTOGR APHY

10 Ask the Doc pt 1 -

My Gym Kids...

Learn, Grow and Have Fun!

Award-winning Programs for Children ages 6 weeks - 13 years

www.mygym.com

My Gym Lake Mary (407) 333-8069 My Gym Dr. Phillips (407) 644-2595

Parent & Me • Gymnastics • Sports • Camps • Birthday Parties and more!

We buy and sell gently used gently used maternity clothes and kids stuff. Don’t break the bank for this precious experience get everything you need for a fraction of the cost!

4900 E Colonial Dr 8937 W Colonial Dr 407-292-3500 407-297-9499 onceuponachildorlandofl.com onceuponachildocoee.com babyourself.com • Fall 2011

5

Letter From the Editor

Supporting the Ladies!

That’s right, this is a perfect opportunity to not only support Breast Cancer Awareness, but to support YOU, the ladies of babyourself!

Life gives us opportunities. Opportunities every time we open a door. We can walk through that door and say, “Here I am!” Or we can walk through the door and say, “There you are!” As I’ve had the privilege of focusing on both women with breast cancer and women going through the new challenges of breastfeeding, I’ve seen so many challenges that face us ladies and the only way we can survive.

We need each other. Whether it’s a girl’s night out or a quiet coffee in. A random phone call to say hello or planned meals to make recovery easier. No matter what life gives us, one thing’s for sure - we need each other!

Kristi Corley editor in chief

WIN this Amazing Bag! “like” us on facebook, and it can be yours!

GET YOUR PINK ON with this amazing fuchsia bag from Sophie & Trey! Just “Like” us on Facebook!

Find the pink bag picture, and comment,

“I want that bag!”

Did you know that you can “like us” by texting “fan babyourself” to FBOOK (32665) from your mobile phone?

6

babyourself.com • Fall 2011

Take this sophisticated outfit from the boardroom to girl’s night out!

My Fall Fashion Consultant

Mary Michalski styled both Kristy and I in a gorgeous Fall Collection. The best part? The clothes are from the same line, and can be worn before, during, and after your pregnancy! Their tunics and toppers can rock your bump - and beyond!

You won’t need to spend money on clothes that will only last a few months. Go to babyourself ’s facebook page for more information on how to see the entire collection! You too can have a makeover! A personal style consultant, now THAT’S baby-ing yourself!

PRODUC T PHOTOS COURTESY EL ISABE TH NIXON PHOTOGR APHY

NEW! Keep an eye out for my “Doula Tips” - Suggestions and advice from one momma to another!

babyourself Fall Fashion 2011

Oh so pretty

Sophie & Trey Necklace 14.99 Tear Drop Earrings 14.99 sophieandtrey.com

Fall in love with soft mauve

Kudos to

Bobbi Brown High Shimmer Lip Gloss

Hair: Bryan and Adam at Shear Bliss Salon, Heathrow Colonial Park Makeup: Sherry Morgan from Bobbi Brown Makeup

MODEL PHOTOS COURTESY THE NIEL SENS PHOTOGR APHY & DESIGN

whimsical & hip Fall tunic

Simply romantic & colorful print

Bobbi created High Shimmer Lip Gloss for women who want a lip gloss that’s both high impact and pretty. It combines intense shimmer, shine and color and a look that’s unexpected, fresh and fabulous. This new lightweight formula glides on smoothly and leaves a comfortable cushion on the lips.

Fun is what we had in mind when Bobbi Brown created High Shimmer Lip Gloss. It’s high shimmer, high shine and high color. Wear it when you want to add a spark to your look, when you have a special event to go to, or even better— whenever you feel like it.

Whoa Momma!

On the Cover

Kristy Crawford, mommy to three - and one on the way!

Adventure took on a whole new meaning for Kristy and her family when her husband, Chad launched “how to Do florida”, a TV show dedicated to empowering families to get out and enjoy Florida. It’s definitely a must-see show! Check out times at howtodoflorida.com or crawfordgroup.tv

Sophie & Trey Black Platform Heels 28.99 Rose Gold Watch 34.99 sophieandtrey.com

babyourself.com • Fall 2011

7

Have You Had Your Annual Mammogram?

Next Day Appointments and Online Scheduling.

A yearly mammogram is the single most effective method for detecting breast cancer early, when it is most treatable and beatable. When it comes to choosing who will perform your annual mammogram, look no further than Winter Park Memorial Hospital Outpatient and Women’s Center and Florida Radiology Imaging (FRi) Oviedo.

You’ll find the latest, most accurate imaging equipment available: Digital Mammography. Exceptional clarity lessens the need for return testing, and a new compression-paddle design flexes with your breast to increase comfort.

Call (407) 646-7798 or visit www.WinterParkHospital.com to schedule your annual mammogram today.

T U O

K K R A IN R P

P 8

babyourself.com • Fall 2011

W

E T IN

Everyone’s Flocking to Pink Out

Here in Winter Park, pink is always in.

Shop. Eat. Pamper.

Special Events

Benefiting the Winter Park Memorial Hospital Mammography Scholarship Fund.

SEPTEMBER 2011

AUGUST 29 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30 Participating Park Avenue and Hannibal Square retailers will offer Pink Out apparel, merchandise, food, and beverages with proceeds from sales benefiting the Winter Park Memorial Hospital Mammography Scholarship Fund, a special resource created to provide financial support for women who cannot afford an annual mammogram.

Since it began in December of 2010, the mammography scholarship fund has provided nearly 100 mammograms, and has already saved seven lives from breast cancer.

Your help is needed to continue the momentum of this vital resource. Simply purchase Pink Out items during the month of September or go online to make a donation.

For as little as $25, you can help a woman in need get her screening mammogram and potentially save another life.

Pink Out at the Winter Park Farmer’s Market Stop by the Pink Out Winter Park booth to schedule your priority mammogram, purchase your Pink Out Flamingo and receive your Free “Pink Out” Grocery Tote!

Shop for a Cause at Tuni’s on Park Avenue Enjoy a private evening of shopping for fabulous “must have” items at one of Winter Park’s trendiest boutiques – Tuni’s. 20% of all purchases that evening will benefit mammography scholarships.

Stretch for the Cause Crosby & Winter Park YMCA Join both the Crosby and Winter Park YMCA’s for Stretch for the Cause.

OCTOBER 2011 Healthy Breasts at 50, 60, 70 and Beyond Winter Park Civic Center Join Jennie Yoon, MD, radiologist, as she explains when and how to perform breast self-exams, why mammograms are important even if cancer doesn’t run in your family and new treatment developments.

Call (407) 646-7959 for more information, or to learn more, visit www.PinkOutWinterPark.com.

Winter Park has gone to the birds—flamingos to be exact—and they’re making their way south for Pink Out Winter Park 2011. Show your breast cancer support by purchasing a pink flamingo at Bullfish on Park Avenue, Winter Park Memorial Hospital Outpatient and Women’s Center, FRi Oviedo, and Crosby and Winter Park YMCA. For $10 we’ll give you one to keep for yourself to place in your yard, and add another to the growing flock of flamingoes on Park Avenue, along with a name tag honoring a survivor or loved-one affected by breast cancer.

Proceeds from Pink Out products benefit the Winter Park Memorial Hospital Mammography Scholarship Fund. babyourself.com • Fall 2011

9

babyourself ASK THE DOC Dr. April Merritt Delaney OB/GYN

Got a question for Dr. Merritt? Ask away on the Babyourself Facebook page!

Recently new guidelines came out regarding breast cancer and the appropriate screening.

The US Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) stated: (1) Mammogram every 2 years for ages 50-74 (2) Insufficient evidence regarding mammograms for those over age 75 (3) Self breast exams should not be taught (4) Insufficient evidence regarding the significance of clinical breast exams in women over 40 The American Cancer Society stated: (1) Clinical breast exams every 3 years after age 20 and every year after age 40 (2) Mammograms every year after age 40 (3) Self breast exams can be appropriate after age 20, but not required Both agencies ended their recommendations with a statement that basically says physicians should take into account the patient’s personal and family history.

Needless to say, these guidelines hit the news media and people were angry, because everyone knows someone who was diagnosed and treated for cancer after discovering her own lump during a self exam.

As an OB/GYN and a woman, I read the guidelines and then I modified them for my practice. I do recommend self breast exams.

Do you need to do them monthly? No. Occasionally? Yes. And let’s be honest – your 10

babyourself.com • Fall 2011

partner will very likely find a lump before you do. So, share this with your husband. This is what you’re looking for.

The ABCs are “Around the Breast in a Circle.”

Lie down or stand in shower. Put your arm above your head. Start around the outer part of the breast and go in a circle around and around until you slowly make your way to the nipple. Make sure you feel all the tissue and you squeeze the nipple. Also, check all the way into the armpit as you have breast tissue that goes into that area.

Breast tissue is lumpy. Look for changes in the normal lumps. Breast tissue also changes with your cycles, so try to self-examine the same time every month. If you feel something, make note. Then feel there the next month too.

Common benign lumps are (1) Fibroadenomas: these might hurt, be smooth and big or small and mobile (2) Breast cyst: these may be painful, smooth, round and mobile and might disappear after a month or after a period.

(3) Fibrocystic changes: these are normal lumps and bumps of breast tissue. Be concerned if you see nipple discharge that is bloody or a funny color, skin changes or lumps that are persistent or growing. And as always, call your doctor if you are concerned. 

PHOTO BY DEWAYNE FLOWERS/SHUT TERSTOCK.COM

ABCs of Self Breast Exam

Breast Massage

by Pam Guldi Motherlove Massage

The beautiful breast – sexualized, glamorized, but often misunderstood and neglected.

Your breasts really are there to do more than make you look great in a bathing suit. And strapping the girls into an underwire for 12-hour days would leave anyone feeling cranky. Sometimes breast massage can be just the TLC the girls need.

your fingertips in these valleys. Starting with your right hand, using your fingers spread apart, follow the grooves of your ribs from the sternum (center line), beginning just below your collarbone, moving outward toward your left breast one or two inches. Gradually shift your position working your way down the sternum, following the rib grooves out as far as is comfortable. Repeat on the right side.

it begins to produce colostrum? During pregnancy the breasts often become full and can feel sore. This culminates postpartum when they can become engorged in the first few days after delivery. A gentle breast massage from the chest toward the nipple area before nursing can relieve the engorgement by helping the mother’s milk to flow.

in warm water, wring it out and wrap around the breast leaving the nipple exposed. You can breast feed while leaving the compress in place.

For painful breasts, cysts or mastitis, use castor oil in place of the warm water.

Some of the most common conditions helped by therapeutic breast massage techniques:

Breast Cancer and Mastectomy Massage is beneficial for early detection of abnormal breast tissue. For the woman with cystic or fibrous breast tissue, daily massage will relieve the lumpy feeling, moving congestion out of the breast and through the lymphatic system. Women who have experienced mastectomy are often afraid to view or touch the scar area. The fascia can be opened up promoting the reduction of scar tissue.

Ancillary pain in the neck and shoulders can also be relieved using massage. For these women, massage can be healing physically and emotionally.

Performing regular breast massage may seem very strange at first, especially if you’re not accustomed to touching your breasts. But take a deep breath, relax, and learn the potential health benefits As a of breast massage. mom,

new Here’s another suggestion for you women who have sometimes Perform breast massage anywhere recently had a from 5 to 15 minutes at least 2 times need a baby. As a new mom, per week. For very cystic breast tissue, quick fix. you sometimes need a daily massage is recommended. Use Compresses quick fix. Compresses light pressure (the weight of a nickel) be just that! can be just can to begin.

For engorgement that! or blocked duct, use a cloth or disposable diaper soaked 1. Using the hand opposite the breast

you want to massage, begin by gently applying circular strokes, radiating out from the nipple and working into the underarm as well as to the center of the chest (sternum).

2. Move your fingers around your breast in a gentle motion. In the shower or bath you can do this by using a bit of soap to make gliding easier.

3. Gently massage by kneading each breast, using lifting and slightly compressive movements. Include moderate-pressure compressions to move stagnant fluids out of the breast. You can also gently twist each breast, using both hands, in a wringing motion.

4. Use the flat underside of your fingers with a broad contact to gently, but firmly, scoop and lift the tissues beginning from the underarm area and moving in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction toward the nipple. Massage the circumference of each breast this way.

5. Your fingers will easily locate the "indents" between your breasts. In the middle is your sternum or breastbone. On either side of it you can feel the ribs and then the "valleys" between them. Place

Pre and Postnatal Did you know that the breast doesn’t reach full maturity until pregnancy when

Monthly Hormonal Changes The normal fluctuation in hormone levels in a woman’s body can cause the breasts to become sore and heavy. This is especially true during ovulation. When this condition presents, the breasts are usually too tender to be massaged directly. In this case, a massage of the surrounding tissues and under the arm pit is often helpful in relieving the soreness and heaviness. A regular self-massage during the remainder of the month can reduce this type of discomfort.

Pam Guldi, LMT has specialized in family massage for over 15 years. She is the owner of Motherlove Massage in Winter Springs, FL and welcomes all your questions and comments at 407-493-6657 or motherlovemassage.com

ma14375 babyourself.com • Fall 2011

11

Faith, Courage & a Pedicure

... Paula’s blog and her journey

Archives  September 2011  August 2011  July 2011  June 2011  May 2011  April 2011  March 2011 Pages photos contact comments

The BEST is yet to come

Posted on July 13, 2011 by Paula Oliver It’s been a 6 1/2 month blur since I discovered that this aggressive cancer took up residence within me, and we are hard at work on the eviction process.

It’s interesting and ironic really, how God allowed me to have this “super activated” kind of malignancy with an extra component that makes it particularly vicious, fast, and deadly. I wonder why me, the nontoxic, natural gal who has done more to prevent cancer than most folks I know. I am an RN and I have seen enough patients suffer to know that I really, really, REALLY never wanted to have cancer or any other debilitating health issues.

I was determined to prevent it all. I heard of the link between hair dye and cancer, so no hair dye for me, even though I was turning gray. I became a vegan about 8 years ago partly because of the research indicating a link between consuming animal products and cancer. I drank lots of water, got plenty of fresh air and sunshine, avoided chemicals, etc. For years I’ve gotten in an average of 1 to 1 1/2 hours of exercise most every day and loved it – fast walks, rebounding on a mini trampoline, biking, or swimming. For many years I’ve eaten less processed foods, less salt, and less sugar, and I’ve eaten more raw fruits and veggies than just about anybody I know. When my family ate pizza, I had salad; and when they ate dessert, I had fruit.

How can this cancer be? It seems so unfair. When I feel cynical, I jest that the cancer happened because of an overabundance of eating raw produce and the deprivation of hotdogs and coffee.

While it is wise to take good care of our bodies – and I intend to still take excellent care of myself – there is balance. None of us are immune from sickness, disease, and eventual death. As much as I am still a proponent of excellent nutrition, God did not choose to use it to prevent or treat this cancer in me. I do not embrace the “eat, drink, and be merry for tomorrow ... we die” philosophy, but I am re-evaluating my views on what’s really important and what is not – and trying to find better balance.

In my non-toxic mindset, I very rarely wore nail polish or make-up. But you know what my oldest daughter, Joy, and I did on vacation last week? We had two special mother/daughter times pampering each other and painting each other’s toenails and fingernails. What fun we had together and I’m glad I didn’t miss it! Our bright, shiny pink nails are pretty and cheery and I am enjoying mine immensely. Yesterday I wore regular -- not bought from a health food store – lipstick and tried to look my best, and it felt good to do that even though I wasn’t feeling very well. I’ve decided that just because I am missing a breast and my hair doesn’t mean I have to LOOK like a cancer patient. Mostly though, I don’t want to just concentrate on outward looks or have my total focus on getting healthy. May God work on my heart to be fully yielded to Him, with my eyes on Him. I am praying for more balance in my life, that the Lord will guide my priorities in the little and big things – all things actually! I cannot add a single day more to my life than He has ordained. Does He want me clutching to this temporary life or have my arms wide open to what is ahead? He thought me up long before I was born and has numbered my days. May I live each and every one left for Him! My “take away” from all that is to say this – I am going to place my hope in God, not in anything I am doing or not doing. He is wise in however much time I have left on this earth – maybe it’s His will to heal me and maybe it is not. I will seek Him and His leading regarding my health, the treatment of the cancer, and everything else. I hereby and officially “let go of my life” for about the millionth time (and will probably need to do so again and again). I am His and I can trust Him completely and that is a settled matter!

12

babyourself.com • Fall 2011

PHOTO BY STE VECHR ISTENSEN/ISTOCKPHOTO.COM

Recent Posts  Chemo Day: Please Pray!  Paula Health Update  Praise Report!  His way, not mine  One week post op  Paula’s Mastectomy  Heading to the hospital shortly  Plan B (and C)

PHOTOS COURTESY ELISABE TH NIXON PHOTOGR APHY

My mother called to tell me they “found a spot”

by Elisabeth Myrick

Cancer. It’s one of those words you hope never to

hear. However, when my mom’s surgeon finally said for certain that the lump in her breast was cancerous, I can’t say I was surprised.

Last November, just before Thanksgiving, my mother called to tell me her doctor recommended she have a follow-up mammogram because they “found a spot.”

She was hopeful that it was nothing, just the result of her applying deodorant that morning and hastily wiping it off when she remembered her mammogram appointment. But the second mammogram showed the same spot, and her doctor sent her for an ultrasound and biopsy. I knew as soon as she told me she was having a biopsy that it would be cancer. My friends and family tried to reassure me that people are sent for biopsies all the time, but deep down, I knew. When your maternal grandmother dies of breast cancer before the age of 40, you know.

At the time my grandmother was diagnosed, the standard treatment was a radical Kendall, Anne and Elisabeth mastectomy. There was no chemotherapy, no radiation treatment. When her cancer spread, there was nothing to be done. Thankfully, that is no longer the case and a cancer diagnosis is not the automatic death sentence it once was.

My mother’s tumor was tiny and caught extremely early thanks to her yearly mammogram. It was so small in fact, that she was never able to feel it herself. It was only visible on a tell-tale mammogram or ultrasound. Her surgeon was able to remove the tumor entirely and by mid-January, my mother was cancer free. However, due to the type of breast cancer, she underwent four rounds of chemotherapy and five weeks of radiation, finishing her treatment in early July.

“As a mother with a 23-month old daughter, the realities of breast cancer for me and my baby are all too real.”

As a mother with a 23-month old daughter, the realities of breast cancer for me and my baby are all too real. While my mother’s cancer was not genetic, my doctor and I choose to be proactive and to establish a baseline now, resulting in my first mammogram before my 30th birthday. I’ll continue to be proactive with monthly self-checks (that I never used to do, because whoever thinks they really need to?) and beginning my annual mammograms earlier than most women. I’ll also pass these precautions down to my daughter – not to scare her, but because early detection makes a world of difference in cancer treatment. And my daughter has double the family history to be aware of – if her maternal grandmother’s battle wasn’t enough, her paternal grandmother has also fought and beaten breast cancer twice.

I’m thankful I was able to be with my mother during her treatments. Many families live hundreds or thousands of miles apart and aren’t able to provide in-person support. I sat in a waiting room while my mother had her biopsy, met with her surgeon to determine her course of treatment, and waited while the surgeon removed the lump. I went wig shopping with her and shaved her head when her hair started falling out so she wouldn’t have to face the stares of strangers in a hair salon. But even better, I was able to celebrate with her when her surgeon said she got the whole lump and that there were no cancerous cells in her lymph nodes. I celebrated with her when her hair started growing back in and was finally long enough to get rid of the wig. And we’ll continue celebrating each and every clean mammogram – for all three generations of us. babyourself.com • Fall 2011

13

The Boppy!

Lanolin and Nursing Pads

Journal & timer

If you’re still nursing, these are a must have! The lanolin will prevent cracking and sore nipples, and the nursing pads... well, they will keep you from walking around with circular milk stains on your t-shirt! Products provided by Macro Baby.

Have a journal handy. It’s amazing how many thoughts and ideas come to you while you are feeding your baby. It’s also helpful to journal the time and amount your baby ate. You can become very forgetful with the lack of sleep! There are a few products available that keep track of time for you!

Product provided by Macro Baby.

What do I need?

PHOTOS COURTESY ELISABE TH NIXON PHOTOGR APHY

Whether you use a pillow or Boppy product, it is very important to support your back while you’re feeding your baby. Some Boppys are shaped in a way to grow with your child, and double as a lounging pillow when they’re toddlers! So don’t get rid of it, your little one will love it! Product provided by Macro Baby.

It’s inevitable, you’ll sit down to feed your baby, and ughh - you forgot something! Whether you’re nursing or bottle feeding, here are a few of the must-haves to create a perfect environment for you and your baby!

The Hooter Hider!

Just incase a friend stops over unexpectedly, keep a cover close by. One of my favorites (ok, ya, it’s just because of the name!) is the Hooter Hider!

The Coveted Cup! Have you heard about “the cup”?

Do you still have yours? Aside from your precious baby, the hospital cup has become the #1 prize for new moms.

* remote control * cell phone * laptop/ipad * snack * breast pump * music

WIN THIS COVER-UP! That’s right, we will be giving away the Hooter Hider on our facebook page.

“LIKE US” ON FACEBOOK!

or, you can “like us” by texting “fan babyourself” to FBOOK (32665) from your mobile phone!

Find the Hooter Hider picture, and comment, “I want the cover-up!”

14

babyourself.com • Fall 2011

Other items to have close by:

Burp Cloths

You will go through a gazillion burp cloths - so have plenty on hand! These adorable burp cloths can be purchased at www.birdiestudios.com Many more colors and designs!

PHOTO COURTESY APPLE IPOD4 HERO

Doula Tip: Fill it up before feeding your baby. This is a perfect time to consume your water for the day!

It’s so important to stay hydrated, especially if you are still nursing! Many mommies say that they actually get VERY thirsty while they nurse.

PHOTOS COURTESY EL ISABE TH NIXON PHOTOGR APHY

Create the PERFECT area to feed your baby!

babyourself.com • Fall 2011

15

REALITY c hic a real mom with real kids & a really messy home

54 Months of Breastfeeding

by Jennifer Hatcher

I’ve done the math. I have spent approximately 54 months of my life breastfeeding. No, I didn’t breastfeed a child until age four and a half. But I did breastfeed my six children for varying lengths of time (six months, three months, 10 months, 13 months, 11 months, and 11 months). And during those 54 months, I learned a few (okay, a lot!) of things about breastfeeding.

I could breastfeed a baby anywhere and everywhere! I nursed in the midst of large family gatherings, at my table in a restaurant, during ladies’ meetings at church, at the movie theater, and at the beach. I nursed while cooking dinner, while drying my hair, and while typing emails with one hand. I nursed loud, messy eaters in store dressing rooms, and I nursed quiet, easy babies at church dinners.

Discretion was my M.O. I didn’t completely lift my shirt and flash my boobies at everyone, but I also didn’t put a large tent around the baby, which I thought screamed, “I’M NURSING A BABY HERE!” Nobody ever asked me to stop feeding my baby. Most of the time, everyone just thought my little one was napping all snuggled up against me. One guy friend even started to move the burp cloth I had half-way covering my nursing daughter because he thought she was snoozing!

Anywhere and everywhere even included nursing a baby in a moving vehicle. With my baby safely strapped in her infant car seat, I could sit beside her and lean over to feed her. It wasn’t pretty, but when you have hours to drive and a screaming baby who wants the comfort of her momma, you do what you have to do.

Nursing a baby is easier than nursing a breast pump. Even if I was so full of milk that I needed a bigger bra, I had trouble letting down for a pump. Many times, I would hook myself up to the pump, play lullabies and imagine my baby screaming, and even lean forward so gravity could help, and still the process was difficult.

Toddlers or preschoolers will get into trouble the minute the baby starts breastfeeding. Somehow my vision of peacefully nursing the baby while singing songs or reading books or playing I-Spy with the other children never quite panned out.

One or two children would crawl or waddle off and eat dog 16

babyourself.com • Fall 2011

food or dump out the instant potato flakes all over the kitchen floor or float Duplo blocks in the toilet.

A new pregnancy can reduce milk supply. When my 9-month-old son suddenly started waking up all through the night starving, I wondered what was wrong. Then rich foods started making me nauseous and I began needing naptime more than the baby. A home pregnancy test confirmed the news, and within a month my baby had lost patience with my low milk supply and had weaned himself.

The phenomenon of the Amazing Growing Cleavage. Away from the baby for an evening, I would always come home with much more impressive cleavage than I’d left home with.

Bags of breast milk in the freezer will freak college boys out.

When our first daughter was born, we had friends who were still in college. The first time the guys were getting ice from the freezer and saw the baggies of milk, their reaction was hilarious.

Evidently, touching a baggie of breast milk was a little too much like touching the source from which it came.

Drinking another mother’s breast milk will not hurt your baby. Though the lady in the church nursery was mortified by her mistake of giving my son another baby’s bottle (filled with her mother’s milk), my son was absolutely fine. And the other mother and I learned to clearly label our baby’s belongings.

When a baby is really hungry, he will latch onto anything.

One of my babies actually gave me a hickey on my arm! My daughter tried to latch onto my husband’s nose. Hungry babies feel skin and start sucking. That’s just how it is.

Fifty-four months filled with sweet moments of watching my babies’ eyes roll back as they gulped down nourishment from my body made the painful moments of chapped nipples and babies who couldn’t get a strong latch totally worth it all.

babyourself ASK THE DOC (part 2)

How Do You Store Breast Milk?

Dr. April Merritt Delaney OB/GYN

As an OBGYN, I am a big fan of breastfeeding. As a mommy, I am realistic and know that sometimes breastfeeding is easy and sometimes it is hard. I will often ask new mommies how breastfeeding is going and I get the response, “Well I am not really breastfeeding. I am pumping and then giving it in a bottle.” In my opinion, breast milk is breast milk, no matter how the baby is getting it. So how do you store the stuff ?

When I was breastfeeding, my freezer was stocked with little bags of breast milk, each baggie neatly labeled with the date and the amount of milk.

Some had notations like “Thanksgiving dinner” or “Mexican food.” I was meticulous about labeling because I wanted to know what foods to avoid in case my child had a reaction, like diarrhea or terrible gas. If my baby slept 6 hours, I also wanted to know what I ate so I could eat it again! (He slept the best after Thanksgiving dinner. Yummy!)

I was also meticulous about storing the milk.

However, I could never remember how long I could safely keep breast milk. Here is the quick reference: • • • • •

Room temp -- milk is good for 4-6 hours Cooler with 3 frozen ice packs -- milk is good for 24 hours Refrigerator -- milk is good for 3-8 days Freezer -- milk is good for 6-12 months Thawed -- milk is good for 24 hours

Honestly, I could not remember this at all. I went to www.medela-us.com and printed the chart from that site and hung it on my refrigerator.

Of course, if you are mixing breast milk with bottled/canned milk, it is only good for as long as the bottled /canned milk is good, which is about an hour after mixing.

To accurately label how much milk is in each bag, pump into a bottle and then pour into the bags before freezing.

As long as it is stored properly, breast milk is breast milk whether it comes straight from mommy or is kept in the freezer for a few days or months.

Whether your breast milk is frozen or chilled from the fridge, it will warm up quickly by just placing under a warm flow of water from the sink. Just squish the milk around in the plastic bag! babyourself.com • Fall 2011

17

DIY Dragon

YOU CAN DO IT!

Butterfly

(aka Olivia) onesie purple & lavender felt sequins purple headband purple sparkle craft puffs white pipe cleaners purple embroidery thread

From one mom (who has only used a sewing machine twice before in my life due to an irrational fear that I will sew OVER my fingers) to another...I know you can make these costumes too. Each costume took about 30 minutes to make and required so little brain-power that I didn’t need a cup of coffee.

18

babyourself.com • Fall 2011

Monkey

(aka Makai ) onesie a pair of pants light brown felt white embroidery thread

WHAT YOU NEED

We’ve listed the items that you will need which can be purchased at a craft store. You don’t HAVE to own a sewing machine! With a few craft tools - scissors, needle, a hot glue gun and some creativity, you’ve got the basics to make these adorable Halloween costumes.

PHOTOS COURTESY EL ISABE TH NIXON PHOTOGR APHY

(aka Isaac) onesie green felt orange felt yellow felt yellow embroidery thread

6 Fall Costumes

BY ELISABETH NIXON

ANYONE can make!

Penguin

(aka Ajani) onesie hat white felt orange felt orange & yellow feathers white embroidery thread

Piggy

(aka Lexi) onesie a pair of pants pink felt large pink pipe cleaner white embroidery thread

Ladybug

(aka Zadie) onesie red sparkle felt black felt black pipe cleaners black craft puffs black tulle black embroidery thread

GO TO OUR BLOG! ENTER YOUR BABY! You can find step-by-step pictures along with detailed instructions on the Babyourself blog at www.babyourself.com.

Feel free to post a comment of your proud moments of creativity!

We want to see your adorable creation! Upload a picture of your little one in their costume to Facebook. Tag Babyourself to enter to win our “cutest baby costume” contest! See our page for details. You have until November 4th to enter!

babyourself.com • Fall 2011

19

PHOTOS COURTESY ELISABE TH NIXON PHOTOGR APHY

Apple-ishous!

by Vickie Myers

Apples – such a traditional part of our American culture. I haven’t always lived in Florida, where the apples are ripe in early summer. I used to live farther north, and the apples harvested in the fall as the leaves were turning colors. In my mind, autumn really begins with apple-picking season. When we lived in Nebraska, we had two different varieties of apples in our yard.

One ripened a bit earlier than the other so our apple season lasted quite a while. My two oldest kids were very small so I Come join us on loved picking the apples off the tree and making October 15 at 11am at applesauce for the children. Every fall I looked forward to going to the local apple orchard, where Whole Foods Market they had many varieties of apples, and buying them on Sand Lake Rd for a demonstration of how by the basket. I enjoyed making apple butter, apple to prepare these treats! crisp, and dried apples. Oh, and there is nothing Make it a fun date with quite like eating a juicy apple picked fresh from the tree. I hope these yummy apple recipes bring a one of your children, little taste of autumn to your home! and join in the fun!

Chilled Apple Chai Chai Tea

Apple Juice

Experiment with these ingredients to find your perfect blend of apple juice and Chai Tea. Pour over ice and sip this refreshing drink during the Fall season. Organic Blends of Third St. Chai and apple juice are available at your Whole Foods Market.

Apple Caramel Pastry

by Vickie Myers

1 sheet of Puff pastry 3 or 4 Pink Lady apples ¼ cup brown sugar 3 tablespoons butter

¼ teaspoon cinnamon Caramel sauce 1 egg (for egg wash, mix with 1 tablespoon water)

A Core and slice apples. If you do not like the apple peel, apples may be peeled.

A Put apples, butter, brown sugar & cinnamon into skillet.

While stirring, cook over medium heat until sugar dissolves, then cover and cook for 5 minutes.

A Remove cover & cook until liquid thickens, about 5 minutes.

A Unfold one sheet of puff pastry and cut into 4 squares.

A Place apple mixture diagonally across each square, then fold two corners up over the apple mixture.

A Brush egg wash on the top of the pastry.

A Bake in 400 degree oven for 15- 20 minutes until top is golden brown.

A Cool slightly, drizzle caramel sauce across apple puff & serve.

(Serves 4) 20

babyourself.com • Fall 2011

Caramel Apple Pop Treats

4 large Pink Lady Apples (Perfect apple for Breast Cancer Awareness Month) 6 to 8 Tablespoons of Peters Carmel (available at thebakerskitchen.net) or 2 packages of carmel apple wrappers 1 Tablespoon lime juice ¼ cup water 4 inch lollypop sticks 2 inch Treat bags Spool of ribbon

1

2&3

4

Step 1: Peel apples

Step 2: Use melon baller to scoop out balls of apple Step 3: Put apple balls into water mixed with the lime juice.

Remove and dry on a paper towel.

5

6

Step 4: Poke lollypop sticks into the balls of apple. Dry again with paper towel. It is very important to get them as dry as possible.

Step 5: Dust a sheet of wax paper with powdered sugar. Roll out Peter’s Caramel or place caramel wraps on the sugared paper.

Use a 2 -3 in cookie cutter to cut circles of caramel out. Dab the circles of caramel with a damp paper towel to clean the powdered sugar off of one side.

Step 6: Wrap circles of caramel over the apple balls.

Step 7: Put caramel apple pops into the treat bags and tie with ribbon.

Chill. Best served within 2-3 hours.

7

Caution young children to not place whole apple pop into their mouth as a choking precaution.

babyourself.com • Fall 2011

21

babyourself MOVE OF THE MONTH

Toning your

PHOTOS COURTESY KIMBERLY KIMMIG

SHOULDERS!

by Kimberly Kimmig

Shoulders are one muscle group that is easily overlooked, which is why they are our move of the month!

While the exercise shown features a resistance band, if you do not have one you can also use a full water bottle or even a dumbbell. This move specifically works the anterior and medial deltoids. An added bonus? Toning the shoulders will help flatter the rest of your upper body!

Exercise: * Stand on one end of the resistance band and hold the other handle in your right hand directly in front of you.

* Making sure your feet are planted firmly on the band so it does not slip, place your left hand over the right hand on the handle. * Begin to draw a large figure 8 in the air. * After 10 repetitions, switch to the opposite direction

for 10 more reps.

* Make sure your movements are slow and controlled.

Engage your core the entire time. And don’t forget to keep breathing!

22

babyourself.com • Fall 2011

STROLLER FITNESS WORKOUT FOR MOMS. Classes in Lake Mary, Sanford, & Debary Your first class is always free.

There is no membership required and the costs of individual classes are very reasonable - plus the added bonus of a personal trainer at all times!

Check times and locations on the Baby Boot Camp Facebook page (Sanford, Lake Mary, Debary)

Easy, Safe Babysitting Solutions

Needing some help with the kids as the summer wraps up?

Set up a re g u l a r re quest T O D w w w. S e e k A Y ! ingS itters.com

Got Kids?

GET READY FOR BACK TO SCHOOL! www.seekingsitters.com

Melissa Sobrin - Local Owner, SeekingSitters Orlando North

Phone: 407. 625.1659 email: MSobrin@SeekingSitters.com

babyourself.com • Fall 2011

23

Finding the PERFECT BRA Plunge bra for sizes 32B to 38D, $59.90, and Tanga brief available in sizes S-XL, $29.90.

Plunge bra and Tanga Brief

Balconette bra and G-string

Balconette bra for sizes 32E to 38H, $59.90, and G-string available in sizes S-XL, $29.90.

Peacock Lace Padded bra for sizes 34B to38E, $72, and matching Peacock Lace Tanga available in S-L, $39.

Peacock Lace Padded bra and Tanga

24

babyourself.com • Fall 2011

Mesh Plunge bra and Tanga

Mesh Plunge bra for sizes S-XL, $58, and matching Mesh Tanga available in sizes S-L, $39.

Nursing Bras are no longer“overthe-shoulder-boulder-holders” We’re excited to share with you two of our favorite nursing bra designers who do not sacrifice comfort and functionality for design and beauty. Both designers come highly recommended to us from nursing mothers, and as an added bonus - you can snag these for yourself with special Babyourself reader promotional codes!

Cake Lingerie (TOP), cakelingerie.com, is an international designer brand, specializing in the creation of sophisticated maternity and nursing lingerie. Cake delivers beautiful lingerie that intertwines sensual comfort & a secure fit with much needed style and polish.

Bella Materna (BOTTOM) creates sophisticated styles and beautifully crafted designs that celebrate a woman’s changing body during the amazing phase of her life, motherhood.

Using intrinsic elements of style, design, fit and comfort, Bella Materna has revolutionized the nursing bra proving that fashion and function can beautifully coexist. The nursing line is designed with discreet and easy access but are stylish, versatile and flattering during the pregnancy and post pregnancy phases.

Babyourself readers use code MOM2011 for 20% off any website purchases at bellamaterna.com

Now Available At

SHEAR

BLISS

MEDICAL

WEIGHT LOSS Lose 1/2-2 Pounds of Fat Per Day During Each 40 Day Program

What is hCG?

hCG stands for Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, a hormone naturally produced by the placenta in pregnant women and almost completely controls the metabolic function through the hypothalamus throughout the pregnancy.

In Association with

Mountain Medical Weight Clinicwith How much weight will Loss I lose the hCG diet?

Most hCG dieters report a loss of 1 to 2 lbs a day.

At the very least, .5 pound a day, and at the most, 3 + lbs a day. 1 lb is generally lost in the first day.

Factors that guarantee faster weight loss include increasing vegetable intake and mixing salad with each meal. Fiber intake is extremely important, as is water intake. hCG diet shots cause your hypothalamus to mobilize the fat out of the fat storage locations so that it’s available for use. While you are only consuming 500 calories, your hypothalamus is continually releasing the fat stored in your body. Because of this, your body is actually operating on thousands of calories a day. The result is your body using thousands of calories of fat from your body each day, the reason hCG dieters lose 1 to 2 lbs of fat or more, per day.

Special price of $199 - regularly $470 Save $271 just for mentioning you are a babyourself reader! (DOES NOT

INCLUDE $75 For Blood Work.)

Weekly Medically supervised program for 9 full weeks. Expect to lose 15 to 40 pounds per 6 weeks program while taking the HCG shots. These are very small (31 gauge) syringes pre filled and hardly more noticeable than a mosquito bite when administering in the stomach area. The B12 shot is usually administered by the nurse on your weekly visit. If you have some stored Body Fat to get rid of - this is the easiest and most effective diet.

This special price is only available for a few weeks so please call 407-936-2547 with any questions OR to purchase the $199 gift card to use for this special. If for some reason you are not an eligible candidate (very few) the entire $199 is refundable.

A bag or storage tote for every purpose!

India Hill

Thirty-One Gifts Independent Consultant Indiahill31@gmail.com www.mythirtyone.com/India

babyourself.com • Fall 2011

25

babyourself DADS TO DADS

The Neurotic Dad

Dad... It is amazing how one little word can bring out

the greatest fears within me. Before my wife was pregnant, I was convinced being a parent was absolutely what I wanted to do. But was I really ready? Fears begin to creep in when you realize that in just a few short months, you will be the person that your child will depend on for every step of their life. Will I know how to change a messy diaper? How do I keep from screwing this kid up for the rest of his life? Will I be able to give my child the love and nurturing my own parents gave me?

Before I get ahead of myself, I should explain that if there are two virtues I need to improve upon, they are patience and flexibility. I’m the type of guy who has a plan for everything and while I haven’t scared my wife off yet with my love of Excel spreadsheets, I think I’ve come close a time or two. My scheduled, detail-oriented personality has served me well in the business world but I discovered very quickly, however, that schedules and pregnancy do not go hand-in-hand and even though my wife and I didn’t plan on a baby right away, we also didn’t really try hard to prevent it. Clearly, it didn’t come as a great surprise last November when the little stick showed two pink lines.

Early on in the pregnancy, a civil war ensued in our home.

My wife thought it would be a great surprise to wait until the delivery to find out the gender of our baby. As you can imagine, this was strike one for my personality. I literally thought if I had to wait until the delivery to find out if we were having a boy or girl I would die. Despite my best begging, pleading, bargaining and attempts at blackmail, I lost that battle. We had three elective 3D/4D ultrasounds, and I spent hours studying the pictures and videos trying to spot something that would give me a sign.

If that wasn’t enough, I soon had another lesson in patience. I recently earned a promotion at work that involved more travel and coincided with an important day, our due date. I knew I

could hold off traveling for a little while, but I began to worry if the baby took its time in arriving, I would either miss the birth or not have enough time to spend with him or her before hitting the road again. I think I drove our OB/GYN more insane than my wife did. Each visit without a lot of progress toward delivery made me even more neurotic. Soon I was preparing eviction notices for the baby, trying to convince my wife to stand on her head (What? That should have worked!), walking with her miles each night and doing anything I could possibly think of to help get our baby to pack its bags and come on out.

Our doula, Kristi (yes, babyourself ’s fearless leader) tried to assure me that the baby would come when it was good and ready, and that it would all work out. What I really needed was a schedule. I began whispering in my wife’s ear at night how wonderful scheduled inductions were in the hopes that subconsciously it might help her see that scheduling our child’s entrance into this world wasn’t such a bad idea after all. Big surprise, she wanted no part of it.

PHOTO COURTESY EL ISABE TH NIXON PHOTOGR APHY

by Justin Carrier

On July 30, nine days early, our beautiful baby boy, Andrew, was born. In spite of my neurotic need to plan this whole thing out, I couldn’t have asked for anything better. Kristi helped my wife achieve the natural child birth she wanted and I got a beautiful and healthy baby boy, and it ended up happening nine days early.

Each day since the birth has been another lesson in patience, another lesson in flexibility, and another lesson in how such a little person can make such a big mess. I’ve had to throw my schedule out the window and adapt to nearly everything.

While I certainly wouldn’t trade a minute of it for anything in the world, I’ll pass along a little advice to other dads out there in my boat. Grab a beer and your fishing pole, take a deep breath and realize that this is one time where planning is futile and patience is a must.

  ech’s Darling, Pro-Tine is tl o H e ic Serv 44

407-291-16

Good news! re Pro-Tech will be he within the hour!

All is now cool at the Jones’ house.

“Thank you Pro-Tech!”

As American as apple pie...

The air conditioning is out at the Jones’ house.

26 babyourself.com • Fall 2011 What ever will they do?

HVAC • Plumbing Service

Keep up with the Jones’ and join our Comfort Club!

Call: 407-291-1644 State Certified CAC029393 • CFC1426770

We provide compassionate care for the individual patient.

Finally, a return to old school medicine with a modern day approach.

Dr. LaKrystal Warren

Dr. Pamela Snook

Call Today: 407.478.OBGY (6249)

! e e s t s u m The perfect

Kristen Smethurst, PA-C

Book Online at www.myobgynorlando.com

Our office is located directly across from Winter Park Hospital and the brand new Dr. P. Phillips Baby Place.

From the Writer & Producer of Menopause The Musical®

GIRLS NIGHT OUT!

It’s all about The Bump... and everything after

Visit babyourself ’s facebook page for your chance to

The must-see celebration for MOMS (and dads) of all ages if you ARE a mom, a FRIEND of a mom, or HAVE a mom!

get free tickets to

the mommies, A MUSICAL BLOG!

From online to laundry line, THE MOMMIES - A MUSICAL BLOG™ is YOUR musical journey, filled with the magical moments and the mayhem of mothering from cradle to college and beyond.

This 90-minute party of laughter (and a few tears) salutes YOU because MOMMIES ROCK!

babyourself the mommies, A MUSICAL BLOG Find the mommies picture and “like” it, or comment, “I WANT TICKETS!” Did you know that you can “like us” by texting “fan babyourself” to FBOOK (32665) from your mobile phone?

This is what I feel like every day as a MOM and GRANDMA!! ~Susan - Orlando, FL

Tickets On Sale @ www.themommies.com Box Office (407) 802-3293 Great Group Rates Available (407) 688-1951 Darden Adventure Theater at the Orlando Science Center

777 E. Princeton St., Orlando, FL 32803

babyourself.com • Fall 2011

27

Now Available At

SHEAR

BLISS

MEDICAL

WEIGHT LOSS Lose 1/2-2 Pounds of Fat Per Day During Each 40 Day Program

bab readeyours rs rec elf eiv

57%

sav

ea

ings! se for m e p. 25 ore d etails !

In Association with Mountain Medical Weight Loss Clinic

28

babyourself.com • Fall 2011