We had our 4 month Pediatrician check up yesterday:
Weight: 16.9 lbs/53rd percentile | Height: 26″/93rd percentile.
Nate turns 4 months today, which as any parent would say about their child, is crazy! I’m trying so hard to soak up each and every moment because I’ve never really realized, until now, JUST how quickly life flies by. He’s truly the best baby, pretty much always happy unless he’s tired or hungry. Being a new mom has been nothing short of amazing, but naturally, it comes with it’s challenges and I’ve learned, you figure it out as you go.
Sleep:
A few weeks in, Nate started out as a really good sleeper. On some nights, he would sleep from 7PM-6AM and I thought that the sleep gods answered my prayers. Then a couple of weeks ago, the dreaded 4 month sleep regression hit us, which from everything I read, can happen anywhere between 3-5 months. Like a fool, I thought “nah, our son is a great sleeper! it’s not going to happen to us!” HA! Yea, I was very wrong. I went from actually feeling rested to looking (and feeling) like a haggard mess. He started waking up several times a night, even right after a good feeding, so I knew it wasn’t hunger. Looking for a few tips from some mamas, I asked on my instagram and I got some really great advice. A few people recommended The Baby Merlin’s Magic Sleepsuit, so naturally, I ordered it that same evening. On top of the sleep regression, we were transitioning him from the bassinet in our room to his crib AND out of the swaddle. Maybe it was a crazy move to do it all at once, but it kind of all just happened. The Magic Suit has definitely been helpful and over the last week or so, he’s falling back into a better sleeping pattern. We’ll usually put him to sleep at 7:30 and he might wake up between 3-5 for a feeding and then will go back to sleep till 6-6:30. I have been looking into various sleep training methods, but have yet to figure out the next plan. Let me know if you guys have any that you swear by.
One big thing, we started putting him to sleep when he’s awake and he’s getting better and better at falling asleep on his own. A few months ago, a friend of mine told me that allowing her daughter to fall asleep in her arms every night was the biggest mistake she made. Now, when she wakes up, she freaks out to find out that she’s not in her mother’s arms. For us, we started this after he turned three months.
The Work/Mom Balance:
I think any mother would agree that this is one of the most challenging things. I am incredibly lucky that I work for myself and have the ability to make my own schedule, but that also comes with a few challenges. I currently have someone helping with me Nate 2x a week and on those days, I try to cram in projects, meetings, shooting, computer catchups and some “me time” like a manicure or haircut. If I’m being perfectly honest, two days is not enough and I probably need to add on a 3rd day, so I don’t feel like I have to pick and choose what I can actually get accomplished. I also try to cram in as much as possible when he’s napping and at nights, I spend a couple of hours working. Eventually, I’m hoping to put a stop to that! Aside from being exhausted once 8PM rolls around, I would rather just take that time and spend it relaxing with Keith.
The Relationship & Friend Balance:
Before the baby was born, Keith and I had a pretty great system going. On Fridays, he would hang out with his boys and I would hang out with my girlfriends and Saturdays and Sundays were spent with each other, our families or hanging out with our friends, together.
These days, we’re finding our groove and figuring out what works with the addition of the baby. We still have “Friend Fridays,” but now we take turns alternating our weeks. He’ll go out with his friends one Friday and I’ll go out with mine the next. Eventually, of course we’ll find a babysitter if we both have plans, but for now, it’s been working out perfectly. For Saturday nights, we have yet to look into a weekend babysitter, but that’s next on the list so we can resume our date nights. I have so many restaurants I’m dying to check out!
The balance was and continues to be, very important for us! Maybe it’s because we’re both Libras, the sign of the scales.
Feeding:
I saved this for last because this is a topic I want to dive further into, in a post of its own. Up until recently, I was exclusively breast feeding, but we decided to start supplementing with organic formula because I just wasn’t making enough. I’m not sure if it’s because on the nights that he would sleep, I wouldn’t wakeup to pump (I was just so tired and couldn’t get out of bed) OR if those few days that I had work projects, without an actual indoor bathroom and location, I couldn’t find a place to pump. There were so many instances where I’d be on the train, traveling with my pump and trying to find any bathroom to sneak into. The Pediatrician also thinks that because Nate is so tall and growing at some a rapid pace, I just couldn’t keep up with his demand.
From all the things that new mothers and parents face, for me, breast feeding was hands down, the most stressful of them all. I don’t think women talk enough about how hard it is. Yes, it is one of the most beautiful, bonding experiences a mother and child can go through, but it is also DAMN hard. I still have such anxiety and guilt over it. Again, this is a post I want to have a further discussion on, so stay tuned.
Side note, I did extensive research and we decided to start supplementing with Holle, an organic formula that’s imported from Germany. It seems to be one of the best out there!
Lets start a conversation. Share your experiences, thoughts, comments and tips below!
66 comments
Amber
I think it’s great that you’re sharing this. But I think it sends the wrong message to say that many “American formulas are loaded with unnecessary garbage”. I think everyone should do their research and choose the formula that’s right for their family, but that type of judgment can shame moms who have chosen Enfamil or Similac, just the way many breastfeeding advocates shame moms for choosing to supplement or formula-feed entirely.
And I love your Friend Fridays! My baby is 10 months and we’ve been trying to make more of an effort to emerge from our baby cocoon and see people more regularly these days.
August 24, 2016Helena
Amber, your’e 100% right! I didn’t even think of that! I had good intentions in trying to share what I spent so much time researching, but it came off the wrong way. Thank you!
August 24, 2016Sel
Hi Amber, I don’t believe it was Helena’s intention to make anyone feel shameful or guilty. I think she just wanted to share something that she felt may help others.
August 24, 2016All parents desire to do the best (and want the best) for their children and it is heart breaking that we live in a world where that is difficult to achieve. It is heart breaking that Helena has had to do so much research to find an infant formula that is acceptable to her for her infant son, free of any nasty ingredients. It is heart breaking that such products are sold as food. It is heart breaking that the majority of our food, soil, water and air, our foundations for life, are so detrimental to our health. The discussion, I think, should be on what we as individuals and as a community can do to mend the damage that has been done. I worry about that state of this planet. Our children will be the one’s that inherit this mess that we have left and it will be a heavy cross that they will carry if we do not change things.
Shadowy_lady
awesome post, was looking forward to seeing it.
Re- sleep: we went through sleep regression too. I waited till she was closer to 6 month to do Ferber method. She was down to one wake-up per night then. The training took 2 nights and after that she was sleeping through. I must add though as everyone tells you, no matter what you do with training and whatnot, babies and toddlers go through many phases that would cause them waking up. It’s good to establish healthy sleep habits and have a pattern but they do still wake up sometimes; they can be sick, teething, having nightmares, developmental stuff,…or in my case with my 3 year old needing to go to potty 😉 once you become a mom sleep changes completely. Truly accepting this fact just made me personally much more relaxed.
Hubby and I do the same with social life. We take turns seeing our friends but we have also made new friends with kids our daughter’s age.
August 24, 2016Fashion and Frappes
I just read a comment about the American formula vs German formula issue. I totally understand that was absolutely not your intention Helena. But honestly, when you compare the regulations regarding food including formula, skincare, cosmetics etc. implemented in Europe and those implemented in the US (or otherwise in the world) there is a big gap! There is no two way about it. Europe has better, stricter regulations which definitely translate to better, safer products. I am sure there are many American and Asian formulas and products that are just as good but if I don’t know how to understand the details and analyse my information available, I would not fault anyone for going with the European ones.
This was an adorable post btw! He looks totally happy!
http://www.FashionandFrappes.com
August 24, 2016Heidi
Breastfeeding is just so hard and cruel sometimes. My son was born premature and didn’t have a strong enough latch to deal with my oversupply. It was terrible. I ended up exclusively pumping, which isn’t the most fun thing to do, but in some crazy way I was blessed with a massive milk supply, My son turned one earlier this month and we haven’t had to supplement with formula yet. I’m lucky and I know it, so my heart goes out to anyone with breastfeeding struggles because they are terrible!
August 24, 2016Deb Mckinley
Hi, I’m glad you went with your gut instinct Heidi….. I breastfed my kids ( who are all older now) but struggled at times too and felt guilty about using formula. I believe that any one way/method is “best” is a myth! Good for you! Ask get info and go with what feels right! Thank you for posting this!
September 13, 2016Gayana Bagdasaryan
Helena! Thank you for this post! I don’t know if you saw my previous comments to your motherhood posts, but I’m 3 months behind you and my little Gabriela turned 4 weeks yesterday and she’s turning a month old this Friday 🙂 I am also experiencing some problems with breastfeeding so I’d be very interested in joining a conversation about it. Gigi has finally learned to latch (we had some major hurdles to overcome with that to begin with, but now she’s got it). My only concern at this point is that I’m not producing enough milk yet. What I’d be very interested in is hearing about your actual numbers: for example, how much do you pump out in 15 minutes or in 24 hours. I too am supplementing with formula for now, and hoping that some day soon my supply will catch up with the demand. Nate is looking gorgeous and healthy and super happy! Way to go, mama! 🙂
August 24, 2016Sylvia Arroyo
Helena I completely understand! I stopped breastfeeding my daughter when she was 3 months because she had breastfeeding jaundice and it was very hard for her to gain weight. At the time I was so sad about this but now that she is 7 months I see how much the formula has benefited her. You are absolutely right breastfeeding is one of the hardest things about motherhood and I don’t think people talk about it enough. I’m happy to see you and your little family are doing well. Please post on your work outs and what your are eating because you look amazing.
August 24, 2016OLGA VOLINSKY
Hi Helena!!! You’re doing an amazing job! I truly agree that there isn’t enough of a conversation going on about the hardship of breastfeeding, the challenges and sacrifices that it presents as well as the crazy judgement that get’s put on you if you completely loose yourself to the process. I think we’re similar in many regards to the way you’ve described your motherhood journey so far…..my daughter has been on Holle since day 3 of her life and it’s been an amazing journey for us to this day (my daughter is 15 months). If you need any help on where to get it etc please let me know bc I’ve done extensive research. Even though my daughter started sleeping in her own crib since we brought her home we were addicted to the swaddle till about 8 months which is super late. We were so scared to transition her but all worked out and she still sleeps beautifully to this day. For sleep training I would look into the 12×12 method as it amazingly worked for us. Good luck!!!
August 24, 2016BrooklynBlonde
Olga, thank you so much! And yes, I would love to know where you get Holle. I currently get it from Organic Munchkin.com but wanted to know if there’s a better place to order from.
xoxo,
August 29, 2016Helena
Ev
Nice post dear 😉
August 24, 2016http://www.evdaily.blogspot.com
DEMELER
congrats! such a beautiful post
August 24, 2016xx
http://thedemeler.com
consulente immagine milano
Wow!
August 24, 2016He’s so gorgeous!
Very wonderfull child.
Congrats.
Consulenza d’immagine
Lottie
How cute! Loving the cute Ralph Lauren polo!
August 24, 2016Lottie
http://www.flareaforte.com
Peppermint Dolly
Such a great read – you’re awesome!
Rxx
http://www.peppermintdolly.com
August 24, 2016Suzie Q
This is a great motherhood post! Yes, more discussion is needed on breastfeeding, because it is SO hard! I am 1 month behind you (my lil boy is turning 3 months next week!) It still drives me nuts that I have to plan my days around breastfeeding. If I am out running errands in the city and not able to go back home for a few hrs (and there is really no good public place to pump in the NYC), then I have to plan ahead of time to go over a nearby friend’s place to pump. It’s just crazy. I actually haven’t even thought of European brand formulas so thanks for introducing one on the blog so at least I can do research to see if that fits our needs in the future!
Suzie Q
August 24, 2016StyleCueBySuzieQ.com
BrooklynBlonde
Hi Suzie!
First off, congrats on your boy! Yes, the planning your day around BF’ing is so demanding. Kuros to you and all of you mamas who are doing it!
August 29, 2016Sel
Hello Helena, you are doing exceptionally well as a first time Mum. First time motherhood has a huge learning curve. Do not feel guilty. It is obvious that you have Nate’s well being as an important priority. From your photos and blog posts, one can see that he is a precious soul who is very much loved and thriving. Motherhood, sadly today, is not something that is held in high esteem. Yet no endeavour is more deeply rewarding or difficult than being a Mum (and Dad). No endeavour is more important than nurturing the delicate creation that you have been given into a young man that is of good character. You and Keith are doing well.
August 24, 2016My baby is now 19 years old, driving and studying Engineering. It’s been a long time since he was Nate’s age. From my experience, the first two years of life will often be filled with sleep regression. There will be times when he sleeps well and there will be times when he doesn’t. In the majority of cases this is normal as the first two years of a baby’s life is the time that development on all levels is happening at a rapid pace. Intuitively, I think, you will know if something is off and he needs assistance settling to sleep or you want to seek assistance for peace of mind.
Lastly (sorry for the long post), I was born and live in Australia. I’m sorry to say this, but I refuse to buy US produce. As a country, you have poor food labelling laws and refuse to acknowledge genetically engineered ingredients. Helena, it is great to see that you are so careful in your food choices for Nate. I have no medical training, but it might be worthwhile speaking with your paediatrician about a probiotic supplement for Nate. A healthy gut microbiome is so important for health and immunity. Wishing you and your beautiful family all the very best. Sel
BrooklynBlonde
Hi Sel,
Thank you!! Love reading and hearing about the experiences of other mothers. And you’re absolutely right about the food choices we have here. It’s sad! When I went to Australia a few years ago, I’ve never had such great food (and produce) in my entire life. You’re lucky! Thank you again!
xoxo,
August 29, 2016Helena
Aïchatou Bella
I honestly can’t even deal with the cuteness overload!!
xx,
Aïchatou Bella
August 24, 2016http://www.stilettosandstandards.com
Maria
Sadly, ALL American formula is loaded with garbage. Even organic formula has things that no food should have, such as emulsifiers, so that we do not even have to lift a finger to shake the powder, it just dilutes itself. Have you ever smelled Similac or similar? It smells awful and you wonder why. I do not sell not do I work for Holle but I fed my daughter with it when I could no longer breastfeed and Holle formula smelled like real milk!! There are still additives that I wish were not there, but they are non existent compared to the US baby food. I would have loved to not pay an arm and a leg for a can of Holle, but unfortunately, US does not seem to offer healthy alternative to babies.
August 24, 2016BrooklynBlonde
Maria,
So true! It’s such a shame! I have smelled Similac and even though Holle does cost an arm and a leg, it’s worth every penny to know i’m giving my child the best possible alternative .
August 29, 2016Emi Q
Thank you for being open about your pregnancy and parenthood experience and for sharing what you’ve learned!
Emi Q
August 24, 2016http://www.stylefromlondontola.com
Tracy
Love your mom updates. Breastfeeding is by far the hardest thing I have ever done. I too am supplementing because I don’t make enough milk. I have been using Earths Best but would love to switch to Holle. Where are you buying it? Online? Any insight is great.
August 24, 2016BrooklynBlonde
Hi Tracy!
Holle really is amazing as far as formula is concerned. I buy from OrganicMunchkin.com but I’m currently looking to see if I can find it for cheaper elsewhere. I’ll keep you posted if I do.
August 29, 2016Keirstan
Thanks for this! I am due with my first (a boy!) in November and have been bookmarking all of your motherhood posts- so helpful!
August 24, 2016BrooklynBlonde
So exciting for you! Congrats!
August 29, 2016Anna
You are so right! Breastfeeding is THE most challenging task a new mother can face. I was blessed with a very good baby who sleeps through the night but my breasts were the ones that kept me up. Some days when I just couldnt get out of bed I would wake up in excruciating pain and would need to pump ASAP to get some relief. Breastfeeding challenges are not talked about enough as in this day and age everyone just assumes that it is necessary to do it and thats it. I never actually breastfed but pumped from birth until 6 months. I built up enough storage for the baby to have my milk until 9 months however when I stopped I still felt extremely guilty. I do have to say this though I really dqo not think I would have any sanity left if I continued. And my poor husband…. lets not even go there.
August 25, 2016BrooklynBlonde
I laughed at your “my poor husband..” comment. SO true.
August 29, 2016And pumping for 6 months – you’re amazing! NOT an easy task.
Nicole sioui
“Don’t” feel guilty about no longer breast feeding, the first 3 months are the most important and you’ve accomplished that. And yes, it has its challenges; but you persevered!
August 25, 2016Azu
Nate sounds like the perfect baby boy <3 I like seeing these pics of him because he looks SO much like you and your hubby. My brother's son is 8 months. And he looks exactly like him. It's fun to watch 'em grow.
Thanks for sharing your momma-journey with us. Although I'm not a mother, I appreciate what you ladies do and the hard work that goes into raising a little one <3
xo Azu
http://www.raven-locks.blogspot.com
August 25, 2016Rachel
I’ve read your blog on and off for awhile now, but have never commented. I’m a new mom too. My daughter is seven months old. She is smaller than Nate (at her six month appointment, she was a little less than 16 lbs), but she has always been in the 25-30 percentile.
You’re completely right about breastfeeding. For me it’s been the hardest thing about motherhood so far besides the lack of sleep at the beginning. My daughter had colic, and we figured out that she was sensitive to cow milk so I had to eliminate that from my diet. Once I did that, things seemed to get a lot better. I’ve been very fortunate to have enough supply, but I have to pump three times a day at work and then again at night to keep up with her. She is starting to eat a lot more though (sometimes 18oz while I’m at work!) so we may have to start thinking about supplementing, which I’ve been reluctant to even think about. If I stop and think about it, I can get overwhelmed so I just try to take it one day at a time. Thank you for the formula suggestion. I will have to make sure I look at that one if she outgrows her cow-milk sensitivity.
August 25, 2016KamIl
Hi Helena,
Congrats Momma! You made it to four months! New motherhood is a BEAST. My son is ten months old and I remember the late nights/early mornings, worrying about every little cough and the very real struggles with breastfeeding, I hated breastfeeding- I hated the pretense that it is soooo easy and natural. My son had thrush and I dealt with low supply early on. It was probably the most challenging aspect of being the mom to a newborn. I made it to six months and turned to Holle formula as well (it is awesome).
No tips re sleep. Just know that it will get better. Your son is AMAZING. The journey is soooo hard but every moment from smiling to rolling over to sitting up to crawling is so worth it. You. Got. This,
August 25, 2016Kendall
Yes! I am currently breastfeeding a 6 week old and preparing to go back to work so also trying to have a supply of milk in the freezer. I knew breastfeeding could be somewhat difficult at first but had NO idea exactly how hard and downright painful it could be. I agree that people really don’t talk enough about the struggle. I really appreciate your opened about this. Looking forward to your future post.
August 25, 2016Monika
He is so cute!
August 26, 2016Love,
http://www.thestyleventure.com
Neale Gilbert
I enjoyed this article, even though I don’t have a baby! But it’s all very interesting and I love seeing your style is just the same! You look fantastic!! How did you get back to your previous size so quickly??
August 26, 2016Kristie
Love these pics! He’s adorable. Congratulations!
http://www.bluelabelsboutique.com
August 26, 2016http://www.fashionnotfear.wordpress.com
gina
Oh he is so beautiful. He is growing so much!
August 26, 2016Ivonne
There should be worldwide campaign “How to Breastfeed” that’s the toughest part of motherhood which doesn’t come naturally. There are many women who fail at the very beginning and if they could only get help then , it would be less stressful.
August 26, 2016I went through this ‘horror’ but I was very stubborn. A good tip which helped me many times : just drink non-alcoholic bear it helps to produce more milk. I had milk crisis for 3 or 4 times just don’t stop breastfeeding and everything will be ok.
Diana
I read The Sleep Easy Solution and really liked it. We also started putting our daughter down fully awake at 4 months and it was the best decision! I’ve heard a lot of people have success with the 2-3-4 method also. Good luck!
August 26, 2016Melanie Coupe
Sounds like you’re doing an amazing job! I have a 3 year old & almost 2 year old but still remember those foggy days of trying to juggle everything. Heck, still am! On the recommendation of my sister & some other friends I used Tizzie Hall’s Save Our Sleep to help set a routine (feeding & sleeping) and haven’t looked back! I didn’t follow it religiously but it did help with setting a structure & also helped when there were growth spurts to know that I wasn’t the only one experiencing all the changes & that it was completely normal! Should be able to buy her book on Amazon. Hope this helps!
August 26, 2016LLD
Nursing is tough. Best wisdom I got when I went back to work at three months and my milk dried up seemingly overnight… The baby will eat, the baby will be just fine.
August 26, 2016Genevieve
Thank you for these posts! My son turns 4 months today so when I read you posts its as if you are writing my own thoughts. Glad to know alot of the same things are going on so it must be normal right!
August 27, 2016Carmel
I had every problem imaginable when it came to breastfeeding- latching issues, colic, baby wanting to feed 24/7, but somehow I persevered and it all worked out and turned out to be an amazing experience overall. But I agree, the difficulty is not talked about. I did wonder how you fit in your breastfeeding and pumping with all your appointments, as I had my son with me 24/7 for the first year, until he was weaned. I wish I had some warning before I had my son, as I wouldn’t have been so anxious during those first few months. Great post xx
August 28, 2016Adelynn Pang
AWWWW! He is SOOOO Adorable! He’s definitely a happy baby with a pretty mummy!
xx
August 28, 2016Adelynn P
http://treasurethatyouthlove.com
adnan
visit here..
August 29, 2016Dana
Thank you for this! My daughter turned 4 months earlier in the month and I just found myself nodding, “Yes!” to so many things in your post. I’m back at work full time and looking to transition to Hipp or Holle, glad it’s working out well for your son. As far as needing the help a couple times of week, honestly reading your blog, I assumed you had a night nurse and/or Nanny. I’m amazed at how much you get accomplished in your spare time!!!! So impressed!
August 29, 2016Amber ReNee
Sorry to hear about you milk decrease. Glad to read that you found an organic choice after all. Hope all sailings continue to flow smoothly. Baby Nate is a cute as a button!
August 30, 2016Carey
I liked the On becoming babywise book just for tips on breast feeding and a general routine and how to get baby to sleep through.. I know lots of people don’t like it but I think as long as you tweak it to suit you it works- also I really like the fact that it emphasizes the fact that a happy marriage makes happy babies & that baby doesn’t always have to be at the center of everything.. We also do date nights and go out still. I work from home too and flip it’s an exhausting balance! I also put my son down to sleep awake- best thing we ever did he’s 16 months now and when its bed time he just grabs his Owlie & dummy and marches off to the cot:) Best of luck with the sleep thing- it happens, stick with your routines and he’ll sleep again:)
August 30, 2016Christina
Hi Helene, I recommend “Solve your child’s sleep problems” by Richard Ferber, MD. I have three boys ages 6,5, and 3 and have returned to this book numerous times to understand various sleep issues and how to address them. I’ve also used it in my professional life as a mental health counselor working with kids and adolescents. I wish you the best in this roller coaster ride of motherhood. I encourage you to give yourself lots of grace as you learn how to navigate all that your wrote about. Best, Christina
August 30, 2016BrooklynBlonde
Hi Christina,
Thank you so much for your words and your book recommendation. I really appreciate it!
xx,
September 7, 2016Helena
Marie-Eve
When my son was a baby, we had trouble with him sleeping trough he night, but what was wrong is that after he fell back to sleep after his 7-8 am feeding, he would do a 5-6 hour nap, wich was way too long. So during the day we would wake him up every 4 hours to feed and at night he started to sleep longer. That way he learned when he was suppose to sleep. Hope this helps. I am now pregnant with my 3rd kid and can’t wait to have a baby in our life again. Your Nate is totally adorable by the way.
August 30, 2016Molly
I also wasn’t able to produce enough milk (read: hardly any) and had to start supplementing from a very early age. My son was thriving, but I held onto so much guilt about not being able to provide the one thing I felt I should have been able to as a woman and mom. I let this guilt consume me, and people’s constant questions about whether or not I was breastfeeding seemed to constantly surround me. Finally when my son started eating solids I let some of that go, but phewww it is still a soft spot for me. I shared my experience with an older coworker once and she just looked at me and said “you know what? they say you’re supposed to have a stronger bond with a breastfed baby, but I wasn’t able to with my first…he’s 45 and still calls me everyday!” It was exactly what I needed to hear.
I look forward to reading your post on this topic. A happy mom is the best mom, and a fed baby no matter which way is all that matters.
Someone once told me “don’t worry, once they get to kindergarten, no one will ask you if you breastfed!”
September 1, 2016Jojo
Great post as usual always looking forward to reading more and more of them.
September 1, 2016You are doing exceptional.. well done on you honestly.. Nate look absolutely gorgeous like his mommy.. God bless u both.
As mother of 2 kiddos 3y and half and new edition 3 months.. I always use” the contented little baby”by gina ford book to establish my kiddos on feeding and sleeping rotines and it work like magic.. around the clock you always know when to feed .. when to put them to sleep and bath them …. etc u always feel very organised and kinda u know it all?…you get to spend lot of time happy and relaxed and in control of everything almost.
.. the 1st 2 weeks are bit tough but the results are wonderful.. you get time for yourself.. your hubby ..family and friends.
Give it a try and won’t be disappointed trust me..
Good luck with everything looking forward to seeing more great posts
Xx
BrooklynBlonde
Thank you!!!
September 7, 2016Nikky priddy
Hi Helena,
September 4, 2016First off, you’re amazing. lol. With everything you do, a 4 month old infant, running a successful blog, and only having a nanny help 2 days a week? How do you still look so gorgeous and amazing?! I am just so impressed by you. I have a 1 yr old and a 4 yr old, and I’m in PA school. I applied while pregnant, and had to go on interviews with a 1 month old at home. I found myself pumping on the plane, in bathrooms at the airport (well, pumping & dumping unfortunately ?), but it was by far the hardest thing bar none. I pumped in the car driving to school, and was just so exhausted all the time. I did all this because I dried up at 6 weeks with my first, and always felt incredible guilt over it. I’m saying all this to tell you, you’re not alone. Being a modern mom is not easy. I’m Nigerian, and my moms generation, sigh, had very different things to worry about…. ? I’ll leave it at that. Simply put, I think you’re doing an amazing job of it all…. And I am totally obsessed with your blog lol ?
Di
Thank you SO much for sharing! My daughter turned one month today, and we are still figuring out breast-feeding. I spent so much time preparing for a natural birth and didn’t think that the feeding part will be so much of a challenge. Where are you buying the Holle from?
September 6, 2016BrooklynBlonde
Hi Di!
Congrats on your new baby girl! Savor every single precious moment and good luck with BFing.
We get the Holle from OrganicMunchkin.com. Nate LOVES it and no stomach or gas issues.
September 7, 2016Kim
I love your Motherhood posts! Nate is so adorable! I have a boy almost the same age (born 4/6) and had to laugh because his measurements @ 4mos were 15lbs 6oz(56%) and 26in(82%)! Makes me wonder what chart my Ped was looking at?!?! Oh well 🙂
September 6, 2016Lea Anne
Breastfeeding is SO hard, and I agree there isn’t enough discussion on how hard it is and especially how hard it is for working moms. And then the mom-shaming in today’s world for using formula. The same thing happened to me with my daughter and we used Holle too! She loved it and I felt it was the best formula out there for her. Don’t feel guilty (I did too) but we as moms are all trying to do our best!
September 8, 2016Kristi Sauer
He’s adorable!!!! And yes, it goes way too fast! Enjoy!
November 22, 2016barangift
ohh my god
December 6, 2016Apps for PC
Cool post.
January 18, 2017MAria
I’m not sure if you eventually wrote a post on breastfeeding but I was deliberately searching for your input on the matter. I completely agree, breastfeeding has been the single hardest thing I’ve ever done. I also felt deep guilt for not producing enough after spending countless hours in dingy bathrooms and stuffy storage closets to pump enough for my baby to be exclusively breastfed. I went back to work at 8 weeks postpartum and my life revolved around producing enough milk. I was constantly stressed and worried and felt guilt every time we went to the pediatricians office and my baby wasn’t all of a sudden weighing twice as much or moving up on that percentile scale. It.was.tough. I’ve now lost all the baby weight (it took about 8 months) but it also stressed me out that I was so hungry and I couldn’t really control my appetite. I also believe in moderation and lifestyle, not diet, so it was HARD to adjust to my changing body and its needs. Anyway, I just wanted to share my experience and congratulate you for doing whats best for you and your baby. I also wish I had read this before, when I was still breastfeeding and suffering from those negative feelings and thoughts of not being good enough.
June 14, 2017