I thought we had this pretty much in the bag. Turns out I was wrong.
Months ago we talked to this nice lady who does home daycare. She comes highly recommended and we were comfortable with her. The only hitch was that she wasn't sure if she would have room for him, but she was pretty sure she would. If not, her daughter also does daycare and she lives around the corner from us. She isn't even close to being full so it sounds like if one doesn't have room, the other probably will.
Today I went on a little quest, trying to find out about other daycare options as far as centers go. The FAA has an awesome, 3 star, NAEYC accredited daycare but we'd pretty much ruled it out based on cost. But I found out that there is a subsidy program so I started looking into that, and trying to figure out if we could get some help through Darrell's new position at Tinker. No dice on the FAA daycare, and Tinker only offers a subsidy program for the daycares on the base. They look awesome (also 3 star, NAEYC) and would be affordable, but it wouldn't work right until Darrell gets out of school. He could take Ethan to the center, but I'd have to drive 20 miles to pick him up which hardly seems practical or worth the savings. We decided to get him on the waiting list anyway though, since I'm actually going to start applying for jobs out there.
Anyway, back to the home lady. She had asked us to call after school started so she could tell us something definitive, so I did this afternoon. To my dismay, she doesn't have room. The girl she thought she wouldn't have ended up coming back this year. No problem, I rang her daughter. SHE is full too.
Ugh. I'm so frustrated. We went from having several options to seemingly none and time is running out now. I have some other names to call but I'm tired and discouraged. If we go with a home, how in the world can I figure out who to trust and who not to? I don't want to put him in a center that I'm not 100% sure we can trust, and I really don't want to put him in one that's not nationally accredited.
I feel bad because Darrell has been asking me to call for weeks but I figured it was all going to work out, and she asked us to call back when school started, so that's what I did. But maybe she would have known sooner, meaning we would have known sooner. Dang it.
I need a cookie.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Randomness from yesterday
I DID walk on the treadmill last night, thank you very much. I really needed some good food so I got industrious and made a chicken pot pie. It took a while because I puttered around trying to figure out just what to do, but once it was in the oven I walked for 20 minutes. I had a hard time with my right hip though, and ended up having to walk pretty slow.
Tonight should be the same drill, minus the pot pie and hopefully the hip pain.
The pot pie turned out amazingly well, actually. Darrell came home and since it was still sitting on the stove, he went ahead and ate some. I think he said something along the lines of it being as good as "the real thing." I have stood against banquet and triumphed! Muhhahahaha! Actually he said that moments before biting into an icky pearl onion which was part of the vegetable mix I used. I thought I had sufficiently warned him, but I guess not! I don't do onions like that either, so I'll be getting a different veggie mix next time. Here is a picture, because I was just in that kind of mood. It tasted much better than it looks!
I read yesterday that before ultrasound was a (mostly) accurate way of dating pregnancy, doctors would advise women to note the day they first felt baby movement, count forward 22 weeks and that would be an indicator of the time they would deliver. It provided fairly accurate results apparently. So. Twenty-two weeks from the time I first felt Ethan kick will be Tuesday, November 18th. Since I'm convinced that he's coming late anyway, that's the date I'm going with. This is not mother's intuition speaking, just spectulation.
Darrell is convinced he's coming early. I have to say, as long as it's within a safe range, I won't be bothered by that in the least. Providing he's not born on Halloween, that is.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Treadmill Report
There has been no activity as of yet this week on the dear old treadmill. I did spend almost two hours walking around the commissary yesterday though, (I am a slow and disorganized shopper) and then came home and stayed on my feet nearly all evening, making cookies for an event at Darrell's work. (And guess what I have for lunch today? Talk about the opposite of exercise.)
So, that counts for something, right? I must walk tonight though. I can make it 25 minutes at the very least, I think.
So, that counts for something, right? I must walk tonight though. I can make it 25 minutes at the very least, I think.
Monday, August 25, 2008
How Embarassing
As aforementioned, the pants I'm wearing today are kind of tight. They're maternity, but they're the type that has elastic in the back and still opens and closes in the front. About an hour or so ago I decided that I'd had enough of them cutting into my belly. I'd made my bathroom run and filled my water so I knew I wouldn't be getting up for a while. My cube is pretty private, Nelda can see into it and when she's working her back faces me. My shirt is long enough that even if I had to turn and talk to someone they wouldn't know the difference. So, I unbuttoned them. That felt so good that I unzipped them. 'What's the harm,' I was thinking. (Can you see where this is going?)
So, a few minutes ago, Lisa unexpectedly popped into my cube and asked if I could run downstairs with her to get a box that she'd brought me - she has pink-eye and and had to leave early. So, without even thinking I popped up and started to follow. Ugh. Thankfully I didn't make it out of my cube before I realized what I was doing, but it was still mortifying. Thankfully it was a woman... I can't imagine if it was one of the several fifty-ish men around here.
Needless to say my pants are buttoned now and I'm counting the hours to the end of the work day.
So, a few minutes ago, Lisa unexpectedly popped into my cube and asked if I could run downstairs with her to get a box that she'd brought me - she has pink-eye and and had to leave early. So, without even thinking I popped up and started to follow. Ugh. Thankfully I didn't make it out of my cube before I realized what I was doing, but it was still mortifying. Thankfully it was a woman... I can't imagine if it was one of the several fifty-ish men around here.
Needless to say my pants are buttoned now and I'm counting the hours to the end of the work day.
Weekly development - 29 Weeks
I couldn't really find a weekly development that I liked. They're basically all very short and say the same things. Since baby is fully developed and just needs more time to grow and mature, he's growing pretty quickly, and his activity has increased. He's getting stronger (no joke!) and fatter.
Mommy is getting more and more uncomfortable.
This is all very true. Each time I think I've gotten used to his little love kicks, he sends a super duper karate move at me that takes my breath away. Normally it's not painful, just shocking.
After months of waiting for my belly to show, it's finally protruding quite visibly and growing exponentially. I almost feel bigger each day. In fact, I realized that a pair of maternity pants that was a little tight around the waist last week was almost impossible to get into comfortably today. My only good black ones too. Darn it. I have them sort of resting under my belly, but they're cutting in pretty badly. I refuse to buy more maternity clothes!
The new beach-ball shape has really contorted my spine, apparently and it's becoming increasingly painful to be on my feet for long periods of time. I did get somewhat over the hump and spend some time on the treadmill though. Nothing spectacular, I made it only twice during the week, but I have much better things in mind for this coming week. It's time to start doing preggo exercises too, like pelvic tilts and squatting. I've been doing that as well, and I need to pull my other book out because I know there are more suggestions. Oh joy.
Mommy is getting more and more uncomfortable.
This is all very true. Each time I think I've gotten used to his little love kicks, he sends a super duper karate move at me that takes my breath away. Normally it's not painful, just shocking.
After months of waiting for my belly to show, it's finally protruding quite visibly and growing exponentially. I almost feel bigger each day. In fact, I realized that a pair of maternity pants that was a little tight around the waist last week was almost impossible to get into comfortably today. My only good black ones too. Darn it. I have them sort of resting under my belly, but they're cutting in pretty badly. I refuse to buy more maternity clothes!
The new beach-ball shape has really contorted my spine, apparently and it's becoming increasingly painful to be on my feet for long periods of time. I did get somewhat over the hump and spend some time on the treadmill though. Nothing spectacular, I made it only twice during the week, but I have much better things in mind for this coming week. It's time to start doing preggo exercises too, like pelvic tilts and squatting. I've been doing that as well, and I need to pull my other book out because I know there are more suggestions. Oh joy.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
I think he has hiccups!
Baby has been extremely active today, but right now I'm just feeling a rythmic thumping, but not really in a particular spot. I think the little goober has the hiccups.
Awww.... I wonder if he hates the hiccups, or if he thinks they're kind of cool and interesting?
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Cravings...
People have been asking what I'm craving and I've had to disappoint them by telling them I haven't had any weird cravings. (Oh, and they so wanted to laugh at me too!) I've drank more chocolate milk than usual, I tell them, and for a while I was digging into the ice cream a little too hard.
Shortly before lunch today it hit me that I DID NOT want the ham and cheese sandwich that I'd responsibly brought. It's worth mentioning that I wasn't feeling an urge to go trecking to the cafeteria for a slice of pizza or a burger, and I didn't feel like hitting the vending machines for chocolate or raiding my drawer for ramen.
No, what I really wanted was to drive straight home, scramble some eggs and lovingly sandwich them between two slices of buttered toast.
Obviously that wasn't an option so I grudgingly ate my sandwich, some doritos and a mini-bag of mini-cookies (made with mini M&Ms and mini-chocolate chips). Filling my stomach helped, but the desire for the scrambled eggs only faded a little. It didn't consume me, but it was definitely the only food that sounded remotely appealing.
So, guess what I just ate for dinner.
If I wasn't full I'd eat another. And another. I guess there are worse things in life.
Shortly before lunch today it hit me that I DID NOT want the ham and cheese sandwich that I'd responsibly brought. It's worth mentioning that I wasn't feeling an urge to go trecking to the cafeteria for a slice of pizza or a burger, and I didn't feel like hitting the vending machines for chocolate or raiding my drawer for ramen.
No, what I really wanted was to drive straight home, scramble some eggs and lovingly sandwich them between two slices of buttered toast.
Obviously that wasn't an option so I grudgingly ate my sandwich, some doritos and a mini-bag of mini-cookies (made with mini M&Ms and mini-chocolate chips). Filling my stomach helped, but the desire for the scrambled eggs only faded a little. It didn't consume me, but it was definitely the only food that sounded remotely appealing.
So, guess what I just ate for dinner.
If I wasn't full I'd eat another. And another. I guess there are worse things in life.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
My obsession...
I've graduated from being content to feel my belly, to this obsessive need to watch it. It's crazy how much it moves when Ethan moves, and I find myself just staring at it, waiting to catch movement. It's fascinating to watch. I admit, I must look completely stupid. While my belly protrudes past my boobs a bit, it's still a chore to see the belly because they get in the way. So each evening I sit on the couch, peering around them, trying to see the exact spot I feel the baby moving at. Lately that spot happens to be very high up, close to my rib-cage, so it's no easy feat to see.
He's kicking harder and harder too. If I rest a book on my stomach while I read, he'll nearly dislodge it when he starts kicking. He almost always kicks against any amount of pressure, but especially Darrell's arm at night. It usually takes less than a minute for him to start protesting when Darrell rests his arm accross my belly. My stomach actually stays sore for a while if he camps out and kicks in one place too long. Little love bumps, I guess.
He's kicking harder and harder too. If I rest a book on my stomach while I read, he'll nearly dislodge it when he starts kicking. He almost always kicks against any amount of pressure, but especially Darrell's arm at night. It usually takes less than a minute for him to start protesting when Darrell rests his arm accross my belly. My stomach actually stays sore for a while if he camps out and kicks in one place too long. Little love bumps, I guess.
Nothing much happening today...
We put the wallpaper border up in the baby room on Saturday and ended up less than a foot short, so I had to go buy a new roll yesterday. That's $20 for an entire roll, just so we could finish the little corner behind the door. Thankfully they had it in stock and I was able to put the last piece up last night. We got the letters and some other things hung on the wall, so we're nearly finished now. Just a few more pieces to go. We still need to get the hamper and the mobile from Babies R Us to complete the room, but everyone keeps telling me to wait for the shower. I have such a hard time doing that though!
Speaking of the shower, I guess we have set the date for October 4th. It should be a fairly simple, laid back event, and of course we'll send out formal invites.
I used the treadmill last night again - but I only made it 19 minutes before I had to stop because of lower back pain. I wasn't totally winded or anything, but maybe I'll try to ease the intensity a little tonight so I can go longer. A visit to the chiropractor today may help as well.
Darrell started school last night so it's back to the old routine of spending evenings at home by myself. It's lonely but I'm hoping that I can actually use the time to get some things done. I guess the biggest thing is that I won't have an excuse not to work out. I want to start doing some of the exercises suggested in my pregnancy books too.
Speaking of the shower, I guess we have set the date for October 4th. It should be a fairly simple, laid back event, and of course we'll send out formal invites.
I used the treadmill last night again - but I only made it 19 minutes before I had to stop because of lower back pain. I wasn't totally winded or anything, but maybe I'll try to ease the intensity a little tonight so I can go longer. A visit to the chiropractor today may help as well.
Darrell started school last night so it's back to the old routine of spending evenings at home by myself. It's lonely but I'm hoping that I can actually use the time to get some things done. I guess the biggest thing is that I won't have an excuse not to work out. I want to start doing some of the exercises suggested in my pregnancy books too.
Monday, August 18, 2008
28 Week Appointment
My 28 week appointment with Ann was this morning so I got to sleep in instead of going to work. I actually felt like I could have gotten up when Darrell got up at 5 am, and it took me a bit to get back to sleep after he left. I did feel more rested by the time 7 am rolled around though.
Today was the glucola test for gestational diabetes. I had to drink this sugary syrup before the appointment, and then go to the lab after to get blood drawn. I'd heard all sorts of awful things about the drink, but it wasn't that bad. Just like really, really, sweet flat soda. I got it down pretty quickly, but then had this icky sugar tickling my throat and making me cough for a while. Blech. It later made me a little dizzy and sick to my stomach, but not so bad that I couldn't function. I'm still burping a little of it up now, and that's the really gross part.
The thing that I've loved so far about OU Physicians, is that it really never takes very long. I arrived at 8:45 for my 9:00 appointment and the receptionist was flustered, and said something like "we're running behind, please be patient!" So I settled in with my book, expecting a long wait, but if I'd had serious reading to do I'd have been disappointed. I actually spent what I thought was quite a bit of time with Ann, and still left by 9:15. (Only to have to wait 30 minutes in the lab so my blood could be drawn at the right time.)
The visit with Ann went well. Weight was 160 (ugh) and my blood pressure was 102 over 98, I think - I could be remembering that wrong. We got so busy talking that I forgot to get the baby's heart rate and fundal measurement. Darn, I may have to be annoying and call, or I can just wait for my next appointment and ask. Again, I came away very happy with what we talked about. There are two things that have been been especially bothering me lately - induction, and breech delivery.
Because Emily was induced at (I think) exactly 41 weeks, it reminded me that I had not asked Ann much about her policies - when, why and how she would induce. Not only do I have a longer cycle which will probably put my due date a bit off, first babies are more likely to come late than early. Ann's policy is to induce between 41 and 42 weeks, but she will cautiously stretch that a little if necessary, and after looking things over said that if everything was checking out fine she would give me until Thanksgiving, which is the 27th. Geez, I hope he decides to make his appearance long before then! Just talking it over put my mind at ease though, and I feel like I won't have to start stressing if Nov 8th comes and goes with no baby. I'd certainly want to be induced for a medical reason, but for some reason this has just been a worry on my mind lately and it's nice to have it put to rest in a way.
As for breech delivery, she is not allowed by hospital policy to attend a vaginal breech birth (which I expected.) She did say there are a couple of doctors who would assist a breech birth if it wasn't caught early but they would not plan that - the normal policy is c-section. All of that is exactly what I was expecting, although it's nice to know that there are a couple of doctors who do know how to assist one. What I was really happy with is that she assured me that Ethan is happily resting in the head-down position and will likely stay that way. In fact, she had a student midwife with her and they both agreed about the position with only minimal poking and prodding. I have no idea why I've been so inordinately worried about a breech baby. I guess because until a week or so ago I was mainly feeling movement down low and had irrationally convinced myself that he didn't want to turn upright.
I'll be going back every two weeks now, and my appointment Sept 4th will be with Shana, another of the midwives. Ann wants me to have an appointment with each of them so that if one of them is on call when I go into labor I will at least be familiar.
**update**
Devon, the nurse called this afternoon. My glucose test was normal, thankfully and I got the chance to ask her about the heartbeat and fundal height measurement. Heartbeat was in the 140s, and the fundal height was 27 cm.
Today was the glucola test for gestational diabetes. I had to drink this sugary syrup before the appointment, and then go to the lab after to get blood drawn. I'd heard all sorts of awful things about the drink, but it wasn't that bad. Just like really, really, sweet flat soda. I got it down pretty quickly, but then had this icky sugar tickling my throat and making me cough for a while. Blech. It later made me a little dizzy and sick to my stomach, but not so bad that I couldn't function. I'm still burping a little of it up now, and that's the really gross part.
The thing that I've loved so far about OU Physicians, is that it really never takes very long. I arrived at 8:45 for my 9:00 appointment and the receptionist was flustered, and said something like "we're running behind, please be patient!" So I settled in with my book, expecting a long wait, but if I'd had serious reading to do I'd have been disappointed. I actually spent what I thought was quite a bit of time with Ann, and still left by 9:15. (Only to have to wait 30 minutes in the lab so my blood could be drawn at the right time.)
The visit with Ann went well. Weight was 160 (ugh) and my blood pressure was 102 over 98, I think - I could be remembering that wrong. We got so busy talking that I forgot to get the baby's heart rate and fundal measurement. Darn, I may have to be annoying and call, or I can just wait for my next appointment and ask. Again, I came away very happy with what we talked about. There are two things that have been been especially bothering me lately - induction, and breech delivery.
Because Emily was induced at (I think) exactly 41 weeks, it reminded me that I had not asked Ann much about her policies - when, why and how she would induce. Not only do I have a longer cycle which will probably put my due date a bit off, first babies are more likely to come late than early. Ann's policy is to induce between 41 and 42 weeks, but she will cautiously stretch that a little if necessary, and after looking things over said that if everything was checking out fine she would give me until Thanksgiving, which is the 27th. Geez, I hope he decides to make his appearance long before then! Just talking it over put my mind at ease though, and I feel like I won't have to start stressing if Nov 8th comes and goes with no baby. I'd certainly want to be induced for a medical reason, but for some reason this has just been a worry on my mind lately and it's nice to have it put to rest in a way.
As for breech delivery, she is not allowed by hospital policy to attend a vaginal breech birth (which I expected.) She did say there are a couple of doctors who would assist a breech birth if it wasn't caught early but they would not plan that - the normal policy is c-section. All of that is exactly what I was expecting, although it's nice to know that there are a couple of doctors who do know how to assist one. What I was really happy with is that she assured me that Ethan is happily resting in the head-down position and will likely stay that way. In fact, she had a student midwife with her and they both agreed about the position with only minimal poking and prodding. I have no idea why I've been so inordinately worried about a breech baby. I guess because until a week or so ago I was mainly feeling movement down low and had irrationally convinced myself that he didn't want to turn upright.
I'll be going back every two weeks now, and my appointment Sept 4th will be with Shana, another of the midwives. Ann wants me to have an appointment with each of them so that if one of them is on call when I go into labor I will at least be familiar.
**update**
Devon, the nurse called this afternoon. My glucose test was normal, thankfully and I got the chance to ask her about the heartbeat and fundal height measurement. Heartbeat was in the 140s, and the fundal height was 27 cm.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Week 28
Your Baby's Development
Your baby now weighs about 2 pounds, 2 ounces (1,000 grams) and measures about 10 inches (25 cm) from crown to rump. At your next prenatal appointment, your health care provider may tell you whether your baby is headfirst or feet- or bottom-first (called breech position) in the womb. Babies who are in the breech position may need to be delivered by cesarean section. Your baby still has 2 months to change position, though, so don't worry if your baby is in the breech position right now. Most babies will switch positions on their own.
The folds and grooves of your baby's brain continue to develop and expand. In addition, your baby continues to add layers of fat and has continued hair growth.
Your baby now weighs about 2 pounds, 2 ounces (1,000 grams) and measures about 10 inches (25 cm) from crown to rump. At your next prenatal appointment, your health care provider may tell you whether your baby is headfirst or feet- or bottom-first (called breech position) in the womb. Babies who are in the breech position may need to be delivered by cesarean section. Your baby still has 2 months to change position, though, so don't worry if your baby is in the breech position right now. Most babies will switch positions on their own.
The folds and grooves of your baby's brain continue to develop and expand. In addition, your baby continues to add layers of fat and has continued hair growth.
Your Body
Your health care provider probably sent you for some blood tests early in your pregnancy. One thing blood tests measure is the Rh factor, a substance found in the red blood cells of most people. If you don't have it (if you’re Rh negative) but your baby does (is Rh positive), there is potential for your baby to have health problems, such as jaundice and anemia. Your doctor can prevent these problems by giving you a vaccine called Rh immune globulin at 28 weeks and again after delivery.
Your health care provider probably sent you for some blood tests early in your pregnancy. One thing blood tests measure is the Rh factor, a substance found in the red blood cells of most people. If you don't have it (if you’re Rh negative) but your baby does (is Rh positive), there is potential for your baby to have health problems, such as jaundice and anemia. Your doctor can prevent these problems by giving you a vaccine called Rh immune globulin at 28 weeks and again after delivery.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Pregnant Days
The last few days, but especially yesterday, have been pregnant days. Even though at times I don't think my belly is protruding the way it ought to, I've felt awkward and heavy - even off balance at times. Moving from sitting to standing is becoming more of a chore, especially when I'm sitting somewhere low, or in the bathtub. My upper back has also been killing me. Last night Col. Babcock (Darrell's commander at the unit and former full-time boss) invited us over for dinner. It was a nice night, but by the end of the evening I was so miserable. Just under my shoulder blades was a knifing pain, no matter what position I was in, and I was finding it impossible to get a deep breath. I took a long bath when we got home, and running the whirlpool jets on the tub seemed to really loosen things up. While I still feel twinges this morning I was able to sleep last night and feel much better today.
I've also been having braxton hicks contractions daily, usually two or more that I really notice. They really aren't painful, but are annoying when they occur while I'm walking around. Everything tightens up and it's hard to continue normal movement because it causes discomfort. I barely even notice them when I'm sitting or lying down.
I've finally had to admit to myself that I've gotten fat. Not just the forgivable pregnancy puffiness, but fat. I've gained more than 25 lbs, which is really about the amount I should have gained during the entire pregnancy. The scale is moving upward at an alarming rate. I can use pregnancy as an excuse, yes, but it still doesn't make me feel better. I promised myself I wouldn't let it happen but I did. I knew all the reasons why I should watch my diet and continue exercising, particularly the fact that it would make labor, delivery and recovery easier to be a healthy weight and in shape. However, I ignore that logical voice daily and give in to the fact that I'm constantly hungry and just don't feel like getting on the treadmill. Not only am I hungry, but the kinds of things I want to eat are just not good. Regardless I've not only let myself down, but the baby and Darrell to a degree. Each time I resolve to start again fresh, I take one step forward and then promptly two backward, and I have a hard time finding the motivation to do the right thing. I'm writing this to give myself a pep-talk, but I'm not sure if it's working or not.
I've also been having braxton hicks contractions daily, usually two or more that I really notice. They really aren't painful, but are annoying when they occur while I'm walking around. Everything tightens up and it's hard to continue normal movement because it causes discomfort. I barely even notice them when I'm sitting or lying down.
I've finally had to admit to myself that I've gotten fat. Not just the forgivable pregnancy puffiness, but fat. I've gained more than 25 lbs, which is really about the amount I should have gained during the entire pregnancy. The scale is moving upward at an alarming rate. I can use pregnancy as an excuse, yes, but it still doesn't make me feel better. I promised myself I wouldn't let it happen but I did. I knew all the reasons why I should watch my diet and continue exercising, particularly the fact that it would make labor, delivery and recovery easier to be a healthy weight and in shape. However, I ignore that logical voice daily and give in to the fact that I'm constantly hungry and just don't feel like getting on the treadmill. Not only am I hungry, but the kinds of things I want to eat are just not good. Regardless I've not only let myself down, but the baby and Darrell to a degree. Each time I resolve to start again fresh, I take one step forward and then promptly two backward, and I have a hard time finding the motivation to do the right thing. I'm writing this to give myself a pep-talk, but I'm not sure if it's working or not.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Good morning world...
I'm trying a new schedule at work. Since the girls are back with their mom for the school year I can work 4- ten hour days instead of 5- 8 hour days. I'm excited to consistently have Fridays off, but getting up at 5:30 or earlier is a drag. Yesterday I came home at 5 p.m. and after dinner I tried to read while Darrell was playing his new Madden game on the Xbox 360. I thought I would dig into The Birth Book by Martha Sears. It was incredibly interesting as I was reading her version of the history of birth in America, which is not nearly as extreme as some other versions I have come accross. Still, I nodded off on the couch. I wanted to work out, as I still haven't gotten back to the treadmill but I thought I would go lay down for a few minutes first. That was around 6:30 or 7, and I woke up sometime after nine. I got up for a couple of hours and still didn't have much trouble falling asleep when Darrell went to bed about eleven.
Yet, even with all of that extra sleep I'm having a hard time staying awake at work this morning. Hopefully it won't take me too long to get used to this. With Darrell starting school next week I'm looking forward to having longer days at work during the week, plus Fridays off to have my appointments with Ann. They will be increasing to every 2 weeks soon, I think.
We've made little progress in Ethan's room lately. We bought wooden letters spelling his name and painted them dark blue, but when Darrell tried to nail little hangers into them a couple of the letter split. So I neet to get a new E and H, paint them, and figure out some method of hanging them up. I also need to find someone who knows how to hang the wallpaper border. I'm a little nervous to try it on my own since I've never done it before. We should have just enough to do the room, so I can't waste any experimenting.
I did get a Pack 'n Play though. This lady at work had one from her son and it ended up being a really nice one in great condition. I'd been planning to buy one new, but when we saw this one we figured 'why not?' and gave her $15 for it. Honestly, we have been so blessed in the area of baby stuff. Some of my out of state and online friends have actually sent me boxes of things, which I'm incredibly grateful for. There are simply no words to describe how cool it is for our needs to be met this way.
Yet, even with all of that extra sleep I'm having a hard time staying awake at work this morning. Hopefully it won't take me too long to get used to this. With Darrell starting school next week I'm looking forward to having longer days at work during the week, plus Fridays off to have my appointments with Ann. They will be increasing to every 2 weeks soon, I think.
We've made little progress in Ethan's room lately. We bought wooden letters spelling his name and painted them dark blue, but when Darrell tried to nail little hangers into them a couple of the letter split. So I neet to get a new E and H, paint them, and figure out some method of hanging them up. I also need to find someone who knows how to hang the wallpaper border. I'm a little nervous to try it on my own since I've never done it before. We should have just enough to do the room, so I can't waste any experimenting.
I did get a Pack 'n Play though. This lady at work had one from her son and it ended up being a really nice one in great condition. I'd been planning to buy one new, but when we saw this one we figured 'why not?' and gave her $15 for it. Honestly, we have been so blessed in the area of baby stuff. Some of my out of state and online friends have actually sent me boxes of things, which I'm incredibly grateful for. There are simply no words to describe how cool it is for our needs to be met this way.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Week 27
Weekly development from Kidshealth.org
By this first week of the third trimester, your baby looks similar to what he or she will look like at birth, except thinner and smaller. The lungs, liver, and immune system still need to fully mature, but if born now, your baby would have a very good chance of surviving.
As hearing continues to develop, your baby may start to recognize your voice as well as your partner's. Sounds may be muffled, though, because the ears are still covered with vernix, the thick waxy coating that protects the skin from becoming chapped by the amniotic fluid.
As hearing continues to develop, your baby may start to recognize your voice as well as your partner's. Sounds may be muffled, though, because the ears are still covered with vernix, the thick waxy coating that protects the skin from becoming chapped by the amniotic fluid.
Your Body
Your body instinctively nourishes and protects your baby during pregnancy, but caring for a newborn is a learned skill. Consider signing up for childbirth classes through your local community center or hospital to learn about topics such as labor, options for pain relief, what to expect after delivery, common newborn problems, babyproofing, breastfeeding and formula feeding, and infant CPR. Learning all you can about birth and babies will help you feel more confident, especially if you're a first-time parent.
Your body instinctively nourishes and protects your baby during pregnancy, but caring for a newborn is a learned skill. Consider signing up for childbirth classes through your local community center or hospital to learn about topics such as labor, options for pain relief, what to expect after delivery, common newborn problems, babyproofing, breastfeeding and formula feeding, and infant CPR. Learning all you can about birth and babies will help you feel more confident, especially if you're a first-time parent.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
The Third Trimester
It's hard to believe that today marks 27 weeks, and the beginning of the third trimester. I feel like time has dragged and flown at the same time. We only have three months to go!
Amazingly I still have days where I just don't feel pregnant. I imagine there will be fewer of those in the future, but I didn't expect to still be having them at this point either. I can still shave my legs, and other hard to reach places. While I can tell my mobility and flexibility is decreasing I am still not all that hindered in my day to day movement. So far.
Yesterday was one of my not-so pregnant feeling days. I got up and went to Babies R Us for a little breastfeeding thing, then to the mall for some bras (I had only one that fit). It was just an easy day, and several times I marveled at how great I was feeling, even power walking around the mall.
Today however, I felt extremely pregnant. I didn't sleep well at all last night... for some reason Darrell wanted to sleep on my side of the bed, which I doubt was the problem at all, but it was annoying. I don't think I had a hope of getting comfortable anyway - every position I tried was wrong for some reason. Even after sleeping until around 8 I just felt groggy. But I got up and went to church. At church my back hurt, my belly felt heavy and awkward and my hands and ankles felt swollen, itchy and puffy. If I hadn't decided to call Emily on the way home and talked to her for a while I think I would have ended up taking a nap this afternoon.
Even though they say the third trimester is the hardest, and I expect the 'worst' is yet to come, I'm excited. I just can't wait to experience what's in store for me in the last three months and ultimately reach the end, and the final goal. I've loved the pregnancy part so far, but now I'm ready for the baby part. :)
Amazingly I still have days where I just don't feel pregnant. I imagine there will be fewer of those in the future, but I didn't expect to still be having them at this point either. I can still shave my legs, and other hard to reach places. While I can tell my mobility and flexibility is decreasing I am still not all that hindered in my day to day movement. So far.
Yesterday was one of my not-so pregnant feeling days. I got up and went to Babies R Us for a little breastfeeding thing, then to the mall for some bras (I had only one that fit). It was just an easy day, and several times I marveled at how great I was feeling, even power walking around the mall.
Today however, I felt extremely pregnant. I didn't sleep well at all last night... for some reason Darrell wanted to sleep on my side of the bed, which I doubt was the problem at all, but it was annoying. I don't think I had a hope of getting comfortable anyway - every position I tried was wrong for some reason. Even after sleeping until around 8 I just felt groggy. But I got up and went to church. At church my back hurt, my belly felt heavy and awkward and my hands and ankles felt swollen, itchy and puffy. If I hadn't decided to call Emily on the way home and talked to her for a while I think I would have ended up taking a nap this afternoon.
Even though they say the third trimester is the hardest, and I expect the 'worst' is yet to come, I'm excited. I just can't wait to experience what's in store for me in the last three months and ultimately reach the end, and the final goal. I've loved the pregnancy part so far, but now I'm ready for the baby part. :)
Thursday, August 7, 2008
breakfast and maternity clothes
After a fiasco with the drivethrough at McDonald's yesterday ending with me getting someone else's breakfast, I still decided brave the drivethrough again and get some chocolate milk today on my way to work.
This time I picked Braums, and resisted the temptation to order a biscut with gravy, strong as it was. I've got to say, $1.50 for a big cup of chocolate milk is a bargain. I pay almost that for a little 2 pint size at 7-Eleven. And it's SO good. I imagine I should be drinking something a little more healthful for breakfast, but it makes me happy and I'm sure I could be doing way worse. I faithfully ate my bowl of oatmeal when I got here this morning, and I'll have Turkey and wheat for lunch.
I forgot to take anything out for dinner tonight. It's really the girls' last night here for the summer as they go home tomorrow so I was hoping to do something nice with them. If nothing else maybe we'll go get a snow-cone once it cools off outside.
Tuesday I ran into someone at work who I don't know that well - she works accross the hall and I've met her only a few times. She was ecstatic to realize that I am pregnant and I talked to her for probably 20 minutes or more about it. Yesterday she brought me two shopping bags of maternity clothes, and today she brought me another. She's incredibly sweet and I'm very grateful for her generosity.
Thanks to that and the little bit of shopping I've been able to do lately I feel like I actually have a wardrobe. So much so, in fact that I'm going to be sad when I have the baby... My old clothes aren't nearly as nice :)
This time I picked Braums, and resisted the temptation to order a biscut with gravy, strong as it was. I've got to say, $1.50 for a big cup of chocolate milk is a bargain. I pay almost that for a little 2 pint size at 7-Eleven. And it's SO good. I imagine I should be drinking something a little more healthful for breakfast, but it makes me happy and I'm sure I could be doing way worse. I faithfully ate my bowl of oatmeal when I got here this morning, and I'll have Turkey and wheat for lunch.
I forgot to take anything out for dinner tonight. It's really the girls' last night here for the summer as they go home tomorrow so I was hoping to do something nice with them. If nothing else maybe we'll go get a snow-cone once it cools off outside.
Tuesday I ran into someone at work who I don't know that well - she works accross the hall and I've met her only a few times. She was ecstatic to realize that I am pregnant and I talked to her for probably 20 minutes or more about it. Yesterday she brought me two shopping bags of maternity clothes, and today she brought me another. She's incredibly sweet and I'm very grateful for her generosity.
Thanks to that and the little bit of shopping I've been able to do lately I feel like I actually have a wardrobe. So much so, in fact that I'm going to be sad when I have the baby... My old clothes aren't nearly as nice :)
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
26 Week Baby Belly
These are not great pictures, especially since I just got out of the shower and look like I'm staring the camera down. I guess I could smile or something. :) I could also do laundry and make the bed, but today was not that day.
Monday, August 4, 2008
I waddle now
Yes, it's true. I do, in fact, waddle instead of walk. I'm not sure when it started, really, but I noticed the waddle out in full force Saturday at the lake. I was walking accross a gravel area toward the car and Deborah was standing near the car watching me approach, an amused look on her face.
I realized at the moment that I wasn't really walking.
You see, when you walk, your legs swing forward using their built in hinges (aka hips) to move independently of your upper body. And your upper body is kind and accomodating enough to move in the right direction. When you waddle, however, your legs don't swing, they sort of take a small lunge forward and your back and upper body have no choice but to follow clumsily along. I have no idea why attaching a small (but heavy) beach ball to a woman's mid-section effects this change, I just know it's true.
Quack, quack.
I realized at the moment that I wasn't really walking.
You see, when you walk, your legs swing forward using their built in hinges (aka hips) to move independently of your upper body. And your upper body is kind and accomodating enough to move in the right direction. When you waddle, however, your legs don't swing, they sort of take a small lunge forward and your back and upper body have no choice but to follow clumsily along. I have no idea why attaching a small (but heavy) beach ball to a woman's mid-section effects this change, I just know it's true.
Quack, quack.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
The Knitting Project
I don't know what is so satisfying to me about knitting right now. I probably like the act of doing it more than I like the products. But still, I'm kind of proud of my little hat and mittens. Yeah, little Ethan will be quite the stylish child in these.
Introducing....
My new nephew, Justin Hines. Born at about 12:30, August 2, 2008. He weighed 9 lbs, 9 oz. (And I'm just not a good enough Aunt to remember the rest of the stats.) **Edit - he was 21 inches long.**
The little cutie, blissfully unaware of what he'd put his mother through just hours before.
The proud, but very wiped out daddy. I've refrained from posting the mommy picture. She loves me for it, I promise
:)
Week 26
Fetal development this week is from Kidshealth.org
Your Baby's Development
Although your baby's eyes have been sealed shut for the last few months, they will soon open and begin to blink. Depending on ethnicity, some babies will be born with blue or gray-blue eyes (which may change color in the first year of life) and some will be born with brown or dark eyes. Eyelashes are growing in, as is more hair on the head.
Your baby, weighing a little less than 2 pounds (907 grams), still looks wrinkly but will continue to gain weight steadily over the next 14 weeks until birth.
Although your baby's eyes have been sealed shut for the last few months, they will soon open and begin to blink. Depending on ethnicity, some babies will be born with blue or gray-blue eyes (which may change color in the first year of life) and some will be born with brown or dark eyes. Eyelashes are growing in, as is more hair on the head.
Your baby, weighing a little less than 2 pounds (907 grams), still looks wrinkly but will continue to gain weight steadily over the next 14 weeks until birth.
Your Body
Your uterus provides a safe haven for your baby before birth. But what about after delivery? Your baby will be moving about your home in what seems like no time at all. Take the time now to safeguard your home by babyproofing. Covering electrical outlets, removing choking hazards, installing smoke alarms, and blocking off staircases are just some of the steps to ensuring your child's safety. Take every precaution you can think of, but remember: No amount of babyproofing can substitute for careful supervision of your child.
Friday, August 1, 2008
Sleepy
Last night was the first time I was really aware of my stomach affecting my sleep. Normally I can sleep half on my side and half on my stomach, if that makes sense. But last night for some reason, I kept trying to roll forward to kind of be on my stomach, and each time I would wake up frustrated because it wasn't working. Okay, Ethan, you win. You're too big for me to squish now. I do think your dad needs to get me a body pillow soon though to get some of the strain off my hips. They're usually so sore in the mornings. I've tried sleeping with a pillow between my legs but it always gets lost when I change position and it's hard to keep shifting it around.
I also had several instances last night where I stretcched my legs and ended up with severe pain in the right one. Like the feeling you get right before a charlie horse seizes you. Maybe it was just a really mild charlie horse. What's the proper name for a charlie horse, anyway? I feel so much like my dad's mother when I say that term because I remember her talking about them. As a kid I didn't exactly know what she was talking about, but now to say it makes me feel old and uneducated. (Not that she is uneducated, she just had strange terms for everything.)
So, it was kind of a restless night, but I still managed to get up at 5:20 and make it work by 6:30. I'm sleepy but you can't beat getting off work at 1 on a Friday. As tired as I am, I wonder if I can really work the 4- 10 hour shift option in the coming weeks? I don't know, but I'm going to give it my best try.
Darrell had his last day at Will Rogers ANG base yesterday as a full-timer, and today he's taking security clearance paperwork out to Tinker for the new job there. Have I ever mentioned on this blog how proud I am of him for getting to this point, for making the changes necessary to take the position and ultimately for taking the best care of us as a family that he possibly can? It's not been easy to make all of the decisions and changes... but he's done a wonderful job.
I also had several instances last night where I stretcched my legs and ended up with severe pain in the right one. Like the feeling you get right before a charlie horse seizes you. Maybe it was just a really mild charlie horse. What's the proper name for a charlie horse, anyway? I feel so much like my dad's mother when I say that term because I remember her talking about them. As a kid I didn't exactly know what she was talking about, but now to say it makes me feel old and uneducated. (Not that she is uneducated, she just had strange terms for everything.)
So, it was kind of a restless night, but I still managed to get up at 5:20 and make it work by 6:30. I'm sleepy but you can't beat getting off work at 1 on a Friday. As tired as I am, I wonder if I can really work the 4- 10 hour shift option in the coming weeks? I don't know, but I'm going to give it my best try.
Darrell had his last day at Will Rogers ANG base yesterday as a full-timer, and today he's taking security clearance paperwork out to Tinker for the new job there. Have I ever mentioned on this blog how proud I am of him for getting to this point, for making the changes necessary to take the position and ultimately for taking the best care of us as a family that he possibly can? It's not been easy to make all of the decisions and changes... but he's done a wonderful job.
101 Reasons to Breastfeed
I've seen the page before, but came accross it again today. I really can't post all 101 so I'm going to pick my favorites. The link to the entire list is here: http://www.promom.org/101/ I love reading all the amazing bits of research that have been done on breastfeeding. It's an obvious choice for me!
Reasons to Breastfeed Your Child
1. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding
According to the AAP, "Human milk is species-specific, and all substitute feeding preparations differ markedly from it, making human milk uniquely superior for infant feeding. Exclusive breastfeeding is the reference or normative model against which all alternative feeding methods must be measured with regard to growth, health, development, and all other short- and long-term outcomes. In addition, human milk-fed premature infants receive significant benefits with respect to host protection and improved developmental outcomes compared with formula-fed premature infants… Pediatricians and parents should be aware that exclusive breastfeeding is sufficient to support optimal growth and development for approximately the first 6 months of life and provides continuing protection against diarrhea and respiratory tract infection. Breastfeeding should be continued for at least the first year of life and beyond for as long as mutually desired by mother and child."
A.A.P. Breastfeeding Policy Statement: Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk Pediatrics Vol. 115 No. 2 February 2005(http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/pediatrics;115/2/496)
4. Not breastfeeding increases mother's risk of breast cancer
Many studies have shown that women who breastfeed have lower risks of developing breast cancer. Recently, data from 47 studies in 30 countries was re-examined. The study group concluded that the incidence of breast cancer in developed countries could be reduced by more than half if women had the number of births and lifetime duration of breastfeeding that have been common in developing countries until recently. According to the analysis, breastfeeding could account for almost two-thirds of this estimated reduction in breast cancer incidence. (sources listed on the website.)
5. Baby's suckling helps shrink mother's uterus after childbirth
The uterus of the non-breastfeeding mother will never shrink back to its pre-pregnant size. It will always remain slightly enlarged. "Nursing will help you to regain your figure more quickly, since the process of lactation causes the uterus (which has increased during pregnancy to about 20 times its normal size) to shrink more quickly to its pre-pregnancy size. " The Complete Book Of Breastfeeding M.S. Eiger. MD, S. Wendkos Olds, Copyright 1999, Workman Publishing Co., Inc., 708 Broadway, New York, NY 10003
7. Formula Feeding is associated with lower I.Q.
Human breast milk enhances brain development and improves cognitive development in ways that formula cannot. One study has found that the average I.Q. of 7 and 8 year old children who had been breastfed as babies was 10 points higher than their bottle fed peers. All of the children involved had been born prematurely and tube fed the human milk, indicating that the milk itself, not the act of breastfeeding, caused this difference in I.Q. level. Another study to support this statement was done in New Zealand. Here an 18 year longitudinal study of over 1,000 children found that those who were breastfed as infants had both higher intelligence and greater academic achievement than children who were infant-formula fed. (sources listed on the website.)
8. Breast milk is always ready and comes in a nicer package than formula does
Need we say more?
15. Pre-term milk is specially designed for premature infants
"Milk produced by women who deliver prematurely differs from that produced after a full-term pregnancy. Specifically, during the first month after parturition, pre-term milk maintains a composition similar to that of colostrum.."
Hamosh, Margit, PhD, Georgetown University Medical Center "Breast-feeding: Unraveling the Mysteries of Mother's Milk".
25. Formula feeding increases baby's risk of otitis media (ear infections)
Research has shown that ear infections are up to 3-4 times more prevalent in formula-fed infants.
Aniansson G, Alm B, Andersson B, et al. "A prospective cohort study on breast-feeding and otitis media in Swedish infants". Pediatr Infect Dis J. 1994; 13:183-188 Duncan, B et al "Exclusive breastfeeding for at least four months protects against Otitis Media", Pediatrics 91(1993): 897-872
30. Formula fed babies have a higher risk of developing certain childhood cancers
In a study done by researchers at the University of Minnesota it was found that babies who were breast fed for at least one month had a 21% less chance of getting leukemia than formula fed babies. The risk was 30% for children breast fed for 6 months.
Shu X-O, et al. "Breastfeeding and the risk of childhood acute leukemia". J Natl Cancer Inst 1999; 91: 1765-72
37. Formula-fed babies are more at risk for obesity in later life
A study of 32200 Scottish 3 year old children found that the incidence of obesity was significantly lower among those who had been breastfed, after adjusting for socioeconomic status, birthweight and gender. Another study, this one of Czech children, found that the even older children (6 -14) who had been breastfed were less at risk for overweight/obesity. Additionally, a German study found that 4.5% of formula fed children are obese, while only 0.8% of breastfed children have this condition
Armstrong, J et al, "Breastfeeding and lowering the risk of childhood obesity." Lancet 2002, 349: 2003-4
42. Breastfeeding results in less sick days for parents
Since breastfed babies are statistically healthier than their formula fed peers, the parents of breastfed babies spend less time out of work taking care of sick children.
(Kaiser Permanente: Internal research to determine benefits of sponsoring an official lactation program - 1995)
48. Formula is expensive
It presently costs upward of $1,200 dollars per year to formula feed an infant in the United States. If you factor in the added medical cost you are statistically likely to incur, that brings the cost up to around $2,500 per year. If your baby happens to require a hypo-allergenic formula, you will have to pay considerably more
66. Human milk is the perfect food for a sick infant
When a formula fed baby gets a gastrointestinal ailment they are usually put on an artificial electrolyte solution because formula is too hard for them to digest. Breast milk, however, is easily digested, and soothing to the intestines, so there is no need for artificial and expensive electrolyte solutions. If a baby gets a respiratory illness, formula may cause even more mucus. In contrast, breast milk contains antibodies to these ailments, as well as being highly digestible and not contributing to excess mucous formation.
79. Less money spent on corrective orthodontia
The longer you breastfeed, the more likely the babies teeth will come in properly. If the teeth come in straight, there's no need to fix them.
Leite ICG, et al. Associação entre aleitamento materno e hábitos de sucção não-nutritivos. Revista da Associação Paulista dos Cirurgiões Dentistas 1999;53:151-5
80. Better speech development
Tongue thrust problems often develop among bottle-fed babies as they try to slow down the flow of milk coming from an artificial nipple. This can lead to speech problems later on. "Early weaning may lead to the interruption of proper oral motor development provoking alterations to the posture and strength of the speech organs and harming the functions of chewing, swallowing, breathing, and articulation of speech sounds. The lack of physiological sucking on the breast may interfere in the oral motor development, possibly causing malocclusion, oral respiration and oral motor disorders."
Neiva et al, J Pediatr (Rio J) 2003;79(1):07-12
83. Less spit-up
Breastfed newborns demonstrate gastroesophageal reflux (spit-up) episodes of significantly shorter duration that formula fed newborns
Heacock, H.J. "Influence of Breast vs. Formula Milk in Physiologic Gastroesophageal Reflux in Healthy Newborn Infants" Jour. Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr, 1992 January; 14(1): 41-6
Reasons to Breastfeed Your Child
1. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding
According to the AAP, "Human milk is species-specific, and all substitute feeding preparations differ markedly from it, making human milk uniquely superior for infant feeding. Exclusive breastfeeding is the reference or normative model against which all alternative feeding methods must be measured with regard to growth, health, development, and all other short- and long-term outcomes. In addition, human milk-fed premature infants receive significant benefits with respect to host protection and improved developmental outcomes compared with formula-fed premature infants… Pediatricians and parents should be aware that exclusive breastfeeding is sufficient to support optimal growth and development for approximately the first 6 months of life and provides continuing protection against diarrhea and respiratory tract infection. Breastfeeding should be continued for at least the first year of life and beyond for as long as mutually desired by mother and child."
A.A.P. Breastfeeding Policy Statement: Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk Pediatrics Vol. 115 No. 2 February 2005(http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/pediatrics;115/2/496)
4. Not breastfeeding increases mother's risk of breast cancer
Many studies have shown that women who breastfeed have lower risks of developing breast cancer. Recently, data from 47 studies in 30 countries was re-examined. The study group concluded that the incidence of breast cancer in developed countries could be reduced by more than half if women had the number of births and lifetime duration of breastfeeding that have been common in developing countries until recently. According to the analysis, breastfeeding could account for almost two-thirds of this estimated reduction in breast cancer incidence. (sources listed on the website.)
5. Baby's suckling helps shrink mother's uterus after childbirth
The uterus of the non-breastfeeding mother will never shrink back to its pre-pregnant size. It will always remain slightly enlarged. "Nursing will help you to regain your figure more quickly, since the process of lactation causes the uterus (which has increased during pregnancy to about 20 times its normal size) to shrink more quickly to its pre-pregnancy size. " The Complete Book Of Breastfeeding M.S. Eiger. MD, S. Wendkos Olds, Copyright 1999, Workman Publishing Co., Inc., 708 Broadway, New York, NY 10003
7. Formula Feeding is associated with lower I.Q.
Human breast milk enhances brain development and improves cognitive development in ways that formula cannot. One study has found that the average I.Q. of 7 and 8 year old children who had been breastfed as babies was 10 points higher than their bottle fed peers. All of the children involved had been born prematurely and tube fed the human milk, indicating that the milk itself, not the act of breastfeeding, caused this difference in I.Q. level. Another study to support this statement was done in New Zealand. Here an 18 year longitudinal study of over 1,000 children found that those who were breastfed as infants had both higher intelligence and greater academic achievement than children who were infant-formula fed. (sources listed on the website.)
8. Breast milk is always ready and comes in a nicer package than formula does
Need we say more?
15. Pre-term milk is specially designed for premature infants
"Milk produced by women who deliver prematurely differs from that produced after a full-term pregnancy. Specifically, during the first month after parturition, pre-term milk maintains a composition similar to that of colostrum.."
Hamosh, Margit, PhD, Georgetown University Medical Center "Breast-feeding: Unraveling the Mysteries of Mother's Milk".
25. Formula feeding increases baby's risk of otitis media (ear infections)
Research has shown that ear infections are up to 3-4 times more prevalent in formula-fed infants.
Aniansson G, Alm B, Andersson B, et al. "A prospective cohort study on breast-feeding and otitis media in Swedish infants". Pediatr Infect Dis J. 1994; 13:183-188 Duncan, B et al "Exclusive breastfeeding for at least four months protects against Otitis Media", Pediatrics 91(1993): 897-872
30. Formula fed babies have a higher risk of developing certain childhood cancers
In a study done by researchers at the University of Minnesota it was found that babies who were breast fed for at least one month had a 21% less chance of getting leukemia than formula fed babies. The risk was 30% for children breast fed for 6 months.
Shu X-O, et al. "Breastfeeding and the risk of childhood acute leukemia". J Natl Cancer Inst 1999; 91: 1765-72
37. Formula-fed babies are more at risk for obesity in later life
A study of 32200 Scottish 3 year old children found that the incidence of obesity was significantly lower among those who had been breastfed, after adjusting for socioeconomic status, birthweight and gender. Another study, this one of Czech children, found that the even older children (6 -14) who had been breastfed were less at risk for overweight/obesity. Additionally, a German study found that 4.5% of formula fed children are obese, while only 0.8% of breastfed children have this condition
Armstrong, J et al, "Breastfeeding and lowering the risk of childhood obesity." Lancet 2002, 349: 2003-4
42. Breastfeeding results in less sick days for parents
Since breastfed babies are statistically healthier than their formula fed peers, the parents of breastfed babies spend less time out of work taking care of sick children.
(Kaiser Permanente: Internal research to determine benefits of sponsoring an official lactation program - 1995)
48. Formula is expensive
It presently costs upward of $1,200 dollars per year to formula feed an infant in the United States. If you factor in the added medical cost you are statistically likely to incur, that brings the cost up to around $2,500 per year. If your baby happens to require a hypo-allergenic formula, you will have to pay considerably more
66. Human milk is the perfect food for a sick infant
When a formula fed baby gets a gastrointestinal ailment they are usually put on an artificial electrolyte solution because formula is too hard for them to digest. Breast milk, however, is easily digested, and soothing to the intestines, so there is no need for artificial and expensive electrolyte solutions. If a baby gets a respiratory illness, formula may cause even more mucus. In contrast, breast milk contains antibodies to these ailments, as well as being highly digestible and not contributing to excess mucous formation.
79. Less money spent on corrective orthodontia
The longer you breastfeed, the more likely the babies teeth will come in properly. If the teeth come in straight, there's no need to fix them.
Leite ICG, et al. Associação entre aleitamento materno e hábitos de sucção não-nutritivos. Revista da Associação Paulista dos Cirurgiões Dentistas 1999;53:151-5
80. Better speech development
Tongue thrust problems often develop among bottle-fed babies as they try to slow down the flow of milk coming from an artificial nipple. This can lead to speech problems later on. "Early weaning may lead to the interruption of proper oral motor development provoking alterations to the posture and strength of the speech organs and harming the functions of chewing, swallowing, breathing, and articulation of speech sounds. The lack of physiological sucking on the breast may interfere in the oral motor development, possibly causing malocclusion, oral respiration and oral motor disorders."
Neiva et al, J Pediatr (Rio J) 2003;79(1):07-12
83. Less spit-up
Breastfed newborns demonstrate gastroesophageal reflux (spit-up) episodes of significantly shorter duration that formula fed newborns
Heacock, H.J. "Influence of Breast vs. Formula Milk in Physiologic Gastroesophageal Reflux in Healthy Newborn Infants" Jour. Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr, 1992 January; 14(1): 41-6
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