So our little boy is 7 months old now, oh how quick that’s gone by. Davin is growing up so fast and is such a pleasant happy little chap and by God he loves his grub. I have exclusively breastfed since the start and thankfully everything worked out well for us. Granted it was tough in the beginning with sleep deprivation, swollen breasts, leaking, oh the joys of it all but we hung in there and are so glad we did.
Unfortunately many ladies do struggle with breastfeeding but in the end its important to do what works for you and your little one, be it breast or formula. As long as you’re both happy and healthy that’s all that matters.
If you are thinking of breastfeeding it is important that you educate yourself before hand and be prepared for what it involves. There are several local support groups and lactation consultants that are available to ask for help or information. It’s just a matter of getting out there and talking to other mothers and experts.
Below are a few things I found priceless in helping me throughout the first few weeks and months.
1) Nipple balm
Applying nipple balm helps prevent and heal any cracked nipples as you get used to your little one latching on. Its great because you can apply this as much as you want and you don’t have to wash it off before putting your baby back on the breast. Available in all pharmacies and is a must.
2) Breast pads
Essential for the first few weeks- months until you get to know your supply and prevent any unfortunate accidents!
3) Multi-Mam nipple compresses
I was given these while in hospital by one of the fantastic mid wives and they were a God send at limiting any irritation in the initial days. Little tip…they are even better when kept in the fridge at home.
4) Breast pump- manual / electric
There are so many brands on the market, be it manual or electric, that it is a mind field. I found choosing one particularly daunting as it can be a big investment. So i did my research online and I ended up buying a Tommee Tippee manual pump and Lansinoh Double electric pump.
5) Nutrition-
Fennel tea, oats, post pregnancy supplement including lactation boosters
We are starting a new adventure now… Weaning on to solids! Oh the mess but it will be all fun and games watching him come into his own around new foods.
Yours in Health
Karen Lawlor
The Lawlor Clinic, Portlaoise
Specialising in the treatment of Pregnancy Related Conditions
Some of you will be aware that we welcomed our son 3 months ago now, a beautiful bouncy baby boy Davin, weighing in at 8lb 2ozs. At the moment I am on maternity leave and enjoying every moment watching Davin grow up, granted it has been testing at times, particularly when bleary eyed in the early hours, but it has all been worth it.
Back early last year when we found out we were going to be parents we were so excited, with a level of nervous anticipation. It would be our first child.. would we make good parents, would it be healthy and oh how was the pregnancy and actual labour going to go? I have treated many pregnant patients and children in my years as a chiropractor and now it was my time.
I wanted to share a few of the things that I found important and beneficial throughout my 40 weeks (+10 days!!) which will hopefully help other mums to be.
Nutrition:
Prenatal vitamins, fish oils, super greens and a probiotic where my daily go to after brekie to help me stay healthy and do the best for my little one. I had a pretty clean diet as it was but it was even more important now. Thankfully i had no cravings good or bad. I did force myself to drink more water throughout the day to stay hydrated, which is essential.
Exercise:
Prior to pregnancy I was running several times and week, long distance mainly with a marathon and half marathons,and regular strength training, so I was pretty active. I wanted to maintain a level of fitness throughout my pregnancy, as it was what made me. It helped me stay healthy and relaxed, and a happy healthy mammy makes for a happy healthy child.
Throughout the 9 months I continued to run albeit shorter distances and in the later weeks I walked daily and swam several times a week. After 12 weeks I started Pregnancy Yoga, which was fantastic for overall pelvic and core preparation for labour. It was also a great chance to make new friends. I would recommend this to every new mum as the information and support in these classes from all the ladies was invaluable. All of this I believe helped with my relatively smooth and quick labour and speedy recovery.
Hypnobirthing:
I heard of Hypnobirthing before being pregnant but wasn’t fully aware of what it involved exactly but I did know that it promoted a more natural and relaxed birth experience. So we decided to sign up to a course of classes locally and found them to be very informative. Afterwards we both felt more prepared mentally for what lay ahead. It definitely reinforced that we were in control of how labour would go and try to make it as positive an experience as possible. We would both definitely recommend these classes.
Acupuncture & Reflexology:
Having gone 40 weeks + 10 days I had been scheduled to be induced by day 10 but thankfully I didn’t need it. Those last 10 days were the toughest part of the pregnancy altogether as I was getting increasingly anxious as the lil one wasn’t going anywhere, he had his own agenda obviously. In that last week I had a few acupuncture and reflexology sessions to help encourage labour and to ease my own anxiety, which I found fantastic. I only wish I had attended throughout my whole 9 months and not just at the end.
Chiropractic treatment:
The perks of owning your own chiropractic clinic with associates and having a husband who is also a chiropractor meant that I was fortunate to have weekly treatments throughout my pregnancy to keep my pelvis in the best possible state for carrying an ever growing child and childbirth. These sessions were essential in keeping my little one in the correct position and reducing any symptoms from the muscle and ligament changes that your body goes through.
I really hope that by reading this even one person gains something that they can do during their 9 months and even before, to help make their journey to motherhood as smooth and amazing as mine was.
Below are a few links to some of the people who helped us on our journey:
