There will be three mamava pods at MKE

General Mitchell International Airport in Milwaukee will be the first airport in the nation to unveil mamava, a free-standing pod for breastfeeding and pumping mothers. The pod provides benches, a fold down table, a USB port, power outlet, soft lighting, space for a stroller or luggage, lock and a mirror.

As with all things parenting and all things breastfeeding the reaction on the internet was swift.  Some mothers are hailing it as a long overdue accommodation for breastfeeding mothers and others are viewing it at a way to shame and seclude breastfeeding women.  So which is it?

Personally, having spent a total of 4 years (and more to go) as a breastfeeding mom I have no problem breastfeeding in public.  I’m not a fan of doing it squished up against a stranger in an airport, but a baby’s gotta eat (and preferably, not scream). My immediate reaction was “why not breastfeed where ever you already are?”  But then, I took a moment and went back to month 1, 2, and 3 of breastfeeding.  I wasn’t as confident as I am now, we didn’t have the hang of it, and breastfeeding in public was difficult because it was just such a clumsy process.  Or, when I was pumping, which I already hated and had no interest in feeling like a Holstein in front of my husband let alone an airport full of strangers.  Or when I had a baby who was easily distracted and breastfeeding in public was beyond frustrating because of all the things the baby would rather look at.

In the United States, just over 79% of women start breastfeeding, but by 3 months, only 40% of women have continued to exclusively breastfeed according to the CDC. Anyone who’s breastfed before can tell you those first three months are the hardest.  I realized, this accommodation isn’t for me, and if you’re ok breastfeeding in public then it isn’t for you either.

It’s for the nursing and pumping mothers aren’t as comfortable in public than those of us who have the hang of it.  It’s for you and me pre-confidence, and 79% of other women who are just trying to do what’s best for their baby and need all the help they can get. These are the women who need our support, and I applaud MKE for keeping these new moms in mind.

Of course, there is the flip side. If this space turns onto another way in which we isolate mothers “Excuse me lady, there’s a pod in Concourse C for that.” It’s a whole different story.

An airport has taken initiative to make this space for nursing and pumping moms. Coupled with breastfeeding laws and support from the public, this small change can help mothers quite a bit.  But, it’s up to us an our attitude to make it a positive (or negative) thing.

BACK PAIN: DURING AND AFTER PREGNACY

It’s estimated that 50-70 percent of women will suffer back or pelvic pain during pregnancy.  Loosening of the ligaments due to hormonal changes, additional weight, and stretching of the abdominal muscles increases stress to the lumbar spine.  If you’re lucky enough to sail through pregnancy without back pain, you’re not necessarily out of the woods.  New moms need core strength to support their spines while they tote around that precious bundle of joy – a bundle that is getting heavier every day.  We habitually carry our children on one side of our body due to upper body strength differences and hand preference.  This asymmetrical force through the spine can also lead to back pain in the months after childbirth.

WHAT IS THE CORE AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

The spine is supported by several groups of muscles called the core.  These muscles working together act like a corset.  Your core muscles include the diaphragm, paraspinals (or back muscles), gluteals, the abdominals and the pelvic floor.  Towards the end of pregnancy, the growing baby is placing outward pressure on your diaphragm, pelvic floor and abdominal muscles limiting their ability to help protect the spine.  This places increased stress on the paraspinals, forcing this muscle group to work harder to compensate for the other muscles which have become too stretched to function properly.   It’s important to tone these muscles after baby arrives to protect your spine from injury.

Remember to consult your physician before beginning any exercise routine after childbirth.  If you’ve had a C-section, your doctor will likely limit your activity until your incision heals. 

THE PELVIS AND DIAPHRAM

In most cases, Kegels and breathing exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor and diaphragm can begin almost immediately after childbirth.  Kegels are performed by tightening the pelvic floor muscles as in stopping the flow of urine.  This exercise has the added bonus of preventing incontinence in women who’ve had a vaginal delivery. 

THE ABDOMINALS

You can also begin deep breathing exercises by sitting or lying in a comfortable position, then taking a very deep breath, imagining you are filling in every nook and cranny in your lungs.  Next, fully exhale, pushing out every bit of air you just pulled in.  Isometric abdominal exercises are also safe to perform early after childbirth.  These are performed while lying on your back and pulling in your abdominal muscles – think about pulling your belly button in towards your spine. 

Now that you’ve strengthened the top and bottom of the “corset,” you’ll need to work on the front, back and sides.  It’s hard to find time for exercise in the first weeks following the birth of a child, so why not exercise while enjoying some time with your baby?

Prone Plank –For the beginner this can be performed on your knees but for the more advanced, try lifting one foot off the floor.

Side Plank – Beginners can perform this exercise on the elbow and knees.  Progress the exercise by moving to the feet and hands.  You can even try lifting the top leg.

Floor Marching– For the beginner, keep your back on the floor and the abdominal muscles tightened while marching your feet up and down.  This should be done slowly and the trunk should remain stable. As you advance, lift your back off the floor for the Marching Bridge.

Squats – this is great for the gluteals!  Make sure you don’t let your knees come over your toes and keep your spine straight.  You can start with a shallow squat and try going deeper into the squat as your strength improves.

I had back and pelvic pain during both of my pregnancies that resolved soon after birth.  As a physical therapist and new mom, I can attest that taking just a modest amount of time to work on your core can really make a difference.  Your spinal stability will gradually improve as your ligaments return to their pre-pregnancy state and your core muscle strength improves.  If you have back or pelvic issues that persist, discuss these with your physician or physical therapist.  You may have an alignment issue that needs to be addressed.

Diana Brooks, PT, DPT is a Physical Therapist with Tidewater Physical Therapy in their Iron Bridge clinic where she also serves as Clinical Director.  Diana is Direct Access certified through the Virginia Board of Physical Therapy and can see patients without a referral from a physician. 

This article is sponsored by Tidewater Physical Therapy

@ Kevin Dooley, via Flickr Creative Commons

First, Happy New Year to all!  While the New Year is a magic time for some, you fellow parents know that better than any New Year is the ‘Magic Time’ when your household is at peace and you’re not being asked to stretch beyond your ability to cope with the challenges that little kids bring.

When our son was born, our daughter was almost two.  I frequently used the word ‘crazy’ to describe our days.  I have somewhat-blurry (but still present!) memories of two children in diapers crying at the same time for completely different reasons.  On multiple occasions, I remember nursing one baby, helping the other go potty, while cooking and doing laundry without any cross-contamination.

I loved and relished all the experiences, but the challenges associated with feeding, crying, and sleeping caused painful bursts in my brain and chest.  Figuring out how to cope and respond on some… most… days was unlike anything I’ve experienced.  The aftermath of parenting through sleep-related challenges, while functioning on little to no sleep, may be very akin to post-traumatic stress.

So yeah.  The word ‘crazy’ may be perfect.

Now they are four and six (with birthdays coming in the Spring), and as I type, I am sitting in our new couch, relaxing with my husband, listening to the beautiful quiet peace of our children playing together nicely and watching a cartoon in the play room.  All after a night when everybody slept in their own bed all night.

This is the definition of the Magic Time.  It is a beautiful thing.  It is the type of day I was unsure would ever come.

Back in those ‘crazy’ days, my friend Alicia (who had been in the parenting trenches a few years before me) calmly reassured me:  “You will hit a Magic Time.  I promise.  Around the age of four, something happens and it all gets easier.”  Truly, her words gave me hope.  I’ve thought about them through the years.  On every good day I would think, “Is this the Magic Time Alicia talked about?”

Do not get me wrong.  In some way, life with our children has been magic since they were born.  Every time I hold my babies is like holding a dream in my arms.

But to fellow parents of very little people, I don’t need to explain “Magic Time.”  I’m certain you know what I’m talking about. Wink wink, nod nod.  But if you need a definition, “Magic Time” is when everybody in your house is able to, more or less, meet their own immediate needs, to get along with each other, and respond and cope with stress.

My husband just went upstairs and whispered, “Don’t wreck the Force.”  Wink wink, nod nod.  We know what we’re talking about.

We can afford this couch because we’re paying almost the lowest amount we’ll pay for daycare.  My husband and I get to spend time on the couch together because the kids are getting along, can get their own drinks, and can go potty by themselves.  I may get to watch my Sunday morning show I love with little interruption and no guilt.

Magic Time.

It won’t be like this all day.  Then the kids will start wrestling and fighting, they’ll both spill their milk on the floor, somebody will say they hate the food I make for them.  It won’t be Magic Time all day, but yes.  We have Magic Time more and more often.

So if you are struggling through diapering, feeding, sleeping, crying or any other small-child related challenges, I am hear to share the message of hope.  There will be Magic Time in your future. More and more.  The clouds will break when your youngest is around the age of four.

(Thanks, Ms. Alicia.)

RVA Parents of Preemies (RVAPOP) is a Richmond-based group that provides community, advice, support, and friendship to the parents and family members of infants born prematurely.

RVAPOPs mission is to lessen the isolation of the NICU experience by uniting new preemie parents with experienced NICU families for local support as well as providing a safe space to celebrate successes and share concerns.

The RVA Parents of Preemies support group meets every fourth Wednesday of the month at 6:30pm. Franklin Goose-Carytown, 3401 West Cary Street, Richmond, VA  23221.

For more information visit their Facebook Page, check out their website, or contact Leslie Forrest at rvapreemie@gmail.com. To donate to the RVAPOPs March for Babies team click here.

The Birth Story of RVAPOP:

When Leslie Forrest went into premature labor at 31 weeks gestation, she spent ten days in the antepartum unit while doctors prepared her daughter, Lucia, for an early arrival and also tried their best to keep her inside for as long as possible. During the quiet lulls not spent with her husband—who was also sharing time at home with their other three children 11, 5, and 2—Leslie worried, cried, and tried to find information or support online. She had so many questions and wondered what it would be like to give birth to a preterm baby, and what Lucia would look like when she was born. She knew that the Neonatal Intensive Care team would care for her daughter at birth and she wondered what to expect.

Leslie scoured the internet but eventually turned to Facebook and a local mothering group in hopes of finding someone to talk to. She posted a thread to share that she would be giving birth to a premature baby soon and asking for advice, but no one responded. Leslie was left feeling even more alone and scared.

The next day someone replied that they knew of a woman who had recently given birth at 32 weeks, and she offered to connect the two moms. “It was a relief to express worry to someone who truly understood. While friends and family were well meaning, they couldn’t empathize the way that another preemie mama could,” says Leslie. “Marissa really understood what I was going through. While everyone around me was saying ‘Oh the baby is going to be fine, everything is going to be OK,’ Marissa was able to be there for me and say, ‘This is NOT OK, and I’ve been through this. This is really hard.’”

As it turned out, Marissa had given birth at Henrico Doctor’s Hospital too, and so she was able to offer specific encouragement and reassurance. “She shared what I could expect from our NICU stay and even told me who her favorite nurses were.” When Leslie’s fears about giving birth surfaced, “Marissa’s listening ear and friendship were a godsend.”

Leslie and Marissa quickly realized how important and helpful this kind of one-on-one support could be for both new and experienced mamas of preemies. “It’s healing to be able to give back to another family if you’ve been there before and know the struggles of the NICU,” says Marissa.

The need for emotional support doesn’t often end after discharge from the NICU. For many families, leaving the NICU is only the beginning of their journey as babies born prematurely are at higher risk for a host of health challenges and special needs as they grow and develop throughout their first year and beyond.

Newly postpartum and home with her new daughter after a 30 day NICU stay, Leslie discussed with Marissa Richmond’s need for a community group to serve mother’s and families of babies born prematurely.

They organized a monthly meet-up for themselves and a few other NICU moms who they had recently met, Luci and Kasey, also founding board members. When the Christmas Season came they put together gift bags for mothers who were caring for their babies in the NICU over the Holiday. “We knew they would appreciate a little pick-me up,” says Leslie, “Something to say, ‘Hey, we know you’re in there, and we’re thinking of you.’”

They also started a Facebook group for local moms to connect, ask questions, and celebrate the big and little milestones. “Having a place to post questions as we navigate the medical challenges that our babies face, or just to encourage each other in the small victories, it’s been invaluable to bridging that gap of feeling isolated,” says Leslie. “We finally have community!”

With a lending library of books available as a community resource and a March for Babies Team that has already raised over $1,000 for the cause, these mamas are filling a previously unmet need in the mothering community and championing the cause of prematurity.

 Babiators – aviator style sunglasses for babies and children offering 100 % UVA and UVB protection. These are durable and awesome!  An essential item for year round eye protection.  babiators.com $19.99

 Finn and Emma Reversible Bib – Made of 100 % organic cotton in playful, modern, gender neutral colors. This contemporary color palette is the perfect alternative to the traditional pink and blue wardrobe options for little ones. finnandemma.com $16.00

Finn and Emma Teething Ring Rattle – Teething hurts – but it doesn’t have to be toxic! This rattle is made from untreated wood buffed until smooth and non-toxic. Attached hippo rattle is hand knit of organic cotton. This toy is sure to soothe all of your baby’s senses. finnandemma.com $29 (Pictured: bear rattle. Actual product will be the Hippo Teething Ring Rattle as seen on Virginia This Morning.)

  The Shade by Imagine Baby – This award winning infant carrier canopy protects baby from outside elements and germs. The fabric is soft and breathable and offers UPF 50 + protection from the sun’s harmful rays. Fits most infant car seats. imaginebaby.com $39.95 (car seat not included)

 Munchkin Ruffle Dress Cherry Stripe – This adorable dress is from Munchkin’s new layette collection mbaby. Perfect for babies 1-12 months, this is a fun and stylish outfit for little ones. This dress is part of the playwear collection. This line’s sleepwear collection also features double layer technology to keep babies warm without overheating. Munchkin.com $48.00

 LaLaLounger – A unique children’s lounger for babies and toddlers. Perfect for rest or play. Available in a variety of fabrics to match any home decor. lalalounger.com $90

Would you like to learn more about these products? Click here to view Richmondmom.com’s segment on Virginia This Morning CBS 6.

We will be giving away one of these awesome products each week. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get the early update about the weekly giveaway, or visit our Facebook page for your chance to win!

Disclosure: I was not paid to appear on TV or to review these products. I did receive free products to show on the program and am so excited to raffle them off to YOU, our lovely readers! I will be keeping the Babiators sized 3-7 years because I have a 4 year old son and am always in need of products that are indestructible. Everything else, (including the Babiators sized 0-3 and carrying case) are up for grabs! 

Good luck!

eMommie.com makes special deliveries before the baby arrives.

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eMommie.com Online Boutique

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Tops, bottoms, dresses, nursing, lingerie, outerwear, suiting, designer labels and more are available on the site. You can even find plus sizes and a great clearance section.

While you’re preparing for the birth of your baby, take a look at their new baby gear and browse their shop for children too. Baby photo keepsake boxes, cards, , sweaters, organic onsies, unique outfits, and lots more are offered at deeply discounted prices.

Don’t worry about buying online either. They have a liberal exchange policy.

Returns

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