Our world is facing uncertainty around every corner right now. While that can easily feel overwhelming, we want to encourage you in your motherhood, even in this season.
If you are one of the many parents who are homebound with your kid(s) right now, how can you make the most of this time without feeling like you have to do all the things?
The key is to start slow and remember that none of us have experienced anything like this before! Understand that it will take some time to find a new rhythm for your family dynamic.
]]>How are you? No, really, how are you?
Our world is facing uncertainty around every corner right now. While that can easily feel overwhelming, we want to encourage you in your motherhood, even in this season.
If you are one of the many parents who are homebound with your kid(s) right now, how can you make the most of this time without feeling like you have to do all the things?
The key is to start slow and remember that none of us have experienced anything like this before! Understand that it will take some time to find a new rhythm for your family dynamic.
Go for a joy ride! You don’t have to get out of the car to enjoy a ride around the neighborhood! If you want, you can even create a scavenger hunt for your kids to spy while you drive!
Get outside whenever possible. Non-stop rain in the forecast? Time to throw on raincoats and rainboots and let them tromp through the puddles in the front yard. The outdoors will be your change of scenery, and break up your day a bit.
Go for a long walk. If you don’t live in a walkable place, drive to some trails or head to a vacant parking lot and bring along the bikes and scooters.
Stay connected to your mom friends. This is VITAL! Whether it’s asking questions, venting, encouraging, or sharing joys & burdens (or maybe just hysterical GIFs)…moms need other moms. You can use voice messaging (Voxer app), video messaging (Marco Polo), Facetime, and good old fashioned texting to keep in touch. You can even help your kids stay connected with their friends through technology.
Create a Quarantine Bucket List that your whole family contributes to making. This will give your family focus and something to look forward to. Write your bucket list items on a big piece of paper and hang it somewhere in your home. Let the kids check off each item as you complete it! (*Hint: Simple is sweet! Some simple ideas include: making indoor smores, a movie night, skipping to the mailbox, and building a plastic cup building).
Take advantage of free resources being offered right now. TheEveryMom compiled a great list, click here!
Find an uplifting mantra, scripture, or quote that you can refer back to when things get overwhelming. Write it down and post it in the middle of your home for inspiration.
Celebrate the victories and the joys along the way, and forget the rest. There’s a major learning curve here! Be flexible...it’s okay for each to look and feel different.
Moms know: we can do hard things. This is just one more thing to add to the list. Amiright?!
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Have you ever noticed the phenomenon that occurs between people who are embarking on something new and exciting and the people who have already traversed that road?
First comes the acknowledgement of your announcement or status change, followed quickly by a pop-up shower on your otherwise sunny parade.
Impending motherhood, especially, seems to invite these type of responses that focus more on the negatives than the positives - sure to leave any expecting mom with more doubts and fears in place of joy and expectation.
]]>Have you ever noticed the phenomenon that occurs between people who are embarking on something new and exciting and the people who have already traversed that road?
It usually goes something like this. First comes the acknowledgement of your announcement or status change, followed quickly by a pop-up shower on your otherwise sunny parade.
“Yay, you graduated! [pause] Time to get ready for the real world…..”
“Congrats on your engagement! [pause] But just wait…..what you consider “cute” quirks now will soon drive you nuts!”
And then upon learning baby news:
“I heard you’re expecting! [pause] Being a mom is going to be the hardest, most exhausting thing you’ve ever done.”
"It's a girl? [pause] Get ready - girls are drama queens! Oh and be prepared to be broke for the rest of your life."
"It's a boy? [pause] Just wait for all the potty jokes and exhaustion of chasing them around."
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I’m not saying all of these statements are necessarily false, but what is interesting (and disheartening) is the instinctive need to sucker punch you with a reality check in the midst of celebratory news. It might be in the name of "honesty" or "keeping it real" but actually it’s an unfortunate combination of bad timing and the element of unsolicited opinion. And we all know how readily negative comments will plant themselves into our hearts and minds.
Certainly there is a time and a place for a behind the scenes perspective, but maybe the middle of your parade isn’t the ideal time for a rainshower.
Impending motherhood, especially, seems to invite these type of responses that focus more on the negatives than the positives - sure to leave any expecting mom with more doubts and fears in place of joy and expectation.
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Years ago when expecting my first child, I was equally bombarded with Excited Ellens and Debbie Downers; and some were one in the same.
But one day while getting my hair done, my stylist (who was a mom herself) said to me simply, “You’re going to love motherhood.” Joy radiated through her response and I knew she was being genuine.
Her reaction immediately lessened the tension in my shoulders and caused a smile to spread across my face.
I realized at that moment how deficient I was in hearing affirming responses. Very few had validated the good I would discover in my next season and left it at that. It was always followed up with “just you wait…..”
But she told me I was going to love it. Full stop.
It didn't erase any of my own hesitations, or place rose-colored glasses on my face about what the day to day life of a mom would be; but it did give me hope and anchored me back to what I knew to be true deep down.
I’ll never forget that moment.
And now looking back, I can say her words have proven true. Of course, every moment of being a mom isn't enjoyable, that's not realistic and that’s not what she was implying. But motherhood as a whole? I love it. I really do.
And now, I try my best to do that for other people - to simply cheer on the sidelines of their parade - no matter what season they are marching forward into.
And so, expecting mama, today I’m saying it to you. In case you're wondering, or doubting, or getting lost in the weeds of fear - don't.
You’re going to love it.
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Here at Wyatt's Maternity, helping you feel confident in your motherhood and breastfeeding journey is our favorite thing! We have numerous resources available to you to ease this transition. Take a minute to look around while you're here, and reach out if we can help in any way. Thanks for reading!
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Did you know that many hospitals are now calling that special time immediately following birth the “Sacred Hour”?
That’s because it is sacred. It cannot be re-lived; it’s a once-in-a-lifetime moment and should be prioritized as such.
]]>The Sacred Hour looks like this: Immediately following delivery and for the first hour thereafter, the baby, unswaddled, is placed directly on the mother’s bare chest and left skin to skin without interruption as long as no medical intervention is necessary for mom or baby (routine things like medication and weight checks can be delayed until after the first hour). This is also sometimes referred to as “kangaroo care”.
And yes, C-section mamas can have this experience with their newborn (expecting moms should inquire about post-delivery protocols to see if this is a priority for their hospital).
Most moms will experience skin to skin contact with their newborn but don’t know exactly why it’s important or what the extent of the benefits are. Well, let’s dive in because it’s fascinating, and doesn't just have positive effects in the short term, but the long term as well. Who knew such a simple act could be so beneficial and powerful?
Since mom and baby have spent the last 40ish weeks physically connected to one another, the transition to life outside the womb should be handled with great care and intention. Remaining in close physical contact with one another is the best method we have for emulating the experience in the womb & helping babies peacefully and gradually adjust to life outside the womb.
Think about it….newborns leave behind their cozy, close quarters with around the clock nutrition and temperature control and abruptly encounter bright lights, fluctuating temperatures, new smells, air in place of water...it’s a lot to take in. No wonder the first thing we listen for is a cry!
But close contact with mom provides familiarity, warmth, and comfort, easing this stark change in their reality.
The initial (and most commonly known) benefits of skin to skin time are:
When we look a little further we note these benefits for the baby specifically:
Now let’s look into the remarkable ways skin to skin impacts breastfeeding in particular:
The first benefit we see is an early initiation of breastfeeding. The close proximity to one another kickstarts a helpful cycle in which the mother’s milk production and milk volume is stimulated (thanks, oxytocin hormone!), and because of that, the scent and physical contact provides an early cue to the baby to attempt latching. It's pretty incredible that the first thing we can do to cultivate a healthy breastfeeding relationship is to snuggle our baby! Simple, but incredibly effective.
If allowed the time and opportunity, newborn babies can even initiate the first feeding all on their own - a phenomenon called the “breast crawl” or “self-latching”. It’s a process that occurs over the span of about an hour, completely unassisted. Such an astonishing instinct! Allowing this to occur can take some of the pressure off the mom in regards to feeding, and establishes a positive first experience.
Not only does skin to skin get breastfeeding started off on the right foot, but the overall duration of breastfeeding is even improved when this mother-baby interaction is prioritized immediately following birth. One study showed double the duration of nursing with as little as 15 minutes of skin to skin.
Considering these substantial benefits and the profound payoff, we would say the “Sacred Hour” is aptly named, wouldn’t you? And bravo to the medical world for respecting and protecting this crucial time of connection for moms and babies.
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*References/Resources:
https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/806325_1
https://www.chihealth.com/en/services/maternity/sacred-hour.html
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If you’re an expecting mom and still in need of a breast pump, we’d love to help you attain one through insurance at no cost to you. Just CLICK HERE to get started!
]]>As mothers, we are the Memory Makers. The Documenters. The Keepsake Keepers. The Sentimental Sallies.
We are the ones meticulously filing away absurdly large piles of school papers and artwork (or the ones tossing them in the recycling bin when our child isn’t looking!)
We fall into either extreme or somewhere in the middle, but regardless, it’s up to us, isn’t it?
Why do we even keep track at all?
]]>As mothers, we are the Memory Makers. The Documenters. The Keepsake Keepers. The Sentimental Sallies.
We are the ones meticulously filing away absurdly large piles of school papers and artwork (or the ones tossing them in the recycling bin when our child isn’t looking!)
We fall into either extreme or somewhere in the middle, but regardless, it’s up to us, isn’t it?
Why do we even keep track at all?
Because this time is fleeting and we know it. Every parent has bemoaned the passing of time and watched in awe as our children literally grow right before our eyes. Mementos, photographs, journals, notes, and videos all allow us to hang on to these cherished days just a bit longer. We can relive them if we’ve taken the time to document them.
We are so careful about preserving their childhood memories, but who’s keeping track of ours? As the mom in the story?
Motherhood and childhood are, of course, inextricably intertwined. Our pages go together and tell the whole narrative from two unique perspectives. The story really isn’t complete without both.
Motherhood is such a gift, isn’t it? It can also be such a blur. The days fold in on one another and in some seasons seem to repeat endlessly. We are sleep-deprived and wrung out emotionally, mentally, and physically by the end of each day.
How will we remember what it was like for us, to raise these babies of ours?
Don’t you want to be able to look back and recount your motherhood journey with detail and texture and layers and full color? The good and the hard, the things that made you laugh, and the ones that made you crazy?
Your life as a mom deserves to be documented as much as your child’s memories do. So let's discuss how we start being intentional about preserving our own memories.
Let’s cut right to the chase: YOU need to be in them!
If you follow Susie of “Busy Toddler” on the internet, you know about “Proof of Mom” pictures. If not, you can read all about it HERE, but ultimately she came to the same sad realization most of us would: since moms are often the ones TAKING the photos of our kids, we are rarely IN them.
Professional photos of you with your family are truly treasures and something you’ll never regret making time or budgeting for. Find a local photographer who has a good reputation and a style you're drawn to. And yes - they can be done on a budget! Many photographers offer “mini” sessions which are abbreviated sessions at a lower rate. You can also hire someone who’s just beginning their photography career and would take your photos for little or no charge in exchange for the experience and building their portfolio.
Milestone photos should not ONLY show your child at that important moment in time, but you as well! You’re also changing and growing right alongside your kids. (Even if you aren’t looking or feeling your best - these images never have to see the light of day! They are for you alone to revisit one day.)
Examples of landmark moments to be included in: Baby’s birth, breastfeeding journey, postpartum days, child’s first birthday and birthday party, Christmas morning, first day of school.
This "Proof of Mom" principle also applies to family outings and adventures. The next time you’re out with your kids for ice cream or a day at the children’s museum, just ask someone nearby to snap a quick photo for you so you can jump in the frame. Trust me, you’ll want more than “selfies” with your kids!
Equally as important is documenting the simpler, everyday moments of your life. You know the ones: when you’re snuggled up on the couch reading books together, nursing your infant, making dinner with hungry kids at your feet, rocking a baby in a dimly lit nursery...these moments are such treasures because they tell the true story of your life. This is where the majority of your time and investment is spent.
When your spouse is nearby, ask them to snap a quick photo of the moment as it’s happening. If you need to record these moments yourself, technology is your friend! Use your phone’s self-timer, video mode, or buy a cheap phone tripod and remote!
Most of us keep a memory box for our kids filled with special items from their childhood. But have you considered keeping a motherhood memory box?
Some items you could include: hospital bracelet, dried flowers from Mother’s Day, store bought and handmade cards from your children, pictures your kids have drawn depicting your entire family, favorite maternity shirt, books that have informed or inspired your motherhood, or anything else pertaining to your experience as a mom that would be meaningful for you to look back on.
This is a crucial element of documenting your motherhood, because no one else can record the details of your experience like you can! Some people love to document by journaling, but for those of you who do not, keep reading! It can be accomplished in a variety of ways depending on your natural tendencies and preferences.
Be sure to date your thoughts and keep this journal in a spot where you will see if frequently so you remember to add to it on a regular basis.
You can’t beat the ease and convenience of taking notes in your phone. Just make sure you date them and include enough detail to remember specific moments. Also important: back these up so you don't risk losing them!
Many people do this already without even realizing it. Posting a photo along with a caption is an easy way to document memories. Tip: Create your own unique hashtag for your motherhood-specific posts, i.e., #yourname'smotherhoodjourney
These can be short notes or long-form letters written to yourself (past, present, and/or future). Place these in your motherhood keepsake box.
This is a great method if you are not typically a journaler! In a new notebook, begin by skipping the first few pages and write headings on the top of pages for categories like: Motherhood Quotes, Moms Who Inspire Me, Mom Hacks, Favorite Books about Motherhood, Routines & Rhythms, Joys in Motherhood, Favorite Trips/Vacations, Struggles in Motherhood, How I’m Growing, Prayers, Favorite Traditions etc. Number each page. Then go back to the front of the notebook and write in your own index so you know which page coordinates with which list.
If you already use a planner for organizing your schedule, at the end of each week simply write in your motherhood-related highs and lows from the past week, as well as any standout memories. Use the calendar to write in any milestones you’ve experienced alongside your kids. Easy!
General journaling prompts and tips:
We hope this inspires you to begin (or continue!) documenting your motherhood. The memories you're making today - good and bad and in-between - are invaluable and will be so meaningful to revisit down the road.
]]>One of the most common associations we make with motherhood is the concept of a supportive, tight-knit “village” of mothers to build community with. But for many moms this village can be elusive or even non-existent.
BUT -- it doesn’t have to be this way.
It doesn’t have to stay this way. You don’t have to continue through this season without support. We need each other. Motherhood thrives most in conjunction with other mothers - for advice, a listening ear, understanding, encouragement - someone to journey alongside us who really, actually, fully gets it.
This is particularly true for women who live far from family, are the first to have babies in their friend circle, military spouses, or any other scenario that makes community more difficult to obtain.
Motherhood in these kind of circumstances can breed some of the deepest loneliness and isolation a woman will ever experience.
And this is not a need exclusive to first time moms. Moms of multiples need connection and support just as much.
BUT -- I’m really glad to be able to insert a “but” there, especially if the beginning of this post described you at all, hang on because there is good news ahead -- it doesn’t have to be this way.
It doesn’t have to stay this way. You don’t have to continue through this season without support. We need each other. Motherhood thrives most in conjunction with other mothers - for advice, a listening ear, understanding, encouragement - someone to journey alongside us who really, actually, fully gets it.
If there’s a village void in your motherhood journey, then build one yourself.
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One day while at the playground with my little girl and new baby boy, I spotted another mom who looked eerily like me. Well, she had beautiful red hair (I’m blonde), and both her kiddos were boys, but what I mean is that she and I appeared to be living the same life.
When we found ourselves standing next to the same play equipment, I spoke up and asked how old her youngest was that she had in a carrier - just like me. “Four months old,” she replied. Same as my baby!
We continued our conversation - over to the swings, then the slides, constantly interrupted - as we trailed our older kids around the park. We quickly found out that we both worked in the same field, had delivered our babies in the same hospital (by the same doctor), and even had a handful of mutual friends already.
We both voiced that we were equally glad to have made a connection that day. I asked for her Instagram info before leaving the park so we could continue to chat, and I'm so glad I did.
That friendship grew into more playdates and even time hanging out together without our kids!
I share this because I need you to know that building friendships in this motherhood season does not have be complicated. It only takes a small effort, someone to “go first” and then it will oftentimes grow organically from there.
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So, make the decision now to be the one.
Be the one to look up and look around. There are moms in your life already - you just haven’t connected with them yet! They are the ones who frequent the same parks, libraries, and pools as you. They, like you, crave connection and support from local moms. Be the one to initiate conversation. Be the one to ask questions! Be the one to reach out and invite. Join a mom meet up. Or join a mom group online first, if you’re really hesitant. It may not always work out, or it may not always be reciprocated. But many times - it will!
Motherhood was never meant to be a solo sport. Someone has to rally the team. Let it be you! Cultivating community is always worth the time, effort, and risk.
Build your village and watch your motherhood thrive.
“It takes a village to raise a child; it takes a village to raise a mother, too."
-Joni Edelman
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Here at Wyatt’s Pharmacy, we are committed to supporting you in your motherhood. One way we do that is by helping you receive a free breast pump through insurance, so CLICK HERE if you could benefit in that way. We also offer a variety of maternity and new baby items you can check out! Please reach out if you need any help with ordering supplies.
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The holidays are so close and we already have the packed schedules and frazzled hearts to show for it. We’re in the thick of it right now - crossing things off our list, Amazon prime-ing constantly, wrapping up the gifts we’ve already purchased, cooking for parties, mailing out Christmas cards - all of this on top of our regularly scheduled programming of mothering, family, and work commitments.
If the holidays were a marathon, we’re at mile marker 18, with some of the most exhausting miles ahead of us.
Sometimes I think we prioritize our to-do list so much that we miss out on what’s actually important to us.I want to encourage you today to take five minutes to list out your ideal expectations for this rapidly approaching season. It can be short and sweet as long as it’s honest.
What tradition(s) give you the most joy?
What kind of quality time with your own family unit is a non-negotiable?
Who is a must-see/visit this time of year?
If you could only choose 1-2 holiday gatherings to attend, which ones would they be?
If you’re having a hard time with this exercise, focus on how you want to feel when the whirlwind of Christmas is over - and then run every to-do list item through that filter.
If something on your calendar or to-do list isn’t fitting your criteria, see how you can modify it or possibly cross it off your list altogether.
As the moms, and typically the planners/schedulers for our family, we have to remember we are largely responsible for the atmosphere in our home. If you were to evaluate it right now, how would you describe yours? (Or, more revealing possibly, how would your children describe it?) Rushed? Disconnected? Relaxed? Joyful? Or maybe something in between?
The good news is that you get to decide. You can choose what spirit you want this entire season to operate out of. It’s simply a matter of pressing pause and recalibrating now. Model what you want to see from the people in your home and in your life.
Be restful. Joyful. Generous. Be present.
The magic of this season for me personally is experiencing it as a mama: through the heart of my kids. I bet you would say the same for yourself.
If that’s true, then we have to create the space for it. We have to make some time to sit still and soak it in. We have to figure out what’s important as a family and then make it happen. We will probably have to say some “no’s” and turn down some invitations. The reward, though, is a fulfilling season instead of a draining one.
If you’re intentional now, then at the finish line of this holiday, you’ll feel the difference. You’ll feel the fullness of the season, not just the exhaustion. You don’t have to lose your family or the magic in the holiday marathon!
Wishing you the Merriest Christmas, on behalf of the entire Wyatt’s Pharmacy team.