As an expectant mom, nothing is more fun than gathering a compilation of tiny baby booties, teensy onesies, and all else that goes with your little one’s layette. But instead of the same pre-packaged layette from the same old mega department store, why not personalize your little one’s first wardrobe? Custom baby clothes are easy to make and can set your stylish one ahead of the crowd. There are actually a few easy ways to customize clothing – sans sewing machine - that I’d like to share with you.
Fabric markers are a great tool for making custom baby clothes. Personalized onesies is a pretty easy project, as I found out. I bought a multiple pack of white infant onesies, long- and short-sleeved. Next, I heat set some freezer paper, shiny side facing fabric, to the inside of the onesie on the same front surface I’d be working on. I used water-soluble markers to sketch designs and doodle on the onesie. Next, I retraced my sketches with brush-tip fabric markers. After letting dry, I used a spray bottle to wet and rinse off the water-soluble marker, leaving only my final design, then heat set based on manufacturer’s instructions. Viola!
Fabric stamp pads make great custom baby clothes. Carving your own designs into rubber stamps is a great, fun way to be creative. Or, like I did, you can go with a purchased stamp. Since stamp pads often leave more to be desired with uneven coverage, I used a fabric marker brush to color the stamp pad. Using the same procedure as above, with the freezer paper ironed to the shirt, I stamped designs, words, names and phrases. I then used the marker to fill in light areas before heat setting.
Creating custom baby clothes is a fun project to do at a baby shower, or simply when the nesting phase is in full swing. Don’t just limit yourself to onesies; customize hats, booties, sleep sacks and mitts, too. It does work best on 100% cotton fabric, but always check with the product manufacturer on what they recommend.
Showing posts with label baby. Show all posts
Showing posts with label baby. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
My Experience with an Epidural
I was pregnant for the first time, and the thought of giving birth terrified me. I had nine months to think about the process, and boy, did I. I watched television shows with real footage from labor and delivery rooms. I scoured the internet for both medical information and personal experiences of what other moms did. I read several books. I was all but convinced that I probably couldn’t handle the pain of childbirth and that I would need an epidural.
My goal was to make it through the childbirth process with as little intervention as possible. I did not want a cesarean section. I did not want to be induced, because I knew (from the many television shows I watched!) that my chances of having a c section were greatly increased following an induction. As for pain control, I considered narcotics until I realized they did little for pain relief but caused additional risk to the baby. I decided that I would attempt to make it through medication-free, but if it got too unbearable, I’d ask for an epidural.
I arrived at the hospital in active labor. After being admitted, a labor check revealed I was five centimeters dilated. I was doubled over in pain, in the fetal position and panting with each contraction. I immediately asked for the epidural. About a half hour later, the anesthesiologist came in to administer my pain medication. I sat upright on the bed, bending over to flex my spine and allow maximum space for the needle insertion. I was a little scared about that long needle coming so close to my spine, but the pain was so unbearable that it overshadowed my fear. About 15 minutes later, and the pain was gone. Thanks to the epidural, I was in a state of relief and pure comfort; I felt great! I was happy, but also sleepy – after all, it was nearly five o’clock in the morning. All went well and I safely delivered my baby boy to the cheers of my midwife and nurses. I was in a full state of awareness and contentment during childbirth. I felt no pain, but I did notice pressure during contractions. My legs and feet were numb, and that feeling took about 3 hours to totally wear off.
As I write this article nearly sixteen months later, I occasionally feel soreness in my spine near the site of my epidural. When I was first cleared to resume exercise, I couldn’t flex or extend my spine too much or I felt pain. This slowly wore off over a period of months, but there is still a small aching feeling there many times after I workout.
We are planning to try for baby number two later this year, and I am strongly considering skipping the epidural this time and going all-natural. While the feeling of pain relief offered by the drugs was great, it did cause me discomfort that I still feel to this day. Then again, ask me when I’m in active labor, and the first phrase out of my mouth may be “epidural, please!”
My goal was to make it through the childbirth process with as little intervention as possible. I did not want a cesarean section. I did not want to be induced, because I knew (from the many television shows I watched!) that my chances of having a c section were greatly increased following an induction. As for pain control, I considered narcotics until I realized they did little for pain relief but caused additional risk to the baby. I decided that I would attempt to make it through medication-free, but if it got too unbearable, I’d ask for an epidural.
I arrived at the hospital in active labor. After being admitted, a labor check revealed I was five centimeters dilated. I was doubled over in pain, in the fetal position and panting with each contraction. I immediately asked for the epidural. About a half hour later, the anesthesiologist came in to administer my pain medication. I sat upright on the bed, bending over to flex my spine and allow maximum space for the needle insertion. I was a little scared about that long needle coming so close to my spine, but the pain was so unbearable that it overshadowed my fear. About 15 minutes later, and the pain was gone. Thanks to the epidural, I was in a state of relief and pure comfort; I felt great! I was happy, but also sleepy – after all, it was nearly five o’clock in the morning. All went well and I safely delivered my baby boy to the cheers of my midwife and nurses. I was in a full state of awareness and contentment during childbirth. I felt no pain, but I did notice pressure during contractions. My legs and feet were numb, and that feeling took about 3 hours to totally wear off.
As I write this article nearly sixteen months later, I occasionally feel soreness in my spine near the site of my epidural. When I was first cleared to resume exercise, I couldn’t flex or extend my spine too much or I felt pain. This slowly wore off over a period of months, but there is still a small aching feeling there many times after I workout.
We are planning to try for baby number two later this year, and I am strongly considering skipping the epidural this time and going all-natural. While the feeling of pain relief offered by the drugs was great, it did cause me discomfort that I still feel to this day. Then again, ask me when I’m in active labor, and the first phrase out of my mouth may be “epidural, please!”
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Jogging with Baby!
Today I had my first experience with the jogging stroller. I was all fired up and ready to go! I pulled the dusty stroller out of the garage and gave it a good wipe-down, got myself hydrated and fueled for optimum performance, and was ready to head out and enjoy the sunny, near 70 degree weather. I strapped my little one into the seat after slathering him with SPF 50 sunscreen and dressing him in his own workout wear, including Calvin Klein velour hoody to protect his little head from the sun. I stashed my cell phone and keys in said stroller, strapped on my watch, tied up my running shoes, and headed out.
Then, reality hit. This was hard! I consider myself to be in pretty good shape. I typically jog 4-7 miles three times a week. Well, try running with a 35 lb. rucksack and a straightjacket on – that’s what jogging with a baby in tow feels like! Being the determined fitness buff that I am, I would not be deterred. I settled myself into a nice rhythm, albeit a lot slower than my normal pace sans baby, and found myself back in my driveway 40 minutes and a comfortable 3 miles later.
One thing that really did surprise me, other than how challenging this would be, was how much my baby would love it! If your baby likes riding in the car, being pushed in a regular stroller, or being worn in a carrier, he will probably love this, too. My little one sat and took in all the beautiful scenery, all of which was so new to him since this is the first sign of nice weather since he was born. There was a gentle breeze blowing, and that, combined with the rhythm of the stroller tires and the gentle rocking motion as I strolled along, relaxed my little guy and lulled him into a state of half sleep and coma! He stayed in this sleepy awake state for the duration of my jog. Upon returning to the house and giving him a quick feeding, he was down for the count – plus number three!
If you want to jog with your baby, here are a few safety tips to consider before you begin:
1. Protect your baby. This goes without saying. Dress baby appropriately based on the weather. Skin exposure to direct sunlight should be minimized. Make sure your baby is wearing a hat to protect his little head, and sunscreen made for babies and children on all exposed body parts.
2. Inspect your gear. Become very familiar with your stroller before using it. Use according to manufacturer’s suggestions. Make sure straps are tightened and secured properly. Try going for a trial and walking around the neighborhood first, to get the feel of your jogger and to get comfortable using it.
3. Plan your route. Know the distance and the neighborhood you wish to take beforehand. Try http://www.mapmyrun.com Choose a safe location and a well-lit time of day. Choose your route according to ease and convenience; for instance, are the sidewalks well kept and free and clear of obstructions? Is there a convenient jogging path close by? These will make your workout safer and more enjoyable.
4. Protect yourself. Take all the same precautions you normally would when going for a jog outdoors. These include appropriate clothing and gear for the weather, sun protection (including sunscreen, sunglasses and hat or cap), fuel and hydration.
Do not listen to an iPod while jogging! You need to have your full senses about you and be aware of everything.
Wear a watch to time your length away from home, and consider telling a close friend or family member when you’ll be gone and the route you plan to take, in case of an emergency. Bring your keys and cell phone, and even your ID card or Driver’s license, and secure them appropriately in your stroller.
5. Don’t over-exert yourself. Be smart. Exercising with your baby means you have to consider your own safety and health as it affects not only you, but your little one as well. Don’t try to be a superhero and do too much too soon. Build up your endurance slowly and consistently.
6. Don’t get discouraged. If baby becomes fussy, you get tired, or weather doesn’t cooperate, cut your workout short and try again later. The biggest obstacle to getting in shape is consistency. Be consistent, yet flexible, and you will eventually reach your goals!
Then, reality hit. This was hard! I consider myself to be in pretty good shape. I typically jog 4-7 miles three times a week. Well, try running with a 35 lb. rucksack and a straightjacket on – that’s what jogging with a baby in tow feels like! Being the determined fitness buff that I am, I would not be deterred. I settled myself into a nice rhythm, albeit a lot slower than my normal pace sans baby, and found myself back in my driveway 40 minutes and a comfortable 3 miles later.
One thing that really did surprise me, other than how challenging this would be, was how much my baby would love it! If your baby likes riding in the car, being pushed in a regular stroller, or being worn in a carrier, he will probably love this, too. My little one sat and took in all the beautiful scenery, all of which was so new to him since this is the first sign of nice weather since he was born. There was a gentle breeze blowing, and that, combined with the rhythm of the stroller tires and the gentle rocking motion as I strolled along, relaxed my little guy and lulled him into a state of half sleep and coma! He stayed in this sleepy awake state for the duration of my jog. Upon returning to the house and giving him a quick feeding, he was down for the count – plus number three!
If you want to jog with your baby, here are a few safety tips to consider before you begin:
1. Protect your baby. This goes without saying. Dress baby appropriately based on the weather. Skin exposure to direct sunlight should be minimized. Make sure your baby is wearing a hat to protect his little head, and sunscreen made for babies and children on all exposed body parts.
2. Inspect your gear. Become very familiar with your stroller before using it. Use according to manufacturer’s suggestions. Make sure straps are tightened and secured properly. Try going for a trial and walking around the neighborhood first, to get the feel of your jogger and to get comfortable using it.
3. Plan your route. Know the distance and the neighborhood you wish to take beforehand. Try http://www.mapmyrun.com Choose a safe location and a well-lit time of day. Choose your route according to ease and convenience; for instance, are the sidewalks well kept and free and clear of obstructions? Is there a convenient jogging path close by? These will make your workout safer and more enjoyable.
4. Protect yourself. Take all the same precautions you normally would when going for a jog outdoors. These include appropriate clothing and gear for the weather, sun protection (including sunscreen, sunglasses and hat or cap), fuel and hydration.
Do not listen to an iPod while jogging! You need to have your full senses about you and be aware of everything.
Wear a watch to time your length away from home, and consider telling a close friend or family member when you’ll be gone and the route you plan to take, in case of an emergency. Bring your keys and cell phone, and even your ID card or Driver’s license, and secure them appropriately in your stroller.
5. Don’t over-exert yourself. Be smart. Exercising with your baby means you have to consider your own safety and health as it affects not only you, but your little one as well. Don’t try to be a superhero and do too much too soon. Build up your endurance slowly and consistently.
6. Don’t get discouraged. If baby becomes fussy, you get tired, or weather doesn’t cooperate, cut your workout short and try again later. The biggest obstacle to getting in shape is consistency. Be consistent, yet flexible, and you will eventually reach your goals!
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