Queens Mamas

Handmade Baby Items In Queens

I was online shopping around Etsy, my favorite handmade collective, the other day. I was able to find some great local Queens crafters who make awesome kids stuff. Here are a few of my fav's.

What The Heck Is Baby Wearing Anway?

When a baby is screaming one will do almost anything to make them stop, this includes wearing them. The very last thing I want to do after carrying this bundle for 40 weeks is carry her a little more but here I find myself ready to strap on the sling. I have heard this referred to as the fourth trimester.

Sleep When The Baby Sleeps - And Other Stupid Advice

I had forgotten until recently how much bad advice is out there about parenting and baby care. Today we will be discussing the "Sleep When The Baby Sleeps" message that is splattered across every parenting magazine in the country.

Prevent Stretch Marks During Pregnancy - Or At Least Give It Your Best Shot

You DO NOT have to spend a fortune to do some good preventative work on your skin during pregnancy. The list is not long or complicated, just make sure you have a partner who is eager to apply.

Palmers Cocoa Butter - Sold at most local drugstores

Good, cheap, and easy to use! Do not begin applying cocoa butter when it is already too late, try to start early and you will see (or not see) the rewards. Apply this once at night before you go to bed.

Dove Cream Oil Lotion - Also sold at most local drugstores

This smooth and faint smelling lotion is #1 for massage cream and great for moisturizing your skin when you don't want to use the Palmers. Also good for back and foot massages.

Bliss Lemon Sage Body Scrub - Sold at Sephora

Exfoliating is a great way to keep blood flow to your skin and help circulation. The more blood flow, the fewer stretch marks.

Thats it. No fancy creams no half hour beauty routine. Just some every day TLC.

Shop Here for all 3 Items

Stick A Fork In Me - I'm Done

" Don't you know what happens when you eat watermelon seeds?"

" Are you ready to pop or what?"

" Are you having twins?" - I'm not

" So....... how are you feeling?"

" Be patient... the baby will come when she's ready"

" Just relax "

I have heard all of the above in the past week. I am 41 weeks pregnant and if I hear the word "POP" one more time I may be delivering this baby on Rikers Island (cause I will kill the person who says it). I have tried long walks, sex, wine, primrose oil, red raspberry leaf tea, acupuncture, massage, more long walks and more sex. Nothing has brought my cervix anywhere close to delivering this baby. I have cleaned my house a dozen times, packed my bags, done the car seat, and now I'm just plain going crazy. This Butterball is ready to come out of the oven.

Maternity Clothes On A Budget

I decided early on in my pregnancy to take a recession proof approach to maternity clothes. It made me sick to walk into a maternity wear store and find price tags in the $100's and above. For clothes I was only going to wear for 6 months? I don't think so! I have spent my pregnancy looking for non maternity maternity wear that is affordable and comfortable. This weekend I visited one of the best boutiques in Queens, Stella Gialla at The Shops at Atlas Park, to try on some of this summers fab finds. All for under $100

  

Here are some tips on finding cheap and chic fashion for your bump

• Certian cuts work great for maternity. Empire, or high waisted dresses will last you throughout your pregnancy since there is little restriction around the middle.
• You don't have to buy maternity if you just buy bigger. Try on a couple of loose elastic band or drawstring pants and buy them in a slightly larger size.
• Cotton and anything spandex is a good investment. It is soft, comfortable and will last you for the duration of your pregnancy.
• Do not be afraid to try on anything that looks like it will fit, maternity or otherwise. If you can find someting that looks good in normal clothing or plus size, odds are you will save a ton of money.

There are a couple of things I did buy that were invaluable and well worth the money:

• The Bella Band - I bought 3 of these puppies in black, white, and nude. They were amazing and have lasted me for 9 whole months. Well worth the $$
• 2 Pairs of maternity pants - I bought 1 black pair and one pair of jeans.
• Crocs - they are not all as ugly as you think. They will save you back pain, veins, bone spurs, etc

Here are a few local stores and resources for finding maternity clothing that wont break the bank.

• Craigslist - People will sell their old maternity clothes here. Or you can list an add in Baby and Kids for clothing in your size. This is also a good place to find used baby gear.
• Daffy's - This store is located right below Target on Queens Blvd.
• Conway - I love Conway's ! It has trendy cheap clothing that you can buy for under $20
• Loehmanns - Also on Queens Blvd.
• Century 21 - This is not in Queens, but well worth the ride. You can find some great designer clothing for cheap cheap cheap
• Domseys Express - This hailed Brooklyn thrift store has moved to our neck of the woods.
• Mothers of Multiples sales - These groups are all over the country and if you are lucky enough to catch one you can find real deals on baby and maternity stuff. There is a moms club on Staten Island. I drove al the way there and made out like a bandit.

if you are the DIY Type, here is a link for how to make your old jeans into maternity pants.

What The Heck Is A Doula Anyway?

These were the words my husband spoke to me when I suggested hiring a doula. Many people have no idea what a doula is or the role they play in your labor. We met with our doula one night a couple of weeks ago, she came over and proceeded to tell us stories and give us advice on labor and how we as a couple could get through this experience with confidence. My husband was overjoyed, he no longer felt alone in this process, he had someone who would be at the birth of our daughter who was not screaming in pain and throwing up. Hooray!

For anyone who is considering a doula for their birth, let me give some of my own observations.

• I think that a Doula is the single most important person other than you and hubbie to attend your labor and birth. Forget mom or your BFF since high school, they have got nothing on this lady.

• Doulas have usually attended hundreds of births and have seen it all, they have birthed with midwives and doctors alike and are usually welcome in a hospital enviroment. For example, I am giving birth with a doctor at a hospital and I also have my doula attending.

• Your doula will be not only your birthing coach but also your advocate once you are in the hospital setting. She brings massage oils and birthing balls to help you with pain managment, she will also be another pair of hands in case your partner needs to pee or eat or breath ( not like you are going to care about them.. but someone should).

• You can decide the exact role of y our Doula with her but usually they will have one pre natal visit with you at your home and will be available by phone day or night until you go into labor. They will come to your home when you go into labor and accompany you to the hospital. After birth she will see you one more time for a post natal visit.

• Doulas cost anywhere from $500 - $2500 depending on their experience. In my mind it is the best money you can spend toward your birthing experience.

Here are some resources for women considering Doulas:

DONA - Doulas of North America. Have more info on doulas and a list of certified doulas in your area.

Doula.com - Has some good FAQ's about Doulas

The American Pregnancy Association - This is their page on Doula info

Childbirth.Org - Information on Doulas and other forms of childbirth, FAQ's and forums.

There are also local alliances of Doulas especially in the NYC area. I did a Google search and found hundreds. It is a bit like finding a needle in a haystack but you can interview as many as you want in order to find the right one for

St. Lukes Roosevelt Hospital - Losing Your Doctor During Pregnancy

The News - "Hello, you have no one to deliver your baby"

I am now a very large and somewhat unhappy pregnant woman of 38 weeks. Last Wednesday I received a phone call from my doctors office ( who are affiliated with St Luke's Roosevelt). On the other end of the line was an administrative assistant who told me that my doctor had gone on " emergency leave" and wouldn't be back for another 2 weeks maybe more (!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!). She then asked me if she could reschedule me for June, " only if you want to be the one delivering my baby" I said. She told me that there was another doctor filling in while my doctor was out, we made an appointment for the following day.... and then my blood pressure began to rise.... and didn't come down for 3 days. Loosing your doctor is one thing but loosing the doctor who you have entrusted the birth of your child is another.

The Substitute - or The Sud-standard as I liked to call him

At my appointment the following day I was introduced to the doctor who had agreed to take on all of my doctors patients. This arrogant prick didn't so much as give me a sideways glance and told my husband and I that he would deliver our baby unless he was on vacation (which he was planning) and everyone at St Luke's Roosevelt Hospital was more than qualified to deliver a baby so I shouldn't worry. And with that he left. No "Here is how I like to work, I am sorry for the position you have been put in". Nothing, except for the arrogance of a man who couldn't understand why I would be so upset. The nurse checked my blood pressure " It's high" she said " You don't say..." I replied.

Third Trimester Boredom Busters

 

I can no longer shave my own legs, put on my own shoes, or wear anything remotely resembling sexy. What now ? I bought all of the baby stuff and watched while my husband put together the crib. I am now officially bored with this pregnancy and want it to end. Short or drinking castor oil or something horrible like that here is what I am going to do during the next two weeks:

1. Cook meals in advance and freeze them because cooking is the last thing I am going to do after this baby is born.

2. Get a Mani-Pedi - pick a nice neutral color that won't look terrible when it starts to chip.

3. Put together my hospital bag.

• 2 pillows with colored or patterned pillow cases
• light snacks for labor and beyond
• clear fluid drinks
• lip balm
• toothpaste/ toothbrush
• washcloths ( I hear that hospitals only have paper towel... yuck)

• hairbrush, hair bands

• slippers

• ipod and speakers

• magazines and cards

• insurance cards

• x2 pairs of non bikini underwear

• 1 nursing bra

• pajamas

• toiletries

• outfit for baby

• outfit for me

4. Drink lots of Red Raspberry Leaf Tea

5. Lunch with as many friends as possible - before I can't do it without hauling a stroller and baby junk with me

6. Line up payment of next months bills - write checks in advance so that I don't have to do it after baby

7. Decide weather to Facebook my friends a birth anannouncement or send them old fashioned mail.

8. Blog. Seriously. Any mom who is not doing it should start.

9. Swim. Gosh it is hard but you don't train for the triathlon by sitting on the couch.

10. Line up my Netflix cue with movies I want to watch while breastfeeding.

• Breakfast at Tiffany's
• Erin Brockovich
• Gone with the Wind
• Casablanca
• Harry Potter - I love him
• House - Season 1 - 3

I Want A Cocktail !

 

I have been cocktail free for 9 months and I must admit to being a little over it. There is nothing I like more at the end of a stressful day than a dirty martini with extra olives… but alas! I cannot indulge in my favorite pastime. If anyone else feels my pain you can visit these links for some ideas for virgin substitutes. After all it’s the only thing about me right now that even remotely resembles a virgin.

http://www.drinksmixer.com/cat/183/

http://www.babycenter.com/0_pregnancy-safe-cocktail-recipes_8661.bc

http://www.babyzone.com/pregnancy/health_wellness/fitness_food_weight/photos_great_nonalcoholic_cocktails