We were on lock down for a few months and states are now re-opening; however, it doesn’t mean COVID19 is gone. It means we have to use caution. The standard regulation is to just wear a mask as a precaution, for the protection of you and those around you, when in public. Otherwise, you can do whatever you want in the privacy of your home.
Masks have been proven to lower the transmission rates by keeping the droplets from the mouth within the mask.
No Mask vs Masked The mask catches the aerosolized droplets. Credit: Dr. Richard David. Providence Sacred Heart Center.
As a healthcare professional, I support our local officials’ decision to make masks mandatory in an effort to mitigate the spread. Someone has to pull the reigns on reckless behavior or the virus will spin out of control.
The last few months have been understandably uncomfortable, but will be behind us with togetherness and cooperation.
Today’s post is about how I have been able to maintain my milk supply since returning to work.
Milk StashMilk Stash
It has been two months since my return back to work. Baby Zay is primarily breastfed so it is important that I meet his nutritional needs. Here’s a short list of how I have been keeping my supply up:
Lactation Consultant
Our son’s Pediatric Office has a LC on staff that I receive support from. The office bills us to ensure our insurance will cover it (cool little loop hole) without us having to pay out of pocket.
Breast Pump
Breast pumps are great because you are able to release once your breast become engorged. I pump eight times per day because any less, in my experience, will make your supply decline.
Hydration
It’s important to stay hydrated or else your body will not produce much milk.
Converse With Other Moms
I embrace the advice given to me from other moms. It’s great to have a support system that you can share valuable information with.
Breonna Taylor was an EMT and aspiring nurse serving as the first point of care for many COVID19 victims. Today would have been her 27th birthday and I celebrate her life for being a positive force within her community. Her friends and family said she was attracted to healthcare because she cared about others. She once wrote: “Working in healthcare is so rewarding. It makes me feel happy when I know I’ve made a difference in someone else’s life”.
In a time where healthcare workers are accepting the risks and are becoming apart of the growing number of Covid19 victims, Breonna Taylor deserved much better.
There has been alot going on, which can take a toll on your mental health. Personally, there are moments where I have felt anxiety from the current events so don’t think you are alone in your feelings.
Our son was referred to Babies Can’t Wait because he was born early and spent time in the NICU. BCW’s role is to perform developmental assessments to check for any delays in meeting milestones and provide interventions if necessary. I’m excited and relieved that he passed his assessment with flying colors! That means all of our daily activities are working very well on him and he does not need any interventions.
Two years ago this week, my husband proposed to me at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens. I was under the impression that we were taking couple photos for a friend’s photography business as we have done once before. During our last photoshoot two months prior, I thought he was going to propose and was a little disappointed when he didn’t.
The proposal took place in one of the most beautiful areas of the garden with a large fountain in the background. I started crying when he bent down on one knee because we talked about our future before and now it was here; a reality.
There were a few people around that gave us our congratulations. Later, we drove to a low country restaurant, which is my all time favorite food. My mom is from the low country of SC so I know it well. When I walked in, to my surprise, our family and friends were there! They were there to congratulate and celebrate our new engagement. We talked, ate, took pictures, and had a good time. Afterwards, it started raining and we ran to the car. There we kissed like they do in the movies; corny and in the rain lol.
It’s been a while since my last post. With everything going on, I needed to take a break and focus on other things.
Life Update
I got accepted into an HR certification program at Syracuse University. The program is virtual and is available at no cost to Active Duty Members, Reservists, Veterans, and their Dependents. The program offers several certification options, but HR was the only program that could benefit my career (I work in the healthcare industry). For further information visit http://ivmf.syracuse.edu/.
I’ve been working on my sewing skills and started an Etsy called Med Life Creations, where I provide low cost face masks for people to wear. I got tired of seeing people walking around not protecting themselves or the people around them so I created a solution. I don’t charge anywhere near the amount as others because I’m not looking to cash out during a Pandemic.
Mother’s Day Weekend
My first Mother’s Day weekend was wonderful! I received a lot of calls, texts, and gifts; it was like an early Christmas. My weekend started with a virtual meetup with other moms and it was fun. We laughed, cried, and encouraged each other. It was one of the most positive events I ever attended.
Moreover, I’m filled with much gratitude to be here to celebrate Mother’s Day due to the complications I endured during my third trimester; an opportunity many mothers do not have. In the United States, the maternal mortality rate is the highest of the developed world and the numbers are significantly greater amongst Black Women. Black women, regardless of education and financial status are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy complications. Women sacrifice so much to bring life to this world; our bodies, emotional wellbeing, time, etc.
Today’s post discusses simple ways we encourage our son’s cognitive and physical development through play activities.
Tummy Time
Tummy time helps to strengthen many muscles throughout a baby’s body. It helps with other skills such as crawling, rolling, sitting, etc.
Everyday, Baby Zay performs tummy time on his Little Einstein activity mat for as long as he can tolerate it. He started as soon as he came home from the hospital with two to five minute sessions and now he can last up to an hour. While your child is performing tummy time, you want to remain present to monitor your baby and intervene when neccessary.
High Contrast Books
High contrast books supports young eye development. The simple lines and bold patterns are easier for babies to see.
We read to Baby Zay daily and point at the pictures. The goal is to support his eye development as well as attentional focus.
Baby Rattle
We use the rattle during play time because it helps with eye development and focus as well.
Baby Zay is able to focus on an object and watch its movement.
Wrist + Sock Rattles
Baby Zay loves these! The sound excites him and encourages him to move his arms and legs.
