LilSugar

Why Didn't Anybody Tell Me: Smells Like Maple Syrup

LilSugar — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 07:00:12 -0700

Many breastfeeding mommas opt for reinforcement in hopes of keeping the good stuff flowing and I was no exception. I started taking the herbs Fenugreek and Blessed Thistle when I noticed my milk supply was dwindling. My child's pediatrician spoke very highly of the natural remedy, and while it did work like a charm, she forgot to mention one side effect that I would've liked to know.

To hear the sweet tale, just read more.

After about four days of persistently popping handfuls of pills several times a day, I noticed that something didn't smell right. Upon further investigation I realized that the something was me - and I smelled just like maple syrup! Not exactly the scent I typically go for. I was completely freaked out when I called the doctor but she said, "Oh yeah, that is how you know it's working - the smell should go away when you stop taking the herbs." I continued pumping up my supply with the herbal supplements (and the stink did go away once I stopped), but that kind of information would have come in handy. Thanks doc.

I now know that a syrupy scent is to be expected when taking Fenugreek, but did you ever notice a smell when taking the herb?

We want to hear your shocking, funny, embarrassing, and insightful pregnancy and motherhood stories. Join our Why Didn't Anybody Tell Me? group over in our LilSugar Community and share your tales and tips.

Which Body Part Changed Most Postpartum?

babysugar — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 06:00:49 -0700

The human body is an amazing work of art, especially the female form that can stretch and shrink with the birth of a child. While many moms can get back to the prebaby weight or even work their way back to abs of steel, their postpartum bodies will never be the same. A herniated belly button, stretch-marked tummies, or wide hips may be the indicators of motherhood that mommy will never be able to change. Which body part changed most dramatically for you postpartum?

Flickr User chrisbastian44

Why Didn't Anybody Tell Me: Pregnancy and Carpal Tunnel

LilSugar — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 04:00:29 -0700

Pregnancy and motherhood are ripe with shocking, funny, embarrassing, and insightful moments. All too often we have that "how did I not know that?!" moment. We created the Why Didn't Anybody Tell Me? group in the LilSugar Community for you to share the things you wished somebody had told you, too. cheersdarlin916 shares her startling discovery:

I have been having issues with my forearms and my hands going painfully numb at night and the last couple of nights have been so bad it is causing me to loose sleep. I did some research online and then talked to a nurse at my doctor's office and sure enough I have carpal tunnel syndrome. Just when I think I get past one issue (be it nausea, insomnia, or getting GD under control) something else like this pops up. They tell me that it will likely go away within a month of having my baby but I am not even due for another three months. Good grief.

cheersdarlin916 isn't alone on this one. Studies have shown that one out of four pregnant women complain of the syndrome, usually in the second or third trimester of pregnancy. Did you experience it?

We want to hear your shocking pregnancy and motherhood stories. Join our Why Didn't Anybody Tell Me? group over in our LilSugar Community and dish your tales and tips.

Why Didn't Anybody Tell Me: Stay-at-Home Mom

LilSugar — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 14:00:10 -0700

I'm about to pop which means my maternity leave is likely just days away. While I've always been a working mother, I can't wait to gain stay-at-home mom status for a few months. I've done it twice before when my daughter and son were born and loved every minute - even those that were covered in spit-up. While spending so much quality time with my kids is the obvious perk, there are others that are often overlooked. Here's my list!

I get to drop off and pick up my kids from school and get more involved in their daily activities.
Impromptu trips to the park don't revolve around my work deadlines.
An 8 a.m. trip to the grocery store is less stressful than weekend ones.
Forget scheduling meetings or appointments, life is all about playdates!
Sweats and sneakers is a totally acceptable outfit.
My kids will get my undivided attention (well, it will be divided between the three of them!)

What is or was your favorite thing about being a stay-at-home mom? Join our The Mommy Club over in our LilSugar community and share your stories! Here's a detailed guide to posting questions or posts to groups if you are new to the PopSugar Community.

Why Didn't Anybody Tell Me: Confidence

LilSugar — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 09:00:30 -0700

I wish I could bottle my daughter's confidence. That way when she grows into a tween or teen that doubts herself, I would have it to hand back to her. She recently informed me that she's trying out for her school's talent show. When I asked if she'd be performing with friends or by herself, she told me she's going to do a "solo in front of thousands of people."

Whether or not she makes the cut or bails because of stage fright at the tryouts really doesn't matter. It was just priceless to watch my five-year-old who didn't know anyone when she started kindergarten last month decide if she should sing or play guitar because she's "good at both." My girl isn't a vocalist and has never had a music lesson, but no matter how off-key she is while belting out her homemade tune - I will beam with pride because my child completely believes in herself.

We want to hear your shocking, funny, embarrassing, and insightful pregnancy and motherhood stories. Join our Why Didn't Anybody Tell Me? group over in our LilSugar community and share your tales and tips.

Why Didn't Anybody Tell Me: Baby-to-Be's Head

LilSugar — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 07:00:44 -0700

I coughed and almost peed my pants. It's time for my baby to make its debut. Someone once told me that at the end of pregnancy, there's so much pressure that it feels like your crotch is being dragged across sandpaper. I've reached that stage. There's something so awkward about walking around with your child's head between your legs. I remember having this sensation while expecting my son. He'd stretch and I'd think I was about to deliver. When he measured just shy of 23 inches at birth, I knew I hadn't imagined it. The doctor told me I "dropped" a few weeks ago, but as of this week the baby descended even more, which makes it uncomfortable to sit at certain angles. Some mothers compare this situation to having a softball wedged in their body; how did you describe it?

We want to hear your shocking, funny, embarrassing, and insightful pregnancy and motherhood stories. Join our Why Didn't Anybody Tell Me? group over in our LilSugar community and share your tales and tips.

Source: Flickr User McBeth

Why Didn't Anybody Tell Me: Shared Postpartum Rooms

LilSugar — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 05:00:52 -0700

Most women are no holds barred when giving birth - some scream, others go silent and 75 percent poop during delivery. Regardless of the antics, no one focuses on anything other than the baby making its debut. Hospitals normally offer spacious birthing rooms for expectant ladies to labor in that fit the father and anyone else the couple wants to invite to witness the arrival. But once the newborn has been welcomed into the world, the family is usually moved to smaller postpartum accommodations. In my experience, the basic quarters included a bed, a futon type piece of furniture for the dad, space to roll up the babe's bassinet, a couple of chairs and an in-suite bathroom. Though it was a tight squeeze with nurses shuffling in and out, the peace of a private room gave my husband and me time to bond with our infant and visit with relatives and friends.

Our hospital only offers single rooms so I was surprised to learn that many mommies spend their children's first days of life with roommates! I'm a big believer in the more, the merrier - except in this situation. I recall asking my husband to toss my catheter bag behind the table before guests arrived, sprinkling blood across the floor as I made my way towards the shower and having my diaper ice packs changed after enduring a pretty intense tear. While these things are part of motherhood, they made me a bit woozy and I can't imagine having to worry about my bunk mate and her baby's feelings. Would sharing a postpartum room bother you?

Got a few other secrets that you learned the hard way? Come dish with us on all the things your mama forgot to tell you in our Why Didn't Anybody Tell Me group over in our LilSugar community!

Source: Flickr User Emery Co Photo

Why Didn't Anybody Tell Me? The Aftermath of Vomit

babysugar — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 09:00:34 -0700

Just because mommy can handle the grotesque image of vomit doesn't mean she will deal well with the cleanup. The splat on the floor is easy enough to wipe up but the discolored clothes and soaked sheets are another matter entirely. Many a mom's first instinct is to throw it all in the wash. Let me save you a plumber's bill and months of stank by telling you to rinse as much of the mess off the surface as possible before tossing it in the bin with detergent. Take it outside and spray it with a hose or run it under the bathtub faucet. Ladies who think the stench is going to disappear into the wash tubes may be more than disappointed to discover the remnants of the baby's tummy may find their way into the underbelly of the washing machine for months to come.

Got a few secrets of your own that you learned the hard way? Come dish with us on all the things your mama forgot to tell you in our Why Didn't Anybody Tell Me? group over in our LilSugar community!

Why Didn't Anybody Tell Me: Sore Joints

babysugar — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 04:00:29 -0700

Pregnancy affects everybody differently and I mean every BODY. Some women gain 12 pounds while others gain 100 more. One lady may carry the weight in her legs but her sister holds it in the rear. Though we are thankful for our figures and what they have produced, bodies rarely go back to the condition they once were. Mommy may get her taut tummy back or her svelte legs in kickin' gear, but it often feels different than before baby's arrival.

There are two things an expectant lady can count on hurting postpartum: her vagina and boobs. The former is pushing a seven-pound life out so naturally it would endure some pain. And breastfeeding or not, the breasts are going to take a hit from engorgement. New mommies may expect that to be the only ache, but the Motrin doesn't stop there.

To see what else may need recovery, read more.

During labor, some women's knees are placed by their ears as they push. The pressure can give the joints quite a workout that requires some ease of movement. That same forward pushing motion can also make for a sore lower back. New mothers often hunch forward as they learn the ropes of nursing which can compound the trouble. But alas, these pains will all disappear in time and mama may find her knees stronger than ever allowing her to run after that two-year-old rascal!

Got a few secrets of your own that you learned the hard way? Come dish with us on all the things your mama forgot to tell you in our Why Didn't Anybody Tell Me group over in our LilSugar community!

Why Didn't Anybody Tell Me: Mammograms

babysugar — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 13:00:37 -0700

Ever had the refrigerator door slam shut on your naked boob? Yeah, me neither, but I had a mammogram. Once described to me as such, I also heard it was like a steamroller pressing a breast into the pavement. While it was far from comfortable, it was certainly not the torture chamber I envisioned. Before undergoing the procedure, I asked the technician how she would describe the pain. She laughed at me and asked if I had kids. When I told her yes, she followed up her first query with a second one - did I breastfeed them? When I told her yes, she said, "This is going to be a cakewalk." After some positioning, four x-rays, and roughly 10 minutes, I was dressed and ready to go. Unlike my first experience nursing, the much dreaded breast screening was quick, painless and hopefully unwarranted for another two years. Lucky for me, mammograms ain't got nothin' on nursing mamas.