Stop, Drop and Blog

I used to write these monthly on our prior family blog. It’s taken awhile to build up some search strings that lead people to Stop, Drop and Blog. We finally have quite a few and I thought I’d write about some of them today!

1. Strangely, the thing that leads most people to our site is a google for our blog’s name in some form or fashion. I find that amusing since the URL of our blog isn’t hard to remember. It’s simply stopdropandblog.com. I’m easy like that.

2. Postpartum weight loss is the next most popular search, in various terms. Some variations are “lost 25 pounds two weeks postpartum,” “plateau postpartum,” and “weight comes off slowly at first.” Let me tell you googling, overtired, emotional, hormonal postpartum mommies: every pregnancy is different and, as such, every postpartum healing period is different. That said, I know if you’re googling for something like that, you’re looking for some support. And so, here’s some support: it will come off. It may come off immediately, like it did after my first. It may take a full year, like it did after my second. You may lose all of the weight in three months but still not be the same shape as you were before, like after my third full-term pregnancy. And that’s where I am now. Having lost the weight but not the size. I’m learning to be okay with that and dress in creative ways to hide some of that shape-shifting that happened with this last pregnancy. (I have a post coming about that later this week!) But don’t get down on yourselves, mamas. Just trust me.

3. We then have a whole bunch of varied queries about tongue ties, the procedure for surgery (frenotomy), how it screws both breastfeeding and speech and so on. So, here’s a quick recap: tongue ties make breastfeeding suck. It totally screws the latch and if you don’t get it taken care of early, you run the risk of things more painful than shredded nipples. Due to the fact that the baby can’t properly drain the milk because of the tongue tie, you’re at a greater risk for plugged ducts (we only had two) and mastitis (we lucked out here, knock on wood). Also, if you wait too long to consider the procedure, the lingual frenulum can get too thick and your child may need anesthesia. Ask sooner than later. Sadly, when many mothers inquire with their normal pediatrician, they are told that it won’t help breastfeeding. And are told to just wait it out. That’s a blatant lie, mama. The relief was immediate. That said, many mamas and babies do have to relearn latching after a frenotomy so a week of patience is necessary. Lastly, if your doctor doesn’t want to do a thing about it, politely ask for a referral to a pediatric Ear, Nose and Throat doctor in a larger city. Just say you’re covering all of your bases.

4. Then we’ve got all kinds of search strings about cloth diapers, mainly Fuzzi Bunz, laundry detergent choices and Goodmama diapers. I do have a full on post about Goodmamas coming in the near future but I’ll give you a brief update about our current State of Cloth Diapering in the FireHouse. We’re still loving the cloth. Totally loving. We mainly use Fuzzi Bunz for their ease of use (read: FireDad has no problems) and their sizing. (Each size lasts the baby quite awhile.) We are still using the same washing routine as I previously mentioned: baking soda, Purex Free & Clear, a squirt or two of original Dawn and a cap full of Calgon for our hard water. (For more info on the actual routine, read this post.) We still have had no repelling issues, no staining and very few leaks. Leaks have come from too long in a diaper (church service, for example) and so for overnights and longer times in a diaper (a car ride back to The Farm or church), we’re double stuffing our pockets. (I’ve got more information coming in the soon-to-be post about our preferences on inserts.) As for what else we’re using? We’ve branched into one-size fitteds with covers. (Yes, the previously mentioned and now much-loved Goodmamas as well as a few others.) Stay tuned for that!

5. A bunch of searches for potty training help. Trust me. I’m no help. But pick up the No Cry Potty Training Solution (Pantley). We’re just starting to implement a few things but we’re still a long ways away from any “success.” Best of luck to you!

6. A bunch more searches for breastfeeding, postpartum weight loss and the infamous bridesmaid gown. To be honest? I haven’t been fitted yet. However, I did recently find a strapless nursing bra at La Leche League’s online store. I don’t know how to modify a bridesmaid dress for breastfeeding and haven’t yet figured out how to handle any of this. Here’s hoping we can get through the ceremony and just deal with the rest as it comes.

7. “Poop filled diapers.” Well, diapers are meant for poop. Yes. Not sure why that is search worthy.

8. “My wife cut off her long hair today.” Good for her, buddy. It’s her hair. And if she’s got any kids, it’s probably hard to find time to do any hair, let alone longer hair. I hope she loves it. I love mine. Kind of. (I did recently find a way to help with the half-mullet phase. Barrettes. Yes, the kind you wore in elementary school. More later.)

9. “What to write in a card for a friend’s mom who was diagnosed with breast cancer.” That’s a long and heart-breaking search string. I got a few cards when Mom was diagnosed. I cherished them all. No, the disease was not mine. I didn’t undergo radiation. I didn’t have the multiple surgeries. But I was scared out of my mind. It was my mommy. And so the cards I got meant the world to me. They were mostly sent from other daughters whose mothers had been diagnosed with various forms of cancer and who just “got” the emotions I was experiencing. So, for those wondering what to say, my advice? Just be supportive. Most likely, your friend is going through some strange emotions and trying to determine how all of this makes her feel. Some may be angry. (I was at one point.) Scared. (Yep, that, too.) And maybe reliving every bad thing she ever said or did to her mother. (Mmmhmm!) Simply saying, “I’m thinking of and praying for you as well as your entire family goes through this ordeal,” means a whole lot. Trust me!

10. “Babywearing when to stop.” Not sure why you’d want to stop! Ever! That said, always check with your sling manufacturers. Some are only okay to a certain weight. If you have a work-at-home-mom made ring sling, check and see if she uses Sling Rings. They are tested for up to 250 pounds. Not that I could carry that much weight myself but that’s reassuring. One shoulder carries (ring slings, pouches) can start to feel uncomfortable as your little one gains weight. Consider a carrier that evenly distributes weight like a Mei Tai or a soft-structured carrier like an Ergo. And always check your carriers for safety. Look for loose stitching in important places and any rips or tears. Otherwise, wear that kid until they simply refuse to be worn anymore. You’ll miss it when it’s all said and done.

And so, my friends, that concludes our first installment of “Sorry You Found This Place” on Stop, Drop and Blog. I’ve let you know about some upcoming posts this week and next. I should also let you know that I’ve got a bunch of reviews lined up for Modern Mamma Marvels that start tomorrow morning and also run through next week. You know, because life isn’t busy enough for me or something.

Happy Googling!