I recently enjoyed a girls day on the lake and was thinking about everything you have to plan for when leaving your baby while nursing. Although I love breastfeeding and feel extremely blessed to have had great experiences with both boys, it does add another layer of planning and preparation. Since it is national breastfeeding week, I thought I would share some things I have learned while pumping on the go with both our boys. As always, fed is best in any situation!

1.Plan Out Pumping Times

Having an understanding of the agenda for the day/days you will be pumping helps determine when would be the best times to pump. For example, when I was teaching I would pump during my lunch because I could be alone in my room and not have to be rushed for recess directly after. When I would attend district events I would ask for the schedule so I could plan when the best time to pump was. This past Saturday I pumped right before I drove 4 hours, when I got to the lake, and right before I drove home to eliminate having to do anything in the car. Creating a plan in advance instead of just winging it is so helpful!

2.Have a Pumping Bag

Having a designated bag with everything you need is so helpful along with any cleaning supplies. I like to also pack large zip lock bags to differentiate clean/dirty parts. Having extra parts/pieces that you can keep in the bag is also helpful if you are pumping daily.

3.Have A Storage Game Plan

Knowing how you are going to store your milk when you travel or work eliminates another stress and prevents potentially wasting any milk. When I worked I would store my milk in a mini fridge (inside a cooler) that was in our conference room, however it really just depends on the situation. Also keep in mind the recommendations shown below!

What are some things that were helpful for you? I would love to know!

As always, sending light and love!

Blessings,

Jac

I recently took a 12 week break from teaching to enjoy all of the snuggles from our littlest love, as well as fully enjoy that time. I am so thankful to work a job where I can completely dictate my schedule and work as much or as little as I want to. I didn’t think I would miss my regulars and kids as much as a did! I also realized how much I love being awake before the house and not feeling rushed into my day. You can read more about that here: Waking Up The Day. Today I wanted to share how I am getting back into a morning schedule with a three month old and toddler!

1.Start Small

During pregnancy I was teaching 2-2.5 hours each morning and had a very consistent schedule of students. I knew starting back I needed to pace myself and start small to see how things went instead of fully jumping back in. I decided to start with one class (25 min) for a week and then build on from there. There are so many factors at play with a newborn including their sleep schedule, having help, your sleep schedule, etc. I will be starting two classes next week and go from there!

2.Have Help

I feel like this is so important when starting back up in case things go south. I have been sleeping in my son’s room since he outgrew his bassinet so when I teach I put the monitor next to my husband. He knows that he is on duty if needed so then I am not stressed out while teaching. I also only open classes when he is home!

3.Prioritize Sleep

Since I teach in the mornings before the kids wake up I really have to make sleep a priority and go to bed early. Our youngest is doing well with nights, but it is easy for me and my husband to stay up late watching a show or hanging out. If you are losing too much sleep, waiting until you can be rested is worth it!

Anyone else teach from home?

As always, sending light and love!

Blessings,

Jac

Our littlest love is officially twelve weeks and we have made it through the fourth trimester. I feel like the twelve weeks after birth isn’t talked about enough. It is filled with so much change, healing, emotions, and learning for both mom and baby. I thought I would share a little more about my experience this time around as well as my overall thoughts. I would love to know any of your lessons or take always during this time!

My recovery was so much better the second time around, including my emotions and hormones. You can read more about that here. Knowing what to expect, having perspective, and gaining the confidence needed makes such a difference when it comes to adjusting. I definitely took advantage of the first 6 weeks before I got cleared to do anything. Our days were laid back and I wasn’t set on figuring out any routine, which was so nice! You are truly learning and figuring out your baby which takes some time. Your body is also healing during this time as well as changing with milk production and post partum hormones. There is a lot happening at one time!

Once I was cleared I started incorporating exercise. I have tried to move 5-6 times a week with strength training, runs, and walks. It can be a challenge at times with bladder control, but that is part of it! You can read more about post partum check ups here and exercise here. Our son started also sleeping longer stretches around 6 weeks which was so nice. After month two we started getting into more of a “routine” with eating, wake window, and sleep. I also started pumping around that time and continue to pump in the mornings. You can read more on that here.

Although I am feeling more comfortable with our new norm and routine as a family of four, things continuously change within the first year of having a little one!

As always, sending light and love.

Blessings,

Jac