Home » Parenting
Category:

Parenting

Mom Burnout Featured Image
Hot Mess Mom AdviceMental HealthParenting

Mom Burnout | The Struggle is Real

by The Radically Adorkable Sarah
written by The Radically Adorkable Sarah
Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Whether you are a working mom, stay at home mom, happily married mom, or single mom the struggle of mom burnout is real.

You know when you are pregnant and everyone tells you all the amazing things that come with being a parent? They fail to mention that it can get lonely and that you feel like you lose your identity. No longer are you “Sarah”. You are Mom.

The maid. . .

The cook. . .

The comforter. . .

The photographer. . . (without pictures of you and your little one)

You have taken the job to be on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

 

mom burnout

Hey, Momma, I Can See You Are Suffering From Mom Burnout

As I am sitting on the couch addressing mom burnout, I am thinking of all the reasons on how I “failed” at being a good mom. I didn’t cook my son a home-cooked meal. There are dishes in the sink, and vacuuming didn’t get done.  I am questioning if I spent enough “quality” time with my son? Did I lose my “shit” one too many times? *insert exasperated sigh here*

Guess what all those “failures” have in common? They are unrealistic expectations set in the mind of a mom who just wants to give her baby the best.

Moms are good at guilting themselves into feeling like they didn’t do enough for their kids.

You get to a point where you know you love your kids, but you are tired. You are worn out from the everyday caring of another person who doesn’t give anything back.

Well, you might get a hug there, or maybe even a kiss.

Is that enough though? I know you feel like it should be enough. 

 A happy mom raises happy kids. You need to take care of yourself.

How do you Overcome Mom Burnout?

Mom Burnout sucks, hardcore. What can you do to overcome it? 

Start with the simple task of taking care of yourself. Take time for yourself and stop mom guilting yourself. (Easier said than done I know).

Hobbies

What are some things that you used to do? Did you used to love reading a good book? OR are you a painter? Video-Game Lover?

Get connected with your innerself again by doing the things you love and used to do all the time before having kids! 

Friends

Who am I talking about exactly? Do you remember those people that you used to hang out with before your baby came along?

You know who I am talking about.

MAKE PLANS STAT. Find a babysitter, go out for some much-needed hangout time. 

I know that when I get around another adult after having spent the last week with my 17 month old that I have word vomit. Any and every thought just comes expelling out of my mouth. . . 

Alone Time

Set aside 30 minutes a day. Just 30 minutes.

This does not mean to hide in the closet with a box of Oreos. This means reach out and get help from loved ones/friends and have them watch your crotch goblins for just 30 minutes. You can take this time to nap, make a Starbucks run. Just use this time to get some peace and quiet.

TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF

Self-care is so important. Wake up in the morning brush your teeth, wash your face, take a shower. I know that this can seem overwhelming with a little one attached to you at the hip.

 Just the other day I decided to take a shower in the morning while my son was awake, and he stood there at the shower door banging on it. He even managed to open the sliding door and get into the shower in his pajamas. BUT I felt clean and amazing. I was a happier mom for taking those 10 minutes.

If you would like to check out 11 Promising Ways to Practice Self-Care Click Here or my personal Guide to Self-Care Click Here

Don't Let Mom Burnout Get You Down

Over Mom Burnout

Right now you are exhausted from the daily wear and tear that comes with being a mom. 

Remember that it won’t last forever, and if you take time for yourself a little bit each day, it can improve your happiness.  

You will get through this whole mom burnout thing. 

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
BreastfeedingHot Mess Mom AdviceNewborn/InfantParenting

Killer Breastfeeding Knowledge for the New Mom

by The Radically Adorkable Sarah
written by The Radically Adorkable Sarah

If for whatever reason you can’t breastfeed, remember fed is best! Also, all the information below is advice, please do your research, or better yet seek out a lactation consultant!

Hey new mom! I have been exactly where you are, scourging the interent looking for answers to anything and everything about breastfeeding. Being a new mom is tough. You feel like nothing you do is right and all you want is the best for your baby! I have been breastfeeding for the last 18 months, and I wanted to share my killer breastfeeding knowledge. Starting with the basics! 

 

Breast Feeding Essentials

Radically Adorkable is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com

Having a Boppy was a complete life saver! It made me be able to breastfeed my son hands free. My son would be laying  on the pillow, breastfeeding away, and I had full use of my hands to play on my phone, or drink my large water. If I was lucky I would be able to eat, and some of my food may or may not have ended up on my sons head. Sorry, not sorry!

I cannot tell you how many times I had to change the Boppy Cover! You don’t realize how many bodily functions can be expelled from your baby until you see it yourself. If I was lucky my Boppy only had to have a new cover every few days. From Baby Spit Up, to poop explosion. Or Maybe you accidentally dropped some salsa on the Boppy. Which is better than on your babies head right?

Nipple Cream is a must for at least the first month! And longer if you plan to pump. In the beginning your nipples will crack, they will feel like they are on fire. My only saving grace was the relief I got from nipple cream.

 Also ice packs didn’t hurt. 

You will need a HUGE water bottle. Did anyone tell you how thirsty you get when you breast-feed? Well if they did not, ill tell you. You will be extremely thirsty. Think Sahara Dessert Thirsty. 

Imagine you have your baby positioned on the boppy all cozy like and you realize your drink is just out of reach. The world will seem like it has ended lol

Breastfeeding In the Beginning. . .

Starting out breastfeeding I remember having all these worrisome questions. How will I know my baby is getting enough? Does the Nipple Pain get any better? When should I worry about my milk supply? What is cluster feeding? When can I start pumping?

I could go on, but I think you get the point. 

Milk Supply

Cluster Feeding

Nipple Pain

First off I want to say please trust your body! It was made for supplying your little one with delicious milk! Milk Supply is based off of well supply and demand. Empty the tank to fill it back up!

The best advice I can give you is count the wet diapers and look at weight gain as an indicator that your milk is doing its job. And if for whatever reason you have to give formula, hand express to maintain supply. 

What exactly is cluster feeding? Cluster feeding is exactly what it sounds like, it is when your baby eats closer together, multiple times. It will seem like this happens way too often.

This usually happens when your baby is going through a growth spurt and is increasing your milk supply for the days to come!

Grab the poppy, turn on Netflix and camp out on the couch. 

 

The first month is the hardest part of breastfeeding! I can recall crying when my husband would bring my son to me because I just knew it was going to be painful. 

This passes, your nipples will adjust and get used to being sucked on.

Other reasons you could still be experiencing nipple pain: Is baby latching correctly? Does s/he have a tongue tie?

See a certified lactation consultant! They can help!

Kelly Mom is the Best Resource for New Moms When it comes to Breastfeeding

When Can I Start Pumping?

A lot of new moms, myself included, wanted to know when to start pumping after giving birth. The recommendation is to wait at least 3-4 weeks, 6 weeks is optimal. The reason behind this is your body has not regulated milk supply yet. Pumping too soon will send signals to your body to make more milk, which yes sounds like a good thing BUT it can lead to an oversupply and that is something you do not want. 

 An oversupply can lead to mastitis and/or clogged ducts. The first and only clogged duct I ever had woke me for a deep sleep. It was super painful, I took my electric toothbrush to my boob to try and vibrate the clogged duct out, filled one of my sons diapers with hot water and placed it over my breast as a hot pack, and dangle fed my son. I believe it took 24 hours to get the clog out. 

Facebook Groups and Breastfeeding

When I was just starting out I joined a ton of breastfeeding groups on facebook. I recommend looking some up and joining! It is a wonderful thing to have a community of people to ask questions to when you are just unsure. Yes google exists ,but sometimes its just nice hearing from another mom. 

Hunger Cues

Be on the lookout for hunger Cues! Looking at your babies hand is a great indicator. An open hand means your baby is content, while a closed hand can mean that they are hungry. But When in doubt whip it out! <- Best Advice! This also helps regulate your supply!

The Reality of Breast Feeding

There are going to be ups and downs. There will be times you want to give up, and call it quits because in all honesty breastfeeding can be mentally and IS physically exhausting. 

You GOT this momma. You definitely got this. 

0 comment
2 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Christmas Gifts
Hot Mess Mom AdviceParenting

31 Delightful Christmas Gift Ideas for Your Kiddos

by The Radically Adorkable Sarah
written by The Radically Adorkable Sarah



If you are anything like me, you are already started your Christmas Gift List. Or you have been writing it since Christmas ended last year. Christmas is my absolute favorite holiday. I love the fact that families get together, and there is laughing that can be heard for miles. Oh and don’t get me started on the food.

When my son Ronald’s first Christmas came about, I was stumped on what to get him. Literally, I could not think of what a 6-month-old needs. *obviously he didn’t really need much or care* BUT I did. So This list is compiled in a way that hopefully helps you and the mental block that comes with gift ideas!

Radically Adorkable is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com

By Clicking on the Images Below, they will take you to the toy description and reviews directly from amazon ❤️

Gifts 0-6 Months

When your baby is this young, there really isn’t much in all honesty that they need. You could use this opportunity though to buy them stuff that they will eventually use! Or things they need!

  1. Play Mats – My son absolutely adored this when he was young, he really loved playing with the textured areas.

  2. Marvel Outfits – Because Let Me tell you, your baby will look super cute as the HULK

  3. Bibs – What I really Like about these bibgs are the fact that there is a pocket that catches any food that misses the mouth!

  4. Blocks – Stack Them Up and Knock em Down

  5. Dr. Seuss Board Books – I have literally memorized the ABC Dr. Suess Board Book, and have already had to buy another one d/t wear and tear.

  6. Blankets – I Do Not Think You Can Have Enough Blankets!!

  7. Hooded Towels – For one, these towels look super cute on your kid, and for two the hoods keep my babes head warm from the bathroom to his room

  8. Rubber Ducky Temperature Gauge – This saved my anxiety when giving my baby a bath! Worried mom brain asking questions like “is this too hot?” On the bottom there is a blue circle that turns white when too hot. Some people don’t like the way the duck looks, but I didn’t necessarily buy it for its looks lol

9. I called this thing a thingamajig but it is really called a Manhattan Toy Rattle and I loved how easy this was for my son to grip onto and how much he loved chewing on it.

10. A Mirror for the Back Seat – I don’t Know about you, but I NEEDED this. I Needed to be able to glance in my rearview mirror and make sure my child was okay.

Gifts 6-12 Months

11. V-Tech Busy Learners – I know I keep saying “My Son”, but he is all I have to go off of lol He loved playing with this!

12. Smart Stages Puppy – This has 3 different levels, with lots of songs, and cuteness galore. Some Days My son is really into this toy, other days he sits all by his lonesome in the toy bin lol

13. Baby Activity Cube – I don’t actually own this one, but anytime I go to the public library with Ronald, he always goes to this first.

14. V-Tech Baby Rattle and Sing Puppy – All I can say is great car seat toy

15. The First Years Stack Up Cups – I started playing with these cups when Ronald was about 6 months old, and he still plays with them today. (He is 15 months)

16. Leap Frog Toys Little Office Center – This helped Ronald have something to stand up at and play once he got to the pulling himself up part. Still currently in the living room, getting daily use

17. Baby Einstein Neptune’s Ocean Discovery Jumper – Do you need to do the dishes? LOL I used this in the kitchen with me when I needed to clean for 5-15 minutes. Life Saver, and on the plus side build them leg muscles

18. Little Tykes Bath Letters and Numbers – Great for early learning, and play. Ronald enjoys being able to stick them to the wall.

19. Fisher-Price​ Corn Popper – So Cute Story, anytime I pull out the Vacuum to well Vacuum. My son grabs his Corn Popper Vacuum and follows me around “Helping”

20. Fisher-Price Basic Boppin’ Activity Bugs – This was actually one of my sons first Christmas Gifts, and it took him a while to figure It out, but once he did he had a blast with it.

Gifts 12-18 Months

21. Fisher-Price Laugh and Learn Smart Stages Tablet – AMAZING Car seat Toy! This one actually NEVER leaves my car. He will play on it till his little heart is content.

22. Fisher-Prices Rock a Stack and Block Bundle – I actually got these things for my son before he was born, didn’t realize at the time he wouldn’t quite grasp how to play with these till later. BUT now that he is 15 months he is starting to get the hang of it ♥

23. Little Tikes First Slide – At 15 months old, my son can climb up the back and slide down on his own [Giving Mommy a Heart Attack] He is super independent.

24. Little Tikes High Back Toddler Swing – I do not know any kid that does not like swinging (:

The Rest are Gift Ideas I plan on Getting Ronald That I Have Not Currently Bought

25. Picasso Tiles – I really think My son will like playing with these, watching his expression when they stick together and pull apart *this mom is excited*

26. Spike the Fine Motor HedgeHog – I am wanting to work with Ronald on his fine motor skills and thought this would be a great way to do that

27. First Builders Big Building Bag – The Fact Ronald already loves to build things well, I think this will be a Success

28. Little Engineer Multifunctional Kid’s Musical Learning Tool Workbench – I really just want to get this so Ronalds Dad and him can look cute “working” together in the garage lol

29. Sesame Streets “Lets Dance” Elmo – My kid is obsessed with Elmo lol If I don’t have to watch another episode of Sesame Street it’ll be too soon

30. Little Tikes Rocking Horse – I’m Really Hoping He Will Like This Too

31. Sesame Street Sofa – Like I said Before my son loves Elmo, soo I am betting he would love his own Elmo Couch

Don’t Stress about What to Buy though! Christmas is about spending time with your loved ones more than anything! Yes, gifts are fun, but there is more to it than that.

♥ The Radically Adorkable Sarah

Another useful list is The Ultimate Hospital Bag Checklist

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Hospital Bag Checklist
Hot Mess Mom AdviceNewborn/InfantParenting

The Ultimate Hospital Bag Checklist | The Baby Is Coming

by The Radically Adorkable Sarah
written by The Radically Adorkable Sarah

Hospital Bag Checklist - This picture is of a cute teddy bear with some clouds above it.

So my husband was talking to me the other day and said “Hey I really like your blog, but why don’t you also give mom advice. At first, I was like wait what? I responded with “I want to focus on Mental Health”. Then I had an epiphany; Mental health and being a mom so go hand in hand. So often being a mom you put yourself on the back burner. I wasn’t sure where I should start. Then the obvious hit me, start at the beginning, start when Ronald (My Son) was born. Think about what you wish you would have brought to the hospital. That is when I decided to create the Ultimate Hospital Bag Checklist.

The average stay in the hospital for a vaginal delivery is 48 hours, while the average stay for a c-section is 96 hours. NOT INCLUDING THE day of delivery. (I Got My Information Here ) Knowing this information should give you a rough idea of how many outfits you need to pack for the start of your journey. What you don’t need to bring are diapers and wipes! (Unless you want to of course) The hospital supplied these things for my husband and me.

Moms Hospital Bag Checklist

♥ Towels – Hospital Towels are tiny, you are already uncomfortable no need to make it worse with too small towels barely covering your behind.

♥ Phone Charger – More Than Likely You’ll need this

♥ Pillows – Up to you, but hospital pillows are not that great.

♥ Pajamas – Have you ever been in a hospital gown? There is a slit up your backside that makes you feel every breeze possible known to man.

♥ Robe – Want to take a stroll in the middle of the night to the coffee station? You will need something quick to get into, so you don’t have to get dressed.

♥Slippers/Non-Skid Socks – I was considered a fall risk because I had fallen at home (one of my dogs tripped me) The nurses were real sticklers about walking on my own and what not. *insert eye roll here* But hey if you don’t bring your own slippers/non-skid​ sock, you get a rocking free pair from the hospital. Let me tell you, they are stylish! [;

♥ Underwear – I am not talking cute panties. I am talking too big for you panties. Ones that you can wear comfortably with a humungous pad.

♥Toiletries – Shampoo/Conditioner/Chapstick/deodorant/glasses/contacts/contact solution/hair ties/bobby pins

♥ Breast pump – If you are going the breastfeeding route, and plan on pumping it is a good idea to bring your pump to the hospital. There are Lactation specialists that can show you how to use the pump. It is recommended to not pump the first 6 weeks as you can create an oversupply.

Dads Hospital Bag Checklist

So Now that we have covered a lot of the basics for mom, let us go over what the dad should bring.

♥Pillows – Dad should also bring a pillow because he is going to get the worst end of the deal. Mom gets the hospital bed, while dad gets the couch (If one is available), or chair that turns into a pull-out chair/bed thing.

♥ Entertainment – iPad/Books/Magazine/Phone/Card Game [In my experience the wifi in hospitals suck along with cell service] and you are going to be there a while.

♥Snacks/Drinks/Vending Machine Money – Mom is going to get 3 meals a day with her hospital stay. Dad is going to get squat (maybe if you are lucky, he will get a coupon for the cafe or something.) Just be prepared.

♥Camera/Batteries – If you are old school and have a legit camera don’t forget batteries!

Babies Checklist

♥ Car Seat – Don’t forget the car seat to take your precious baby home in! Also if you can I would play around with it before getting to the hospital. My husband and I had no idea how to work the car seat once we went to leave. Guess What? The hospital cannot let you leave without making sure that you know how to properly use the car seat! (This is Honestly a Good Thing)

My Son Ronald
My Son Ronald

♥ Picture Outfit – Plan on a photographer stopping by the room to take pictures of your little peanut. If you are anything like me you will be like yes take all of the pictures! I didn’t even have a picture outfit planned! Luckily my son had the cutest outfit on.

♥ Going Home Outfit – I didn’t really care what My son was wearing by the time it was time to go home. I was just READY to leave the hospital. But that doesnt mean you won’t care so i addded it just in case.

♥ Different Size Outfits – Don’t Make the mistake thinking that your baby is going to come out and be able to wear newborn outfits! Depending on the weight/height I recommend bring outfits ranging from premie to newborn to 0-3 months.

So we covered what mom, dad, and baby are going to need while in the hospital. YAY. I really hope this Hospital Bag Checklist helped you moms out! Let Me Know in the Comments what you think! Or if you think I am missing anything let me know! [:

♥ The Radically Adorkable Sarah

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail