Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in chicago, IL

Guest Post: Seven Tips for Successful Breastfeeding

by Caitlin Giles

April 20, 2009

I am excited to welcome guest posters Suzanne Schlosberg and Sarah Bowen Shea who have recently written a book titled The Essential Breastfeeding Log. They each breastfed their twins for at least 9 months and have seven tips to pass along.

I am currently breastfeeding for the third time around and think that all breastfeeding moms (even the more experienced ones) can always benefit from a tip or two.

1. Remember: Just because it's natural doesn't necessarily mean it's easy.

Virtually all babies are capable of breastfeeding, and virtually all moms can produce enough milk. But it just may take more time and
effort than expected.

2. Educate yourself

The more you know about breastfeeding, the better, so take a breastfeeding class offered by your hospital. Also, you can join chat
rooms and check in with other nursing moms who are in your boat, whether you have a preemie in the NICU or a 6-month-old who seems to be self-weaning.

3. Get the gear

Sure, all that is really required for breastfeeding are breasts, but we recommend investing in a reliable pump, a few good-quality nursing bras, and a supportive nursing pillow.

4. Call in the pros

Many U.S. hospitals have lactation consultants on staff who can offer advice and hands-on help during your postpartum stay. Also, ask the nursing staff for guidance; they've been around more than their share of new moms and newborns.

5. Set short-term goals

When you were pregnant, you may have declared, "I'm going to breastfeed for one year," only to feel overwhelmed, even demoralized,
by that goal once your baby arrives and it's not smooth sailing. If this happens, take it in steps.

6. Involve other people

Sure, you're the one with the breasts, so there's only so much someone else can do. Still, it's important for partners to support each other on the breastfeeding front. And don't be shy about asking friends and neighbors to bring meals and to help around the house.

7. Stay hydrated, get your rest, and eat well

The physiological system that drives lactation depends on a variety of hormonal and physical factors, many of which are influenced by
hydration, energy, and sleep. In other words, if you're a dehydrated wreck, your milk isn't going to flow like the Colorado River.

Mom and Dad's Big Night Out!

by Caitlin Giles

February 06, 2009

Sometimes Moms and Dads need a night out without the kids - this is a universal truth. But it isn't always so easy to get away for a few hours to catch a show or enjoy some adult conversation over a meal that doesn't include chicken nuggets. And sometimes it can be really tough to find a good babysitter to make it all possible. Check out these options for your next parent's night out. Parent's  Read more...

Give the Gift of Free Admission to the City's Best Attractions for Little Ones

by Caitlin Giles

December 16, 2008

Well-meaning family and friends inundate my children with gifts during the holidays. It gets obscene, really. When I look around our playroom, I can't help but think that the last thing my kids need is more toys. So this year, when relatives ask for gift suggestions for the kids, I am telling them that they could use year-long passes to some of their favorite local hot spots. Here is  Read more...

Holiday Giving Guide: Five Toys We Love

by Caitlin Giles

December 02, 2008

I am sure that most of you are deep into your holiday shopping list at this point. Savvy Source has some great recommendations for toys for the little ones on your list. If you haven't checked out their savvy suggestions, definitely pop over and have a look. Here are a few of our favorites: (1) Spanish Bingo We love this game. We also have Spanish Flash Cards from eeBoo that use  Read more...

It's That Time Again: Sign Up for Winter Programs at the Chicago Park District

by Caitlin Giles

November 19, 2008

It is no secret that I am a big fan of the Chicago Park District . Now, I am not saying that every single program is a winner. But if you do your research, you can come by some pretty great kid's activities (that cost next to nothing). And there is no better time to fill your kid's schedule up with some fun activities than winter (because one can only spend so much time building block towers at  Read more...

It's That Time Again: Sign Up for Winter Programs at the Chicago Park District

by Caitlin Giles

November 19, 2008

It is no secret that I am a big fan of the Chicago Park District . Now, I am not saying that every single program is a winner. But if you do your research, you can come by some pretty great kid's activities (that cost next to nothing). And there is no better time to fill your kid's schedule up with some fun activities than winter (because one can only spend so much time building block towers at  Read more...

Win a One-Year Membership to SitterCity!

by Caitlin Giles

October 24, 2008

Do you have totally fabulous babysitting help that you can always count on day or night? Well, good for you. If, like most of us out there, you sometimes struggle to find a babysitter that is responsible, qualified, and available (and that your kids love), then I have an opportunity for you. Follow this link to enter to win a one-year membership to Sittercity. Sittercity  Read more...

Back-to-School (and then back to our regularly-scheduled summer programming)

by Caitlin Giles

August 01, 2008

Now that August is officially upon us, have you noticed that the summer gear on the store shelves has been replaced with back-to-school supplies? Back to school already, I say? My daughter doesn't actually go back to school until after Labor Day, but Augusts' arrival does mean that it is time to start thinking about fall activities. Before you head back out to the beach, here  Read more...

Guest Post: A Special Needs Perspective on Summer

by Caitlin Giles

June 25, 2008

From time to time, Being Savvy: Chicago is going to feature a guest author with a different perspective on life in Chicago with little ones. Our first ever guest author is Marcie Pickelsimer, a local mama and writer. Marcie is a former secondary education teacher with a Masters Degree in Reading and Young Adult Literature. But none of that education could have prepared her for her first son, a  Read more...