i love these transitionary items because that is the essence of what they do... support the transition to toddlerhood.
this lovie is different because it’s the same fabric as your ollie and alphie... so it’s already a cue for calming and soothing. and the silky fabric on the back multiples the soothing by like 100x.
and the best part, if you keep it on you or sleep with it before you give it to your little one, it will have your scent on it, which makes it the most special lovie of all.
]]>the Ollie fabric Magic...
it all started with just an idea to create a fabric that would help reduce the risk of my foster-son, Oliver, overheating, as he did in so many of the fabrics he was wrapped in.
never did i think i could get to be here... using this fabric to continue to create.
a year ago i decided to try my fabric out with bibs. and because of the amazing overwhelming response, i was driven to create more with the ollie magic fabric.
there was no doubt that it was going to be a burp cloth.
although it is a simple design, the most important aspect is that it works and does what it’s supposed to do... absorb.
CLICK HERE to watch the magic of the Ollie World Fabric
oh and i made it ergonomic too :)
i hope this brings ease into your days (and nights).
burp cloths are available in sky, lavender, maunie, and two new colors.
for four years, i have known that i wanted to create this color that could capture everything i have felt for Olive.
so, it is my honor to introduce you to the newest color, Olive.
this is literally my heart in a color.
Olive will be available in Ollies, Alphies, bibs, burp cloths, and lovies.
xoxoxo,
hindi
sunset is coziness.
sunset is snugness.
sunset is rest.
and sunset is strength.
my intention was to make something that evoked the feelings of warmth and comfort... and, of course, make you beam too.
plus, seeing the sunset at the end of the day means we made it through, no matter what kind of day we had.
i truly truly hope you love it.
Sunset will be available in Ollies, Alphies, bibs, burp cloths, and lovies.
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this was the one color i knew i had to do because of you. this was the number one most requested color for Ollie swaddles and The Alphie Sleep Pouch and one thing i know... my life is always better when i listen to you.
(i mean that on many levels).
i set out to create a "pink" that reveled more in the blush world. i pictured you holding your amazing little one wrapped in this gentle hue and taking in a deep breath of peacefulness. where even in the hardest of times, this moment with you and your little one, everything just falls into place and makes sense.
these are actually the things i think of when i create. it's not just a color, it's a vision or a feeling... it has to have a purpose.
meaning behind the name:
i am here because i have a team of people who are all heart and believe in what i do, this, of course, includes you.
i think everyone knows i had a challenging year for a variety of reasons. there was a team of people who gave it all plus more. without them, my life would look very differently right now.
if how to make my fabric was a 50 page book (which it is), i know it by heart, but Manimaran knows it by heart and backwards too.
the name Maunie is to honor and show my appreciation for Manimaran, Anantveer, Nandhini, Logesh, and Hillary. this is for you too.
i hope everyone loves this first new color.
thank you always
hindi
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there are many aspects that go into this decision…let me start by what this actually means.
I AM NOT LEAVING.
i am not going anywhere. it’s my honor to be able to create products for our little ones and to use my voice to advocate for the safety of our little ones.
what prompted even the thought of taking a break was inventory.
the truth is i under-projected and, as a result, i could not keep up with all of the amazing sales this year. (for example meadow has been out of stock for months.)
while this is dream-come-true incredible, it also means there will be a short period of time where i run out of inventory, while we wait for the new inventory to arrive
so, with that small overlap, i thought... maybe this is my moment to finally take a break.
my other truth is... physically and mentally i am depleted. after doing this for ten years, i am f*cking tired.
there is so much pressure and so many expectations put on moms to juggle everything constantly and make it look easy. and that's what i've been trying to do. but it's just not possible.
i’m pouring into Olive from an empty cup. i am pouring into me from an empty cup. so, i am taking a break for me. a break to just be and exist.
i will be pausing the website for november and december. and in january, when i return, i will be coming back fully stocked with…
✨ Ollies (inlcuding Steele)
✨ Alphies
✨ Bibs
✨ THREE NEW COLORS for all products
✨ THREE NEW PRODUCTS
my purposeful break comes with an absolutely purposeful (and exciting) comeback.
there is still some inventory left on amazon and target, so you can still purchase there while supplies last.
again, please know, this is a short term pause. i will be back before you know it. also...i can't wait to show you the new colors!!
thank you for your support and always believing in me,
hindi
part 1 of 3
last we left off, i had just created the swaddle for my foster son, Oliver. i would love to now share how i actually came up with the design. this is my why behind the design.
as i mentioned, i tried every single swaddle on the market and none of them worked for Oliver. so, in my head, i started combining the things that didn’t work in other swaddles with the things that Oliver needed but wasn’t available.
]]>part 1 of 3
last we left off, i had just created the swaddle for my foster son, Oliver. i would love to now share how i actually came up with the design.
this is my why behind the design.
as i mentioned, i tried every single swaddle on the market and none of them worked for Oliver. so, in my head, i started combining the things that didn’t work in other swaddles with the things that Oliver needed but wasn’t available.
here is a glimpse into my brain . . .
Oliver and i lived in a small one bedroom apartment, with his crib in my room. this was before i made the swaddle for Oliver, so he wasn’t doing much sleeping or eating at the time.
i had just gotten a new swaddle from Target and was trying it for the first time. he fell asleep in my arms and i laid him in his crib. he stayed asleep for a few minutes and then he started stirring.
i remember this so clearly …
i had to use the bathroom (like so badly). it was just the two of us, so i ran to pee as quickly as i could.while i was using the bathroom, he started really crying and screaming.
then it changed. it sounded suppressed.
i literally ran mid pee to check on him. with all of his movement, he had squirmed enough that the fabric was over his mouth. i couldn’t take it off quick enough. i threw that thing in the trash just as quickly.
that was the moment i knew Oliver had to have something that went and stayed below his shoulders. nothing like that existed.
so “below the shoulders” became the first item on my brain-list of what Oliver needed in a swaddle.
i will never ever ever forget the moment i put it on him. this moment changed my life.
i wrapped him in my creation and for the first time ever, i saw his body settle.
it was like his entire body exhaled.
]]>part 3 of 4
i will never ever ever forget the moment i put it on him. this moment changed my life.
i wrapped him in my creation and for the first time ever, i saw his body settle.
it was like his entire body exhaled.
i started swaddling him during feeds to help calm his body, which allowed him to be able to focus on his feeding. as he learned how to feed, he began to gain weight and slowly moved out of the failure-to-thrive range.
feeding is actually a really complex and difficult skill. it takes a great deal of mouth organization for little ones to do.
(for ex. we’ve all heard “my baby doesn’t like the pacifier” because they keep spitting it out or it’s constantly needing to be put back in. while some babies legitimately do not prefer a pacifier, other times it can be more about mouth organization. to be able to coordinate the tongue, mouth, lips, and breathing all at the same time takes a tremendous amount of skill, as well as muscle strength.).
once he was able to feed and his body began to feel satiated, it allowed us to then be able to focus on his sleep. we all know the importance of sleep and, for infants, it’s one of their primary occupations.
sleep provides restoration, it allows the body to replenish itself, and it helps with consolidating memory so that everything they learn throughout the day gets consolidated.
previously, Oliver slept only when his body was utterly exhausted from his constant movements or from withdrawing/disassociation. with food in his body plus the swaddle being able to provide the proper containment to settle his body, he was finally able to sleep. this sleep was so important because it allowed him to achieve deep restorative sleep.
there were times when it was definitely one step forward, three steps backwards, but slowly, he started to gain weight, regulate sleep patterns, and reduce the distress that occurred in his body.
it was this moment that he let me into his world, allowing us to bond. when he held my gaze for the first time and didn’t withdraw, i never wanted that moment to end. even today, i have no words to describe how i felt.
there were so many moments when Oliver altered my universe … the first time i called his name and he turned toward me, when i held him in my arms and he cooed and i got to hear his powerful little voice, and the first time he looked at me and smiled.
also, we got to start working on developmental milestones, as he had missed most of them. from not being able to lift his head to doing tummy-time on the floor was miraculous.
he just continued to keep fighting and surpassing everyone’s expectations.
it felt like the true Oliver was immersing.
more than anything, i loved to watch him be active and present in his own world.
he went from an infant who couldn’t make eye contact and any touch was too stimulating to becoming the most loving, affectionate, and resilient being i have ever met.
he is a miracle and i was just lucky enough to be there for a small part of his life.
seeing the impact “the ollie” had on Oliver literally transformed the trajectory of my entire life.
i had no doubt that i wanted to share this swaddle with all little ones around the world and have an opportunity to impact their lives in a way i witnessed with Oliver.
i spent six years going to school and working as a therapist with a specialty in infant mental health. while doing that, i was also working on figuring out how to turn my greatest hopes into something real.
i had no idea how to make a product, protect that product, or even start a business. the years were filled with lots of wrong paths, wrong people, and closed doors. what kept me going on the hardest of days was Oliver and my belief in “the ollie”.
here we ALL are, nine years later.
there have been many days where i wanted to give up. i used to have one single driving force that kept me pushing… Oliver.
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do you have more questions?
let me know how i can help and be of support.
please email me anytime at care@theollieworld.com
it is the biggest honor to be able to create products for your little ones. it is a responsibility that weighs heavily on my heart and mind. i care so much and i want to make sure everything i make puts your little ones first.
so, my friends, i am so excited to introduce you to what happens after the ollie.
meet... The Alphie™ Sleep Pouch™
The Alphie Sleep Pouch is Launching 1/18 at 9am PST
the WHY behind the Alphie part ll.
last time, i talked about cues. now, let's talk about safety, as it has been and will always be a priority for me.
do you know the 3 main reasons sleep sacks get recalled?
1. the neck opening is too large and fabric can cover an airway.
2. small pieces fall or break off and can be a choking hazard.
3. items don't meet flammability requirements.
i wanted to make sure i addressed all of these in my design.
let me break it down:
1. i have never liked a lot of fabric around little one's necks or faces. it is one of the reasons why the ollie starts BELOW the shoulders. it is also a key component of the alphie.
the alphie was designed to have a snug fit around the torso to extend and continue the sleep cue from the ollie and... to reduce the opportunity for any fabric to ride up near your little one's neck or face.
there is also an intentional "v" shape around the neck, to continue to promote no fabric near the face.
2. i used a top of line continuous zipper chain to reduce any small pieces from breaking off.
3. our custom material is inherently inflammable, so there is no need to add any type of topical fire retardant. this is important because some fibers, like cotton, are flammable and would require a treatment in order to pass safety standards. also, anything topical will eventually be diluted over time with consistent washing.
thank you always,
hindi
The Alphie Sleep Pouch is Launching 1/18 at 9am PST
i really want to talk about the WHY behind the design.
there were two things that i prioritized when it came to designing the alphie:
1. purposefully connecting the ollie to the alphie to make the transition easier for your little one.
2. safety. so, let's talk about the 1st one (i'll go into more detail on the 2nd in my next post).
The Alphie Sleep Pouch is Launching 1/18 at 9am PST
i really want to talk about the WHY behind the design.
there were two things that i prioritized when it came to designing the alphie:
1. purposefully connecting the ollie to the alphie to make the transition easier for your little one.
2. safety. so, let's talk about the 1st one (i'll go into more detail on the 2nd in my next post).
cues are so important. they are how our little ones communicate to us and they are also how we reciprocate and communicate back. an important way we do this is by creating consistency and routine in their environment. when we provide predictability, it allows such a beautiful opportunity for little ones to understand their environment.
in essence, they know what to expect. i mean, how amazing is it when WE know what to expect in life. how cool would it be if we knew what to expect in our day?! that is what we get to provide to our little ones when we are consistent.
so... if you have been using your ollie, it has become a Sleep Cue for your little one. they know when it goes on, it is time for calming and sleeping.
i wanted to make sure that same sleep cue from the ollie was continued into the alphie.
thank you always,
hindi
The Alphie™ is Launching 1/18 at 9am PST
i LOVE the inside of the box. it captures so much of how i feel and my hope for what the alphie brings to your amazing little ones... beautiful peaceful restful sleeps.
how easy would it have been to just copy the sleep sacks that are already out there. right?! they all have the same design and with our ollie fabric, it could have been done quick and easy. but, that is NOT what i want for your little ones and not who i am.
i want to create with purpose.
i want to create with intention.
i want to create with your little one's needs first and above all else.
that is why i have spent five years making the alphie. i wanted your little ones to have the best that i could possibly design.
here are a few things i took into account...
developmental milestones
neurodevelopment
sleep cues (particularly from the ollie)
motor skills
eye stimulation
i truly hope you love the alphie and believe in it the way i do.
thank you always,
hindi
it is about every detail (down the packaging) for me.
i have spent years designing The Alphie™ (launching 1/18/23!!). i wanted the product to be purposeful and i wanted the packaging to be part of the experience too.
the alphie is the next stage after the ollie, so i wanted the characters to reflect that change and growth too. i set out to make the characters that appear on The Ollie® keepsake box age just a little.
the characters are growing... just like your little one.
the alphie comes in its own special keepsake box and, yes, it includes a delicates laundry bag too.
just wait til you see the inside of the box!!!!
hindi
dear Ollie Family,
the moment WE (both you and me) have been waiting for is here… The Restock Is Coming.
there is truly so much i have to say about this moment, but, for now, i want to start by giving an outline of the dates and details for the restock.
here is the plan…
the restock will happen in two stages and here is a breakdown of what it looks like:
Stage ONE:
When: September 30th at 9am PST
What: Restock for Stone and Sky
Stage TWO:
When: October 14th at 9am PST
Where: Restock for Meadow and Lavender
i also want to make sure you know how much i appreciate and am grateful for your kindness, compassion, and support over the past year. thank you for your belief in the ollie (and in me)... that is what has kept me going.
i wholeheartedly thank you,
hindi
FAQ’s:
1. How many Ollies can I order at once?
A: there will be a maximum of 3 Ollies per order.
2. Will I really be able to purchase one or will they sell out right away?
A: i can’t predict the number of sales, but what i can tell you is that we have made more Ollies than we have ever made before. and… we already have more on the way, as well as being made.
3. How long will it take to receive my order?
A: because of the potential high volume of sales, we are estimating it will take orders 2-4 weeks to ship out from our warehouse.
for any international orders, your orders will be leaving the warehouse in 2-4 weeks, so please be sure to account for the transit time, including customs clearance.
4. Will bundles be available?
A: no. at this time, we only have single Ollies available for purchase. there are a couple things that are important to note. the first is that we have been out of stock for almost a year. the second thing is that during that time, there has been a significant increase in the cost of goods, shipping pricing, and also labor.
after looking at all possible solutions, my goal was to not have to raise the price of our products. so, i decided the best decision was to take a break from discounts and bundles for the time being.
my hope is that it is not long term and we will be able to bring back discount codes and bundles soon.
5. Can I use a discount code?
A: no. at this time, we are not allowing any discount codes to be used during the initial launch. (please see answer from #4 above for more details).
6. Will Steele be coming back?
A: yes. we are working on getting Steele back, but it will not be part of this launch. please stay tuned for more details of when it will be back in stock (and maybe other colors).
7. What if I want to purchase a Stone AND a Lavender Ollie (so, one from each stage launch)?
A: there are a couple of options you can choose from… you can make two separate purchases at each stage launch or you can purchase both colors together on the second stage launch on October 14th at 9am PST.
8. Are these Ollies different than ones sold in the past?
any and every Ollie that is sold has gone through and passed all of our qc specs, as well as our safety testing and certifications (Oeko-Tex Class I and CPSC). any aspect of the product (ex. fabric) that does not meet our spec, is rejected.
9. Can I pay to expedite the shipping?
we have an option at checkout to pay $5 to contribute to moving the shipping from First Class (default) to Priority. although it will not affect how soon the order is processed through our warehouse (2-4 weeks), it will expedite the shipping time it takes once it leaves our warehouse to get to you.
as always, we are here to be of any support that we can. if you have any further questions, please reach out to us directly anytime at care@theollieworld.com.
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dreams do come true...
when i first started, every. single. person. told me "no".
every store, buyer, boutique, and person told me no and that i would never be able to compete with the big swaddle brands.
the only thing that kept me going was the belief in The Ollie. that was all i had. and on my hardest days, i would walk the aisles of target and say to myself... "one day you are going to be on the shelves!"
and then i would get in my car and cry. but, i kept going.
here we are 7 years later, and this moment is a true dream coming true.
my biggest thanks goes to you, my Ollie Family. when no one believed in me, you were willing to give The Ollie a chance. and you have supported me, lifted me up, and encouraged me for the past 7 years in ways i think you will never know.
this moment is for us.
for the true background story on how this happened and also to hear me address the launch and how that works with our inventory issues, please click here (also why i chose to announce on March 24th).
click here to see the actual moment where i saw the ollie at Target for the first time... and some dancing too :)
i also wanted to provide more information on the Target stores that will have the ollie available. for this launch, there are a total of 27 states including: AL, AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, LA, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, NC, NE, NJ, NV, NY, OK, OR, PA, TN, TX, VA.
here is a breakdown of the 97 Target stores nearest you:
as always, i wholeheartedly thank you!
hindi
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Anti-Asian racism and violent attacks on Asian elderly have only increased in the past year. Hate speech and violence against the AAPI community has run rampant.
This week on March 16th, 2021, 8 Asian American women were shot and killed inside Asian owned spas. We are heartbroken as individuals and as a company by these intolerable, hideous and unlawful acts of violence and are standing beside our AAPI communities everywhere today and always. Speaking up and standing in solidarity is how we can create change for our children and our future.
A hate crime is typically one involving violence motivated by prejudice on the basis of race, religion, sexual orientation or other grounds.
On March 15th, 2021, Stop AAPI Hate released their latest national report, tracking anti-AAPI hate incidents during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"From March 2020 to February 2021, we received a total of 3,795 hate incident reports from individuals in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Our data offer proof of the size and scope of the tragedy that is anti-Asian racism and xenophobia in the United States."
(image: @bowiegraphics)
Here are a couple of children's books to read to your little one's about fighting anti-Asian racism, celebrating Asian culture, and normalizing Asian characters.
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Can anyone else relate 🙋♀️ ? Do you know someone who needs this reminder?
For some reason, it feels like we are not supposed to talk about things like loneliness in motherhood. But, the truth is, it is real and it is happening, even more so now.
We just wanted to send you are a reminder that if you feel this, you are not alone, you aren't a bad mom (or Dad) you didn't do anything wrong... and this is a safe space.
Join the conversation and share your story today with us on Instagram.
graphic: @psychedmommy
It’s the end of the day, Mom is exhausted, and baby seems fussy too. Why bother with a bedtime routine? Wouldn’t it be easier to just feed your little one and put her straight to bed? Why all the steps and the elaborate routine?
Here’s why:
A bedtime routine, carried out with similar steps in a similar way each night, signals to your baby that we are transitioning from daytime (i.e. napping), to nighttime (i.e. the big, long sleep). It helps your baby understand that sleep-time is approaching, and gets her body ready to wind down and prepare for sleep.
Here are some suggested steps to a great bedtime routine, one that you can start from the very early days and weeks of your baby’s life:
Bath – every day, all throughout the day, your baby is fed many times, his diaper changed many times, you play peek-a-boo many (many!) times. But, a bath is very different than anything else that happens in your child’s day. As a result, if you offer a bath every night as the first part of your baby’s bedtime routine, it sends a very clear signal to your child that what’s soon approaching is the big nighttime sleep. (Note: I don’t recommend using soap and bubble bath every, single night – limit these to when necessary so baby’s skin does not develop dry skin. However, even just a brief splash in the warm water can signal to your baby that we’re transitioning to sleep very shortly).
Pajamas and swaddle/sleep bag – Choosing the right sleepwear for your child can be key to their healthy sleep; we want your child to be comfy (neither too hot nor too cold), and also provide sleepwear that will encourage restful sleep. Swaddling in the early months of your child’s life can provide a cozy environment to help baby feel comfortable enough to fall asleep, while also keeping those little arms put so they don’t startle your baby awake. Using a product like The Ollie swaddle - with Velcro tabs and a small elastic band at the bottom to help more easily bundle your babe, and moisture-wicking material to help with temperature-regulation – can create a very peaceful sleep environment for your little one. The Ollie can be used like a traditional swaddle through the transition when little ones begin to roll from back to stomach. Once baby can roll, a sleep bag is another great cue to your child that sleep-time is approaching.
Feed – I always encourage a feed as part of your baby’s bedtime routine, to ensure that little tummy is topped up for a restful night. Try to keep baby awake on the feed, as this not only avoids the feed-to-sleep association that can cause extra overnight wake ups, but it also encourages bigger, better feeds for baby when she is not falling asleep on the breast or bottle, and is actively eating the whole time.
A book or a song – choosing to read a small book or sing a favourite song each night to finish your baby’s bedtime routine is a great way to cue to her that the time for sleep has now arrived. You may even choose to create what I refer to as a “key sleep phrase” between you and your partner, as something you with both say any time you put your child down for a nap or for nighttime sleep. This will be a final cue to your little one that sleep-time has arrived, and she will grow to associate this phrase with the time for going to sleep.
Erin Junker is a Professional Infant & Toddler Sleep Consultant, and owner of The Happy Sleep Company, working closely with tired parents to help them help their little ones get the healthy, restful sleep they need. Follow The Happy Sleep Company on Instagram - let’s get your family the healthy, happy sleep you deserve!
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As most of us approach new mamahood, it isn’t uncommon that birth (and the way we hope it looks) takes precedence. There're so many dreams for us there: skin to skin, vaginal delivery, midwifery, doulas, music, water birth, cesarean birth, epidurals, interventions, the smell of a vernix covered newborn finally on the outside. The list is long, large, and all-consuming - and then we blink, the birth has happened, and we are suddenly in a postpartum season (in a pandemic no less) that, it turns out, is the rest of our lives.
So how can we prepare? How can we really do some “good things” to be ready - for both the brevity and incredibleness of birth as well as the true high and lows of postpartum?
I want to make some suggestions that may seem a bit less mainstream. I’m going to assume that you know some basics (and if you don’t I’m always sharing more on my Instagram) for birth prep and postpartum prep, the things like nipple cream and pads, chapstick, birth packing lists, books to read. And I hope you’ve found a provider you trust and maybe (hopefully) a friend or two or social media account or group to encourage you too. But what else? Here are a couple lesser known or talked about suggestions that hopefully make these seasons a little bit easier.
Birth + Postpartum Prep Suggestions
Podcasts: Podcasts are nothing new today. But did you know there are SO many related to birth and postpartum? You may be listening already, but if you are not, I’d encourage you to start. After sound advice and information from a care provider, birth and postpartum podcasts can be such an incredible way to learn about the things you may encounter, as well as be encouraged by the stories of other women who have lived through good, beautiful, and hard things, and survived all of it. Some of my favorites are The Birth Hour, Birthful, Informed Pregnancy, and The Push Guide.
Food: I want you to ask for what you need. I want you to let people help you. Even in the age of COVID, contactless meals can be dropped on your porch, gift cards to Uber Eats and GrubHub are available in minutes. I’m not sure there is anything more valuable than a hot meal you don’t have to make, especially in that immediate postpartum season. It may feel bold or presumptuous to ask a friend to set up a MealTrain (or something similar) for you - but do it (before you are due). Many churches also assist new mamas in this way too. People want to help you - please let them.
Lactation: Though it’s one of the most “natural” things in the world - breastfeeding your little one (and pumping) can actually feel like one of the toughest, most confusing and frustrating things you’ve ever done. How can you prepare yourself for when you are home and there is no longer a RN or an IBCLC helping you every feed? Find a lactation consultant now (before you deliver). Keep the number on your fridge. If you need help, you want help immediately - and I don’t want you searching for someone when you’re exhausted, engorged, and weary with a crying baby on your lap.
Breast Pumps: Most of us know that nearly every insurance plan now offers a free breast pump to pregnant/postpartum women. Follow up on this. Figure out what is available to you BEFORE babe arrives. Even if you plan to exclusively breastfeed, I still believe it is good to be prepared with a pump - there are just no guarantees that you won’t want or need one, even if only for a season. If you are able to receive yours before birth, sterilize it and have it ready. If you feel totally clueless about using it, you can also bring yours into the hospital and have the RN or lactation consultant show you how!
“Responsibility Talk:” This feels silly to include, but can I tell you something? This may be the MOST important thing you can do to handle those postpartum days with your partner well. I’d encourage you to have a VERY clear and specific conversation about ways in which each of you see yourself caring for that little one. If the baby wakes at 2 am and won’t go back to sleep, who is going to rock them? Is your partner going to change the middle of the night diaper before you nurse them? Who will go to your older kids when they wake in the middle of the night? What are your expectations of them if you are home on maternity leave and they are back at work? You are absolutely going to confront things you didn’t talk about. But the more you talk about now, when it isn’t 3 am and you all desperately need sleep, the better some of these potentially poor conversations will go.
Postpartum Anxiety and Depression: I’d encourage you to learn about these right now. For many women in the United States, there is not a care provider checking on you until you are 6 weeks postpartum. The symptoms of PPA and PPD can absolutely show up before then - and you may be the only one advocating for yourself before that follow up appointment. Can you get someone on board with this with you? Can you teach your partner, your mom, a dear friend the signs and symptoms of these - and then allow them to speak into your life if they believe you may be experiencing some of them? The exhaustion of adding a new babe to the family can easily hide PPA or PPD and I don’t want you to prepare for this potentiality alone. Bring someone into this education and then give them the freedom to walk alongside you.
Mama, you have a million things to think about. My guess is that everyday, the list grows longer - and perhaps, you feel a bit more overwhelmed. None of us can prescribe to you exactly what will make your birth and postpartum season go “perfectly” (pssst...I think that’s impossible anyway). But I hope you can be encouraged by these suggestions and that maybe, crossing one of them off of the list will feel really, really good.
Cheering for you!
Lo (The Labor Mama)
Lo is a (currently pregnant) labor, delivery, and postpartum RN who left her patients for her own babies when her first daughter was born. She loved delivering her own girls, delivering her patients' babies, and continues writing and educating about all of it. She lives in Denver with her husband and her two daughters, writing, mom-ing, speaking life to other mamas on her Instagram and (maybe) figuring it out. For more on pregnancy, labor, birth, postpartum, newborns, and mamahood, join her there.
Written by Irish Riley / photo credit: Pexels
Motherhood, as wonderful as it is, is a huge adjustment for most. It’s normal to be overcome with emotions that are both positive and negative. When you’re feeling stressed out or overwhelmed, these simple steps can help you unwind.
Acknowledge your emotions
First, take a deep breath and sit with your thoughts and emotions. A survey from Orlando Health found that 40% of new moms feel overwhelmed so accept that it’s a common emotion. It’s perfectly normal to feel stressed! There’s a learning curve to parenting and not everyone picks it up right away. Take your time and be comfortable with the fact that you will even make mistakes from time to time. Doing so can help you let go of unrealistic expectations about motherhood and maybe even reduce the pressure that you’re feeling as of the moment.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help
Finding people to lean on is important when times are tough. Courtney Haller, director of the marketing and public relations program at Maryville University, reminds us that mothers are not supposed to go through this journey alone. Speaking to Thrive Global, Haller’s advice for moms covers how “accepting help is really brave and absolutely not a sign of weakness.” So don’t shy away from asking for help from your partner or anyone from your support system. It doesn’t make you weak; it just makes you human.
Voice out your thoughts and feelings
Sometimes just expressing your emotions can already take a huge weight off of your shoulders. Psychologist Diane Dreher Ph.D. explains that it helps with healing when we share our problems. So other than your partner, look for local or online support groups such as mommy forums. That way, you can connect with other people who are in the same boat as you. You can talk about your own experiences, share advice, or simply find an emotional support system. Just feeling that you’re not alone in experiencing these challenging situations can be enough to ease the stress.
Identify your stressors and address them
It needs to be said that knowing what causes your stress in the first place is crucial to managing it. For example, your newborn is crying through the night which could be causing your own sleep deprivation. The Ollie Swaddle could help with your baby’s sleep as it’s designed to create positive sleep cues while providing maximum comfort. The point is that you need to take time to determine the reasons behind your stress before you can actually address them one by one.
Prioritize self-care
At this point, self-care might be an overused term. As a new mom, however, you might be surprised at how much you actually need it. Our ‘Self-Care Tips for Busy Moms’ article is a useful resource when it comes to finding ways to take care of yourself while you take care of another human being. Even something as simple as taking a few deep breaths or going for an evening stroll can recharge your mind and body! Regardless of what routine you actually follow, what’s important is that you take a few moments to yourself each day. Think of it this way: being in a better physical, mental, and emotional place only makes you a better mom.
It’s not easy being a mother especially if it’s your first time. Know that you’re not going through this alone. So don’t be afraid to give yourself a break every once in a while and some time to ease into your new role.
Written by Irish Riley for theollieworld.com
]]>If you’re reading this you’re seeking out information to help you and your baby.
You’re acting on a natural instinct to protect and care for your child. So before you read further, it’s important you hear this:
"You’re already doing so well as a mother. Good job mama!"
With so much information coming out about coronavirus, it can be unsettling to decipher what it all means to you and your baby. So we’ve compiled a list of the most common questions we’ve gotten from pregnant women about giving birth. This list of answers will be updated often and regularly. We’re here to support you.
As you’re reading through these, there are some reassurances we want all mothers to keep in mind.
Tips from a postpartum doula Part of settling into motherhood is establishing balance - so when you take in the bad, let yourself take in the good too. Chances are you wouldn’t choose to have a baby during a worldwide pandemic. It can be scary and at times, overwhelming. But you will meet the moment. And in doing so, you are being so brave. That courageous spirit is something your baby and your family will feel. Resilience.What a great story to tell your baby. |
According to the CDC (updated June 25, 2020),
“pregnant people might be at an increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 compared to non-pregnant people. Additionally, there may be an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as preterm birth, among pregnant people with COVID-19.”
How should I prepare for birth during COVID-19?
It’s not uncommon for hospitals restrict visitors (especially children) during flu seasons. During the time of coronavirus hospitals and birthing centers first priority is to keep its patients and staff safe. With COVID, a novel virus that has shown to be a silent spreader, many hospitals have restricted visitors to limit the likelihood.
Thankfully most hospitals are now allowing at least one birthing partner to be in the room with you when you deliver. Most hospitals also allow for the partner to record and/or facetime while you’re in the hospital so that you can share it with other loved ones safely.
While these are general procedures (as of August 2020) it’s important to note that this varies based on the hospital or birthing center you’re delivering in. So for the most current guidelines for you, one call to your birthing center can answer those questions.
If your facility only allows one visitors, typically a doula will count as a visitor and often cannot switch after delivery. This means that if you plan on having a doula, you’ll want to consider if your doula can support you for your entire hospital stay.
Expect your OBGYN or attending doctor or doula, any nurses and other physicians such as an anesthesiologist. If your birthing center allows for a support person, he/she will also be with you and expect everyone to be wearing masks and personal protective equipment (PPE) such as face shields and scrubs.
Hospitals right now feel different than hospitals pre-COVID. To protect patients and hospital staff against exposure hospitals have limited the number of people in and out of your room. This usually makes for a much quieter hospital but if you need assistance, the nursing staff should show you how to call for help.
Generally, you can expect a visit from your OBGYN after delivery, nursing staff, chosen pediatrician. If you need support breastfeeding and the hospital has not provided a lactation consultant you can get virtual breastfeeding services via your phone in the hospital or at home.
During any hospital delivery there are risks. Even with COVID still looming, however, it’s crucial to understand that it’s still safe to have your baby - as long as certain precautions are in place. Your chosen hospital should be implementing safety measures, i.e., COVID-testing, visitor restrictions, and strict cleaning and sanitation procedures.
There’s no reason to wait any longer than normal to go to the hospital during COVID. If you’re noticing typical labor signs, such as your water breaking or consistent contractions, it’s worth taking a trip to your chosen medical facility. You should also be aware of emergency signs, i.e., lack of fetal movement and bleeding. Be sure to speak with your doctor for specific instructions on when they want you to start heading to the hospital.
While it can be perfectly safe to schedule an elective induction when you’ve reached a term pregnancy, this is something to be discussed with your doctor. Inductions come with risks and shouldn’t be considered in every situation, even with COVID as a concern.
Delivering at home is a beautiful way to have a baby but it’s not for everyone. Delivering at home allows for some flexibility to hospital protocols but also means that mom should be more involved with all of the decisions and considerations that come along with pushing a baby.
While accredited birthing centers are a safe option for giving births, many professional organizations still believe that hospitals are your safest option. Wherever you decide to give birth, remember to ask questions about what COVID precautions the facility is taking.
Expect for you and any allowed birthing partner(s) to be screened for COVID-19 usually that means a temperature check and a test that is usually done as a nasal swab and/or blood test. Unfortunately, you will not be allowed to have additional visitors during your hospital stay.
If you are showing any possible signs of COVID or have tested positive prior to your arrival, you will likely be admitted into an isolation room for the duration of your stay. It’s often suggested that mothers isolate themselves away from their baby after birth, but this isn’t necessarily a requirement.
For healthy patients with no COVID symptoms, they will be placed into a traditional birthing room, and their baby will be allowed to stay with them after the birth.
In most cases, yes. Masks have been shown as one of the most critical ways to stop the spread of coronavirus. So in order to protect you, your baby and the hospital staff, everyone in the birthing room will likely be wearing masks. The hospital will provide masks for you and any birthing partners.
If you have concerns about wearing a mask during labor, it’s best to ask your OBGYN or care provider before delivery during a prenatal appointment or phone call.
When an expectant mother tests positive for COVID-19 before the birth of their child, they will be assigned an isolated room for labor and delivery. Once the baby is born, most hospitals prefer most women to continue isolating away from her family and baby.
It’s understandable, however, that many women want to keep their baby with them for nursing and bonding. For these women, it’s suggested they follow certain guidelines when interacting with their child, such as:
As of August 2020, the coronavirus has not been detected in breastmilk of COVID-19 positive mothers. In fact, not only can this disease not be transmitted through breast milk, nursing your baby plays a significant role in boosting their immune system. Breast milk provides your little one with ample nutrients required for the early development of their immune system. These include:
When it comes to COVID-19 transmission, it’s crucial to realize transmission occurs primarily through respiratory droplets, i.e., airborne germs spread through sneezes, coughs, or speaking. This is why it’s so important to maintain safe 6 foot distances between one another.
Can I leave the hospital early?
Most hospitals discharge 2 days after vaginal birth, and 3 days after a c-section. Some hospitals offer early discharge for new mothers 1 day after delivery for mothers who can safely do so and want to take the option. In those situations, we encourage mothers to take advantage of any and telemedicine appointments and virtual postpartum sessions to aid in their recovery.
How can I make my baby feel comfortable during the first days?
In the womb, your little one is protected from the overwhelming stimulation of lights, sounds and feelings of the outside world. Swaddling helps your little one to feel secure and mimics that safe feeling of being in the comforts of the mothers womb.
Here are some tips that will help you create a comfortable and safe sleeping environment.
Always place your little one on their back to go to sleep.
If your baby sleeps in a crib at night make sure to avoid the use of bumpers, pillows or blankets. Your crib should be completely empty during sleep. It’s also recommended to use a firm and flat mattress.
There are many options for swaddling, but we recommend swaddling with The Ollie to ensure that fabric is never too close to your little one's face or chin. Always be sure to tie the elastic loop at the bottom.
Summary / Conclusion
We know that giving birth during a pandemic is stressful, and we want you to know that you are not alone! Please share this article with any fellow expecting or new moms.
MamaNatal will publish new findings of how Covid might affect pregnancy and birth on our blog and social channels, so check back for updates and updated information.
Would like to connect with a birth expert live or watch classes? Visit MamaNatal: https://mamanatal.com/
MamaNatal’s Facebook group to connect with lactation consultants, sleep trainers and medical doctors: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mamanatal
The holidays can be a challenging time for new parents. The long nights you spent partying are gone now that you have a newborn. Instead, you’ll likely spend the holidays visiting different relatives and friends who are eager to see you and your baby.
To ensure that you have a wonderful time during the holidays, you should know how to navigate this busy part of the year with a newborn.
Are people coming over to your house over the holidays? If so, this is the one year when you shouldn’t overburden yourself with creating the perfect celebration. Cut yourself some slack and instead keep it simple.
Since both you and your partner will have way more responsibilities than usual, it’s okay if you don’t focus on decorating or preparing food too much. Thankfully, there are simple ways to make sure that your guests have a great time without you having to put a lot of effort into hosting a perfect celebration.
Remember that your newborn should be your priority and number-one concern. If you don’t have the time to prepare food for your guests, ask each of them to bring something or simply eat take-out. You can also buy ready-made desserts at a local confectionery shop.
In case you plan on inviting friends over for the holidays, you should talk to them beforehand and establish some healthy boundaries. Depending on whether or not they have any kids of their own, your friends may not understand how much your life has changed since you had a baby.
Explain to your friends that you’re going to have a more relaxed celebration this year and that you don’t want too many people coming over to your house. This is the year where you can call the shots since you have a lot on your plate.
The most important thing is to clearly communicate with your partner, friends, and family what you want to do. It’s understandable that you may not have the energy to stay up late or talk with a lot of people. If that’s the case, organize a more intimate get-together and call it a night early.
There are some responsibilities that come during the holidays that you can never avoid, like buying presents for relatives and friends. Even if you decide not to go to any celebrations, you will surely either make a few visits or get some visitors during this time of year.
Exchanging gifts has always been an exciting and fun tradition that guarantees to bring smiles to people’s faces. If you start preparing for this early, you won’t have to deal with the stress of last-minute shopping and figuring out what to buy for which person.
Take some time to brainstorm gift ideas with your partner and determine what to buy. If you already know what you’re going to get, then purchasing it will be the least of your worries. After all, you can even order gifts online and have them arrive at your doorstep if you don’t feel like going outside and shopping.
In case you plan to have guests over at your home, you can also get a head start on preparing food. Cakes and other sweets can stay in the fridge for days and perfectly maintain their quality, so you can prepare them well in advance.
You should also prepare a strategy for soothing your newborn’s nerves in case they go into overdrive from the people and noise at your house during the holidays. There are some products like swaddles made by The Ollie World that can effectively calm your baby. They are very comfortable and can enhance your newborn’s sleep quality.
Holidays and tradition are always important but they shouldn’t be your priority this year, especially if you recently gave birth. What’s more essential than tradition is taking care of you and your baby. Lower your expectations to ensure that you have a good time during the holidays.
Take the time to ensure that you do all of your responsibilities as a mother before you move onto your holiday to-do list. Everything you read about caring for a newborn is imperative regardless of what part of the year it is. Don’t sacrifice essential activities like tummy time so that you can focus on buying gifts or preparing food for your guests.
To deal with the various responsibilities you have, ask your partner to help you as much as possible. Keep in mind that caring for a baby should be a team sport. Whenever you want to take a break and do a bit of shopping or set up some decorations, ask your partner to take over baby duties.
If you’re visiting friends or relatives during the holidays, you will need to pack stuff that you might need. You should bring extra clothing for your newborn, yourself, and your partner. It’s normal for newborns to go through a whole lot of laundry. For instance, you can never know when a baby might throw up on your sweater, which is why it’s always good to bring a change of clothes.
Another thing that you should consider packing is a large nursing cover. It’s worth noting that newborns shouldn’t go more than four hours without being breastfed. So, unless you plan on making a very short visit, you’ll probably need a nursing cover.
If you’re tired, sometimes all it takes is for you to take a nap for a few hours in order to get your energy back. Know that your family and friends will surely be happy to help you navigate the holidays with a newborn. In case you need a break, make sure that you ask someone to help you.
It’ll be much easier for you and your partner to survive the holidays with a baby if you can rely on other people. Even if you don’t want to sleep, but would like to take a walk, go shopping, or cook, you should enlist a family member to watch your baby for a while.
]]>Description: Nine months down the line, and your delivery day's arrived. You're blessed to have a beautiful baby, and after a few days, you're back home. So how do you start your postpartum care? What are the dos and don'ts? Keep reading to find out more.
Many individuals firmly believe that once the baby is here, it's all about the baby, what it will eat, what to wear, where to sleep and how to take care of it. Mothers are assumed to be just okay and should get on with breastfeeding and life in general as if nothing happened to them. As you teach yourself how to carry the baby, dress them and bathe them, does it occur to you that the mother requires some attention to recover from the whole birth process? So the question is, have we forgotten who carried this baby for that long? Doesn't she also need care and help? So how do you go about it?
The first six weeks after giving birth are referred to as the postpartum period. It is the period mums use to recover from the happenings to their bodies at that period. Something to note is that every mom is different, and they each get other postpartum effects, and they do have different rates of body-regrouping altogether. Nonetheless, mothers who gave birth through C-section take their first postnatal week in the hospital, and it lasts relatively longer than those who underwent standard delivery. However, regardless of the method used during delivery, postnatal care is essential to the mother.
Some are informed earlier if they get a nurse that relates well with them, but many mothers are unaware of what awaits them after birth. The following are the postpartum symptoms and alarms to get the best post birth pads.
There are several steps that you can follow to ensure that you heal quickly;
It’s significantly essential to ensure that a mother who has just delivered a baby is under equal attention because they might look fine, but deep down, they are going through a lot. Ensure that you grab your postpartum recovery checklist so that you'll be able to attend to her correctly.
Do you know of any recovering mother? Now that you know the importance of postpartum care, what care can you give her? Leave a comment.
Author’s bio:
Rachel Burns is an experienced copywriter and photographer with a design diploma. She works with startups, entrepreneurs, bloggers and companies from around the world. In addition to writing articles and promotional materials, she enjoys hiking, reading, cooking and spending time with her family.
Gorgeous testimony provided by Ashley C.
"Our first baby was born July 6th of this year and she was in the NICU for 8 weeks struggling to breathe. She was diagnosed with bilateral vocal cord paralysis ultimately resulting in a Tracheostomy at only 3 weeks old. ⠀
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Her Trach needs to be covered with artificial humidity all night long. She has a string around her neck holding the nose of the humidity right up to her Trach and when putting her to sleep, I constantly worry she will shift or grab at the placement of everything and cause an emergency. I initially tried a sleep sack to contain her arms but found it bunches up around her neck and caused an airway obstruction. ⠀
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Then I tried the Ollie Swaddle and it worked perfectly. It’s easy to put on, it’s not close to her neck or Trach site whatsoever, and the opening at the bottom allows the wires from her monitoring devices to easily be connected. ⠀
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Thank you so much for this amazing product and for giving me piece of mind that she is safe while sleeping."⠀
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- @ashleycharlz .⠀
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*Please note: loungers are not safe for sleeping. Due to the medical requirements of this baby's circumstances, sleeping on a lounger has been advised under medical supervision and the advice of her medical team*