One such product you can add is happy bottom pool padding or pad. Here is a guide on how you can install it, but before that, let’s look at what this pad is all about.

What is Happy bottom Pool Pad?

It is foam based swimming pool pad that is made for above-ground swimming pool installations. The product of high-quality polyethylene foam of 1/4 -inch thick.

There are a lot of benefits that you can get when you choose this padding for your swimming pool floor. They include:

• Vapor barrier – It functions as a vapor barrier that keeps water away from your pool’s metal parts, which can easily corrode.
• Smoothing out – Another benefit of the happy bottom pool pad is the ability to smooth out the bottom to give you a flat and more attractive surface. 
• Prolong liner life – The pad can also add years to the liner and your swimming pool. 
• Minimize punctures – It also ensures that your pool liner doesn’t get punctured easily.
• Heat retention – Another benefit is that it allows your pool to retain more heat.

How to Install Happy Bottom Pool Pad

How do you install the happy bottom pad for above ground swimming pools? Here are the steps that you should follow:

Step One

Clear the pool area as instructed in your above ground swimming pool installation guide. Get rid of all rocks, sticks, and other material from the surface that can damage your pool.

It might be necessary to make use of a sod roller or tamping tool to get a smooth, level, and firm surface to place your pool.  

Step Two

Cut your happy bottom pad into two parts – 2 feet longer than your pool’s diameter.

Step Three

Place the two pieces of pads next to each other. You should place them on a clean ground, such as a driveway or garage. 

Note: The number of pieces will depend on your pool’s size.

Step Four 

Use sure seam tape to seam the pieces together and ensure that the foam is tight against each other. You should apply this tape on one side.

Note: Don’t overlap the pieces.

Step Five

After taping the foams together, now flip them over so that the tape can be on the bottom side. 

Step Six

Place the taped foam in the middle of where you intend to install your swimming pool.

Step Seven

Start to assemble your above ground pool on the foam sheets. 

Note: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when doing that.

Step Eight

Install the pool cove and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.  

Step Nine

Trim the excess foam after you are done installing your swimming pool. You can use a knife to do that.

Final Words

You can use a happy bottom pool pad to shield your above ground pool from water and punctures. It is also very easy to install this barrier. 

• A Guide for Coleman Pool Pump Upgrade
• Pool Essentials Chlorinating Liquid Review

The post How to Install a Happy Bottom Pool Pad appeared first on Bluebonnet Acres.

One such product is the Pool Essentials Chlorinating Liquid that I have come to love over the years. You might be wondering why? Continue reading to find out about my experience with this liquid.

A Complete Review 

Pool essentials chlorinating liquid is a must-have cleaner if you own a swimming pool. My facility started to turn green, and I tried all types of shocking material with no success. 

I tried the pool essentials liquid, and within two hours, my best above ground pool was clean as new. I was amazed to see the change that happened fast.

And what even made me like the product is the fact that it didn’t leave any chemical or breach smell behind. I would recommend this chlorinating liquid to anyone who wants to have a clean pool at a reasonable price.

What Pool Essentials Chlorinating Liquid Does?

The product had killed all the bacteria and algae in my swimming pool. One thing you should note is that the chlorine is compatible with salt-systems and is free of calcium – no possibility of depositing minerals in the pool. 

Since it comes in a huge one-gallon jug, it can easily maintain your swimming pool for a whole season, depending on the size of your facility. I also like the fact that one can use the product every day or weekly to ensure that you enjoy a clean pool. Read more about the best robotic pool cleaner on the market.

The product is recommended for all types of pools and doesn’t cloud the water. That means you can jump into your pool almost immediately after adding the chlorinating liquid.

How to Use Pool Essentials Chlorinating Liquid 

You would be violating the law if you used this liquid in a manner that it was not meant to be used. You should also note that the liquid degrades over time.

Another thing you should note is that you will need a chlorine test kit when using the product to ensure that you add the required amount. 

Swimming Pool Disinfection

When disinfecting your pool, add 13 fl. Oz of Pool Essentials Chlorinating Liquid for every 10,000 gallons of water to hit one ppm. That volume can easily maintain 1.0 to 3.0 ppm in a stabilized pool and 1.0 to 3.0 ppm in an unstabilized one. 

To super chlorinate or start-up (shock treating) a swimming pool, add 64-128 fl. oz. of the liquid for every 10,000 gallons of water to enjoy 5 to 10 ppm. Don’t enter your pool until the level drops to 4.0 ppm. 

Ensure that you add the liquid during the night and leave the filter and pump running. Test the water in the morning and add more if necessary. 

In Conclusion 

Pool Essentials Chlorinating Liquid is an effective product that you can use to shock your pool. It helps to remove algae and bacteria, leaving your facility disinfected, clean, and clean. The product is easy to add to a pool and is affordable.

• A Guide for Coleman Pool Pump Upgrade
• How to Install a Happy Bottom Pool Pad

The post Pool Essentials Chlorinating Liquid Review appeared first on Bluebonnet Acres.

The brand’s pools are known for having filters that are a bit small to ensure that they remain competitive on the market. Thus, if you are having trouble with your Coleman pool pump, it might be the right time to do that upgrade.

Features to Look for When Upgrading

You might have an idea of Coleman’s filter pump that you want, but there are a few things that you should keep in mind. These features can make the difference between making a successful upgrade and a failed one.

1. Above or Inground Pool

Do you own the best above ground pool or inground one? Are you anxious about fitting pumps for them? Please don’t worry! It is easy to do that for both inground and above ground pools. Although you can easily interchange, it is advisable to get a pump that was made for an above or inground pool.

2. Horsepower

A powerful filter pump comes with more horsepower – it can easily circulate the water, and that lets you operate it for a short period. However, when making the upgrade, it ensures that the model you choose can handle the existing filtration systems and filter pipes.

A pump with lots of horsepowers can damage a small filter.

3. Pool Size

A more powerful filter pump can be ineffective for a small swimming pool, which will waste energy and cost more. Ensure that you choose a model that won’t strain your pool’s system when upgrading your Coleman pump. 

4. Pump Motor Voltage 

A pool pump can require a power outlet to plug into or be hardwired into the pool’s electrical system. Know the amount of voltage you have before choosing a more advanced filter pump.

Besides, you should find out if the latest version operates on 110v or 220v. Most of Coleman’s products work on 110v to suit the needs of most above ground pools. 

Why Upgrade Coleman Pool Pump

You can save power and time when you upgrade your filter pump with a more efficient model. That is because you don’t need to operate it for hours to ensure that your pool is clean.

As an example, most energy-efficient pumps use up to 45% less energy compared to previous versions. You can be surprised by the amount of money you can save during a season just from using power more effectively.

The latest models have also been shown to last longer than the older version since they are made using better technology. What you get is value for your money as you don’t need to keep on replacing them regularly.

Another thing that should make you consider upgrading your Coleman pool pump is the fact that they are easy to install. These gears come assembled to ensure that you take less time when placing them in your pool.

In Conclusion 

There is a lot of Coleman pool filter pumps out there that you can choose from when upgrading your tired system. These models are more efficient and won’t cost you much.

• Pool Essentials Chlorinating Liquid Review
• How to Install a Happy Bottom Pool Pad

The post Coleman Pool Pump Upgrade appeared first on Bluebonnet Acres.

There have been so many blog posts lately on how Moms don’t need to try to be SuperMom. You know the Mom I’m talking about: the mom who works a full time job, keeps the house sparkling clean and expertly decorated, has a Martha Stewart magazine worthy meal on the table every night at 6pm, not only takes care of the kids, but has them potty trained by 18 months and teaches them how to read by age 3, AND hand-designs the perfect birthday party decorations. She is crafty and creative. Her kids never eat anything remotely unhealthy and are happy to munch on veggies for snacks. Ok how often does that really happen? But there are plenty of Moms out there thinking they need to BE that Mom, and then there are several people telling them not to. Telling them they shouldn’t try keeping up with the Joneses and just relax. Just be “Mom,” make sure the kids are fed, maybe bathed, and just relax. (There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that, but keep reading…)

I really loved a post written by Raising Godly Children called “Dear Mom, Jesus wants you to Chill Out.”  I wholeheartedly agree with what the writer is saying about a Mom’s Job Description (Love God, Love your Husband, Love your kids…in that order). Another article by The Modest Mom Blog called “You Don’t Have to be SuperMom” hits the nail on the head, too. But again, while there is truth to the fact that Moms need to give themselves a break, there are soooo many people out there talking about how Mom’s shouldn’t do anything else other than take care of their kids’ basic necessities.

While I partially agree with some of the things they’re saying, I think it’s also giving some moms the wrong idea. Some Moms are getting the idea that they CAN’T be those things. That they SHOULDN’T be “SuperMom” at all. That in fact they’re a bad Mom for even trying to have a higher standard. There is more than one entire blog that talks solely about how all “SuperMoms” are fake.  I’m not going to single any one post out, but you know the type I’m talking about.

I think being a SuperMom has to do with what’s in your heart instead of trying to impress other people.

For instance, I’ll talk about me for a little bit. Like the first post I mentioned (the one about Jesus wanting us to chill out) I try to prioritize my life (Key word being try):

• I put my faith in God first and try my hardest to be the woman, wife, and Mom that HE wants me to be.
• I try to please my husband next. I love him SO much, and I want to be the very best wife to him that I can be. I know I fall short of that mark plenty of times, but I sure do try! Right now it’s hard to devote a lot of time to Hubby because Little Man is so young and requires so much attention, but we try to squeeze in as much quality time together in the evenings as we can. It’s not much right now, but it will do until Little Man (and any of his future siblings) are a teeny bit older.

• Third comes the kiddos. We only have one and he’s plenty for now ? The husband has been blessed with a well-paying job which means I have also been blessed enough to stay at home with the munchkin. Honestly, I never thought I would make a good Stay at Home Mom, but God had other plans for me. Little Man is a little ball of typical boy: dirt and endless energy, and he can certainly drain me of my own energy haha A typical day of taking care of his basic necessities can easily leave me unable to do anything else.

(I’m not perfect, and it doesn’t always work out this way, but that’s the plan anyways!) After all of that, if I have enough energy left, I get to do some other “extra” things that I enjoy! I’m OCD about my house being clean and tidy. I hate clutter and I actually enjoy organizing. I love to cook and try making new dishes. I love to bake even more, and I enjoy being crafty: sewing, quilting, scrapbooking, you name it. I love to read, and I love to write! I’ve really enjoyed putting this blog together because it gives me an outlet for all of the millions of thoughts running through my head every day.

Put all of that together and while I don’t fit the exact definition of my SuperMom that I described above, I might get kind of close on some days. Some days I’m not able to do any of those “extra” things. Especially if Little Man is having an unusually fussy day or there are other outside circumstances making things difficult, like the car breaking down or the kitchen flooding, or even a simple headache that knocks me out. Sometimes it takes all of my strength to get through my top 3 priorities. There are also times when I just need a day to lay around in my pajamas and be lazy (Like the kiddo allows that haha.) But you get my point. Sometimes it IS all you can do!

But I don’t do all of these “extra” things because I want to be better than any other Mom. I don’t do them because Jane does them and I think I need to be like her. I don’t do these things because Becky says I should do them. I do these things because I enjoy them and because God gave me the ability to make a decent meal for my family! He gave me an artistic soul, and he gave me an organizational mind. Those are my God-given strengths and talents. Most of them just so happen to fulfill my other priorities (like pleasing my husband who loves a good home-cooked meal, or organizing my son’s toys in such a way to keep him occupied and entertained.) Sometimes it can be hard to see a clear line between doing what you love because you love it and doing those things because that’s what other people want you to do (or you think that’s what other people want you to do.) In those times I try to make sure I’m not comparing myself to anyone else. I pray that I’m doing because God wants me to do, not because people want me to do, and I outsource my weaknesses instead of trying and failing to be good at everything. ?

Speaking of…know what I’m not good at? Teaching. Seriously, my Mom (who taught for 20+ years) has asked me more than once to please never become a teacher haha. She’s absolutely right. That is NOT one of my strengths. And while I’m not exactly thrilled with what’s going on in the public school realm, and we’re too broke to afford private school, I just think I would be doing my kids more harm than good if I tried to homeschool them. Another weakness: I’m impatient. I can almost guarantee that I won’t be the one to potty train Little Man or teach him how to read just because I don’t have enough patience to work through it with him. I might be able to stand it for a little while, but I’m not one of those Moms who sit with him next to his training potty and read him books for hours until he goes. You know who will be GREAT at that? Daddy! My husband is the most patient, easy-going person I’ve ever met! God has a funny way of putting two people like ourselves together ? I’m also not so great at hosting or presenting my food. I love having friends and family over at my house because I’m a social bug and just like to be around people, but I’m not so great at being a hostess. And while I love to cook, 90% of the time my food tastes way better than it looks. I’m not great at the presentation aspect. I rarely have perfect hair days (but I take pictures when I do! haha,) and I’m not a makeup artist. I’ll be lucky if I can find a hair clip and my mascara looks decent in the morning. Instead of trying too hard to make everything look perfect, I have learned to just focus on my strengths and leave it at that!

So where am I going with this? Personally, I think you need to be the Mom YOU want to be. The Mom that God MADE you to be. If you are only able to go to work, come home and love on your kiddo for a few minutes before bedtime, there is NOTHING WRONG WITH THAT! If you are able to do it all, be the Martha Stewart of the real world, that’s awesome, too! If you’re somewhere in-between the two extremes, great! Use the gifts and talents God has given you to raise the best kids and be the best wife (or single Mom!) you can be. That is going to look different for every single Mom, and you shouldn’t feel guilty about what you can or cannot do OR how you choose to make that work in your family. Period.

You ARE SuperMom! You just might not be the same SuperMom that I am, and that is totally OK.

The post Why Being SuperMom might NOT be such a Bad Thing appeared first on Bluebonnet Acres.

If you’re planning on a hospital birth, chances are you won’t be able to eat anything solid, and even if you’re allowed to eat at a birthing center or at home, a quick bite might be the furthest thing from your mind. (Or if you’re anything like me, you’ll just throw it up later, in which case eating is not the most pleasant task.) But staying hydrated throughout the process is an absolute must. Your body NEEDS water to recharge your cells and help you cope with such a strenuous task. If you’re anything like me, plain old water gets old pretty quickly, and while it does the trick for a bit, I often find that I can drink a lot more if it has a little bit of flavor to it. Something with added electrolytes and a little bit of sugar can go a long way, too.

Sugary, high-sodium drinks like Gatorade aren’t the worst choice in the world, but all that extra salt and processed sugar can sometimes do more harm than good, dehydrating you instead of providing a more lasting hydration.

My midwife gave me a recipe for some homemade Gatorade, “Labor-Aid” if you will, and while the ingredient list had me skeptical at first, I made a glass to test it out and was thoroughly impressed with how GOOD it tasted! Delightfully refreshing with just the right amount of sweet and salty mix. I loved it so much that when I got a stomach bug and threw up all night last week, I had my husband make me a whole gallon of it to keep in the fridge and sip on periodically. Thankfully my little bug only lasted 24 hours or so and then I was on the way to recovery, but my Labor-Aid really gave me the tiny bit of energy boost I needed to take care of my 2 year old when all I really wanted to do was sleep all day. (It really sucks having to take care of a rambunctious toddler when you feel like crap. Can I get an Amen?!)

So let’s check out what it’s made of and why its just so great

The Ingredients

• Water- Of course water is going to be the main ingredient in a rehydrating drink ? You can use plain, filtered water, Smart Water which has it’s own set of electrolytes, or if you’re a fan of coconut (I’m not…yuck), you can use coconut water.
• Lemon Juice- Freshly squeezed would be best, but if you’re short on time, energy, or both, you can use store bought lemon juice. I added a bit of lime to mine as well, and it was equally as delicious. This is mainly for flavor, but lemons have amazing natural antiseptic and antibacterial properties so if you’re using it because you’re sick, this is an added bonus! If you’re not a huge lemon-lime fan, try other tropical flavors like pineapple or orange!
• Sea Salt- Salt AKA sodium is a major electrolyte that your body needs to function properly. Natural sea salt (Pink Himalayan Salt is my favorite, but you can also use Celtic Salt or any other kind of natural salt (not the Iodized table salt)) also contains a healthy dose of minerals. If you’re on a salt restriction for some reason, you can always reduce the amount in this recipe or leave it out all together.
• Honey- Pure, raw, unfiltered honey, preferably from a local bee-keeper is a fantastic choice for a touch of sweetness, but it also gives that oh-so-needed energy boost. Just one tablespoon of honey, with its unique blend of glucose, fructose, and organic sugars, can provide just enough of a carbohydrate boost to give you a quick burst of energy. (Notice I said quick…this is a short acting energy burst, so keep sipping!) ?
• Concentrace Mineral Drops- This ingredient is optional, but it is a blend of concentrated minerals pulled from Utah’s Inland Sea (The Great Salt Lake). Just an extra boost of minerals for those thirsty cells.
• Rescue Remedy Drops– This is another optional ingredient, a blend of 5 different flower and herbs made into a tincture that is said to reduce anxiety and calm nerves. Dr. Bach’s blend contains Cherry Plum to prevent the fear of your mind giving way or the verge of a breakdown, Clematis to prevent the tendency to pass out, Impatiens to prevent irritability, tension and fidgetiness, Rock Rose for “frozen terror” and panic, and Star of Bethlehem for trauma and shock. Having never used it separately, I can’t speak to its effectiveness; however, the reviews on Amazon seem to testify that it truly works wonders so I’m giving it a shot!

To Make One Glass

• 2 Cups filtered water (Use coconut water or Smart Water for extra electrolytes)
• 1/4 Cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (or store bought lemon juice if you’re in a pinch…I also added some lime juice to mine. Delicioso!)
• 1/8 tsp Himalayan Sea Salt (or Celtic Salt or Natural Sea Salt)
• 1/4 Cup raw, unfiltered honey (more or less to taste)
• a few drops Concentrace Mineral Drops (optional)
• a few drops Rescue Remedy (optional)

Mix all ingredients in a tall glass, and drink! How easy is that? I found that heating the water first and letting the honey and salt dissolve THEN adding ice cubes to cool it down worked really well.

Make a One Gallon Pitcher

• 6 Cups filtered water
• 3/4 Cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp Himalayan Sea Salt 3/4 Cup raw, unfiltered honey
• 15-20 drops Concentrace Mineral Drops
• 15-20 drops Rescue Remedy

You can keep this pitcher in your fridge for about a week, but you’ll likely need to stir it up before pouring a glass.

What About You?

Have you tried Labor-Aid before? What are your favorite variations? What are your favorite pick-me-ups in labor?

The post Labor-Aid: A DIY, Delicious Electrolyte Replacement Drink appeared first on Bluebonnet Acres.

Supplies my Midwife Requires

I bought a suggested Birth Kit from In His Hands Birth Supply (a fantastic website, by the way!), which included the following items:

• 20 “Chux” Underpads
• 5 Depends Briefs, Extra Absorbency
• 10 Gauze sponges (4×4)
• 1 Scrub Brush, Hibiclens
• 1 PeriBottle, 8 oz
• 6 Single Gloves, Non-Sterile
• 10 Pair Gloves, Non-Sterile
• 1 Peri Instant Cold Pack
• 5 Sterile Lube Jelly
• 10 Alcohol Prep Pads
• 2 NeatNick heel lancets
• 3 Ziploc Freezer Bags,
• 1 gallon 2 Flexible Drinking Straws
• 2 45 Gallon Trash Bags, black
• 1 OB Instrument Kit
• Afterease by Wishgarden, 1 oz
• 1 Pack of Natracare feminine pads, 10 count
• 2 Single Gloves, Sterile
• 4 Pair Gloves, Sterile
• 1 Thermometer
• 1 Cord Ring

She also gave me a list of the following items to have on hand at home:

• 8-10 towels and wash cloths, washed and ready for use. These would be either cheap or old ones that you don’t mind just throwing away if they can’t be washed out. If you’re planning on a birth photographer, I’ve been told that darker colors look better in pictures and don’t show any stains that may occur during the birthing process. I opted for some cheapo new ones (On sale for $2.50 each at Target!) in Charcoal Grey. My nice towels are charcoal as well, so if these don’t get ruined I can just add them to my stash, but I also won’t be too upset if they end up getting tossed in the trash.

• 2-4 cheap, (destructible) pillows- For positioning and comfort during labor. I opted to buy new pillows, too. The cheapest ones I could find, of course. I also bought some cheap vinyl waterproof pillow covers. (I found a pair for about $3 at Wal-Mart.)

• 1 Roll Viva brand paper towels, plain, unprinted, “choose-a-size.” This was easy because this is the exact kind of paper towels I already use. Ha ?

• 1 Large Cookie Sheet with sides (for warming blankets, towels, etc. in the oven)

• 1 Medium/Large bowl (metal or plastic, no glass)

• 1 Crock Pot For keeping towels and wash cloths warm during labor Travel-sized package of sanitizing wipes (Clorox, Purelle, Lysol, etc) for disinfecting surfaces last minute
• 1 Clear shower curtain, plastic painters drop cloth, or waterproof mattress liner
• 2 Fitted Sheets and 2 Flat Sheets (washed and ready to prepare the bed)
• 1 Laundry basket for soiled linens

I’ll talk more about this in one of my next articles, but when you’re getting ready to USE your labor and birth supplies it might be a good time to make your bed and get it ready in case you labor or birth in the bed. I didn’t enjoy being in the bed in the hospital with Little Man, but I ended up delivering him there anyways so I’ll be making my bed at home and getting it ready just in case for this baby. To make the bed, you’ll start with one freshly washed set of sheets, fitted and then flat, of course, and then cover with the shower curtain/drop cloth/waterproof mattress cover (whichever you decided on), and then finish with the next set of clean sheets. The top ones will obviously be the ones that get the most soiled, so make those your old holey ones if you have a set. Have your pillows readily available for use, too! After you’ve delivered your baby you can easily strip the first set of sheets and waterproof liner off the bed and have a fresh, clean set of sheets already made up and ready to go on the bed so you can just relax!

Optional Items that are Highly Recommended:

• Gentle Birth Tincture- Can be bought with or without Blue Cohosh

• Herbal Afterbith Bath- To soothe the perineum and promote healing
• Pool Liner (only needed if you’re planning on using the birth pool, which I am) My midwife is supplying me with a birth pool to use, which is why I only need the liner, but if your midwife doesn’t have one for you to “rent” and you would like to enjoy laboring or birthing in the water, a birth pool is a great investment. Also look into water hoses, a hose attachment device to use with your sink or shower for easy filling, and a submersible pump to remove the water once you’re done.
• Small, easy to enjoy snacks for a pick-me-up during labor (Grapes, almonds, bananas, melons, honey sticks, crackers with nut butter, hummus, cherry tomatoes, carrot sticks, cucumber slices, yogurt, cheese sticks, granola bars, etc. are all good ideas)
• Labor-Aid (Get the DIY super amazing recipe HERE!), Coconut water, Smart Water, “Recharge,” or other low-sodium and low-sugar electrolyte drink for hydration during labor.

Random Items I have Compiled Myself

• Disposable Vinyl tablecloth- To place under the birth pool. If you get the kind that has vinyl on one side and flannel on the other, you can put it vinyl side down under the pool and it serves two purposes: 1. Protects the floor, and 2. Helps create a slip-free surface to walk on around the pool. We have hardwood floors and I’m super clumsy so this is a must ?
• Birthing Ball– A MUST-HAVE for laboring! I used my birth ball for over half of my labor with Little Man (the other half in the tub), and it was instrumental in getting through those contractions and keeping me moving. Just make sure you get one that is anti-burst and is the correct size for you. You need to be able to have your legs at a 90 degree angle with your feet flat on the floor when you sit on it. I’m 5’7″ (ish) with long legs and I use a 75mm birthing ball if that helps at all.
• Peanut Ball– The peanut ball is very similar to a birthing/exercise ball, but it only moves back and forth instead of in all directions. While there isn’t a ton of research on these yet, there has been one small study that says peanut balls help shorten labor by assisting women to open the pelvis when used properly. Check out more helpful information about peanut balls and how to use them at Premier Birth Tools. Again you’ll want to find one that is anti-burst and is the correct size for you. Most women will use the the 50cm ball, but if you’re shorter than 5’2″ or taller than 5’8″ you might want to try the next smaller or larger size respectively.
• Vibrating massager
• Heat/cold pack- This is my favorite one, which I have used throughout both of my pregnancies and is a LIFE-SAVER!
• Small bottle of olive oil for perineal massage
• 3-6 receiving/swaddle blankets, washed and ready to go. At least a few of them should be ones you don’t mind tossing. I like this kind because they’re warm, big enough for swaddling and oh so soft right out of the package.
• 1-2 Cotton knit infant hats to keep baby’s little head warm after birth

And there you have it! My complete birth kit! I organized everything into two separate plastic bins, one containing all of the linens, towels, and pillows, and the other containing pretty much everything else. I left the heat pack, birthing balls, etc and all of that fun stuff out because I’ve been using it to prepare for labor. (More on that later!) Note that most of these items are specifically for labor and birth. I have a whole other list of postpartum supplies and goodies plus some more labor prep items for earlier in pregnancy! Stay tuned for those posts at a later date! ?

What About You?

What supplies did you have on hand for your home birth? What extras would you recommend?

The post Preparing for Home Birth appeared first on Bluebonnet Acres.

Boys. Men. Guys…. You should probably stop reading now. The rest of this post is dedicated to women and to women only. Read on if your curious eyes must (or if you’re super sweet and want to make some of these for your lady)… but I’m warning you, it might not be pleasant ?

What is a Padsicle Anyways? Padsicle:

A Cross between a feminine pad and an ice pack AKA the best thing since sliced bread and your very best friend after giving birth! I don’t care if you had a 48 hour all-natural, no meds labor, or a 2 hour ordeal with an epidural… if you have squeezed a baby out of your vagina in any form or fashion recently, your lady bits are going to be swollen and sore. Some more so than others, of course, but uncomfortable nonetheless! Some women with cesarean sections even have quite a bit of perineal swelling after birth, so these little puppies are good for all new Moms!

When I was in the hospital with Little Man, my postpartum nurse kept making me ice packs out of newborn diapers with the hospital’s crushed ice, which felt heavenly. The poor thing had to go make me a new one every couple of hours the whole time we were there (and we were there for 5 freaking days! I was so ready to go home!) I thought THOSE were a God-send until the next nurse showed me how to make a “sandwich” of goodness in my pad… Stretchy, mesh undies (sexy, right?) followed by an enormous maxi pad, then the newborn diaper ice pack topped with Tucks pads. That combined with a peribottle of warm water and a quick blast of Dermoplast, and I felt like a new woman… but when I got home, there was no one there to make little ice packs for me, and I quickly ran out of the rest of my Tucks pads and Dermoplast. Searching for a solution, I stumbled upon the “Padsicle” and my life was changed once again ? I didn’t have time to make them with Little Man, nor did I really need them after about a week or so, but I made some this time around, and I’m excited to try them out!

What You’ll Need

• Overnight, or over sized feminine pads- My birth kit that I talked about HERE comes with this kind, so I used all of those, and then made a few more extra ones out of these, but really any pad that you choose will work.

• Witch Hazel (Alcohol free)- Cleans and moisturizes without irritating the skin

• Aloe Vera Gel– Soothes and promotes healing

• Essential Oil of your choice (optional)- I used Lavender because lavender is a fantastic oil for bruising and scrapes. It helps the tissue heal AND has a light, pleasant scent

How to Make Them

Make sure to wash your hands first, and try not touch the actual pad as little as possible! While the pads aren’t sterile, you want to keep the surface as clean as you can to minimize the risk of infection in such a delicate area.

(Sorry, no pictures of these steps as I was having technical difficulties with my camera, but it’s a pretty easy process… I’m sure you’ll be able to figure it out) ?

Simply open each pad up and lay them out on your work surface. I attempted to keep the outside packaging intact so the sticky part on the back didn’t get stuck to anything, and so I could wrap them back up later, but if you’re unable to do that with the pads you chose, you can always just wrap them in foil or saran wrap when you’re done. Either way works!

Next, take a large (heaping) Tablespoon of aloe vera gel and spread it all over the surface of each pad, letting the gel soak in, and spreading over as much of the pad as you can cover.

After that, you’ll do the same with the witch hazel. After a few, I started getting impatient and was just squirting it on each pad straight from the bottle instead of using the tablespoon and carefully applying it. ?

Sprinkle 2-3 drops of lavender oil on each pad (optional). I chose to be pretty scarce with the oil, but you can use more or less as you see fit.

Last, you’ll fold up each pad (I used the original packaging), and place them all in a gallon size freezer zippered bag, and freeze! Voila! Frozen perfection at your disposal. ?

How to Use Them

As a Labor and Delivery/Postpartum nurse, this is my newest favorite thing to recommend to my patients. When I teach women how to care for their feminine parts after birth, I always mention making these, and give them alternatives (such as the ones I mentioned above when I was in the hospital) in case they aren’t able to make these once they get home.

Simply place a padsicle inside your Depends (which I highly recommend!) or on top of a clean, dry, over sized pad after using the restroom. (The depends or clean pad will catch all of the melted padsicle/ice pack AND your bleeding.) Clean yourself with a spray of warm water from your peribottle, dab dry with a bit of toilet paper (no WIPING…just dab!), spray yourself with a quick blast of Dermoplast (optional, but highly recommended), and then enjoy the soothing nature of the padsicle as you go about your day and take care of your new baby! You can change your padsicle as often or as little as you would like. The first few days, you’ll most likely want a new one every few hours, and as your bleeding slows and the soreness starts going away you can decrease they amount of time you wear them, and how often you use a new one. I made about 20 padsicles for now, and have supplies to make more if necessary.

Why Do They Work?

The size and shape of the maxi pad makes for a snug, comfortable fit, while the ice, aloe, and witch hazel help promote healing and decrease swelling. The ice also helps control bleeding so you’re less likely to have prolonged bleeding after birth. Heavenly, I tell you!

What About You?

What are your favorite post-birth tips and tricks? If you’ve made or used padsicles before, were they helpful? Did you notice quicker healing and less bleeding after using them?

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