Mrs. Patel's

OUR STORY- The story behind Mrs. Patel’s, our small family business. The company is named after my mother- Mrs. Patel - the strongest woman I know and my inspiration. ... Our recipes have been passed down from mother to mother within my family for generations. All our goodies are made fresh and handcrafted. We strive to heal and nourish with our natural products and we want to support you every step of the way. We're not just a business, we're family.

DOES NOT PASS THE VIBE CHECK- : @thehiddensnacksmama via @spicydisastermama

DETOX FROM TOXIC PEOPLE - Motherhood and being a new parent is hard enough as it is without toxic people and their nonsense. Have you seen our momfession stories? The awful, mean, judgemental, snide, and just plain crazy comments/scenarios so many of you have experienced is mindblowing. ... We are here to say: it’s time to detox. Protecting yourself and supporting your mental health is an integral part of being a happier mama. That moms’ group full of judgemental people where you are too afraid to share in fear that you will be attacked. LEAVE IT. Your family member that constantly compares you to others and judges your choices? THEY ARE NOT INVITED OVER. A ‘friend’ who judges your choices or engages in competitive bragging about their children or life? GIRL, BYE. Someone who leaves hateful, ignorant comments on your social media posts? BLOCK THEM. You don’t need or deserve their snide comments, their comparisons, their opinions, their unnecessary advice or their judgements about you, your baby, your choices or your family. NOPE. Goodbye. The End.

TO ALL OUR C-SECTION MAMAS- : @mommysbundle Csections often get a bad rap. As though they are the easy way out. Which of course is not true especially when medically necessary and involving more risks. ... A cesarean is major abdominal surgery that carries its own potential complications. This can include increased risk of infections, blood clots, severe pain, longer recovery period and even additional hospital visits. And yet, moms can be made to feel like they did not actually birth their baby. Someone once said to me, But you didn’t give birth, they took him out of you. It stung. I felt like something was taking from me in that moment...and felt less than. But birth is MORE than just how baby comes out of the body. The entire birthing experiencethe before, the during and the after matters. It's a process to make the baby, and the mother. All my babies were born via csection it was not what I had planned or prepared for the first time around, but it was necessary to safely birth my babies. With my first, I labored for about 12-15 hours without progressing beyond 4 cm, when they realized baby was breech and needed help coming out. I was overcome with emotions upon hearing the news. But an hour later my baby boy was born and I was in love. I considered a Vbac with my following baby, but after some research and weighing the risks, I decided the repeat c-section was the safest choice for me. And same with the last. Whether vaginal or cesarean each and every which way baby is delivered is a miracleand is still birth.

BREASTFEEDING AFTER A C-SECTION Tips from @thelactatingmama (follow her page for more tips, info & support) Many have the misconception that breastfeeding after a c-section is impossible; however, that's not the case at all. Having a c-section does not automatically rule out being able to breastfeed.... Below are a few tips that I used, not once but twice. Both my children were birthed via c-section. One was an unplanned surgery, and the other was planned. Here are a few of my personal tips that can help those mamas who want to breastfeed after a cesarean birth and don't know where to start. 1. Make sure your partner, doctor, and the nurses know your plan to breastfeed. Regardless of how you plan on or not plan on giving birth. Tell them in advance and confirm once you arrive to the hospital. 2. Request that baby be put to the breast immediately after your surgery. If latching is not an option then start hand expressing as soon as possible. 3. Request skin to skin if your team is not on it. Many of the checks that need to be done, can be done while baby is laying on you. If you have a BF friendly team they'll be on it. 4. Positioning is key. Don't let the fear of the pain deter you. If positioned correctly, baby can latch and you wont feel pain from being uncomfortable. Laying on my side was the most comfortable for me. Find what works for you both. 5. Assistance and support. Allow nurses, your partner and family to help you. Positioning pillows, handing baby to you, getting you fluids & foods full of iron Have tips from your personal experience? Share below!

C-SECTION MAMAS - Hey c-section mama, can I tell you something? You did it. That sweet baby in your arms, you did that. Your body stretched and changed and gave itself over in unexplainable ways to make that little life come true.... You laid yourself on a table in a sterile OR, let someone cut you open, vulnerable, strong, capable, to bring that little one earthside. You looked to me when that baby came out, tears running down your cheeks, as I assured you that ‘yes mama, they’re okay’. You let me dig my hands into your belly, massaging a tired uterus, pushing on the space where your body was just cut open, even while you gasped in pain. You shuffled your way across the room, with trembling legs and tears in your eyes, because each painful post operative step brought you closer to taking that baby home. You slowly and cautiously rolled yourself over in the middle of the night, grimacing in pain but reaching for that baby, answering the call of their constant hunger. You ran your fingers over the staples and steri-strips, the scar fresh and pink and puckered, wondering how it would heal, what mark it’d leave behind. You tucked that baby snugly into its car seat, applied counter pressure on your tummy while you gently lowered your aching body into the back seat next to them, and then you drove away, mouthing ‘thank you’ out the window while I waved you goodbye. All of that, mama, you did that. You were brave and strong and capable. You showed me faith and trust and hope. You were quietly gracious, both when it went the way you wanted and when it didn’t. You did what women just keep on doing - you laid yourself down, in that beautiful unassuming way that mamas always do. Do you see it, mama? I so hope you do. You are a mama. You were and are and always have been equipped for this - and I’m not sure I’ll ever witness anything more stunning. Well done mama. love, your labor nurse : Reposted from @thelabormama (the powerful message) via @that.wandering.life (amazing image)

FREEZER STASH - This pumping mama was having trouble keeping up with her baby’s needs. Not anymore.

NURSING/PUMPING SCHEDULE - This preschool teacher’s nursing & pumping schedule for her 3-month old Each pumping session yielded 100-120ml (3.3oz - 4oz). And during stressful days only 60ml (2oz).... Share your nursing/pumping schedule with us for a chance to receive 15% off your next order! Please include age of child and as much details as you can! DM or email us [email protected]. We think other moms can really benefit from your experiences! #workingmom #workingmama #multitaskingmom #breastfeeding #lactation #milksupply #teachermomlife #teachermom #breastpump #breastpumping #pumpingmama #pumpingmom #3monthold #3monthsold #3montholdbaby #12weeksold #breastmilk #lactation #pumpingschedule #mrspatels

MRS. PATEL’S PRO TIPS - Mama Life: Month 3 You made it through the Fourth Trimester. What that may look like varies from mama to mama. You may feel stronger or weaker, more rested or more exhausted and you may be going back to work or continuing to stay at home with baby. ... What may Mama Life at month 3 look like for you? You are out of the 4th Trimester Some mamas may have started to feel stronger Some mamas may now have other physical ailments like hip or back pain You may be starting to get a little more sleep at night You may now be delirious with sleep deprivation Your day may have a more predictable rhythm Your schedule is unpredictable and changes constantly Some mamas may be going back to work (many U.S. women get only 3-months of maternity leave) Some mamas are adjusting to being home with baby Your hormones are resettling to pre-pregnancy levels Some women can experience PPA/PPD during this time (or become more aware of it) If you feel you have postpartum depression seek the help of your doctor as soon as you can. If you are having thoughts of self-harm, please reach out to someone you love and/or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) or use their webchat on suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat Every mama, whether at 3 months postpartum or 10 years postpartum, is different. Don’t compare your journey and experiences to anyone else’s!

DID YOU KNOW - Breastfeeding at month 3 It is the end of the fourth trimester and your baby is no longer a tiny newborn. Baby can recognize your face, is starting to smile and is noticing the exciting world around them. A lot of things are happening! What may breastfeeding look like at 3 months? ... Baby may have become more efficient at breastfeeding & needs less time to get out milk as such, baby’s feeding times may get shorter Baby may be feeding about every 3-4 hours for bottlefeeding, baby may be getting 4-6oz 5-7x a day or more Baby will have a development spurt baby will start interacting with you and the world around them Baby may become distracted when feeding they may start pulling on and off while nursing/taking a bottle - try feeding in a dark, calm room away from distractions like people, noises, colors and toys - try breast compressions to help with milk flow and incentivize baby to latch back on > if baby is gaining weight according to their growth trajectory and producing enough wet/dirty diapers (5~ very wet diapers a day), they are still getting enough milk. Baby's digestive system may begin settling and baby may be less gassy if baby is experiencing painful gas and abdonimal pain talk to your pediatrician about a possible food sensitivity or dairy allergy If you are returning back to work at this time and haven't been pumping, you may start pumping and creating a new routine for yourself if baby has never had a bottle, you have now introduced a bottle baby may be going to daycare or being under the care of a nanny - baby may be with other babies, in a new environment or with a caretaker who is new to them > baby's breastfeeding rhythms may change if they are away from mama during the day they may clusterfeed in the evening and may want extra cuddles Baby may have a more predictable feeding and sleeping schedule (set by baby's natural rhythm) Some babies may start teething this may affect breastfeeding - please see our post on teething & breastfeeding Note: Like most everything, this will look different for different babies, mamas and families

Wow! I usually get 3-4 ounces a pump if I’m lucky and I just pumped over 5oz!!! Thank you @mrspatels : @nurse_krisk

YOU BLINK AND THEY ARE SUDDENLY NO LONGER LITTLE BABIES The saying really is true: The days are long but the years are short. But hold on, we aren’t jumping that far ahead just yet! ... From wee little newborns to coming out of the 4th Trimester, stay tuned...we will be talking about month 3. #breastfeeding #lactation #momgang #babiesofinstagram #mynameismama #breastfeedingmom #momlife #pumpingmom #fourthtrimester #thisismotherhood #thisismomlife #3monthsold #3montholdbaby #3monthold #12weeksold #12weekold #3monthspostpartum #realmotherhood #breastfeedingjourney #whattoexpect #12weekoldbaby #mrspatels

MRS. PATEL’S PRO TIPS - The Witching Hour If you’ve had a baby with a witching hour - a daily period of time, often in the early evening hours, where baby cries or fusses inconsolably - you may feel like those hours were a mysterious time warp not of this world. While not every baby will go through this period, it usually starts around week 2-3 and may last up to 3 months. ... Not to be confused with colic (which is defined as baby crying for more than 3 hours a day, more than 3 days a week, for more than 3 weeks), the witching hour is a bit different. (Though babies with colic may also have witching hours) The key to getting through these witching hours may be what you can do BEFORE they come about: Try to get baby down for naps during the day the more rest baby gets the better at 1-3 months baby will be taking ~3-5 naps totaling about 4-6 hours of daytime sleep. If baby is overtired, by the early evening they may not be able to settle down, setting off inconsolable crying and fussing Feed on demand breastfeed on demand and try to get in full feeds (see our post on breast compressions) if bottlefeeding, feed on demand - during this time, baby may want to cluster feed (this is totally normal and not a sudden sign of low milk supply) Starting around 4pm, try to keep the house calm limit stimulation like music and the television if there is a lot going on in your house at this time try keeping baby in a calmer, more quiet part of the house being overstimulated can lead to extra fussing and crying Try to take baby outside for a walk the movement may help calm baby if you have a baby carrier, wear baby and keep them close Baby Spa time give baby a soothing bath and/or massage - a belly massage (using gentle yet firm strokes in a circular motion) & cycling baby's legs can help relieve gas Not all of these tips are going to work for your baby and it is totally normal for babies to cry and fuss. If concerned, talk to your pediatrician. One of the best things an overwhelmed parent can do is to take a break. If you can have your partner hold the baby so you can step away and take a break, do that.

DID YOU KNOW - Colic & Babies Colic is one of the biggest challenges a parent can go through with their new baby. It can leave you utterly exhausted, frustrated and overwhelmed. Defined as a baby crying for more than 3 hours a day, more than 3 days a week, for more than 3 weeks. Many times during the same periods every day. There are no clear reasons why or how babies get colic. About one-fifth of all babies develop colic, and it is diagnosed by a pediatrician. ... Colic starts around week 2 and ends/eases by 3-4 months, or by 6 months for some babies. It can be confused with gassiness or a possible food allergy it is normal for babies to have gas, fuss, and cry if you suspect a food sensitivity or allergy, consult your pediatrician There is no "cure" for colic but there are some things parents can try to help baby (and themselves) through it these may or may not work for your baby And if your baby does have colic, you most likely have already tried ALL these tips or tricks Giving baby the L.reuterii strain of probiotics If breastfeeding, your doctor may advise you to try cutting out dairy and limiting caffeine - anecdotally, there are also some foods mamas with colicky baby may want to avoid like broccoli, cauliflower, stone fruits, pineapple - cutting out these foods may or may not work If formula feeding, trying protein hydrolysate formula Baby massage may help digestive and abdominal discomfort Give baby breaks while feeding and allowing time for burps - if bottlefeeding, try paced bottlefeeding Carry baby in a baby carrier - helps keep baby close & the movement may help sooth Try gripe water - some mamas swear by this fennel-based supplement - it works for some and not for others - always consult your doctor before giving your baby anything Try white noise and a darkened room - overstimulation can make baby more fussy and agitated The best 'remedy' for colic is time coupled with lots of patience as baby grows their colic will ease and go away Have your partner, a family member or a friend come over and watch the baby so can take a break You are doing great, mama - this WILL pass!

WINNING - It may not seem like much, but to those who are on this breastfeeding journey, this breastmilk is pure, priceless liquid gold. : @chloesweets_fit

NURSING/PUMPING SCHEDULE - This working mama’s nursing & pumping schedule for her 4-month old I found that 2 pumps during work yielded more milk than me pumping 3 times. Not sure why but it’s what was best for my body. This mama uses a Spectra 2. ... Share your nursing/pumping schedule with us for a chance to receive 15% off your next order! Please include age of child and as much details as you can! DM or email us [email protected]. We think other moms can really benefit from your experiences! #workingmom #workingmama #multitaskingmom #breastfeeding #lactation #milksupply #breastpump #breastpumping #pumpingmama #pumpingmom #4monthold #4monthsold #4montholdbaby #16weeksold #breastmilk #lactation #spectrabreastpump #pumpingschedule #mrspatels See more

MRS. PATEL’S PRO TIPS - Breast Compressions You can use breast massage & compression to maximize your milk output by helping to get all the milk out of your breasts. Compression helps stimulates the let-down and milk ejection reflex. Studies have shown that mothers can get up to 40-50% *more* milk out of their breasts with compressions + pumping/nursing ... Breast compressions should be done before and during pumping/nursing Note: there are different techniques if you are pumping or nursing 1. Prep your breasts beforehand by presssing down with 2-3 fingers gently yet firmly (it should not be painful) around your breasts. Look for any areas of firmness. 2. Start pumping or nursing For Pumping: You can cup the breast (as seen in the photo) from above. Gently and rhythmically squeeze the breast between your fingers and thumb as the pump suctions. You can also use your thumb to soothes out any firm spots where you feel milk may be. Make sure your flanges are correctly fitted and that the pump is firmly in place. You don’t want your flange to fall off! For Nursing: Make sure baby is latched. Nurse as you normally would. Wait until baby pauses in drinking. Then cup your breast from underneath (as shown above). You can hold from the side/top as well; do what feels best for you. Be careful not to disturb the baby’s latch. Apply gentle, rhythmic presssure to the breast. As the milk starts to flow, baby will begin to nurse again. Keep the compressions going until baby stops nursing. Pause. Try again. Repeat until baby stops nursing/is full. Be careful if you have an overactive letdown. You may want to hand express into a bowl before compressions. 3. Take a break between breasts. Or after a pumping sessions and rest. 4: Massage breasts again. Make sure to press firmly around your outer breasts too. Check for any additional areas of firmness. 5. Hand express/pump additional milk to completely empty breasts until no firm spots can be felt. If you have clogged ducts or breast soreness/damage, be gentle and careful with yourself. If you have breast implants, compress from above See more

ASK MAMAS | How long is your average pumping session? ... #breastfeeding #lactation #pumpingjourney #breastpump #breastpumping #epmom #epingmom #pumpingmom #exclusivelypumping #momcommunity #momsgroup #askmamas #mrspatels See more

ANY PLACE, ANY TIME - Oh the places you can #breastfeed: My son will catch me up ANYWHERE when he wants milk/comfortdoesn’t matter if it’s the beach, the parking lot or the middle of Home Depot!... He doesn’t care what I’m doing, he just loves the breast + I’ve been trying to wean him but if I’m being honest, the closer I get to seriously weaning him the harder it is for me to do! Breastfeeding for us has been such an incredible journey, 18 months in and we haven’t looked back. I originally told God if he could just let me get to 6 months then I would be grateful and here we are still going Its such a bittersweet journey because I’m ready to be done but at the same time the benefits outweigh my exhaustion Enzo is thriving & i can’t help but credit it to the liquid GOLD.

DID YOU KNOW - What is hindmilk? Hindmilk is the fatty, creamy, high calorie milk that comes out at the end of a feed or pumping session. It helps keep baby fuller for longer periods. Foremilk, which comes out first, is sweeter, more watery and lighter. Regardless of when they come out during a feed/pump, these are both breastmilk and have the same benefits for your baby. ... The best way to get hindmilk and balanced feeds is to have full feeds or, if pumping, full pumping sessions. If you are pumping, pump for longer times to make sure your breasts are fully emptied the average time for a pump session is 15-20min you can use breast compressions before and during pumping to help release more milk Encourage full feeds from the breast feed fully from one side before switching sides you can use massage or breast compressions before and during nursing don't watch the clock & follow baby's cues - if baby is satisfied, sucking will slow, baby will relax - if baby is falling asleep during a feed, try to wake baby to get in a full feed (see our feed for tips for nursing sleepy babies) If you have an oversupply or a forceful letdown your baby may fill up on foremilk before getting to the hindmilk you can try collecting your initial letdown in a milk collector, hand express into a bowl or pump for a couple minutes to help baby get more hindmilk - If you have an oversupply, you want to just "take the edge off as, if you pump/express too much milk, you would be contributing to further oversupply you can also try feeding baby from one breast at a time, making sure baby gets a full feed from that breast Signs that baby may be getting too much foremilk: gassiness green, watery poops frequently feeding NOTE: there are many other reasons for gas in a baby and babies have growth spurts during which they cluster feed and nurse a lot, so just because these may be happening does not necessarily mean your baby is getting too much foremilk. Do not panic or worry that your baby isn't getting enough hindmilk. All breastmilk is full of nutrients and fats. If you are concerned talk to your pediatrician.