KeaParent Feature: Julie Wisefield

Meet our KeaParent feature for today: Julie! Lovely mommy Julie has been one of our KeaTribe Moderators since we just started out. She has been supporting and encouraging our KeaParents out there in our community tirelessly. Here's more about her and her lovely family! 

Name: Julie Wisefield

State/City: San Jose, CA

Children's Name: Zachary

Children's Age: 2

Share with us about your daily life, what is it like?

I am currently a stay a home mom to Zachary. We spend a lot of time outside in the backyard, going to parks, the zoo, playgrounds, and at grandma and grandpas. We enjoy going for walks around the neighborhood and looking at nature at the park around the corner from us. Zachary enjoys helping me take care of our two dogs, Lukie and Casper.

What was it like: life with a newborn just after birth? Any challenges or struggles that you faced, if so, how did you deal with it?

From the time I brought Zachary home from the hospital he was not a good sleeper. He was up every 2 hours, like clockwork until he started solids at 6 months old. The biggest struggle was making sure that I was eating and drinking enough water to keep up my milk production since I was breastfeeding. I put together a snack basket that I had on the ledge next where I nursed Zachary so that I always had a snack and water close by.

When nursing, being aware of baby's latch is super important so that nursing isn't painful. I was fortunate to be able to have a lactation consultant come to my house and help both of us, Zachary and I, on how he should be latching. This made a huge difference in my breastfeeding journey.

Secondly, I always nursed Zachary on the couch and not in my bed as I did not want to fall asleep and drop him by accident. The boppy was a lifesaver.

How did you learn about KeaBabies?

I saw an ad for the free swaddle blanket in KeaSafari print and loved it!

Share with us your favorite KeaBabies product!

The hooded towel as it has been used from birth into toddlerhood. It has held up so well being used daily. We have 3 in rotation!

Hardest part about parenthood?

You have to learn what things can fall to the side to do another day, and also not feeling guilty for wanting some me time.

Best part about parenthood?

Waking up to the smiles, seeing my child hit milestones, the unconditional love, and seeing them light up when you walk in the room.

What do you love doing with your kids? Favorite pastime, activity?

We love going for walks and exploring nature. We love going to the zoo and seeing the animals. Our favorite things to do at home are reading books, playing in the backyard, and cooking together.

3 most important things you’d like to share about parenthood, what you’ve learnt and what advice would you give to other new parents or parents-to-be:

The important things about parenthood that I would want to share to new parents is that it isn't easy. There are good days and bad days. The beginning is the hardest with the sleepless nights, but the snuggles make it worth it. Be sure to nap when baby is napping, the laundry and dishes can wait.

Don't be afraid to ask a friend to come over and help you with laundry or dishes, or to hold baby so you can take that shower. You will feel like a different person afterwards.

Don't feel guilty putting baby down in the pack n play, crib, bouncer, etc so you can shower, do a load of laundry, dishes etc. they will be okay.

Babywearing is a game changer. wearing baby keeps them close and they often will fall asleep while being worn. This is where they feel safest as they were in our belly for 9 months and miss that familiar sound of our heart beating.

Lastly, you got this!