Related to KIDS: Planning, Pregnancy, Parenting...

[Virgil Showlion]

anne81
Message #727 - 07/15/08 06:07 PM

An SUV because you have 1 baby? Does anyone else think that is a bit extreme??

Lol.  DH and I bought an SUV in anticipation of having our first.  DH is 6'5, we'd tested him out in our corolla with car seats, turns out they don't mix together.  We've tried every sort of vehicle and it's the only one that fits him and the rearward baby seat that was practical.  I think we're in an odd position because of his height though.  Plus we're anticipating taking long road trips to CA to see our family with the baby and needing to stuff all sorts of equipment in there.

 

P.S. DH did fit in the largest lexus sedan, the really nice high end one, and the 2008 accord.  Both of those cost way more than the suv and I just couldn't picture throwing my dog in the backseat of either.  Having DH try to convince me a lexus was a perfect mommy car was fun though.

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always..proud
Message #728 - 07/15/08 09:44 PM

An SUV because you have 1 baby? Does anyone else think that is a bit extreme??

That made me laugh because when I had my first my hubby wanted to buy me a minivan.....

 

Now I have 3 kids and he still wanted to buy me that minivan...Nope didn't happen yet...I have my truck..that I love.

 

Now he wants to try for that girl but I'm happy w/ my boys and I still wouldn't buy a minivan

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livingalmostlarge
Message #729 - 07/15/08 11:49 PM

How would you fit 4 kids in a car with 2 adults?  There isn't enough seatbelts, unless I'm way off base?

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amomto4blessings
Message #730 - 07/16/08 12:22 AM

bogart-due to finances and a job change, we have had a long road. Started a couple  of years ago. I'm just keeping hope that everything works out. My brother and I were talking to his neighbor and he was saying his wife is pg again. Their #1 child isn't a year old yet AND she was on BC. UGH!! I try to stay positive some days it's much harder then others!

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livingalmostlarge
Message #731 - 07/16/08 12:58 AM

Bogart not to be rude but are you sure she was on BC and using it properly?  Recall the thread I started about all the people who say they weren't "planning" on kid but not using BC or improperly using BC?

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boos_mom
Message #732 - 07/16/08 02:01 AM

Lol.  DH and I bought an SUV in anticipation of having our first. 

That was me too.  I had the early model of the RAV4 and that thing has rather poor safety crash test ratings.  So, when I decided to get my next vehicle, I just went to a bigger, safer SUV.  Pack-n-play, stroller, big diaper bag, bringing your own pillows so you can breastfeed easier, all those things just pile up when you go out to visit the relatives.  

I'm not saying you have to get an SUV, but that has always been my preference since my 'total loss' car crash.  And, now we have #2.  Plus room for additional passengers/cargo as needed.   

[Virgil Showlion]

bogart
Message #733 - 07/16/08 02:05 AM

smt79 -- yeah, all infertility roads are long at least until they end, truthfully (which isn't intended to minimize your remark but rather to validate it -- I hope it comes across that way).  

livinglarge -- it wasn't me posting about the person getting pregnant while on BC, but smt79 posting to me.  The point, though, isn't what smt79's neighbor was or wasn't doing, it's that when you're dealing with infertility it seems that everyone around you is constantly getting pregnant (a distinctly different theme from the other thread you mention, which I do remember).  

As for the whole SUV question...we manage pretty well with a Ford Taurus station wagon which, while not an exemplar of gas mileage (~23 highway) probably is better than most SUVs.  You can cram a lot in the back of the thing and I bought it used for $2.5K with 125K miles on it (though I got a deal).  However, I don't think that it would pull a boat, unless maybe a pretty small one.  I used a small (manual) pump when travelling and breastfeeding, not as easy to use as the electric one, but more portable -- however, the pump sounds like the least of the OP's (on the SUV question) packing problems!

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always..proud
Message #734 - 07/16/08 10:42 AM

How would you fit 4 kids in a car with 2 adults?  There isn't enough seatbelts, unless I'm way off base

I have a truck.....seats 6 comfy..... Besides I'm not having # 4...I'm finally out of diapers and all that stuff.....No way I'm going back.

Bogart not to be rude but are you sure she was on BC and using it properly? 

It can happen.....it happened to me twice once on the pills I didn't miss any days or take it off the regular time, and the second time I was on the shot....The third time was planned......

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goddessofrock
Message #735 - 07/16/08 01:30 PM



We live in the city and don't have a car. Hopefully DBF will not decide we need one.

Either way, I would never do a car payment EVER again.

 

Does anyone else suddenly think their office chair is the most uncomfortable chair ever? And how are you coping?

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Wisconsin Beth
Message #736 - 07/16/08 02:08 PM



Goddess, wait until you're breastfeeding - there isn't a chair in my house that's comfy two sessions in a row.  Maybe it's me?

New Mummy, I think we have one or two of those insulated bags, but I bet I can find them cheap at rummage sales, etc.  I'll talk to DH about it.  My parents offered us their topcarrier for future trips though.  lol. 

Bogart, we saw a station wagon on the road coming home and I thought, "oh, that's works too."  then I remembered the boat...  I'm trying to get BIL to take over care and storage, then he'll be the one needing to tow the stupid thing.  He's co-owner after all.  And he's got a vehicle that can tow it.  Maybe I can convince DH that he and BIL need to go fishing together and DH can offer gas money?  I'm sure they'd both enjoy that, actually.  They don't get much time together.  Anyway, I'm rambling, sorry. 

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amomto4blessings
Message #737 - 07/16/08 03:27 PM



livinglarge-I don't know if she was taking it correctly, (not that it really matters).  Is the fact of it. I have 3 friends that are pg also. 1 planned, 1 sorta planned and 1 "Omg". Anyway, if you've never been down the infertility road its hard to understand the emtions and stress of it all. Also, unless I move to MA, most of the infertility drugs/appointments come out of pocket. (1600.00 a month)There are VERY few ins companies where I live that cover such problems.

 

bogart: Thanks for your response, I did take down your email. You many want to delete it so you don't get all kinds of crazy spam junk.

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sam0402
Message #738 - 07/16/08 06:04 PM

First to everyone on this thread.  Thank you for all the advice you have given me unknowingly.  Let me begin by introducing myself.  I am 24 and married to a wonderful DH.  We have been together for 5 years but only married for just over 2 of it.  I have just recently been bitten with the baby bug.  I want a little baby but before I plunge off that adventure I have things to work on. (ie. finding a job that makes me some what happy)  I have 3 sisters and two brothers and my step had a home daycare, so I have more knowledge of babies then my DH.  He has one sister but was also real young when she was born.  Though I am ready for a child I plan to start visiting OBs in the area to find out what type of prenatal vitamins to start taking.  We are new to our area so this will be a challenge for me.  Though I could go on about me and my story I will spare everyone the main details.  The one problem I have is how to deal with a ML that is constantly telling me how she hates children and how she is to young to have a grandchild.  What types of ways have you seen that may help ease the problems if we do become pg.

[Virgil Showlion]

livingalmostlarge
Message #739 - 07/16/08 06:04 PM

Just asking.  I have no issue with people having kids who aren't trying but they shouldn't act so surprised or shocked.

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anne81
Message #740 - 07/16/08 06:07 PM



I'm thinking of shopping for the baby now and getting it all ready and out of the way over the next couple of months.  I'm just talking about stuff like bottles, thermometers, whatever is required, etc.  DH is building the furniture.  My modified due date is January 8th and I basically have no desire to shop between Thanksgiving and Christmas, especially at 8 months. I also won't be having a baby shower.  Anyone have reasons why that might not be a good idea?  Or suggestions for what to get?  I have one friend in the area who's a mom and she offered to take me to wal-mart to help me sort out what I'll really need.

 

Also - me and DH are pretty much going to be on our own after I give birth and this is our first, neither of my moms will be coming to help.  In that case is it worth it to have a post-partum doula come help? 

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anne81
Message #741 - 07/16/08 06:10 PM

Welcome sam0402!  One of my mom's was super against the idea of being a grandma a couple of years ago and she gave the same reason - she was too young.  She is quite literally, beautiful, and has really struggled with the concept of aging.  There was nothing I could do for her, it was something she had to work through herself.

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mrslynch
Message #742 - 07/16/08 06:35 PM



i know i don't contribute much to this thread, but i wanted to respond to anne. i did not have a baby shower for a lot of reasons (most of which are too painful to go into), so they are not necessary. we did just fine. people sent gifts after our daughter was born. we just made sure we had enough stuff to get her through a week or two (bottles, onesies, diapers, washclothes, towels, spit up rags, laundry basket, sheets, a crib, a carseat, blankets, and a baby monitor are probably the bulk of what you will need for the first week or so). i was due around christmas so i had no desire to go shopping at 9 months. we did the bulk of it before thanksgiving and we were fine. we were also on our own after dd was born; family did come to visit (my parents stayed for a day or two) and then that was it. i don't think any extra help is worth the money. eventually that help leaves and you're on your own anyway. better to get used to it right away. what worked for dh and i (and i did not breastfeed so if you're planning on doing that it may not work for you) was alternate feedings that way each of us got 4-5 hours of sleep in a row (i would do midnight, he would do 2, i would do 4, and so on). nap when the baby naps and don't try to do too much while he/she is asleep. dishes will get done, shelves will get dusted; get your rest because a tired mommy is not a pleasant mommy.

sam--if your mil is not keen on children and she feels that she is too young to be a grandma, just tell her she doesn't have to see the baby. being a grandparent is a privilege, not a right. and if this is what's best for you and dh, then do what's best for your family and don't worry about anyone else. how does dh feel about the situation with your mil? is it affecting his desire to start a family? does he even want a baby right now? because a baby is something you both have to want, not just one of you.

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AandKinTX
Message #743 - 07/16/08 06:59 PM



We weren't trying and weren't really trying to prevent and it caught up with us after about 6 months. We stupidly shocked and happy, but I had a miscarriage.  After that I had the baby bug bad, we had to wait awhile, I hemorrhaged during the miscarriage, had to have a blood transfusion, then it took awhile for my blood counts to be normal again. 

 

Now that I am pregnant again and things seem to be going well, both my mother and my MIL are excited about the baby.  My MIL has requested a curly red haired girl, she had 4 boys and desperately wanted a daughter.  We are going to visit her in two weeks for a wedding and I am scared to see what she has already bought.  My mom is looking at car seats and talking about baby proofing her house. 

 

I am due January 30th, so whatever I don't get from presents or hand me downs, I will probably buy after x-mas.  My mom lives about 20 miles away, so she will help me get whatever I need, and be a voice of reason.  I have a feeling I will be calling my aunt the NICU nurse a lot.

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sam0402
Message #744 - 07/16/08 07:00 PM



mrslynch-Thanks for the advice. I never thought of grand parenting as a privilege before.  My DH does want a child.  He and I are both are ready except for the job thing.  He doesn't really say much when I mention the comments to him.  He is very close to his mom but we do live 4 hours away.  I have expressed as much to him but he hasn't told her to stop making those comments because he doesn't want to hurt her feelings.  He has in the past expressed that we should ignore the comments but she makes it a topic every time we see little children and she is around. 

 

[Virgil Showlion]

livingalmostlarge
Message #745 - 07/16/08 07:14 PM



Sam0402- Tell your DH to tell his mom the same my DH has started to tell his mom. And his mom is very close to DH she only has 2 boys!  "Mom I don't take your money so please don't judge."  My MIL thinks we're irresponsible, stupid, and too young (29 and 31) to have kids.  She says we're not very mature or ready to have kids.  When we got our dogs she thought it was a horrible idea.  Because we'd get rid of them, too bad it's been already 6+ years with one dog and 2+ with another.  And gee we're doing okay.

 

I tell people all the time how much our moms tell us not to have kids we're too young.  We never get nagged and their jaws hang open.  And when they find out we're married for 3+ years and together almost 9 years, then their eyes bulge out.  And then they find out we own a home, have jobs, etc they nearly fall over and die.

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SamanthaWI
Message #746 - 07/16/08 07:18 PM



Ok so I am not new to WIR but am new to this thread, I may have a very odd topic to add in but would like any advice you may be able to give.

So I am 24 and have decided since I have had several long relationships one that ended in divorce I am not going to wait to plan a baby around a significant other(SO). I want to have a baby around 30 with or without a SO. I have some things as beginning plans, I will list them below, but would like other things I should be thinking about etc. And please don't criticize me for possibly bringing a child into the world with only 1 parent by choice.

*Save my down payment for home & buy home. appox $20,000.00

*Pay off all debts, I will be debt free around October next year

*Look to find where a donor location is & what I would want in a donor

*Save to pay for donor costs & medical costs

I do have a good job and health insurance and yes I know that could all change in 6 years. And yes I know it will be hard but I am trying to prepare for that. I am also not saying I will not have a baby with a SO if it works out in the future for that. I am just deciding I don't want to rely on having a SO to have a baby, and have a back up plan so that I don't end up regretting not having a little one. Thanks for any suggestions I should be looking into.

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mrslynch
Message #747 - 07/16/08 07:45 PM



samanthawi--it's your choice, it's your life and admire what you're doing. there are lots of kids that thrive in a single parent house more than in a two parent house. at least you're planning for it. a lot of married couples don't even do that!

living--my dh and i are 31 respectively and our dd is 19 months so we were 29 when she was born. i never thought we were too young. in fact, i always thought we were kind of on the older side of having kids. btw, we've been together 12 years and married for 4+. after we had been together 1 year, my now mil was pressuring us for kids because she was 21 when dh was born. once i told her that we were not having kids right then unless dh (dbf at the time) got pregnant and that was enough of that...until we got married. then when i was pregnant, she and fil stopped talking to us (long story).

sam--i would just put my foot down and ask her to stop making those comments in your presence as you find them offensive. if you're not comfortable doing it, ask dh.

those with more than one kid--how did you know you were ready for a second baby beyond that "i think i'm ready for a second" feeling? i know i want a second and we're starting to try in the fall but there's a part of me that thinks we should wait but knowing what i'm going into for future pregnancies (gestational diabetes), i don't know whether to delay it or not. i want another baby but i do not want to be pregnant again.

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sam0402
Message #748 - 07/16/08 08:37 PM



Living-to young and irresponsible, I wish my MIL would say something like that.  We both have our degrees have decent jobs and a home and two reliable cars.  She simply makes those comments I feel because she doesn't like her nephews. They are very rude and unmannered.  I, on the other hand, would not take advantage of her or even my mom for that matter like her sister has done with her two children.

 

Samantha-being this my name and my age I feel that we may be able to get along very well.  I understand all to well the feeling of wanting a child but also knowing that you need  to plan. I think that it is courageous of you to know what you want. I hope you are able to achieve much success.  The only thing I see missing from you list is you have not allowed the one thing to happen that hasn't.  Love.  You never know when it will happen.  I hope that it happens but also remember that many children can be raised by a single parent and there is nothing wrong with that fact and just because you are single when you have the baby doesn't mean you will stay single for life.

 

 

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bogart
Message #749 - 07/16/08 10:00 PM

smt79, done, on the deletion thing.  Thanks!  

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livingalmostlarge
Message #750 - 07/16/08 10:15 PM



LOL, having 6 years is a long time before you don't meet someone SamanthaWI.  I have to laugh because my girlfriends at 30+ and not worried about kids or finding somone.  My two closest are "having fun" with completely inappropriate men.  Why?  I do not know.


But I feel more than ready to have kids.  But we're not quite there with our careers.  DH needs a bit less on his plate, I'm not ready to be a single parent and main childraiser alone.  I don't think it's too much to ask either.

[Virgil Showlion]

ChrisNGS
Message #751 - 07/16/08 10:53 PM

I need some advice.  I have a daughter (8) & a son (6) and am thinking of having a third child.  Can anyone who is or has been in this situation please share the pros & cons with me?  I am 36 and no known health issues other than toxemia late in both pregnancies.

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Wisconsin Beth
Message #752 - 07/16/08 11:01 PM



Can you tell your MIL that if she doesn't want to be a grandmother then she doesn't have to see the kids?  I would run this by DH first, obviously.  But I bet it will shut her up if nothing else. 

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boos_mom
Message #753 - 07/17/08 01:54 AM



sam0402 - Basically, annoying MILs will never keep their traps shut, unless maybe the sons stand up to their mothers.  If your DH does not choose to say anything to her, I would just inform her when you are pregnant that she can choose not to be a grandmother to your child.  That is really up to her.  But what's done is done so at that point you inform her that you would appreciate her keeping her comments to herself when you are around her.

samanthaWI - you might want to include a fully funded 6-month EF (at your current expenses at age 30) in your plans as well.  Depending on your employer, you may want to take off additional time for your maternity leave, and you'll definitely need $ saved for those frequent sick days for baby in daycare/sitter early on (which may result in leave without pay for yourself).  Also, there's a book out "Mothers By Choice, Single By Chance" (or reverse the phrases) that might be of interest to you.

mrslynch - I couldn't even start thinking about having another child until #1 had turned 2 years old.  At that point, my mind and body agreed that they were "ready" to try for the next one.  I also did not enjoy being pregnant with #1 with the nausea and vomiting until nearly the 5th month, then had edema in the last trimester with swollen feet (felt like they would burst) and cankles.  With #2, thank goodness, I only had nausea and not nearly as long as with #1.  No swelling at the end.  However, I did 'carry' entirely differently, with all of the weight pretty much in my belly, so my back was killing me from early on, and I couldn't pick up #1 when she asked me to.  #1 is 3.5 years now, and so much more independent of me than if I had the second one sooner, I would've felt like I short-changed #1 of my time and attention.  So, in retrospect, a 3.5 year age difference was really ideal for me, although I had originally wanted the kids to be less than 3 years apart.

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AandKinTX
Message #754 - 07/18/08 12:28 PM



I had a doctors appt, they started the nuchal transluceny testing, ultrasound and blood test, everything looked good.  We get the test results in a week or so.  Can they tell from an ultrasound at 11 weeks 6 days the sex of the baby?

 

My doctor mentioned cord blood banking, has anybody done this?  Or plan on doing it? 

 

 

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Wisconsin Beth
Message #755 - 07/18/08 01:05 PM



Nope, they can't determine the sex of the baby until something like week 20-22.  And it's still iffy.  There was someone either on this thread or on a thread at MSN's pregnancy board that was told one and had the other.  And she gave birth a couple of weeks ago, so getting it wrong still happens, although it's considerable less than, say  years ago. 

We never even thought about cord blood banking and I don't think anyone mentioned it at any of the visits or the hospital.  Sorry.

SamanthaWI, where are you in Wisconsin?  I'm in Milwaukee. 

Beth

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LilBall
Message #756 - 07/18/08 01:32 PM

For all of you ladies out there expecting...TARGET has a lot of their baby stuff at 50% off right now.  If you are looking for something specific let me know, I might be able to help you determine what store it's at...

[Virgil Showlion]

SamanthaWI
Message #757 - 07/18/08 04:25 PM



Beth I am in Madison, east side.

boos mom thanks for the info about the book. I'll check it out. regarding time off I receive about 130 hours of paid time each year at my current place of employment so as of now I am set for that. I also can save from the previous year to bank an additional 80 hours.

sam I am not counting love out at all, but am choosing to be proactive if it does not. I hope your planning goes well too.

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anne81
Message #758 - 07/18/08 05:35 PM

Can they tell from an ultrasound at 11 weeks 6 days the sex of the baby?

The external genitalia hasn't differentiated yet but there's this theory out there [baby2see.com/gender/external_genitals.html] "Angle of the Dangle" that says at twelve weeks you can tell with around 80% accuracy if it is a boy or a girl based on the angle of the genital nub relative to the spine in a profile shot. An angle of less than 30 degrees is considered a girl, anything greater a boy.  Click on the link "Gender ultrasound study" to read their methodology.

 

When I went in for the NT scan they measured me at 13 weeks, 5 days and the ultrasound tech started called it a "him" halfway through.  When I asked her about, telling her we wanted to know, she showed us the nub and explained her reasoning.  I've started buying boy clothes but I'm really waiting for the anatomy scan to confirm.  My asian mom told me she had a dream about two clowns, which is supposed to mean I'm having two boys in my lifetime.   I think I might have misunderstood her.

 

And we're planning on doing the cord blood banking with viacord, I think.  I want one of the larger companies but I haven't done it before so I have to ask around.  Actually one of my friends used to be one of their reps so I should just ask her.

 

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AandKinTX
Message #759 - 07/18/08 05:44 PM



I am wondering because after the sono, my doctor said "he (pause) or she"  I probably wouldn't have notice until she added the or she, so I thought they might know or suspect but wanted to wait to tell me.

 

My doctor mention Viacord and CBR I think is the other name.  I guess I will have to do some research into it, see what Hubby thinks. 

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boos_mom
Message #760 - 07/20/08 05:43 PM



I had a question for moms with more than 1 child - did you strictly breastfeed or did you supplement with formula as well?  If you only breastfed, how did you do it while caring for the other child(ren)?  Also, how do you manage to increase your milk supply when the baby goes through a growth spurt?  Do you use fenugreek (or something else) to help increase your milk or just nurse often? 

re: cord blood banking is primarily if you're planning on having more than 1 child.  You may also want to consider donating it to your local/state's blood bank.  In our area, the local blood bank indicated that if your child's cord blood was not already used for a donor, and you needed it, you could get it back.

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boos_mom
Message #761 - 07/21/08 05:32 PM

MSNBC also has an article posted about cord blood banking.  www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25723984

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anne81
Message #762 - 07/21/08 05:57 PM



I was definitely thinking cord blood banking is more for parents and siblings.  I'll have to see if it can be donated where I'm at - apparently you have to find a site?  I'm interested in it because I'm half-asian and whenever I see those donor drives for organs and other stuff they talk about how asians and other mixes don't donate enough so it's hard to get a match.

[Virgil Showlion]

sam0402
Message #763 - 07/21/08 11:18 PM

I have not heard much about cord banking.  I read the article that msnbc but I am still confused.  What is this?  Is it where you bank the babies cord in case you need it for health issues down the road?  My stepmother and my mom never did this so it is new to me.

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kristi28
Message #764 - 07/22/08 05:40 AM



Hi Ladies:

We had our 20wk ultrasound today.  We are going to be having a baby girl!

We had an abnormal finding on the ultrasound - they think that baby may have an obstruction in the small intestine.  My doctor insists that it is probably nothing, but of course, I am extremely worried.  If she has the condition, she would need surgery right after birth, is at risk for being premature, and could have Downs syndrome.  I'm going to be a nervous wreck until at least next Tuesday, when we are going to see a specialist.  Please keep your fingers crossed for us!

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mrslynch
Message #765 - 07/22/08 12:41 PM



kristi--good luck to you. i hope everything is fine. and congrats on having a girl. girls rock!

boosmom--thanks for the input. our dd and the new one, by our estimates, will be almost 3 years apart and that's if i get pregnant right away again. if it takes a little longer, then it will be more than 3 years. enough time to get her potty trained and in a big girl bed. as far as being ready, it's more of a mental thing for me knowing what i'm going to have to deal with as well as the impending c-section (my gyn will not let me do a vbac due to why i had a c-section in the first place) that don't exactly give me the happies about another pregnancy. but, other than that, i am ready for another baby. i've always wanted two kids and now that we're in a position to have 2, i'm quite excited at the idea.

cord blood banking--i didn't read the article but i almost did it when i had dd. however, in my area, they charged us for doing it and we didn't want the extra expense. it's a great idea and a wonderful cause, though.

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goddessofrock
Message #766 - 07/22/08 02:09 PM



This is week 15!

 

Is anyone else feeling worse as they get more pregnant?

 

Maybe it's just because last week was so hot here, but I got up friday, took one **** of breakfast and it came right back up! yuck!

 

how are you coping with the heat?

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anne81
Message #767 - 07/22/08 05:29 PM



kristi - congrats on your little girl and hope everything turns out okay!

 

goddessofrock - The heat is killing me too, which is sad because it's not that hot.  DH is laughing because I'm usually always cold and love the sun.  However I've been running at about 99 degrees since I got pregnant so that probably has something to do with it.  But whenever I get a little warm I throw up (started taking cold showers, believe it or not, and it feels good.)

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anne81
Message #768 - 07/24/08 03:16 AM

I hate to be such a whiner but I have severe acid reflux - a constant feeling of burning and pressure in my throat and chest, and now a dry cough.  I'm on zantac every day and sleep propped up.  I'm only 16 weeks!  If I eat small meals I vomit but if I eat large ones the acid just gets worse.  Have any suggestions?

[Virgil Showlion]

livingalmostlarge
Message #769 - 07/24/08 12:49 PM



Krisi - best wishes in the exam.

 

I would like to know from all the moms out there, do you go out often for girls night out?  And if so how often?  And does your spouse go out for boys night out? If so how often?  Also if it matters do you go out more if you are a stay at home parent (one is, not necessarily the woman) versus both people working full time and having the child in daycare?


 

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Amazon Hunter
Message #770 - 07/24/08 07:14 PM

livingalmostlarge - All adults need time to themselves to be adults.  We have two kids and my DH and I both work full time certainly need our time both together and with our friends, at least once every two weeks.  I would assume that SAHP would need to go out even more often and be away from the house.  If I was at home all day, every day, I would certainly run screaming from the house at every opportunity, if only for a change of scenery.

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goddessofrock
Message #771 - 07/25/08 12:54 PM



congrats and good luck Kristi!

 

Anne~~ My doctor recommended TUMS... maybe it won't be as harsh on your system.

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Holly Smith
Message #772 - 07/27/08 01:01 AM

I thought I'd give an update for you all. For the last month or two, I couldn't post anything to this board for some strange reason- it wouldn't let me log in.

Life with Elizabeth is going well.  She's almost three months (will be on May 3).  I can't believe how much stuff she has!  A lot of it has been gifts, thankfully, so we haven't totally broken the bank.  I worked out that she has eight pieces of furniture that are exclusively hers.  Breastfeeding has been going quite well.  I did a calculation on what it would have cost to give her formula, and I figured out that we made up the cost of my pump when she turned two months old.  I know someone said you eat a whole lot more when you're breastfeeding, but my grocery bill hasn't gone up more than maybe $15-$20/month.

Otherwise, how do you all manage not to spend a ton of $$$ while you're out shopping?  I was really good about this while I was pregnant, but now that I've got her, it's much harder.  I find myself picking up a little dress for her almost every time I go to Target or Babies R Us.  I haven't spent more than $10 at any one time, but still.  It doesn't help that you have to go through the baby clothes to get to the rest of the baby stuff at Target.

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Holly Smith
Message #773 - 07/27/08 01:14 AM

Okay, when I said she'd be three months on May 3 I obviously meant August 3.  Apparently it won't let me edit my posts anymore. 

Anne, did you try the Peg Perego's?  They adjust quite easily for length.  DH is not terribly tall (6'), but he really likes the extension.  You can get slightly older versions of the Aria and Pliko Lite for around $100 on albeebaby.com.  I have the 2007 Pliko P3 in Soleo.

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bibliomaniagrl
Message #774 - 07/27/08 08:59 PM



Cord Blood:  My DH and I looked into this but it was wicked expensive.  We just couldn't see justifying the coast (viacord or something like that). 

 

Heat:  I'm totally dying of it right now!  I have to go back to work on Monday (I work in education and had 4 weeks off in June/July) and I'm dreading having to wear more than a tank top and shorts!  It hasn't even been all that hot this summer, but I'm definitely suffering!

 

Heartburn/acid reflux:  I soo wish I could be more positive than this, but you sound like me.  I started having severe acid reflux around 16 weeks.  It was so bad I lost my voice for almost 7 months.  I just started being able to speak last week when DD dropped some (at 36 weeks).  I couldn't eat much more than cream of wheat for the first 4 1/2 months so that helped some.  Basically you need to cut everything acid-y out of your diet.  I found I could eat bananas and then gradually some other fruit like peaches, but no apples, berries etc.  With veggies, carrots, asparagus, eggplant, zuchini were okay for me, but a lot of lettuces (the dark ones) broccoli, etc. were a total no.  And forget anything tomato based.  No spicy.  No soda (even decaf), coffee or tea as these increase acid.  For me eating totally has not been fun when pregnant.  I can't wait for DD to come in a couple weeks because I'm going to get myself a big bowl of pasta with tomato sauce or something spicy!  I take pepcid twice a day and then down rolaids like candy in addition to lots of plain rice, potatoes, yoguart etc.  The sleeping tilted up only made my legs swell so I stopped that.  Lots of water helped some.  Sorry I don't have better news.

 

Only a couple more weeks to go for me...Can't wait!

[Virgil Showlion]

boos_mom
Message #775 - 07/28/08 02:52 AM



kristi - i'm hoping for good news for you!

goddess - "Is anyone else feeling worse as they get more pregnant?"  sweetie, wait til you're 8 months pregnant!  sorry to say, things will get worse.

anne - sorry, I have no pointers for acid reflux.  but, you seem to be running the gamut on awful pregnancy symptoms!  i feel for you! 

biblio - watch out.  when you're breastfeeding, sometimes baby will be even pickier and you'll end up having to cut out all the things you were hoping to get back into your diet.  best wishes for a quick, easy delivery though!

holly - glad to hear you and baby are doing well!  i found myself buying tons of clothes for a baby girl.  it's pretty difficult given all of the cute clothes for girls out there.  at least, you're only spending $10 on the clothes.  OMG, stay away from gymboree and janie and jack!  pretty much, to cut it out, just don't even look in the first place.  stay away from (or close your eyes going through) the clothing section.  boys clothes is nowhere near as cute, so i haven't been shopping much for #2.  but, i have way too many clothes for #1.  that's why i was kind of hoping #2 would be a girl so i could really get our money's worth out of those clothes.  oh well....

living - i was doing a girls night out about 1-2x a month, sometimes an extra outing if a separate group of gals i see less often wanted to get together.  DH was meeting with his friends for some grappling weekly, so that was his "fun" outing.  but, when i return to work, the outings are not as frequent b/c coordinating schedules can be a little more difficult.  during my maternity leave, i did get out of the house nearly every weekday.  but that's just to the park, library, walk around the mall, or do something outside, even if i didn't meet up with other folks. 

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Amazon Hunter
Message #776 - 07/28/08 08:46 PM

Question:  Back problems - Have any of you experienced any significant issues with back pain?  What have any of you done to deal with this issue, either before or during pregnancy?  I ask because I have lower back problems and we plan to start trying next year.  I'd like to do whatever I can to minimize these issues now, rather than deal with excruciating pain during pregnancy.  I'm thinking Pilates and stretching...  Any ideas?

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New-Mummy
Message #777 - 07/29/08 02:10 AM

I used Traditional Medicine's Mother's Milk tea to promote lactation with my son; kept joking had enough to feed two in there because I would let down ridiculous amounts, always seemed to be plenty.  I believe it had fenugreek as one of the ingredients.  Got sick of the taste of it though.

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sam0402
Message #778 - 07/29/08 04:45 PM

Amazon- I currently have had back problems and migraines.  A former co-worker suggested going to a chiropractor.  I went and it helps so much with the back and the migraines.  For some people they don't want to be jerked on but the DR I found did not jerk he used instruments to help align my back.  As we speak I am trying to find a new DR (because I moved 4 hours from the other) so I can get aligned again.  Other than that try the stretching and yoga that may help as well.

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Amazon Hunter
Message #779 - 07/29/08 06:42 PM

Sam - Thanks!  Funny enough, I just went to a chiropractor for the first time this morning.  I feel pretty positive about this helping me.  I was warned against yoga because my joints are really flexible already (hypermobile or what is commonly said as "double jointed") and I could hurt myself easily without realizing it.  I was also told not to go to a chiropractor, but I'm trying it anyway.  All the other "solutions" doctors have offered me so far haven't worked, so I figured that I'll try it anyway.  They want to inject steriods and anti-inflammatories into the various joints of my back to see where the problem is, but I'm not going for that.  So, I went to a chiropractor instead.  Hearing it from someone else makes me feel more positive about it, too.  Thank you!

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goddessofrock
Message #780 - 07/29/08 06:56 PM



Amazon Hunter~~

 

do you have any idea why you have back problems? accident? uncomfortable chair? etc...

 

If it is a neurological problem I would go to accupuncture.

If it is a muscle problem, I would go to a shiatsu masseur.

[Virgil Showlion]

anne81
Message #781 - 07/29/08 08:46 PM



Holly - glad you and the baby are ok!  We did try the stroller you mentioned and it was a little short.  The tallest one we found is the Maclaran XLR so that looks like the one.

 

bibliomaniagirl - Thanks for the tip!  I've been having a really scratchy sore throat.  I cut out the stuff on your list for the last two days and having been feeling better.  I'm bummed because I love citrus fruits and berries - they are practically the only fruits I've been eating.

 

amazon hunter - I have no suggestions but I hope you find something that works for you.  My mom uses accupuncture and swears by it for her back.

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anne81
Message #782 - 07/29/08 08:48 PM

I just spoke with my mom.  It was pretty bad - she wants to come right when the baby is born to "help" me.  Which pretty much means that she wants to show me how to raise the baby her way.  Which seems to involve tons of clothing, blankets and not touching the baby's ears.  I told her that I wanted to have a chance to recover and bond with the baby with just me and DH.  I know if she comes it will just be a constant argument over how I'm doing everything wrong.  For example I know she'll freak out if I put the baby in a crib without a blanket.  Anyone else experienced this?

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kristi28
Message #783 - 07/30/08 04:41 AM



Ladies:

Thanks so much for all of the support - we had a second ultrasound today.  There is now no sign of any intestinal problem!  We are supposed to have another scan in a month just to be sure, but it looks like it was just a glitch in the image.  My DH acted like he was sure I was worrying for no reason, but he was quite emotional after we left the doctor.

We also learned that baby girl has grown 4 oz in the last week and now weighs nearly a pound.  Now I know why I have been so tired - she gained about 40% of her weight!

Migraines: I've been having them since about 13 weeks.  My OB sent me over to a neurologist - he didn't have answers, but was able to prescribe something that isn't supposed to be too bad for baby.

Anne: good luck with your mother.  That is a hard situation.  My brother and SIL told my mom the "bonding with baby" thing and didn't let her help out or stay for an over-night visit.  She is still hurt b/c she felt excluded from her first grandchild's first days (and he is almost a year old).  I'm sure that she would have done some of what you are talking about, but she really just couldn't wait to hold her grandson.  Could you have your mother visit and keep her busy with laundry, cooking and taking pictures?  You could probably kick her out after a day or so without too much trouble.  Good luck dealing with her, whatever you decide.

 

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anne81
Message #784 - 07/30/08 05:11 AM

Kristi - I'm glad the ultrasound went well!  As for my mother - she told me I was doing things wrong already on the phone and the baby isn't born yet!  She lives in another state so I want her to come when I'm more emotionally recovered and less likely to start screaming incoherently.

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kristi28
Message #785 - 07/30/08 06:53 AM



Anne: Wow - you are working on growing a healthy baby.  What can you possibly have done wrong yet?  Hang in there, at least she is far away. 

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goddessofrock
Message #786 - 07/30/08 05:38 PM



Is anyone else having a harder time staying on budget since finding out you are preggers??

 

This was not planned, so i am finding I need more acupuncture, more trips to CVS (TUMS, prenatals, and metamucil), and having a harder time with the weekly meal planning/budget than normal?? How are you combating this??

 

 

 

 

[Virgil Showlion]

boos_mom
Message #787 - 08/03/08 05:53 AM



kristi - I'm so glad that everything turned out okay.

anne - At least she is your mother, so I hope you are able to speak your mind and feelings to her, rather than not say anything (like with an in-law).  I don't always get along with my mother; she has different ideas of how to do things as well and can be kind of flaky.  But, she did help out a lot during the first 2 weeks with #1 even though DH was also home with me.  She helped with laundry and picking up dinner and rocking baby to sleep.  However, she was rather supportive and not critical of me.  You will be very emotional during the first few weeks, so definitely not a good situation if she will be unsupportive of you.  Can she not stay with you, but stay with someone else or at a hotel or something?  Not having her there 24/7 might alleviate some of the stress she causes.  Or maybe, you could actually bring it up with her now and tell her that while you appreciate her advice, you would prefer for her not to say anything as you would like to try and figure out this parenting thing on your own.  If she's not going to listen to that, then probably having her visit when you've settled into some sort of groove would be better for you.  Good luck!

goddess - I'm not sure if there's a way to combat the additional expenses.  I just figured that it was early preparation for when the baby does arrive, as all sorts of additional expenses will crop up then as well. 

newmummy - thanks for the reminder about the Mother's Milk respected Tea Party members.  After you mentioned it, I do recall that I did use that with #1.  So, I went out and got some and it's working!  So, I've got more milk now, yay.  The fenugreek didn't work for me.  But, did you continuously take the tea, or stop until you needed to increase your supply again?  It's not that cheap and I can't remember if I stop using it whether my milk will decrease again (which goes against that whole "supply and demand" theory the lactation people love to say). 

Also, I wanted to let ladies know about the Gerber Breast Therapy Cool/Warm reusable gel packs for blocked milk ducts.  They're small and can be put into your bra.  I bought them online at Target since we don't have one anywhere near us.  I ended up getting mastitis and found the gel packs to be helpful. 

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New-Mummy
Message #788 - 08/03/08 03:23 PM

I just used it steady as directed for a few days when I needed to increase the milk supply, then went to one cup a day for a day or two, just let it brew strong and reheated it or drank it iced.  Between his growth spurts I just tried to keep water in hand, keeping the fluids going in general helps keep your supply up.

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goddessofrock
Message #789 - 08/05/08 07:28 PM



We had our 18 week ultrasound this morning and we're having a BOY!

 

DBF and I are excited and we'll be naming him Alex after DBF.  The baby was sleeping at 8am and kind of curled up, but the tech said everything looks good and pointed out the 4 chambers of the heart and the heartbeat and the different organs.

 

I am starting to feel somewhat better, but it is definately time for some Metamucil!!

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anne81
Message #790 - 08/05/08 10:15 PM



Congrats on your healthy boy, goddess!  And I'm glad you're feeling better.

 

I'm losing my hair in chunks by the root.  Anyone else experience this?  I was really hoping for that thick supermodel mane of gorgeousness but now I'm just praying I won't go bald.

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boos_mom
Message #791 - 08/06/08 12:12 AM

goddess - congratulations!  We did have trouble with the "sprinkling showers" that boys do. when changing diapers  But, luckily, it seems to have improved where he doesn't pee as often when we are changing him.  At least with the girl, she would just puddle up, rather than shoot off somewhere.  note: keep your mouth closed! 

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Amazon Hunter
Message #792 - 08/06/08 01:08 AM

note: keep your mouth closed! 

boos_mom:  The classic new parent learning experience.    I already heard this one from many friends, but it certainly bears repeating just in case goddess hadn't been warned yet!    haha.  Babies can get away with anything. 

[Virgil Showlion]

bogart
Message #793 - 08/06/08 02:59 AM

Anne81 -- hair loss can be a sign of hypothyroidism so it's probably worth asking your doctor to test your TSH.  If this is your problem it can be easily and safely treated in pregnancy.

OTOH I think hair loss can also be a side effect of pregnancy so it could just be your body's reaction and nothing more...sorry you are dealing with this, though!

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goddessofrock
Message #794 - 08/06/08 02:16 PM

Boos mom~~ Thanks for the warning. I did ALOT  of babysitting growing up and never had that problem with any of the boys....

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anne81
Message #795 - 08/07/08 01:34 AM



Thanks for the tip bogart.  I see her next week so I'll have it done then.

 

We had an interview with a doula today - me, DH and our dog really liked her so she's hired.  I'm feeling calmer now that that's settled.

 

 

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Midwest_southerner
Message #796 - 08/07/08 02:34 AM

I was reading this thread and saw boos_mom's questions a couple of pages ago about breastfeeding and multiple children.  I am exclusively breastfeeding DS #3 because we waited too long to introduce the bottle and he won't take it.  He is now 8 months old and eating solids but still mostly breastfeeding for liquid.  The other 3 kids(7, 4, and 2) are used to me feeding DS and know they have to wait until I'm done.  My 2 year-old DD does occasionally want to see when DS is feeding but I just tell her to leave the blanket alone.  I also have gotten good at doing some tasks one-handed while feeding DS.  I really didn't have any problems taking care of the other kids other than being tired at certain times of the day because DS didn't start sleeping through the night until he was 7 months old. Hope that helps.

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boos_mom
Message #797 - 08/07/08 05:11 AM



goddess - Well, the sprinkles seem to be something more of a "newborn stage" kind of thing, rather than older babies/toddlers  (I baby-sat my nephews too).  I figured out to put a folded baby wipe over his thingie when changing him at least to deflect it downward toward the diaper. 

anne - If the dog likes her, then she's gotta be good!  Dogs have great intuition about people (except my mother's dog, he doesn't like any stranger). 

midwest - thanks for the input.  I guess I'm just amazed that folks out there are able to strictly breastfeed while managing other kids too. 

I've decided to start giving the baby one bottle of formula each day for 2 reasons: 1) to ensure that he will take a bottle; and 2) ensure that he will drink formula if need be.  I don't want to be stuck where baby won't take a bottle or won't drink formula (especially when he gets bigger!).  My milk supply seems to be okay for now, with the help of that tea.  When baby went for his 1 month check up, he gained a pound from his 2 week check.  Of course, I'd like him to pick up more weight, but he's kind of a lazy feeder - always falling asleep and then waking up when you put him down, complaining that he's still hungry.  Argh, then stay awake when you eat, silly boy!  He also has sporadic feedings and naps, sometimes he'll sleep up to 4 hours and then stay awake (and feed more often) for several hours at a time.  And it's hard to pump because I never know whether this nap is a long one or a short one!    At least, he seems to be staying up more during the day now, rather than at 2 AM.  I'll keep hoping that it'll stay that way, yeah, right! 

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anne81
Message #798 - 08/13/08 04:53 PM



boos_mom - one of the moms on another pregnancy board is doing the same thing as you: formula plus breastfeeding.  Apparently her baby was "grazing" all the time instead of getting the super-good stuff that only comes if you feed for more than 5 or ten minutes. 

 

We had the big ultrasound yesterday - everything looking good and confirming the earlier tech's guess that it's a boy.  DH spotted it before the tech did.

[Virgil Showlion]

goddessofrock
Message #799 - 08/13/08 08:32 PM

Congrats Anne!

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boos_mom
Message #800 - 08/15/08 05:42 PM



anne - congrats!  It is a lot more obvious to spot a boy.  I know I saw it right before the specialist announced it. 

Also, haven't really been doing much formula/bottle-feeding yet, as no one has been able to help me out and feed the baby while I pump.  Plus, he's going through a little appetite spurt too.  But, since baby slept like 6 hours last night, I did manage to pump a couple of ounces at 4 am today to leave with my mother tomorrow while I go get my much needed pedicure!  If he'll finally be sleeping longer at night, I'll hopefully have the energy and time to pump a little more. 

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anne81
Message #801 - 08/19/08 05:06 PM



I'm a little nervous because they called me back and want another ultrasound but not immediately - in a few weeks.  They said they just missed some shots.  Does that make sense?

 

Until today I didn't really think I'd felt movement (placenta's up front acting as a big movement) but this morning when I was laying down I felt an enormous pop up front - belly popped up and then sucked down - which happened 5! more times.  Is that kicking? (Or running in place?) I'm almost 20 weeks.

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goddessofrock
Message #802 - 08/19/08 06:04 PM

I think I experienced that a few days ago! It was WEIRD. I think it was just the baby moving.

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kristi28
Message #803 - 08/19/08 06:55 PM



Anne, Goddess: yes, that is very likely the baby moving.  My daughter started that around 20wks, and now (25wks) she does it all the time.  Unfortunately, she mostly decides to do this in the middle of the night, for more than an hour at a time.  And, of course, she wakes her mother up. 

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boos_mom
Message #804 - 08/19/08 08:27 PM



anne - it shouldn't be anything to worry about it, especially since they aren't in a hurry to bring you back in.  It could be that the tech was newer or there were specific shots/measurements your doctor wanted that aren't that that tech doesn't normally do.

And yes, that's definitely baby moving.  The movements will get stronger too.  You can look forward to the kick in the bladder or the elbow in the ribcage too.  Also, if your baby gets hiccups every day when in your tummy, be warned that baby will get hiccups daily when baby is out of the tummy!

[Virgil Showlion]

anne81
Message #805 - 08/19/08 08:34 PM

Thanks!  Wow - I felt the baby move.  I was expecting something much more subtle, lol.  That felt more like a muscle twitching hard.

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goddessofrock
Message #806 - 08/20/08 02:18 PM



Most days if I put my hand below my belly button I can feel something that feels like a cell phone vibrating. (usually this is around 6pm when I get home and lie down)

 

But I did get the big twitchy one the other day which was like WHOA!

 

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livingalmostlarge
Message #807 - 08/20/08 04:24 PM

Mrslynch, are your bichons super tame? I have two and both were adopted.  One really loves kids but the other is a bit grouchy.  It's his age, being 13, he gets very frustrated with children chasing him. And I will leave him in another room or put him to bed when they are around.  If anyone child or adult gets too close to where he's sleeping he'll snap, and it's only in the past few years, after age 10 I'd guess.  So how old are yours and are they dealing well with the baby?  The other bichon we have is ridiculous with kids he adores being center of attention and love having them pull his ears and hair.

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anne81
Message #808 - 08/20/08 05:09 PM

I don't know about bichons in particular but I know that some dogs just get more snappy at people when they get older, whether or not they have exhibited that behavior previously.

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Holly Smith
Message #809 - 08/23/08 10:45 PM

Yeah, Elizabeth had the cell phone on vibrate too.  I was wondering how I was going to deliver it too but then she started with the drum set and the basketball, and then I got really worried. 

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goddessofrock
Message #810 - 08/25/08 01:51 PM



Yeah. I had trouble falling asleep last night. I think it was because he was shifting and I couldn't find a position that was comfy for both of us .

 

Is anyone else having really vivid dreams? They're just weird.

[Virgil Showlion]

mrslynch
Message #811 - 08/25/08 02:04 PM



living--my bichons are 2 1/2 and 4, so they're a little younger than yours. the 4 year old is a little more sensitive with my dd, but only when she starts to get too rough with him (she's almost 2). he doesn't like when she gets too close, but when he's in a good mood, he'll let her hug him. they play tug of war and chase each other around for toys. it's really cute. the 2 1/2 year old really only gets upset when dd pulls his tail (i would, too!). other than that, she can do anything she wants to him. she loves them and is constantly asking for them and i can say to them "let's go get <insert her name>" and they will run to her room. she tries to walk them now and gives them treats. they are also fantastic around other people's kids as well, though they do tend to jump so they're not allowed near kids whose parents we don't know. we've been very fortunate that our dogs are so great with dd and the other way around. but, we look at it this way...they're part of the family and we all need to get along. we made a very concerted effort to make sure that things are harmonious between dd and the dogs. and it worked!

goddess--i had insanely vivid dreams when i was pregnant, but i did before i was, too. i don't know if it's truly something that has to do with pregnancy or if it's just the way you dream.

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anne81
Message #812 - 08/25/08 04:27 PM

I'm having insanely vivid dreams - sorry if this disturbs anybody - that I'm being murdered, eaten by zombie children, etc.  I think the not feeling well for months has been getting to me, anxiety wise.

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goddessofrock
Message #813 - 08/25/08 04:32 PM



The last one was that I was in a car with my mom. She was driving and it was like she didn't see that we were headed for a crash into a six lane highway or something. So i grabbed the wheel and the car sank into a swimming pool... we got out.

 

It was just odd. Mom is a really good driver and we have a pretty good relationship. Maybe I just need to take more control of my life?

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The Reflector - WIR
Message #814 - 08/25/08 04:52 PM



I had insane nightmares when I was pregnant, both times.  They got worse if I was anxious.  Crocodiles eating my legs, my older DD being kidnapped, fun stuff like that.

 

My older DD felt like a cell phone vibrating at first.  Actually I thought that's what it was until I realized I didn't have my phone with me.  The first time I felt Baby J though was when DD pushed against my stomach to get up off my lap and Baby J kicked HARD!  She's a fighter!

 

I'm really excited that DD is almost potty trained now.  Buying diapers for 2 was getting expensive!  She's turning 3 on Friday.  I'm glad we decided to not have a party again this year.  We're just doing special family things and she's really looking forward to baking a cake, going to the store to get balloons, having a special dinner . . . so much less stressful (and cheaper) for me than a dozen toddlers (and their parents) running all over the house!

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Holly Smith
Message #815 - 08/27/08 02:42 AM

I dreamt that I gave birth to a cat, with a full set of teeth.  Everybody kept asking me if I was going to breastfeed.

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goddessofrock
Message #816 - 08/27/08 01:44 PM

I wouldn't breastfeed after that dream!!

[Virgil Showlion]

mrslynch
Message #817 - 08/27/08 06:45 PM

i'm so glad that i'm not the only one who had very vivid, violent dreams when she was pregnant. it's quite a relief to know that. i'm not very good at remembering dreams, but there was one that involved a multiple murder with a commuter bus. i was terrified when i woke up from that one.

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anne81
Message #818 - 08/27/08 06:48 PM

I'm glad too!  I thought the violent dreams were a sign that I was going nuts or something.

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mrslynch
Message #819 - 08/27/08 07:00 PM



anne--i had the same thoughts. i thought there was something seriously wrong with me. i'm happy and relieved to report that now that i am no longer pregnant i do not have those types of dreams. i guess it's just temporary insanity 

while we're on the subject-- i was a complete incompetent bumbling mess when i was pregnant. i was lucky if i could remember my name or to brush my teeth (tying my shoes was out of the question...i couldn't see my feet after the 4th month).  anyone else have that problem?

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anne81
Message #820 - 08/27/08 07:26 PM

I'm sad to report I am also having "pregnancy" brain, which I thought was a myth.  Thank god I'm not doing anything where people's lives are at stake!  I ask DH the same questions over and over, lose track of conversations in the middle, forget where I've put everything, etc.  It's been really awful.  I'd take notes but I'd forget to check them or where I put them!  DH has been really patient though - I mean I'm asking the same question "have you spoken to the contractor, what did he say?" three times in one day and he thoroughly reviews it with me each time.

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MittenKitten
Message #821 - 08/27/08 11:16 PM



I had very vivid dreams, I think we can blame the hormones on them. 

With DS#2 he could only breastfeed, so I didn't have any choice.  DD we did give a bottle to in addition but she has turned into a snob and at around 3 months refused to take it and will only sip at it occassionally.  (She is now 4 months!)  The other two (5 year old and 2 year old) are doing okay, it gets really tough when I am making lunch and she decideds she is hungry!

Now though I think I may be dealing with Post Partum.  ARG! 

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Amazon Hunter
Message #822 - 08/28/08 03:32 AM



My coworker had a serious case of pregnesia where she would forget everything.  Often, she couldn't find her keys which lead to her being late going home from work quite often.

Question:  We won't start TTC until next year, but I'm a planner, so I'm thinking of all the issues.  (Being a planner is both a blessing and a curse.   Sooner or later, you run out of things to plan.)  How far away is your doctor/delivery site?  I'm asking because I live in a relatively isolated area and would prefer to go to a better hospital in another city.  There would be more options in this other city and overall better facilities.  The problem is that it's about 80 miles away and would take about 1.5 hrs to get to the hospitals/birth centers.  This would be my first, so I'm not quite sure what would happen, but the idea of being more comfortable in a birth center or a better hospital is rather appealing.  If I'm only going to do this once, I'd like it to be a good experience and also to, of course, ensure the best care.  What do you all think?

[Virgil Showlion]

anne81
Message #823 - 08/28/08 03:36 AM

The problem is that it's about 80 miles away and would take about 1.5 hrs to get to the hospitals/birth centers.

That's a tough one.  Have you considered hiring a doula?  I'm having my birth in a local hospital but my doula will come to my house when I first go into labor and help me stay at home until we really have to go.  I'm just thinking that having someone like that could help you at your house and then help you know when you have to leave and make you feel more comfortable on the car ride.

 

I have never been in car and in labor though so I have no idea what that long of a car ride will feel like.

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The Reflector - WIR
Message #824 - 08/28/08 03:31 PM



Amazon, it's possible that you would be fine with a long car ride but I was miserable for the 15 minutes it took for us to get to our hospital with DD.  My water broke and within 1.5 hours my contractions were less than 3 min apart, we had to go!  I kept telling my husband through gritted teeth to go slower even though he was going 10 mph below the speed limit!  I felt every bump.  All that said though I live very close to a great hospital.  I would probably brave the car ride just to be sure I was in the best place for me and my baby.

Mittenkitten, postpartum issues suck.  I hope you're getting enough rest.  I had a couple of days after Baby J came home that I had these daydreams about me dying.  It worried me a little because I certainly didn't feel suicidal, but these thoughts were constantly in my head anyway.  DH took the kids and I got about 12 hours sleep and I felt 100% better.  My dad called it sleep deprivation psychosis.

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anne81
Message #826 - 08/28/08 04:31 PM

mittenkitten - wish I had some advice on the postpartum - hope you feel better soon!

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goddessofrock
Message #827 - 08/28/08 07:39 PM



mittenkitten~~

 

Talk to your doctor! It's ok honey!!

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MittenKitten
Message #828 - 08/28/08 07:40 PM



Thanks!  I am sleep deprived.  DS#2 just started climbing out of his crib so no chance of catching a nap.  Since she will only breastfeed I have to take the night feedings.  Told DF that on the weekends I needed to rest up but so much has been happening I haven't had that opportunity. 

Hospital.  I went to one 45 minutes away but it would have been much further had it been during rush hour traffic.  Labor take a long time and you will KNOW when you have real contractions.  Contractions weren't fun so it didn't really matter if I was in the car or somewhere else.  I wanted to hospital in the bigger city and not the small rinky d1nk ones around here.  The only bummer would be if you had false labor and had to drive that far to turn around and come home.

Man I SO wanted to nap today.  Isn't going to happen though.  DS#2 is playing with the door stop in his room same as he was at 6 am.  man those things are LOUD!  Will have DF switch it tonight with a vinyl one he won't be able to do that with.

Oh speaking of door stops, the caps on the spring ones are choking hazards that most people forget about but are right at toddler eye/play level.  Home improvement stores sell all vinyl ones, although I just removed the caps on ours and we are careful not to bang the doors into the woodwork. 

[Virgil Showlion]

boos_mom
Message #829 - 08/28/08 07:45 PM



anne - well, I didn't think it was a myth, but I just didn't think it'd happen to ME, like I was immune or something.  duh!  It was even worse the second time around because you never fully recover all of your brain cells after having the first kid. 

amazon - um, we live about 5 minutes away from the hospital I delivered at, and that was kind of the most uncomfortable car ride I've had (except for the one from LA to Vegas with four people squeezed in the back of a small small car).  Unless your man is a good driver (no sudden/last minute breaking) and there aren't a lot of bumpy roads, it will be rather interesting to be driving/riding for 1.5 hours while having contractions.  I did wait more than 6 hours after the more noticeable contractions started before we left for the hospital, so maybe if you leave right away and rent a room in that area if it's "false" labor. 

mitten - is it the baby blues or actual PPD?  PPD is a little more severe than baby blues and might need treatment from your doctor.  If it's "just" the baby blues, I think getting rest is the biggest factor in how quickly you recover.  It seems to me that you must be really really busy with all of the kids plus baby, and not to mention all of the work you do over on the CS threads.  So, if you're able to actually take a break from trying to do it all at the level that you're used to (maybe let some housework go) and just try to let yourself get more naps in the day over several days, then the blues might dissipate.  I know I was really frustrated and exhausted when I had the blues a few weeks after #2 arrived, and that's when I got rather blue -- feeling like I wasn't a good mother to #1 since I had little time for her and not being a good enough milk provider to #2 as we were dealing with supply and demand issues plus he wasn't sleeping very long unless you carried him.  When he started sleeping better (by resorting to not-so-approved methods by today's parenting/pediatric recommendations), then I could get some rest and the blues passed.  I hope it passes quickly for you, but if not, get support from your family or your doctor if need be. 

ETA - mitten, we must've posted at the same time.  I think you'll need to convey to DF that he really needs to be more helpful during the weekends, like he said he would because you're starting to feel down.  And truly, without getting some rest and help from him, it probably won't go away quickly.

Sheesh, I can't even remember if I had weird/vivid dreams at this point.  Probably did, but don't remember them now. 

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Wisconsin Beth
Message #830 - 08/28/08 08:52 PM

I had a few vivid dreams, but mainly I was remembering my dreams more - and forgetting conversations I had with DH!

How's everyone doing?  

Beth

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sam0402
Message #831 - 08/28/08 09:00 PM



Ok ladies, I have a question.  When I posted before I got some great advice from everyone about how to handle a mil who did not seem to care about my feelings.  She would make comments constantly about how she did not want grandchildren.  I am happy to report that the fil has been spoken to and mil will be this weekend.  I think it will go pretty good but you never know.

 

Now to my next question, my dh and I are getting ready to ttc, I have found a new job and start soon so now we need to start saving some money.  I know that I need to go to the dr to get a checkup.  should I wait to go to the dr before I try to find a prenatal vitamin or should I buy an otc one? 

 

Thanks in advance for all the help.

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anne81
Message #832 - 08/28/08 10:01 PM



I did the preconception checkup with my dr. before ttc.  It really wasn't much more than a basic annual, with some advice about vitamins thrown in.  I am at a healthy weight though and don't have any chronic conditions.  I just started with a otc prenatal for three months before ttc.  If you have a trader joe's around you I have to give a shout out for their melt under the tongue folic acid tab - it was a lifesaver when I had morning sickness.

 

I hope things go well with your mil.  One thing though - if she suddenly becomes excited about having grandkids she'll be asking you all the time if you are pregnant yet, lol!

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MittenKitten
Message #833 - 08/29/08 01:55 AM



sam:  good luck with mil.  taking an over the counter prenatal can't hurt anything, so I would err on the side of caution and take one.  Or if nothing else take a normal one with a folic acid supplement on top.

boosmom:  Does wanting to rip people's heads off count.  Honestly though I have been dealing with so much I can't say what is the cause.  I was dealing with renters not paying and then them leaving owing me a lot of money, getting the house inspected by the city, getting renters in, deciding to go section 8 (assisted living) so I would be sure to at least pay the dang mortgage on the place, having sec 8 inspect it, clients for real estate one of which is a real pain (and he is cancelling don't know whether to party or cry), dealing with DS#2 (who is 2 and more then likely autistic) and his eval coming up here Sept 9th for developmental issues, DS#1 starting Kindergarten AND having a baby.....  Hmmmm is it any wonder I am at the end of my rope and everyone elses. 

Oh and the CS thread is my way of escaping.  As I am the world's WORST housekeeper, okay not the worst but I really don't care about it I can't let it go any more.  Actually that is another stressor, before my sister left for north carolina she filled my garage with a ton of stuff that I need to do something with.  A lot of it we can use, like clothes for the baby but it is 5 years worth and the woman is a shop aholic.  I have 4 large bins of 4T clothes alone!  I have 5 bins sitting in our room, bins in DS#1s closet and DS#2s closet and I have no dresser or room for her so I just have her current clothes in a pile  

Sorry for TMI.

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boos_mom
Message #834 - 08/29/08 07:10 AM



beth - good to hear from you!  how are you and baby doing? 

sam - the folic acid is the most important part to be concerned about, and should be started actually months before you conceive (i think they even recommend starting folic acid 6 months in advance of conception).  so, get at least 800 mg of folic acid daily, and then check with your dr. about which prenatal to use, although for most folks OTCs work fine.  re: your upcoming discussion with your MIL - maybe you could inquire if she would prefer not to be called "grandma."  maybe that might help her be more open, if she could figure out something that would be acceptable for her to have baby call her, so as not to conjure up "silver haired grannies" in her mind.

mitten - oh my!  i got exhausted just reading about all that you are doing.  no wonder you're at your wits end!  definitely see if DF can help out a little more.  i don't know how you do it, caring for a rambunctious toddler and a baby at the same time.  i am only too happy to drop #1 off at preschool.  i hope your son's eval goes smoothly and they can determine what services he may need right away and set them up quickly.  many articles report that the sooner autism is diagnosed and treated, the better the child responds and can minimize the severity.  hopefully, once things settle down a bit, then you'll be able to rest a little more.  also, re: the clothes for DD, if you see those wide plastic rolling/storage carts at a garage sale or thrift store, they make perfectly acceptable drawers for children's clothing.  i keep #1's preschool clothes in a wide 3 drawer cart and her regular 'nicer' clothes in the dresser we got from walmart.  maybe DF can help you go through all of the bins and sort which clothes you want to keep and then donate/sell the rest of the clothes.  yes, i am guilty of buying way too many clothes for #1.  i've begun to cut back now, especially since i can wash her clothes with #2's stuff, so we don't go so long between the children's laundry days now.  (i loathe running a less than full load in the washer.) 

 

[Virgil Showlion]

MittenKitten
Message #835 - 08/29/08 03:51 PM



I don't know if you gals are interested but beej on the controlled/no spend thread (not sure what other threads she is on ) made a blog about New Mummy and Lisamomof4's experiences.  She also set up where you can donate if you want to.  Here is the link, warning you WILL cry

[wirpaytribute.blogspot.com/] wir pay tribute 

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anne81
Message #836 - 08/29/08 05:45 PM



mitten - I read it and it did make me cry.  Barb did an amazing job.  I'm exhausted too reading everything you are up too!  I hope the evaluation goes well.

 

So - now that I'm feeling the baby kicking it is kicking a lot and everywhere.  I'll feel a kick on one side and then a kick on the other.  It feels like one of those motorcycles in the cages, lol.  Is that normal?  I mean it's pretty constant, at least every hour.  And if DH puts his hand on my belly the kid will kick several times in a row.

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Wisconsin Beth
Message #837 - 08/29/08 06:17 PM

We're doing pretty good.  She's 16 weeks old now and teething.  Keira's up once or twice a night, usually around 11pm and 4am, probably because of the teething.  I hope she goes back to sleeping nights again once it's here.  My Mom's watching her during the day and not accepting payment, so we're going to be buying my parents gift cards as thank yous.  

It's a lovely site and thought.

Holy cow mitten, that's a ton of stuff.  

I had problems taking prenatels.  My ob/gyn said I could take Flintstones instead.  We had a surprise baby so I didn't do a ttc checkup or take anything before we found out.  If you're eating reasonably healthy, you and your baby will probably be ok.  At least we were/are.  

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Amazon Hunter
Message #838 - 08/29/08 08:30 PM



Wow, that was a great site for two wonderful ladies.  I'm glad that Barb set that up.  Hopefully, it will help some.

Mitten -- You totally rock!  To think that you are handling all of that!  That's amazing.

Hospital -- Thanks for the responses on that.  I currently live less than 5 minutes from one hospital.  My friend told me that they do deliveries and such pretty well.  It's everything else that you need to worry about (like ER visits, heartattacks, etc).  There is something nice about being that close.  Maybe I'll see how the local doctors feel about attempting natural childbirth and then I'll go from there.  Maybe a trip to a birth center further away is worth it, or hiring a doula and staying closer....  Luckily, I have plenty of time to plan.  Thanks again.

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boos_mom
Message #839 - 09/11/08 07:50 AM



hey ladies - how has everyone been? 

anne - did you have your follow up ultrasound yet?

amazon - re: the hospital choice, I also took into account that everything in the pregnancies were going well and no apparent complications, so the hospital closer to me is the critical care trauma center for adults.  But, if there were complications, baby would have been transferred to the pediatric specialty hospital (a little further away) but way more busy and crowded (a friend and his wife ended up SHARING a room with another couple when they gave birth, oy!).  The hospital we used did have neonatologists on staff, but I don't think the hospital had a NICU.

beth - ooh, I remember the teething troubles.  Hopefully, it'll pass soon.  You are lucky to have your mom watching.  I still need to find a sitter, but won't be back at work until January.  Still, it's difficult to find one right now because most sitters don't know this early if a space will be opening up in four months.

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goddessofrock
Message #840 - 09/11/08 03:19 PM



Is anyone else getting more and more worried about money as the baby gets closer?

 

I have a small cushion and really good health insurance but I feel like having a baby is going to be so EXPENSIVE.... I hate getting dressed in the morning because I only have a few pairs of preggo pants and they make me HOT when I'm outside but I need to wear pants inside in the air conditioning...

 

Plus I hate spending money on fat/maternity clothes that are only going to be temporary. I'm seriously looking forward to the day I can have a bonfire and burn these clothes... and flat shoes. I hate flat shoes!  Does anyone else feel this way?

[Virgil Showlion]

wantingafamily
Message #841 - 09/11/08 04:10 PM



Hi ladies,

my hubby and I have been trying for over a year now and I found out in April that I have diebetes and that is under control but that means that some months I may have my cycle and some not. I had my cycle last month and now I am late and I have not had any systems of being pregnant. I am hoping that I am because that would just make our day.

 

Laurie

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Amazon Hunter
Message #842 - 09/11/08 04:28 PM

wantingafamily -- GOOD LUCK!  I hope you get the results you want!

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anne81
Message #843 - 09/11/08 04:48 PM



boos_mom - the ultrasound is on Monday, I'm looking forward to it!  I can't believe I'm over halfway there (23 weeks!)

 

goddess - I'm getting increasingly worried about money although we have a good cushion.  It just seems like all the stuff adds up, even if you aren't being extravagant.  Even if you are reasonable about every purchase it's still $10 here, $100 there. Baby crib, mattress, stroller, car seat, washing tub, thermometer, diapers, egads.  And my gawd - the food bills.  If you have a burlington coat factory near you some of them have an excellent baby depot where prices aren't as bad.

 

The maternity clothes have been hit or miss for me - when I first got pregnant I went to the all the stores and bought winter stuff on complete clearance which is really nice.  I have a trench coat that I got for $16, a wool sweater for about the same.  However I totally wasted money on the bella band (my thighs and b.u.t.t. got waaay too big for my regular pants far before my belly did) and the maternity stretchy band pants/shorts.  They make me sick to wear them.  I've been living in a pair of skirts I got years ago with hugely stretchy waists and flip flops.  I tend to wear loose clothing anyway so a lot of my shirts still fit.

 

wanting a family - good luck!  I hope you get your good news soon.

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mrslynch
Message #844 - 09/11/08 05:07 PM



goddess--don't think of them as fat clothes; it's not as if you're just getting fat. you're pregnant...big difference! towards the end of my pregnancy i wore two pairs of pants and about 4 shirts. then again, i wasn't working so i didn't care what i looked or smelled like! as far as shoes, i was just happy on days my feet fit into shoes. i would relax a little bit because it's only going to get worse.

wanting--good luck to you. let us know what happens.

so, i have been experiencing severe mommy guilt lately. i feel terrible when i drop dd off at daycare (especially since she cries) and that i can't be with her during the day. it's become so bad that i can't even do things for myself anymore because i feel guilty that i'm not with dd. i know it's something that i need to get over because it's just not healthy, but for some reason i just can't.  it's really starting to interfere with my life and my happiness. cutting back hours at work is not an option, nor is stopping work all together. i just feel that i have so few hours with her in a day that i don't want to miss any. my head knows what to do but my heart won't let me. it's very frustrating.

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kristi28
Message #845 - 09/11/08 05:39 PM



Hi Ladies:

I do worry more about money now, but that is mostly b/c I have had some complications.  I knew what kind of $$ I was looking at for the prenatal appointments, labor and delivery, but I have needed an MRI, EKG, and Echocardiogram.  Don't have the bills for them yet, but they really sound expensive. 

Goddess: I bought a couple of pairs of pants with the magic stretch tops.  They have been a lifesaver, as I need to look reasonable for work.  I also got a few hand-me-downs, which have been a great way to save money.  I have exactly five reasonable long-sleeved shirts, and my colleagues will get to see them every week.  I agree that it doesn't make sense to get more than you need.

MrsLynch: My mother works in a daycare, and she talks all the time about the children who just cry and wail when their mothers are leaving.  They stop shortly after their parents are out of sight and go on to have a great day.  Could this be happening with your dd?  Is there a way to get a view of dd without her knowing you are there (a daycare near me has one-way glass)?  Hang in there, and remember, you are doing what is best for your family, even if your dd doesn't agree.

Wanting: Hang in there!  We'll be thinking of you.

I have finally entered the third trimester.  We are getting another ultrasound on Monday, so I am excited to get another look at our dd.  I just wish someone could convince her that she can sleep when I am sleeping, rather than playing all night and keeping me awake.  I have gotten uncomfortable much of the time, too, so I am starting to feel like I am ready for her to be here!

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goddessofrock
Message #846 - 09/11/08 07:13 PM



I just feel kind of cranky and off because of my allergies and not being able to take anything strong for that and not being able to sleep well half the time because it feels like someone is shaking me.... and someone is!

 

Plus I am finalizing things for my wedding which is a week from Saturday!

 

And we're moving October 1. So there's lots of stuff going on.

 

 

[Virgil Showlion]

livingalmostlarge
Message #847 - 09/11/08 07:22 PM

Congratulations on the wedding and good luck!

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anne81
Message #848 - 09/11/08 10:32 PM



goddess - too much stuff going on! congrats on the wedding and your new home.  Have you tried unisom?  I take a half a one every night (blue pill kind)- kicks still wake me up but I'm going back to sleep much faster and it's safe in pregnancy.

 

kristi - eek! on the extra medical tests.  Hope your ultrasound goes well.

 

mrslynch - I was just curious how old your daughter is?  My friends kids all went through a stage where mommy was the only one they wanted - they grew out of it but it was pretty tough in the meantime when even dad wouldn't do.  Also you said leaving work is not an option but is there any way you can carve out more time?  Like let some chores go, or hire someone to help with that every couple of weeks?

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boos_mom
Message #849 - 09/11/08 10:52 PM



wanting - good luck to you!

goddess - congrats on the wedding and good luck in the move!  I got some cute empire waist fashion tops from non-maternity stores that I wore during pregnancy and continue to wear afterwards.  Look into thrift stores or Ross Dress for Less for some lower cost maternity clothes.  You will need larger sizes even after you've given birth because the body takes a while to get back to pre-preggers size.  Also, my OB let me take my prescription nasal sprays even during pregnancy to minimize my allergies.  Oh, and I always worry about money, and it only gets worse since you'll be providing for a child's needs and wants, well-being and education, as well as your own retirement, etc.

mrslynch - I sympathize with you.  #1 did have a phase where she cried when either of us dropped her off at preschool.  But, staff always assured us that she stopped crying shortly after we left.  And, she really does enjoy all the activities and learning at preschool.  I would just try to plan some longer quality time with your DD on weeknights and the weekends and not worry too much about the chores, as already suggested. 

kristi - I hate to tell you but baby will follow the same schedule she's been on when she comes out, so be prepared for a night owl!  And remember the oft-repeated advice: sleep when the baby sleeps!!!

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sam0402
Message #850 - 09/12/08 01:43 AM



Mrs. Lynch,

 

I don't have any children and I can't speak for how the parent feels but  I do know what happens once the parent leaves.  My step mother had a daycare that I help with and the children would all go through a stage of crying when the parent started to leave.  They will cry for a few mins but they do begin to settle down and start playing.  Maybe you can talk with the daycare about sticking around out of site to hear for your self.  It will help you out.  Also see if there is anything the daycare can to with the child to distract them ie. we would give their breakfast, a cookie, or start playing with them.  This work most of the time.

 

Thanks for all the kind words about dealing with my mil.  We talked with her over Labor day and it went a lot better than I thought.  I think she understands that we want a child and there is nothing she can do about it.  Still trying to look into the prenatals though.  I just started a new job so I figure one thing at a time.

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mrslynch
Message #851 - 09/12/08 01:55 PM



daycare--the staff as reassured me that dd does stop crying once i leave, and i'm glad, but it is still heartbreaking when she's screaming "mommy" and i have to go. sticking around is not an option due to traffic and when i need to be at work. i have let many chores go (my house is starting to suffer as a result)and actually do not do anything chore-wise except cook dinner and clean up afterwards (with 2 greedy dogs, leaving dirty dishes around is not a good idea) until she's asleep. some days, i don't even pee until she's in bed! we're looking into hiring someone to come in once or twice a month to clean the house so that will help a lot. there is really nothing left for me to do to improve the situation because i know i'm doing all i can.

sam--i'm glad the talk with mil went well. she really has no right to control your choice to have a child, or even voice her opinion on those matters. my in-laws would make comments on the opposite end of the spectrum and i let them know, in no uncertain terms, that their opinion was not welcome.

goddess--good luck with all that you have going on. that's a lot to undertake under normal circumstances, not to mention when you're pregnant.

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MittenKitten
Message #852 - 09/12/08 02:22 PM



Kristi:  Baby sleeps when you are up because you are moving around and rocking her to sleep.  When you try to sleep you are no longer rocking her so she wakes up.  I had the same thing with my pregnancies.  It is simply not fair, when you don't have a crying baby up at night you can't sleep because they are moving around.  Even when the baby wasn't moving around I couldn't sleep for some reason. 

I would look into thrift stores for maternity clothes and don't just look at maternity look at the bigger sizes also.  Then box them up for when you are preggers again if you plan on having more then one (or like me end up with a surprise baby when you think you are done LOL).

So had DS#2 into the developmental Pediatrician (DS is 2 now) and they did diagnoise him with Autism.  So now a whole new round of research and looking into options to help him out/treat it.  The positive thing is he is high functioning but still puts a ton of pressure onto me to get him into therapies and possibly day treatment.

Oh and DS#1 had the crying phase when I dropped him off at Daycare for a while, it certainly is heart breaking but he always had a good day.  I had the hardest time dropping him off when he did that. 

[Virgil Showlion]

Wisconsin Beth
Message #853 - 09/12/08 06:05 PM

I mainly bought clothes in a bigger size or with elastic waists.  Then my cousins sent some maternity clothes along, most of which didn't fit because they're shorter and skinny than me.  Is there anyone else that was pregnant in the last few years in your circle that would let you borrow clothes?  Or someone that lost some weight and has bigger sizes that you can borrow for a bit? 

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anne81
Message #854 - 09/16/08 04:30 AM



mittenkitten - it's great that you are getting help for your son now and have a diagnosis.  I hope everything goes really well with his therapy.  I have a couple of friends who are therapists working exclusively with autistic kids.  It's amazing the progress they can make.

 

I had my follow up ultrasound today at nearly 24 weeks - it went really well.  The ultrasound tech was sweet and did a 3d/4d ultrasound for us as well with pictures just for fun, which we weren't expecting, so we got brought a home a somewhat creepy (babies are really skinny at this stage) photo of our baby smiling at right at us.  Actually he was smiling the whole time in the 4d screen.

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kristi28
Message #855 - 09/16/08 05:54 AM

Anne: So glad to hear that the ultrasound went well.  I had another today, and the tech did 4D for us, too.  Not to worry, baby will plump up nicely between now and about 28 wks.  DH thought that it looked a little like DD has a black eye, but she has chubby little cheeks, and seems to be rather cute.  They think that she is getting fat rolls on her arms now, too.

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goddessofrock
Message #856 - 09/16/08 12:38 PM

good luck wantingafamily!

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ARMD
Message #857 - 09/18/08 02:43 AM

I am still reading through all the posts, but I have a question that may or may not have been answered already. I am wondering what types of food everyone snacks on or eats for a meal that is good for them but is easy and fast. I run a home daycare and am due January 25, 2009. It is hard to figure out what to snack on that I can either eat without the kids wanting it too or that is something that I can sneakily eat without the kids knowing that I'm eating. I am also at the point that I a lot of times don't want what they are having for lunch or snack and don't really feel like cooking anything else or nothing sounds good to me after making them lunch. I also run out of energy by supper time and don't usually feel like making anything. FYI peanut butter, of all things, gives me horrid indigestion and acid reflux, so I haven't been eating hardly anything that has to do with peanut butter. I am also getting a bit tired of egg and cheese sandwiches as well as cereal. What else can I eat that is healthy and fast?

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anne81
Message #858 - 09/18/08 03:31 AM

I've been a big fan of the oikos non fat greek yogurt, thick, slightly sour, and a single serving has half of your daily protein needs.  I eat it with fruit or honey/cinnamon.  I also keep mini luna bars in my purse because the big ones make me too full.  Super cold grapes, string cheese, raw almonds.  Trader Joe's sells really good shrimp or chicken fried rice that comes frozen in bags.  Heating it is super easy.  I keep bagels in the freezer and eat a half with blueberry cream cheese.  Costco sells hummus/cracker kits that aren't bad.

[Virgil Showlion]

goddessofrock
Message #859 - 09/18/08 04:12 PM



armd

 

i usually keep oatmeal packets and single serve applesauce at work.

Or sometimes I can find dried pineapple rings or mango slices that are not sugar coated and cut those up into pieces.

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boos_mom
Message #860 - 09/18/08 09:01 PM



mitten - at least you have an official diagnosis and got it early on!  Some parents don't get a diagnosis for years because they are in denial.  Best wishes to you in researching and deciding on which services and therapies to pursue for your DS #2.  Does your state/county health or education departments provide any free services for children with documented diagnoses?

anne and kristi - glad to hear your ultrasounds went well!  To me, 4-D is kind of weird looking though.

armd - yogurt and granola, tuna and crackers (pay attention to the limits on fish though), hummus and pita bread, string cheese and crackers, apples and cottage cheese.  I know eating some kind of protein really helped me keep my energy up.  You may want to try out one of the Ensure type drinks (if your OB says it's ok).  They used to sell one specifically for pregnant/nursing moms, but I guess it didn't sell very well (pricier than the other drinks they sold).  Too bad about the peanut butter though, I did eat a lot of peanut butter and crackers, pb and apples, or pb on an english muffin etc as my snack/quick meal.  Also, consider baking some chicken breasts and then having grilled chicken and cheese sandwiches to pop in the toaster to toast/broil or have a salad with the chicken on top.  I've been doing that lately and even put some pesto on the sandwich.  Food cravings/dislikes/issues were a big thing with me during both of my pregnancies.  Just listen to what your cravings are and try to follow those. 

---

anne81
Message #861 - 09/21/08 06:05 PM



Eeesh.  I went to babies r' us yesterday with a friend of mine who is a mom of a little boy in order to buy the "basics."  It adds up quickly.  Mylicon, diapers & wipes (w/coupon), changing table cover, burp cloths, grooming supplies (finger tooth thing, baby soap, safety swabs, laundry detergent, clippers, nasal aspirator, soft brush), thermometer, saline nasal spray, washtub (supposedly good until they are 3), pacifiers, bottles, boobie pads, waterproof mattress covers, milk storage bags, small amount of formula (in case I need to supplement or baby is allergic), knit hats, crib sheets (basic cotton), crib rails, mirror to see the baby in the car, outlet covers, diaper rash ointment, hand sanitizer, onesies, and blankets. Everything cost beetween $2-$25.  It came out to around $450.   The only I bought that I felt wasn't required was the boppy.

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jdnstl
Message #862 - 09/22/08 02:08 AM

hey everyone! i haven't posted in a while bc i haven't had much to add. but now that i'm far enough along i can add some comments.

re:pregger clothes...i have a little over 2 weeks left & i can only fit into 2 pairs of work pants & 1 pair of weekend pants, and about 5 shirts. it's been this way for a few weeks now. but i decided that it wasn't worth the money to buy more being so close to the end. i am very excited to be able to wear some of my other pregger clothes comfortably after the baby's born.  i mostly bought my clothes at motherhood maternity & jcp. i'm a plus size person when i'm not pregnant so finding clothes that fit while pregnant was a challenge. i was able to get a few items at jcp online at discounted prices. i have lots of trouble finding clothes at thrift stores under normal circumstances so i didn't even bother looking there while pregnant.

re: $$...i've been worried about it too from the beginning. we've been trying to save as much as possible to prepare. i agree that baby stuff is expensive. we were fortunate that my family all chipped in & bought the crib & mattress. we also got quite a bit from the baby shower. i'm getting a lot of clothes from my sister & am very happy i haven't had to buy clothes yet!

re:food...i've had a pregnancy where i haven't craved anything really & most everything doesn't sound appetizing so i completely understand having food issues.

have a great week everyone!

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goddessofrock
Message #863 - 09/22/08 04:05 PM



Anne~~ what is mylicon??

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anne81
Message #864 - 09/22/08 04:16 PM

Mylicon is drops to give babies for gas.  All my mom friends have been telling me to get it because I'm trying to collect everything I might use the first few weeks.  I bought a box of 150ish diapers and was told they'd last about a week and a half.  Babies are scary I tell you.  I was just traumatized because I didn't buy coordinated baby bedding, or a stroller, or something big ticket.

[Virgil Showlion]

boos_mom
Message #865 - 09/22/08 06:30 PM

anne - usually you'll go through about 10 diapers per day, so that box would last about 15 days.  remember that newborns will usually poop when they feed, so when baby gets up and has a dirty diaper, you could consider waiting to change the diaper until after baby finishes feeding on one side.  for #1, we didn't wait to change her, being first-time parents and all, but it did end up wasting diapers when baby then poops five minutes later in a perfectly new diaper when baby is feeding.  once they get a little older, that reflex stops and they poop a lot less.  oh, did you pick up a car seat cushion for the baby's head?  usually they're so small that the cushions help get the head steady in the "big" infant car seat.

---

anne81
Message #866 - 09/22/08 07:50 PM

remember that newborns will usually poop when they feed,

I had no idea!  Thanks for that practical tip - I would have been going crazy changing in the middle and then again a few minutes later.

 

did you pick up a car seat cushion for the baby's head? 

I did get one of these.

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bibliomaniagrl
Message #867 - 09/25/08 12:39 AM



Hello all,

It's been a while since I've posted because I had DD (Maya Grace, 8lbs. 21 1/2 inches long) on August 15th (after 2 days contractions, 24 hours of labor and then a C-section...I can never do things the easy way).  But she is healthy and that is all I care about.  She will be 6 weeks on Friday...hard to believe.  I'm getting 4 hours of sleep at a time occasionally now so I feel a little better than the fog I was in for the last 5 weeks. 

 

I don't want to freak anyone out about money particularly with the economy the way it is but some things I was unprepared for...C-section.  This totally wiped me out!  I couldn't do much at the beginning and even now have regular pain.  Thankfully my husband could take time off (paid) particularly as my time off (now 2 weeks more) is unpaid.  I'm totally happy to spend two more weeks with the baby, but the lack of money for 2 additional weeks was unexpected.  Thankfully we have money saved.

 

The fact that you don't have time to cook.  Thankfully some friends brought food and when my mom was in town she cooked, but it has been really difficult to get meals.  My husband and I just grab what we can (more often than not take out...again an additional expense).  Then to top it off we live in OH which got hit with the remnants of Ike and we were without power for 6 days so I lost all food in fridge and deep freeze.  Additional expense.

 

I had planned on breastfeeding.  However, my milk didn't come in for 6 days (complications of c-section).  We had to supplement with formula which was fine particularly as Maya wouldn't latch properly.  I got so ripped up from her that I got a wicked nipple infection (both sides).  It hasn't cleared (3 courses of antibiotics and now topical antibiotics etc).  I've been pumping because they didn't want to her latch until I heal but because I'm not, my doctor is trying one more thing and if that doesn't work in the next week or so they are recommending I stop (I've had mastitis in addition). So in additional to being totally upset about not being able to breastfeed her I now have to consider the expense of formula (on top of all the pump and things for that which I've used for the last 6 weeks) if things don't clear up.  I'm just praying I heal up in the next week.  I can't keep obsessing about this and need to just enjoy her being a baby, but it's hard when things don't go as you expected or planned.

 

I don't want to freak anyone out, but try to prepare in advance as much as possible.  I really had no clue as to how hard it would be or these unexpected expenses and potential expenses.  You want to be able to enjoy your baby, not worry about money.

 

More later...

---

ARMD
Message #868 - 09/25/08 02:47 AM

bibliomaniagrl-You should check with your insurance company about whether or not your insurance covers the loss of food from the power outage. My uncle lives close to Houston and had to evacuate. He lost all the food in his fridge as well as part of his fence and some other things, and the insurance company is going to cover all of those things including the food loss. It may be too late, but it may be worth a shot to check it out anyway.

I am sorry to hear that you are having such a rough go of it with the new little one. I wish you the best.

---

anne81
Message #869 - 09/25/08 04:40 AM

bibliomaniagirl - congrats on your little girl!  I'm sorry that you haven't been feeling well (c-section and infected nipples!).  Thanks for being so honest about the costs and your worry.  I hope things get better soon.

---

New-Mummy
Message #870 - 09/25/08 10:51 AM



Anne, the boppy is a lifesaver if you end up with a c-section, so it's good to have, you never know.

 

I ended up never using any of the Mylicon stuff, that all really depends on your baby's tummy.

 

Bibliomaniagrl, that makes me so frustrated just hearing your issues - you watch yourself on your incision.  I ended up having an internal infection with my son, so just watch yourself.  Should be warned that even with an incision that heals fine, you are going to have some weird sensation around the incision from time to time for quite a while.  Just try and remember that yes, you were sliced open pretty well, the tendency is to think of a c-section as minor because they're so frequent but there's a large chunk of muscle in the core of your body sliced through. 

[Virgil Showlion]

goddessofrock
Message #871 - 09/25/08 02:10 PM

Congrats bibliomaniagrl!!!

---

dea_81
Message #872 - 09/25/08 09:42 PM



Congratulations bibliomaniagirl!    I agree with you completely about preparing for the unexpected.  My son Xavier was born August 26th.  Everything went smoothly, but there are things you never think about that you need.  

 

I don't know how many times I have sent DH out to the store to get things that I had not budgeted for or thought about needing.    A $40 trip to walgreens for advil, dermaplast (a girls best friend if you have stitches) and a few other odds and ends.  A few trips like this add up quickly!  I have spent quite a bit on extra parts for my breast pump because cleaning parts in the hour I have between feedings is just not practical, nor will it be once I go back to work.   Honestly budget for eating out, it is going to happen, I was just too tired those first few weeks to cook.  Diapers...I thought I had a nice stash of a few packages of various sizes/ brands but of course the little man seems to break out in a rash in anything but pampers!  It still may have been something I was eating that bothered him I am going to try the Luv's again in a few days and see for sure if it is the diapers.   Nursing bras are horribly expensive and I am still debating seeing a lactation consultant and that is another $200 I did not plan on spending.   So save all that you can, more than you think you need because SOMETHING will come up.

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anne81
Message #873 - 09/25/08 09:54 PM

I ended up never using any of the Mylicon stuff, that all really depends on your baby's tummy.

I think I've become obsessed with the issue of gas since I'm having incredible heartburn.   I'm terrified the kid will be colicky.

---

boos_mom
Message #874 - 09/25/08 09:57 PM



congrats biblio and dea on your new arrivals! 

I also want to chime in that you should consider the cost of some nursing tops as well.  If you will be taking baby out often enough, then having some nursing tops could be a worthwhile investment.  I got one from Gap on sale and was surprised at how much I liked the nursing top rather than hiking up my shirt and exposing my midriff in public, even if I'm sort of covered up by a nursing cover, which never can be big enough with a wiggling baby.  (I never bought any nursing tops with #1.)  So, I got a couple of nursing camisoles from Target online, but they run smaller than I thought, so I needed to get the Medium even though I'm a Small in most everything else.  I am not into tight fitting tops right now, so I prefer them to be looser, but even around my not that big bust it was tight. 

---

New-Mummy
Message #875 - 09/26/08 01:21 AM



Oh yeah, another thing you breastfeeding gals need to watch for - nursing tops reminded me - is to take extra care of your skin in that area when you do wean/end nursing.  I ended up with a horrible (yeast or staph? not sure) rash both times that it was time to let the milk go out despite switching bras out every 12 hours and the pads frequently.

---

goddessofrock
Message #876 - 09/26/08 01:08 PM



I had some gatorade yesterday morning and AJ was bouncing around in my stomach like CRAZY after that!!

He's not usually awake in the morning!! Anyways, if anyone is trying to get their baby to move, try blue gatorade!

[Virgil Showlion]

anne81
Message #877 - 09/26/08 04:27 PM



dea - congrats on Xavier!

 

edited: I'm 25 weeks and going through a major weight gain spurt.  Is this normal?  I gained 8 lbs in a weeks right after the morning sickness ended then this last week I've been eating like a horse and gained 5  for a total of 20.  I'm a little concerned because I thought I'd be gaining the majority of my weight between now and 35 weeks.

 

 

---

boos_mom
Message #878 - 09/27/08 08:06 AM

anne - your weight gain might be of concern to your OB (depends on your OB).  If so, I'm sure it will be brought up at your next visit.  My sister had a very strict OB for her first child.  He would scold her and tell her not to eat too much fruit or drink juice because of the sugar (she was not officially diagnosed with gestational diabetes).  He made her miserable.  She switched OBs for her second kid.  With both my pregnancies, I tried to pay attention to my weight gain because I was borderline GD with #1 (but not high enough readings to be diagnosed as having GD) and #2 I was worried that I was going to have GD and/or a huge baby since #1 was almost 8 lbs and subsequent babies tend to be bigger.  With #1, I gained 35 lbs and it was about 1-2 lbs a week in the last trimester.  With #2, I gained 25 lbs but still felt huge since most of the weight felt like it was in my belly (and killing my back).  Again, I'd gain about 1-1.5 lbs per week in the last trimester.  You may want to consider trying to walk (or whatever exercise is recommended by your OB) more to see if that will help reduce the weight gain, since it's difficult to curb the appetite.  Did you have your glucose test already?  If not, you may want to inquire about possible GD diagnosis as well.  Good luck!

---

anne81
Message #879 - 09/27/08 05:42 PM

Did you have your glucose test already? 

That's my next appt.  However at my last appointment they found sugar in my urine and I'm not eating a lot of sweets (been turned off by them while pregnant).  I'm finding it unexpectedly difficult to exercise - although I got diagnosed with bronchitis yesterday (with the flu I've now had for almost 4 weeks). Maybe it'll be better when I'm done with the antibiotics.  With the nausea, RLP, sciatic and hip pain I'm just having a hard time getting out of bed.  I've got a park behind my house and a dog I'm neglecting so I really have no excuse not to take short walks.

---

kristi28
Message #880 - 09/27/08 09:45 PM



Congrats on the new babies!

 

Anne: 5lbs in one week sounds like a lot.  Are you possibly retaining water?  At one point, it seemed like I had gained almost 4lbs in a couple of days, but my ankles were the size of tree trunks (and my wrists, and my fingers, and ....)  On days when I wasn't so puffy, my weight gain looked much smaller.  If you really haven't been able to eat enough for quite a while, you could have gained a bunch of weight, too, just b/c your body is so happy that you are eating well again.  Don't worry too much unless your doctor seems to think its a problem.

 

About sugar in your urine, I have had that since the beginning of my pregnancy.  My doc says that some women are just that way, and it may not mean anything, especially if it starts early.  I passed (woo-hoo) my glucose test a couple of weeks ago, so for me, it didn't mean anything.

 

Baby girl is still not sleeping at night; I've tried to take naps, but it is hard while working.  She is currently breech, so she can kick me in the bladder all night.  I think that I have been quite crabby, but DH has been a trooper. 

 

10 weeks to go!

---

anne81
Message #881 - 09/27/08 10:38 PM

Baby girl is still not sleeping at night;

kristi - thanks for the advice.  This is the first time that I've spilled sugar so I'm hoping the glucose goes alright - not looking forward to drinking that goop though!  My little baby is breech too and kicks up a storm whenever I sit or lay down - whenever I wake up at night he's kicking.  I'm amazed at how active he is.  Sometimes he settles down a little if I rock back and forth and walk around when I wake up in the night.

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goddessofrock
Message #882 - 09/29/08 04:11 PM



AJ is kicking like crazy the last week! And he's moving all around! It's so BIZARE!!

 

 

 

 

[Virgil Showlion]

lady.by.the.lake
Message #883 - 10/02/08 03:09 PM



Hi all!

 

I'm so glad I decided to drop in on this thread! I had seen it several times before, but never took the time to see what all the other expectant and new moms were talking about.

You all sound so much like me!

I'm in week 31 - Due December 4, having a girl. She will join 2 half brothers - my 11 year old son and 8 year old stepson.

Right now my big thing is being COMPLETELY STRESSED about getting everything done before she comes! We haven't bought any furniture, crib, etc., no bedding, nothing for her room, etc. We have registered for SOME things, but not everything yet. Her room isn't anywhere near being painted or anything like that. ... And we have several holidays and other things to get through before she even gets here.

My hubby and I tried to do some registering a couple weeks ago, and I just kept saying, "We should have started this a LONG time ago..." ... and that's the same thing I say every time I peek into the future nursery. I wish we could stop or turn back the clock for a while! I'm excited for baby girl to get here, don't get me wrong! But I really was hoping that I would feel more ready for her - and right now, I don't AT ALL.

I know what everyone is going to tell me - All babies need is food and love and diapers. But that really doesn't keep me from feeling like a total boob for not being more prepared. It's not like I haven't had nearly a year to prepare for this or anything! I'm a procrastinator, I guess, and now that has bitten me in the butt.

How is everyone else coming along with getting ready for the baby's arrival? How are you dealing with that stress? Have you found any ways to cut corners, speed the process up?

---

mom2abi
Message #884 - 10/02/08 04:56 PM



Hi, I think I'm going to jump in here, too, since lady.by.the.lake talked me into it.   Dh and I are 28 and expecting our first (a girl) on January 25.  Overall I'm feeling pretty good about getting ready for her, but I'm loving all the advice and tips you ladies have for delivery and after!  That's the part I'm kind of stressing about...like I want to breastfeed but it seems like so many women have trouble getting that to work out, at least the first time around.  And then I keep hearing different opinions on how it should be done, like whether it's better to have the baby nurse from one breast and drain it as much as possible or nurse a few minutes on each side.

Anyway, on a more positive note, I finished painting last night!   What started as a small project ended up taking forever because we kept adding things; first we just needed to add a room for baby, then we decided to redo the kitchen floor while we were at it, then I decided the new floor didn't look good with the existing paint color in the kitchen/living room (one large open area), so that needed to be painted as well as the new room.  So I am very glad that is all done!  I've had good luck finding nice used things for a lot of the baby stuff we need, so there are only a couple of things left on my list, like the car seat which I definitely want to buy new.  I'm debating using cloth diapers - the ones that are waterproof on the outside and have adjustable snap closure - but I'm not sure how much trouble washing them is going to be.   Has anyone used cloth diapers, and if so what did you think?  Right now I'm kind of leaning towards some cloth and some disposable...

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anne81
Message #885 - 10/02/08 04:56 PM



Congrats on your little girl, lady.by.the.lake!

 

I don't feel prepared either (due Jan 9) - despite the fact that I've bought a whole bunch of stuff.  Some of the women on my birth board have had their babies already! (In the NICU of course but still, the early babies are already coming!)  We're currently living in what is going to be the baby's room because we're remodeling the downstairs (started the whole process 5 months ago and was supposed to take 2 months!) so I haven't been able to paint, etc.  I'm not planning on a theme for the baby's nursery - I just want to clean it and organize what I've gotten. 

 

I haven't gotten any of the big things either - crib, glider, dresser, stroller, carseat, baby monitor, breast pump, pack n play, etc.  DH was supposed to build the crib, glider and the dresser but his workshop is taking so long to build that's kind of up in the air.  I'm kind of thinking about buying the glider today because we have no comfortable chairs in the house.

 

So I guess the short answer is - I'm not dealing with the stress well, haven't found a way to cut corners, etc.   I'm just assuming it will all come together.

---

anne81
Message #886 - 10/02/08 04:59 PM



Congrats on your little girl too ClassicalCat!  It seems like we were all mighty playful last spring . . .

 

like I want to breastfeed but it seems like so many women have trouble getting that to work out, at least the first time around. 

I'm nervous too.  It seems like once you start asking people they all had issues.  I've also been debating the cloth diapers and since this is my first baby I think I'm just going to use disposables for the first month and then try to transition.

---

goddessofrock
Message #887 - 10/02/08 07:11 PM



OMG! we just moved into our new apartment on Tuesday! STRESS STRESS STRESS!!

 

 

---

bogart
Message #888 - 10/03/08 03:45 AM

Bibliomaniagrl, congratulations on the arrival of your DD.  I had a labor like yours (long, unproductive, followed by a c-section) and also had problems with b/f'ing.  I hope yours clear up (I didn't have the infections so your situation sounds even more difficult to deal with).  I will say it did get a lot easier, so worth persisting if you can and want to.  But also, if you can't -- honestly, now 18 months after my son was born, well, that's just history now and I don't think about it one way or the other, so don't feel like you are losing essential wonderful stuff if you find you just cannot do it -- it is just one small aspect of motherhood.

For those thinking of cloth diapers, we've used the fuzzibunz outers with nurtured family contours (though prefolds also work, I find these easier and they're softer on DS's bum) and like them a lot.  Be aware, however, that if you use paid daycare (at least in my state) you cannot use cloth diapers (while the kid is in daycare).

If you plan on b/f'ing I'd strongly recommend buying a serious electric pump (I used Medela pump-n-style) as if you have supply problems (in either direction -- too much or too little) this can be a big help.

[Virgil Showlion]

Holly Smith
Message #889 - 10/03/08 05:46 AM

The cost of diapers is why I went with cloth.  I had to do sposies for awhile at first because Elizabeth was too small for the diapers I had purchased, but cloth is way cheaper than disposables, especially if they'll go through more than one child.

Case in point: I just forked out about $240 for 13 diapers for Elizabeth.  These, in combination with a couple diapers I already have in this size, should be enough for two days and fit her until she is either 28 or 35 lbs (depending on the diaper).  IOW, these diapers should last her until she is 18 months old or more, or at least another 13 months (she's five months old now).  For that price, I would be able to keep her in the disposables she can tolerate for only four months.  AND I can use them for any subsequent children, and they're really cute.

---

Holly Smith
Message #890 - 10/03/08 05:50 AM

bibliomaniagrl, have you consulted an international board-certified lactation consultant?  They may be able to give you more help than the doctors, who sometimes don't have as much training in bf as we think they do.  I know it's expensive, but it's cheaper than formula.

---

Holly Smith
Message #891 - 10/03/08 06:02 AM

That's the part I'm kind of stressing about...like I want to breastfeed but it seems like so many women have trouble getting that to work out, at least the first time around.

The more determined you are, the more likely you are to succeed.  Chances are very good that you can do this.  Just like most women can have a baby without intervention, most women can successfully feed a baby at the breast.  It would be good to get some good advice on the subject by someone who is trained to give such advice.

And then I keep hearing different opinions on how it should be done, like whether it's better to have the baby nurse from one breast and drain it as much as possible or nurse a few minutes on each side.

It depends.  At first, it's good to try to get the baby to nurse on each side for 15-20 minutes.  You want to stimulate your body to produce, even if it ends up being too much.  After your mature milk comes in, you want to make sure that the baby gets the rich, fattier hindmilk (which does not come in in the first few minutes of nursing), so you want to encourage at least 15-20 minutes on one side.  So, if your baby nurses for 40 minutes at a time (and Elizabeth did, for the first few weeks at least), then both sides is fine.  If they only nurse for 20 minutes, do it all on one side.  I know it sounds like a science but it's really not.  You will be learning how to bf and so will your baby, and you'll learn to get into a groove if you don't stress it too much and just keep putting baby to the breast.

I had a bit of a time at the beginning.  Elizabeth was a great latcher but my milk didn't come in until day five, when she'd already lost over 10% of her body weight.  I persisted in my refusal to give her bottles (and only the most minimal amount of formula in a supplemental nursing system), and here we are at five months with a healthy, happy baby who is still exclusively bf.

I'm debating using cloth diapers - the ones that are waterproof on the outside and have adjustable snap closure - but I'm not sure how much trouble washing them is going to be.   Has anyone used cloth diapers, and if so what did you think?

It's so not a trouble. If you're exclusively bf, you can just throw them right into the wash- no treating, no rinsing, no nothing, even the poopy ones.  I'm going to have to start rinsing Elizabeth's when she starts solids in a month or so, but I bought a sprayer that attaches to the back of the toilet so I'm not swishing my hands around in toilet water.  I started out with prefolds and covers but they weren't for me and I switched to all-in-ones, the ones you're referring to.  I personally like BumGenius one-size (you do have to stuff them but otherwise they're like a disposable), and Ewies (a WAHM brand).  Also, I thought I would like snaps but I actually prefer velcro better.  It's much faster than snaps.

---

Wisconsin Beth
Message #892 - 10/03/08 01:00 PM

Congratulations DEA and Bilblio!  Way to go!  And congratulations to the other mommies-to-be joining in. 

lady.by.the.lake - my sister had to have the painting and carpeting in her nursery installed while she was in the hospital.  It happens. 

I didn't have a lot of problems bfing, we're at 5 months now and Keira will be starting rice cereal this weekend.  Should be a messy blast.  lol. 

I ended up never using any of the Mylicon stuff, that all really depends on your baby's tummy.

I think I've become obsessed with the issue of gas since I'm having incredible heartburn.   I'm terrified the kid will be colicky.

My parents, our daycare providers, love this stuff.  I'm not so sure it actually works, but it certainly distracts DD from crying so we can calm her down.  She loves the Infant Tylenol too.  I too had nasty acid reflux.  DD is not colicky, although sometimes she's gassy from something I ate. 

---

camzilla
Message #893 - 10/03/08 01:32 PM

For cloth diapers, I bought a smallish trash can w/lid and filled it halfway with water then a generous dollop of non-chlorine bleach to soak the diapers in.  I rinsed poopy ones in the toilet (lesson learned from my mother) and then dropped them in the diaper pail. 

the whole thing right into the washer and use the spin cycle to spin them out, wash as normal!  Very easy and inexpensive.

Also, for daycare if you use one, I bought zippered-plastic bags (gal size, the ones with the slider) for soiled diapers/clothes to come home in.  Rinse  them out with non-chlorine bleach water and hang them up (I used a clothes-line and clothes pins) to dry.  If you have your own house, you can put the clothes-line in the laundry room.  I was in an apt. at the time, so strung it across baby's closet!  Sometimes I had to turn them inside out to finish drying, but it was never a big deal.  If they got to yucky, I'd pitch them.  It was  a cheap, quick way to handle dirty clothes and diapers, I used it for all my boys.

One other thing to consider with cloth diapers, you WILL go thru more clothes in a day for baby than with disposables. 

Congratulations and Best of luck to all,

Camzilla

---

Soon to be Mom of 3
Message #894 - 10/06/08 07:35 PM

Hi everyone, I also haven't posted/lurked here for awhile, so congrats to all the new mommies and mommies-to-be!

Is anyone TTC with Clomid?  If you are, are you taking anything to help your CM/CF? 

[Virgil Showlion]

sjk279
Message #895 - 10/06/08 07:43 PM



I have the prescription but haven't filled it. (I was scared) I'll take it next month and I don't plan to take anything else except my vitamins and fish oil if I don't get pregnant this month. You might want to post your question over at the MSN pregnancy board. I've gotten some great responses to my questions.

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Soon to be Mom of 3
Message #896 - 10/06/08 07:57 PM



Thanks sjk, it's not my first month taking it, but it's the highest dosage I've ever taken and it's really dried me up.  I go in for a u/s tomorrow to see how many follicles I have "budding", so I'll ask the doctor too. 

I got PG with DS on my 4 round (1 at 50, 3 at 100 mg) and this time the doc put me on 100 mg one month and now she's upped it to 150 mg.

I'll go lurk on the preggo boards, thanks again!

 

ETA: Ooops, that should be 3 rounds on 50 and the last on 100 mg.

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marvelousmonkey
Message #897 - 10/06/08 08:18 PM

Oooo.  I haven't been lurking on too many pregnancy boards, but lately it's all I can think about!  We have our first, a girl, due at the end of this month -- I can't believe how soon it is!  It's fun to hear about what other new and expectant moms are up to. 

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anne81
Message #898 - 10/06/08 08:52 PM



wanna_be_a_SAHM - have you tried the fertility friends ttc message boards?  You try for free for a month and then you have to pay but it's lots of women charting, using clomid, etc so they have very good and specific advice.

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kristi28
Message #899 - 10/06/08 10:53 PM



Hi Ladies:

About being ready, I am due Dec. 6.  We have gotten the nursery painted, and have bought a bunch of stuff, but there is still a long way to go.  I was really hoping to get some new carpet put in, but that may not happen before baby girl is born.

DH is going to have knee surgery next week for torn cartilage.  I hope that he heals quickly, because with neither of us feeling very well, we aren't getting anything more done on the baby's room (or much of anything else).  Also, since I can't really reach my feet anymore, I am hoping that he will be able to help me out.

Wanna and sjk: hang in there and good luck!

Anne: did you have your glucose test yet?  The stuff you have to drink is nasty (it seemed to help to make it really cold, but eww), but otherwise the test is pretty painless.  I'm hoping that you will (or did) get good news!

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Holly Smith
Message #900 - 10/06/08 10:58 PM

Kristi, I hope your husband's knee surgery goes well and he recovers quickly.  My DH has to have a sinovectomy on his right knee sometime in January.  It's his fifth surgery on his knee and we expect this one will have him down for about two weeks.  I have to say I'm looking forward to having him home, though.

[Virgil Showlion]

goddessofrock
Message #901 - 10/07/08 01:13 PM



We just moved into a new apartment and they just painted all the walls white so we are not decorating the walls in the nursery. Actually, we literally moved last week so the baby's room is temporarily serving as storage space while we sort through a few more things and settle in...

 

Obviously we can't do that for long because AJ is due Jan 12...

 

Most of my doctor's appointments are pretty boring but in a "no news is good news" way.

The baby is healthy and the right size, good heartbeat, I'm healthy besides being tired and still occasionally getting sick... I'm not at risk for anything.

 

Glucose test on 10/20! YUCK!

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sjk279
Message #902 - 10/07/08 01:20 PM

Thanks, Kristi! I just hope that I can get this done as 'naturally' as possible. My insurance doesn't cover any fertility drugs, so if I have to get Clomid or anything more, it's out of pocket. Uugh. DH and I figure that even if it takes a few more months, we will be so much closer to our goal of having the car, HELOC, and his sister paid off.

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Wisconsin Beth
Message #903 - 10/07/08 03:59 PM

I learned something interesting yesterday.  I went for my annual ob/gyn visit and Dr. Todd and I were talking about insurance.  I mentioned that we'd been billed for 2 copays ($25 each) that we'd paid because we didn't want to deal with figuring out the insurance stuff.  One of the them was for a prenatal visit and the other was for my 6 week post partum visit.  Dr. Todd said he doesn't charge for the 6 week checkup, it's part of the birthing process.  So check with your doctor to see what his or her policy is for any 6 week pp checkups.  You may end up saving yourself a copay! 

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Amazon Hunter
Message #904 - 10/07/08 04:39 PM

we will be so much closer to our goal of having the car, HELOC, and his sister paid off.

hehe...  Which store did you buy her from?  Sorry, it just sounded funny.  I got a great image in my head.

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sjk279
Message #905 - 10/07/08 04:48 PM

LOL Amazon. That is funny. I'm going on 5 1/2 hours of sleep right now and not thinking straight. Goodness, SIL saved DH's hide. Don't know what he would have done without her.

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lady.by.the.lake
Message #906 - 10/07/08 06:47 PM

kristi28:
Wow! Our due dates are 2 days apart! I guess we'll be "racing" to see who goes first!
Sounds like you're MUCH farther along than I am in the "being ready" department. Good for you!
I hope your hubby's surgery goes smoothly, and I hope he recovers quickly so he can look after you and the baby! What timing!