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

[Virgil Showlion]

lady.by.the.lake
Message #907 - 10/07/08 06:50 PM

goddessofrock:
Glucose test: Have you taken one before?
If not, don't sweat it. Just think of the orange stuff as watered down Gatorade.
It's not too bad.
Then there's the needle-part too, but if you look away, it's over before you know it.
Good luck!

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marvelousmonkey
Message #908 - 10/07/08 07:11 PM



Good luck with the glucose test, ladies.  It's nasty, but at least you only have to do it once!

 

With only a few weeks to go (I'm at 36 weeks right now -- due at the end of the month!), I'm trying to figure out what I'll want to have on hand that I may not have thought of already.  Like:

-SIL said nobody told her to get a bunch of pads for postpartum bleeding -- of course it makes perfect sense, but I never would have thought of that myself.

-I have a pretty decent stash of baby clothes collected, but how much is enough?  I don't want to have to do laundry every two days when I'm already exhausted!

-I had a bunch of onesies, but a friend told me that you really need just t-shirts for when the baby is super-small and still has the umbilical cord stub to deal with.

-Someone pointed out that it's during the first couple days/weeks that you really need those little mittens to keep the baby from scratching herself.

What else?  I know there must be tons of things I'm forgetting, and I dread sending my wonderful DH to the drug store after the baby comes, because, try as he might, he has a very hard time finding the right thing...

So, what else do you think is a "must have" for the first couple weeks?  My mom is coming out after two weeks when DH is going back to work part time.  Once she's here, I know she'll be able to get anything I need, and by then I'll probably want to get out of the house, too, so I really just want to make sure that my "survival kit" for the first little while is set.  Thoughts?

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goddessofrock
Message #909 - 10/07/08 07:52 PM



hehe! where did you buy the sister from?

 

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anne81
Message #910 - 10/07/08 07:58 PM



kristi - I haven't taken my glucose test yet - it's on the 14th.  Not looking forward to it.  I didn't get orange flavor, I got lemon-lime.

 

marvelousmonkey - I bought just a few of those kimono style shirts in the newborn size with the built in mittens for the first week or so.  I'm not sure how much clothing you are supposed to have either - I have 10 of those sleep and plays, about 5 of the same amount of sleep sacks, and a package of white onesies in the 0-3 month size.  I also bought some larger onesies because some of my friends babies blew right past the little sizes.

 

For the must have for the first couple of weeks - I'm planning on breast feeding but I bought a package of soy infant formula in case I need to supplement or the baby has allergies or something else happens.  I also bought the heavy duty pads and some colace.  I'm curious to see what everyone else recommends!

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anne81
Message #911 - 10/07/08 08:00 PM

Just curious - is anyone finding this financial news a little anxiety producing with a baby in the picture? 

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sjk279
Message #912 - 10/07/08 08:12 PM

Holy guacamole yes, anne. (I'd say worse, but the censors wouldn't like it) It is motivating to really get everything under control. DH and I are doing quite well at meeting our financial goals, and if it takes a little longer to conceive, then that is probably better. I figure that something will always be going on. DH and I can only control what we can control, and are trying to be as responsible for ourselves.

[Virgil Showlion]

Amazon Hunter
Message #913 - 10/07/08 08:27 PM

I'm going on 5 1/2 hours of sleep right now and not thinking straight.

Oh, now I feel like I've kicked a puppy.  Lack of sleep will certainly make anyone fuzzy.  BTW, it wasn't that I didn't understand what you were saying.  It made perfect sense, but I still got a cartoon picture in my head.  Fun with words!

It is motivating to really get everything under control.

I hear you.  DH and I aren't starting TTC until next year for that very reason.  We made that decision before this latest fall in the market, but it kinda reinforces that thought process.  Good luck to you.

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sjk279
Message #914 - 10/07/08 08:33 PM

Oh, now I feel like I've kicked a puppy. 

Oh Amazon, don't feel that way! I say silly things when I'm on lack of sleep. Yep, the mental picture of SIL in a store window waiting to be bought is hysterical. Our office manager had to repeat a simple question to me twice because it wasn't processing. Thankfully she just laughed.

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marvelousmonkey
Message #915 - 10/07/08 09:06 PM



Someone told me that you can usually go straight to the 3-6 month size in most things, and save a certain amount on clothes that way.  I received some newborn/0-3 month things as gifts, which I'm sure will come in handy at first, but most of what I've bought is a size up.  It makes sense to me, and if it turns out that she's really swimming in the larger sizes, I can always order a few things online right away. Something tells me, though, that I won't be blessed with a super-small baby

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mom2abi
Message #916 - 10/07/08 09:56 PM



On one hand, I find the state of the economy unsettling - especially with a baby on the way, but on the other hand it's certainly helping me stay focused on paying off debt and not going crazy with spending on baby stuff.   Since it seems to be anyone's guess how things will turn out right now, I'm just trying to take it one day at a time and not freak out prematurely.

My MIL found a onesie that has a cutout area for the umbilical cord...I thought that was kind of cool and may see if I can find any more of those.  I think I'm mainly going to stock up on tops and onesies to start, and since baby's going to be born in winter we picked out a couple of warm jacket/pants combos for going out (and couldn't resist the cute little hats with kitty or bear ears, lol).  Also got warm pajamas, "baby bags" (love that name!) and a swaddling blanket equipped with velcro.   I also have no idea what we'll really use or how much is enough, but clothing at least will be easy for dh to pick up if necessary.

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btvsrcks
Message #917 - 10/07/08 11:14 PM



Question:

 

Have any of you ladies had what is deemed a 'high risk' pregnancy?  Did you have guilt about it?  What does 'high risk' really mean?

 

I am 36 years old, obese with mild hypertension and hypothyroid (which apparently contributes to problems) all of which are warning signs of a 'high risk' pregnancy, but I am starting to wonder what this really means?  I understand about the risk of birth defects each year over 35, but should I feel guilty trying to have a baby now?

 

I am going to see my doctor again in December to discuss these things, but I thought I would get some opinions here.  Also, if you were a woman who went through a 'high risk' pregnancy (according to your doctor anyway) could you share some insight?

 

Oh and to relate it to money, I am not so much worried about the cost, as I have great insurance (thank you, current job!)

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anne81
Message #918 - 10/07/08 11:39 PM



sjk279/classicalcat - we're trying to focus on being responsible too but the anxiety seems to keep getting away from me.  We planned for awhile for this baby.

 

marvelousmonkey - I have a feeling this baby is going to be a little on the large side too.  He's already measuring ahead (and the dr. and I disagree on the due dates!)

 

btvsrcks - I haven't been diagnosed as a high risk pregnancy so I don't speak from personal experience at all.  Lots of women have children successfully after 35, though with some heartbreak sometimes.  DH's mom and dad didn't get married till their mid-thirties and had a few miscarriages before having his sister at 38 and DH at 40 (without intervention).  His mom had hypertension and other than DH's food allergies the kids turned out fine.  My aunt had her first child at 38, a baby that passed from developmental problems in utero a year or two later, and another healthy daughter in her forties.

 

It's hard to generalize but I know people who've had difficulty at all ages.  My cousin had premature babies with all three of her pregnancies while in her twenties because of many different issues. 

 

There's lots of women on my birth board who are carrying extra weight, have problems with their thyroid, have MS, hashimotos, and a variety of other things and their pregnancies are rocking along just fine.

[Virgil Showlion]

bogart
Message #919 - 10/08/08 01:57 AM

btvsrcks,

I have hypothyroidism and it can be easily and safely controlled in pregnancy.  Thyroid.about.com is a site that I find to be very helpful, and it's got a nice overview of the latest guidelines/thinking on pregnancy health and thryoid conditions; you can find the overview here: 
thyroid.about.com/od/hormonepregnantmenopause1/ss/pregnancyguide.htm.

I cannot speak to the hypertension issue. 

Honestly any pregnancy (and life in general) are risky at some level, and while I think we'd all agree that we should take "reasonable" measures to avoid "unreasonable" risks, we're likely to disagree about the interpretations of the words in quotes.  I guess I'd say you should talk with your doctors about your specific situation, but honestly nothing of what you've described would lead me to decide not to try to conceive.

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goddessofrock
Message #920 - 10/08/08 03:36 PM



btvsrcks~~ I don't think it is selfish to want a child. Hopefully you are doing it because you will love him or her and create a great life for him or her.

 

I would recommend that you join Weight Watchers and/or take other steps to handle your excess weight before getting pregnant. Definately talk to your doctor because excess weight can complicate your pregnancy. And just talk to him or her about trying to conceive, your conditions and your concerns.

 

I myself have it pretty easy... 29, low blood pressure, no history of anything to worry about... most of my doctors appointments are really boring but that is actually a good thing. Mostly I deal with having been slightly overweight before getting preggers, nausea, heartburn, and tiredness... and I get frustrated that I can't have coffee or take my allergy med.

 

I would also recommend to you the ivillage TTC boards because there are lots of women out there TTC and plenty of them are overweight and/or have health issues.

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sjk279
Message #921 - 10/08/08 03:53 PM



btvsrcks, I am a high risk pregnancy before I even conceive. I don't have a thyroid (removed due to cancer) and another health issue that puts me in that category. My OB just told me that it will be a well-coordinated pregnancy. Lots of dr. appointments, more monitoring, blood tests, etc. In no way shape or form did he give me any indication that I should not be having a child due to my health conditions.

the best advice I can give you is to meet with your doctor. S/he will be able to tell you what you need to do in order to have a healthy pregnancy. Mine gave me peace of mind and laid out my plan. Now I just have to conceive!!! Best wishes to you.

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Lakshmi_ff
Message #922 - 10/08/08 05:44 PM

I've been lurking on this board and just read the entire thread this past weekend. You ladies have gone through so much! Congrats and hugs to all!!!!  I found out I was pregnant about two weeks ago. DH and I had been trying for 5 mos. Baby is due in June. I'm sort of in disbelief at the moment. We haven't told anyone and my doctor's appt is still a week away so it's all very very new. We're planning on telling my family on Friday and his family on Sunday.

Anne81, all the financial news has definitely been unsettling particularly with a baby in the picture. I have all kinds of worries about what kind of world this will be for the baby but I find comfort in reminding myself that this must be the same anxiety that has been felt by all expectant parents.

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sjk279
Message #923 - 10/08/08 05:48 PM

OMG Lakshmi! CONGRATULATIONS!!! That is so wonderful! Hang in there. Just know that the economic situation will pass eventually and you and DH are taking the steps to get everything under control in your family.

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Wisconsin Beth
Message #924 - 10/08/08 06:02 PM

bvtsrocks, I was 37, 5 foot 6 inches and 186lbs when I found out I was unexpectedly pregnant last year.  I gained about 31 lbs during the pregnancy and am now, 5 months after birth, at 179 (but I've dropped 2 pants sizes though, go figure).  I can't speak on the hypertension or hyperthyroid during pregnancy, but as an overweight, over 35 woman, my pregnancy went fine, except for the acid reflux. 

I did watch what I ate during the pregnancy and tried to make healthier food choices, but that was about it.  I aslo opted to not think "I'm eating for 2" because too many of the people I know if real life who do think that gain 50+ lbs and think it will magaically vanish at birth.  I did discuss my weight and weight gain with my doctor and he had absolutely no problems with it at any point in my pregnancy.  I think I only gained 17 lbs up until the 3rd trimester.  That's when I started making malts at home (there was something about the creaminess and the coldness.)  I'd have probably gained less if it hadn't been for that!  lol. 

I highly recommend finding a baby board that you're comfortable with.  I tried several before I found the MSN pregnancy board. 

[Virgil Showlion]

goddessofrock
Message #925 - 10/08/08 07:26 PM

congrats Lakshimi!

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anne81
Message #926 - 10/08/08 07:41 PM

congrats Lakshmi!!

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Lakshmi_ff
Message #927 - 10/08/08 10:39 PM

What a nice welcome, thank you! So happy to be part of this thread.

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Holly Smith
Message #928 - 10/09/08 12:07 AM

-I have a pretty decent stash of baby clothes collected, but how much is enough?  I don't want to have to do laundry every two days when I'm already exhausted!

-I had a bunch of onesies, but a friend told me that you really need just t-shirts for when the baby is super-small and still has the umbilical cord stub to deal with.

I would say 15 in newborn, and 15 in the next size up.  I never used regular shirts.

-Someone pointed out that it's during the first couple days/weeks that you really need those little mittens to keep the baby from scratching herself.

I was given some of these, but never used them.  It's not as if the baby grows them while being born, so she's been able to scratch herself for months.  We just trimmed her nails regularly, and put breastmilk on the scratches if she does scratch herself.

So, what else do you think is a "must have" for the first couple weeks?  My mom is coming out after two weeks when DH is going back to work part time.  Once she's here, I know she'll be able to get anything I need, and by then I'll probably want to get out of the house, too, so I really just want to make sure that my "survival kit" for the first little while is set.  Thoughts?

Nursing pads, nursing tank tops, comfortable sweat pants/shorts, plenty of diapers (plan on at least 10-12 per day if you're not using cloth), some kind of nursing pillow, witch hazel pads if you have a vaginal birth/episiotomy (I had a c/s so never needed them, but lots of women like them), lots of Tylenol and Ibuprofen, a few frozen meals in the freezer, healthy snacks in the pantry.  I can't really think of anything else off-hand that probably isn't obvious.

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Holly Smith
Message #929 - 10/09/08 12:11 AM

Someone told me that you can usually go straight to the 3-6 month size in most things, and save a certain amount on clothes that way.  I received some newborn/0-3 month things as gifts, which I'm sure will come in handy at first, but most of what I've bought is a size up.

I did the same, and Elizabeth was 6.8 at birth.  She lost a lot of weight in hospital, and wore newborn clothing for 10-12 weeks, depending on the brand.  This is where all the well-meaning relatives come in.  If you have a smaller baby and you discover you don't have enough clothes in the smaller sizes, just get on the horn to mom or MIL or whoever you're close to, and if you're not swimming in extra clothes by the end of the week, I'd be very surprised.  I did the same with my mom, and had about 15 new onesies, two dresses, a track suit and a couple pairs of pajamas within just a few days.

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boos_mom
Message #930 - 10/09/08 05:50 AM



Congrats Lakshmi!

So, what else do you think is a "must have" for the first couple weeks?

to add onto Holly's list:

• petroleum jelly -- for baby's butt while meconium is still being passed; it sticks ruthlessly to baby's butt so you don't want to be scraping it off for 5 minutes and in danger of another "blowout" during the diaper change.  also needed for any rectal temperature checks.
  
• bacitration (if you have a boy and get him circumcised) and square gauze pads
  
• rubbing alcohol and cotton swabs -- for the umbilical cord
  
• square cotton pads -- some folks suggest using these dampened with water rather than baby wipes for newborns since they have small butts and the baby wipes seem so huge.  (you could also rip the baby wipes in halves instead.)
  
• Lansinoh nipple salve
  
• Dermoplast (as someone else noted)!  spray on pain relief if you have a normal delivery!  so helpful!
  
• stool softener pills -- also for normal delivery
  
• ice pack and heat pack to aid with engorgement (ice pack) or blocked milk ducts (heat pack)

re: mittens - I used them because I didn't really like seeing baby all scratched up, even if the scratches heal quickly (baby skin is amazingly resilient, in addition to being soft!).  Plus, most parents want pretty babies for pictures/videos.  Use them at night when baby is sleeping and remove them during the day if you prefer.

Gerber onesies run small, so the 3-6 mo fit newborns and the Newborn size would be for premies.  If you have an average size baby, they will be swimming in the 3-6 mos onesies for most other brands if you don't care.  I used mostly 3-6 mos stuff, but it does make baby look even scrawnier.  I didn't use the wrap shirts very much with #2 because he squirms so much and the shirts kept riding up.  So we stuck with onesies, and it didn't bother the umbilical cord, but the onesies will get some stains from the umbilical cord fluid.

Most folks end up washing every few days anyway due to diaper leaks, spit up, or what have you.  It's hard to get around it unless you have lots of everything.

ETA: re: nursing pads - some folks might be sensitive to certain brands.  I actually like the thin pads as it feels more breathable vs. the thicker pads with the tape that sticks to the bras.  but, I don't have much leakage usually.   

[Virgil Showlion]

Wisconsin Beth
Message #931 - 10/09/08 01:20 PM

Congratulations! 

DD and I hated the nipple salves.  We were told to NOT to put rubbing alcholal on the cord.  They said that studies showed it didn't speed up
healing any. 

Check with your hospital and find out if they send you home with a standard care package.  I got sent home with a thing of witch hazel pads, nipple salve, baby soap, those superpads and disposable undies and a couple of tops/blankets/hats for the baby.  Oh and a flushing bottle thing for helping me rinse my "parts".  I told my nurse I was "stealing" the superpads and she told me to take them, that they have to toss out anything not used in the room. 

My DD lives in onesies.  She rec'd lots of dresses and outfits, which I've tried to make sure she wears at least once.  But one of my Mom's neighbors had a 2 month old daughter, so we're sending the outgrown stuff her way for now.  So I guess to, check with any friends and relatives who have little ones and see if they're willing to send on hand me downs. 

And SOME of the Gerber onesises run small, others don't.  The packaged onesises seem to be the small ones, but the Gerber onesies that came as part of a set seem to run large.  Go figure. 

Congratulations again and remember to enjoy your little one.  DD is 5 months and it's hard to figure out where the time is going!
Beth

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marvelousmonkey
Message #932 - 10/09/08 02:34 PM

Thanks for the tips -- these are great lists!  I am writing it all down and am going to make a Target run tomorrow.

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bogart
Message #933 - 10/09/08 03:20 PM

Here's another list -- Things I think it would have been really hard to get through week 1 home with the baby without --
Carseat, I had and liked Graco snugride; Diapers -- 1 pack of disposables, or cloth if that's your choice; 5 or so onesies (laundry really wasn't a problem for us; baby spit up on clothes doesn't offend me, and if removed and laundered, he's just re-spit-upped in 30 minutes anyway); 2 zip-up sleepsacks; I needed formula (inadequate supply) and bottles (3 is plenty); bottle-scrubbing brush also came in handy, and I found a breastpump essential as I worked to improve my supply; somewhere for the baby to sleep (crib, co-sleeper, pack-n-play, any of those works fine); A few blankets; a big stash of Reese's peanut butter cups and packages of peanut butter crackers because boy was I hungry and who has time to cook or shop (er, that's not all I ate and laying some casseroles in the freezer wouldn't be a bad idea).

Having a light with a dimmer for the baby's room was helpful for me. A nightlight would also have worked.

That's pretty much it for me. Maxipads were important but I think I got by with what I took from the hospital. You will need these regardless of whether you have a vaginal birth or a c-section.  Ditto for stool softener.

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anne81
Message #934 - 10/10/08 04:57 AM

Our bedroom is really small and the baby's room is going to be upstairs so I was thinking of using a playard next to our bed as the baby's bed for nighttime.  Has anyone tried this?  Does it work all right?  And this is kind of a silly question - but do babies get their diapers changed at night? 

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boos_mom
Message #935 - 10/10/08 07:35 PM

anne - a playpen/pack-n-play/playard would be fine for the baby.  Not everyone uses a crib.  There are also co-sleepers, which attach to your bed so the baby is even closer to you for in-bed feeding -- if you're into that.  Personally, I felt really tense trying to feed lying down, trying to keep myself and baby in position and latched on.  I found sitting up with lots of pillows and a foot stool the most comfortable way for feeding, even if I was dead tired.  (You might consider getting an airplane pillow and you could sleep upright that way if you're desperate.)  Yes, baby will need changing at night.  Newborns only sleep a few hours at a time (if you're lucky enough to have one that sleeps that long), and they usually poop all the time.  So, usually you change the diaper when they get up and after they've fed on one side (if you want to not waste diapers).  Disposable diapers can hold quite a bit of stuff, so leaks usually happen more because of diaper mis-application or backsplashing or just an occasional explosion rather than true capacity overload.  Of course, certain body shapes fit with certain diaper brands better, so you may have a baby that fits Pampers better than Huggies or vice versa.  Everything is a learn as you go process.  

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Wisconsin Beth
Message #936 - 10/10/08 08:03 PM

we expected to put DD in her crib right away.    Did work out that way and we ended up putting her in a big laundry basket with a pillow in it to soften it.  We ran it by the doctor we saw the first day out of the hospital and he approved it.  We didn't realize that the pack n play had a bassenet feature. 

[Virgil Showlion]

boos_mom
Message #937 - 10/10/08 09:16 PM



beth - wow, I've never known anyone who used a laundry basket, and much less told their doctor about it!  What a cool doctor you've got.  Yes, probably all of the pack n plays have a clip on bassinet feature for the newborns, which is much easier than trying to bend all the way in to put the sleeping baby down (and likely baby won't be sleeping by the time you're done with that).

anne - you should also consider getting a video baby monitor since your room is on a separate floor from baby's room.  I love our video monitor, and it'll come in handy when the baby is older and supposed to go to sleep on his own and is crying when you put him to bed.  It's relieves some of the guilt because you can see (in the dark) that baby is physically okay even if he is crying.  And, even though we use our crib a lot, we've also had baby sleeping on a blanket in the living room or in the infant car seat in the living room (if baby gets sick, they often sleep better at an angle to relieve congestion), and I slept out on the couch just to make sure baby is okay.

to add on to the list - some babies really like being swaddled while sleeping so you might need to get some of those velcro swaddler thingies, if your baby keeps waking up, startling herself when she unswaddles herself. 

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btvsrcks
Message #938 - 10/10/08 09:21 PM



Thanks all for the comments about high risk pregnancy.  Everything about me is normal when on medication (thyroid med, beta blocker - this actually gives me low blood pressure.. go figure) and my blood sugars are fine, I eat healthy but have a sedentary job and lifestyle.  I have been losing weight, but unfortunately at 36 its getting to 'now or never' time and I may never get to a good or even 'ok' weight before my eggs completely dry up.  lol

 

I often wonder if the few years of taking a beta blocker for migraines before I had hypertension contributed to my problem, as my diet is the healthiest it has ever been.  Go figure.

 

Good luck to all!  I'll let you know if we get good news!

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Holly Smith
Message #939 - 10/10/08 09:30 PM

Our bedroom is really small and the baby's room is going to be upstairs so I was thinking of using a playard next to our bed as the baby's bed for nighttime.  Has anyone tried this?  Does it work all right?

Elizabeth slept in her Chicco Lullaby LX Playard every night next to our bed for about four months.  We've moved her into her room within the last few weeks when I realized that we were disturbing her sleep and we can hear her just fine from her room.

And this is kind of a silly question - but do babies get their diapers changed at night?

Every time they wake up, and also if you hear them pooping during the night (Elizabeth is a really loud pooper, so you could sometimes hear her pooping from another room LOL!).  I changed E about 12 times a day the first few weeks.  She was a super-pooper- about eight dirty diapers a day until two months or so.

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Holly Smith
Message #940 - 10/10/08 09:32 PM

I didn't even think about swaddling blankets!  We used the Luna lullaby blankets, which are nice and stretchy and hard for babies to wriggle out of, but they're also light and can be used for other things.  If I wasn't using them as a swaddling blanket (like if she was in her carseat and we were at a restaurant and she really needed to sleep), I could just drape them over the carseat or stroller and they were nice and breathable but blocked things from disturbing her.

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anne81
Message #941 - 10/10/08 10:12 PM



Thanks for all the comments!  I was looking at a playard with an attached changing table, which it looks like I'll need, lol.

 

boos_mom - I'll definitely consider the baby monitor, it sounds like just the sort of thing DH would love and will save me from quietly creeping into the room every time I hear crying.

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Lakshmi_ff
Message #942 - 10/15/08 10:11 PM

Hi Ladies, Just curious how much weight did you gain during your pregnancy?

[Virgil Showlion]

Holly Smith
Message #943 - 10/15/08 10:50 PM

Hi Ladies, Just curious how much weight did you gain during your pregnancy?

16 or 17 lbs.  I was pretty big to begin with, though.

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kristi28
Message #944 - 10/16/08 01:51 AM



33 lbs and counting.    I do think that at least several of those are just the water in my legs and ankles.  And I still have 7 weeks to go.

 

I was pretty small to start with (and hopefully someday I will be again).

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anne81
Message #945 - 10/16/08 02:01 AM

I'm at 28 weeks and have gained about 20 lbs so far.  I just measured myself for kicks and my waist size is equal to the size of my waist when I weighed 40 lbs more than I do now.

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goddessofrock
Message #946 - 10/16/08 03:40 PM

I'm at 27 weeks and have gained 15 pounds so far. I was about 30 pounds overweight (size 10/12) to begin with though and all my gain appears to be 80% belly, 20% boobs...

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boos_mom
Message #947 - 10/16/08 07:40 PM



With #1, I gained 35 lbs., most of which was in the last 20 weeks of the pregnancy since I was throwing up a lot in the first 20 weeks.  With #2, I gained 25 lbs., but got stretch marks on my belly (which I didn't get with #1).  My boobs got bigger with #1, not so much with #2.  With #2, my hip size jumped 4 pants sizes, which I found out when I picked up some board shorts for our beach vacation.  Sticking to maternity clothes with just XS, S, M, L type sizing is much less depressing.   

I started out small though, with a 19 BMI for my height.

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anne81
Message #948 - 10/17/08 04:04 AM

I have a question about nursing gowns and hospital wear.  What should I bring to the hospital to wear after labor?  Umm, does it get destroyed by bodily fluids after birth?  Are nursing gowns/robes useful?  Thanks!

[Virgil Showlion]

Holly Smith
Message #949 - 10/17/08 04:08 AM

Nursing tank tops (I like the ones from Target) are good.  I would not wear anything nice from the waist down.  I typically wore the hospital gown while I was in the room alone with DH and baby (or nothing, as I am wont to do at home).  If I went out of the room, I wore the nursing tank and some very old sweat shorts that I didn't care about.

There. will. be. a. lot. of. blood.  A LOT of blood.  My walk from the bed to the bathroom the first time after my c/s made my room look like the aftermath of the St. Valentine's Day massacre.  Don't bring anything you care a lot about, and that goes for DH too.

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Wisconsin Beth
Message #950 - 10/17/08 04:00 PM

Actually, one of my sisters suggested the laundry basket.  The other one was horrified by it.  lol.  If it had been a long term plan, I'm sure the doctor would have squashed it, but DD had jaundice and we needed to nurse every 2 hours. 

We turned our baby monitor off after about 2-3 weeks.  DD was in her room and a total of 25 feet from us.  We heard it all anyway.  And the sound from the rainfall music came though as static and drove us both nuts. 

I gained 31 lbs in the pregnancy.  About 10 the last 6-8 weeks or so.  I'm blaming the malts for that.    But the cold and creaminess was pretty good at night.  lol.  I was overweight to begin with though.  My doctor never worried about my weight, but I made sure to bring it up every couple of months. 

I wore their gowns.  I also brought my robe and slippers for walking around the hospital afterwards.  They have you wear a hospital gown once you're admitted, so by the time I had fluids, um, spilling out, I was out of my clothes.  And yes, the first time you get out of bed, there is a LOT of blood.  When I moved from the bed to the chair to nurse, we took the bedpads with us and left a trail.  Just tell the staff, they're used to this and should have some good stuff for cleaning up.  I only ruined 1 pair of socks though. 

---

boos_mom
Message #951 - 10/17/08 05:43 PM



The hospital provided gowns in L&D.  With #1, I had on a bra that got all bloodied up when they plopped her on me.  Good thing it was a cheap bra.  With #2, they had me take everything off under the gown.  The delivery rooms were big, so I would think one would walk around the room rather than the hallways much, and they want to track my contractions, so usually I'd have to stay near the machines.  

Once in the post-partum wing, they gave me shorts and snap front shirts so it was easier to BF, rather then using those gowns.  Of course, the sizes were really big, but you don't really care at that point anyway since you're in such pain.  And, I didn't wander around in the hallways because baby needed to be in the plastic bin, not your arms, whenever in the hallways.  We didn't get too many of non-relative visitors with #2, but with #1 we did have more visitors.  If you're shy, you may want to bring a nursing cover or just be prepared to kick people out of your room when you're going to feed. 

You should ask at the hospital tour about what garments the hospital provides.

---

Lakshmi_ff
Message #952 - 10/17/08 08:36 PM

Thanks for sharing your weight gains with me. I was just wondering since this past week I've felt so hungry all the time and I'm only 7 weeks!

The blood after labor sounds just terrible but I think I'm happy to truthfully know what to expect.

---

anne81
Message #953 - 10/17/08 10:23 PM



Lakshmi - I've had periods where I'm really super hungry and gain a few pounds and then weeks where I gain nothing and my appetite is completely normal.  I guess I'm just one of those that gains in "gulps."  It's scary but overall I'm where I need to be.  I find that my hungry periods tend to coincide with some pretty big growth spurts on the baby's part.

 

Holly, Beth and boos_mom; thanks for the practical advice!  It seems like such a mystery.  To be honest I am far more afraid of the recovery than I am of labor.

---

mamajet
Message #954 - 10/18/08 04:28 AM



Anne81,

 

My recovery was not bad at all.  I was walking the dog 2 days after a vaginal delivery (not something that can be safely done with a c-section).  It really varies from one person to the next.  I'm hoping the next one in Jan is just as easy.

 

For anyone who's got time before delivery, I would totally recommend this book:  Deliver This!  Making the Childbirth Choice that's Right for You

 

I bought it on Amazon in 2006, just got lucky to find it.  It's an easy read but a great discussion of things to consider regarding labor.  Everything from a planned homebirth to elective C-section, as well as the more traditional options.  I felt a lot more confident after reading it.

 

Good luck to everyone!

[Virgil Showlion]

boos_mom
Message #955 - 10/19/08 02:34 AM

We turned our baby monitor off after about 2-3 weeks.  DD was in her room and a total of 25 feet from us.  We heard it all anyway.  And the sound from the rainfall music came though as static and drove us both nuts. 

Actually, with the video monitor, I mainly use it for watching baby.  I also turn the sound down, since I could always hear the baby.  However, both my babies would cry in their sleep.  So, being a light sleeper, I would always get up when they cried.  At least with the video, I can see if baby is really not awake, but just being noisy.  That saves me from dragging my butt out of bed. 

To be honest I am far more afraid of the recovery than I am of labor.

I think the recovery is harder in that it lasts longer, and you're dead tired and sore (especially if you get stitches), and you now have to care for a newborn.  With #1, I didn't really take the motrin and I really felt all the aches and pains everywhere.  With #2, I took motrin, every 4 hours and my body felt much less pain, in terms of physically being okay with bending, walking and taking care of baby.  So, don't be stubborn and not take the painkillers.  And get as much rest as you can in the hospital, because baby will probably never sleep as much as he does as those first few days -- probably the trauma and effort of the birth -- until he's 4-6 weeks old (or longer if you're not so lucky). 

---

lisamomof4
Message #956 - 10/20/08 09:38 PM

just a cheap tip i just thought to pass along in the effort to save some cash....pillow cases....king size work perfectly for covering the 'contoured' changing pad, standard size is perfect for bassinet mattress

---

Lakshmi_ff
Message #957 - 10/20/08 09:56 PM

Another question - Did anyone wait until the delivery room to find out the sex of the baby? I hadn't really thought of waiting but now I think I'd like to.

---

july231980
Message #958 - 10/21/08 05:56 AM





 

Just a suggestion to your earlier post of what you should have on hand. (check with your dr before giving anything to baby)

 

Baby first aid kit/sick kit. I would suggest.

Tweezers, band aids, most places don't carry infant cold medacine anymore but i still put it in mine just in case.

Infant tylonel you don't ever think of it until 2 am when you have a screaming baby.

Infant motrin. Alternate with tylonel will break a fever almost instantly

Teething tablets or oragel (I also kept frozen celery sticks in the freezer. My daughter loved chewing on them when she was teething)

Pepperment/candy canes (if baby won't stop vomiting put some in a bottle of forumla for baby under 6 months in water if over 6 months)

Honey to surpress coughing 1tbls does the trick (check with dr about honey under 1 year) Most dr say no but mine allowed it at 6 months.

Karol syrup or baby food prunes ( works wonders if baby hasn't had a bowel movement for a while)

thermoeter

 

Besides for the obvious things thats what i can think off. I'm trying to remember what things i forgot when i was a new mom and needed at 2 am. Or any tricks i learned as i went. if i think of anything else i will repost.

---

lisamomof4
Message #959 - 10/21/08 06:54 AM



mycilicon drops....heaven bless who came up with that one...

saline drops for clogged little noses

aspirator, they generally give you one at the hospital but don't be afraid to ask for it

cornstarch powder rather than 'baby powder' much less chance of any problems

baby nail clippers with big handle much easier to use

baby vapor rub

humidifier, though a bowl of water by the register will work just as well

vibrating bassinet or attachment for crib

---

anne81
Message #960 - 10/21/08 05:29 PM

Lakshmi - my friend (who's due just a couple weeks before me!) is waiting to find out the sex.  I'd be careful at the ultrasounds if that's what you want to to though.  DH was able to figure out it was a boy at the 20 week before the tech did anything and really started looking.

[Virgil Showlion]

goddessofrock
Message #961 - 10/21/08 09:06 PM



I ate too many swedish fish this afternoon and now I want to puke!

I'm so upset with myself! why do I do this? I know i can't just eat more because I feel ok at the time!!

---

sbcaligirl
Message #962 - 10/22/08 10:14 AM



I've been reading the first bajillion pages of this thread over the last few days and have gotten a lot of really helpful info.  Thanks for all the great tips!!  I'm due April 8 with my first kiddo and am super excited.

I'm finally starting to feel human again at almost 16 weeks though I feel absolutely huge already.  I've gained about 20 lbs already which kind of scares me since I haven't been eating that much more than normal and my doctor wants me to try to keep the weight gain under 30 lbs.  I felt nauseous about 20 hours a day for the first 14 weeks and had a hard time eating regularly, though now I'm starving about 20 hours a day - go figure.  I think a lot of its fluid since I tend to retain fluids very easily but not sure if that matters to the doc.

DH is being super supportive in his own silly way that can be quite annoying.  He's really helpful around the house and with chores but doesn't really seem all that excited.  He just sort of says things like - neat, cool, that's nice - which makes me want to strangle him but I'm sure part of that is hormonal. 

I should probably go to bed now since it is after 3 am .

 

---

goddessofrock
Message #963 - 10/22/08 02:22 PM



sbcaligirl~~

 

No matter how much you love your husband, you will want to strangle him at times... moreso during the pregnancy. Even my guy friends say this is normal.

---

Wisconsin Beth
Message #964 - 10/22/08 03:25 PM

sbcaligirl, I've read that for guys, the pregnancy isn't really, well, real until you give birth and they don't get as excited about the baby until around 6-9 months.  I can definitely say that DH is more interested in DD now that she can do stuff besides lay around in your arms.  He loves her and all, don't get me wrong, but I think the 'she's fragile and breakable' thinking is wearing off as she's getting stronger and more able to interact with him. 

And yes, you'll want to strangle after birth too, no matter how good/helpful/considerate he is.  And when you start feeling bad about what he's doing or not doing, go find a women's board and read about how bad some women's DH/SO's are.  Always makes me appreciate DH more when I'm starting to take him for granted. 

---

marvelousmonkey
Message #965 - 10/22/08 03:27 PM



Our electrician was over last night fixing a light in the basement.  He took DH aside and asked him, "so, does being pregnant make your wife mean?" Apparently, he and his wife want a baby, but he's terrified of her turning into Momzilla.  I hope it's not because of how I act!!  DH warned him that she probably would get cranky, but that you end up not minding so much.  He told me about this conversation after the electrician left. I tried very hard to smile and be happy the rest of the night. 

---

Wisconsin Beth
Message #966 - 10/22/08 03:28 PM

lol, I'll have to ask DH if I was mean during the pregancy.  I know I was cranky and tired alot. 

[Virgil Showlion]

marvelousmonkey
Message #967 - 10/22/08 03:36 PM



Yeah -- I don't think I'm mean so much as beat.  These last few weeks have been killing me -- I hope the bambina decides to come soon!

And thanks, everyone, for the great suggestions of stuff to have on hand when she does get here!  I have been making lists and stocking up.  Very exciting times 

---

Wisconsin Beth
Message #968 - 10/22/08 04:35 PM

Don't forget to buy/find a mesh bag thing for washing the itty bitty socks.  I'm afraid they'll get lost in the washer or the dryer, just like mine do! 

---

anne81
Message #969 - 10/22/08 04:55 PM



sbcaligirl - I had awful morning sickness then gained a ton of weight prettty quickly (something like 8 lbs in a few days).  I think your body just overreacts to basically starving for so long.  After that I gained nothing for weeks and weeks, then another 5 lbs in a weekend.  I'm just trying to focus on the overall weight gain.

 

marvelousmonkey - I told DH yesterday about a conversation I had with a contractor - he asked if I got all "pregnancy angry" on him.   He was disappointed when I said no because he said the work would have gotten done a lot faster.  I have been freaking out about getting everything ready in time for the baby . . .

---

Lakshmi_ff
Message #970 - 10/22/08 06:02 PM

A vent
I'm obese (over 30 lbs over my "ideal" weight). And I'm pregnant. Anyhow, my co-worker (who knows I'm pregnant) keeps talking about wanting to lose weight now before she gets pregnant so she's doesn't feel "all fat" when she's pregnant. Hearing her say that makes me feel bad. She's lost several pounds since I got pregnant and has shared her weight loss with me. Which is not atypical we talk about weight gain and loss all the time but lately it's just feels so annoying. Maybe I'm just feeling hormonal. But I feel bad enough about my weight without having someone as a reminder that I didn't lose weight before getting pregnant.  

---

Wisconsin Beth
Message #971 - 10/22/08 06:24 PM

It's ok lakshmi, I was 187 at the first pregnancy appt and I'm only 5 foot 6.  You may very well blow right past her after the baby's born.  People kept telling me the weight comes off easy for the first one, esp. if you're breastfeeding.  I have to say, for me they're right.  I'm at 178 now, but I'm down 2 pants sizes and gaining muscle mass from hauling DD around. 

---

Holly Smith
Message #972 - 10/22/08 10:15 PM

Infant motrin. Alternate with tylonel will break a fever almost instantly

Ibuprofen shouldn't be used in babies under six months, however.

Teething tablets or oragel

There have been some questions about orajel and how it affects babies' throats and breathing mechanisms if it is swallowed.  I found that just gnawing on mom and dad's fingers did the trick just fine.

[Virgil Showlion]

Holly Smith
Message #973 - 10/22/08 10:17 PM

I did the mesh laundry bag too.  It's a wonder for keeping those tiny socks together.

---

anne81
Message #974 - 10/23/08 02:01 AM

I have a question.  I'm having intense shooting pains through my cervix and up the sides of my abdomen - they started off a few day a few days ago and now I'm having a few an hour.  It's bad enough to make me bend over and swear when I'm walking (just across the house) and almost put me in tears.  I get them sitting or standing or laying down.  Is this braxton-hicks or something else? I'm about 29 weeks.  I talked to the advice nurse and she said this type of pain is normal.  Do I just go to the hospital if I think it's something serious?

---

boos_mom
Message #975 - 10/23/08 05:34 AM

anne - do go into the hospital or your OB's office to get checked out, especially if you're really concerned, regardless of what the advice nurse says.  the braxton-hicks i had were never that sore.  maybe occasional sharp pain, but nothing that was very consistent and certainly not consistent over a longer period of time.  usually, they came on when i was exerting myself, e.g. walking quickly or doing chores or lifting things.  i'll be hoping everything is okay for you. 

---

New-Mummy
Message #976 - 10/23/08 12:57 PM



Anne, go, please, I hope everything's ok, but it's a lot better to go in and get checked out and feel stupid about it "being nothing" than not to.  Sometimes ligaments and such do stretch, but if you're worried, go in.  Period.

 

I hate the "advice nurse" thing - it's impossible to diagnose anything over the telephone, I know this is supposed to reduce health care costs but I hate the concept.  It's great if you need help doing research on a particular condition or information about a particular condition, but I hate the idea of people telling you not to worry when they have no way of looking at you.

---

Wisconsin Beth
Message #977 - 10/23/08 02:43 PM

Please go Anne and keep us posted. 

I love the nurse advice line, but my questions are more the "can I take this for my cold?"

---

ARMD
Message #978 - 10/23/08 03:24 PM

I had a regular doctor appointment yesterday (I'm 27 weeks tomorrow), and they found that I had spilled a bit of sugar into my urine. They moved up my glucose test to tomorrow morning instead of November 10 just to be sure that it's nothing to be concerned about. I'm not measuring large, so that's a good sign. I was just wondering about the whole glucose testing thing. How much of that sugary stuff do they make you drink?

[Virgil Showlion]

anne81
Message #979 - 10/23/08 05:49 PM



Thanks ladies - because of your advice I called this morning and they want me to come in right away.  I'm looking forward to them telling me I'm being paranoid and everything is okay.

 

ARMD - I spilled quite a bit of sugar before in my urine the appointment before my glucose test.  I passed with test with flying colors.  The liquid is about the amount of a soda and tastes like a flat one.  They should just carbonate it.

---

Wisconsin Beth
Message #980 - 10/23/08 06:14 PM

I think it's 10-12oz.  Mine was orange and it tasted like cheap, flat orange soda.  If you're good at chugging, it's not so bad.  My doctor had his patients do the 3 hour GC test if they're close to the cutoff point, just to be on the safe side.  So don't worry if you're borderline and you have to retake it. 

---

ARMD
Message #981 - 10/23/08 06:20 PM

Thanks ladies. I am usually pretty good at chugging if the stuff doesn't taste too bad. I am not real concerned except for the fact that gestational diabetes does run in my family, so I do have a much higher chance of having it than a lot of other people.

---

boos_mom
Message #982 - 10/23/08 07:41 PM



armd - the stuff isn't carbonated, but it has a weird tingling characteristic -- at least the ones I had did.  It makes it difficult to chug fast for the some odd reason; not like drinking soda.  It seemed to take forever to drink the stuff, less than a soda can worth.  And, it is really too sweet, so you get the sugar tongue feeling.  For #1, I ended up having to take the 3 hour test as well b/c the 1-hour test result was borderline.  The 3-hour test is so boring.  But, hopefully, you won't have to go through it.  Even if you do have GD, with the help of a nutritionist, everything should be fine.  Just harder on you because of the strict diet.

re: pregnancy hormones -- oh my, DH has several stories about me going off the deep end, even if not directed at someone, I would end up in tears because I was so upset or frustrated.  And stuff people say are even more irritating when you're pregnant.  So, if you can, just try to let it roll on past you because hormones definitely mess with your emotions and thoughts.  

For me, being pregnant felt like the longest 9 months of my life!  #2 is almost 4 months old, and the time has passed so quickly, but when I was pregnant, time seemed to slow down incredibly.  I feel for all of you pregnant mommies!

---

goddessofrock
Message #983 - 10/23/08 07:53 PM



ARMD~~ mine tasted like thinned out orange dimetap. It's about the same as a can of soda.

 

And i have a BRUISE from where they took blood monday!

---

anne81
Message #984 - 10/23/08 09:48 PM



Got back from the dr's office - they hooked me up to the fetal monitor and something to look for contractions.  Baby did not like that - they counted a 100 movements in just 20 minutes.  The monitor was jerking all over the place.  He can't stand having anything intrude on my belly, including Dh's hand, waistbands, or my ribs.  That was nice because he hasn't been moving anywhere near as much as his usual the last few days.  As soon as they took off the monitor he completely stopped.  It was strange to see his heart rate jump right before he kicked the monitor as hard as he could.

 

She said that they were seeing uterine "irritability" quite often on the monitor - I guess I'm having ten second long squeezies that aren't long enough to be contractions.  (I didn't have one of my major ughs while in the office though).  I'm not dilating so they think that I just need to rest; I'm on flexerol and supposed to be in bed (not even sitting up, boo) for the next few days.

 

Thank you for telling me to go in!  It's nice to know I'm not crazy and that the baby is fine.

[Virgil Showlion]

sbcaligirl
Message #985 - 10/23/08 10:06 PM



anne81: glad everything looks good so far and just need to rest.  I always feel like an idiot asking questions but then I just remind myself, this is my first baby and I have nothing to compare it to.  Glad you have such a responsive OB who got you in right away and helped calm your fears!

---

anne81
Message #986 - 10/23/08 10:30 PM

Thanks sbcaligirl - I felt totally dumb.  She thinks I managed to actually pull the ligaments around the uterus.  I moved some furniture and stacked a cord of wood over the weekend. 

---

goddessofrock
Message #987 - 10/24/08 03:58 PM

OMG! Anne! you shouldn't be moving furniture and stacking wood! Did you tell the doc that?!

---

Lakshmi_ff
Message #989 - 10/24/08 05:19 PM

Anne, Try to enjoy your rest and no more moving furniture!

---

ARMD
Message #990 - 10/24/08 07:07 PM

I had my glucose test this morning. They had either a Fruit Punch or Orange flavor, so I opted for the Fruit Punch. It wasn't too bad at all. It had a little strange aftertaste but wasn't horrible, and they did at least have it really cold. Hopefully the test results will come back fine.

---

ARMD
Message #991 - 10/27/08 04:19 PM

Well, unfortunately, my test results came back high, so now I have to go in for a 3 hour fasting glucose test on Thursday. UGH!!!

[Virgil Showlion]

mom2abi
Message #992 - 10/27/08 06:01 PM

Sorry to hear that, ARMD; I hope everything comes out ok with your next test.  My glucose test is next week, and I am not looking forward to it.  Mainly because it's at 9am and I can't eat anything beforehand, so that means it'll be at least 10 before I can eat.  It's not as bad now as it was the first trimester, but it doesn't take long for me to start feeling really bad if I don't eat regularly.

---

goddessofrock
Message #993 - 10/27/08 08:06 PM



I think I ate too much sugar this morning or too much turkey last night...

 

I've wanted to fall asleep since 3pm. Is anyone else feeling exhausted??

 

It's week 29 and i miss coffee and margaritas! (separately of course!)

---

anne81
Message #994 - 10/27/08 08:23 PM



Sorry ARMD - lots of people fail the first test though and pass the 3 hour.  But ugh - 3 hours!

 

goddess - I've been feeling really tired too.  I think it's because I'm not getting straight 8 hour sleep, I keep waking up!  I've had the occasional coffee and my lord, the buzz.  When you don't drink it regularly the effect is amazing.  For some reason I'm not missing alcohol and I love drinks!

---

ARMD
Message #995 - 10/27/08 08:47 PM

Thanks Anne for the encouragement. I am hoping it comes out fine. At least I know what to expect this time. We had another sonogram done today and everything on it looked good.  The baby still seems to be measuring correctly for how far along I should be, so that's a good sign. I, too, have been very tired lately as I keep waking up during the night usually because baby is kicking or I have to change position.

---

mom2abi
Message #996 - 10/27/08 09:04 PM

Me too, anne81, I wake up about every 2 hours.  And the baby doesn't even seem to move much at night, so maybe it's just my body getting used to the feeding schedule early, lol.

[Virgil Showlion]

boos_mom
Message #997 - 10/29/08 05:54 PM



armd - sorry to hear you have to go through the 3-hour test.  Hope everything comes out okay.

anne - oh my, no wonder you were getting mini-contractions!  Definitely be kinder to yourself.

goddess - whenever i'm pregnant (and BF-ing), I really crave alcohol, which is the weirdest thing, since I'm not a drinker in the first place.  Once I'm done BF-ing, then the craving goes away.  So strange.  I do have coffee ice cream though!

Question for folks:  how long did you breastfeed your kids? 

I BF #1 for a year (or pumped until she was 1).  But, with #2, I'm feeling like I can barely make it through 6 months because we have things to do for #1 as well.  So, either I'm left behind at home (because I'm tired) or baby and I are out, but stuck sitting somewhere BF-ing while DH and #1 are doing fun things.  #2 is a slow feeder!  And, when I go back to work, I'll have to drop off two kids at two different daycares (HDCP and preschool), pump two times at work, work through lunch to make up for the pumping time, come home, BF the baby, make dinner for us, tend to the kids, and then maybe pump one more time before going to bed. 

I guess I just feel guilty for not wanting to keep BF-ing after I go back to work.  Baby is starting to take the formula (a few ounces a day) easier now.  He hated it the beginning, and I can't say I blame him, very unappetizing taste.  But, my sister was right, having one child is much easier than having more than 1 (maybe unless there's a big break in between).  I'm sure my guilt will win, and I'll dutifully pump when I go back to work until the milk dries up.

---

Wisconsin Beth
Message #998 - 10/29/08 06:08 PM

Well, I've only got 1 DD and we're still bfing at just under 6 months.  I want to bf for 1 year, but am working on the month by month plan. 

Since he's a slow feeder, can you pump and then bottle feed him?  Would that be easier/faster?  You're still tied to the pump, but maybe someone else would be able to bottle feed at times?  And the Medela Freestyle is toting hands-free pumping.  It's battery operated, I think and has a harness of sorts to hold the horns/flanges/thingies in place and the pump itself can be worn around the neck, I believe.  Is there a way to make your pump do something like that, to free you up some? 

---

boos_mom
Message #999 - 10/29/08 08:13 PM



I don't think hands-free pumping will work for me.  I have the regular Medela pump.  I often have blocked milk ducts, so I have to massage a lot.  When I pump at night, I end up pumping for half an hour or more, then wash the parts out, I estimate usually about 40-45 minutes is consumed by the pumping process.  The main benefits would be that I would know exactly how much baby would be drinking and that he could probably go longer in between feedings if I just pumped.  But, if he gets ticked off and starts screaming while I'm trying to pump, then what, just let him scream for 45 minutes til I'm done?  I guess that is what stops me from only pumping because he doesn't really have a set schedule during the day.  He'll nap, but I never know how long it will last and when it'll be.

I was super-committed (stubborn) to BF-ing until 1 year with #1, even after she weaned herself at about 10 months (she got lazy and just preferred the bottle at that point rather than working for the milk).  So, I just pumped after she weaned herself.  It seems like #2 might wean himself even earlier.  Last night he was complaining when at the breast, like the milk wasn't coming out easily enough, and then he readily took the bottle, which has not been the case.

---

goddessofrock
Message #1000 - 10/29/08 08:48 PM



boos mom~~

 

a few of my friends have said that they just pump and stock up smaller bottles of breast milk and then feed the baby solely the bottles of breast milk. That way if they're slow you can still travel with them. or alternating bottles of breast milk with bottles of formula. That way either parent can feed the baby and you're not like "here's my boob" or not going out because you don't want to bf in public... 

 

Since DH is works at home and plans on being the SAHP I plan on pumping. I also wouldn't breastfeed past 6 months because they start to get teeth after that!! YIKES! It's one thing to pump it's another to get bitten! 

---

jdnstl
Message #1001 - 10/29/08 08:58 PM

hello ladies. it's been a long time since i've posted anything. well, he finally arrived! i have a ds that came by c-section 10/16. he was 8 lbs 6 oz & 21 1/4 in long. he'll be 2 weeks tomorrow & he never sleeps & eats constantly (every hour if he's awake & he'll stay awake for 3-4 hours at a time.)
boos mom, i'm glad you asked about bf. i was wondering the same thing because even now i'm worn out & sometimes wish he'd just take the small bottle formula we got at the hospital & go to sleep for more than 2-3 hours. oh the joys of having a baby. & to think, some women have to go back to work very quickly.

---

anne81
Message #1002 - 10/29/08 09:10 PM



jdnstl: congrats on your little boy!

 

A friend of mine got crazy with the pump and put so much away that she fed her baby with the frozen milk for three months after she weaned him from the b.o.o.b.  I'm hoping to be able to switch back and forth like that.

 

It's one thing to pump it's another to get bitten! 

My mom said I was a chewer - it makes me be a lot nicer to her than I want to be when she's giving me advice.  She is totally upset over the idea of not putting the baby down to sleep with a blanket.  I have nightmares where I have to sneak in and take the blanket away.  Really strange.

[Virgil Showlion]

Holly Smith
Message #1003 - 10/29/08 11:36 PM

I have just a couple things I want to add:

1. I still pump around 5 am because I get a lot of milk at that time- 5+ oz on one side, as opposed to 2-3 oz at other times.
2. I was one of those freaky people who insisted on having two gallons of milk in their freezer before they went back to work/school.  Good thing I did, because I might actually be able to drop one of my three daily pumping sessions now because of it.  I totally recommend that anybody who is going to be going back to work or school save up as much milk as they can.
3. For the longest time, I thought I'd wean when Elizabeth got teeth because I was afraid she'd **** me.  Well, she got teeth just after she turned four months.  She does very occasionally **** me, but surprisingly it isn't anywhere near as bad as when she scratches my c/s incision with her sharp toenails.  It certainly isn't as painful as those early bad-latch days.  There are also ways that you can teach a baby not to **** you.  Just unlatch them and set them down for a minute, telling them firmly "No" has done the trick for most people, apparently.

ETA: Elizabeth will be six months on Monday and I plan to bf her until she weans herself.

---

boos_mom
Message #1004 - 10/30/08 04:28 PM



jdnstl - congratulations!  Hang in there; the newborn phase is the toughest.  Definitely feels like you are a cow-zombie, stuck feeding round the clock.  But, it does help with getting your milk production up, and hopefully, he will start sleeping longer soon.  For me, the little guy would always fall asleep feeding, and then when I burped him, he would wake up and want to feed some more.  aaagggghhhh, sleep deprivation really is torturous!  I decided to try to just doze a little with him sleeping/feeding on me. 

anne - maybe you could ask your mother if she ever had disagreements with HER mother/MIL about how to care for you when you were an infant.  Basically, information changes with each generation, and she should be willing to accept that practices have changed.  And, if she's not, then, yes, you'll just have to swipe the blanket away when she's put baby down to sleep.  We do have a baby video monitor that has a sound (and motion, I think) sensor so an alarm would go off on your receiver if the baby sensor detected either motion or sound -- seems like it would come in handy for when your mother is "helping" out and might sneak in to put a blanket on. 

re: teeth and BF-ing.  Like Holly said, most babies learn not to b.ite if you catch them and teach them it's not okay to b.ite.  #1 got her first tooth by 4 months and by 12 months had nearly all her teeth (except the last molars).  I just yelped a bit loudly and took her off, and after a couple of times, she didn't even really try.  I would take her off once I noticed she was starting to b.ite because by then she was ready to play rather than eat.

---

goddessofrock
Message #1005 - 10/31/08 01:55 PM



Does anyone else have to work but not feel like being there? this is not a very interesting job to begin with, but now that i am 6.5 months preggo, I just don't want to be here most of the time.

 

And yes I have to work because of health insurance and money.

 

I think it's just some combo of tiredness and apathy~~ how are you coping with this?

---

anne81
Message #1006 - 10/31/08 05:36 PM

The ladies at my knitting circle have decided to throw me a small baby shower (I think they are traumatized that it's my first and I'm not having one) which is really sweet.  I don't know any of them outside of knitting but I'd like to get them all a small gift to say thank you but I'm totally out of ideas.  Have any suggestions?

---

ARMD
Message #1007 - 10/31/08 06:16 PM

I thought I would check in and let everyone know that my 3 hour glucose test came back really high, so it's official, I have gestational diabetes. It doesn't really surprise me because it runs in the family, and my mom had it with both of us kids. It just really stinks because now I have to see a dietitian locally and an OB/GYN in another town. It sounds like I will probably have to go on insulin for the rest of this pregnancy. I am just thankful that I am about 7 months along now, so hopefully I won't have to be on insulin for too long. Best wishes for the rest of you expecting and especially those who also have GD.

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mrslynch
Message #1008 - 10/31/08 07:00 PM

armd--i had gestational diabetes and was on insulin. a lot of insulin. it sucks, but after the first few times you give yourself a shot, you get used to it. since i was on so much insulin, i had to go for biophysical profiles 2x/week in addition to my regular appointments, so i got to see my baby twice a week. that was awesome. the hardest part for me was watching my dd get her sugar levels tested after i delivered. but, after 24 hours of normal sugar levels for her, the testing stopped. and she's almost 2 and is perfectly healthy. but please, whatever you do, do not feel like you did something wrong because you have gd.

[Virgil Showlion]

Holly Smith
Message #1009 - 10/31/08 10:07 PM

I don't know any of them outside of knitting but I'd like to get them all a small gift to say thank you but I'm totally out of ideas.  Have any suggestions?

A Tower of Treats from Harry & David?  That's what I did for my Girl Scout troop when they organized my baby shower.  There were so many people involved it would have been impossible to get them all thank-you gifts individually.

---

boos_mom
Message #1010 - 11/02/08 05:42 PM



armd - best wishes that everything will continue to go smoothly even with gd.

goddess - I felt like that in the beginning (because of the nausea) and toward the end as well.  I found that if I set specific goals to complete each day (e.g. finish this report, complete analyses and reply to these emails, etc.), it made work a little easier and gave me focus.  Also, it helped a lot to do the tasks one at a time, rather than trying to multi-task.

anne - Since you don't know the women that well, food would be a nice thank you gift; bake/make something "special" for the next knitting circle after your shower as you distribute your thank you cards.  Or, like Holly said, chocolates (fresh choc strawberries or gourmet truffles) are usually very popular with women.  It would depend on how much you want to spend on your thank you gifts, then $5 coffee or fruit smoothie gift cards might be something to do.

---

goddessofrock
Message #1011 - 11/03/08 04:08 PM



Anne~~ I would bring a couple of batches of home baked cookies or something to the next knitting circle.

 

OR

 

one of my coworkers bought some of that confectioners chocolate, you know the bags of chocolate discs they sell at the craft store? melted that and dipped strawberries in it. then you put the dipped strawberries in the fridge until you want to eat them. you can also use white chocolate and if anyone likes coconut or nuts, roll the strawberry in that too before the chocolate hardens.

---

anne81
Message #1012 - 11/03/08 05:07 PM



ARMD - I'm sure you and your baby will have a healthy third trimester, I'm sorry about the extra complication.

 

Thanks for the suggestions everyone - I completely haven't been able to pummel my brain into thinking.

---

MittenKitten
Message #1013 - 11/03/08 07:09 PM



jdn:  Congrats! 

BFing:  Here is my story, with DS#1 I pumped for basically the entire year and fed him from the bottle.  He did get some formula also.  He hated to nurse as he knew he would fall asleep so he would **** (even gums hurt!)  DS#2 would only nurse.  Had the official diagnoses that he is Autistic in Sept (know since April/May) I guess it is common where they will only nurse or take a bottle.  Nursed him until he was 18 months, while pregnant with DD, he is now 2 1/2.  DD I am nursing but she didn't gain a lot of weight for her last appointment so now we are giving her a lot of bottles.  She is being lazy or too curious to nurse.  I may start pumping again now haven't decided. 

With DS#1 I was working full time after he was 5 months.  I started pumping like 2 times at work and then I went down to once after he was 8 months.  It gets very tiring having to cart the dang thing around!  If you don't pump after you go back to work and can afford the formula I wouldn't beat yourself up over it. 

Anne:  I swear I felt like DD was ripping my cervix open at times NOT FUN!  No idea what caused it but was glad when I gave birth to her and it ended!

---

goddessofrock
Message #1014 - 11/05/08 03:04 PM



I missed my appointment! I thought it was Tuesday and it was scheduled for Monday.

Preggo brain strikes again! Unfortunately they won't just let me wait until my next appointment. so i have to go in today at 350.

 

It just seems so ridiculous because all they are going to tell me is that AJ is healthy, I'm healthy, pee in the cup, and make more appointments on your way out... It just seems like kind of a waste of time...

 

Does anyone else feel like being pregnant is the most tedious thing EVER??  I'm just so ready for it to be January and have the baby already!!  I love babies, but the process is just so ridiculous!

 

 

[Virgil Showlion]

mom2abi
Message #1015 - 11/05/08 04:42 PM



Well I had my glucose test yesterday and everything came out normal - and it only took 3 hours to get the results!!  That was a pleasant surprise.

And I found out that I can redeem my credit card points for payments to student loan and mortgage.  I have enough for a total of $500-600, so that will come in very handy during maternity leave. 

---

anne81
Message #1016 - 11/05/08 04:57 PM



goddess; I've gone ahead and scheduled every appointment through january at the same day and time because I've been blowing them.

 

ClassicalCat; glad you passed the test!  That extra money will be nice.

---

goddessofrock
Message #1017 - 11/05/08 07:41 PM



I found out at my last appointment that my doctor is pregnant too and due at the end of december so one of the other doctors in the group will actually be delivering my baby. I'm not too worried about that though, half the time your doctor isn't at the hospital when you go into labor anyway.

 

They weren't booking January the last time I went in... maybe I can get the rest of the appointments scheduled today.

---

Holly Smith
Message #1018 - 11/06/08 09:43 AM

I actually loved almost every minute of being pregnant.  I miss it now, although not enough to try to get knocked-up again!

---

goddessofrock
Message #1019 - 11/06/08 03:29 PM



Well I definately don't have GD(I didn't think so). AJ is kicking like a kung **** master. and I made all of my appointments yesterday. I also got a flu shot. so things are pretty good. I am just impatient and uncomfortable.

---

Zynn
Message #1020 - 11/06/08 05:23 PM



Not to change the subject, but I was wondering how many of you ladies had to go back to work after a short amount of leave?  I will have to return to work after my FMLA time is up (12 weeks) and my DH has to work full time too.  I'm not even pregnant yet !!!! (trying still), but I am very worried about childcare.  So many people are telling me a daycare is better than an in home situation or vice versa.  On top of that, what will be the long term effects of putting a new infant in daycare/full time childcare?  Sometimes I think it would be so unfair to the child it would be better not to have kids at all...but maybe I'm just being pessimistic and overdramatic.

If this was covered in previous conversations I apologize, but this thread is very long and I'm not having much luck with the search tool.

Thanks for everyone who contributes to this thread, it is fascinating and I am learning a lot!

[Virgil Showlion]

mom2abi
Message #1021 - 11/06/08 05:55 PM

Zynn, I am planning on going back to work after 6 weeks maternity leave.  I get short term disability for 4 weeks after the first 2 I take off, but anything else would be unpaid unless I used vacation/personal time and since I earn more than dh and we got pregnant really soon after we started trying, I just don't have the $ saved up to do that.  I would rather stay home with our baby than put her in daycare, but we found a center that we're happy with and a couple of the ladies I work with used them and really like them as well, so I feel ok about it.  As far as centers vs. in-home, it really just depends on what you're comfortable with.  I would lean more towards a center unless I knew the provider personally, but that's just my opinion.  Just take the time to check out any centers/providers you're interested in and try to get some recommendations too.  From what others have told me, it's pretty easy to tell at the end of the day if your baby has been taken good care of.  I'm not really worried about the effect of daycare on our baby; the kids at the place we chose all seem happy and the workers are very involved with them...and dh and I will be spending lots of time with her after work and on weekends, and I'm planning on stopping by on my lunch hour, as well.

---

sam0402
Message #1022 - 11/06/08 06:42 PM



Ok I have a question. My dh and I are about to start trying for a little one but I am getting worried all of a sudden.  I have wanted this for a while but the timing wasn't right (not happy at former job) but now that it is I am worrying.  Also I wonder how my new job will take the news.  I have been her 2 months and the firm is great to work for, they are very family orientated but I still wonder.  Am I being crazy or are these fears justified?

 

Zynn-  I know from past experience that putting a child in daycare is up to you but I recommend it.  I have three sisters and one was put in and the other two were not.  I feel that the first one in daycare was able to have interaction with children which then allowed her to learn more skills better.  This decision is up to  you though. I can't afford to become a stay at home mom so I know that I will have to find a daycare I trust.

---

Zynn
Message #1023 - 11/06/08 06:46 PM



Thanks ClassicalCat, that makes me feel a lot better!  Most of the women I work with have already have their kids and they were all stay at home moms for at least the first 5 years or so...my other friends either can't or are not interested in having babies in the near future, so I don't have many people in my situation to get opinions from.

I have short term disability too, provided by my work, and it  pays for how long the doctor says you are disabled...usually 4 weeks for a vag birth or 6 weeks for a c-section.  Sounds very similar to what you are saying.

I wish I could stay home too, and have looked into various work at home jobs, but none that would come close to replacing my income or benefits. 

---

yogiii
Message #1024 - 11/06/08 06:52 PM

I'm not even pregnant but probably will start ttc next summer.  Just wondering, once you pump how long does the milk stay before it goes bad (just refridgerated).  If you freeze it, how long can you keep it that way?

---

Zynn
Message #1025 - 11/06/08 06:52 PM



Sam, that's great to hear...I guess we were posting at the same time!

 

I work at a family oriented place too, and they all know we are trying.  My boss, the managers, no one has ever said or done anything that makes me think they will be any less supportive once I actually am pregnant.

I know some people wait a while-like until they start showing- to break the news, but if you have any morning sickness or other issues that require lots of doctor's appointments you may not have that option.  Also, if it's a small company they may need to hire a temp or contractor to fill in for you, so they may want to get that going.

I don't think you're being crazy though, because sometimes people react in strange ways.  Like when you're trying it seems OK, but once you are all of a sudden it's a big deal and they don't like it.  I've seen that happen in other companies.

If you're really not sure how they will react I would wait until you are and go from there.  Good luck!!!

Also, one last thing, is your company big enough to have to do FMLA?  I think it's 50 employees but don't remember at the moment...once you are there twelve months in most cases you would qualify to take unpaid leave up to 12 weeks, if you can afford it of course.

 

---

goddessofrock
Message #1026 - 11/06/08 08:09 PM



Zynn~~ I am due in January and will probably only take the 6 weeks of short term disability. I can take 12 weeks but only 6 are paid (and only at 60%! What a ripoff!!)

 

This was not planned, otherwise I would have saved up some extra vacay and sick time. DH works from home and plans on watching the baby, so I don't know much about daycare. But I plan on saving my one week of vacay time for a week away sometime in the summer or early fall for the 3 of us. If we had been TTC I would have not taken much of a vacay in 08 and carried most of my vacay time over into 2009...

[Virgil Showlion]

sjk279
Message #1027 - 11/06/08 08:13 PM

I hope I get pregnant soon (I started clomid yesterday, YAY!). I get the 12 weeks of FMLA. the first 6 are STD: week 1 is full pay, the next 5 are at 90% pay, then the other 6 weeks are a combo of any leftover vacation and unpaid. We've been working on paying off bills and freeing up cash flow for the unpaid time and for daycare. Yay! I'm sending in the final check for my car tonight!

---

Zynn
Message #1028 - 11/06/08 08:21 PM



Thanks, goddess, I wish DH could work from home but they don't often allow police officers to do that !  I will be saving up my vacation time now too - except for the birth of my sister's sixth child in February, which I will use two days for.  We are allowed to carry over too and that's something I hadn't thought of.

 

SJK - good luck on the clomid!  Your STD sounds FANTASTIC!!!!!  Ours pays 55% of weekly wages, period, which I will likely only get 4-6 weeks of depending how things go.  And congrats on paying off your car!  We're doing the same thing, and we'll be paying off my car next month - it's such a great feeling.

 

Anyway I plan on taking the full 12 weeks of FMLA, so I'll need to save up for what time frame vacation and STD won't cover.  After that I'm hoping DH can take some vacation as well and comp time if they allow him to.

---

sjk279
Message #1029 - 11/06/08 08:30 PM



My mom went back to work 5 weeks after having my sister... OMG, I can't believe she did that! (school couldn't find a spanish sub for her, and she had an obligation to her students)

Yeah, my STD benefit is pretty good. I guess the non-exempt people is only 66%, (which I think is carpy BTW, since they tend to earn less than exempt) but it is nice working for a large company. We'll see what happens when I do get preggo, I work in a male-dominated company, and in my current office, there are 36 of us, only 6 are women, and only 2 of us are in the child bearing years. (though 1 is right out of college, the other 4 have college aged kids) could be interesting.

---

mom2abi
Message #1030 - 11/06/08 08:55 PM



sjk, good luck ttc!  Looks like you've got a good financial plan in place.

supermariobros, I actually just found this page the other day, it has some great info and links about bf'ing.  www.kellymom.com/bf/pumping/milkstorage.html 

---

anne81
Message #1031 - 11/06/08 09:10 PM



good luck to those who are ttc!

 

I called my insurance and they cover a breast pump with my copay so I went and picked it up today.  That was very good news.

---

sjk279
Message #1032 - 11/06/08 09:15 PM

thanks, ClassicalCat! I was a bit bummed when I didn't get a BFP right away in June, but it's so much of a better time for DH and me! I think my body said that I can only handle 3-4 stressers at one time, and that was NOT the time to get preggo. Hope that the clomid does the trick, my ovaries are warming up already! LOL.

[Virgil Showlion]

Holly Smith
Message #1033 - 11/07/08 06:18 AM

I called my insurance and they cover a breast pump with my copay so I went and picked it up today.

Which pump did you get?

---

anne81
Message #1034 - 11/07/08 05:14 PM

They only had one; the medela pump in style in either the backpack or the shoulder.  I had to drive out to a medical supply store so they would bill the insurance.

---

bogart
Message #1035 - 11/07/08 05:44 PM

Zynn,

I've been lucky to be able to cut back my work hours (to 30/week) & keep benefits (I work at a university; they are often more flexible/generous with benefits), but I do use daycare.  I went with an in-home place because I like the continuity of care (zero turnover), small number of kids (5), and was lucky to find a great one near my home. 

While there's lots of rhetoric about the importance of staying home with babies, I went back to work (part-time) at 2 months and was very happy to do so.  A major advantage of this for us in the longer term was that my son was totally oblivious to strangers at that age and by the time he knew enough to worry, his care providers weren't strangers to him.  Also, to be honest, I find him a lot more fun now at 18 months than I did at 2 and am glad I went back earlier than I might have but used the part-time option -- a good trade off for me.

Different states have different daycare regulations; in mine, in-home providers are licensed and regulated and as I say I found a setting we like.  The important thing is to (a) know your state's rules and (b) look into the places you are considering.  But since you said your DH is a police officer, maybe if your baby is especially unruly DH can be given a special "beat" to watch him at home .

Oh, now that DS is older I am VERY glad we have him in daycare because he really enjoys being around other kids and that is his main opportunity to do so.

---

boos_mom
Message #1036 - 11/07/08 06:12 PM



Zynn - in-home care (or HDCP - home day care provider) is usually cheaper than center-based care, especially for infants.  Around here, infant center care is usually $1000-$1400/mo.  Licensed HDCPs charge between $600-$700/mo.  I chose HDCP for #1 when she was 6 mo-18 mo, and then moved her to a preschool.  I plan on doing the same with #2.  I like that HDCP can become like extended family, where they really provide love and nurturing to your baby.  Staff turnover at daycare centers can be very high (be sure to ask when visiting a center).  But, a HDCP situation is much more likely to require you to take more time off when they are closed for vacation or sick days (or if they have young children who are sick).  So, there are always pros and cons for both types of care.  For me, only if I could not find a good, trustworthy HDCP, then I would resort to a center for caring for my infant.  I prefer the HDCP family setting when the child is young.  When the time comes, ask around for referrals and visit both types of care and see which one YOU prefer, because that's all that matters.  You have to be able to get along with the center staff or HDCP in order for it to work.  Returning to work is hard enough, but nearly impossible to do if you can't find a childcare arrangement that is good for you and your baby. 

And I do agree with bogart, that it's a lot more fun when they're 6 months and older and really interacting with the world and people around them.  #2 has started laughing and he's got a wicked laugh/snort.  Too funny! 

---

sam0402
Message #1037 - 11/07/08 06:22 PM

Zynn,  My work is large enough but does not qualify for FMLA.  I am sure that I can use the STD for it though.  I know now that we will star trying with in the next week or so.  We will see what happens.  Thanks for the advice.

---

Zynn
Message #1038 - 11/07/08 07:37 PM



Well you guys have made me feel a lot better.  I guess being surrounded by so many SAHMs or former SAHMs had me a little paranoid.  Boos_mom, thanks a million! I have read your post four times now.  Here in OK we do have licensed HDCPs and hopefully either I or DH can get referrals when/if I get pregnant.

Bogart many thanks to you too...DH is waiting for that special "patrol assignment" LOL!  Little does he know...maybe he doesn't remember when his nephew was a colicky newborn.  I know I will never forget that!  That was truly horrific.  SIL was living with IL at the time as was DH (DBF at that time lo these many years ago).

Seriously though DH has claimed he wants names and dates of birth for any staff so he can "run them" through the system...geez.  He's seriously a nanny cam kind of guy too, I will have to inspect the diaper bag daily to make sure it's not bugged.  I'm not kidding he really is that paranoid.  Guess we are quite a pair!!!

[Virgil Showlion]

mamajet
Message #1039 - 11/07/08 09:54 PM



Zynn,

 

It really depends on you, your DH, and the baby.  For Mac, I used 3 different options, a highly recommended daycare center, a licensed in-home daycare, and a private one-on-one provider (a friend who only charged daycare rates).

 

For him, the private care worked best when he was little because he would not sleep unless being held or in a swing.  The friend watched him until the daycare had an opening.  Even though the daycare was highly recommended, it never worked out for us.  Was perfect for some of the other kids in there.  Mac never slept for more than 15 minutes.  I tried it for 2 months and then took him back to private care with the friend.

When Mac was a year old, I put him in a private home daycare I found on craigslist.  This really worked out best for us.  We were absolutely comfortable with the providers and he loved to go.  I hated to move away from this childcare.  My brother is watching him at home while I am in school now, but Mac desperately misses playing with other kids.

 

Next semester, I am going to enroll him in a daycare or preschool.  I don't know what I will do with the new baby yet.  I just haven't found the right place.  The moral of the story:  Do what works best for you and listen very carefully to the needs of your child.

 

No matter what, have backup care arranged.  The big daycare had a strict sick child policy.  Mac's little friend was constantly being sent home sick, until him mom (who I worked with) was close to losing her job because of having to leave to pick her up.  The in-home daycare sent home contagious children or kids who were miserable being there because they were sick.  Much more flexible.

---

Holly Smith
Message #1040 - 11/07/08 10:48 PM

Anne, I can't believe you got a PISA for just a co-pay.  That's great!  It's a very good pump, and their customer service is outstanding.  My battery pack died and my backpack was falling apart and they sent me a whole new pump- everything new.  I called them on Thursday at 1 pm and I had the new pump in my hands at 9 am the next morning.  I just boxed up the old pump in the new box and they sent UPS to pick it up a few days later.  They also let me keep all the plastic equipment from both the old and new packages, so I got four new bottles, two new tubes and two new shields.

I heart Medela!

---

MittenKitten
Message #1041 - 11/10/08 03:54 AM



Holly:  I had a similar experience with them.  I used mine LOTS and at 10 months it died.  They sent me a new one no problem, just needed a copy of the receipt (which I bought at the hospital since insurance paid for it).  They have to let you keep the plastic stuff as once the BM touches it they can no longer use it as it is considered contaminated. 

Zynn:  In home daycare here is so much cheaper then the center based so I went with a woman I really liked.  I recommended her to many friends who sent their kids to her also.  I interviewed several (they are licensed here also).  DS#1 went there full time until he was 2 and then parttime until he was 3.  I then had DS#2 and had to quit working outside the home and DS#1 started preschool.  I think it makes more sense financially to go in home for at least the first couple of years.  Around 3 I probably would have moved him so he got more of a preschool/learning setting.  Good luck!  Oh and I had NO maternity benefits and worked for a school system.  I had to use my vacation and sick time and once it was gone I went unpaid.

---

goddessofrock
Message #1042 - 11/11/08 09:24 PM

Ok, I am about to have a panic attack... I am at 31 weeks and the company stock went below $1 this week. They keep telling us everything is going to be fine, but I am not so sure that is not a crock of you know what at this point... Is anyone else having a freakout worthy week so far??!!

---

anne81
Message #1043 - 11/12/08 12:47 AM



holly and mittenkitten - it's nice to hear good things about the pump.  I was thrilled to find out I could get it for a copay.

 

goddess - I wish I had something reassuring to tell you that you haven't already told yourself.  I'm crossing my fingers for you that your company and your position remain stable (I'm not a prayer.)  Is your resume up to date? 

 

The bad financial news has got me rolling every day.  At first (just a few months ago) I was much more mellow, feeling like things would recover, and just to ride the rollercoaster.  Now I'm afraid at what this infectious panic and constant wave of bad news is going to do.   DH and I had some concerns about the money/financial situation so he's been talking to his dad about the business. 

---

boos_mom
Message #1044 - 11/18/08 07:51 AM



how is everyone doing? 

I can't believe it's almost Thanksgiving!  I am so not in the mood for the holiday craziness this year.  Nor do I feel like gift shopping.

I think I'm just sad because I'll be going back to work at the end of December and time is going by so quickly.  I'm really anxious about finding a good HDCP.  There are a couple that might have openings available in January, but they don't seem to be in a rush to do interviews yet.  However, for me, I'm so anxious and worried about finding someone that I just want to interview and get it over with so that I don't have to worry about it anymore.  But, I don't want to scare them off, be some "overbearing" parent they don't want to deal with.  Just breathe and have faith that one of the two will have space and accept baby into their care.

[Virgil Showlion]

ARMD
Message #1045 - 11/18/08 02:38 PM

boos_mom-I wish you the best in trying to find a HDCP for your little one. I know how hard it can be as I am a HDCP myself and every HDCP including myself does not have any infant openings right now. I am due January 25th and am glad that I won't be looking for daycare. I am just hoping that my parents will be able to find someone to watch their children while I take some time off as most people around here are full. Hopefully, you will be able to find a spot for your little one soon as we all know how fast time flies and how crazy life can get with the holidays upon us.

I am also not totally looking forward to the holidays this year, but mostly because I have GD and will have to watch what and how much I eat very carefully. I can hardly wait until this pregnancy is complete and baby hopefully arrives healthy and strong with no complications.

Best wishes to everyone who is expecting or has a little one.

---

sjk279
Message #1046 - 11/18/08 02:41 PM

Morning  ladies! Well, clomid round 1 is over and now the monitoring co-pays are killing me! They want to check for development and since they don't know my cycle I went in too early. Thankfully DH and I overplanned for flex money this year (he stopped some of his expensive prescriptions) so that is coming in handy. I so hope that I have an uneventful pregnancy, because going to the dr. twice a week is interfering with my work! Ack.

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Wisconsin Beth
Message #1047 - 11/18/08 03:32 PM

For moms thinking about making their own baby food, once your LO's get that old, check out www.wholesomebabyfood.com/  I've started making food for DD and it's not real hard and it's cheaper by far. 

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bogart
Message #1048 - 11/18/08 04:30 PM

sjk279, good luck with your cycle!  As an IVF mom, I can definitely empathize with the inconvenience of all the monitoring!  Hang in there and take good (and kind) care of yourself.

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anne81
Message #1049 - 11/18/08 05:39 PM

boos-mom: hope you find a good daycare soon!

ARMD: it's no fun to have to watch what you eat during the holidays.  I've cooked a holiday dinner for diabetic guests and it's shocking how much sugar there actually is in the traditional foods.

sjk279 - wow!  Two appointments a week is really hard to schedule.  Good luck!

As for me - I can't stand for more than 10-15 minutes at a time and I can't lay down for more than an hour because of my back and the right side of my pelvis.  It's really strange.  And painful.  So I've been sent to a physical therapist twice a week.  We'll see how it goes.  And the swelling is becoming noticeable.  But the baby is rolling around like mad and one of the women who is due at the same time as me had her baby so I got to see photos of what our babies look like at this point.

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sbcaligirl
Message #1050 - 12/02/08 02:10 AM



We found out last week we're having a girl!!! I'm excited because that's what I was hoping for but DH is a little wary of having two of me (as he says it) in the house but is happy as well.  The doc said the baby is looking a little bigger than average for 20 weeks but that could just be because DH is 6'4 and I'm almost 5'8. 

She did give me the lecture again about watching my weight and making sure I don't gain too much which is really starting to irritate me.  I gained 12 lbs in the first trimester while I was barely eating anything at all because of morning sickness and now, I've gained a total of 20 lbs.  I feel like the first 12 were nothing I had any control over - after talking to my mom and several of my aunts, I concluded that apparently the women in my family retain fluids like mad when they're pregnant.  Regardless, I just don't like the doctor anyways and am glad I normally see the midwives.  The midwives just recommend I don't eat thousands of extra calories per day and try to walk a bit each week - both of which I'm doing so for now I'm just going to try and stick with their advice.

They did my glucose early (because of family history) and I passed with flying colors so I may not have to do another one - yeah!!

Now if I could just sleep thru the night....

[Virgil Showlion]

anne81
Message #1051 - 12/02/08 03:32 AM

sbcaligirl - yay for your little girl!  It's so exciting to find out the gender.  I gained abut 10 lbs. in just the weekend after my morning sickness eased.   I love the midwives I've been seeing.  I gained 5 lbs in a week and they told me not to worry as long as it doesn't continue - because of fluid retention!

---

livingalmostlarge
Message #1052 - 12/02/08 02:24 PM

Congrats sbcaligirl! I decided after New Years I'm tossing the damn birth control.  Screw my career and everything else.  It will work out. I'm 30 and ready and so is DH.  

I'm just waiting till after my Las Vegas trip because I don't want my MIL nattering at me about why I'm not drinking.  It would be too obvious if I didn't have a glass of wine or something.

Also should I order these ovulation and pregnancy? kit?http://www.amazon.com/Combo-Ovulation-Tests-Early-Pregnancy/dp/B000GI00GA/ref=pd_bbs_sr_7?ie=UTF8&s=hpc&qid=1228227942&sr=8-7


I know I'm being obsessive, but honestly I don't have a regular period. I am on birth control, but monthly I test for pregnancy because I sometimes get and sometimes not get my period.  My DH thinks I'm nuts.

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anne81
Message #1053 - 12/02/08 03:10 PM

living - I used a website you have to pay for to chart ovulation because like you I have very irregular periods.  It's called Fertility Friend.  There are free charts available on the internet as well.  Because I'm obsessive I also used the ovulation predictor strips.  Just to warn you - I got pregnant the first month I actually charted and used the strips.  I was expecting it to take a few months even with the charting because I'd dropped BC the year before for a few months and hadn't gotten pregnant.  I definitely recommend the pregnancy test strips from the internet because the strips are waaay cheaper than the tests you can buy at the pharmacy.

edited; and you should start the icky prenatals now

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goddessofrock
Message #1054 - 12/02/08 03:27 PM

all of the sudden my belly is ginormous! ACK!

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sjk279
Message #1055 - 12/02/08 03:32 PM



Living, if you are irregular, start temping and whatnot to start tracking yourself. And if you are extremely irregular, contact your OB asap. I am only on my 4th cycle since the beginning of June. My doctor is trying to force me to have a regular cycle using Provera (to start AF) and clomid (to help me O). I wish I would have known how crazy my cycles are, I would have gone off BCP 6 months prior to starting and figured out everything ahead of time. I added in an extra stress of 60+ day cycles when I was finally ready to the pill.

Good luck to you!

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anne81
Message #1056 - 12/02/08 03:32 PM

I measured my belly and it grew an inch in a week!

[Virgil Showlion]

New-Mummy
Message #1057 - 12/02/08 06:40 PM



Hi ladies.  We decided we're going to spend Yule with my family and as usual go to DH's family for New Years.  Before we spent Yule at home and then did Boxing Day with my folks, but it ended up not seeming fair to me, because DH's family just basically held their Christmas until New Year's so all that did was make us miss out on the celebration I was used to and we'd pretty much just spend all day staring at each other.  Just not a happening thing this year.

 

So, Father Christmas (aka my da) is going loopy.  My mum had agreed 1 toy, 1 ornament, 1 or 2 sets of clothes from them - but she called yesterday and said she's having difficulty reigning my father in so could we just put some of it out from Father Christmas so the boy doesn't get overwhelmed unwrapping.   She said they'll go through the store and he'll say "Oh, but he would love this!"  The boy is going to be overwhelmed. So, guess I'll just feel like an inadequate parent - not that he in any way needs toys at all, just that I'm not going to be the one with "the winner." I'm spending hours refurbishing this cool wooden train set my brother dug out of the attic.  He's not going to look twice at it.  My sister ended up bringing him all sorts of things at Thanksgiving because she lives so far away and was stockpiling, the boy is going to be spoiled rotten.

 

So what do we do about the overzealous gift-givers?  I'm guessing I'm just going to have to hide away some of the toys until he gets tired of a few of them, play the rotation game.   We've already started on a big clean-out to get rid of the things that he's really too old for (like the shape sorter and such).

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sjk279
Message #1058 - 12/02/08 07:13 PM

So what do we do about the overzealous gift-givers? 

If it gets bad, then donate them to a toy drive/women's shelter, some place that actually needs toys. You need to tell them to stop. Your boy may LOVE some of the gifts, but its not necessary. If they can't stop, then ask them to donate it themselves.

I've read your other posts about how overbearing they can be. Stand your ground. Keep reminding them that it's not about the gifts. If they still want to buy stuff, then tell them to put the money in a savings account. That will be better used than some random toy.

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livingalmostlarge
Message #1059 - 12/02/08 08:09 PM

WOMEN'S SHELTER!  I volunteer and dropped off a ton of stuff I didn't need.  I think there are more women there than in previous years with children.  It's been a rough year for families.

What the heck is the pregnancy strips?  

Since I've been on BC since high school I have no idea what is regular.  I was on depo for 10 years and no period. Then 3 years I though maybe kids, so I switched.  Then nothing for a year which wasn't unusual.  Then here and there.  But it could be due to the fact that I'm on the nuva ring.  So the ob/gyn said just try it I'm too young to worry.

But i'm anal retentive and I'm hit with baby fever so I was thinking, just do it in january!  Yeah right.

---

anne81
Message #1060 - 12/02/08 08:16 PM

 I'm spending hours refurbishing this cool wooden train set my brother dug out of the attic.  He's not going to look twice at it.

I promise you it will be there long after all the plastic toys go.  DH, his father, and his uncle have all saved their toys that a lot of work went into and still have emotional attachments like the wooden train sets, model airplanes, cool letter blocks, etc.  Some of these toys are 65 years old!

I'm guessing I'm just going to have to hide away some of the toys until he gets tired of a few of them, play the rotation game.   We've already started on a big clean-out to get rid of the things that he's really too old for (like the shape sorter and such).

If they still want to buy stuff, then tell them to put the money in a savings account.

These are great ideas.

DH really eased my fears on spoiling kids.  He had a grandmother who literally got the kids everything they wanted at Christmas - they got to go to the toy store and pick it all out! We were talking about how he ended up not being spoiled and super-materialistic and he said that his parents just made it really clear that that was something grandma did - not to expect it from anyone else.  He didn't get any toys at any other time of the year.  He also had to repair toys he broke.

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anne81
Message #1061 - 12/02/08 08:17 PM

What the heck is the pregnancy strips? 

They are just tests to see if you are pregnant that you dip into your urine.  It's what dr's offices use.  Basically it's the preg test without the plastic cover.  It costs like $5 for 25 of them rather than $15 for two.  And the cost of those little disposable paper cups.

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goddessofrock
Message #1062 - 12/02/08 10:02 PM



My parents gave us a lot of christmas presents. Mom's parents have always given us something meaningful but Dad's parents and sister ALWAYS SPOILED US especially growing up.

 

We knew that was just because my grandparents wanted to and they had the money and only 2 kids and 3 grandkids. Mom's parents probably would have too but they are 10 years younger and have 5 kids and 15 grandkids. So we kind of grew up knowing that people give what they can and what they feel like giving.

 

If your kiddo gets more presents than he can use, graciously accept them and donate whatever to the salvation army etc. Or go through his old toys between now and christmas and start donating them to make space.

 

[Virgil Showlion]

kristi28
Message #1063 - 12/03/08 03:12 AM



Hi Ladies:

Sorry to have dropped off the edge of the earth a few weeks ago.  I was diagnosed with pre-eclampsia almost three weeks ago and hospitalized.  I was induced the following day, as the magnesium that they were giving me was not adequately controlling my blood pressure.  DD wasn't doing well with labor, so I ended up with a c-section; DD was born slightly more than 3 weeks early, but thankfully she didn't need any help to breath.  We are back home now and doing well, although more than a little sleep deprived.  She was only about five and a half pounds at birth, but she is growing like a weed.

Hope all is going well for those of you getting close to d-day.  Good luck to those trying to conceive.  I think that baby girl may be drifting off to sleep, so I'd better go get some shut eye myself.

~Kristi

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anne81
Message #1064 - 12/03/08 03:34 AM

Kristi - I'm so glad you and your little girl are home and healthy!  Pre-eclampsia is so scary.

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ARMD
Message #1065 - 12/03/08 07:14 AM

Kristi-I'm glad that everything turned out well for you and your little girl. The doctor found extra protein in my urine and is watching me closely to make sure it doesn't turn into preeclampsia. I am wondering how you dealt with it and what type of symptoms you had. I've read some about preeclampsia but still don't quite understand it. Some tips would be helpful. Thanks.

I also need to just vent a little and am not sure where else to do it, so here it goes. My MIL, G-o-d bless her, sometimes just doesn't know when to shut up. She and my FIL were here to visit my DH for his 30th birthday and stayed with us for a week. Maybe it's just me, but it was really weird to have her tell my pastor how radiant I look and how much pregnancy seems to agree with me. I'm a pretty private person and was a bit embarrassed to stand there and listen to her tell my pastor those things. She also implied that considering how much pregnancy seemed to agree with me that we should have many more children. FYI, I want 2 kids and DH wants 3 (I am hoping that he may change his mind after this first one). Anyways, I guess it really bothered me because this pregnancy has not been a totally easy one, and she made it sound like it has been. It has been fairly uneventful until just recently, but many things have happened in the last month including being diagnosed with GD and the doctor finding extra high levels of protein in my urine, which concerns her a bit since it could turn into preeclampsia. I was also diagnosed with Group B strep in about my 3rd month of pregnancy I think it was. This pregnancy has by no means been something that I really want to repeat anytime soon. I guess I am just bothered by the fact that other people always seem to think they know what is best for you or think they know what you are going through. In MIL's case, I know that most of the time she just really doesn't think about how what she says may affect the other person. Maybe I'm just being overly emotional about the whole thing, but it really bothers me that even though she knows about these conditions, she still seems to act like I'm not having difficulty with any of them and should just be able to pop out as many kids as G-o-d sees fit. It was just kind of embarrassing listening to her go on. I kind of laughed the whole thing off and told the story about my mom's doctor telling her that she should have a dozen kids as easy as her deliveries were, and my dad asking the doctor if he was going to pay for them. Anyways, I just needed to vent a bit. I'm feeling pretty emotionally and physically drained lately and just needed to get that off my chest. I am so ready for this baby to come (due Jan. 25) just so I can get back to some type of normalcy at least bodily with the diet and such. I am so tired of having to watch what and how much I eat and when and having this nagging in the back of my head now about the whole protein level thing and something possibly going wrong where the baby ends up coming early and the possible effects of that. It also makes me wonder what else could possibly happen to make this pregnancy any more complicated or high risk. I'm probably over complicating things, but these are things that you tend to think won't happen to you, and then when they do, you don't know how to react. So, some reassurance would be nice about now.

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boos_mom
Message #1066 - 12/03/08 07:36 AM



Hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving!  The positive news is that I scheduled our interview with the HDCP for next week.  We also met with a non-licensed sitter (obtained via a referral), and she is my back-up choice if the licensed HDCP does not mesh well with us/baby.  (We did meet with another licened HDCP, and I didn't feel like #2 would be cared for in a nurturing way, rather than seen as just a "paying" slot, so we're not going with that one.) 

So, I am less stressed out now.  Plus, I got a bunch of gift shopping done over the weekend.  Shopping for all the kids on our list is usually the most time-consuming, so I'm glad a lot of that is done with.

ARMD - I sympathize with you.  #1 arrived in early January, and I really had trouble with eating during the holidays b/c even though mentally I wanted to eat all the delicious food, physically, my stomach could not take a lot of food in at the end.  Of course, you're worse off because you really have to watch your diet!  Hopefully, you'll have belated indulgences once baby is born.  Plan for DH picking up nicer take-out for you two in those early weeks and save your energy. 

ETA: Your hormones are probably working overtime, and of course what your MIL said will bother you.  However, saying something to her probably will not change anything.  Obviously she knows that your pregnancy isn't "easy" but because you LOOK great, then the problems must not be "that bad" in her mind.  Maybe she's in denial or she's just obtuse.  Basically, it's your body and your decision as to how many and when you conceive the next one.  I'm very happy with 'only' two kids, even if it was 2 kids of the same gender.  For some reason, people always comment on how "perfect" it is that we have one of each.  I was so ready to have two girls.  But, oh well, I'm still stopping at two.  And people at work did comment at how great I looked when I was pregnant.  But, I didn't feel great and they weren't "easy" pregnancies, but I agree that it being your MIL saying that stuff would be extremely disturbing given your circumstances.

sbcali - Congrats!  I was so glad to have the girl first.  Because if I only had one child, I definitely wanted a daughter.  Just watch out for all the cute girl clothes.  I too just tried to increase the walking exercise a little more to help with slowing the weight gain with #1.  Plus, it was nice to go walking with DH, our extra bonding time before #1's arrival.

living - I was also irregular prior to getting pregnant with #1.  (After she was born, I did become more regular.)  I used the ovulation sticks for #2; I didn't want to end up taking 12 months to conceive the second time around.  I think we got pregnant the second month after I started using the ovulation sticks. 

NewMummy - donating the extra toys is a great idea.  I also save gifts that got unwrapped but never opened to play with and bring them out throughout the year.  There are bound to be toys that may be a little advanced for him, so you can definitely save those for later.  Also, if your son will be starting preschool, they are always looking for donations.  Even if you do talk with your family, that may not stop the gifts.  So, you may just want to cut back on your own gift buying and save that money instead.  But, the wooden train will be a huge hit, I'm sure!

kristi - Congrats on your little girl!  I'm glad everything turned out okay even with all of the issues that came up.  Enjoy!

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livingalmostlarge
Message #1067 - 12/03/08 03:38 PM

Thanks, Kristi glad to hear you and your daughter are doing well!  Happy Holidays?

Would it be rude to ask everyone how long it took everyone to conceive?  Was it unplanned?  If so what failed to cause the pregnancy?

I'm trying the fertile friend, taking my temperature, I wonder how it will work.

---

Wisconsin Beth
Message #1068 - 12/03/08 04:12 PM

kristi, congratulations on your DD! 

I would rotate or donate the toys.  I know MIL will go overboard with stuffed animals, as she has a history of it with other granddaughter.  DH and I talked about it during the pregnancy, so in theory we have an agreement on how we'll handle it (he's probably forgotten it though by now though.)

Mine was unplanned.  DH was told he'd need surgery on "the boys" and I was on BC for the PCOS.  I got careless with the pills and was shocked to discover I was pregnant.  DD is going to be 7 months tomorrow. 

[Virgil Showlion]

AandKinTX
Message #1069 - 12/03/08 04:16 PM



Well, DH and I got a little careless with the BC, I went off the pill when we got married and we weren't so good about using other methods.  So I first was PG in fall of last year, but had a miscarriage at 10 weeks.  I lost a lot of blood (had to have a transfusion) and it took awhile to get healthy again. 

 

So we talked a lot about when to have a baby, we had originally planned on 2010, but the miscarriage made us relook at priorities and what not.  We decided to try again soon, but sitting at happy hour one night, I got a little giggly and said to DH, "lets go home a make a baby."  I am pretty sure we did that night, and our little girl is due January 30th.

---

mom2abi
Message #1070 - 12/03/08 04:41 PM



ARMD, I understand how you feel!  Even though I'm not having noticeable mood swings, there are things that I find much more annoying than usual.  When it comes in the form of unsolicited advice and opinions, I just try to think of it as coming from excitement about the baby.  Maybe your MIL is trying to keep from worrying about the potential issues with your pregnancy by focusing on the positive.  In any case I am sorry that she upset you.  If it makes you feel any better, I really had to bite my tongue on Thanksgiving when my MIL started asking about what we're going to do with our cats after the baby's born.  They are primarily indoor pets and she thinks we should put them outside.  I told her we had bought a crib tent and she just gave me a disapproving look and told me we'd have to watch them all the time.  I was so mad; I mean I don't expect her to understand that our pets are our babies, too (although not nearly as important as the LO!), but I know tons of people who have indoor pets and infants and I did not appreciate the automatic assumption that I'd made a bad parenting choice before we can even give the arrangement a chance.  Anyway...my due date is Jan 25, too!

boos_mom, we recently found a daycare and it was a huge relief.  I was really worried about having to wait until the last minute to see who had openings and then not being able to find anyone, or at least anyone we liked.  I'm glad you were able to schedule your interviews and find a backup!

living, it took us about 3 1/2 months to conceive.  I'd been on the pill for 6 1/2 years and went off of it at the end of December last year.  Got pregnant in April.  We weren't actively trying as in monitoring ovulation or anything, we were going to give it a few months before doing that.

---

anne81
Message #1071 - 12/03/08 05:47 PM

boos_mom - hope the daycare works out for you!

ARMD - I have a lot of sympathy for you.  Being pregnant has been so much harder on my body than I imagined and I'm ready for it to be over.  Before this one I thought we were having three - now I'm pretty sure it's just the one.  I get a lot of "once you have this baby you'll want many, many more" even from people who know the details of the problems I've had.  Maybe that's true but it sure feels like they are minimizing/ignoring the discomfort and difficulties of this pregnancy.   I try to remind myself that they are just excited and want more grandchildren - which kind of keeps me from strangling them.

---

livingalmostlarge
Message #1072 - 12/03/08 08:01 PM

Sounds promising that people weren't actively trying and got pregnant easily.  I hope it's that easy.

So any other tips about conceiving?

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sjk279
Message #1073 - 12/03/08 08:13 PM

people weren't actively trying and got pregnant easily.

And then when you try it changes completely! LOL... I've been trying since June, nothing yet, but my long cycles aren't helping matters out... and it turns out that my OB thinks my endocrinologist is a quack (my words, not his) and my thyroid levels are a bit off. Hopefully it'll happen soon... I'm starting round 2 of clomid Friday.

So, my biggest recommendation to you is to get a physical now, get thyroid levels, family history, etc everything checked out. Talk to your OB right now about the fact that you have long cycles and what you can do to help increase your odds.

My goal isn't to be the Debbie Downer of the group, but I didn't take the advice of people to go off BCP a few months prior to trying and I regret it. I want to make sure that others aren't as stubborn and naive as me. Once you're ready, you don't want any health issues holding you back.

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goddessofrock
Message #1074 - 12/03/08 08:32 PM



livingalmostlarge...

 

I went to Brazil by myself for 2 weeks and hung out with DH's mom and met the fam. I got an antimalaria shot about a week before I went and my doctor and the pharmacist apparently did not know that this could interfere with your birth control...

 

Let's just say that hubby missed me and we conceived the day I got home...

[Virgil Showlion]

shawnamy-Ashlynn is 22 months
Message #1075 - 12/03/08 08:43 PM

I was on the pill for a few years and stopped taking it at the beginning of last December.  DH and I figured we would just see what happened, but I got impatient so I finally talked him into using an ovulation kit in May, and we conceived that month.  Our little angel is due February 20.  We're having a girl.

I'm very fortunate that my parents are going to be watching her when I go back to work.

I've been very luck with an easy pregnancy so far.  I've had nausea and morning sickness, but not too bad.  Still have the morning sickness, but not as often, so I deal with it.  I still sleep perfectly fine, in the last week or so my hips have started to hurt, so I wake up and have to roll over to my other side a few times a night, but then go right back to sleep.

---

WigglinRoom
Message #1076 - 12/03/08 09:19 PM



This may seem like a pretty straight-forward question - but I cannot seem to get any "real" answers from relatives (also, I come from a family that doesn't really "talk" about these things (ie - pregnancy, sex, etc)...) ... But, DH is interested in having kids. He LOVES kids (and, he's amazing with them, it's refreshing to see)...

 

But, I am [irrationally] terrified of a few things about pregnancy - and the worst thing, in my book, would be having an episiotomy.

 

Has anyone had any experience with this? My DH is admittedly "in the dark" about pregnancy related issues - so telling him I want to hold off on baby making because I have irrational fears about these things isn't working, in his book  He'll go, "A what? Episode-otomy?"

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sjk279
Message #1077 - 12/03/08 09:30 PM

LOL Wigglin... that is my deepest and darkest fear right now too! What really helped me was to join a pregnancy message board (I like the MSN pregnancy the best). You'll find that most ladies have/had the same fears and are able to tell you their experiences so it isn't too bad.

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livingalmostlarge
Message #1078 - 12/03/08 10:15 PM

Where is this MSN pregnancy board?  sjk, I asked my ob/gyn and she said no worries.  She said there wasn't a need to test my thyroid, etc for a full physical. She said it was the BC so until I went off and saw what my cycle would be like for the first time in 15 years then I should talk to her.

---

ARMD
Message #1079 - 12/03/08 10:55 PM

I was on birth control for about 3 years and it took us about 11 months to conceive. At first, we weren't really trying, but were making love pretty frequently around the supposed time of my ovulation. However, as the months stretched on and on and no baby, we decided to get more serious. I started tracking my temperature everyday, and we started researching other ideas. One thing that we found that we had no clue could even be an issue was the fact that using most lubricants can cause the sperm to not be effective. We started using Pre-seed lubricant instead of what we were using, and I got pregnant about a month or two later. So, if you use lubricant just be aware that it can affect the time it takes you to get pregnant. I can't prove one way or another if the lube was really the culprit, in our case, but it sure didn't hurt anything either. It can be a bit costly if you end up using it for more than a month or two, but so are a lot of other methods such as ovulation kits. It just depends on what you are comfortable with.

---

anne81
Message #1080 - 12/03/08 11:38 PM

"A what? Episode-otomy?"

I think this depends on your provider and the facility you go to.  From what I hear they are pretty rare at the hospital I'm giving birth at.  The practice that I go to is pretty up to date and the newest studies have shown that episiotomies can actually make things worse.  From everything I've heard from other women though it's not really all that bad - especially after hours of labor.

I won't tell you the things that I'm irrationally afraid of about pregnancy/giving birth - they are waaay scarier than episiotomies.

[Virgil Showlion]

Amazon Hunter
Message #1081 - 12/03/08 11:52 PM

ARMD--Maybe she was trying to pay you a compliment by saying those things to someone whom you respect....  I could be off base, but most pregnant women don't really believe that they look beautiful because it can be such a trying time.  I've seen several women on the board comment about how big their bellys are, but those looking at you don't see a big, ugly belly.  They see something beautiful.  It sounds like your MIL doesn't know when to shut up, but perhaps she was trying to make you feel better in her own way.  Best Wishes.

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sjk279
Message #1082 - 12/04/08 01:45 AM

You can find the Pregnancy boards [boards.msn.com/Healthboards/thread.aspx?threadid=382238] Here. Glad to hear that all is well with you health wise. Good luck when you start TTC!

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kristi28
Message #1083 - 12/04/08 02:21 AM



We were TTC - I went off BC, waited a couple of months for everything to settle into a pattern, and then we started.  It only took us a few months.

ARMD: I hesitate to tell you this, because I think it was good that I didn't know how serious this problem is.  DH would have been completely freaking out if he had known.  I also don't remember how far along you are, so I don't know how relevant this will be, but....

I went to a regular appointment on Monday, four weeks before my due date; they found some protein in my urine.  I also had a slightly elevated blood pressure.  They had me come back on Thursday of the same week just to have my blood pressure checked.  My doctor told me that I should consider bringing my bag to the Thursday appointment, "just in case".  I went in on Thursday, and had a BP of 150/90; they had me check myself into the hospital immediately.

As best as I understand, the real problem with pre-eclampsia is the risk of kidney damage and seizure.  My doctor said that the protein can be in your urine because your kidneys aren't doing so well, and if your BP gets too high, it can cause seizures which can be life threatening.  Since I was far enough along, they put me on magnesium, which relaxes muscles and is supposed to keep your BP down.  The meds helped some, but the side effects are nasty.  I retained so much water that my face became completely round, and I didn't have the strength to lift my legs. It made it difficult or impossible to focus my eyes, and I had lots of double vision.  Oh, and they won't let you eat anything when you are on the stuff. 

My BP didn't get any worse, but it didn't get any better, either, so they decided that I needed to be induced.  They gave me something to soften my cervix, then started me on pitocin first thing on Friday morning.  I labored for much of Friday, but baby girl didn't look too good on the monitors, and I wasn't progressing very well.  I ended up with a c-section.  They kept me on the magnesium for a quite a while after DD was born, as my BP didn't come down very fast.

I really hope that this doesn't happen to you, but if it does, I hope it helps to know what to expect.  If you are close enough to term, they will just go ahead and induce you - that is the only cure.  I don't have any good info for you if you aren't far enough along to deliver.

My thoughts are with you, and keep me posted.

~Kristi

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ARMD
Message #1084 - 12/04/08 02:45 AM

Thanks for the info Kristi. I will be 33 weeks along this Friday, and my next appointment is next Monday, so hopefully I will know a bit more. It is good to hear from someone with experience what to expect if things do start to go downhill.

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goddessofrock
Message #1085 - 12/04/08 05:48 PM



one of my friends was afraid that she would poop on the table while trying to push the baby out... she didn't.

 

 

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livingalmostlarge
Message #1086 - 12/04/08 06:30 PM

Did you completely abstain from alcohol when you were trying?  What do you think the likelyhood is of concieving without trying the first 2 weeks after you are off birth control?

My cycle suppposedly restarts 12/21 and I'll be on vacation and not wanting to stop drinking. So I should go back on for one more cycle?