*Last call* FTM's with questions

megngregk

I haven't had any BR topics for awhile, but I completed my registry yesterday (whooo, shopping spree!) and spent a ton of time organizing the nursery this morning. A few questions came to mind that I know our seasoned pro's would be able to answer for me. Instead of starting a shitload of new threads and having posts highjacked/information getting lost, I was thinking it'd be a good idea to compile a list of FTM questions that we may still have for our BTDT ladies. 

So, if you've got questions, post them here! I can compile and condense all of them on Monday and post the list, and we can pick the brains of our S+TMs.

In the meantime, let's keep this thread strictly for the questions and we'll get to the answers during the week.

megngregk

And naturally, I forgot a couple of my questions already. PB strikes again.

For those CD'ing, do you bring CDs to the hospital/birthing center, or do you use the disposables during your and LO's stay?

Would you recommend using Nuks/pacis if you don't want LO to use them long or skip them from the get go?

Is there a special diaper rash cream if using CDs, or is Desitin (or similar) alright?

I bought an Ergo original and received a Boba carrier. Reasons to keep both, or return the Boba?

Did you use an on-the-go diaper changing pad, and are they a necessity? 

ThankfulSnail

I know they grow out of them super fast, but obviously I will need SOME NB clothes. How many NB sleepers/outfits would be good to have?

I have 2-3 crib sheets right now, and one of my CW who has a NB and a 1 year old said that should be sufficient. Do you agree? Or would more be good to have?

LexGator

Would you recommend using Nuks/pacis if you don't want LO to use them long or skip them from the get go?

If you're planning on breastfeeding, I would recommend holding off on introducing a paci until baby's latch is established. If you have latch issues, I would avoid a paci until they are fully resolved. That said, if a paci soothes your baby, does not interfere with breastfeeding, and gives your nipples a break, then I would use one. My daughter never liked one (she preferred me, the human pacifier), but I will give them a try with this baby as well. I know plenty of moms who had to "wean" their baby off of the paci, and it was never a huge problem.

Did you use an on-the-go diaper changing pad, and are they a necessity?

Never had one; I always had some receiving blankets in my diaper bag, and that worked well. If one comes with your diaper bag, I'm sure you'd use it, but I wouldn't go out and buy one.

goldenB

Love this thread.

Irrational question, but once a baby's head comes out is there any way that the rest of the body can get stuck in the birth canal? And if so, how long can the baby just 'sit there', and what measures do the doctors use to get baby out?

Sincerely, 

The FTM who's carrying a 4lb-er at 30wks.

moosebaby2011

ETA: tag @megngregk

And naturally, I forgot a couple of my questions already. PB strikes again.

For those CD'ing, do you bring CDs to the hospital/birthing center, or do you use the disposables during your and LO's stay? For DS I used disposables for the first 4 weeks before switching to cloth, but for this LO I'll use disposables in the hospital only and switch to cloth when we go home.

Is there a special diaper rash cream if using CDs, or is Desitin (or similar) alright? Most traditional diaper rash creams ARE NOT CD safe - they can cause buildup which can lead to leaks. My favorite is CJ's BUTTer, but it's not always easy to find locally. A cream that is readily available (they stock it at Target) and CD safe is California Babies. This website has a good list of CD safe creams. LINK

Did you use an on-the-go diaper changing pad, and are they a necessity? I keep a washable changing pad in the diaper bag. It's convenient when changing the baby in an unconventional location (anywhere other than a changing table, really) plus I don't really want LO's naked butt on a public changing table.

LindsB314

megngregk said:

 

Would you recommend using Nuks/pacis if you don't want LO to use them long or skip them from the get go?

 

My baby was extremely colicky and I would not have survived without pacis. I would say it totally depends on the baby though. If things are going well for you, then maybe don't use them. I would definitely have a few packed in your hospital bag though. My hospital does not provide them.

 

I bought an Ergo original and received a Boba carrier. Reasons to keep both, or return the Boba? I don't know about these but I had the bjorn and a moby and liked having both

Did you use an on-the-go diaper changing pad, and are they a necessity? Yes, even now I still use it. Mine also came with the bag. They do have disposable ones at target that you could use too. We keep a disposable one on the changing pad in the nursery so when there is a blowout, we are not constantly washing the cover.

LindsB314

ThankfulSnail said:

I know they grow out of them super fast, but obviously I will need SOME NB clothes. How many NB sleepers/outfits would be good to have? I think about a weeks worth is good. I recommend getting more 0-3 months. We were able to use those for awhile. DD was 7lb 8oz when she was born.

I have 2-3 crib sheets right now, and one of my CW who has a NB and a 1 year old said that should be sufficient. Do you agree? Or would more be good to have? I think three is a good number. We got quite a few for DD and I pretty much go back and forth between two but when she's sick, its nice to have the extra one.

moosebaby2011

ThankfulSnail said:

I know they grow out of them super fast, but obviously I will need SOME NB clothes. How many NB sleepers/outfits would be good to have? I think maybe 6-10 sleepers in newborn size would be good. I can't really remember how many we had for DS in that size. I agree with PP who said it's better to have more in the 0-3 month size.

I have 2-3 crib sheets right now, and one of my CW who has a NB and a 1 year old said that should be sufficient. Do you agree? Or would more be good to have? 3-4 should be plenty. One on the mattress, one in the laundry, and a backup or two. I think I have 4 total, but 2-3 should be just fine.

ETA: to tag @thankfulsnail

moosebaby2011

goldenB said:

Love this thread.

Irrational question, but once a baby's head comes out is there any way that the rest of the body can get stuck in the birth canal? And if so, how long can the baby just 'sit there', and what measures do the doctors use to get baby out?

Sincerely, 

The FTM who's carrying a 4lb-er at 30wks.

@goldenB: It's probably possible for baby to get stuck, but I don't think it happens often. I'm pretty sure that getting the head out is the hardest part.

ETA: I asked my DH and he said that the scenario that you described is EXTREMELY (like pretty much never, ever happens) unlikely unless your baby has the broadest shoulders ever or is breech, in which case they'd have to do surgery.

aessary03

megngregk said:

And naturally, I forgot a couple of my questions already. PB strikes again.

For those CD'ing, do you bring CDs to the hospital/birthing center, or do you use the disposables during your and LO's stay? I'm no help here.

Would you recommend using Nuks/pacis if you don't want LO to use them long or skip them from the get go? Sometimes it depends on the kid.  Emma hated pacifiers.  Would scream bloody murder if I even tried to put it near her.  This little guy likes them.  It's kind of nice because sometimes he just wants to make the sucking motion to soothe himself .... and he's not necessarily hungry.  And just like with anything with kids .... you're going to have some fight to get them away when you think they're ready to do without.

Is there a special diaper rash cream if using CDs, or is Desitin (or similar) alright?  I don't know about CDs, but I use A+D cream over Desitin.  I like it better.

I bought an Ergo original and received a Boba carrier. Reasons to keep both, or return the Boba? Sorry, no clue!  I'd keep one for me and one for my hubby.

Did you use an on-the-go diaper changing pad, and are they a necessity? I have one, but I don't think it's necessary.  You can always throw down a blanket and go to town. 

megngregk

Hey ladies, thanks for answering now but I was thinking to make it easier we would just get a list of questions over the weekend and then I'll post them all early in the week that way they are all in once place and can be answered all at the same time

aessary03

ThankfulSnail said:

I know they grow out of them super fast, but obviously I will need SOME NB clothes. How many NB sleepers/outfits would be good to have?

I have 2-3 crib sheets right now, and one of my CW who has a NB and a 1 year old said that should be sufficient. Do you agree? Or would more be good to have?

I think 7-10 outfits should be good.  Obviously, it depends on how big your NB is and how long baby will be in them.  I have a ton of NB stuff .... but with my little guy so small .... he'll get a lot of use out of them.

And yes, 2-3 crib sheets is plenty.  Even if baby gets one set, you have another to cover the mattress while you put the soiled one in the laundry. 

moosebaby2011

megngregk said:

Hey ladies, thanks for answering now but I was thinking to make it easier we would just get a list of questions over the weekend and then I'll post them all early in the week that way they are all in once place and can be answered all at the same time

Sorry - reading comprehension fail on my part

aessary03

moosebaby2011 said:

megngregk said:

Hey ladies, thanks for answering now but I was thinking to make it easier we would just get a list of questions over the weekend and then I'll post them all early in the week that way they are all in once place and can be answered all at the same time

Sorry - reading comprehension fail on my part

Me too!!!  Oops.

megngregk

moosebaby2011 said:

megngregk said:

Hey ladies, thanks for answering now but I was thinking to make it easier we would just get a list of questions over the weekend and then I'll post them all early in the week that way they are all in once place and can be answered all at the same time

Sorry - reading comprehension fail on my part

Lol no problem. I just figure this would be easier than people having to keep checking back/quoting to answer more questions. It'd end up being 10 pages long!

katags

My questions: (some are kind of stupid, sorry) 1) Where do you store diapers? I plan to have a drawer in the dresser for immediate supplies, but I know I'll have a box or two as backup. Are they in a closet? In a corner of the nursery? I know everyone's spac will be different, just looking for options! 2) Did your cat ever forgive you for having a baby? 3) if you baptized your child as a baby, at what age did you have the ceremony? That's it for now! I'll probably have others later

rlg8

After a feeding, about how long does it take for more milk to come in? Do they suck you dry during a feeding?

How do you treat the circumcision? Anything i should Keep an eye on?

Do i Clean Umbilical cord? With what? How long before it falls off?

goldenB

On average how many diaper changes do you go through a day in the first three weeks or so?

Does the number of diaper changes increase as baby gets bigger (newborn vs 1month old vs 3month old)

Roses87

goldenB said:

Love this thread.

Irrational question, but once a baby's head comes out is there any way that the rest of the body can get stuck in the birth canal? And if so, how long can the baby just 'sit there', and what measures do the doctors use to get baby out?

Sincerely, 

The FTM who's carrying a 4lb-er at 30wks.

Yes, it is possible. Its called shoulder dystocia, where the shoulder gets stuck under the pubic bone. It is an emergency situation because once the head is out the baby does not recieve oxygen. There are several maneuvers that are done to get baby out. Simpler ones leading to more invasive. Most shoulders are resolved within 30 seconds and baby is fine. Its a situation where you move quickly and even 15 seconds seem forever. Once you get over a minute or so of the baby being like that Is when you worry about having to resuscitate the baby. That's not very common. On rare occasion babies coller bone can get fractured because sometimes your ob needs to deliver the arm to get the baby unstuck or pressure is placed above moms pubic bone on babys shoulder to get it unstuck those are what can sometimes can cause fractures. Whenever baby gets stuck a pediatrician will be there to evaluate baby.

Just because you could have a big baby does not mean this will happen to you. My friend had a 10.5 lb baby for her first and had no problems getting baby out. It depends on many variables. I am not providing this info to scare you, just to be informative. I am personally someone who likes to know what can happen.

LindsB314

megngregk said:

moosebaby2011 said:

megngregk said:

Hey ladies, thanks for answering now but I was thinking to make it easier we would just get a list of questions over the weekend and then I'll post them all early in the week that way they are all in once place and can be answered all at the same time

Sorry - reading comprehension fail on my part

Lol no problem. I just figure this would be easier than people having to keep checking back/quoting to answer more questions. It'd end up being 10 pages long!

Whoops! What a great idea :-)

Winnieella

1. Do the nurses keep people out of the room that you don't want in there?

2. Can your boobs/ nipples be too  big for the baby?

3. Do you need a baby hamper, or can you just use a regular old adult hamper?

4. How do you get people to stop telling you what to do with your baby? ( I have responses in mind, but they are snarky)

PreDempsey

Will it suck really bad when my boobs finally grow if it hasn't happened yet?

katags

Is it possible to not know that your water breaks? I'm thinking it could slowly leak and not gush?

Jmattis

What do you need post- delivery to help your lady friend recover if you delivered vaginally? What so you need to get to help you heal after a c-section?

goldenB

Roses87 said:

Love this thread.

Irrational question, but once a baby's head comes out is there any way that the rest of the body can get stuck in the birth canal? And if so, how long can the baby just 'sit there', and what measures do the doctors use to get baby out?

Sincerely, 

The FTM who's carrying a 4lb-er at 30wks.

Yes, it is possible. Its called shoulder dystocia, where the shoulder gets stuck under the pubic bone. It is an emergency situation because once the head is out the baby does not recieve oxygen. There are several maneuvers that are done to get baby out. Simpler ones leading to more invasive. Most shoulders are resolved within 30 seconds and baby is fine. Its a situation where you move quickly and even 15 seconds seem forever. Once you get over a minute or so of the baby being like that Is when you worry about having to resuscitate the baby. That's not very common. On rare occasion babies coller bone can get fractured because sometimes your ob needs to deliver the arm to get the baby unstuck or pressure is placed above moms pubic bone on babys shoulder to get it unstuck those are what can sometimes can cause fractures. Whenever baby gets stuck a pediatrician will be there to evaluate baby. Just because you could have a big baby does not mean this will happen to you. My friend had a 10.5 lb baby for her first and had no problems getting baby out. It depends on many variables. I am not providing this info to scare you, just to be informative. I am personally someone who likes to know what can happen.

@Roses87 - wow that was very informative; scary to know it can happen but oddly comforting to know they will use other measures and not just do an emergency c-section (I hadn't considered that the baby would stop breathing after 1 minute, I thought baby gets oxygen through the umbilical cord?)

dhueston

1. Do you prefer the Diaper Genie or an odorless trashcan?

2. Did you make your nurses a gift bag for taking care of you while in the hospital? If so, what did you include in it?

3. What is recovery like for a c-section? Are you not allowed to lift anything over 10lbs? We have a Shorkie who needs to go out on his run and I'm worried I won't be able to leave him out if I need to have a c-section. 

TIA

suupercute

Mines is gross. But my question is totally serious and I don't know who to ask. How long before you can go poop? Will your insides feel like it might fall out when you go? I imagine it's all damaged down there and scared about trying to push anything else out afterwards.

RedSaffron

Is BF that painful? If it is, what did you do to relieve your nips?

lmills730

CD moms- did you have a diaper Paul or just a large wet bag by your changing table/dresser?

Siblynika

CD moms- how many diapers did you start off with? Did you bother with any newborn sizes?
BF- is it harder for baby to latch on when your milk comes in? And how long does it take for your milk to regulate? My milk had to dry up last time so I have no idea on any of this.
Second part of BF question, more of a curiosity thing than anything- did you actually lose weight faster? I've heard both ways so Id assume it all depends on the person.

yogamama13

Love this thread.  As a third time mom I'm happy to give some advice next week - and there are some questions on here that I'd love to hear the answers to. 

sarahmarie2

PreDempsey said:

Will it suck really bad when my boobs finally grow if it hasn't happened yet?

I'm curious about this, too! I was looking forward to bigger boobs, and they haven't grown at all. Now I'm worried they'll explode and be so painful when my milk comes in.

megngregk

yogamama13 said:

Love this thread.  As a third time mom I'm happy to give some advice next week - and there are some questions on here that I'd love to hear the answers to. 

You BTDT moms are going to be writing novels for us first timers! But I know it will be much appreciated by a lot of us!

slmille4

How does long does it take for ur milk production to slow down/speed up depending on baby's needs and ur availability (work)?
Also this is may be a gross tmi one but for those who have DH who enjoyed fun time with ur fun bags did u find it was easy to revert back to that or once uve nursed baby you can't ever think of them in that way again?
Was there any question of when u were going into labor? Like u knew they were for real contractions and not Braxton hicks easily right?

Winnieella

How do you combat this crazy insomnia. 

tootsscott

Love this, can't wait to read responses!!

kmd03000

goldenB said:

Love this thread.

Irrational question, but once a baby's head comes out is there any way that the rest of the body can get stuck in the birth canal? And if so, how long can the baby just 'sit there', and what measures do the doctors use to get baby out?

Sincerely, 

The FTM who's carrying a 4lb-er at 30wks.

Our baby was estimated at 4 pounds at 29 weeks... I feel ya! I know that is +/- 20% from what the ultra sound tech said... but we have another US on Monday to do a BPP, check my fluid levels, and hopefully a growth scan (if not this week then next). I get to go every week for US and BPP due to high fluid levels (they say better high than low, but they still have to keep an eye on it). 

Hmvbaby14

Thank you for this post!
- I also live in fl and am concerned about how to dress LO so he isn't too hot, too cold, etc. I've seen previous posts about the thermostat in your house being set at a particular temp. Is this something pretty common that I need to plan on doing?
- I'm not planning on doing any fancy outfits in the hospital, but should I pack 2 days worth of pjs for LO or will he mostly just wear diapers until we come home?
- I haven't actually packed my hospital bag(s) yet, ( doing that this week), but I feel like my list is getting pretty long. Is it normal to go into L &D like I'm going on a week long vacay?
- Most of my other questions have already been posted here. Thank you again! I don't post often, but I read daily and have learned SO much from the BTDT moms!

am0138

Oh boy, this is just what I need! I always have questions for STM's.
*is something wrong if I haven't begun leaking colostrum? I'm 34 wks.
*how will I know if I am having real contractions versus gas/aches/or BH?
*just how rough is sleep deprivation in those first weeks/months? What would be helpful for me if I think I may struggle with "sleeping when the baby sleeps" (don't think I can just fall asleep on demand)?
*was getting an epidural what you expected it be? Did you have any side effects?

katags

I read something that suggested bringing coconut oil to the hospital to help with nipples and BFing. Can this be used exclusively in lieu of a lanolin cream? Or would I really need the lanolin?