Dumb Questions

amdecker1016

Because i'm dumb and curious i googled "how to tell if you are dilated without doing a self-check" because lets face it, i'm not sticking my fingers up that far.
Anyway- one of the ways i found was the "purple line" that appears on your bum.
Is this a for real sign?
Heres where i found it: (there are nude photos for those that don't like it)

https://birthwithoutfearblog.com/2013/06/06/alternative-methods-of-checking-dilation-the-purple-line-and-more/

lalaith50

scooter028 said:

I had a question about daycare that popped into my head this morning. Thank goodness for this thread!

DH and I plan to share the drop off/pick up responsiblities.  With one car seat, but both of us having the car seat bases, do we just leave the actual car seat at daycare all day with LO so whoever picks up has it? 

I don't see a way around this unless you want to buy a 2nd car seat...

dannie2011

I use onesies under sleepers. I look at them like poop catchers, and treat them more like undershirts.

Depending on the sleep sack or swaddle I still use both the onesie and sleeper. Now this is not with the heavy fleece type sleep sack and fleece sleepers. But fleece sleeper and a onesie. then I check to see how they feel. Fleece does tend to make some babies break out  more that is why I use the onesie also. 

BethRN1987

Ok- I have a lot of onesies but not a lot of pants/ leggings. Should I buy some pants? Or does baby live is mostly onesies? For some reason this is really bothering me because I can't decide if it's worth spending more money.

Oh and somehow I have way to many newborn onesies - not sure how that happened.

BethRN1987

addisonsmom22 said:

@Bethrn1987 the outfits I have received/bought already came with the onsie and the pants. Can you return some of the newborn ones and get pants to go with the others you have? 

I've washed already so returning is a no go

amdecker1016

FarmBoysWife said:

I HAS A QUESTION. 

more like a poll... I have a doctors apt at 2:15 tomorrow, we are suppose to get 12-14 inches of snow (lets not go into the fact that DH has no idea how to drive in that kind of weather, but we'll pretend that I"m not going to go into labor during this storm) 

Should I bring our bag with us just in case given our situation.. I'm kind of conflicted and DH is being non committed (i.e in denial) 

I would.

linzy523

@FarmBoysWife

I'd say yes! Also a New Englander and it doesn't seem like this storm is anything to mess with. Worst case scenario, you just take the bag out of the car when you get home if you don't need it! 

linzy523

FarmBoysWife said:

Snow storm... full moon.. V-day.. I'm praying I make it through this storm. 

All the more reason to bring your bag! It's quite the trifecta! Will be keeping you in my thoughts for safe travels tomorrow!! 

carrieactually

I'm setting up my changing table and I think I have some safety restraint redundancy going on but I'm not sure what is essential/what combination for the available restraints I should use.

The changing table is bolted to the wall and has a topper rail and has a strap (not sure if the strap goes around the pad or around the baby).

The changing table pad has straps and screws to attach it to the table and another strap which I think goes around the baby.

What combo of restraints do I need to attach for baby to be safe while being changed? (I'm also planning on always having a hand on him but FTM so correct me if that is an unrealistic expectation.)

CruiseGirl28

FarmBoysWife said:

I HAS A QUESTION. 

more like a poll... I have a doctors apt at 2:15 tomorrow, we are suppose to get 12-14 inches of snow (lets not go into the fact that DH has no idea how to drive in that kind of weather, but we'll pretend that I"m not going to go into labor during this storm) 

Should I bring our bag with us just in case given our situation.. I'm kind of conflicted and DH is being non committed (i.e in denial) 

Can't hurt. I bring mine everywhere.

AnonymousMotherOfOne

I am aware of how stupid this really sounds, that's why it's in the Dumb Questions thread. I am mentally shaking myself for asking it, even as I write this.

I've been sick the last couple of days, on top of LO being so active she's hurting me. During all this, I've learned that I have a bad tendency to hold my breath when I'm in pain, even if my mouth is wide open, I'll still be holding it in, like if I don't breathe, I won't feel it.

Anyone have any suggestions on how to remind myself not to do that? I mean, MH usually reminds me to try to take a deep breath, but if I can start, I dunno, "training" myself not to hold my breath I won't pass out during labor, you know?

amdecker1016

AnonymousMotherOfOne said:

I am aware of how stupid this really sounds, that's why it's in the Dumb Questions thread. I am mentally shaking myself for asking it, even as I write this.

I've been sick the last couple of days, on top of LO being so active she's hurting me. During all this, I've learned that I have a bad tendency to hold my breath when I'm in pain, even if my mouth is wide open, I'll still be holding it in, like if I don't breathe, I won't feel it.

Anyone have any suggestions on how to remind myself not to do that? I mean, MH usually reminds me to try to take a deep breath, but if I can start, I dunno, "training" myself not to hold my breath I won't pass out during labor, you know?

I have no real suggestions- other than making your H just get in your face and telling you to breathe.

Although what @nickiechan said on the contraction thread was somewhat an answer

Nickiechan said:

Breathe... If you are a more visual person image yourself ride a wave... As the pressure raises and then the wave crashes... just submit and ride with it. Once you submit they will become easier to manage. Also make sure you have your support person remind you not to tense, your shoulder, jaw, your face. Breathe... If you have available to you listen to some relaxing music. Good luck and try to focus on the next one. You can do this...

Kewii

Ok.  I have one.

I live in a very hot country.  In summer it gets to be up to about 120 degrees F. I plan to do a lot of baby wearing (like when grocery shopping), but am worried about the car seat getting too hot.

Anyone else live in a hot place and have any tricks for keeping the seat from being too hot?  I don't like to crack the windows because we get a lot of sudden dust storms--especially around the time baby will be born.

Pinecone21

Kewii said:

Ok.  I have one.

I live in a very hot country.  In summer it gets to be up to about 120 degrees F. I plan to do a lot of baby wearing (like when grocery shopping), but am worried about the car seat getting too hot.

Anyone else live in a hot place and have any tricks for keeping the seat from being too hot?  I don't like to crack the windows because we get a lot of sudden dust storms--especially around the time baby will be born.

It can get up to 115 around here, but it's usually more like 105 in the summer. Are your car windows tinted? I got mine tinted dark last weekend. I also plan to take the infant seat with me when I leave the car, even if I'm wearing the baby. And most people around here time their errands to avoid the hottest part of the day. At least we don't have to deal with sub-zero temps!

jh&kh

Kewii said:

Ok.  I have one.

I live in a very hot country.  In summer it gets to be up to about 120 degrees F. I plan to do a lot of baby wearing (like when grocery shopping), but am worried about the car seat getting too hot.

Anyone else live in a hot place and have any tricks for keeping the seat from being too hot?  I don't like to crack the windows because we get a lot of sudden dust storms--especially around the time baby will be born.

With my first DD I was in Arizona and we had summer temps up to 118 last year. If I didn't bring the seat, I would cover it with a receiving blanket just to keep the sun off it. There we cooling blankets you can buy and also check out the "Noggle" it's an extra vent directed to the back of your car for baby!

katykatykaty

DaisyCat11 said:

Oh, and another: I know I can put bottles in the dishwasher instead of getting a sterilizer, but if my dishwasher is broken can I just wash them by hand? Will they get clean enough? Anything special I have to do?

@daisycat11 You can definitely wash them by hand.  Even though we put ours in the dishwasher usually, I would wash them by hand once a week to get rid of the 'fog' on the bottles that the dishwasher left behind.  I think they actually got cleaner when I did them by hand.  You might want to get a bottle brush for the tall bottles, though.

katykatykaty

B2B.2010 said:

One of the last things on my list is to sterilize a few bottles, pacifiers, teething things etc. when you all do this are you just putting these things through boiling water? And if so for how long?

@B2B.2010 The pacifiers and bottle nipples come with instructions on how long to do it... I think it's 3 minutes for the MAM pacifiers and Dr. Brown nipples that we used. 

I sterilized the actual bottles in a microwave steam bag before I used them the first time and then just put them in the dishwasher after that.

Kewii

Thanks @kirotea @Pinecone21, and @jh&kh

I'm look into those cooling pads

legallyginger

bennieangel said:

Littlejohn115 said:

I've got one: how much backup supplementation formula should I keep on hand? I'm a FTM and I really want to breast feed, but if I have issues or LO isn't gaining enough weight and I need to supplement, how much should I keep on hand? I have 3 canisters now: I'm thinking that will be fine until I see if I really need it.

I have this same question. We're hoping / planning to breast feed exclusively but I want to have some formula on hand in case it doesn't work. I bought one Gerber container & received an awesome sample box from Similac...that should be good enough for now? Or do I need more? 

I got the same one from Similac and I figured that would be enough- it has two big cans and then some ready made stuff, right? That should be plenty if for some reason BFing doesn't work out/work right away. I don't think a newborn would go through that much before you had a chance to go out and get more. 

aLsMay24

bennieangel said:

Littlejohn115 said:

I've got one: how much backup supplementation formula should I keep on hand? I'm a FTM and I really want to breast feed, but if I have issues or LO isn't gaining enough weight and I need to supplement, how much should I keep on hand? I have 3 canisters now: I'm thinking that will be fine until I see if I really need it.

I have this same question. We're hoping / planning to breast feed exclusively but I want to have some formula on hand in case it doesn't work. I bought one Gerber container & received an awesome sample box from Similac...that should be good enough for now? Or do I need more? 

I kept this much last time a s thankfully never had to use it and donated it before it expired. I got the same thing this time and almost just donated it but put it in the cupboard for now. I wouldn't actually buy anything though.

legallyginger

Is anyone else waking up with sore hands? My knuckles are starting to kill me when I wake up in the morning, it almost feels like I've had my fists clenched all night. I feel like an arthritic 95 year old. I'm assuming it's because my hands are starting to swell (which my doctor wasn't concerned about, because my bloodwork is fine). 

Missfunball

legallyginger said:

Is anyone else waking up with sore hands? My knuckles are starting to kill me when I wake up in the morning, it almost feels like I've had my fists clenched all night. I feel like an arthritic 95 year old. I'm assuming it's because my hands are starting to swell (which my doctor wasn't concerned about, because my bloodwork is fine). 

yup, swelling even minor does this.  Sometimes I wake up with numb or hurty hands and my right hand has carpal tunnel....making it difficult to get into the pickle jar.

Grenagh

@DaisyCat11, FTM so have never used gas but I have a few friends who have. I understand it's better than nothing but doesn't provide anywhere near the same level of support as an epi. 1 friend also got pretty sick/nauseous on it just FYI. Ask your midwife and see how you get on.

Grenagh

Sticking to the bf back up plan theme....how soon did you start expressing and using bottles with expressed milk? Tia

Missfunball

Dumb FTM question:  I keep hearing about an upswing in energy prior to birth....anyone have down swings?  Last  couple days I been EXHAUSTED with no rhyme or reason.  JW

katykatykaty

dotgirl2 said:

dotgirl2 said:

On the formula. I agree with @legallyginger. I also got that Similac sample in the mail last week. I can't figure out how they found me. I've never signed up for anything with them and just moved to a new house a few months ago. Creeeeeeeepy.

I have no idea either! Maybe it has to do with registering or something? It was a happy surprise though! 

---- I'm a STM and have no registry. And since I moved recently, it kind of creeps me out. The only baby/pregnancy related deliveries I've had to my house are from Motherhood Maternity, so maybe they sold my info to Similac? Not cool.

Yeah, I'm certain that mine is because I shop at Pea in the Pod and Destination Maternity.  They also give our info to ViaCord, so I've received tons of info from them.  It sucks.

legallyginger

I am really kicking myself for this one. We got a dresser instead of a changing table and the other changing table thread made me want to go put everything together to see how it looked. Yep, the changing pad we got doesn't fit on top of the dresser. I measured the dresser and it is 29 inches, and the smallest changing pad I can find online is 30. What do I do? Any suggestions would be appreciated at this point. Ugh.

SomersIsles

legallyginger said:

I am really kicking myself for this one. We got a dresser instead of a changing table and the other changing table thread made me want to go put everything together to see how it looked. Yep, the changing pad we got doesn't fit on top of the dresser. I measured the dresser and it is 29 inches, and the smallest changing pad I can find online is 30. What do I do? Any suggestions would be appreciated at this point. Ugh.

Honestly I plan on keeping the pad on a shelf in the closet or leaning against the bureau and just changing our baby on the floor or on my bed. It's always how I have done it with nieces/nephews and it was convenient.

katieg314

legallyginger said:

I am really kicking myself for this one. We got a dresser instead of a changing table and the other changing table thread made me want to go put everything together to see how it looked. Yep, the changing pad we got doesn't fit on top of the dresser. I measured the dresser and it is 29 inches, and the smallest changing pad I can find online is 30. What do I do? Any suggestions would be appreciated at this point. Ugh.

Can you put a slightly larger topper on the dresser? Maybe paint/stain a piece of wood and put it on top, or put some kind of edging around the top of the dresser to make it just a little bigger? You only need a half inch on each side, so I would try something like that.

SomersIsles

Here's a dumb question for ya! When getting bottles, wouldn't it make sense to buy strictly 8oz bottles but a variety if varying flow nipples? I'm just thinking that eventually the 5oz will be tossed (or stored) because I'll be needing more than 5oz... So why not just feed out of a bottle with more capacity from the get go?

The first downside is maybe that 5oz bottles take up less space in fridge/cabinet/diaper bag... But aside from that?

BabiesFTW

scooter028 said:

I wasn't planning on sterilizing my bottles, just either handwashing well with hot water and soap or putting them through the dishwasher. I guess I would sterilize them if medically necessary though, but I don't see why soap and water wouldn't cut it.  It's not like I'm sterilizing clothing, toys, teethers, pacifiers, etc. so I don't know why bottles would be diff.  Of course I'm a FTM so if I'm missing something, hopefully I will be enlightened.

I would occasionally sterilize bottles but not on a regular basis. I didn't sterilize my boobs so what's the point.

BabiesFTW

bennieangel said:

dotgirl2 said:

On the formula. I agree with @legallyginger.

I also got that Similac sample in the mail last week. I can't figure out how they found me. I've never signed up for anything with them and just moved to a new house a few months ago. Creeeeeeeepy.

I have no idea either! Maybe it has to do with registering or something? It was a happy surprise though! 

Did you give destination or motherhood maternity your info?
They give it out to everyone under the sun.

katieg314

SomersIsles said:

Here's a dumb question for ya! When getting bottles, wouldn't it make sense to buy strictly 8oz bottles but a variety if varying flow nipples? I'm just thinking that eventually the 5oz will be tossed (or stored) because I'll be needing more than 5oz... So why not just feed out of a bottle with more capacity from the get go?

The first downside is maybe that 5oz bottles take up less space in fridge/cabinet/diaper bag... But aside from that?

I had this same question... Do you plan to FF or EBF? I was told that babies won't really ever take more than 5 oz if breastmilk at a time so the bigger bottles aren't really needed. They drink a lot more at each feeding if you are using formula, and then bigger bottles would be needed.

lazyreader

@missfunball

the only thing I know of (pregnant or not) is when I have complete loss of energy it's due to lower iron. it's like I have the mindset that I need to get things done, but I just can't drag myself through the task because i'm exhausted... not because i'm fatigued from actually running around. hope that makes sense.

others may be able to chime in on the 3rd tri energy loss better. In the meantime - steak and a spinach salad are good options. or raisins, yogurt, string cheese for snacks.

AnonymousMotherOfOne

@legallyginger I know I'm soooo late with this response, but about your hurty hands: try drinking some hot tea with 1 tsp of honey, and 1/4 tsp of cinnamon 3x a day. It's normally a thing I do when I have a cold, but I always notice that the days I drink it because I just feel like all-around crap, it helps quite a bit.

SomersIsles

katieg314 said:

Here's a dumb question for ya! When getting bottles, wouldn't it make sense to buy strictly 8oz bottles but a variety if varying flow nipples? I'm just thinking that eventually the 5oz will be tossed (or stored) because I'll be needing more than 5oz... So why not just feed out of a bottle with more capacity from the get go? The first downside is maybe that 5oz bottles take up less space in fridge/cabinet/diaper bag... But aside from that?

I had this same question... Do you plan to FF or EBF? I was told that babies won't really ever take more than 5 oz if breastmilk at a time so the bigger bottles aren't really needed. They drink a lot more at each feeding if you are using formula, and then bigger bottles would be needed.

The goal is EBF for as long as possible.  Ideally I'd never have to use formula

BabiesFTW

FarmBoysWife said:

@babiesftw you don't sterilize your boobs? No gold star for you

I know. I'm a horrible mother.

SomersIsles

DisneyAddict1 said:

SomersIsles said:

Here's a dumb question for ya! When getting bottles, wouldn't it make sense to buy strictly 8oz bottles but a variety if varying flow nipples? I'm just thinking that eventually the 5oz will be tossed (or stored) because I'll be needing more than 5oz... So why not just feed out of a bottle with more capacity from the get go? The first downside is maybe that 5oz bottles take up less space in fridge/cabinet/diaper bag... But aside from that?

This is what we did with DS1 and just saved the 8oz bottles/parts (we use Dr. Brown) and so this time around all I had to worry about was new nipples. Through amazon I'm finding 2 packs of level 1 nipples for a couple bucks a piece. Honestly, when it comes to storage the difference between the 2 sizes really isn't that big of a deal IMO. I went with the 8's because I figure on the off chance he needs more, we have the ability instead of having to stop and make a new bottle.

Did you FF or BF?  I'm wondering if when I start pumping and going back to work more than 5oz is realistic? 

aLsMay24

We used 5 oz bottles only. If you plan to bf only use the slow flow nipples. DS never took more than 3 oz at a time all the way up to a year. We never changed the nipples.

LaurenAsh23

Grenagh said:

Sticking to the bf back up plan theme....how soon did you start expressing and using bottles with expressed milk? Tia

FTM here, but I plan to start pumping around 2-3 weeks at the end of feedings/baby doesn't empty one or the other breast and introducing bottle around 4 weeks. I want my DH to be involved with her and I don't want a huge transition when she starts going to daycare at 10 weeks.