Stupid Questions Thread

snappyK

What about the car seat cover, stroller fabric, etc .? Do I need to wash those too?

bacorrea

SLSchuerg said:

I read that oxytocin causes the uterus to contract, and that's released during sex. But my stupid question is: wouldn't that mean I'd have to orgasm in order for that hormone to be released? And if I don't hit the big O, does that mean it didn't in any way help to induce labor or help prep for labor?

That's what I thought too, but at my birthing class the instructor said that there is something in sperm that also helps induce labor. Sorry I don't remember the technical terms.

snowbound

ColleenSwerb said:

snappyK said:

What about the car seat cover, stroller fabric, etc .? Do I need to wash those too?

I washed the car seat cover, swing cover, bouncey seat fabric, PNP newborn napper fabric, etc. Not the stroller.

Oh wow! I thought all my baby washing was done! I've never considered washing these things. Blah. Guess I know what I'm doing in the next week or so.

ricekez

hbell12 said:

ColleenSwerb said:

snappyK said:

What about the car seat cover, stroller fabric, etc .? Do I need to wash those too?

I washed the car seat cover, swing cover, bouncey seat fabric, PNP newborn napper fabric, etc. Not the stroller.

Oh wow! I thought all my baby washing was done! I've never considered washing these things. Blah. Guess I know what I'm doing in the next week or so.

I didn't wash most of these things and DS didn't grow a third eye or anything. Wash if you want, but rest assured that not everyone is washing everything.

ricekez

MrsStanton87 said:

When do you consider your contractions more than BH? Also, when do you start timing them?

I've been getting them more often than normal the last few days, but when I time them, they're random, but within 15 minutes of each other. 

With DS, mine never made a clear transition. They just kept getting gradually stronger and closer together.

AcaAwkward

bacorrea said:

SLSchuerg said:

I read that oxytocin causes the uterus to contract, and that's released during sex. But my stupid question is: wouldn't that mean I'd have to orgasm in order for that hormone to be released? And if I don't hit the big O, does that mean it didn't in any way help to induce labor or help prep for labor?

That's what I thought too, but at my birthing class the instructor said that there is something in sperm that also helps induce labor. Sorry I don't remember the technical terms.

Sex helps in two ways... Sperm helps soften the cervix and oxytocin helps the uterus contract. If you don't come, you won't get the benefit of the former (NO WAY is O happening for me right now -- no shame!), although you could always pull your own trigger, too!

Sisimama10

ricekez said:

hbell12 said:

ColleenSwerb said:

snappyK said:

What about the car seat cover, stroller fabric, etc .? Do I need to wash those too?

I washed the car seat cover, swing cover, bouncey seat fabric, PNP newborn napper fabric, etc. Not the stroller.

Oh wow! I thought all my baby washing was done! I've never considered washing these things. Blah. Guess I know what I'm doing in the next week or so.

I didn't wash most of these things and DS didn't grow a third eye or anything. Wash if you want, but rest assured that not everyone is washing everything.

I agree. I wash clothes, blankets and sheets.

nikki912

AcaAwkward said:

bacorrea said:

SLSchuerg said:

I read that oxytocin causes the uterus to contract, and that's released during sex. But my stupid question is: wouldn't that mean I'd have to orgasm in order for that hormone to be released? And if I don't hit the big O, does that mean it didn't in any way help to induce labor or help prep for labor?

That's what I thought too, but at my birthing class the instructor said that there is something in sperm that also helps induce labor. Sorry I don't remember the technical terms.

Sex helps in two ways... Sperm helps soften the cervix and oxytocin helps the uterus contract. If you don't come, you won't get the benefit of the former (NO WAY is O happening for me right now -- no shame!), although you could always pull your own trigger, too!

This. If you own a virbrator- it's time to dust that thing off. I never felt in the mood but the contractions I got after an orgasm made me feel like I was working towards something.

edoliesmom

AcaAwkward said:

I read that oxytocin causes the uterus to contract, and that's released during sex. But my stupid question is: wouldn't that mean I'd have to orgasm in order for that hormone to be released? And if I don't hit the big O, does that mean it didn't in any way help to induce labor or help prep for labor?

That's what I thought too, but at my birthing class the instructor said that there is something in sperm that also helps induce labor. Sorry I don't remember the technical terms.

Sex helps in two ways... Sperm helps soften the cervix and oxytocin helps the uterus contract. If you don't come, you won't get the benefit of the former (NO WAY is O happening for me right now -- no shame!), although you could always pull your own trigger, too!

I'm glad I'm not the only one. My big ol' belly just gets in the way! And I don't seem to be able to bend/maneuver the way I used to be able to (nothing fancy, just the regular stuff lol). :-<

amhah09

Jessieann1020 said:

Do any of you STM's have experience with a LO who doesn't want to "drop". My little guy is still hanging around up high and I am going to do some research and reading but I wonder what will happen if he never drops down? Would that mean a c section would be necessary or could labor "force" the little guy where he needs to be?

It is typical in second+ pregnancies for babies to not engage before labor but rather during labor. DD was still a -1 even when I was 8+ cm.

CalinAZ

This feels like a super silly question, but that's what the thread is for, right?

Exactly how slippery is a newborn baby before they're cleaned off? I know we'll be doing skin to skin immediately after birth, which I'm really excited about, but I can't shake my fear of the baby slipping off of me. Visiting the hospital, the beds just seemed so high and narrow...

STMs+, reassure me that my brand new baby won't slide off of me? 

nikki912

CalinAZ said:

This feels like a super silly question, but that's what the thread is for, right?

Exactly how slippery is a newborn baby before they're cleaned off? I know we'll be doing skin to skin immediately after birth, which I'm really excited about, but I can't shake my fear of the baby slipping off of me. Visiting the hospital, the beds just seemed so high and narrow...

STMs+, reassure me that my brand new baby won't slide off of me? 

They are slippery but once they are in your arms you'll be fine. Especially if you are laying in the bed. Their movements aren't super strong either so I wouldn't worry about them slipping away! The most slippery/scary part is the initial catch and hand off.

macynsnoop

I hope this hasn't been asked already.

My last checkup the OB said baby was in the -3 position & I could feel that he was a bit lower than before. Well last night hubs & I did the deed to see if we could get this show moving along & now today the baby is back up in my ribs higher than before! So my stupid question is, can sex cause the baby to un-drop?? I am 4 days from my EDD & I am just hoping I won't need to be induced!

ksulli

@Jessieann1020‌ regrading dropping- with dd she didn't drop until my water broke, and it was very obvious. I could suddenly breathe and actually see the difference.

Heeb918

Going along with the slippery question.... Am I the only one that thinks the vernix and baby juices and stuff are gross? Will I be so exhausted and want to hold her so badly that I won't care about getting it on me when she is born? In our newborn classes the babies look so covered in stuff that I feel like I would want her wiped off and cleaned but maybe I'm being silly and I won't care at that point.

AcaAwkward

Ooopsbaby14 said:

Mrs+Hebert said:

Going along with the slippery question.... Am I the only one that thinks the vernix and baby juices and stuff are gross? Will I be so exhausted and want to hold her so badly that I won't care about getting it on me when she is born? In our newborn classes the babies look so covered in stuff that I feel like I would want her wiped off and cleaned but maybe I'm being silly and I won't care at that point.

You won't even care!

Also! The vernix is actually really good for their skin! And usually, the longer the baby has cooked, the less vernix there is.

kwolslager

Sorry if this has been asked before, Don't have time to read thru all the pages of awesome advice, and this is not worth starting a new thread over.
The last 2-3 days I've had a lot of soreness type pain on my pelvic floor/vaginal area. I'm a TTM and I've never experienced this with my other two. Also I know none of you are doctors and I'm definitely going to mention it at my next appointment.
However, is there anyone else out there feeling the same thing? I started sleeping with a pillow between my legs to see if it helped but it doesn't.

CodiSichling

purespark said:

For those who have has their membranes stripped, on 1-10 scale, how rough was it? ...I think my doctor wants to do it today, depending on how my BP looks when I go back to L&D, and I'm really scared of the procedure. I'm pretty tough in general but am phobic of having certain things done to my cervix. (Having a LEEP done was really traumatic for me, for some reason, and I sometimes get panic attacks from cervical checks.) :-<

I had it done on Thursday. It was very uncomfortable for me and that night I had really bad back pain and some contractions. Still feeling uncomfortable. But like most have said everyone is different.

BabyBsMommy

mborn24 said:

Alright here it goes. From what I gather the baby is going to be eating every few hours post delivery and the days to follow. This is mainly on colostrum, but it doesn't seem like your body would produce enough to satisfy a baby's hunger. I know I have read they are not really "big eaters" right away, but I'm nervous that I'm going to have a screaming, starving baby those first few days before my milk comes in. I'm nervous about a middle of the night scenario and what I have to offer won't be enough. I assume when baby gets here my breasts will amp up their colostrum supply, but I haven't seen much of a change with them this whole pregnancy.

Essentially, how do the first few days really go down when breastfeeding?

It's been so long since my breastfeeding class, but I think the baby's stomach is only the size of a marble? at birth...or maybe a cherry? I can't remember but it's really small and gradually grows in the first few weeks.

AcaAwkward

mborn24 said:

Alright here it goes. From what I gather the baby is going to be eating every few hours post delivery and the days to follow. This is mainly on colostrum, but it doesn't seem like your body would produce enough to satisfy a baby's hunger. I know I have read they are not really "big eaters" right away, but I'm nervous that I'm going to have a screaming, starving baby those first few days before my milk comes in. I'm nervous about a middle of the night scenario and what I have to offer won't be enough. I assume when baby gets here my breasts will amp up their colostrum supply, but I haven't seen much of a change with them this whole pregnancy.

Essentially, how do the first few days really go down when breastfeeding?

Colostrum is ridiculously high in calories -- it packs a huge punch with very very little volume. And the fact that your breasts haven't changed much during pregnancy doesn't mean anything negative at all! You will be nursing often as frequent feedings tell your body to produce milk.

If you have a proper latch and your milk comes in in a normal timeframe, the chances of you having a screaming hysterical baby on your hands is slim (barring reflux issues).

Latch issues / supply issues do happen though! Best advice is to have support already in mind if something arises - lactation consultants, your local La Leche League, BFing support classes at your hospital, etc.

AcaAwkward

Jessieann1020 said:

Can someone explain cluster feeding to me?

Cluster feeding is the baby's way of telling your body to produce more milk. It can happen right after birth if your supply is slower to come in, and then generally happens as baby goes through big developmental changes (the Wonder Weeks app / book is AWESOME for clueing you into these time frames). Baby may want to eat constantly for hours at a time for a few days. It is exhausting, but it helps your supply match up to your baby's needs.

macynsnoop

Well i have another stupid question, this is one for moms who already have kids I guess. Just before labor started was your baby active or pretty quiet? While in labor can you still feel the baby moving or they are pretty much still until they come out?

ksulli

AcaAwkward said:

@Jessieann1020 said:

Can someone explain cluster feeding to me?

Cluster feeding is the baby's way of telling your body to produce more milk. It can happen right after birth if your supply is slower to come in, and then generally happens as baby goes through big developmental changes (the Wonder Weeks app / book is AWESOME for clueing you into these time frames). Baby may want to eat constantly for hours at a time for a few days. It is exhausting, but it helps your supply match up to your baby's needs.

All of what Aca said, plus you literally feel drained those days. I remember getting winded walking up the stairs to bed in the middle of DD's growth spurts. The good news is it only lasts a couple days. The bad news is, you feel like a crazy lady that eats everything in sight, has a baby attached to your body cpnstanh* and is exhausted. I remember those days wanting to give up the BFing, but DH always told me, "why don't you sleep on it and decide tomorrow" at which point I was ready to stick with it.

Eta: that should say 'constantly'... Don't bump from bed.

AcaAwkward

ksulli said:

AcaAwkward said:

@Jessieann1020 said:

Can someone explain cluster feeding to me?

Cluster feeding is the baby's way of telling your body to produce more milk. It can happen right after birth if your supply is slower to come in, and then generally happens as baby goes through big developmental changes (the Wonder Weeks app / book is AWESOME for clueing you into these time frames). Baby may want to eat constantly for hours at a time for a few days. It is exhausting, but it helps your supply match up to your baby's needs.

All of what Aca said, plus you literally feel drained those days. I remember getting winded walking up the stairs to bed in the middle of DD's growth spurts. The good news is it only lasts a couple days. The bad news is, you feel like a crazy lady that eats everything in sight, has a baby attached to your body cpnstanh and is exhausted. I remember those days wanting to give up the BFing, but DH always told me, "why don't you sleep on it and decide tomorrow" at which point I was ready to stick with it.

^^^ YES! And every time you feel like you literally cannot do it another day, you wake up and it's over!

babybarnes87

macynsnoop said:

Well i have another stupid question, this is one for moms who already have kids I guess. Just before labor started was your baby active or pretty quiet? While in labor can you still feel the baby moving or they are pretty much still until they come out?

I've been wondering about this as well!

thomas930

macynsnoop said:

Well i have another stupid question, this is one for moms who already have kids I guess. Just before labor started was your baby active or pretty quiet? While in labor can you still feel the baby moving or they are pretty much still until they come out?

Honestly,  I don't really remember about activity before labor but both my kids were pretty quiet during labor. I know that I remember them being still during contractions but in between contractions they would move a little bit.

lilmama412

babybarnes87 said:

macynsnoop said:

Well i have another stupid question, this is one for moms who already have kids I guess. Just before labor started was your baby active or pretty quiet? While in labor can you still feel the baby moving or they are pretty much still until they come out?

I've been wondering about this as well!

The day I went into labor DS was very still. I remember freaking out and calling the l&d nurse because I hadn't felt him move in hours. I don't remember if he was active or not once labor started picking up though.

amhah09

AcaAwkward said:

Jessieann1020 said:

Can someone explain cluster feeding to me?

Cluster feeding is the baby's way of telling your body to produce more milk. It can happen right after birth if your supply is slower to come in, and then generally happens as baby goes through big developmental changes (the Wonder Weeks app / book is AWESOME for clueing you into these time frames). Baby may want to eat constantly for hours at a time for a few days. It is exhausting, but it helps your supply match up to your baby's needs.

All of this, but also want to add that this is why it's not recommended to supplement during cluster feeding periods (as tempting as it is!!) Baby is clustering to signal your body to produce more milk. They get fussy and they get mad and sometimes they will literally punch your breasts. It is all too tempting to not only be so exhausted that you want to supplement for a break but also fear that they aren't getting enough milk and want to supplement because you think they need it. Problem is, supplementing (whether with formula or pumped breast milk) at all means your body doesn't get that signal to produce more. So that's when you get into "I couldn't produce enough milk" and other supply issues. So when you're going through clustering hell, make sure you have support!

hlm184

ColleenSwerb said:

I can't say enough good things about the Wonder Weeks book/app/whatever. It really helps you feel like "ok, this is normal, I am not totally going insane, I am not doing anything wrong". Growth spurts can be a major mind fuck, and so can the developmental leap periods.

I just read the first three chapters today!

rockstarlaw

Planet-Wise loving CD moms: large wet bag or pail liner for my Ubbi diaper pail?

amhah09

rockstarlaw said:

Planet-Wise loving CD moms: large wet bag or pail liner for my Ubbi diaper pail?

Pail liner. I have a large hanging wetbag for my downstairs bathroom but the upstairs hamper (pail) in the kids' bathroom has a pail liner.

knotty-girl

I'm confused. Why do people keep posting threads freaking out about their progress when their still 3-4 weeks out from their EDDs? Especially if none of those "signs" are very telling anyways. Also what is a soft cervix? Its that like nearly all the way effaced, having gone through lightening?

knotty-girl

It might be less annoying if people put these "am I going to be pregnant forever" posts in the stupid questions thread where they belong. Nope. Still annoying.

MrsZ0811

knotty-girl said:

It might be less annoying if people put these "am I going to be pregnant forever" posts in the stupid questions thread where they belong. Nope. Still annoying.

agreed! I think we are all anxious to meet our babies. They will come when they are good and baked. So annoying!

Jesster11

I would just like to thank @ColleenSwerb for all of her snarky and hilarious replies on all the stupid posts. I am reading them out of bordem/lack of helpful/interesting posts, and you are making my day.

amhah09

I'll admit though that I was totally that person who was all OMGGGGGGGG GET THIS BABY OUT OF ME this time by 37 weeks. I was more miserable than I ever remember being at 40 weeks with DS. Granted, this was my 3rd pregnancy in 4 years AND she did come on her own at 38w1d so I do believe that was my body's way of being done with the pregnancy - literally. Andplusalso I don't think I posted anything stupid about it but maybe I did.

Nellennium

Can you get raspberry leaf in a form other than tea? My MW wants me to drink it but I find it so rank :-&

livin541

@Nellennium‌ I make a cup of the RRL tea and let it sit to cool down, then mix it with Simply raspberry lemonade and pour over a lot of ice. That makes it slightly more bearable!

Emztron500

Melody*W* said:

Bleh. Just had a minor freak out with my vision (no, I wasn't even tempted to ask you guys before calling my doctor. I'm sorry, but you'll just have to get over it). After going to the bathroom, I sat down in front of my computer and noticed blurry vision on my right side. I could only read one letter at a time, the rest was blurry as hell. My doc told me to lay down and close my eyes for 10 minutes. Seemed to fix it up. Not sure what happened. Maybe eye strain, maybe related to diabetes. Anyone else have this happen before?

Don't know if it's like what you described, but I had a little episode (lasted about 20 minutes) a few weeks back where I had a blind spot on the left side of my vision that gradually got larger until that half of my vision was pretty much just an unintelligible mess. The "blind spot" (it wasn't like, black, but I couldn't read or make out anything in that area) was surrounded by a pulsing, glowing, zig-zagging aura, and I have a history of migraines, so I chalked it up to an optical migraine. Sound familiar at all?

RedDawnsRevenge

@Nellennium‌ I take a supplement called 5W that had RRL in it. You might be able to order RRL by it self from a midwifery supply? At this late in the game, don't know if that would work out.