Can we start another 'clueless FTM' question thread?

LaurenAsh23

I have one, hope it hasn't been asked yet, I haven't finished reading the whole thread.

I always just thought, if you go into labor, you go into the hospital. Now the more I've read it seems like you should call your dr first? Is this true?

aLsMay24

LaurenAsh23 said:

I have one, hope it hasn't been asked yet, I haven't finished reading the whole thread.

I always just thought, if you go into labor, you go into the hospital. Now the more I've read it seems like you should call your dr first? Is this true?

My hospital likes to be notified before you come in. I call my MW line when I think I'm having regular contractions, they go through a list of questions and then tell me if they think I'm actually in labor or need to be checked out. If they say come its nice because once I get there I get out straight in a room. The one time I went and made it there before they called back it was a cluster.

clo1982

lwebley said:

Great questions @Golferbee! Any idea how many newborn diapers we should stock up on before hand? I've heard they grow out of them quickly, so I don't want to buy too many, but don't want to have too few either. Edit: missing words

@golferbee I started out using pampers wipes then later tried target brand and have used them since. I have found that they don't dry out as quickly as the pampers . My mom, who watches dd still uses pampers so I can compare and I find I have to use more wipes with pampers to get dd as clean...plus you can't beat the price difference! For NB diapers I got 2 boxes that each have about 90 in them. I also got 2 big boxes of 1's. I'm not opening any until we get home in case he doesn't need NB size (although that'd surprise me). I will just exchange the boxes if we don't use them. I'm figuring the 2 boxes that I have will get me through somewhere around 1.5-2 weeks at which point I will need to get out anyway.

aLsMay24

bunnyfungo said:

Blonderedhead781 said:

SomersIsles said:

FarmBoysWife said:

Blonderedhead781 said:

Am I crazy for thinking I don't need to spend a crap ton of money on a stupid Boppy pillow? I am thinking that a regular firm pillow would be just fine and I can save us $30-$50.

Yep, you'll be fine.

Another option is to talk to any other mom. Typically the boppy and bumbo are available as a hand-me-down.

I know my friend used the boppy for tummy time, sitting, and breastfeeding.

We actually did get a Bumbo as a hand-me-down. For some reason, though, everyone was holding their Boppy's tight. It's okay, though. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't making some huge mistake by not getting one.

I think it's personal preference though. I've gotten so much use out of my boppy that I have 2 of them. I wouldn't be able to survive without it lol. So I guess my advice is the complete opposite of FBW.

I'm a boppy fan too! I got my first one at a baby consignment store and used that thing all day everyday. Now we are in a different house and I will be on both levels frequently so I bought one off a local swap for $5 so I don't have to carry it up and down the stairs. I made a quick cover and its like new again!

VineyardMel

aLsMay24 said:

bunnyfungo said:

Blonderedhead781 said:

SomersIsles said:

FarmBoysWife said:

Blonderedhead781 said:

Am I crazy for thinking I don't need to spend a crap ton of money on a stupid Boppy pillow? I am thinking that a regular firm pillow would be just fine and I can save us $30-$50.

Yep, you'll be fine.

Another option is to talk to any other mom. Typically the boppy and bumbo are available as a hand-me-down.

I know my friend used the boppy for tummy time, sitting, and breastfeeding.

We actually did get a Bumbo as a hand-me-down. For some reason, though, everyone was holding their Boppy's tight. It's okay, though. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't making some huge mistake by not getting one.

I think it's personal preference though. I've gotten so much use out of my boppy that I have 2 of them. I wouldn't be able to survive without it lol. So I guess my advice is the complete opposite of FBW.

I'm a boppy fan too! I got my first one at a baby consignment store and used that thing all day everyday. Now we are in a different house and I will be on both levels frequently so I bought one off a local swap for $5 so I don't have to carry it up and down the stairs. I made a quick cover and its like new again!

I'm another double Boppy fan. As @bunnyfungo said, I used them for nursing, tummy time and learning to sit up so it was more than worth it for me and I have one upstairs and one downstairs.

jasi704

A question for STM... How often do you bathe a newborn? And does that ever become more/less frequent as they age?

Sanibel21

Owning a jeep wrangler is in my bucket list!

The talk about swaddling got me thinking. Can you put them in bassinet/pack'n'play/crib to sleep swaddled? Because I thought you weren't supposed to put them in those with blankets or anything?
Another silly FTM question, is it ok to shower while LO is asleep in another room or do I have to put her in the bouncer in the bathroom with me?
And for the most random question, anyone else having an orange coating on their tongue?? I brush twice a day and it brushes off but I've never had it before a few weeks ago. I have an appt today and will ask but thought I'd throw it out here too!

clo1982

FarmBoysWife said:

A question for STM... How often do you bathe a newborn? And does that ever become more/less frequent as they age?

@jasi704 we only bathed as needed. DS has wicked dry and sensitive skin so any more than when he got dirty was to much. Some parents do nightly (as part of the bed time routine) others never (j/k) but it will all depend on your lo and you. And- just so you all know. Lo will probably hate all baths at first. Now DS soaks in the tub as long as we will let him and we have to set a timer and check the water temp because it will be freezing and he'll continue sit in there. Edit: enter to fast! All that to say- first bath probaby won't be magical and will probaby be more stressful than anything. They were a huge fit from DS until he was almost two. Now if you say bath he starts stripping his clothes and heads for the tub! (We have employed spelling the word to talk about our bath plans for him!)

Yep all of this. We bathed DD as a newborn sometimes every other day, sometimes every 3rd day. She spit up a ton due to reflux so if it was a particularly messy day, we would do more frequently. But on a normal basis, it was every 3rd. She also had a ton of hair that would look pretty greasy by day 3! By the time she was maybe 9 months we did (and still do) every other day. She has always hated, and still hates, the actual bathing part of bathtime. Now, though, she absolutely loves playing in the tub once the whole bathing part is done. I definitely second the notion that you shouldn't expect bathtime to look anything like it does in commercials with cuddling, kissing, and a cooing smiley baby. It's more like a slippery, angry, screaming child and a parent who is soaking wet trying desperately not to drop them.

VineyardMel

jasi704 said:

A question for STM... How often do you bathe a newborn? And does that ever become more/less frequent as they age?

You won't give them a full bath until the cord stump falls off and is fully healed. I think we did it once a week for quite a while and then added frequency. DD loves her baths (once I figured out I was making the water to cold and warmed it up) so we started making it part of her daily routine by 3mo. Oh--we also didn't use any soap for quite a while as it can dry out their skin. Newborn skin is naturally dry and flakey, too (they've been in water for so long that it takes the skin a little time to adjust). It doesn't need any extra attention, you just don't want to add soap that could further dry it out.

jasi704

@babycaps Thanks for the recommendation. I've got some Amazon credits I've been waiting to use

jennl0314

Ok, I know that everyone says the hospital provides the clothes for baby while you're there, but did anyone bring any and use their own? I at least want to bring some cute hats but don't want to look ridiculous bringing in a baby bag

katykatykaty

Golferbee said:

Do you actually have a wipe preference? I have some huggie wipes, target brand, and some 'natural' brand... Is there really a difference? Can I just get what I find a good deal on/someone gives me?

I like the way Huggies wipes feel the most, but they caused my daughter to have really bad diaper rash.  The only ones she can use are Pampers Sensitive. 

katykatykaty

kbmac613 said:

I'm a little late to the party but I have another swaddle question.  Do you swaddle at night only or do you swaddle for naps as well?

We only swaddled at night because we wanted it to help her know the difference between day and night time.  She slept fine during the day not swaddled, but if she didn't, I'm sure we would have swaddled all the time. 

katykatykaty

AKPuffin said:

I'll go and if this has been asked I must've completely missed it.  

My hospital bag is packed EXCEPT for an outfit for me to wear home.  I have no idea what to pack especially if I end up having a c-section.  It's still technically "winter" in Germany even though it's 45 degrees at the moment and we have yet to see snow so a dress might be out of the question.

You can wear pants if you have a c-section!  Just make sure they are higher-waisted and hit above your pelvic bone.  I wore full-panel maternity yoga pants to go home last time, so I'll probably do the same this time. 

Golferbee

jasi704 said:

@babycaps Thanks for the recommendation. I've got some Amazon credits I've been waiting to use

Waiting to use?! I would never have to wait to use amazon credits. Ha. I will always need more.

AKPuffin

FarmBoysWife said:

@akpuffin I packed what we always kept for DS as an infant in a bag- a sleeper (only one newborn, one 0-3) one long sleeve onesie (again, two sizes). All our "in hospital clothes" are provided so all we need to worry about is getting lo home! If you are one of the frozen chosen also pack some blankets to put over lo. We also always warm up our cars so really we need to be able to keep lo warm for about 25 feet. (Not hard!) For us, that's all we need. We have more packed for DS to come visit.

@FarmBoysWife  But what should I pack for myself to wear home?  I'm super worried about being uncomfortable on the ride home.  H thinks we'll be taking his Subaru home from the hospital and I've already had to tell him twice that I'm either going to have a painful incision or my lady bits are going to be too traumatized to withstand the rough ride home in his stupid car!

dancer7889

Is there some secret to getting the aspirator to work? Poor lo is all stuffy this morning and I can't seem to help her out.

And how many wipes do you use per change? We are CDing and have cloth wipes. It really bothers dh that I only use one most of the time but I feel that the cloth wipes are much bigger and more absorbent so she's still getting plenty clean.

Golferbee

DisneyAddict1 said:

dancer7889 said:

Is there some secret to getting the aspirator to work? Poor lo is all stuffy this morning and I can't seem to help her out.

And how many wipes do you use per change? We are CDing and have cloth wipes. It really bothers dh that I only use one most of the time but I feel that the cloth wipes are much bigger and more absorbent so she's still getting plenty clean.

Do you have saline drops? Probably need to do a couple drops of saline in the nose to loosen things up so they can actually come out.

As far as wipes, right now 1-2 sometimes more depending on the mess. I remember only using like 1-2 for DS when he was little too. If it was a bad enough mess that I thought we'd need more that's when I quick rinse off would come in to save his skin.  H without fail will double that easily. I don't even know how but he always does.

----------------------------------,

Judging on my husbands toilet paper usage, I bet he will triple me on wipe count per change. And I bet it will drive me batty.

nblondheim

We bath every 3 days or as needed.

I don't take them into the bathroom when I shower but DH has been around.

We only swaddle at night.

dancer7889

One more- when does you milk supply usually match LO's demand? I feel like I have a huge over supply. Lo usually only eats off one side and doesn't even empty it.

AKPuffin

bunnyfungo said:

I feel so much better knowing that I'm not the only crazy person with more than one boppy. I should show this to DH and rub it in his face lol

I have three!  A friend who has twin girls gave me practically all of her stuff to include clothes and two boppys and I received a travel boppy at my last shower.  So now I have one for upstairs, downstairs and on the go.  I'm pretty excited!

AKPuffin

Thanks @katykatykaty and @DisneyAddict1!  I just really want to be comfortable and could care less whether or not I look cute.

katykatykaty

dancer7889 said:

Is there some secret to getting the aspirator to work? Poor lo is all stuffy this morning and I can't seem to help her out. And how many wipes do you use per change? We are CDing and have cloth wipes. It really bothers dh that I only use one most of the time but I feel that the cloth wipes are much bigger and more absorbent so she's still getting plenty clean.

My secret to getting the aspirator to work is to use the Nose Frida instead.    It works so much better!

springbaby03

I'm having a csection...I got pants at Target The band flips above belly button or below, they are so forgiving I think they will be gentle on my tummy.

Don't forget you'll be wearing a thick csection waist band over the entire belly area.

I think my milk supply was matching babys demand around 1-2 months.

amdecker1016

kakesworld said:

Our hospital only has 1 birthing ball. Nurse who taught the birthing class said we might want to bring our own in case it is in use with someone else. I'm wondering if I should go out and buy one to bring or if it's just another thing that I shouldn't worry about? I hate to overpack and walk in with a bunch of stuff (bags, pillows, big ass ball etc).

I havent got to the last page yet, but i got one at walmart for like $8- so if i don't end up brining it at least i didn't pay a fortune!

jasi704

amymheidecker said:

Our hospital only has 1 birthing ball. Nurse who taught the birthing class said we might want to bring our own in case it is in use with someone else. I'm wondering if I should go out and buy one to bring or if it's just another thing that I shouldn't worry about? I hate to overpack and walk in with a bunch of stuff (bags, pillows, big ass ball etc).

I havent got to the last page yet, but i got one at walmart for like $8- so if i don't end up brining it at least i didn't pay a fortune!

I'm gonna keep mine in the car and make hubby go grab it if I need it.

katykatykaty

AKPuffin said:

Thanks @katykatykaty and @DisneyAddict1!  I just really want to be comfortable and could care less whether or not I look cute.

@akpuffin I know you're not in the US so it might be hard to order these, but they are my absolute favorite pants my right now, and I know they'll be great for post c-section.

https://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1002593&vid=1&pid=855624032

clo1982

katykatykaty said:

dancer7889 said:

My secret to getting the aspirator to work is to use the Nose Frida instead.    It works so much better!

I need to bite the bullet and try this! I keep hearing about how gross it is but it still just kind of gives me the shivers!

 

@springbaby03, I think quite a few ladies on here ( @katykatykaty may be one if I remember right?) didn't have any type of band/binding after a c/s. I never had anything like that, just a gauze type thing over the incision which I'm guessing was to keep it from snagging on clothes. @katykatykaty, did you ask about it at your appointment? I plan to tomorrow, but am curious if you got feedback.

amdecker1016

katykatykaty said:

AKPuffin said:

Thanks @katykatykaty and @DisneyAddict1!  I just really want to be comfortable and could care less whether or not I look cute.

@akpuffin I know you're not in the US so it might be hard to order these, but they are my absolute favorite pants my right now, and I know they'll be great for post c-section.

https://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1002593&vid=1&pid=855624032

I went and got some cheap guy pajama pants at the dollar store- i am not ashamed. They are much baggier around the waste.

mrsdahamm

Regarding the belly binder or whatever post c section. All I had was a compression dressing (I think that's what they called it) that was basically just tape (really tight) from hip to hip over the incision and about an inch on top and bottom. That only stayed on about 24 hours. I never had anything else over my belly. I kinda wanted the binding back for the first day or so it was off just because it made me feel more secure, but I never had any problems at all.

katykatykaty

clo1982 said:

katykatykaty said:

dancer7889 said:

My secret to getting the aspirator to work is to use the Nose Frida instead.    It works so much better!

I need to bite the bullet and try this! I keep hearing about how gross it is but it still just kind of gives me the shivers!

 

@springbaby03, I think quite a few ladies on here (@katykatykaty may be one if I remember right?) didn't have any type of band/binding after a c/s. I never had anything like that, just a gauze type thing over the incision which I'm guessing was to keep it from snagging on clothes. @katy, did you ask about it at your appointment? I plan to tomorrow, but am curious if you got feedback.

@clo1982 My next appointment isn't until Monday, so I haven't had a chance to ask about it yet.  Let me know what you hear, and I'll do the same.  I'm delivering at a different hospital this time, so I thought maybe it was more of a hospital thing than a doctor thing and that I'd get to try one this time. 

clo1982

katykatykaty said:

 

 

I need to bite the bullet and try this! I keep hearing about how gross it is but it still just kind of gives me the shivers!

 

@springbaby03, I think quite a few ladies on here (@katykatykaty may be one if I remember right?) didn't have any type of band/binding after a c/s. I never had anything like that, just a gauze type thing over the incision which I'm guessing was to keep it from snagging on clothes. @katy, did you ask about it at your appointment? I plan to tomorrow, but am curious if you got feedback.

@clo1982 My next appointment isn't until Monday, so I haven't had a chance to ask about it yet.  Let me know what you hear, and I'll do the same.  I'm delivering at a different hospital this time, so I thought maybe it was more of a hospital thing than a doctor thing and that I'd get to try one this time. 

That was supposed to say 'great' not 'gross'. can't type today.

lalaith50

All of the Carter's baby clothes say "wash in cold water." Do they REALLY mean that? I usually wash clothes in warm, and I hate the thought of having to keep the Carter's stuff separate...

katykatykaty

lalaith50 said:

All of the Carter's baby clothes say "wash in cold water." Do they REALLY mean that? I usually wash clothes in warm, and I hate the thought of having to keep the Carter's stuff separate...

Ha.  When they're covered in poop, I wash them in the hottest water possible. 

amdecker1016

lalaith50 said:

All of the Carter's baby clothes say "wash in cold water." Do they REALLY mean that? I usually wash clothes in warm, and I hate the thought of having to keep the Carter's stuff separate...

I washed mine on the warm-cold cycle.
Tumble dried low. They didn't really shrink.

katykatykaty

bennieangel said:

katykatykaty said:

lalaith50 said:

All of the Carter's baby clothes say "wash in cold water." Do they REALLY mean that? I usually wash clothes in warm, and I hate the thought of having to keep the Carter's stuff separate...

Ha.  When they're covered in poop, I wash them in the hottest water possible. 

I wash all our clothes in cold...but I agree, if there's poop I'll probably start washing in warm...or hot. I hadn't thought of it. 

Do you stain treat clothes as you take them off LO (like in his room give a little spray) or when you're going to wash them? I feel like I will forget to check for stains / spots if I'm dumping in the washer but if I put stain treatment in his room I can just spray when they come off of him? Is that silly?

No, I never did stain treatment on clothes for DD... When she had massive blowouts, I would immediately take them and rinse them in cold water to get the majority of the poo off, and then I would start a load of laundry to wash them right away.  Normally that was enough to keep them from staining, but sometimes the white clothes would be stained a little yellow. 

AKPuffin

@katykatykaty I'm going to check those pants out!  I'm going to be delivering within the next two weeks so if I put in an order tonight I might actually get them in time.  Some of our Amazon orders make it here in a week or so!

kaking78

kakesworld said:

Our hospital only has 1 birthing ball. Nurse who taught the birthing class said we might want to bring our own in case it is in use with someone else. I'm wondering if I should go out and buy one to bring or if it's just another thing that I shouldn't worry about? I hate to overpack and walk in with a bunch of stuff (bags, pillows, big ass ball etc).

I bought a $10 fitness ball at Walmart.  I love bouncing on and doing hip circles on it now.  It was money well spent even if we don't take it to the hospital.

PeytonEliMama

lwebley said:

Great questions @Golferbee! Any idea how many newborn diapers we should stock up on before hand? I've heard they grow out of them quickly, so I don't want to buy too many, but don't want to have too few either. Edit: missing words

We use Pampers Swaddlers, so I am not familiar with other brands, but Pampers sizes overlap - for example, NB may fit 5-10 lbs, and size 1 8-13 lbs - so I just got on smaller pack of NB diapers in case I have a smaller baby, and then will move onto size 1s once those are gone.

PeytonEliMama

jennl0314 said:

Ok, I know that everyone says the hospital provides the clothes for baby while you're there, but did anyone bring any and use their own? I at least want to bring some cute hats but don't want to look ridiculous bringing in a baby bag

Our hospital provides a drawer full of kimono-style onesies and hospital blankets, so we just used those with my daughter. This time I did pack a pair of pants to use with the onesie so baby boy will not always have to be wrapped up in a blanket.  Also, if I knew I was having a C-section I would probably pack more baby clothes, since the hospital I am delivering at requires a 5-day stay after C-sections.