Newbie Play date part 2

MrsKipper

cspencer85 said:

Are you guys experiencing a lot of discharge?

Yes! Just within the last week or so I've noticed an increase. I can't remember if it was like this last time around or not.

MrsKipper

Pepper6 said:

How long before I should expect to feel 100% again?  I'm talking any stitches healed, stomach/uterus all contracted, all side effects gone, etc?

I want to say it took about 2 weeks to start to feel completely better and functional. That's about how long it takes for the baby blues to run its course, too.

I think I was still kind of "blah" for another 2 weeks, but I started feeling more human after 2 weeks.

MrsKipper

jshrop said:

Okay, I have a legit question. I'm sure this was discussed in Part 1, but when the baby is born, how often should baths happen? What about hair washing? My baby is bi-racial. My husband is also bi-racial (white/black). His hair is pretty easy but my SIL has more coarse hair. I have no experience because mine is fine and oily. I don't want to dry out her skin or hair. My sister did baths daily on my nephew each evening and then would do baby massage with sleepy time lotion. I love this idea of having wind down time but wasn't sure how realistic it was.

I bathed Nola once a week for a long time. Too much bathing can dry their skin out.

MrsKipper

abastian00 said:

I'm allowed to stay in the hospital for recovery for up to 48 hours (assuming I have a vaginal birth) - do I need to bring multiple outfits for baby while we're there? If yes - what should those be? And if no - what will s/he wear while we're in the hospital? What is good to bring the baby home in?

(I've said this before, but I freaking love this thread!)

I brought other outfits, but I ended up leaving her in the shirts they had for her. They put blue dye on her cord stump and it rubbed off on the shirts so I didn't want to get that on the clothes I brought. I only changed her into her going home outfit.

ETA: I bought a special outfit for going home and it ended up being too big, so I had to put on something more casual that was smaller. I was bummed but in the long run the going home outfit isn't as big of a deal as it can be made out to be!

ElTrain5

Did breastfeeding really help anybody lose weight? I keep hearing how many calories it burns but I'm wondering if it actually helps speed up the baby weight loss.

Cherylwang

ElTrain5 said:

Did breastfeeding really help anybody lose weight? I keep hearing how many calories it burns but I'm wondering if it actually helps speed up the baby weight loss.

I think everyone is different and your body naturally starts shedding baby weight after the baby is born but I believe just from personal experience that it helped my belly go down. 2 friends of mine had babies the same time as I did. Neither of them BF they both looked very pregnant for a while after their babies were born. I had weight to loose and belly flab but didn't look pregnant anymore. I wondered if that was because I was nursing. I have another friend how is a crazy BF advocate and swears that BF'ing got her back in pre-pregnancy pants 2 weeks after giving birth. Well that did not happen for me so I believe that is just her. So who knows! My doctor claims it helps. Everyone is so different.

MrsKipper

ElTrain5 said:

Did breastfeeding really help anybody lose weight? I keep hearing how many calories it burns but I'm wondering if it actually helps speed up the baby weight loss.

I breastfed for 13 months and I gained weight! I didn't start losing weight until Nola started to drop feedings and eat more solids. I was so bummed that it wasn't a magical weight loss tool for me! Everyone is different, though!

katekat8721

@jshrop you ask good questions friend!

arekeweg

Do we really need baby powder, baby wash, baby shampoo, and baby lotion? I was thinking of just getting the wash (can be used all over) and lotion.

steprozz

arekeweg said:

Do we really need baby powder, baby wash, baby shampoo, and baby lotion? I was thinking of just getting the wash (can be used all over) and lotion.

definitely no baby powder, it's bad for their lungs to inhale it- even the cornstarch- just make sure you dry them off really well. I think if you have the hair and body wash and lotion it's enough but just watch to make sure it's working for baby's skin so I wouldn't buy the giant bottles right off the bat. with DS it took a lot of trial and error to find a baby wash that worked for his skin (he has eczema)

steprozz

ElTrain5 said:

Did breastfeeding really help anybody lose weight? I keep hearing how many calories it burns but I'm wondering if it actually helps speed up the baby weight loss.

I didn't feel like it helped me lose weight any faster necessarily but it does help your uterus go down and back to regular size so you don't look so pregnant anymore. I lost 20 lbs just by DS being born and then pretty much stayed the same while BFing because it literally makes you so hungry (at least me anyways).

jwarnerb

cspencer85 said:

Are you guys experiencing a lot of discharge?

YES.

erind228

arekeweg said:

Do we really need baby powder, baby wash, baby shampoo, and baby lotion? I was thinking of just getting the wash (can be used all over) and lotion.

We only use the head to toe babywash and lotion. I agree with pp about the baby powder, it's not good for them......what is the purpose anyway? Get a good diaper rash cream, though.

jshrop

@katekat8721‌ thanks lady

hollygb22

erind228 said:

Do we really need baby powder, baby wash, baby shampoo, and baby lotion? I was thinking of just getting the wash (can be used all over) and lotion.

We only use the head to toe babywash and lotion. I agree with pp about the baby powder, it's not good for them......what is the purpose anyway? Get a good diaper rash cream, though.

Baby wash and baby shampoo are the same thing. I was DD's hair with the same body wash. I don't use baby powder and do use baby lotion...so baby lotion and baby wash are it. It takes me about 6 months to go through a bottle of baby lotion..it seems to last forever.

Things to have on hand that I found helpful...aquaphor..we used tons of that for scratches, baby acne, dry spots etc. I like Triple Paste for diaper rash..it's not overly scented and clears it up the quickest for us. Alcohol and cotton balls to clean the umbilical cord stump.

hollygb22

Cherylwang said:

I'm allowed to stay in the hospital for recovery for up to 48 hours (assuming I have a vaginal birth) - do I need to bring multiple outfits for baby while we're there? If yes - what should those be? And if no - what will s/he wear while we're in the hospital? What is good to bring the baby home in?

(I've said this before, but I freaking love this thread!)

The hospital has a onsie for the baby in the hospital. I only brought a going home outfit. They check the baby a lot and change a lot of diapers there really isn't a need for another outfit. Also I did bring a pajama outfit and lightweight robe for myself for my stay. I didn't put it on until hours after the baby was born. I kind of think that a nightgown was the best since you are bleeding pretty bad after.

Agree with this..baby wore a kimono onesie top that that hospital provided, a diaper, and a swaddle blanket. So many drs, nurses, etc were in an out checking her I would never have thought to dress her up. I had a going home outfit..it was a one piece carters deal and that was it. I stayed in a hospital gown the frist 24 hours and then it was old navy yoga pants, a nursing tank, and a hooded sweatshirt

jshrop

Oh yeah... That stump. How long does it stay on and how do you clean it? Just alcohol? Does baby feel that (I assume not but....)

hollygb22

jshrop said:

Okay, I have a legit question. I'm sure this was discussed in Part 1, but when the baby is born, how often should baths happen? What about hair washing? My baby is bi-racial. My husband is also bi-racial (white/black). His hair is pretty easy but my SIL has more coarse hair. I have no experience because mine is fine and oily. I don't want to dry out her skin or hair. My sister did baths daily on my nephew each evening and then would do baby massage with sleepy time lotion. I love this idea of having wind down time but wasn't sure how realistic it was.

I only bathed DD maybe twice a week..so every 3 days or so? She had a crapload of hair and dry skin and honestly didn't get too dirty since she slept and ate all day. Blowouts, poop explosions etc sometimes meritted an extra bath. It didn't affect our bedtime routine too much...which didn't really start until 2-3 months.

 

hollygb22

Pepper6 said:

How long before I should expect to feel 100% again?  I'm talking any stitches healed, stomach/uterus all contracted, all side effects gone, etc?

I think it depends on your delivery. I had a 3rd degree tear and an episiotomy. I honestly didn't feel normal until my  6 wk appt. It was sort of a new normal. I'd say it took me 3 weeks to not feel uncomfortable sitting. I was scared of going to the bathroom, convinced myself I had hemmroids, you name it. I don't know if it was a psychological thing..but once I was cleared medically, i felt better.

steprozz

jshrop said:

Oh yeah... That stump. How long does it stay on and how do you clean it? Just alcohol? Does baby feel that (I assume not but....)

it stays on an average of about two weeks. some stay on longer, some fall off sooner. it doesn't hurt them when you clean it. just rubbing alcohol on a clean cotton ball. it will sometimes bleed and ooze a little bit usually from clothes rubbing on it so just watch to make sure it isn't excessive. and whatever you do resist the urge to pull it off if it's hanging on halfway or by a thread!

tbmadeamistake

jshrop said:

Oh yeah... That stump. How long does it stay on and how do you clean it? Just alcohol? Does baby feel that (I assume not but....)

The stumps are gross. They say four to seven days, c's was closer to two weeks and they ended up having to cauterize it. Gross. Baby doesn't really notice. You clean it with an alcohol wipe once or twice a day, helps to dry it out, and eventually it falls off. If you are lucky you notice and throw it right away. If not, you'll find it eventually...

jshrop

Lilygrace48 said:

Oh yeah... That stump. How long does it stay on and how do you clean it? Just alcohol? Does baby feel that (I assume not but....)

The stumps are gross. They say four to seven days, c's was closer to two weeks and they ended up having to cauterize it. Gross. Baby doesn't really notice. You clean it with an alcohol wipe once or twice a day, helps to dry it out, and eventually it falls off. If you are lucky you notice and throw it right away. If not, you'll find it eventually...

oh yuck. Good god. I'm not a squeamish person but how often am I going to be gagging at this kid and her bodily functions lol? Can I just pass the gross stuff off to a nanny and just play and dance around with her in between the yucky stuff?
Before I get flamed, I'm kidding. But seriously, what is the gross factor on the baby? Is my husband (who is squeamish) going to be able to deal lol? I guess the main question, what is all the gross stuff I'm going to have to deal with? What don't they tell you in these baby classes that I'm not expecting?

ksyknelvr73

ElTrain5 said:

Did breastfeeding really help anybody lose weight? I keep hearing how many calories it burns but I'm wondering if it actually helps speed up the baby weight loss.

Not for me (I know that isn't what you want to hear). I dropped almost 30 pounds (I gained 53) within the first couple months and then I didn't lose ANY more until I quit BFing.

ksyknelvr73

jshrop said:

Lilygrace48 said:

Oh yeah... That stump. How long does it stay on and how do you clean it? Just alcohol? Does baby feel that (I assume not but....)

The stumps are gross. They say four to seven days, c's was closer to two weeks and they ended up having to cauterize it. Gross. Baby doesn't really notice. You clean it with an alcohol wipe once or twice a day, helps to dry it out, and eventually it falls off. If you are lucky you notice and throw it right away. If not, you'll find it eventually...

oh yuck. Good god. I'm not a squeamish person but how often am I going to be gagging at this kid and her bodily functions lol? Can I just pass the gross stuff off to a nanny and just play and dance around with her in between the yucky stuff?
Before I get flamed, I'm kidding. But seriously, what is the gross factor on the baby? Is my husband (who is squeamish) going to be able to deal lol? I guess the main question, what is all the gross stuff I'm going to have to deal with? What don't they tell you in these baby classes that I'm not expecting?

 

 

**stuck in quote box.

 

I just laughed way too hard. Babies/toddlers/kids are gross, in general. You really do get used to it. And I firmly believe that when it's your own child, you have a much higher tolerance for the grossness. I am generally super squeamish about snot and vomit and with my own kid, it doesn't really phase me (well, most of the time...). I mean, they are fully dependent on you to take care of them so you witness and deal with every single bodily function possible. You WILL - at some point - get peed on, pooped on, puked on. For me, the pee and poop never bothered me near as much as the puke or mucus.

jshrop

@mullenem‌ that made me get all teary with the bath expert! What a great idea!!! I want hubs to have time to connect/bond with her, especially since we have no clue how long he will be here before he gets sent to school or deploys etc. I want him to feel confident with her at something too. I love it!

Mia081081

@jshrop - Newborn poop/pee/puke is generally not that gross, especially if you breastfeed. The poop doesn't smell and it's not that hard to clean up. I wasn't grossed out by the newborn phase at all.

Once they start eating meat, it's a whole different thing, but you get very used to it. 

TBH the absolute WORST thing is when DD is congested and throws up. A lot. When she was BFing, she would throw up all over me. Curdled milk + food is nasty, but I didn't gag. It's a weird, you're thinking "ew - this is gross", but also "what's wrong with baby? is baby ok?". 

chloephoebecali

I lost a lot of weight nursing (I weighed less than I did pre-pregnancy) but, I was also on a serious diet -milk, soy, wheat, egg, nut, corn,etc, free. Dd was intolerant and I had to give it all up to nurse her without it distressing her system and making her tummy bleed.

abastian00

MrsKipper said:

I'm allowed to stay in the hospital for recovery for up to 48 hours (assuming I have a vaginal birth) - do I need to bring multiple outfits for baby while we're there? If yes - what should those be? And if no - what will s/he wear while we're in the hospital? What is good to bring the baby home in?

(I've said this before, but I freaking love this thread!)

I brought other outfits, but I ended up leaving her in the shirts they had for her. They put blue dye on her cord stump and it rubbed off on the shirts so I didn't want to get that on the clothes I brought. I only changed her into her going home outfit. ETA: I bought a special outfit for going home and it ended up being too big, so I had to put on something more casual that was smaller. I was bummed but in the long run the going home outfit isn't as big of a deal as it can be made out to be!

What is the blue dye for?

jaybee11

I'm still trying to get an idea of what clothes I'll really need for these babies, and one thing that has me completely sideways is (of all things) socks!  It drives me nuts to see socks dangling off babies' and toddlers' feet, even more so when one goes completely missing.  I've been trying to stock up on footed onesies for times that they'll need the extra warmth, but how essential is it to keep their piggies wrapped up, particularly in the warmer months?  I pretty much go barefoot year-round when I'm at home, but I don't want my girls' feet to freeze.

curlylocks3

jshrop said:

Oh yeah... That stump. How long does it stay on and how do you clean it? Just alcohol? Does baby feel that (I assume not but....)

There are some studies out now (in the past few years) showing that using alcohol on it makes no difference. Our hospital no longer has you do anything with the stump. It should fall off ~7-10 days after birth. And I don't think they feel anything- they certainly don't react at all when it is touched.

otter1103

ugabamafans said:

How do you know if your water has broken?  I'm not talking about the full-out Niagra Falls break, I mean the trickle.  Did you know?  Did you not know?

With DD my water broke up high one evening but I thought it was a pee trickle because it was very little and only a couple of times. When I woke up the next morning I knew something was off. I was super jittery. I went to the bathroom and had no gush. Wiped, pulled up pants and trickle. I was instantly suspicious then. Sat back down and actually said "relaxing bladder muscles. Tightening bladder muscles" stood up, took a step and trickle again. Called the OB and asked if there was test they could do. Went it, they tested the fluid with a paper (this was back in 2000, so tests might be different now) and it was positive for amniotic fluid. OB said I probably had a tear up high and when baby would shift, that's what caused a trickle effect.
I still say it was my body the next morning that was my ultimate clue. It was telling me something is not right.

Mia081081

ugabamafans - mine broke while we were having sex. It was just a slow leak, but the water was really warm and wouldn't stop running down my legs. It just didn't' feel like pee. Walking around it kept leaking so I knew it was my water. 

chickpea912

@ugabamafans I was induced, so on a Sunday evening, they prepped my cervix with cervadil.  In the morning when I woke up, I got up to go to the bathroom and if memory serves (for some reason this is very hazy), I had the dramatic gush.  There was no questioning it.  And then I was confined to the bed for 36ish hours.

MrsKipper

abastian00 said:

MrsKipper said:

I'm allowed to stay in the hospital for recovery for up to 48 hours (assuming I have a vaginal birth) - do I need to bring multiple outfits for baby while we're there? If yes - what should those be? And if no - what will s/he wear while we're in the hospital? What is good to bring the baby home in?

(I've said this before, but I freaking love this thread!)

I brought other outfits, but I ended up leaving her in the shirts they had for her. They put blue dye on her cord stump and it rubbed off on the shirts so I didn't want to get that on the clothes I brought. I only changed her into her going home outfit.

ETA: I bought a special outfit for going home and it ended up being too big, so I had to put on something more casual that was smaller. I was bummed but in the long run the going home outfit isn't as big of a deal as it can be made out to be!

What is the blue dye for?

I have no idea, to be honest. They told us about it in our expectant parenting class but I can't remember. I don't know of everywhere does it.

abastian00

MrsKipper said:

MrsKipper said:

I'm allowed to stay in the hospital for recovery for up to 48 hours (assuming I have a vaginal birth) - do I need to bring multiple outfits for baby while we're there? If yes - what should those be? And if no - what will s/he wear while we're in the hospital? What is good to bring the baby home in?

(I've said this before, but I freaking love this thread!)

I brought other outfits, but I ended up leaving her in the shirts they had for her. They put blue dye on her cord stump and it rubbed off on the shirts so I didn't want to get that on the clothes I brought. I only changed her into her going home outfit. ETA: I bought a special outfit for going home and it ended up being too big, so I had to put on something more casual that was smaller. I was bummed but in the long run the going home outfit isn't as big of a deal as it can be made out to be!

What is the blue dye for?

I have no idea, to be honest. They told us about it in our expectant parenting class but I can't remember. I don't know of everywhere does it.

I just asked one of my mom friends and apparently it's called gentian violet. It's used to prevent bacteria. The more you know! 

(This GIF should really be the theme of this board!)

RaeJ004

ugabamafans said:

How do you know if your water has broken?  I'm not talking about the full-out Niagra Falls break, I mean the trickle.  Did you know?  Did you not know?

Nobody believed me when mine broke because it wasn't a huge gush. It was just a little trickle whenever I would make any sudden movements. I went out to dinner, packed my hospital bag, had DH install the car seat.... Totally in denial the whole time. I had a gut feeling that's what it was but second guessed myself the whole time. At L&D the nurse tested it and even told me it tested negative for amniotic fluid. Then she pushed up on DD's head and it gushed everywhere. She was in there just perfectly that it plugged it. So no, you won't always be sure!

steprozz

satrimm said:

I plan on using my Bob stroller as my one and only. I've researched around and have read that with the car seat attachment it can be a pain, not to mention the car seat we have already (and I love) doesn't work with the bob. I did register for the attachment and another car seat as I bought the car seat I already have & I'm sure I can let my boyfriend use that in his truck when needed/give to my parents whenever I'm done using it w the stroller BUT do I really need to do the car seat attachment in the stroller? Obviously I don't plan on doing anything other than light stuff such as shopping/going to see people/whatever until the baby is strong enough for me to use it as a jogging stroller as well. I just haven't found a TON of information on if it's that huge of a deal to use it from the get go

I loved the stroller attachment for our baby jogger for DS and used it all the time and will use it again this time. it's so easy to just pop the car seat in and out. also if baby is asleep when you get to wherever you're going you don't have to wake them up which is a plus.

tbmadeamistake

I knew it was my water breaking and not pee because it was a different texture/color.  It was super clear and had a little smoothness to it, not slimey, but just shy of slimey, I'm not sure how to describe it.  I had little trickles the whole time. 

ELC252011

So I plan on washing most of her clothes this weekend. Is there a difference between dreft and tide free and clear? Also I'm I supposed to wash beanies, sox, wash clothes or just clothes and blankets?

Edit: spelling is hard.

Cwg22

Along the lines of pregnancy symptoms that disappear post delivery - my veins are now much more noticeable, especially on my boobs and legs. Assuming this is due to increased blood flow and swelling particularly in my boobs which have grown a lot. Will I remain "veiny" after birth? Not as concerned with my boobs, but with my legs staying this way. Thanks ladies for all your great info, has been so helpful for a FTM.