Dumb Questions here - a playdate/curiosity thread?

KMW08

It's been a while since we have done a play date thread. I'm changing it up -- today's topic is Anything you want to ask, pg related or not

KMW08

For the Canadians & other ladies with great maternity leave benefits, say you did get pregnant right away after delivering and had another child towards the end of your first maternity leave, then what? Do you get another round of mat leave? Is your job still protected?

shan24

KMW08 said:

For the Canadians & other ladies with great maternity leave benefits, say you did get pregnant right away after delivering and had another child towards the end of your first maternity leave, then what? Do you get another round of mat leave? Is your job still protected?

Our maternity leave benefits are through our employment insurance program, paid out similarly to if we lost our job. You are required to have worked a certain number of weeks in order to qualify. You wouldn't get paid taking two mat leaves back to back. I'm under contract, so if I were to get pregnant again, I could apply through my job for unpaid leave and still come back to my job. I'm not sure if that's the same everywhere. That's how it works to my understanding, anyway.

rox825

OK I have a dumb question that I've been wanting to ask.  STMs+, when you wake up for night feedings, what do you do first- feed or change diaper?  Signed, an embarrassed I have to ask this question FTM.

PandaCon

rox825 said:

OK I have a dumb question that I've been wanting to ask.  STMs+, when you wake up for night feedings, what do you do first- feed or change diaper?  Signed, an embarrassed I have to ask this question FTM.

I usually changed diaper first. Then feeding would get baby all sleepy again after the diaper change woke him up.

Once DS wasn't pooping\soaking at night, I quit changing and just Fed him.

Edit to add: no need to be embarrassed! The first few nights I felt clueless but you get the hang of it quickly.

mrsodonnell12

rox825 said:

OK I have a dumb question that I've been wanting to ask.  STMs+, when you wake up for night feedings, what do you do first- feed or change diaper?  Signed, an embarrassed I have to ask this question FTM.

It kind of depends. If you have a lazy eater you may want to nurse/offer bottle then change diaper half way through to wake baby up to get enough to eat.

If you have a good eater, you can change diaper then nurse to sleep. This is what I have always done.

The worst is when baby poops right at the end of nursing/eating you have to change baby again!

wallygirl

I second PP. Changed diaper first, fed second.

missnacholover

I have a document of dumb questions I'm going to ask my sister so I will ask them here too!  Behold, MissNachoLover's working list of dumbass baby questions:

• How often does baby need to be bathed?

• How often does baby need to be fed?  

• How will we know if baby is right temp - not too hot, not too cold?

• When do we start tummy time?

Maelara

For the second round of maternity leave, you must work 600 hours between babies to get maternity leave again.

With N I always changed her diaper first and then fed. In the beginning the babies will poop while eating so you need to change it again. If she just peed a little, I wouldn't change her because she was asleep. I did get good at changing her while she was sleeping though. The key is warm wipes.

Maelara

missnacholover said:

I have a document of dumb questions I'm going to ask my sister so I will ask them here too!  Behold, MissNachoLover's working list of dumbass baby questions:

• How often does baby need to be bathed?

• How often does baby need to be fed?  

• How will we know if baby is right temp - not too hot, not too cold?

• When do we start tummy time?

Baby needs to be bathed every 2-5 days. Depending on how dirty they get. Some people incorporate it into their night time routine and do it every day but you have to be careful of their skin. Not all babies can take that.

For being fed, it depends. When they are going through a growth spurt they cluster feed, so they are pretty much on your boob the whole time. Other than that, about every 2 hours. N did that for a long time. Now she gets breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks.

For the babies temp, they will always need one more layer of clothing than you do. I'm not gonna lie, when I was first doing the newborn thing I took her temperature all the time. You kind of just get a feel for it. Sorry.

You start tummy time right away. Tummy time can also be on you, it doesn't just need to be on the floor. N hated tummy time unless it was on me.

missnacholover

Maelara said:

missnacholover said:

I have a document of dumb questions I'm going to ask my sister so I will ask them here too!  Behold, MissNachoLover's working list of dumbass baby questions:

• How often does baby need to be bathed?

• How often does baby need to be fed?  

• How will we know if baby is right temp - not too hot, not too cold?

• When do we start tummy time?

Baby needs to be bathed every 2-5 days. Depending on how dirty they get. Some people incorporate it into their night time routine and do it every day but you have to be careful of their skin. Not all babies can take that.

For being fed, it depends. When they are going through a growth spurt they cluster feed, so they are pretty much on your boob the whole time. Other than that, about every 2 hours. N did that for a long time. Now she gets breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks.

For the babies temp, they will always need one more layer of clothing than you do. I'm not gonna lie, when I was first doing the newborn thing I took her temperature all the time. You kind of just get a feel for it. Sorry.

You start tummy time right away. Tummy time can also be on you, it doesn't just need to be on the floor. N hated tummy time unless it was on me.

Thanks! 

I have another one.  When they are sleeping, do you put them in a onesie, sleeper, and sleep sack/swaddle?? 

Maelara

missnacholover said:

Maelara said:

missnacholover said:

I have a document of dumb questions I'm going to ask my sister so I will ask them here too!  Behold, MissNachoLover's working list of dumbass baby questions:

• How often does baby need to be bathed?

• How often does baby need to be fed?  

• How will we know if baby is right temp - not too hot, not too cold?

• When do we start tummy time?

Baby needs to be bathed every 2-5 days. Depending on how dirty they get. Some people incorporate it into their night time routine and do it every day but you have to be careful of their skin. Not all babies can take that.

For being fed, it depends. When they are going through a growth spurt they cluster feed, so they are pretty much on your boob the whole time. Other than that, about every 2 hours. N did that for a long time. Now she gets breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks.

For the babies temp, they will always need one more layer of clothing than you do. I'm not gonna lie, when I was first doing the newborn thing I took her temperature all the time. You kind of just get a feel for it. Sorry.

You start tummy time right away. Tummy time can also be on you, it doesn't just need to be on the floor. N hated tummy time unless it was on me.

Thanks! 

I have another one.  When they are sleeping, do you put them in a onesie, sleeper, and sleep sack/swaddle?? 

N was a summer baby so I did a sleeper and a swaddle/sleep sack. I think for this baby I'll do the same because the house will still be warm. Our room is the coldest room in the house (which is where the baby will be) so I will probably add a onsie. We will see how it goes

wallygirl

How often does baby need to be bathed?
Definitely no more than every other day unless they get really dirty for some reason. They loose moisture easier than we do so there is no need to over bathe. You can't "submerge" in water till the umbilical cord falls off so sponge baths only. In between bath days I always made sure to wash DD's little neck rolls at least with warm water.

How often does baby need to be fed?
Around every 2 hours. They will cluster feed at times.

How will we know if baby is right temp - not too hot, not too cold?
Rule of thumb is how you are comfortably dressed plus a layer.

When do we start tummy time?
You can start tummy time right from the beginning. DD hated TT until she started rolling over. The only way she wouldn't fuss was laying on DH or I.

Edit: spelling

mommymeg143

What are your thoughts on caffeine during pregnancy? I know the books say to stay under a certain amount or less. Has anyone had problems from drinking caffeine during pregnancy?

Maelara

MeganMullikin said:

What are your thoughts on caffeine during pregnancy? I know the books say to stay under a certain amount or less. Has anyone had problems from drinking caffeine during pregnancy?

I used to go with whatever was recommended but I have low blood sugar and it makes me dizzy, even more so when I have coffee. So no more coffee for me (

Dimples0101

MeganMullikin said:

What are your thoughts on caffeine during pregnancy? I know the books say to stay under a certain amount or less. Has anyone had problems from drinking caffeine during pregnancy?

Personally I have stayed away from coffee and tea with both of my pregnancies.  I think it's a personal decision, though.  For me, I feel that it's only 9 months, so I can make it without my morning cup.  More importantly, though, I'd rather have chocolate and not need to track how much coffee I had that day to see if I can also have some ice cream. 

runningmama14

wallygirl said:

How often does baby need to be bathed? Definitely no more than every other day unless they get really dirty for some reason. They loose moisture easier than we do so there is no need to over bathe. You can't "submerge" in water till the umbilical cord falls off so sponge baths only. In between bath days I always made sure to wash DD's little neck rolls at least with warm water. How often does baby need to be fed? Around every 2 hours. They will cluster feed at times. How will we know if baby is right temp - not too hot, not too cold? Rule of thumb is how you are comfortably dressed plus a layer. When do we start tummy time? You can start tummy time right from the beginning. DD hated TT until she started rolling over. The only way she wouldn't fuss was laying on DH or I. Edit: spelling

True story about baby neck rolls...  When my niece was a baby, my sis was 19 and I was 15 (so really skilled parent and caregiver, lol).  We both kept noticing that she had an awful stink coming from her ears, but she wasn't acting like she had an ear infection.  We had my mom look at her (she's an RN) and she was perplexed as well.  Off to the doc we went.  She was a bit confused at first too until she discovered a mess of rotten milk in her neck fat rolls.  

We were both so mortified, my sister especially.  Embarrassing FTM fail for ya there!

mommymeg143

Maelara said:

MeganMullikin said:

What are your thoughts on caffeine during pregnancy? I know the books say to stay under a certain amount or less. Has anyone had problems from drinking caffeine during pregnancy?

I used to go with whatever was recommended but I have low blood sugar and it makes me dizzy, even more so when I have coffee. So no more coffee for me (

Aww..I'm sorry!! I never really acquired a taste for coffee but I do love some Dr. Pepper.  I usually have less than 8 oz a day but was reading my pregnancy book last night and it freaked me out.  It said that any amount of caffeine causes the baby stress and increases her heartbeat.  Now, I am so worried about it.  I think 200 mg or less is the daily intake but now I'm worried that any amount will hurt her. 

Maelara

Oh! FTMs, watch out for your hair wrapped around the babies fingers and toes. That can cause them some pain and I've heard of situations so bad that the doctor has to intervene.

soulcupcake

missnacholover said:

I have a document of dumb questions I'm going to ask my sister so I will ask them here too!  Behold, MissNachoLover's working list of dumbass baby questions:

• How often does baby need to be bathed?

• How often does baby need to be fed?  

• How will we know if baby is right temp - not too hot, not too cold?

• When do we start tummy time?

*Just what I've done with my babies* ... visiting from D14.

#1 Maybe once a week? And "bathing" was bringing them in the shower or bath with me.

#2 I never took their temp, and though mine have all been born during the cooler months, as long as they had a onesie with socks or a sleeper they were fine.

#3 I never allotted a time for "tummy time," and I'm not a big fan of it unless baby is laying on me, but even then I never designated a specific time for it. I never found it to be necessary. More can be read here.

rox825

MeganMullikin said:

What are your thoughts on caffeine during pregnancy? I know the books say to stay under a certain amount or less. Has anyone had problems from drinking caffeine during pregnancy?

I don't have any caffeine (besides whatever is in occasional chocolate) about half of the days of the week, and on the other days I try to keep my intake under 50mg, I make my own coffee with 1/3 regular and 2/3 decaf and have a small cup.  My OB said 1 fully caffeinated drink/day was fine, so I feel OK with my routine!  And I haven't had any issues from it, baby is just as active on my non-caffeine days.

mander82

I have been drinking a cup of coffee every morning mon-friday.    Weekends,  I normally either have one cup of coffee,  or one can of mtn. dew.    I am really hoping this little bit of caffeine doesn't make baby an addict.  

 

My question :    Say I want to try breastfeeding, but not so keen on the pumping when I come back to work after 6-8 weeks......is breastfeeding something you can just stop doing whenever you want ?   I am sure baby probably wouldn't care for the change,  but not sure what negative affects it may have on my tata's.    

KMW08

Maelara said:

Oh! FTMs, watch out for your hair wrapped around the babies fingers and toes. That can cause them some pain and I've heard of situations so bad that the doctor has to intervene.

Yes, not to freak anybody out, google hair tourniquet. My coworkers lil guy had this to his toe last week. The doc (I alsowork for) said it was the first time he had seen it in about 10yrs. So hopefully that means it's not too common!

missnacholover

mander82 said:

I have been drinking a cup of coffee every morning mon-friday.    Weekends,  I normally either have one cup of coffee,  or one can of mtn. dew.    I am really hoping this little bit of caffeine doesn't make baby an addict.  

 

My question :    Say I want to try breastfeeding, but not so keen on the pumping when I come back to work after 6-8 weeks......is breastfeeding something you can just stop doing whenever you want ?   I am sure baby probably wouldn't care for the change,  but not sure what negative affects it may have on my tata's.    

Good question!  I am thinking about going to BFing mornings and nights once I return to work (if I do) because pumping at work makes me anxious.  Is this something to easily transition to?

Dimples0101

mander82 said:

I have been drinking a cup of coffee every morning mon-friday.    Weekends,  I normally either have one cup of coffee,  or one can of mtn. dew.    I am really hoping this little bit of caffeine doesn't make baby an addict.  

 

My question :    Say I want to try breastfeeding, but not so keen on the pumping when I come back to work after 6-8 weeks......is breastfeeding something you can just stop doing whenever you want ?   I am sure baby probably wouldn't care for the change,  but not sure what negative affects it may have on my tata's.    

I think it depends on how your supply comes in.  If you are producing a lot when you go back to work, you might need to ease into stopping.  When I stopped nursing/pumping, it was gradual.  I was nursing morning and night and pumping twice at work.  Then as DD was drinking regular milk, I was only pumping once at work.  I then cut morning feedings, then pumping all together, then nightly feedings stopped.

sweetbabyrahe

@missnacholover and @mander82 You can stop BF at any time, but it will make you more comfortable and not as engorged if you can slowly wean. I weaned DS just after 1 year old and I started slowly replacing 1 feed/day with cow's milk. If you went cold turkey I would imagine that would be very painful. From my experience, partial BF can be difficult because BF is based on supply and demand. I don't know how successful BF morning and evening and formula feeding during the day will be and if you will be able to maintain a supply...other mom's may have experience with that.

Maelara

flutterbuggie said:

Ok so this question might be a bit TMI but it's something I've been wondering. How do you ladies tell the color/consistency of your discharge? I never see anything on the TP and only noticed I have any discharge at all by what is on my underwear and of course it tends to dry a little different color. I guess I'm still just hung up on the whole leaking amniotic fluid thing and worried since I never seem to have any on my toilet paper.

I've only ever seen discharge on my panties, never my toilet paper. So whatever colour is on your panties, go with that. Amniotic fluid is clear and liquidy (like pee) but it doesn't smell like pee. It's more sweet. Yes, this means you need to sniff your panties.

marajay6

flutterbuggie said:

flutterbuggie said:

Ok so this question might be a bit TMI but it's something I've been wondering. How do you ladies tell the color/consistency of your discharge? I never see anything on the TP and only noticed I have any discharge at all by what is on my underwear and of course it tends to dry a little different color. I guess I'm still just hung up on the whole leaking amniotic fluid thing and worried since I never seem to have any on my toilet paper.

I've only ever seen discharge on my panties, never my toilet paper. So whatever colour is on your panties, go with that. Amniotic fluid is clear and liquidy (like pee) but it doesn't smell like pee. It's more sweet. Yes, this means you need to sniff your panties.

Lately what I have been seeing on my underwear just looks like the same color as whatever my underwear is that day, just like a wet spot but I've been smelling it and it doesn't smell sweet at all. I don't think it smells like pee either really so I've been confused.

Clear odorless discharge is nothing to worry about.

ejpetey

KMW08 said:

Oh! FTMs, watch out for your hair wrapped around the babies fingers and toes. That can cause them some pain and I've heard of situations so bad that the doctor has to intervene.

Yes, not to freak anybody out, google hair tourniquet. My coworkers lil guy had this to his toe last week. The doc (I alsowork for) said it was the first time he had seen it in about 10yrs. So hopefully that means it's not too common!

This happened to my BFF's DS's penis as an infant.. thankfully not bad enough to require medical intervention but just another place to look out for!

missnacholover

ejpetey said:

KMW08 said:

Oh! FTMs, watch out for your hair wrapped around the babies fingers and toes. That can cause them some pain and I've heard of situations so bad that the doctor has to intervene.

Yes, not to freak anybody out, google hair tourniquet. My coworkers lil guy had this to his toe last week. The doc (I alsowork for) said it was the first time he had seen it in about 10yrs. So hopefully that means it's not too common!

This happened to my BFF's DS's penis as an infant.. thankfully not bad enough to require medical intervention but just another place to look out for!

Holy shit.

*Orders hair nets from Amazon*

Kristil2014

flutterbuggie said:

sj+cm131 said:

flutterbuggie said:

Maelara said:

flutterbuggie said:

Ok so this question might be a bit TMI but it's something I've been wondering. How do you ladies tell the color/consistency of your discharge? I never see anything on the TP and only noticed I have any discharge at all by what is on my underwear and of course it tends to dry a little different color. I guess I'm still just hung up on the whole leaking amniotic fluid thing and worried since I never seem to have any on my toilet paper.

I've only ever seen discharge on my panties, never my toilet paper. So whatever colour is on your panties, go with that. Amniotic fluid is clear and liquidy (like pee) but it doesn't smell like pee. It's more sweet. Yes, this means you need to sniff your panties.

Lately what I have been seeing on my underwear just looks like the same color as whatever my underwear is that day, just like a wet spot but I've been smelling it and it doesn't smell sweet at all. I don't think it smells like pee either really so I've been confused.

Clear odorless discharge is nothing to worry about.



Well the thing is it's definitely not odorless. There's a specific smell to it for sure.


I am experiencing the same thing.

Kristil2014

How do you clean the cord stump? I have read different things. (1 said just water, 1 said water and rubbing alcohol)

How often do you clean it? (Other than if it gets poop on it)

Maelara

flutterbuggie said:

flutterbuggie said:

flutterbuggie said:

Ok so this question might be a bit TMI but it's something I've been wondering. How do you ladies tell the color/consistency of your discharge? I never see anything on the TP and only noticed I have any discharge at all by what is on my underwear and of course it tends to dry a little different color. I guess I'm still just hung up on the whole leaking amniotic fluid thing and worried since I never seem to have any on my toilet paper.

I've only ever seen discharge on my panties, never my toilet paper. So whatever colour is on your panties, go with that. Amniotic fluid is clear and liquidy (like pee) but it doesn't smell like pee. It's more sweet. Yes, this means you need to sniff your panties.

Lately what I have been seeing on my underwear just looks like the same color as whatever my underwear is that day, just like a wet spot but I've been smelling it and it doesn't smell sweet at all. I don't think it smells like pee either really so I've been confused.

Clear odorless discharge is nothing to worry about.

Well the thing is it's definitely not odorless. There's a specific smell to it for sure.

Ask your doctor about it at your next appointment I don't think you have anything to worry about but it's never a bad idea to ask!

Maelara

Kristil2014 said:

How do you clean the cord stump? I have read different things. (1 said just water, 1 said water and rubbing alcohol) How often do you clean it? (Other than if it gets poop on it)

For the most part, leave it alone. You don't need rubbing alcohol. Sometimes it gets a little bloody but I never had issues with poop getting on it. If you notice a little dried blood, just be very gentle and use a wet wash cloth. Otherwise, don't touch it. It will figure itself out. If you notice a lot of puss, call your doctor.

AnnieRoo13

ejpetey said:

KMW08 said:

Oh! FTMs, watch out for your hair wrapped around the babies fingers and toes. That can cause them some pain and I've heard of situations so bad that the doctor has to intervene.

Yes, not to freak anybody out, google hair tourniquet. My coworkers lil guy had this to his toe last week. The doc (I alsowork for) said it was the first time he had seen it in about 10yrs. So hopefully that means it's not too common!

This happened to my BFF's DS's penis as an infant.. thankfully not bad enough to require medical intervention but just another place to look out for!

Seriously? Another penis problem to worry about. I'm seriously not sure I'm ready to be a boy's mom. Baby penises scare me.

missnacholover

Thanks everyone! Sorry for shoving my vagina details up in everyone's business.

I liked it.

PandaCon

I like the thread!  

For those with BF questions kellymom.com is a good resource for you.  I used it a lot when BF DS.  As far as stopping at work/partial BF/weaning the biggest thing is that it can be uncomfortable if done quickly. You get engorged and have a higher chance of plugged ducts quitting cold turkey but it can be done. 

Also because BF is supply/demand partial may or may not work for you. The more that is taken out of your boobs, the more you produce. If milk is left in the boobs too long, your body will start to lesen how much it makes. Going for a full workday without emptying may affect your morning/nighttime supply. 

That said, I know that people have done it. 

KMW08

AnnieRoo13 said:

ejpetey said:

KMW08 said:

Maelara said:

Oh! FTMs, watch out for your hair wrapped around the babies fingers and toes. That can cause them some pain and I've heard of situations so bad that the doctor has to intervene.

Yes, not to freak anybody out, google hair tourniquet. My coworkers lil guy had this to his toe last week. The doc (I alsowork for) said it was the first time he had seen it in about 10yrs. So hopefully that means it's not too common!

This happened to my BFF's DS's penis as an infant.. thankfully not bad enough to require medical intervention but just another place to look out for!

Seriously? Another penis problem to worry about. I'm seriously not sure I'm ready to be a boy's mom. Baby penises scare me.

----endquote----
This is somewhat related, so I have to share what I found at buy buy baby last week LMAO!

Jatpa003

I feel like I will regret this as soon as I post it but... All this talk about mucus plug got me looking now AND... Well how can you tell the difference between mucus and semen?

meeshybee

KMW08 said:

This is somewhat related, so I have to share what I found at buy buy baby last week LMAO!

Those things seem pretty useless. Yeah, maybe it'll stop pee from shooting everywhere, but he'll still be soaked in it.

meeshybee

@Wildflower810, my Dh suggested a game called "Sink The Cheerio" for potty training our son. We never actually did it, but I thought it was hilarious.