Newbie/FTM questions?

JunkieBrewster

ksalley said:

I know infants should have nothing in the crib with them. But, at what age/ability level is it OK to have them sleep with a blanket or a stuffed animal or whatever? Eventually kids do have stuff in their sleep area, I just don't know the time line.

I was comfortable with it when he could easily roll over/sit up/pull himself up, so about 6 months.

aaron&corey

So back on the bra topic- some of you suggested bringing nursing bras to the hospital. Did you buy them going by your current size?? My friend who most recently gave birth said to wait to buy nursing bras until after your milk has come in just in case you grow more... Thoughts??

allitor12

JunkieBrewster said:

ksalley said:

I know infants should have nothing in the crib with them. But, at what age/ability level is it OK to have them sleep with a blanket or a stuffed animal or whatever? Eventually kids do have stuff in their sleep area, I just don't know the time line.

I was comfortable with it when he could easily roll over/sit up/pull himself up, so about 6 months.

Like @junkie when my LOs were able to move around on their own I started letting them sleep with a blanket/animal. I still used the awesome fleece sleep sacks a lot too though.

erien

aaron&corey said:

So back on the bra topic- some of you suggested bringing nursing bras to the hospital. Did you buy them going by your current size?? My friend who most recently gave birth said to wait to buy nursing bras until after your milk has come in just in case you grow more... Thoughts??

I bought nursing sleep bras. They come in s/m/l so no worries on exact bra size. I won't buy regular nursing bras until my milk comes in.

mlee116

aaron&corey said:

So back on the bra topic- some of you suggested bringing nursing bras to the hospital. Did you buy them going by your current size?? My friend who most recently gave birth said to wait to buy nursing bras until after your milk has come in just in case you grow more... Thoughts??

I bought nursing sports bras, so they were really stretchy and I didn't have to worry so much about a perfect fit.  I think the sleep bras are a great idea too, since they probably have more "give" than a sports bra. 

mlee116

Sorry if this has been asked before.  If it has, feel free to bust me out

For the moms who have had an epidural and a spinal, how much do they differ?  I had an epi with DS, but since I'm having a RCS this time, they are going to do a spinal and I'm a little nervous about how it will feel while its being placed, how it will feel during the surgery, afterwards, etc.  Thanks in advance!

JunkieBrewster

mlee116 said:

Sorry if this has been asked before.  If it has, feel free to bust me out

For the moms who have had an epidural and a spinal, how much do they differ?  I had an epi with DS, but since I'm having a RCS this time, they are going to do a spinal and I'm a little nervous about how it will feel while its being placed, how it will feel during the surgery, afterwards, etc.  Thanks in advance!

Its a shot instead of a catheter. Nothing will be left in your back.  They will also likely deliver some pain medication at the same time that will last about 24 hours, but you can ask for more if needed.

nesenotes

What the others said. The spinal block was 1 shot. I jumped still :-S. BUT it was nice that it took 24 hrs to wear off. I felt great that day and the next! Then it wore off and holy ouch!

mlee116

@nesenotes, how much did the shot hurt? When I had the epi, the first numbing shot was the only thing that stung, but it was only like a bee sting.  The rest of it just felt weird and uncomfortable.

I'm nervous since I was having contractions with the epi and the shot was nothing compared to them.  But this time around, I will probably be going in feeling nothing so I'm worried how it feel with no contractions to distract me, if that makes sense.

Cryssteen

Re: inflammation. As long as your BP is monitored and there's no protein in your urine, you're probbaly ok. Elevate your feet above your knees and your knees above your ankles. This isn't easy to do while sleeping since we aren't supposed to be on our backs, but when you're on the couch or whatever. Keep them up any time you're sitting. Take note of any changes. And be sure you're getting enough water throughout the day. The more water you're actually consuming the less likely you will have edema.

Eora3

MissChristineMarie said:

24 hours to wear off? I cannot imagine being numb for that long. However, one shot and no catheter sounds pretty amazing. 

My spinals have all worn off faster than that (closer to 6 hours ish). The only major difference that I felt with the epi vs spinal, was that I was much more aware of the spinals.

When I got my epi, I was in a ton of pain and didn't really pay much attention to what the doctor was doing. Apparently, he sucked at epidurals because it numbed my legs but not anything above mid-thigh. It was not awsome.

With the spinals, I was in the operating room, sitting on the table, and had waaaaay too much time to anticipate it. They really aren't bad and they only hurt for a couple seconds. But I have freaked myself out both times. So I suggest that you try not to think about it too much ahead of time.

mlee116

Eora3 said:

With the spinals, I was in the operating room, sitting on the table, and had waaaaay too much time to anticipate it. They really aren't bad and they only hurt for a couple seconds. But I have freaked myself out both times. So I suggest that you try not to think about it too much ahead of time.

@Eora, this hits it on the head.  Since I had a cs with DS, I feel like I know what to expect during the actual surgery.  But the "before" will be different since I probably won't be in labor beforehand. It is kind of freaking me out knowing that I'll just be sitting there waiting for them to do the spinal while feeling no pain.  

And thinking about it too much is exactly what I'm doing, haha.  I haven't given it much thought until now and now I'm freaking out a little.  Ugh.

Eora3

mlee116 said:

Eora3 said:

With the spinals, I was in the operating room, sitting on the table, and had waaaaay too much time to anticipate it. They really aren't bad and they only hurt for a couple seconds. But I have freaked myself out both times. So I suggest that you try not to think about it too much ahead of time.

@Eora, this hits it on the head.  Since I had a cs with DS, I feel like I know what to expect during the actual surgery.  But the "before" will be different since I probably won't be in labor beforehand. It is kind of freaking me out knowing that I'll just be sitting there waiting for them to do the spinal while feeling no pain.  

And thinking about it too much is exactly what I'm doing, haha.  I haven't given it much thought until now and now I'm freaking out a little.  Ugh.

I had great nurses both times that distracted me with lots of questions and helped hold me still (I was shaking with nerves both times). Both times I felt pretty silly after the two seconds it took to actually get the spinal. It is really very quick and then you suddenly can't move your legs.

JunkieBrewster

The pain benefits last 24 hours, but you're able to walk/move

desertsun

Oops, wrong thread.

Edited: No, dammit, this was the right thread. Sorry.

I originally wanted to ask @Eora3 and @nesenotes more about the recovery from a scheduled RCS. I was hoping for a VBAC but have a stubbornly breech baby, so I have a RCS scheduled in case she doesn't turn. Of course I will also talk to my OB, but just curious about any tips for the surgery and/or recovery? Should I ask about a binder? How are you doing caring for other kids? Are you able to lift them or change diapers or do you need help? I will hopefully be home for Christmas, and I'm thinking we will probably need to stay home and have anyone who wants to see us come to us and try to keep visits to about an hour. 

Eora3

desertsun said:

Oops, wrong thread.

Edited: No, dammit, this was the right thread. Sorry.

I originally wanted to ask @Eora3 and @nesenotes more about the recovery from a scheduled RCS. I was hoping for a VBAC but have a stubbornly breech baby, so I have a RCS scheduled in case she doesn't turn. Of course I will also talk to my OB, but just curious about any tips for the surgery and/or recovery? Should I ask about a binder? How are you doing caring for other kids? Are you able to lift them or change diapers or do you need help? I will hopefully be home for Christmas, and I'm thinking we will probably need to stay home and have anyone who wants to see us come to us and try to keep visits to about an hour. 

In my experience every recovery has been a little different. This baby was stuck down in my pelvis and it took a lot of force and a vacuum to get him out. So we are both a little more banged up. My recovery has still been much easier than the recovery from my emergency cs, but harder than my first repeat cs.

I am one week out now and just managed a quick trip to the store today (I am not taking the narcotics anymore so I am ok to drive). It was a mistake. I spent the rest of the day sore and exhausted. With my second child (my first scheduled cs), I was able to do a little more and had more stamina at this point.

I absolutely cannot and would not pick up my older boys (2.5 and 16 months). They climb up on the couch and sit next to me if they need cuddles or are hurt. I could probably get down on the floor to change a diaper if my husband wasn't around. But I would not attempt to get my 16 month old out of his crib on my own. I constantly have to stop myself from lifting or otherwise physically moving the boys around. I think having some help for a while is a good idea. Don't push it or you may seriously hurt yourself.

The binder is good and bad. It is good because it helps me feel more stable and helps prevent as much pulling on my stitches. It also helps protect my belly from the accidental bumps from my older boys. The downside is that I am tempted to do too much (like load and unload the dishwasher or do laundry) and then find myself hurting more later.

My tips for surgery and recovery: ask if your OB can use self-disolving stitches and then top it with surgical glue. The glue gives your stitches some extra support and really closes up the incision. With older kids in the house, you will get bumped and having the glue will help keep your incision more secure. I have had this both times with the repeat csections and felt it made a huge difference.

Remember that the first day or so after birth you will be pumped full of good drugs. You may feel great and want to have everyone come visit. Don't do it. Sleep, eat, hydrate, and walk. Take advantage of feeling better to actually get better by front loading your recovery as much as possible.

As far as Christmas goes: Why not have everyone come to you if it is an option? A new baby is reason enough to stay home. You don't want to spend the baby's first holiday feeling awful and exhausted because you pushed yourself too hard.

aaron&corey

Thanks @erien‌ & @mlee116‌, that's really helpful!

desertsun

Thank you so much, @Eora3! Super helpful. 

nesenotes

mlee116 said:

@nesenotes, how much did the shot hurt? When I had the epi, the first numbing shot was the only thing that stung, but it was only like a bee sting.  The rest of it just felt weird and uncomfortable.

I'm nervous since I was having contractions with the epi and the shot was nothing compared to them.  But this time around, I will probably be going in feeling nothing so I'm worried how it feel with no contractions to distract me, if that makes sense.

It felt exactly like that. They warned me it was happening but I still jumped.

nesenotes

MissChristineMarie said:

24 hours to wear off? I cannot imagine being numb for that long. However, one shot and no catheter sounds pretty amazing. 

Sorry, I should have clarified. My legs could move after several hours, but I didnt feel all the contractions from the pitocin they gave me. Or the pain from surgery. I just felt good. Sore but good. Then day 2 I felt like I was hit by a truck.

nesenotes

desertsun said:

Oops, wrong thread.

Edited: No, dammit, this was the right thread. Sorry.

I originally wanted to ask @Eora3 and @nesenotes more about the recovery from a scheduled RCS. I was hoping for a VBAC but have a stubbornly breech baby, so I have a RCS scheduled in case she doesn't turn. Of course I will also talk to my OB, but just curious about any tips for the surgery and/or recovery? Should I ask about a binder? How are you doing caring for other kids? Are you able to lift them or change diapers or do you need help? I will hopefully be home for Christmas, and I'm thinking we will probably need to stay home and have anyone who wants to see us come to us and try to keep visits to about an hour. 

Yes ask for the binder! I splurged on a bellefit for myself this time because I anticipated having to help more with DD1 who is obviously harder to care for than a NB. I'm so glad I did. It helped tremendously. But you dont have to spend that kind of money, the hospital binder works too. I used that exclusively last time.
As for diaper changing, I was able to do all that. I think what hurt me most was not staying on top of my meds MOTN and doing MOTN feedings because I had to sit/stand more. Also I think just in general the second time with a kid is harder because I ended up getting up off the couch a million times a day to help DD1 with the potty, or see what she was doing or whatever. KWIM. But I'm 2.5 weeks out and I pretty much feel almost back to normal. Im just a teeny bit sore now.

ETA: reading comprehension fail. No I didnt lift DD1 until just recently. I told her I had a big "ouwie" and I couldnt. She was not happy but oh well. She isnt in diapers any more so that was easier. I just made sure if I was sitting I had a pillow or something by my stomach as a buffer because without fail she would jump on or near me.

nesenotes

Well said @Eora3 =D>

Yes, the binder can be a double edge sword. But for me, there was no way of getting out of helping DD1. So I did over do it too many times. Im still glad I had the binder in those cases because I cant imagine how much more pain I would have been in otherwise.

mlee116

Thanks so much @Eora and @nesenotes!  All of this was so helpful and I feel like I know more of what to expect

desertsun

mlee116 said:

Thanks so much @Eora and @nesenotes!  All of this was so helpful and I feel like I know more of what to expect

Ditto. Thank you both!

My H will only have limited time off work, so I think a binder is a good idea to help me have extra support moving around looking after big brother. 

I may order this one, since it looks easy to put on/take off:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00K7IOAT2

ETA: Thought of one more question. Did you have someone stay in the hospital with you the entire time? I am think it would be nice to have H there for the surgery and the first night. But I think it would be good for DS if he could stay in his own bed the second night. (He will stay with my parents the first night at least.) 

desertsun

Also, @nesenotes, your new siggy pic is PRECIOUS. 

Eora3

desertsun said:

mlee116 said:

Thanks so much @Eora and @nesenotes!  All of this was so helpful and I feel like I know more of what to expect

Ditto. Thank you both!

My H will only have limited time off work, so I think a binder is a good idea to help me have extra support moving around looking after big brother. 

I may order this one, since it looks easy to put on/take off:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00K7IOAT2

ETA: Thought of one more question. Did you have someone stay in the hospital with you the entire time? I am think it would be nice to have H there for the surgery and the first night. But I think it would be good for DS if he could stay in his own bed the second night. (He will stay with my parents the first night at least.) 

I sent my DH home at night this time and last time. My boys need the consistency of sleeping in their own beds and having their normal bedtime routines.

I just have the plastic bassinet thing next to the hospital bed and then I raise the bed up to the same height as the bassinet so I can get baby in and out without having to get out of bed. It works really well. I never needed any extra help from the nurses.

JunkieBrewster

desertsun said:

mlee116 said:

Thanks so much @Eora and @nesenotes!  All of this was so helpful and I feel like I know more of what to expect

Ditto. Thank you both!

My H will only have limited time off work, so I think a binder is a good idea to help me have extra support moving around looking after big brother. 

I may order this one, since it looks easy to put on/take off:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00K7IOAT2

ETA: Thought of one more question. Did you have someone stay in the hospital with you the entire time? I am think it would be nice to have H there for the surgery and the first night. But I think it would be good for DS if he could stay in his own bed the second night. (He will stay with my parents the first night at least.) 

DH is coming home at night for our son and the dogs. I am taking my boppy so if needed, baby can sleep on the bed between my legs.

nesenotes

I sent H home. He wasn't doing anything but snoring through crying anyway. Also I enjoyed the alone time.

And this is probably an FC but I didn't even think about the bed going high to meet the bassinet. The stupid box was too high and she hated being in there anyway so she slept on me both nights or on a pillow on me. I think I only freaked out the nurses a little bit. But she was nursing so often anyway I just set up little spot for her on the bed and made a wall with the rail and bassinet thing. I feel like MOTY now. Oops. It was nice to have cuddle time though.

Eora3

My hospital doesn't allow baby to sleep on the bed. They were really really clear about that. I think it is a huge liability issue for them.

I don't know what they would have done about it if I had tried that.

JunkieBrewster

Eora3 said:

My hospital doesn't allow baby to sleep on the bed. They were really really clear about that. I think it is a huge liability issue for them. I don't know what they would have done about it if I had tried that.

They tried that shit with my first. I ignored them. Also, they can't force you to sign anything. What are they going to do? Call CPS for.. not breaking the law? Kick you out?

Answer is: nothing but bitch and moan.

erien

katylou91 said:

What did you mamas eat before you went to the hospital for delivery, while you were in labor? Should I stay away from heavier things or does it matter? I don't wanna stuff my face, just have enough energy to get me through.

I did peanut butter on toast with both my deliveries while I labored at home.  My first labor was more eventful and hunger never crossed my mind once I got to the hospital.  This delivery was more textbook and I definitely noticed my empty stomach.  However, I ate the toast at midnight and delivered at 8:30 AM so I wasn't really without food for that long.  I didn't eat anything once I got to the hospital either time.

hprice3467

WHAT is with all the pressure in my pelvic/rectum area????? What does it mean? Is there a way to relieve it? Walking is almost impossible.... sleeping is impossible - I can't seem to get comfortable no matter how I sit and I have one more week of work - any advice is welcome.  

Cryssteen

MissChristineMarie said:

Did someone say peanut butter? ;-) That'll be me. Peanut butter on some toast right before. And then probably like 10 PB spoons. That reminds me, I need to buy more peanut butter.

I literally buy a jar every 10 days or so... Also, TJs has been out of almond butter recently.  That bums me out.  Carry on. 

Cryssteen

@misschristinemarie - just thinking about this now, but what will you DO if your LO is allergic to peanuts?  What will I do?  I think I'll need to make a peanut sanctuary where LO isn't allowed. I may start blueprints now just in case.  

feeshah

hprice3467 said:

WHAT is with all the pressure in my pelvic/rectum area????? What does it mean? Is there a way to relieve it? Walking is almost impossible.... sleeping is impossible - I can't seem to get comfortable no matter how I sit and I have one more week of work - any advice is welcome.  

Either you gotta poo or its baby pushing down. Maybe both?

kboyet

@katylou91‌ I second the toast with PB. I also had a large glass of OJ- best tasting OJ I've ever had.

Cristin343

41 weeks today, FTM and I have a question about bleeding after an internal exam.
Had a check last week and was at zero. Today dr checked me again and it wasn't any more painful but he clocked me at -2, long cervix and 1cm.
After the exam I experienced a significant amount of cramping and bleeding (AF like). Cramping still happening 12 hours later and wondering if it might progress... Just curious if anyone has had this happen? I am not sure if it is my "show" or just a result of the exam.
Scheduled to induce in two days.

oklahomamom09

Cristin343 said:

41 weeks today, FTM and I have a question about bleeding after an internal exam.
Had a check last week and was at zero. Today dr checked me again and it wasn't any more painful but he clocked me at -2, long cervix and 1cm.
After the exam I experienced a significant amount of cramping and bleeding (AF like). Cramping still happening 12 hours later and wondering if it might progress... Just curious if anyone has had this happen? I am not sure if it is my "show" or just a result of the exam.
Scheduled to induce in two days.

Creeping from N14 (had my baby 12/2).. Every time I had an internal exam I would cramp for a good 24 hours. The day before I was scheduled for my induction I went into actual labor on my own. The cramps were TOTALLY different. Try taking a bath, laying on a heating pad, and taking Tylenol. If nothing helps then yes you may be in labor. Did they do a membrane sweep? That could put you into labor or help things progress.

nwsnowbunny

Cristin343 said:

41 weeks today, FTM and I have a question about bleeding after an internal exam.
Had a check last week and was at zero. Today dr checked me again and it wasn't any more painful but he clocked me at -2, long cervix and 1cm.
After the exam I experienced a significant amount of cramping and bleeding (AF like). Cramping still happening 12 hours later and wondering if it might progress... Just curious if anyone has had this happen? I am not sure if it is my "show" or just a result of the exam.
Scheduled to induce in two days.

Spotting could be normal, af like bleeding you should ask your Dr about.

nedralynn

@katylou91‌ with my son I tried to keep him swaddled in it but he hated being swaddled so warm clothes or I tucked a receiving blanket around him tightly.