Stupid Question Sunday

AmCheri

donnamartingraduates93 said:

BTDT moms: Talk to me about PPD. I imagine with such a hormonal shift there will be some natural swings, but curious what is considered normal and what are important warning signs to look out for. I will obviously also bring this up with my doctor so H and I can be aware, but would love any stories you may be willing to share.

As others have said, you will be evaluated before discharge from the hospital. I was also evaluated at the first few pediatrician check-ups following discharge. Whatever trouble I had, however, didn't surface for a few weeks PP. Distinguishing between PPD and baby blues is tough, I think. I was surprised by how bad my baby blues were. I went through about a two-week stretch of spontaneous and extremely emotional crying, for no particular reason at all. I would cry feeding the baby, cry in the shower, cry watching tv, cry sitting in a moment of peace and quiet. I was not prepared for that and really thought something more was going on. But, it passed. Had it continued, I would have sought help. I guess my advice is just to be prepared. Understand you might have strong emotions that can surface for no reason at all. So long as you can continue feeding the baby and keep up with eating and drinking enough yourself, some rough patches are to be expected.

acrotzer

I see all sorts of "make your own baby food" pins, where they freeze them in an ice cube tray. When you do so, how do you thaw it out? In the microwave? Ahead of time in the fridge?

OliveMom3

mamakeeg said:

I'm terrified of breastfeeding. I have decided to try and read up on it a little but I have no help because nobody I know has breastfed their babies. I want to get a book or even read a site that helps me know what I need and gives me the basics without being totally overwhelming like most breastfeeding discussions are. Any advice or recommendations?

Do you have any specific questions? I'm happy to try to answer them. You can read up and speak with those who have breastfed online but if it freaks you out more maybe just try it out when baby gets here? Most people find it difficult at the beginning with sore nipples and leaking but honestly it can also be something really easy and not problematic. I hate that there's so much pressure on moms. I feel like it makes new moms nervous for no good reason. You will feed your child in whatever way you can. Just wanting to research ways to feed and know more makes you a good mom.

lexyraejay

mamakeeg said:

I'm terrified of breastfeeding. I have decided to try and read up on it a little but I have no help because nobody I know has breastfed their babies. I want to get a book or even read a site that helps me know what I need and gives me the basics without being totally overwhelming like most breastfeeding discussions are. Any advice or recommendations?

You could take a breastfeeding class at your hospital or through a parenting group. Check out https://kellymom.com/ Also check if La Leche League and the IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) have any groups or resources in your area. Remember that breastfeeding is what boobs are made for (barring any medical issues in you or the baby, of course) and even though it is a commitment and can/will be difficult at times, it's great for your and baby! Also, don't be too hard on yourself if it doesn't work out. Good luck!

lexyraejay

acrotzer said:

I see all sorts of "make your own baby food" pins, where they freeze them in an ice cube tray. When you do so, how do you thaw it out? In the microwave? Ahead of time in the fridge?

First, don't make a boat load to far in advance. I was planning on doing home made baby food and DD didn't touch it. We ended up doing baby-led weaning and I hope all of my children do that because it's SO much easier!

You can defrost in the fridge, but that's slower. In the microwave, I'd partially defrost a cube and then stir it up well to defrost the rest and make sure there are no hot spots in the food that could burn baby's mouth. Incidentally, that's the same reason formula/breast milk shouldn't be heated in the microwave.

AmCheri

sagehens47 said:

Ok so what do babies sleep in?? I know we'll be swaddling at the beginning, but something goes underneath, yes? when do you use sleep sacs vs footies vs plain 'old onseis? I'm glad this is stupid question Sunday.

We found the best and easiest clothing for sleep was a kimono style, side-snap/tie tshirt under a sleep gown. Then, you swaddle. Magnificent Baby makes the most useful sleep gowns with magnetic closures which are the best for middle-of-the-night diaper changes. We especially liked the sleep gowns are open in the front with closures and avoided anything that you have to put over baby's head. Baby Soy and Kissy Kissy also make great sleep gowns.

ETA: We didn't use onesies or anything of the sort until her umbilical stump fell off. No pants or anything with elastic around the waist until then. I think we swaddled until she was big enough for a sleepsack, probably 2-3 months. We had sleepsacks, but they were too big, even the smallest sizes, and you don't want them wiggling out or ending up with the sleepsack over their face. So it's really a measure of how fast your baby grows.

miracle4x

mamakeeg said:

I'm terrified of breastfeeding. I have decided to try and read up on it a little but I have no help because nobody I know has breastfed their babies. I want to get a book or even read a site that helps me know what I need and gives me the basics without being totally overwhelming like most breastfeeding discussions are. Any advice or recommendations?

Usually in the hospital you're visited by a lactation consultant. Don't hesitate to ask all the questions you have , because that's what they are there for. You may not even know what to ask until you have breastfed for a little while, and you should be able to call the consultant when you need them. Don't be terrified...remember you have maternal instincts for a reason! Breastfeeding is awesome.

miracle4x

specialsn0wflake said:

Ok so what do babies sleep in?? I know we'll be swaddling at the beginning, but something goes underneath, yes? when do you use sleep sacs vs footies vs plain 'old onseis? I'm glad this is stupid question Sunday.

I loved sleep gowns with my son. They made middle of the night changes so much easier. And the body suits with zippers. Screw trying to snap those annoying tiny things (snaps, not baby) while half asleep. Once I started using the gowns I left dumb for not using them sooner. I plan to buy more this time since I liked them so much.

Yep, gowns, or zipper sleepers, with a sleep sack on top unless you are swaddling.

chicsugar

mamakeeg said:

I'm terrified of breastfeeding. I have decided to try and read up on it a little but I have no help because nobody I know has breastfed their babies. I want to get a book or even read a site that helps me know what I need and gives me the basics without being totally overwhelming like most breastfeeding discussions are. Any advice or recommendations?

I am part of a group on Facebook called Breastfeed, Chicago. I don't think you necessarily have to live there to be a part of it. I feel like I have learned a ton (as a FTM) just reading people's post/response. PM me if you are interested and I will see if I can add you. 

bowman958

Super stupid question: I find myself wanting a StorkSak diaper bag, which at $200+ seems like an....indulgence. Has anyone else had a "luxury" diaper bag, and was the price tag worth it?

AmCheri

mamakeeg said:

I'm terrified of breastfeeding. I have decided to try and read up on it a little but I have no help because nobody I know has breastfed their babies. I want to get a book or even read a site that helps me know what I need and gives me the basics without being totally overwhelming like most breastfeeding discussions are. Any advice or recommendations?

Breastfeeding is intimidating. As others have said, make use of the hospital staff LC and your recovery nurses. Ask lots of questions. Help them position your baby and check for proper latch. I think it's worthwhile to meet with an LC after you get home from the hospital. One thing I learned is that breastfeeding isn't magical and it isn't easy. It takes a lot of work and persistence. If it's hard, that doesn't necessarily mean you're doing it wrong. It can take six weeks to find a groove and there is often a peak in difficulty around 3 weeks when baby has a growth spurt. I liked Kelly Mom as a resource. This is our second baby, and I've decided to meet with an LC before he's born just for a refresher and to get a general plan in place. You might consider that, too. Working one-on-one with someone is so much more helpful than trying to digest the information out there, a lot of which is incorrect and inconsistent.

Suesse2009

sagehens47 said:

Ok so what do babies sleep in?? I know we'll be swaddling at the beginning, but something goes underneath, yes? when do you use sleep sacs vs footies vs plain 'old onseis?
I'm glad this is stupid question Sunday.

We never swaddled. Our daughter always wore a sleeper and a sleep sack. In the winter she also wore a onesie.

tif5596

@mamakeeg‌ Watch the Netflix documentary that PP posted, Breastmilk. Saltbox40 suggested it to me when I had a question about breast feeding and I'm sold now. I'm not dead set on only BFing but I'm definitely going to try it because of the documentary. It's definitely worth watching.

fatcat11188

mbm1983 said:

If it does come that fast, please call an ambulance. You don't want to be giving birth on the side of the road alone.

Yes- totally agree!!! I won't be a car birth-er! Especially with my girls. Talk about scarring them for life!

Rowsdower85

My question is about the glucose test. Why do they give it to you so late in pregnancy? I'm having mine on Tuesday at 27 weeks, but I feel like it would be more beneficial to my health to know much sooner.

lexyraejay

Rowsdower85 said:

My question is about the glucose test. Why do they give it to you so late in pregnancy? I'm having mine on Tuesday at 27 weeks, but I feel like it would be more beneficial to my health to know much sooner.

Google lead me to https://gestationaldiabetesrecipes.com/understanding-gdm/ with this answer: It is less common for women to develop gestational diabetes before this time. At around 28 weeks gestation your hormone levels are much higher than they were earlier in the pregnancy and are more likely to interfere with your body’s ability to process glucose. Diagnosis at this stage still allows time to manage and control your baby’s growth and wellbeing.

specialsn0wflake

Currently dying for a Kate Spade diaper bag but hubby got me a ticket for the nope train on that request.

letina09

Am I going to know when I'm having Braxton Hicks? Or will it be something I will recognize after I go through labor and experience real contractions? I'm a FTM and clueless.

somewheresublime86

I'm sure the 'what to pack in my hospital bag' questions will be starting up soon.

I'm kind of a minimalist when it comes to packing, so I likely won't bring all that much. My question is, BTDT moms, is there something that you didn't pack that you really wish you had?

mnharkcom

I have stupid questions all week, and then when sunday comes I always forget them

alexis95

letina09 said:

Am I going to know when I'm having Braxton Hicks? Or will it be something I will recognize after I go through labor and experience real contractions? I'm a FTM and clueless.

I can tell when I'm having Braxton Hicks and I'm a FTM. It's a really weird feeling, your uterus gets super super tight and hard to the touch for a little while, and then goes back to normal. They're not supposed to be painful but I had an episode of painful ones a few weeks ago and it wasn't fun.

letina09

@mbm1983 Thank you! I'm pretty sure I'm getting BH. Usually when I'm trying to move positions after sitting or laying for a while. I need to stay on top of my water intake...it just starts tasting so plain after the first 40-60 oz!

fatcat11188

mbm1983 said:

I'm sure the 'what to pack in my hospital bag' questions will be starting up soon. I'm kind of a minimalist when it comes to packing, so I likely won't bring all that much. My question is, BTDT moms, is there something that you didn't pack that you really wish you had?

I'm very minimal! I only brought tooth brush/toothpaste, deoderant, clothes to go home in, my purse, my camera and nothing for hubby, sleeper for baby. We were there for only 24 hours after birth. I do wish I brought more. A hairbrush for one. Extra clothes for hubby and his basic toiletries, a friggin pillow (because those flat hospital pillows are awful), mascara and dark circle eraser, because people were taking pics like crazy and I look like shit in all of them. This time I'm taking my dslr as well.

Chapstick was a big one, a small case of bottled water, (crazy expensive to buy there) and nice soft easy to put on maternity clothes, I was in denial that I would not be pre-pregnancy clothes wise in my last delivery- plus my poor tummy was sore. 

Callahannah

Okay, here's my question: (***TMI alert***) I've been leaking colostrum for a couple weeks now, and out of curiosity I tried to hand express it in the shower this morning and was surprised at how much I could get. So I'm wondering if there would be any benefit (or detriment) to see if I can save what colostrum I'm producing during pregnancy for when after baby is born.

I'm hoping to EBF, and I know not to supplement while building up supply... What other factors should I take into consideration? Or is this just a crazy/silly/stupid idea to begin with?

lexyraejay

somewheresublime86 said:

I'm sure the 'what to pack in my hospital bag' questions will be starting up soon.

I'm kind of a minimalist when it comes to packing, so I likely won't bring all that much. My question is, BTDT moms, is there something that you didn't pack that you really wish you had?

I brought way too much! This time, it'll be our toiletries, changes of clothes for DH, going home clothes for me and baby, (I'm probably alone on this, but I just wore the hospital gown and mesh panties until we left), phones, camera, and a twin size air mattress for DH - he's 6'5" and the convertible bed was NOT cutting it! We didn't need anything for the baby at the hospital because they had diapers, swaddle blankets, and baby hats there... maybe we brought a kimono top?

lexyraejay

Callahannah said:

Okay, here's my question: (***TMI alert***) I've been leaking colostrum for a couple weeks now, and out of curiosity I tried to hand express it in the shower this morning and was surprised at how much I could get. So I'm wondering if there would be any benefit (or detriment) to see if I can save what colostrum I'm producing during pregnancy for when after baby is born.

I'm hoping to EBF, and I know not to supplement while building up supply... What other factors should I take into consideration? Or is this just a crazy/silly/stupid idea to begin with?

No need to save it. Your boobs will keep producing it until mature milk comes in. That depends on your own body and the type of nursing a newborn does.

Callahannah

@MrsRexManing @lexyraejay Okay, thanks for the quick answers.

AmCheri

bowman958 said:

Super stupid question: I find myself wanting a StorkSak diaper bag, which at $200+ seems like an....indulgence. Has anyone else had a "luxury" diaper bag, and was the price tag worth it?

Get the bag you like! You'll be using it a lot so I don't think the price is a huge deal. I was never a fan of true diaper bags. We had two and I just didn't like them. Ultimately, I just got a large Long.champ Plia.age bag and bought an insert to organize it. Liked it much better. And it's a bag that we will continue use to use long after the diaper bag phase is over.

lexyraejay

baby_blessings said:

Will I know when to go to the hospital? I'm about 30 minutes away from our hospital and I'm scared I'll wait too long.

FTMs usually have longer labors so you should be OK Your hospital probably has a phone # to call just for labor and delivery. They'll probably tell you to call once your contractions are 1 minute long, every 5 minutes for an hour and then guide you on coming in or staying home from there.

stephrob88

Is anyone else having a hard time finding a daycare with an opening for an infant? Not sure what we are going to do if nothing opens up. added stress to a FTM.

lexyraejay

Lilzeezee said:

I remembered mine this week! 

1) When breastfeeding, how do I know when a breast is "done", and it's time to burp and offer the second boob? Will it feel empty? 

2) Cloth diapers: what's the easiest way to check if the diaper is wet? Do I need to undress her all the way to check every time? 

3) BRU is having a sale on nursing bras. Is it too early to make a guess about sizes and buy a few? How many will I need? 

1) Keep going on side #1 until LO pops off, then offer side #2. Next session, start on the side you ended on.
2) I have no experience with this. Good luck!
3) At this point, I'd only get the ones that aren't based on cup-size, but only S-M-L, like sleep bras or nursing camis. I would have been WAY OFF on sizing if I had gotten real nursing bras now. How often you do laundry helps determine how many to buy.

VeggieFan

Sorry if this was already asked, but just wondering, when should we start interviewing nannies? I've been researching people and have no clue when I should post our opening/interview potential candidates. I'm a FTM and this is starting to stress me out!

lexyraejay

VeggieFan said:

Sorry if this was already asked, but just wondering, when should we start interviewing nannies? I've been researching people and have no clue when I should post our opening/interview potential candidates. I'm a FTM and this is starting to stress me out!

ASAP! Those who'll watch infants get snapped up quickly.

AmCheri

VeggieFan said:

Sorry if this was already asked, but just wondering, when should we start interviewing nannies? I've been researching people and have no clue when I should post our opening/interview potential candidates. I'm a FTM and this is starting to stress me out!

We worked with an agency. They asked us to call after we were home from the hospital and settled in. I planned on a 12-week maternity leave. We started interviewing about two months prior to me going back. Lots of the candidates we interviewed needed lead time before they could start. Just something to keep in mind.

Murran131

Swanigam said:

Not quite a stupid question, but wouldn't mind some input.

We are re-listing our house at the beginning of March. As of right now we are planning on sharing our room with baby unless a miracle happens and we sell/move before she gets here. Not holding my breath. I'm definitely going into nesting mode and want to start getting everything ready/set up for when she gets here! But would it be best to leave it as long as possible for showings? Make it look roomier and such.

What would you do? Start prepping for baby or leave it as long as possible to hopefully sell it quick?

If it were me, I'd leave it as long as possible unless you have tons of room in your master and really cute baby stuff. Clutter really turns buyers off, and even if it isn't true of your house, they always think it means there isn't enough room.

lexyraejay

RHoPA1109 said:

mbm1983 said:

Yeah my sister runs a daycare and she doesn't even have a spot for me for infants. That's why you just keep calling early and get on those waitlists.

I won't need to have LO in daycare until the end of August. Should I start calling now? I have no idea how early is too early or if I'm already behind.

I'm a SAHM, but the word on the street is call right away. I guess I'd rather be laughed off the phone for calling too early than be stuck with undesirable/no options later on.

stephrob88

I have already contacted 8 local day cares and all are full... I have one lady I am interviewing for a nanny position but she seems to be wanting a low rate of pay, around the same as drop off care. This might sound crazy but that makes me nervous. I am scared she will decide it is too little money to watch one infant full time and back out.

annapants26

Swanigam said:

Not quite a stupid question, but wouldn't mind some input.

We are re-listing our house at the beginning of March. As of right now we are planning on sharing our room with baby unless a miracle happens and we sell/move before she gets here. Not holding my breath. I'm definitely going into nesting mode and want to start getting everything ready/set up for when she gets here! But would it be best to leave it as long as possible for showings? Make it look roomier and such.

What would you do? Start prepping for baby or leave it as long as possible to hopefully sell it quick?

I hope your agent is helping you with this one!

At my firm, we are a jillion times more successful with some "staged" homes. Sell faster and for more money, across the board.

People just are NOT imaginative-- buyers cannot see a nursery as a guest room!

For some reason nurseries REALLY a freak people out in particular. Especially first time home buyers, even if they plan on having a child eventually, the whole crib setup just throws them off track from focusing on your home.

So bottom line: if you want your home to sell quick, I'd put off doing the nursery. Sorry to be a Debbie Downer.

knitfastdiewarm

Sunshine2526 said:

catlover790 said:

@mbm1983‌ @lexyraejay‌ @aikendrum‌ Thank you for responding! I do think the CPR etc will be helpful but I'll have to check; I think those are covered in a separate class (which is shorter and cheaper so that might be good).


@CaterinaC‌ Thanks for your perspective! I am planning on having an unmedicated birth (if possible) so I wasn't sure how much of the things they might discuss would be applicable to someone who didn't want interventions. We also would like to hire a doula and I'm wondering if I should put the money toward that instead.

If you are planning an unmedicated birth, I absolutely would take a childbirth class.  I took Lamaze and found it really helpful.  It focused on natural pain relief methods, labor and delivery, breastfeeding, and newborn care.  I'm going to take the natural pain relief methods class again before this birth.  The Lamaze class I took isn't through the hospital, the teacher who offers it is a doula and childbirth educator.  Good luck!

@catlover790‌ I second this. I told my MW I planned on an unmedicated birth and she told me that she didn't think the birth class offered by the hospital would be useful but that I really needed to seek out a class. I'm 7 weeks into our birth class series and I really see why she recommended it now: it provides so many tools and discusses what to expect during labor and delivery in a way I hadn't read about. Plus, we have really enjoyed getting to know other couples. DH has said it has helped him feel less apprehensive about birth.

shayrenee86

AmCheri said:

donnamartingraduates93 said:

BTDT moms:
Talk to me about PPD. I imagine with such a hormonal shift there will be some natural swings, but curious what is considered normal and what are important warning signs to look out for. I will obviously also bring this up with my doctor so H and I can be aware, but would love any stories you may be willing to share.

As others have said, you will be evaluated before discharge from the hospital. I was also evaluated at the first few pediatrician check-ups following discharge. Whatever trouble I had, however, didn't surface for a few weeks PP. Distinguishing between PPD and baby blues is tough, I think. I was surprised by how bad my baby blues were. I went through about a two-week stretch of spontaneous and extremely emotional crying, for no particular reason at all. I would cry feeding the baby, cry in the shower, cry watching tv, cry sitting in a moment of peace and quiet. I was not prepared for that and really thought something more was going on. But, it passed. Had it continued, I would have sought help. I guess my advice is just to be prepared. Understand you might have strong emotions that can surface for no reason at all. So long as you can continue feeding the baby and keep up with eating and drinking enough yourself, some rough patches are to be expected.

I'm a FTM but I'm very worried about PPD after how emotional I've been throughout this pregnancy so far. I imagine it will only get worse :-(