What is generally covered at the birthing class at the hospital? They cancelled the one we were signed up for and now debating if it's important enough that my husband should take time off from work for the next available one
Can you shop around for other classes in the area, not necessarily at the hospital? In our area the hospital class is only a half day and doesn't cover much except things that can go wrong in childbirth and a tour of the birthing unit, apparently. Instead we opted for a six week class offered at the community college, and it's great! It's taught by an experienced doula and we have a textbook and everything. It's one evening a week and pretty inexpensive for all that class time. We're learning breathing techniques, different methods of pain management, stages of labor, and perhaps most importantly, how our SO or birthing partner can help support us during labor. I find it really helpful to go with my husband, because he doesn't spend all his free time browsing the bump like I do and doesn't know all this stuff, and I will rely on him a lot during labor and want him to be prepared. I've also learned a lot through the class so far that I didn't get from reading alone.
This sounds like our class that was at the hospital. There were lots of options. Ours also included breastfeeding and (basic) infant care. I think the benefit is being able to ask questions from someone who has first-hand experience (ours was taught by a doula as well), and actually being forced to practice the breathing, support techniques, pain management strategies, etc. You could totally find reputable sources for getting questions answered besides the class, of course, and you can practice at home, too . . . but I knew I wouldn't do either, so we took the class! I think you'll do fine without one, but i would ask your doc or friends, etc. if anyone knows of any other places they have classes besides the hospital because I did find it helpful.
Where are y'all going to store your baby tub? I got the 4moms and have no extra counter space for it and DDs use their tub daily. I can't figure out where to put the thing!
I have it in my tub right now so it's out of the way and I can just put it in the floor when I want to take a bath.
@hkuntzman89 I think someone answered your question over in daily symptoms, but in case they didn't I think you should give a call to your l&d. I'm also a FTM but if I were experiencing what you were I would call, just to put my mind at ease. Good luck!
Where are y'all going to store your baby tub? I got the 4moms and have no extra counter space for it and DDs use their tub daily. I can't figure out where to put the thing!
We got a support bather for this exact reason, we have no storage space and this literally just hangs up on the hook on our shower rack.
I have one of these but also received one of those flower looking things for the sink. Where on earth do you put kne of those to dry? I cant seem to find anywhere.
I've got the flower thing too. I don't know how drippy it will be, but I'll either hang it on my towel rack or in the shower to dry.
Where are y'all going to store your baby tub? I got the 4moms and have no extra counter space for it and DDs use their tub daily. I can't figure out where to put the thing!
We got a support bather for this exact reason, we have no storage space and this literally just hangs up on the hook on our shower rack.
I have one of these but also received one of those flower looking things for the sink. Where on earth do you put kne of those to dry? I cant seem to find anywhere.
I've got the flower thing too. I don't know how drippy it will be, but I'll either hang it on my towel rack or in the shower to dry.
I read that you're supposed to just put them in the dryer. I don't have one, so I don't know how well it will work, that's just what I heard.
Where are y'all going to store your baby tub? I got the 4moms and have no extra counter space for it and DDs use their tub daily. I can't figure out where to put the thing!
We got a support bather for this exact reason, we have no storage space and this literally just hangs up on the hook on our shower rack.
I have one of these but also received one of those flower looking things for the sink. Where on earth do you put kne of those to dry? I cant seem to find anywhere.
I've got the flower thing too. I don't know how drippy it will be, but I'll either hang it on my towel rack or in the shower to dry.
I read that you're supposed to just put them in the dryer. I don't have one, so I don't know how well it will work, that's just what I heard.
Maybe I should actually read the instructions on the package? Lol
My husband has the flu. I got the flu shot, but I heard that it's not terribly effective this year. My stupid question is, if I get it, is there anything special I need to do? Is it the kind of thing where I should call my doctor and need special attention? I'm 38 weeks tomorrow, so pretty close to my due date. I'm guessing I would just need to rest and drink lots of fluids... nothing special. I don't normally get sick (even though I work with kids), so I'm not very familiar with what to do with the flu, even when I'm not pregnant.
My husband has the flu. I got the flu shot, but I heard that it's not terribly effective this year. My stupid question is, if I get it, is there anything special I need to do? Is it the kind of thing where I should call my doctor and need special attention? I'm 38 weeks tomorrow, so pretty close to my due date. I'm guessing I would just need to rest and drink lots of fluids... nothing special. I don't normally get sick (even though I work with kids), so I'm not very familiar with what to do with the flu, even when I'm not pregnant.
My guess is that the biggest risk with the flu would be if you developed a fever or became dehydrated, so like you mentioned, rest and keep up the fluids!
And be quick to call your doctor if you think you might have be getting sick, the doc would have more insight about what to watch for and might even ask to see you before your next appointment.
My husband has the flu. I got the flu shot, but I heard that it's not terribly effective this year. My stupid question is, if I get it, is there anything special I need to do? Is it the kind of thing where I should call my doctor and need special attention? I'm 38 weeks tomorrow, so pretty close to my due date. I'm guessing I would just need to rest and drink lots of fluids... nothing special. I don't normally get sick (even though I work with kids), so I'm not very familiar with what to do with the flu, even when I'm not pregnant.
If he has confirmed flu on a viral swab you should ask your doctor for tamiflu to prevent you from getting it.
I could definitely read books, watch videos, and I'm sure I could find another class, those are great suggestions. I wanted to do it at the hospital because they'll do the tour and answer hospital specific questions. Ahh, oh well. Thank you for the feedback and great suggestions, ladies!
I could definitely read books, watch videos, and I'm sure I could find another class, those are great suggestions. I wanted to do it at the hospital because they'll do the tour and answer hospital specific questions. Ahh, oh well. Thank you for the feedback and great suggestions, ladies!
Does your hospital do tours or open info sessions, outside of classes? I'm not in the US but all hospitals here do this once a week or every other week, and also give the option of setting an appointment for a free, private info session/consultation.
ETA: when we went in to pre-register, we received a brief tour and were able to ask questions. This despite the fact that the vast majority of people take birth prep classes here.
Where are y'all going to store your baby tub? I got the 4moms and have no extra counter space for it and DDs use their tub daily. I can't figure out where to put the thing!
We got a support bather for this exact reason, we have no storage space and this literally just hangs up on the hook on our shower rack.
I have one of these but also received one of those flower looking things for the sink. Where on earth do you put kne of those to dry? I cant seem to find anywhere.
I've got the flower thing too. I don't know how drippy it will be, but I'll either hang it on my towel rack or in the shower to dry.
I read that you're supposed to just put them in the dryer. I don't have one, so I don't know how well it will work, that's just what I heard.
Maybe I should actually read the instructions on the package? Lol
Uggghhh...my directions got lost In trying to stuff all of our gifts in a ford fiesta. The dryer makes sense but ours is in the basement and all baby stuff is on the 3rd floor of the condo. This is no fun.
I think I jinxed myself. Baby moved and is on right side and I am seeing a lot of small movements on front of belly. Worried he is posterior. tomorrow is my appt at 35 weeks. We will see what they say. I will probably be on my hands and knees all day today in case
I wake up at 3:00 with terrible awful painful cramps after two hours of feeling miserable roll over to get more comfortable then BAM!!! Water everywhere like all over bed all over legs all over toilet.... Call L&D and they say to come on in so I get mine and LO bag and call mil to drive. Getting very excited at this point. Get all checked in change into gown and the do a litmus(?) paper test to check and make sure it was actually amniotic fluids or just pee. It was just PEE!!!! How in the world did I not realize I pissed myself?!?! Now I'm bummed out waiting for them to give me a quick exam and then send me home on my merry way... Ugh. Can those strips be wrong? I was really hoping this was it!
@aliciac2008 If he has actual influenza, you should call your doctor for a Tamiflu prescription. I had to do this in January and luckily it kept me from getting sick. Pregnant woman have a greater chance of hospitalization with influenza. Good luck!! Hope he feels better and you can avoid it!! It's miserable.
@kissell that is totally something I would do!! Thanks for sharing but sorry you had to go through all that drama and that you are not getting your wish
@janit368 just for future reference you can buy the litmus paper at Walmart in the fish section and test fluids on your underwear. Apparently the ph of amniotic fluid is close to 7-8 and urine is 4-5. I personally don't think it's ever a good idea to self diagnose but it's better knowing if you have actually just peed or not. @klkonwi and any other nurses, what is your nursing experience say about using litmus paper to test the fluids yourself...
1. I was told at my last appointment that if baby boy doesn't flip the will attempt a version at 38-39 weeks and if it is successful they will induce me right away and if not I will have a c/s right away. I have not heard this and will follow up at my appointment this week about the rationale for inducing or doing a c/s right away. Has anyone heard this and the rationale behind it?
2. Baby boy has not flipped, obviously. Every time c/s is mentioned I get teary eyed, darn hormones. I'm 37 w 4 d. Do I give up on him flipping at this point and focus on mentally preparing for a c/s so that I can handle it better?
3. I posted this on the Tdap post but didn't get a response- should I make extended family get the Tdap shot? I have already told close family they will have to because they will be around a lot. But my grandfather would be traveling from out of state and is in his 80s (my understanding is that because of his age he wouldn't be able to)- do I ask him to wait until after baby boy gets Tdap before visiting? I don't want to be mean but I also really don't want to deal with whooping cough.
We use a very expensive very specific test called amniosure. 90$ a pop. We used to use cheap swabs that turned blue or black if waters were broke. Those were often falsely affected by blood or urine. Kind of gross but often we go by general smell. Because you can def tell the distinct amniotic fluid smell vs urine. Im not sure about using litmus paper. Interesting!
@esampson1983 I say only make family that will be watching the infant daycare wise or around him very frequently get the tdap. I would not ask the grandfather.
No don't give up on him flipping. Babies can flip at the very last minute. Had a friend whose baby flipped the week he delivered 39 weeks!
As far as cesarean.... I mentally prepare for that as well as a vag birth. You NEVER know how things will really go.
@esampson1983 I say only make family that will be watching the infant daycare wise or around him very frequently get the tdap. I would not ask the grandfather.
No don't give up on him flipping. Babies can flip at the very last minute. Had a friend whose baby flipped the week he delivered 39 weeks!
As far as cesarean.... I mentally prepare for that as well as a vag birth. You NEVER know how things will really go.
Okay thanks @klkonwi! I agree with pretty much everyone else- wish you were my nurse at the hospital. You rock
Where are y'all going to store your baby tub? I got the 4moms and have no extra counter space for it and DDs use their tub daily. I can't figure out where to put the thing!
We got a support bather for this exact reason, we have no storage space and this literally just hangs up on the hook on our shower rack.
I have one of these but also received one of those flower looking things for the sink. Where on earth do you put kne of those to dry? I cant seem to find anywhere.
I've got the flower thing too. I don't know how drippy it will be, but I'll either hang it on my towel rack or in the shower to dry.
I read that you're supposed to just put them in the dryer. I don't have one, so I don't know how well it will work, that's just what I heard.
Maybe I should actually read the instructions on the package? Lol
Uggghhh...my directions got lost In trying to stuff all of our gifts in a ford fiesta. The dryer makes sense but ours is in the basement and all baby stuff is on the 3rd floor of the condo. This is no fun.
Here are the directions on the package: 1. Rinse clean 2. Bundle the petals by folding over the center 3. Press down to wring out 4. Dry in the dryer on gentle OR use the tag on the bottom as a loop to hang.
Where are y'all going to store your baby tub? I got the 4moms and have no extra counter space for it and DDs use their tub daily. I can't figure out where to put the thing!
We got a support bather for this exact reason, we have no storage space and this literally just hangs up on the hook on our shower rack.
I have one of these but also received one of those flower looking things for the sink. Where on earth do you put kne of those to dry? I cant seem to find anywhere.
I've got the flower thing too. I don't know how drippy it will be, but I'll either hang it on my towel rack or in the shower to dry.
I read that you're supposed to just put them in the dryer. I don't have one, so I don't know how well it will work, that's just what I heard.
Maybe I should actually read the instructions on the package? Lol
Uggghhh...my directions got lost In trying to stuff all of our gifts in a ford fiesta. The dryer makes sense but ours is in the basement and all baby stuff is on the 3rd floor of the condo. This is no fun.
Here are the directions on the package: 1. Rinse clean 2. Bundle the petals by folding over the center 3. Press down to wring out 4. Dry in the dryer on gentle OR use the tag on the bottom as a loop to hang.
You can buy suction cups at a drug store so you can hang it on your shower wall. Then it will drip into the tub. It shouldn't be too heavy if you wring it out like it says in the directions!
So, who knows a little something something about a sitz bath? I totally youtubed it and there wasn't much for postpartum care, just the hemmerhoids. Is there something that usually goes into the water? Is it used every time you go to the bathroom? And my most important question, how do you sit in this thing and not fall into the toilet?? I am heavier than some cheap plastic! Anyone have any experience of it actually helping the healing process? I *hate* the thought of sitting in this thing, but I'll do it if it's going to work. I just think sitting in water after having stitches is the last thing I'll want to do...
My husband has the flu. I got the flu shot, but I heard that it's not terribly effective this year. My stupid question is, if I get it, is there anything special I need to do? Is it the kind of thing where I should call my doctor and need special attention? I'm 38 weeks tomorrow, so pretty close to my due date. I'm guessing I would just need to rest and drink lots of fluids... nothing special. I don't normally get sick (even though I work with kids), so I'm not very familiar with what to do with the flu, even when I'm not pregnant.
My doctor recommended that I get it and so I did she explained that if I got sick with the flu that means baby is sick with the flu. So if I was you and caught it I'd probably make a call to the doctor just to be safe. If anything her or the nurse can just advise you on everything you need to do.
@iheartpancake we don't do them on our OB at our hospital! ...... Maybe @dancegurl1118 can help. I vaguely remember them from nursing school but must of blocked it out.
@esampson1983 just to add to what has already been said, my friend's baby girl was head down, then flipped back breech at close to 37 weeks....everyone was shocked! She was going in at 39 weeks for either a induction or c section. Luckily, baby managed to flip back! So, yours could still flip! I didn't get too excited at 32 weeks when my LO was head down because of this story! Lol
We use a very expensive very specific test called amniosure. 90$ a pop. We used to use cheap swabs that turned blue or black if waters were broke. Those were often falsely affected by blood or urine. Kind of gross but often we go by general smell. Because you can def tell the distinct amniotic fluid smell vs urine. Im not sure about using litmus paper. Interesting!
Tmi but what kind of smell? Very distinct? Like semen maybe. This is still flame free right ">
We use a very expensive very specific test called amniosure. 90$ a pop. We used to use cheap swabs that turned blue or black if waters were broke. Those were often falsely affected by blood or urine. Kind of gross but often we go by general smell. Because you can def tell the distinct amniotic fluid smell vs urine. Im not sure about using litmus paper. Interesting!
Tmi but what kind of smell? Very distinct? Like semen maybe. This is still flame free right ">
Well, you know what urine smells like, right? So if it smells like not-urine, that would be a clue.
We use a very expensive very specific test called amniosure. 90$ a pop. We used to use cheap swabs that turned blue or black if waters were broke. Those were often falsely affected by blood or urine. Kind of gross but often we go by general smell. Because you can def tell the distinct amniotic fluid smell vs urine. Im not sure about using litmus paper. Interesting!
Tmi but what kind of smell? Very distinct? Like semen maybe. This is still flame free right ">
Well, you know what urine smells like, right? So if it smells like not-urine, that would be a clue.
This made me laugh out loud! And not to white knight, but sadly... Because of the topic of this thread, I will confess that my own sniff-tests are getting more ambiguous. I don't know if it is because I am drinking so much water that my urine no longer smells as pungent, or what. (Did I seriously just freaking write that?! EWWWW!!) I noticed this because I recently snissed and so knew it was urine, but was surprised it wasn't as foul-smelling as expected. (Ugh! Gross!)
Fortunately, knock on wood, I haven't (yet?) had any instances of being confused about what was coming out of me... but this reminds me of a Dan Savage interview on the podcast The Longest Shortest Time, where he jokes about having so many ambiguous fluids on you in the first weeks of parenthood, that no wonder you don't want sex and more fluids on you!
Honestly my vagina has changed so much in the last 2 weeks I have no idea what I'm smelling and what I'm not. Sometimes my urine smell is strong and sometimes it's non existent. Nothing about my body is normal for me anymore. Between the incontinence, discharge, the spotting, and the infamous MP who the hell knows what fluids I'm leaking. Just trying to get others opinions on the matter. Litmus paper turned blue green at hospital and according to dr internet that is high on the ph scale which is agreeable to my theory it was amniotic fluids. Just getting ancy is all. Ready for LO to come and trying to be as prepared as I can.
Honestly my vagina has changed so much in the last 2 weeks I have no idea what I'm smelling and what I'm not. Sometimes my urine smell is strong and sometimes it's non existent. Nothing about my body is normal for me anymore. Between the incontinence, discharge, the spotting, and the infamous MP who the hell knows what fluids I'm leaking. Just trying to get others opinions on the matter. Litmus paper turned blue green at hospital and according to dr internet that is high on the ph scale which is agreeable to my theory it was amniotic fluids. Just getting ancy is all. Ready for LO to come and trying to be as prepared as I can.
You're definitely not alone in your experience. DH is a family doctor who does deliveries and he has had several woman come in to be checked, only to discover that it's urine. He does get a chuckle out of witnessing them realize what it actually is (not that he chuckles in front of them). He says the conversation usually goes like this...
Him: Well, it's not amniotic fluid/your waters
Mum-to-be: Wait, but if it's not my water, what is it?!
Him: Brief pause
Mum-to-be: Oh man, I peed myself didn't I?
I thought it was funny too, until I was the pregnant one! And now I can definitely sympathize with other ladies who couldn't tell what the heck was going on down there.
If it's any consolation, with DS my water broke while we were out shopping but it was a slow leak (no big gush), so I wasn't convinced that it was my water. I gave it a couple of hours before calling L&D because I wasn't sure that it wasn't just pee. When I finally called the nurse had me come in, and was super nice about it saying "come in, we'll check, and if it's nothing then no one has to know, we have lots of false alarms everyday! It's better to be safe than sorry". Even though it did turn out to be my water, she did a good job at making me feel like it was no big deal if it wasn't.
So, who knows a little something something about a sitz bath? I totally youtubed it and there wasn't much for postpartum care, just the hemmerhoids. Is there something that usually goes into the water? Is it used every time you go to the bathroom? And my most important question, how do you sit in this thing and not fall into the toilet?? I am heavier than some cheap plastic! Anyone have any experience of it actually helping the healing process? I *hate* the thought of sitting in this thing, but I'll do it if it's going to work. I just think sitting in water after having stitches is the last thing I'll want to do...
In my birthing class they showed us what basically looked like a medium-ish plastic bowl (maybe there was more to it, I was sitting WAY in the back so as not to give any other mommies my cold, and I had not brought my glasses to see well) and said you soak your parts in it. So I'm looking at it from way back there, and I'm thinking - "my ass is WAY bigger than that thing. So...am I supposed to hover over it and kinda dip teabag style like all the rappers are talking about? I don't understand..." Then she said they mostly don't send it home anymore, they send you with a spray / squirt bottle. So I don't know what the hell. I'm glad you asked this.
@klkonwi Thank god! I feel like everything I read talks about doing this! I just see myself being waaaaay too lazy to do it anyways lol.
And @mellymar tea bagging is exactly what I was imagining!! But good god I hope this labor thing doesn't cause me to have lady curtains and the ability to do that!
I just see this whole thing as a bathroom catastrophe waiting to happen. I could spill it, I could fall in, who the heck knows....
So, who knows a little something something about a sitz bath? I totally youtubed it and there wasn't much for postpartum care, just the hemmerhoids. Is there something that usually goes into the water? Is it used every time you go to the bathroom? And my most important question, how do you sit in this thing and not fall into the toilet?? I am heavier than some cheap plastic! Anyone have any experience of it actually helping the healing process? I *hate* the thought of sitting in this thing, but I'll do it if it's going to work. I just think sitting in water after having stitches is the last thing I'll want to do...
I didn't like them. I had 18 stitches and it hurt me to sit with all that pressure. I loaded up on tucks and put witch hazel in my spray bottle. The numbing spray hurts like crazy too.
Honestly my vagina has changed so much in the last 2 weeks I have no idea what I'm smelling and what I'm not. Sometimes my urine smell is strong and sometimes it's non existent. Nothing about my body is normal for me anymore. Between the incontinence, discharge, the spotting, and the infamous MP who the hell knows what fluids I'm leaking. Just trying to get others opinions on the matter. Litmus paper turned blue green at hospital and according to dr internet that is high on the ph scale which is agreeable to my theory it was amniotic fluids. Just getting ancy is all. Ready for LO to come and trying to be as prepared as I can.
I don't really know what it will smell like, I was just being cheeky. Everyone is getting antsy, that's for sure.
Ftm-- tucks "pads" ..?? I feel like i need them ( seen them on "must-have" lists , mentioned in discussion, etc) I have no idea what exactly they are. Initially i imagined special panty liners..then as wipes to use for discomfort. I am clueless and i have even done searching online but in still here like " ?? Whaaa ?" I feel like its just a brick wall that ive hit. Haha. Someone please give me the low-down and if i should have them on hand even just in case.. Wheres good to pick them up? Walgreens, walmart?? *face-palm*
Re: FFFQ! Flame free questions answered! Mucus plugs? Dilation? Toothbrushes? No question too stupid!
I've got the flower thing too. I don't know how drippy it will be, but I'll either hang it on my towel rack or in the shower to dry.
Maybe I should actually read the instructions on the package? Lol
And be quick to call your doctor if you think you might have be getting sick, the doc would have more insight about what to watch for and might even ask to see you before your next appointment.
ETA: when we went in to pre-register, we received a brief tour and were able to ask questions. This despite the fact that the vast majority of people take birth prep classes here.
Uggghhh...my directions got lost In trying to stuff all of our gifts in a ford fiesta. The dryer makes sense but ours is in the basement and all baby stuff is on the 3rd floor of the condo. This is no fun.
1. I was told at my last appointment that if baby boy doesn't flip the will attempt a version at 38-39 weeks and if it is successful they will induce me right away and if not I will have a c/s right away. I have not heard this and will follow up at my appointment this week about the rationale for inducing or doing a c/s right away. Has anyone heard this and the rationale behind it?
2. Baby boy has not flipped, obviously. Every time c/s is mentioned I get teary eyed, darn hormones. I'm 37 w 4 d. Do I give up on him flipping at this point and focus on mentally preparing for a c/s so that I can handle it better?
3. I posted this on the Tdap post but didn't get a response- should I make extended family get the Tdap shot? I have already told close family they will have to because they will be around a lot. But my grandfather would be traveling from out of state and is in his 80s (my understanding is that because of his age he wouldn't be able to)- do I ask him to wait until after baby boy gets Tdap before visiting? I don't want to be mean but I also really don't want to deal with whooping cough.
Kind of gross but often we go by general smell. Because you can def tell the distinct amniotic fluid smell vs urine.
Im not sure about using litmus paper. Interesting!
I say only make family that will be watching the infant daycare wise or around him very frequently get the tdap. I would not ask the grandfather.
No don't give up on him flipping. Babies can flip at the very last minute. Had a friend whose baby flipped the week he delivered 39 weeks!
As far as cesarean.... I mentally prepare for that as well as a vag birth. You NEVER know how things will really go.
1. Rinse clean
2. Bundle the petals by folding over the center
3. Press down to wring out
4. Dry in the dryer on gentle OR use the tag on the bottom as a loop to hang.
Tmi but what kind of smell? Very distinct? Like semen maybe. This is still flame free right
Fortunately, knock on wood, I haven't (yet?) had any instances of being confused about what was coming out of me... but this reminds me of a Dan Savage interview on the podcast The Longest Shortest Time, where he jokes about having so many ambiguous fluids on you in the first weeks of parenthood, that no wonder you don't want sex and more fluids on you!
Damn, I am sexy.
Then she said they mostly don't send it home anymore, they send you with a spray / squirt bottle. So I don't know what the hell. I'm glad you asked this.
And @mellymar tea bagging is exactly what I was imagining!! But good god I hope this labor thing doesn't cause me to have lady curtains and the ability to do that!
I just see this whole thing as a bathroom catastrophe waiting to happen. I could spill it, I could fall in, who the heck knows....
I have no idea what exactly they are. Initially i imagined special panty liners..then as wipes to use for discomfort. I am clueless and i have even done searching online but in still here like " ?? Whaaa ?" I feel like its just a brick wall that ive hit. Haha. Someone please give me the low-down and if i should have them on hand even just in case.. Wheres good to pick them up? Walgreens, walmart??
*face-palm*