Baby passes away from whooping cough. Poor parents. They weren't anti-vaxxers, but the decisions of others impacted them in the most horrible way possible.
I'm perturbed that there are women in first-world countries who aren't being offered or educated on vaccinating themselves while pregnant.
This is confusing to me. Are they saying natural childbirth is less painful than a root canal with numbing or less than a root canal without any numbing, or that childbirth with drugs is less painful than a root canal with or without numbing? I don't get it. A root canal does not hurt at all with numbing.
So a bunch of my coworkers from a different area were under the impression that I'm due in February. I just found this out today, when I ran into a coworker in the bathroom.
"You're due to pop any day now, aren't you?" "No. I'm due in April." "I thought you were due in February! That's what everyone else has been saying... Are you leaving in February?" "I'm staying until I go into labor." "Oh."
@RoseShadow873 I'm not entirely sure and the article is less than scientific, but I thought it was a fun little read
@elasticheart13 I'm seriously hoping my migraines have been worse, but since all I've done for those since getting pregnant is stay horizontal in a dark room and throw up until they subside, I think childbirth will be far more exhausting.
@AmadorRose I read that a while ago and I have something else I can add to that list, having already been through childbirth. Makes me ashamed fyi even say it because it sounds so lame, but when I got the pumpkin skin wedged under my toenail for four days back in November, I literally didn't sleep for almost three days straight from the pain.
@AEG84 Only on Mondays, since we all already feel like poop anyways. I was totally feeling good about myself this morning, since a random person told me I was a "beautiful pregnant woman." Then a coworker had to kill it by saying I could pop any day now... She was also apparently under the impression I was due in February, so that might have been part of it.
@AmadorRose I think pushing was the least painful part, and I did it without any pain meds. I also didn't tear in the "usual" area people focus on, so that may have been part of it.
@imrachellea I got a nasty grease burn when I was a kid working at a mom and pop pizza shop that kept me up for days... I can't remember how long it took for that sucker to stop burning. I remember crying myself to sleep at night the day it happened. I feel like that was probably worse than pushing, but there is also a decent amount of time between the two events.
@imrachellea that sounds awful. I'm really hoping that my ruptured ovarian cyst was more painful, but that pain only peaked for a few hours so I'm skeptical.
@fbanke42 when you say it wasn't in the usual place, I immediately think you tore in the opposite direction and I want to cry for you. *shudders*
@AmadorRose I had a small labial tear (which no one seems to talk about/worry about). If it had gone any further up, it would have been terrible... Nice thing about labial tears? You don't have to worry about pooping post birth, because your tear won't be bothered!
So I only got to about 70% of my max contraction power scale (on the monitor) before I got the epidural, but that level of pain was definitely similar to the pain I had when I broke my foot - lots of immediate pain that then dulled and flared when I had to use said foot. I think the worst part (with the epidural - I can't speak for transition or pushing) was the unknown. I was 12 hours in when I got the epidural and at like a 4 - who knows how long you're going to be in labor? It not like with injuries where you know the pain will taper off fairly soon, you actually know it's going to happen again soon. The physical pain is definitely real, but I thought the worst part was the exhaustion of not knowing when it would end. The best advice that came from our birth class was the teacher telling the dads to remind the moms that every contraction was one less she'd ever have to do. No one knows the total, but the number left is always shrinking.
@fbanke42 at least it wasn't your clitoris. Didn't realize that even happened until I started doing some research on episiotomies. I asked DH if he would be massaging my perineum and he looked at me like I had three heads - apparently that wasn't a thing nearly 14 years ago when his son was born
@AmadorRose It was pretty damn close to it, which freaked me out! The nurses told me I was lucky for how small it was and that I wouldn't need stool softeners. Everyone freaks out about tearing from their vagina to their bum, but I was freaked out out tearing on the inner walls.
@fbanke42 at least it wasn't your clitoris. Didn't realize that even happened until I started doing some research on episiotomies. I asked DH if he would be massaging my perineum and he looked at me like I had three heads - apparently that wasn't a thing nearly 14 years ago when his son was born
OH DEAR GOD IS THAT A THING?
edit: the clitoris part, I mean. I've heard of perineal massage...
@fbanke42 at least it wasn't your clitoris. Didn't realize that even happened until I started doing some research on episiotomies. I asked DH if he would be massaging my perineum and he looked at me like I had three heads - apparently that wasn't a thing nearly 14 years ago when his son was born
OH DEAR GOD IS THAT A THING?
edit: the clitoris part, I mean. I've heard of perineal massage...
It's one of few reasons epesiotomies are encouraged. I would definitely rather tear all the way to my anus.
@fbanke42 at least it wasn't your clitoris. Didn't realize that even happened until I started doing some research on episiotomies. I asked DH if he would be massaging my perineum and he looked at me like I had three heads - apparently that wasn't a thing nearly 14 years ago when his son was born
OH DEAR GOD IS THAT A THING?
edit: the clitoris part, I mean. I've heard of perineal massage...
It's one of few reasons epesiotomies are encouraged. I would definitely rather tear all the way to my anus.
Mine happened naturally. I refused to have anything cut, because you never know--you may get lucky and have no tearing, minimal tearing, tearing in a spot that doesn't really effect you, etc.
I seriously freaked myself out when I was reading about the degrees of tears prior to having my DD. I ended up with a 2nd degree tear, it really wasn't that bad. I stressed about the post-poop, and with the stool softeners, and taking my time when the time came, it was fine. I honestly didn't feel like my healing down there was terrible. The Dermoplast spray is a God-send, and I used the peri bottle fora few days, but never had to made padsicles or witch hazel pads or anything along those lines. Now my SIL had my niece 5 months after me and got a 3rd degree tear in addition to her hemorrhaging, so I had all the feels for her after my research. Some tears (mostly 4th, some 3rd, and even some 2nd...) require pelvic muscle PT...I can't imagine those appointments would not be awkward...
I seriously freaked myself out when I was reading about the degrees of tears prior to having my DD. I ended up with a 2nd degree tear, it really wasn't that bad. I stressed about the post-poop, and with the stool softeners, and taking my time when the time came, it was fine. I honestly didn't feel like my healing down there was terrible. The Dermoplast spray is a God-send, and I used the peri bottle fora few days, but never had to made padsicles or witch hazel pads or anything along those lines. Now my SIL had my niece 5 months after me and got a 3rd degree tear in addition to her hemorrhaging, so I had all the feels for her after my research. Some tears (mostly 4th, some 3rd, and even some 2nd...) require pelvic muscle PT...I can't imagine those appointments would not be awkward...
I think the best advice I have for trying to prevent tears? As much as labor sucks, don't rush getting your LO out. Taking your time and not forcing them out like a bullet from a gun should decrease the amount and severity of tears. Yes, that's hard to think about when a bowling ball is trying to come out of your vagina, but that's something you can have your support person remind you of during labor.
Also, better labor positioning for preventing tears. This is one of the biggest reasons I want to forgo the epidural this time around if I can. The most common position for labor, where the woman is on her back, is the worst. It doesn't allow the birth canal to open as much, hence more tearing. I'm trying to post an image that shows how gravity actually works with you if you are standing or squatting, but it won't work because my work computer today is being SUPER slow (and its on Pinterest which is blocked soooo) it may not actually work. But basically, if you're able to go without an epidural, there are SO many positions better than laying flat out, these positions allow the birth canal to open more and gravity to work in your favor rather than against. It helps with the progression of labor as well as lessens possibility of tears.
Also, better labor positioning for preventing tears. This is one of the biggest reasons I want to forgo the epidural this time around if I can. The most common position for labor, where the woman is on her back, is the worst. It doesn't allow the birth canal to open as much, hence more tearing. I'm trying to post an image that shows how gravity actually works with you if you are standing or squatting, but it won't work because my work computer today is being SUPER slow (and its on Pinterest which is blocked soooo) it may not actually work. But basically, if you're able to go without an epidural, there are SO many positions better than laying flat out, these positions allow the birth canal to open more and gravity to work in your favor rather than against. It helps with the progression of labor as well as lessens possibility of tears.
Totally forgot about that, too! I gave birth in a squatting/kneeling position facing the bed. They did some cool trick with the bed that made it into this chair-like thing. Being able to lean forward on something really helped.
@fbanke42 I think a lot of hospitals are equipped with squatting bars on the beds now. That is something my hospital has, in addition to birthing stools. Last night as I lay in bed, just thinking about giving birth, I told myself there's no way I am going to be able to skip the epidural, but that's because I always start thinking like that in the dark trying to go to sleep. I'm really really REALLY hoping that I can avoid it this time. Honeslty, the idea of the needle going into my spine freaks me out more right now than the actual giving birth part. We're MADE to do that, needles weren't made to go into between our vertebrae. But I seriously do not question anyone who gets the epidural...child birth hurts
@AEG84 Dis you see the latest posts in the weight gain thread? I figured you would appreciate it.
Just poked my nose in. you guys
It's hard enough to not constantly compare to other women who look bigger/smaller/better/whatever in real life. Let's not make online contests for it, too.
I've been reading about alternate birthing positions too and hope I can avoid the epi so I can move around freely. I actually read that (pardon me) doggy-style is one of the most effective positons for working with your body's natural gravity and for minimal tearing, followed closely by the squat/kneel position. My hospital has squat bars too, I just hope I can hold out through the pain.
I also didn't know I could tear the other direction and would rather tear toward my bum please! *shudders*
A good friend of mine and my fiancé's mother in law is extremely sick and is probably dying. It's so bad they're praying she has cancer so they can do treatment for it. He stopped by to see if we had any of her mail (house we're renting is in his MIL's name) and started tearing up while talking to me, which of course just caused me to start bawling His FIL passed away just over a year ago suddenly with no warning. I don't believe in prayer, but times like this I wish I did so I would at least feel like I was doing something constructive for them.
@Knottie9983816 I'm so sorry Cancer is never something we want to happen, but obviously is someone is sick most types do have some kind of treatment path. I do believe in prayer, so I will say one for them.
@Knottie9983816 that's so sad. My husbands grandma just found out she has cancer and a few months to live. Her husband passed last year and I think she kinda gave up on life because she misses him so much. Cancer is a bitch.
So today I had a high risk ob follow up and my cervix went from 2.2 to 2.0 in 2 weeks and that's better than the 2.7 to 2.2 loss I had last time I suppose. The awful progesterone suppositories must be helping. I still gotta take it easy but I'm still allowed to work 2 days a week at this point so that's good. She weighs 2lbs 11oz and is in the 60th percentile so my straight knotty umbilical cord is still doing its job thank god. My 28 week labs were good so I'm just hoping my cervix can hold out a while longer and keep her baking.
I'm concerned big time about this short cervix thing but the high risk guy kept saying " your already 28 Weeks that's good".... Right, ok I understand baby would likely survive if I deliver now but shouldn't I be in bed rest or something to prevent that ??
@Knottie9983816 I'm so sorry to hear that she is sick. I'll send you all my positive thoughts. I am not religious at all but find that I feel better 'throwing' my positive thoughts and wishes out 'into the universe.' That's how I think about it to feel like my positive thoughts are out there. But I'm also agnostic so I admit I don't know what is or isn't out there. Anyway, all my positive thoughts to your extended family that this illness is figured out and she gets some relief soon.
@jonesl12 sounds like you got a lot of good news though! I know it must be stressful and nerve-wracking and if you aren't sure about them allowing you to work or not prescribing more rest then I'd get a second opinion. It does also sound like things are moving in the right direction for you though, and baby is growing big and strong so do whatever you need to do to keep your stress-level at a minimum. **creepy internet hugs**
I really wish there was a "Mark as Unread" option for discussions... Once I've clicked on one, the highlighted yellow "NEW" makes me feel obligated to keep checking (much like the dreaded voicemail icon on my phone)... but some of the stuff I immediately regret clicking after I've read what's there.
Also - @Knottie9983816 prayers from me - hope she gets better or finds her peace. @jonesl12 - glad there is progress, but still so scary! Keep that baby cooking!
@Knottie9983816 cancer sucks. From a clinical perspective, sometimes the best thing a family can do is keep their loved one comfortable and spend as much time with them as possible.
@jonesl12 are you still stuck being a receptionist? Glad to hear good news about your little girl! Have you decided on a name?
I'm working really hard on stacking my notifications to 1000. I wonder if I can make it that far. I never clear them because I check this board so many times in a day anyway.
So I've mentioned the jelly bean lab I'm doing with my students this week. They are currently working on another classification activity, so I'm searching for other similar activities and came across another jelly bean one. Was anyone else aware of the Harry Potter jelly beans that are an actual thing stores sell? I've never read a single of the HP books or watched any of the movies (early FFFC perhaps?) but I just had to see what they were...the flavors are seriously things like soap, rotten eggs, earthworms, and boogers. And supposedly, ACTUALLY TASTE LIKE THOSE THINGS! And cruelly are mixed in with regular Jelly Belly (who apparently makes this Bertie Bott's Every Flavour line for HP) flavors. Why? I mean...WHY?!? And then I found this link: https://www.bustle.com/articles/20221-11-disgusting-jelly-bean-flavors-you-wont-believe-exist because apparently they are not the only ones who think this crap should actually be produced and sold.
Re: **The Everything Random Thread for April Mamas**
https://pregnancy.about.com/od/painmedsinlabor/ss/8-Things-That-Hurt-Worse-Than-Childbirth.htm
@elasticheart13 labor should be a breeze for you!
"You're due to pop any day now, aren't you?"
"No. I'm due in April."
"I thought you were due in February! That's what everyone else has been saying... Are you leaving in February?"
"I'm staying until I go into labor."
"Oh."
@elasticheart13 I'm seriously hoping my migraines have been worse, but since all I've done for those since getting pregnant is stay horizontal in a dark room and throw up until they subside, I think childbirth will be far more exhausting.
@AmadorRose I think pushing was the least painful part, and I did it without any pain meds. I also didn't tear in the "usual" area people focus on, so that may have been part of it.
@imrachellea I got a nasty grease burn when I was a kid working at a mom and pop pizza shop that kept me up for days... I can't remember how long it took for that sucker to stop burning. I remember crying myself to sleep at night the day it happened. I feel like that was probably worse than pushing, but there is also a decent amount of time between the two events.
@fbanke42 when you say it wasn't in the usual place, I immediately think you tore in the opposite direction and I want to cry for you. *shudders*
The best advice that came from our birth class was the teacher telling the dads to remind the moms that every contraction was one less she'd ever have to do. No one knows the total, but the number left is always shrinking.
edit: the clitoris part, I mean. I've heard of perineal massage...
edit: the clitoris part, I mean. I've heard of perineal massage...
It's one of few reasons epesiotomies are encouraged. I would definitely rather tear all the way to my anus.
Mine happened naturally. I refused to have anything cut, because you never know--you may get lucky and have no tearing, minimal tearing, tearing in a spot that doesn't really effect you, etc.
It's hard enough to not constantly compare to other women who look bigger/smaller/better/whatever in real life. Let's not make online contests for it, too.
It feels like she's saying this:
I also didn't know I could tear the other direction and would rather tear toward my bum please! *shudders*
Cancer is a bitch.
So today I had a high risk ob follow up and my cervix went from 2.2 to 2.0 in 2 weeks and that's better than the 2.7 to 2.2 loss I had last time I suppose. The awful progesterone suppositories must be helping.
I still gotta take it easy but I'm still allowed to work 2 days a week at this point so that's good.
She weighs 2lbs 11oz and is in the 60th percentile so my straight knotty umbilical cord is still doing its job thank god.
My 28 week labs were good so I'm just hoping my cervix can hold out a while longer and keep her baking.
I'm concerned big time about this short cervix thing but the high risk guy kept saying " your already 28 Weeks that's good".... Right, ok I understand baby would likely survive if I deliver now but shouldn't I be in bed rest or something to prevent that ??
@jonesl12 sounds like you got a lot of good news though! I know it must be stressful and nerve-wracking and if you aren't sure about them allowing you to work or not prescribing more rest then I'd get a second opinion. It does also sound like things are moving in the right direction for you though, and baby is growing big and strong so do whatever you need to do to keep your stress-level at a minimum. **creepy internet hugs**
Also - @Knottie9983816 prayers from me - hope she gets better or finds her peace.
@jonesl12 - glad there is progress, but still so scary! Keep that baby cooking!
@jonesl12 are you still stuck being a receptionist? Glad to hear good news about your little girl! Have you decided on a name?
I'm working really hard on stacking my notifications to 1000. I wonder if I can make it that far. I never clear them because I check this board so many times in a day anyway.
It's a boy! Grow baby, grow! EDD: 4/22/2016