So what's the point of pumping? I'm going to be a stay at home mom until the baby can get into Preschool so would pumping even be necessary? Can't I just feed the baby whenever I feel like it or will there be soo much milk in there that I will need to get it out asap?
So I've never breastfed but I have taken a class and was the only Stay at home mom in the group. The instructor suggested pumping for me as a way to be able to leave the baby for an extended time and have some 'me time'. She actually said she recommends it to all stay at home moms so they can have a break but warned me I had to get out of the house before the baby would get hungry or the baby would smell me and refuse a bottle. That's a thing? Breast feeding is all supply and demand so you will produce what you baby needs if all goes as planned. Also, you will feed the baby whenever the baby wants not when you feel like it.
I actually knew very little about breastfeeding and my OB and the class I took were both a wealth of knowledge for me. I highly recommend a class and just asking your OB your office or hospital may have resources you won't know about until you ask. I'm lucky to be going to a very pro breastfeeding hospital so my resources are amazing and endless it seems like.
@monkey41I've taken baths when my lower back is killing me. But I open the window next to the bathtub for ventilation and keep my upper body out of the water. I took my temperature and it didn't get that high, so that seemed ok? I live in Arizona... Avoiding 102 all summer doesn't seem realistic?
Another reason some can't BF is that baby can't tolerate it. I think it's the lactose, or possibly sometimes something else? Some do better on a special formula, like a soy-based one. Otherwise, it's tough and there's a lot of things that can go wrong- low production, infections, tongue tie and other latch issues, etc. I'm pretty determined to BF and pump, but things can happen and that's okay. Personally, I cannot stand having my boobs touched and the thought of them being chomped on or suctioned makes me cringe but I'll give it a good shot. For some, it can also be a trigger issue due to past trauma.
Anyone have difficulties with freakishly tiny nipples? I mean, they're not inverted and I know it's still possible even with that so I'm sure someone will tell me it doesn't matter, but I'm still skeptical...
Jumping ahead to answer but both of mine were inverted. We used a shield to start but were able to ditch it about 2-3 weeks in one we got into a groove with nursing. Still occasionally nursing at 18 months and they are NOT inverted any longer!
So what's the point of pumping? I'm going to be a stay at home mom until the baby can get into Preschool so would pumping even be necessary? Can't I just feed the baby whenever I feel like it or will there be soo much milk in there that I will need to get it out asap?
It depends on the person/situation. Some women will struggle with their supply, and pumping sometimes helps to maintain it. Having the baby nurse is often best, but if your baby is sleeping through the night and you want to continue exclusively breast feeding it might require that you either "dream feed" the baby or pump 1-2 times while baby is sleeping.
(Dream feeding is when you bring the baby to the breast while s/he is sleeping. They don't wake up, they just nurse)
Some women like the freedom that pumping gives - another caregiver can give a bottle and you can have some time off, or time to do necessary tasks.
Pumping for for the purpose of a freezer stash can also be helpful should you need to start on a medication that is not compatible with breastfeeding or need to take an extended trip or something of that nature.
In the developed world, where we have access to preventive health care including vaccination, clean water, and a generally high standard of living, the benefits of breastfeeding at the individual level are fairly minor and are *vastly* outweighed by the effects of family socioeconomic status and lifestyle choices. Breastfeeding has benefits, absolutely, but there are many factors in your baby's life that matter a ton more than whether or not he or she is breastfed. Lots of women weigh the costs versus the benefits and just decide it's not for them. And that's okay! It's your body, it's your choice!
I really think that the breastfeeding topic deserves its own thread, but I wanted to second this because it's very-well said.
I think my only area of disagreement in what has been said so far is that, except in cases where there are medical/psychological issues in play, I would really encourage all women to at least try breastfeeding. But, I would also encourage anyone to try anything (that's not dangerous) at least once. I was really skeptical about nursing because as I mentioned in a PP I had inverted nipples and thought for sure it wouldn't work out. I did not except that I would enjoy it so much!
But. If you try it and you hate it, or it's not working, or its just not for you, for the love of everything just stop and feed your baby in a way that works for you!
Yes please on a separate thread!! Can one of the STM's who knows what they're talking about get one started? This topic is something I want to follow closely, but I don't think it should be combined with "really dumb questions".
ETA: words and grammar are tough for me today.
Me: 31, DH: 31 Married: September 2012 Began TTC: September 2015 BFP #1: 10/12/16, EDD: 06/23/15, (pPROM, 16 wks + emergency D&E 12/31/15) BFP #2: 03/09/16, EDD: 11/16/16
Definitely not trying to discourage people posting here, but if you have a specific BF question, try the breastfeeding board! You will get a wider range of responses. You can cross post here, too!
eta: nevermind. That board is dead.
Awesome Kid #1: Born September 2013! Awesome Kid #2: Due November 2016!
My stupid questions; Does it hurt to pump? How do you pump and still have milk for the baby? How long can you keep BM in the fridge or freezer? I went from exclusively BF to exclusively FF so I've never pumped before.
Pumping doesn't hurt, it's just time consuming. I pumped for a short while before weaning off and to EFF. I honestly found it to be the worst part of my day and half the time I'd end up bawling because we'd forget my milk was in the fridge and it'd go bad. Although it's a whole different kind of pride when you pump more than ever before.
Okay, so I went to my 13 week appointment earlier this week and the nurse was able to press on my stomach to feel for baby before finding the hb with a dopplar.
My dumb question is, should I be able to feel something if I (gently but firmly) press on my stomach like she did? I'll be 14 weeks tomorrow. I've tried and felt some movement but i just chalked it up to bodily functions.
@NavyBride93 I'd guess that she was checking fundal height, not for baby since I don't think baby is able to be felt from the outside yet (too small and well padded).
Okay, so I went to my 13 week appointment earlier this week and the nurse was able to press on my stomach to feel for baby before finding the hb with a dopplar.
My dumb question is, should I be able to feel something if I (gently but firmly) press on my stomach like she did? I'll be 14 weeks tomorrow. I've tried and felt some movement but i just chalked it up to bodily functions.
She was feeling for your fundus (the top of your uterus) which will be above your pubic bone by now, but the actual position will vary based on your size and shape (could be as high as halfway to your belly button by now if you're small.) Baby's too small and squishy at this point to feel externally, though eventually you'll be able to feel the baby's position from the outside.
You might be able to feel your fundus, but not the baby. You almost certainly won't feel movement from the outside at this point.
Edit: Also, I should refresh the thread before answering. Sorry @comealongponds
K.
Son, K, 9 | Daughter, C, 5 | Daughter, M, expected November 7, 2016
@NavyBride93 I'd guess that she was checking fundal height, not for baby since I don't think baby is able to be felt from the outside yet (too small and well padded).
How am I supposed to choose a crib mattress? They all kind of look and feel the same. The only visible difference is price, but I really don't want to get the cheaper one and assume it will be ok or get a more expensive one assuming that it will be better.
How am I supposed to choose a crib mattress? They all kind of look and feel the same. The only visible difference is price, but I really don't want to get the cheaper one and assume it will be ok or get a more expensive one assuming that it will be better.
I thought this was hard, too! I just assumed I'd buy a mattress. No! I did not do much research, truth be told, but after seeing the options I did decide to try and get a somewhat low-toxin/organic one (after all, mine and DH's mattress is organic, ahouldnt our baby's?). Amazon had the best price by far and I can't remember exactly what kind we got but it was primarily organic and was about $150. Seemed good to me and it's held up well the last 3.5 years and we plan to use it for this baby too.
How am I supposed to choose a crib mattress? They all kind of look and feel the same. The only visible difference is price, but I really don't want to get the cheaper one and assume it will be ok or get a more expensive one assuming that it will be better.
We planned to get an organic one, but truth be told, we put it off knowing baby wouldn't be sleeping in their crib for at least 6 months. By the time we transitioned to crib, DS was 9 months old, we forgot, and he has used the free one that came with his crib with no issues.
How am I supposed to choose a crib mattress? They all kind of look and feel the same. The only visible difference is price, but I really don't want to get the cheaper one and assume it will be ok or get a more expensive one assuming that it will be better.
So my childhood pediatrician who was amazing wrote a book, and it has some of the most sane, wonderful pregnancy advice I've heard. His opinion on crib mattresses is that the best mattresses are the hardest ones. We chose the firmest crib mattress we could find. The most expensive ones were actually squashier so it was a win win.
How am I supposed to choose a crib mattress? They all kind of look and feel the same. The only visible difference is price, but I really don't want to get the cheaper one and assume it will be ok or get a more expensive one assuming that it will be better.
I bought $30 one from Walmart and it's last for 2 babies and will last through this one. I knew I wanted firm and that it could be wiped.
How am I supposed to choose a crib mattress? They all kind of look and feel the same. The only visible difference is price, but I really don't want to get the cheaper one and assume it will be ok or get a more expensive one assuming that it will be better.
I can't recommend the "Baby Bargains" book enough. It really helps with stuff like this. And also the earlier questions about "how much clothes do I need?" Etc. etc. you have to buy it, but it's worth the price and the read!
Dr Dan's Last Word on Babies and Other Humans. I feel like I never shut up about that book so I didn't put the title in. Anyway it's incredible. Dr Dan found my cancer when I was a kid even though I had no symptoms at all. He was incredible. The book is even fun to read! He had an eccentric sense of humor. The only thing in the entire book that I disagree with is his stance on burping babies. He says it's not essential.. you never see a mama bear burping her cubs right? It was essential for us though. If we didn't burp her DD's reflux got crazy bad.
How am I supposed to choose a crib mattress? They all kind of look and feel the same. The only visible difference is price, but I really don't want to get the cheaper one and assume it will be ok or get a more expensive one assuming that it will be better.
Just make sure it's firm and waterproof. If you get a waterproof mattress, you don't need a mattress protector. They make the sleeping surface softer anyway, and newborns should be on something a firm. Just waterproof mattress and sheet works great. Also it doesn't need to be "extra firm."
I found a 2 sided one that I love. Firm on one side for baby and a little softer on the other side for toddler. It's also light weight so changing the sheets are a dream. But I paid extra for those features and you don't need them.
Awesome Kid #1: Born September 2013! Awesome Kid #2: Due November 2016!
I have to second the "Baby Bargains" book recommendation!
I 3rd! Seriously made purchasing items a zillion times easier the first time around. If punster advice, reviews, etc. spot on with everything we bought.
Re: Ask your really dumb questions here :-)
I actually knew very little about breastfeeding and my OB and the class I took were both a wealth of knowledge for me. I highly recommend a class and just asking your OB your office or hospital may have resources you won't know about until you ask. I'm lucky to be going to a very pro breastfeeding hospital so my resources are amazing and endless it seems like.
(Dream feeding is when you bring the baby to the breast while s/he is sleeping. They don't wake up, they just nurse)
Some women like the freedom that pumping gives - another caregiver can give a bottle and you can have some time off, or time to do necessary tasks.
Pumping for for the purpose of a freezer stash can also be helpful should you need to start on a medication that is not compatible with breastfeeding or need to take an extended trip or something of that nature.
I think my only area of disagreement in what has been said so far is that, except in cases where there are medical/psychological issues in play, I would really encourage all women to at least try breastfeeding. But, I would also encourage anyone to try anything (that's not dangerous) at least once. I was really skeptical about nursing because as I mentioned in a PP I had inverted nipples and thought for sure it wouldn't work out. I did not except that I would enjoy it so much!
But. If you try it and you hate it, or it's not working, or its just not for you, for the love of everything just stop and feed your baby in a way that works for you!
ETA: words and grammar are tough for me today.
Married: September 2012
Began TTC: September 2015
BFP #1: 10/12/16, EDD: 06/23/15,
(pPROM, 16 wks + emergency D&E 12/31/15)
BFP #2: 03/09/16, EDD: 11/16/16
eta: nevermind. That board is dead.
Awesome Kid #2: Due November 2016!
My dumb question is, should I be able to feel something if I (gently but firmly) press on my stomach like she did? I'll be 14 weeks tomorrow. I've tried and felt some movement but i just chalked it up to bodily functions.
You might be able to feel your fundus, but not the baby. You almost certainly won't feel movement from the outside at this point.
Edit: Also, I should refresh the thread before answering. Sorry @comealongponds
Son, K, 9 | Daughter, C, 5 | Daughter, M, expected November 7, 2016
IUI #1 Feb 2012= DS1 born 11/2012
Unmedicated BFP (first post-weaning cycle)=DS2 born 9/2014
Unmedicated BFP (first post-weaning cycle again)= EDD 11/2016
I found a 2 sided one that I love. Firm on one side for baby and a little softer on the other side for toddler. It's also light weight so changing the sheets are a dream. But I paid extra for those features and you don't need them.
Awesome Kid #2: Due November 2016!