Do any of you already own the Medela Pump In Style Advanced? Fun fact: I didn't know that some insurances cover a breast pump but I came across an email that I got from babycenter (I think) that provided me a website where I could order the breast pump through and I just got the email that it shipped! I am so excited to receive it!!! For those that have it, do you like it?
@nolemama24 Everyone swears by the Medela pump, it was just okay for me. I picked it last pregnancy because of the reviews from all the moms, but it would take me 30 minutes to pump. This time around I'm going with the Spectra. My sister used Spectra for work and Medela for home and she said she liked it better. I've also heard from other moms who've used both that they like Spectra better too. It's all based on personal preference.
FYI on pumps, Most (I'm not going to say all because I am pretty sure Tricare doesn't) insurance companies in the US cover a breast pump as a result of the affordable care act so make sure you are checking. The types of pumps and requirements vary from company to company. For example, mine will provide one with every pregnancy, some will provide one every 3 years. Also, some require it to be ordered through a Durable Medical Equipment provider which requires a prescription from your doctor and some won't cover it until 1 month prior to your due date. But definitely look in to it. There are national DME's that you can order from that actually do all the insurance work so there is nothing you have to do to get it. It's pretty sweet.
I have Aetna and I'm in Florida & they cover one every three years. The website I went through was Edgepark. I put my state, insurance, insurance info, doctor information, and picked my pump (they had quite a few you could choose). I did this yesterday afternoon and today by lunchtime they said it was shipping out! It said in the "next steps" email after I placed my order that they were going to check my prescription with my doctor. I personally didn't receive a prescription so I'm not sure what went down with that. But yeah.... super easy to do! I'm excited to receive it.
Me: 26, DH: 31 Diagnosed with Hashimoto's 06/17
BFP #1: 05/11/16 DD born 01/01/17, Happy New Year TTC #2: 01/2019 BFP #2 09/24/19--Ended in chemical pregnancy BFP #3 07/02/2020 Due: 03/10/2021
I am a redhead and never bleed once from breastfeeding it came super easy to me. The only accurate correlation I feel I have really heard about breastfeeding and its even debatable is the full 40 week term babies as opposed to maybe a 38 week term baby have a little more coordination and pick it up easier. That being said my 41 week term baby who was in the nicu for a week like I said rocked at it once we got home. But yes red hair correlations get crazy sometimes.
I am a redhead and never bleed once from breastfeeding it came super easy to me. The only accurate correlation I feel I have really heard about breastfeeding and its even debatable is the full 40 week term babies as opposed to maybe a 38 week term baby have a little more coordination and pick it up easier. That being said my 41 week term baby who was in the nicu for a week like I said rocked at it once we got home. But yes red hair correlations get crazy sometimes.
I think the bleeding is referring to postpartum bleeding... nursing definitely shouldn't cause bleeding, redhead or not!
We took a 6 week course starting about 3mo before my due date. It was great not just for the info, but we did exercises that helped us figure out what our priorities were as far as medical intervention, learned the best way to communicate when I was in pain, figured out what kind of techniques were good distractions for me when I was in pain, practiced laboring positions etc. Things you can't learn as easily from a book. One of the classes covered breast feeding and newborn care, but I had a special situation so I also met with a hospital lactation consultant individually too so we could have a game plan. That was awesome because then she was there to advocate for me at the hospital when the doctors didn't fully understand the situation.
This may have been brought up already, but have you all noticed your weight gain to be the same? better? worse? I am trying so hard not to gain 65lbs again this time, and it just doesn't look promising :-/ I swear my butt competes with my belly. I've been thinking about starting a real pregnancy workout video instead of just trying to just stay active with my toddler, but that doesn't seem to be working. i am almost 25 weeks and up almost 30lbs. I keep telling myself it will come off again like it did with my daughter, but ugh. I'm just feeling like a blob. Any suggestions for pregnancy workout videos for people who didn't work out before pregnancy? I don't want anything too intense. The other problem is my groin ACHES when I do extensive walking or physicaly activity. I had the joy of this last pregnancy too. Just super frustrating to feel so limited!
I'm late to the breast pump convo but thought I'd throw my experience out there. When I was pregnant last time, I had the most horrible case of pregnancy brain to the point where I was not able to make decisions. As a decisive person, this wrecked me and made me feel like a feeble damsel, the type of person who is absolutely not me. ANYWAY, my husband researched pumps for me and decided a closed system would be best. We ended up getting the Phillips Avent Double Electric Comfort Breast Pump (I ordered it on Amazon, and sent my insurance a copy of my receipt - and got reimbursed for every cent).
I used it a lot when my son was a newborn to help my milk come in. Starting to nurse was difficult for us but mainly because I'm the first in my family to breastfeed so was operating on absolutely horrible family advice that is pretty much the opposite of what any experienced breastfeeding mother would give. Anyway, when I saw a lactation consultant, she told me that the nipple sores I was getting were from the pump and not breastfeeding. I had to order larger flanges. Once I got their biggest size (I think they give the smallest size as default parts), my sores went away.
the pump itself was pretty good. I have no complaints (other than needing to order parts), but would have liked to have a hands free option -- but I don't know if there is a hands free option for bigger bazoombas though. I also used the Avent bottles with the natural nipple. The bottles fit directly on the pump with a tiny ring adapter (I believe you wouldn't need the ring if you used their classic bottles).
we exclusively breastfed for the most part so other than the first few weeks of my sons life and the occasional dinner and movie night where I pumped ahead so my son wouldn't go hungry while we were gone, it's been stored away so I don't know if exclusive pumpers would recommend it for the long haul. It did come in handy when I had to get a ct scan when my son was almost 2 - that was fun - my doctor didn't tell me beforehand that I wouldn't be able to nurse for 48 hours after so that was a horrible nighttime routine-wrecking experience for my son. Haha. I had to pump and dump during that time so he didn't get remnants of the shot. Pumps don't "empty" you completely so I leaked... Especially when my son started crying, ugh. Poor baby. (Empty in quotes because you're never really empty but pumping isn't as efficient as a baby)
@MrsRahl mine has been about the same. I started heavier than I did last time but the rate I'm gaining is almost identical to last time. Which in my case isn't great because it's too low for my doctors liking but no matter what I try it's been on the same trend.
Also to piggy back off @wholesome I had to order smaller flanges for my pump, so if you find your pump isn't working right assess that you're actually using the right size (Medela has quite a few, I assume most brands do as well) before blaming the pump
Edited for spelling. Oh so bad on mobile! Sorry guys.
@PMForbie oh goodness! Way late to respond... FTM here but definitely a redhead, as are my mom and sister. Neither of them had extra trouble with BF. It took my sister and her daughter a couple of days to get the hang of it, but once it was on, it worked. My mom didn't have any trouble (and she was a redhead breastfeeding redheads!) I asked both of them a while ago if they bled much after delivery -- neither did (at least not more than what is to be expected given all that happens).
In the meantime, happy soul sucking, fellow gingers! ;-)
@MrsRahl yep, same here! My gain has been almost identical to last time, no matter what I eat or try. Honestly, I'm just not worrying about it. My OB says that some women just gain during pregnancy no matter what.
Help! I'm feeling very clueless today. I have been picking up some little girl clothes off and on over the last few weeks when I find them on sale. Primarily sleepers and onesies. I feel like there is more that I need for this little girl when it comes to clothes but have no idea things to buy. Do I need tights in the 0-3 month time frame?? I want a few little girly dresses and such but know we will be inside and/or bundled up most of the time with a winter baby but not sure what all I need to stock up on. Not sure why I'm feeling so lost but definitely would appreciate some feedback on what those of you with girls already had their girls wear early on.
@MrsRahl my weight gain has been different. With #1 I gained 29, and only started gaining at 20 weeks. With this one, I started off 25 lbs less than my first but have gained steadily.
@Carly79 I had my DD in October and honestly she spent the first 3 months of her life in sleepers. The only time I would even attempt dressing her up was if we were going to visit or having visitors (which was not often that early on). Even when I went back to work and she started at daycare, I'd send her in sleepers because it was easy and convenient for the staff there (and for me in the mornings). It probably wasn't until around 6 months that I started putting her in actual outfits.
Help! I'm feeling very clueless today. I have been picking up some little girl clothes off and on over the last few weeks when I find them on sale. Primarily sleepers and onesies. I feel like there is more that I need for this little girl when it comes to clothes but have no idea things to buy. Do I need tights in the 0-3 month time frame?? I want a few little girly dresses and such but know we will be inside and/or bundled up most of the time with a winter baby but not sure what all I need to stock up on. Not sure why I'm feeling so lost but definitely would appreciate some feedback on what those of you with girls already had their girls wear early on.
Socks - I really feel you can never have enough socks. Also, some sort of warm jacket that can be worn in the car seat. Stay away from puffy coats unless you're going to be putting them on backwards after LO is already strapped in, because in a crash, they'll compress and your child won't be as secure, which could cause more serious injuries. For my daughter I used a fleece teddy bear onesie thing (will try to provide a link in a minute) and a fleece car seat cover. I'll be doing something similar for this baby, too.
ETA this isn't what we used but it's super similar. Kept her warm but didn't allow for gaps with the seat belt:
@Carly79 the only time i ended up using the cute outfits in the first few months was to put them on and take a pic to send to whoever gave it to us. They need to be changed so often at that age I can't imagine taking tights on and off! simple and warm would be my recommendation!
ps @Carly79 just wanted to add- I felt EXACTLY like you do for my first- there are so many clothing options and so many opinions that it can be overwhelming. For instance we didn't use our fancy swaddler things even once even though we had several and thought they were our number one thing going in. I would say have a bit of everything and then get more of what you love after you see what you (and baby ) actually like and use
Do any of you already own the Medela Pump In Style Advanced? Fun fact: I didn't know that some insurances cover a breast pump but I came across an email that I got from babycenter (I think) that provided me a website where I could order the breast pump through and I just got the email that it shipped! I am so excited to receive it!!! For those that have it, do you like it?
I loved mine!! I had oversupply issues and I was so impressed that it never crapped out on me!
Our RainbowBaby H arrived at 37 weeks on 12/20/16!
Baby E arrived at 37 weeks on 01/31/15!
Married my Marine 05.23.14
*TW* TWIN LOSS 7.2.15 BFP 9.7.15 CP BFP 12.31.15 MC 2.28.16 BFP 10.14.17 CP BFP 3.10.18 D&C 4.13.18
@Parley What's terrible is that this is my second but my first was a boy and that stuff is so basic and easy. I need to go through his stuff still to pull out the stuff that works for this little girl. I think that's half my problem, I had 2 or 3 showers the first time around and nothing this time, and I needed so much other type stuff I didn't even worry much about clothes (plus I had someone that had a ton of clothes that had barely been used that I bought cheap). I feel like I'm starting at square 1 with this one on clothes and don't have much else to buy.
@Parley It is so nice not to have to worry about ALL the stuff. I think that's why I'm worrying so much about the clothes, it's the one thing I really need so I'm focusing all my energy on that. I've been trying to find some things for the nursery décor and things like that to take my mind off the clothes. Once we finish some household projects I plan to start getting all the gear up from the basement and washed and ready for this little girl
@Carly79 this is baby girl #2 for us and I was all about the girly girly clothes with DD1 and will likely be the same with this one. We of course had lots of onesies and jammies. I'm a big fan of the onesie + pants combo but by the end of the day we usually just are in a onesie because I get tired of putting them back on post diaper change. Socks is a big one, our last was a July baby so she was barefoot a lot but once it started getting cold we were always losing socks so buy way more than you need. I did have a few pairs of tights for her that she wore on Sundays to church with her flouncy type dresses but it definitely wasn't an every day thing (changing in tights is ugh but it's soooooo cute). I think for 0-3 months you're probably looking at the same kind of stuff you had for a boy.
Ugh weight gain! With DD1 I gained 30 but didn't start really gaining until 20 weeks. This time I started out 10 pounds less and have already gained 23 pounds. I was really struggling first tri with extreme nausea, losing weight and nursing my daughter 5 or more times a day. After I weaned my daughter when I was around 16 weeks, my deflated boobs ballooned again and I started gaining quickly. Not cool but I think my body needed it. I hope I only gain 5-10 more pounds this pregnancy.
Is anyone else measuring ahead of schedule? At my AS a few weeks ago, the tech said baby boy is measuring almost 2 weeks ahead and was already just shy of a pound at 15.9 oz. I know those measurements can be insanely off, and no one seemed worried. I'm more curious if anyone else has/had something similar.
@emy730 I had my A/S last week and baby measures exactly 2 weeks ahead and weighed a little over 1lb. They told me from the beginning this baby could be a pretty good size, my first was 8lbs 10oz so they're expecting this one to be a bit bigger. My dr just told me they would probably schedule another ultrasound around 32 weeks to check on baby's size again.
They can can always be off 1 to 2lbs either way, so I'm not too worried right now.
Ok, I've been on some different sites and wondering, when does the 3rd trimester actually start? My internist had referenced that I'd be in my 3rd trimester at my appointment next week but I will only be 25 weeks. I was thinking 28 weeks was the start of the 3rd trimester but in doing some looking today found that certain places say 25 weeks while others say 28 weeks. I don't remember from my first what the doctor said and it really doesn't matter, just kind of curious about the discrepancy.
@emy730 at my anatomy scan, baby was measuring over a week ahead and already 1 lb 1 oz at 21 weeks. they said they don't really change due dates unless it's a big change since it's an estimation anyways, but being a week further along makes so much more sense timing wise (my current due date/conception date isn't actually possible and it makes much more sense w/ how early my morning sickness hit). part of me was/is worried about a huge baby, but the other part is pretty confident they're just off a week on my due date (giving me a december baby, woo!).
Is anyone else measuring ahead of schedule? At my AS a few weeks ago, the tech said baby boy is measuring almost 2 weeks ahead and was already just shy of a pound at 15.9 oz. I know those measurements can be insanely off, and no one seemed worried. I'm more curious if anyone else has/had something similar.
DD1 was born almost a full month early weighing a whopping 7lbs 3oz and they told me she would be 5lbs max at 40 weeks. soon yeah they can be WAY off!
Our RainbowBaby H arrived at 37 weeks on 12/20/16!
Baby E arrived at 37 weeks on 01/31/15!
Married my Marine 05.23.14
*TW* TWIN LOSS 7.2.15 BFP 9.7.15 CP BFP 12.31.15 MC 2.28.16 BFP 10.14.17 CP BFP 3.10.18 D&C 4.13.18
I gained a TON with DD1 and this time I've been really slowly gaining. I am working and have a toddler so I'm much more active now, but it's a huge difference between the two pregnancies.
Our RainbowBaby H arrived at 37 weeks on 12/20/16!
Baby E arrived at 37 weeks on 01/31/15!
Married my Marine 05.23.14
*TW* TWIN LOSS 7.2.15 BFP 9.7.15 CP BFP 12.31.15 MC 2.28.16 BFP 10.14.17 CP BFP 3.10.18 D&C 4.13.18
DD's estimated weight was only off by 3 ounces when they did an US 2 days before I had her but I was shocked because all you hear is how off the estimate was!
K mamas, real talk here. All of my friends with second babies are freaking me out. Most of them have toddlers + a baby between 6 months to a year and every single one of them is all over social media talking about how awful it is and how hard it is and how they have to grocery shop in the middle of the night and how they all cry all day long because it's so hard. At first I brushed the extremes off as PPD but then I realized it was like a huge majority of them sobbing into instagram stories about how it's so bad. Ummmm is it really? Am I doomed?
DD's estimated weight was only off by 3 ounces when they did an US 2 days before I had her but I was shocked because all you hear is how off the estimate was!
K mamas, real talk here. All of my friends with second babies are freaking me out. Most of them have toddlers + a baby between 6 months to a year and every single one of them is all over social media talking about how awful it is and how hard it is and how they have to grocery shop in the middle of the night and how they all cry all day long because it's so hard. At first I brushed the extremes off as PPD but then I realized it was like a huge majority of them sobbing into instagram stories about how it's so bad. Ummmm is it really? Am I doomed?
I only have one right now, but like most things, I think it is what you make it. Parenting is freaking hard work, but if you focus on all the negatives about it all the time, you miss out on all the positives. That's not to say that I'm not TERRIFIED of caring for two children instead of one, but if it was THE WORST, no one would have more than one child. I take solace in that fact.
@katesmama0706 A few things, I only have one so I'm in the same boat wondering how I will possibly care for two. However, if I've learned anything about social media, people exaggerate. They have a sounding board that feels safe so they put the worst version of something out there. Also people are looking for a sense of validation or someone to commiserate with them so they need to make it worth it. Not saying your friends are necessarily doing this but it's something that I see happening a lot. The other thing I try to remember is what do their support systems look like compared to mine. Do they have husbands or spouses that are around and participate? Do they have help near by? Things like that make a difference too in how it goes with two. Like pp said, if it was terrible, no one would ever have more than one. I think it's going to be hard and I have extreme concern about how my DS is going to handle having a new baby around that is taking up room on my lap and taking some of my attention.
@katesmama0706 this is how I survive the thought. Going from zero children to one child was so huge for me. I'm thinking that transition will be more difficult than one to two. My cousin told me that she was able to enjoy her second baby more than she enjoyed the experience with her first because she was more calm and experienced. I'm terrified of sleep deprivation. As for grocery shopping, one friend of mine does online delivery. Another friend buys meals pre-made at a grocery store. Sometimes a little bit of money can buy some sanity.
@katesmama0706 some days the thought of having 2 terrifies me. Like I cry and tell my husband I have no idea how this will work. Other days I just remind myself that we will take it one day at a time and slowly find our new normal. I think a support system is huge! When DS was first born I knew one other mom and I felt super lonely and like I had to do everything by myself. When he was 6 months I finally joined a moms group and I am so thankful for the women I have met through there.
I'm big into meal planning and hope that I can continue with that and that'll help make the transition to two a bit easier. Frozen meals and quick meals will be huge because I know there will be days where they're needed.
The ultrasound tech was unable to finish the entire anatomy scan at 20 weeks because baby girl was moving around a lot, however, at that time, she was 15 oz. I have an ultrasound next week at 24 weeks to finish the anatomy scan and I am going to ask how much she weighs/what she is measuring (now I am curious if she's ahead?). I am due on 1/16 but, for some reason, I don't know if I will make it that far. I am also like 97% sure of the day we conceived, so if that's is true, my actual due date is 1/7. I am getting antsy & anxious, you guys!!! Can't wait to have her here.
Me: 26, DH: 31 Diagnosed with Hashimoto's 06/17
BFP #1: 05/11/16 DD born 01/01/17, Happy New Year TTC #2: 01/2019 BFP #2 09/24/19--Ended in chemical pregnancy BFP #3 07/02/2020 Due: 03/10/2021
This is likely going to brand me the smelly kid in class, but I'm going to ask anyway.
Does anyone else have a not-so-fresh smell going on down under? It's probably due to my insane sense of smell this pregnancy, but I do not remember this from last time. It's to the point where I'm considering asking if I have an infection or something. But maybe it's normal?
Re: Ask a STM+ Week of 9/19
Diagnosed with Hashimoto's 06/17
TTC #2: 01/2019
BFP #2 09/24/19--Ended in chemical pregnancy
BFP #3 07/02/2020 Due: 03/10/2021
I used it a lot when my son was a newborn to help my milk come in. Starting to nurse was difficult for us but mainly because I'm the first in my family to breastfeed so was operating on absolutely horrible family advice that is pretty much the opposite of what any experienced breastfeeding mother would give. Anyway, when I saw a lactation consultant, she told me that the nipple sores I was getting were from the pump and not breastfeeding. I had to order larger flanges. Once I got their biggest size (I think they give the smallest size as default parts), my sores went away.
the pump itself was pretty good. I have no complaints (other than needing to order parts), but would have liked to have a hands free option -- but I don't know if there is a hands free option for bigger bazoombas though. I also used the Avent bottles with the natural nipple. The bottles fit directly on the pump with a tiny ring adapter (I believe you wouldn't need the ring if you used their classic bottles).
we exclusively breastfed for the most part so other than the first few weeks of my sons life and the occasional dinner and movie night where I pumped ahead so my son wouldn't go hungry while we were gone, it's been stored away so I don't know if exclusive pumpers would recommend it for the long haul. It did come in handy when I had to get a ct scan when my son was almost 2 - that was fun - my doctor didn't tell me beforehand that I wouldn't be able to nurse for 48 hours after so that was a horrible nighttime routine-wrecking experience for my son. Haha. I had to pump and dump during that time so he didn't get remnants of the shot. Pumps don't "empty" you completely so I leaked... Especially when my son started crying, ugh. Poor baby. (Empty in quotes because you're never really empty but pumping isn't as efficient as a baby)
Edited for spelling. Oh so bad on mobile! Sorry guys.
In the meantime, happy soul sucking, fellow gingers! ;-)
ETA this isn't what we used but it's super similar. Kept her warm but didn't allow for gaps with the seat belt:
Magnificent Baby Baby-Girls Infant Hooded Bear Pram, Raspberry, 6 Months https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E0G2GNY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_mzS4xb37ERA33
*TW*
TWIN LOSS 7.2.15
BFP 9.7.15 CP
BFP 12.31.15 MC 2.28.16
BFP 10.14.17 CP
BFP 3.10.18 D&C 4.13.18
They can can always be off 1 to 2lbs either way, so I'm not too worried right now.
*TW*
TWIN LOSS 7.2.15
BFP 9.7.15 CP
BFP 12.31.15 MC 2.28.16
BFP 10.14.17 CP
BFP 3.10.18 D&C 4.13.18
*TW*
TWIN LOSS 7.2.15
BFP 9.7.15 CP
BFP 12.31.15 MC 2.28.16
BFP 10.14.17 CP
BFP 3.10.18 D&C 4.13.18
K mamas, real talk here. All of my friends with second babies are freaking me out. Most of them have toddlers + a baby between 6 months to a year and every single one of them is all over social media talking about how awful it is and how hard it is and how they have to grocery shop in the middle of the night and how they all cry all day long because it's so hard. At first I brushed the extremes off as PPD but then I realized it was like a huge majority of them sobbing into instagram stories about how it's so bad. Ummmm is it really? Am I doomed?
I'm big into meal planning and hope that I can continue with that and that'll help make the transition to two a bit easier. Frozen meals and quick meals will be huge because I know there will be days where they're needed.
Diagnosed with Hashimoto's 06/17
TTC #2: 01/2019
BFP #2 09/24/19--Ended in chemical pregnancy
BFP #3 07/02/2020 Due: 03/10/2021
Does anyone else have a not-so-fresh smell going on down under? It's probably due to my insane sense of smell this pregnancy, but I do not remember this from last time. It's to the point where I'm considering asking if I have an infection or something. But maybe it's normal?