@PCOSbaby nothing really groundbreaking here but, if you pump for about 15min a few times a day, that should help. That's what I did while LO was in NICU and I couldn't go see her at first, to get things started. I thought (most likely was explained and I don't remember bc of coming out of general anesthesia and on lots of meds) it was to get milk to send up to her but now I realize it was just to stimulate my milk to come in. And definitely drinking tons of water (I was told even more than I did when pregnant), being sure to eat lots, and take deep calming breaths while feeding her.
@gatorMom2014 definitely lol....I finally got DH to change a diaper last night and LO ended up not only pooping in the new one but, when he went to change that, somehow either she was still pooping or he wasn't able to contain the dirty diaper, +2 more new diapers wasted. I wasted at least one last night when she peed and pooped as I was changing her haha. They say the cold stimulates them to pee - idk what the pooping thing is about!
I didn't think I would have any milk come in, to be honest. Baby was 4 weeks early and my boobs were still all normal-no aching or leaking or anything. Well today- they have started their leaking! So weird! I also have a hard lump under my left armpit that the doc says is probably from my milk.
My issue is that we do not plan to breastfeed. Any suggestions from you ladies? Doc just said wear a tight bra.
Still in the hospital until tomorrow morning. Been here since Thursday. About to take my first shower since then. Im so excited I might just cry when I get in there!
@bamacoop, tight bra, cabbage leaves, cold packs, and drink less water so your not as hydrated and your body should take the hint. One of my close friends wasn't able to get baby nursing so she ended up formula feeding and this is what worked for her.
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@bamacoop Ice those boobies and stuff your tight bra with cold cabbage leaves. That'll do it from what I've read, but they will hurt for a few days. Be careful of the warm shower water, that will stimulate milk production and let down.
Is anyone else feeling completely overwhelmed? I feel like I've spent more time crying than anything since getting home from the hospital on Saturday. My midwife wrote me a prescription for an anti-depressant (I had PPD after each kid) but when I went to fill it Saturday evening, they said I wasn't covered under my DH's insurance anymore! He's calling them today but it's like one thing after another.
It probably doesn't help that DD2 and DS are sick. DD2 is getting over croup and DS barely has a voice. So it's causing extra stress trying to keep them back when all they want to do is hold and be around DD3.
I mean, I realized this would be difficult, this is my fourth baby. But I did NOT imagine it starting so soon. Thankfully today is a school day for the older two!
One fortunate thing: DD3 is sleeping pretty well at night. She's been going down around 9 and then giving me 3-4 hours between feedings until around 5:30. I would probably lose it if I wasn't sleeping too!
@bamacoop- **TW*** I had a 24 week loss my first pregnancy and lightly wrapped ice packs in a sports bra were good. Get the child sized ones so they fit in your bra. I actually thought warm showers were helpful too, to relieve pain. Keep an eye out for mastitis symptoms- a bad lump that won't go away, pus, fever, chills, malaise. It's not likely but good to look out for.
@owlcup- i only have DS and he STTN, and I'm completely overwhelmed. Idk how you're doing it all! I will be going on Zoloft as well. We will make it through!
Hey mamas! I officially have cold feet of pushing two babies out of my vagina. Can one you or all of you please go into a little more detail about how delivery went? How the epidural felt? What you felt after the epidural? What you felt before it? How your healing vag feels now? I am ten times more scared about a c section, so... We will be attempting vaginal. Thanks for your gory details in advance. *big grin*
@owlcup it sounds like you have every reason to feel overwhelmed! On top of just birthing a baby you have additional littles at home. Hopefully, this week will feel a little better as other littles go back to school!
remember you can only do so much and cleaning can wait! And kudos to you for being proactive with PPD. I hope your insurance is a quick fix and let DH take care of it for you!
Thank you so much ladies! Today has been SO much better! I'm hoping once everyone gets back into their schedules, things will be better! DH did talk to our insurance and they have no idea why our pharmacy said I wasn't covered because I am. So I'm going to go try to get my prescription again tonight but we'll see.
The lactation nurse at kaiser suggested you that you massage your breasts in a downward motion for five minutes after the breastfeeding for the first five days to increase milk supply. Haven't had my LO yet but I thought I would pass it on. They claim it's very new research.
I don't know if it works, but my lactation consultant also suggested this. My boobs have not seen this much action since high school, but my milk is fast and furious. I can easily get 3 oz in a 20 min pumping session between both breasts. I feel like that's pretty good.
I'm so jealous! I'm getting 1oz in a 20min pumping session. I'm definitely adding this to my plan.
Thanks ladies!
Me {32} DH {34}
Married 05/2014
PCOS baby due October 09, 2016 Beta #1: 22.5 Beta #2: 74
Hey mamas! I officially have cold feet of pushing two babies out of my vagina. Can one you or all of you please go into a little more detail about how delivery went? How the epidural felt? What you felt after the epidural? What you felt before it? How your healing vag feels now? I am ten times more scared about a c section, so... We will be attempting vaginal. Thanks for your gory details in advance. *big grin*
I didn't have a vaginal delivery so I can't speak on that. I can comment on the epidural.
I felt a little pinch when the needle was going in. The only part that hurt was when she was placing what felt like a thread inside the hole she made with the needle. It was like the thread was rubbing against my nerves.
After my c section {not as scary as it sounds} I was extremely cold. I had on a heated gown and was still shivering. I was told that was a side effect of the epidural. I had never heard that before.
Me {32} DH {34}
Married 05/2014
PCOS baby due October 09, 2016 Beta #1: 22.5 Beta #2: 74
@sjo_thetwins I had a spinal for my scheduled c section. It wasn't too bad. The pressure was weird and try to round your back when you have a giant belly is hard but just be still still still and breathe.
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@sjo_thetwins I was terrified of a vaginal birth, so I'm really glad the doctor let me have a c-section after trying to induce me for 4 days. I will say that it's totally not as bad as people make it out to be. The spinal didn't hurt to get, it was just a weird feeling being numb from the waist down, but it wore off within 30 minutes of the c-section being complete. I think the hardest part was getting in and out of bed and sitting on the toilet to go to the bathroom. Part of the issue with me was I had preeclampsia and severe swelling in my legs to the point where I had to use a walker to get around, but I think without that it would have been easier to move about. I'm now 10 days PP and the bleeding has almost stopped, I didn't really ever need the overnight pads that everyone talked about. I never used the spray for down below because there was no pain, and I only have minimal pain where my incision is when sitting up from laying down or bending over. IF I decide to have another child, I think I may just go with the RCS from the rip because it was so easy.
@sjo_thetwins I had an epidural for a vaginal and personally it was great. I felt nothing when I pushed. She stitched me up after and still felt nothing. It feels like a numb tingly sensation frim the belly down. You can't feel contrctions. I slept for awhile after getting it. The epidural itself is no big deal. Just do not look at any of the instruments the anesthesiologist brings in. It's over so fast and brings such relief. You get the lidocaine shot which will be the ouchiest part. Then I felt some weird cramps down my back to my butt. Nothing worse than that.
Seconding the thanks for all of the spinal details! I'm still COMPLETELY freaking out and decide at least once a day to go AMA and do this naturally because I am so terrified of a c-section. But hearing your experiences is helping. Especially regarding the recovery. My parents up and decided they're coming 2 weeks PP so I HAVE to be completely mobile by then! Seems like that might be realistic. Is there anything that was especially helpful for the healing process?
Anyone else get migraines after giving birth? I'm 9 days post partum and have had one for two days. I've been taking Motrin because I'm breastfeeding and can't take migraine medication.
@sjo_thetwins these girls are getting out of you one way or another! I thought I had an awful experience (labor for 48 hours without being able to get the epidural I wanted and while on magnesium which makes you feel like shit, then not progressing so quickly off to a c section under general anesthesia where my husband couldn't even be there with me and I was like the 15th person to finally see my baby before they took her to the NICU).......after the magnesium drip stopped and I got to see her, I was talking about how I'd do it all over again that day if I had to. Sorry I don't have input on vaginal delivery, spinal or epi, or a normal CS but I'm convinced you'll do great and will be thrilled once it's over, which it will be even if after a messy blur!
@books&icecream if your parents visit they can help you if you're not completely mobile at 2 weeks PP. I pretty much am, but need to slow down sometimes just to let my body adjust to certain movements. Definitely follow advice on not lifting anything heavier than the baby, take motrin and whatever prescribed pain meds at first to not let the pain get away, def take all the colace and prune juice (id say for a couple weeks to be safe) plus try to poop before you leave the hospital, walk around as much as they say you can once you can but when not up rest with the leg compressor/massager things, wear a belly binder...that's all I can think of for now
@MrsB627 are you being monitored for pre-eclampsia? It can happen I think up to 6 weeks PP and for me anyway has been worse after (an ER trip, etc) and can be kinda sneaky so just thought I'd mention bc you're talking about headaches!
@PCOSbabyThe difference may be a hospital grade pump. I'm renting one. It's so much quieter and more efficient than the PISA I have. It is only $75/mo, and insurance should cover. I may keep it even if they don't cover it. It's not that expensive and it's sooo nice!
@sjo_thetwins I've been told not to share my labor story (jokingly?) by some I've told it to, but honestly I think it's because it' ls NOT a horror story. So here goes: vaginal delivery was not that bad. I'd do it again right now. I'd have done it again with no problem five minutes after!
I went into labor around 7am. I wasn't sure I was in labor and we planned an epidural free and med free Bradley birth, so I just hung out at home. I walked the dog and went about my normal day. My hubby and I decided to take a nap and I woke up at 4:00pm to a pretty painful contraction. I still wasn't sure it was it, but I started timing contractions and we kept on with our day. The contractions got stronger, longer, and shorter intervals, but they never really got regular so I had a hard time deciding when to go to the hospital. We walked the dog, made dinner, and started watching a movie when finally my contractions got pretty painful. Keep in mind that I used to be an endurance athlete, and pain perception is very personal and different for everyone, so this is just my experience.
At about 8:30 pm, my contractions were between 3-6 minutes apart and the pain was enough to make me stop breathing at the height of them. So we decided to call the OB and head to the hospital. We hopped in the car and my contractions went to 3 mins apart. We checked into L&D triage at 9pm. I was laboring in the lobby with contractions 1-2 mins apart and they finally took me back at around 9:15. They hooked me up to EFM and checked my dilation: 8 cm, 100% effaced, with bulging bag. They immediately transferred me to L&D. The doctor walked in at 9:50, checked me again, got gowned up, and my water immediately broke. I started pushing with contractions just after 10pm, four pushes later at 10:06pm, Josie came screaming into this world. It went super fast and definitely wasn't typical for a FTM, but that's how it went.
The contractions were painful, yes. Especially towards the end, but they were manageable even without pain meds. The worst part was when she crowned and the doctor tried to stretch me so I wouldn't tear. I legit screamed, though I managed not to swear, and had the presence of mind to apologize right after. The pain was intense, and I now have a reference for 10/10 pain, but it was short lived. And then I had a beautiful baby in my arms. You'll have two! You can do this. As I told my LO when it felt like she was trying to kick her way out at 36 weeks: "There's only one way out, baby--and that ain't it!"
You got this, mama!
On the downside, I did tear. But it was only a 2nd degree tear. The stitching up after hurt worse than the actual birth, IMO.
@books&icecream I was discharged 24 hours later and was back to walking the dog, albeit very short half mile walks, twice a day as soon as I got home. One week PP, I did our regular 1 mile loop with the dog. It was probably a few days to soon and I had some pinchy pain where my stitches were from the tear, but now at 11d PP, I'm pretty much good. I imagine by two weeks you'll be fine, barring any complications.
Re: Epidural- They seem so much scarier than they are in reality. They will wipe your back down, probably have you sit cross legged and slouched over, give you a local that will sting for just a few seconds, then insert the needle, which you won't feel at all other than a slight pushing/pressure. Then, your feet and legs will get warm and Tingley and everything will be so much better!
Labor tip: RELAX. Being tense can slow down and even stop labor. Also, you're more likely to tear or be more sore afterwards if you're too tense.
I'm so depressed right now =( I don't have ANY of my babies with me, and it's just too much...
I know how you feel. I'm sitting in the NICU at midnight just watching my guy sleep. It's only the 3rd time I've got to see him and I still haven't held him
@AllyTheKid@LauraPCOS Hang in there mamas, the waiting is the absolute hardest part. Just remember that your babies are getting the care they need so that they can be with you soon. I hope you get to hold your babies very soon!
@allythekid All my nurses have told the PP contractions are worse with each baby. I swear, the contractions I had while nursing my baby were worse than the actual contractions of labor! They were only super painful for 24-36 hours though. After that they were much more tolerable. Just stay on top of your pain meds!
As a BTDT NICU mama, I am sending the advice that got me through the 13 days I had to wait bring DD home last time.
Let yourself heal, and take the time now, when LO is being cared for by the experts 24/7, to take care of yourself.
I know it seems selfish, but I felt so much more prepared when she came home after my c-sec because even though I was at the hospital like 8 of 12 waking hours visiting and feeding and doing skin-to-skin, I took care of my own healing, too, while I had the opportunity to focus on myself. Baby is safe, and probably couldn't be in a more attentive environment (aside from being home with you of course).
Looking back, I think it was the only thing that allowed me to get through with my sanity in tact. I told myself that I needed this time to get better just as much as she did, and I focused on us getting better together.
I hope you guys aren't separated from your babies very much longer and you get to hold them in your arms soon.
Much love and strength to you!
Countdown to Baby H! Mommy to Elizabeth (6/18/09), preemie at 34 weeks
Re: Moms of Early (September) Babes, Enter Here!
@gatorMom2014 definitely lol....I finally got DH to change a diaper last night and LO ended up not only pooping in the new one but, when he went to change that, somehow either she was still pooping or he wasn't able to contain the dirty diaper, +2 more new diapers wasted. I wasted at least one last night when she peed and pooped as I was changing her haha. They say the cold stimulates them to pee - idk what the pooping thing is about!
My issue is that we do not plan to breastfeed. Any suggestions from you ladies? Doc just said wear a tight bra.
Still in the hospital until tomorrow morning. Been here since Thursday. About to take my first shower since then. Im so excited I might just cry when I get in there!
Baby GIRL born 9/16/201
BFP! EDD 8/1/2019 CP 4w2d
I just did tight bras after weaning the kids, seemed to do the trick after a few days.
It probably doesn't help that DD2 and DS are sick. DD2 is getting over croup and DS barely has a voice. So it's causing extra stress trying to keep them back when all they want to do is hold and be around DD3.
I mean, I realized this would be difficult, this is my fourth baby. But I did NOT imagine it starting so soon. Thankfully today is a school day for the older two!
One fortunate thing: DD3 is sleeping pretty well at night. She's been going down around 9 and then giving me 3-4 hours between feedings until around 5:30. I would probably lose it if I wasn't sleeping too!
I don't have much advice but if I were you, I'd just try to remember that it doesn't have to be perfect and you are doing your very best!
I had a 24 week loss my first pregnancy and lightly wrapped ice packs in a sports bra were good. Get the child sized ones so they fit in your bra. I actually thought warm showers were helpful too, to relieve pain. Keep an eye out for mastitis symptoms- a bad lump that won't go away, pus, fever, chills, malaise. It's not likely but good to look out for.
@owlcup- i only have DS and he STTN, and I'm completely overwhelmed. Idk how you're doing it all! I will be going on Zoloft as well. We will make it through!
BFP #1 January 28, 2016
Felicity Joy, born September 2, 2016
My Chart
BFP #2 September 11, 2020
EDD May 23, 2021
remember you can only do so much and cleaning can wait! And kudos to you for being proactive with PPD. I hope your insurance is a quick fix and let DH take care of it for you!
Thanks ladies!
PCOS baby due October 09, 2016
Beta #1: 22.5
Beta #2: 74
I felt a little pinch when the needle was going in. The only part that hurt was when she was placing what felt like a thread inside the hole she made with the needle. It was like the thread was rubbing against my nerves.
After my c section {not as scary as it sounds} I was extremely cold. I had on a heated gown and was still shivering. I was told that was a side effect of the epidural. I had never heard that before.
PCOS baby due October 09, 2016
Beta #1: 22.5
Beta #2: 74
The epidural itself is no big deal. Just do not look at any of the instruments the anesthesiologist brings in. It's over so fast and brings such relief. You get the lidocaine shot which will be the ouchiest part. Then I felt some weird cramps down my back to my butt. Nothing worse than that.
DS#2 due 25 April 2019
@books&icecream if your parents visit they can help you if you're not completely mobile at 2 weeks PP. I pretty much am, but need to slow down sometimes just to let my body adjust to certain movements. Definitely follow advice on not lifting anything heavier than the baby, take motrin and whatever prescribed pain meds at first to not let the pain get away, def take all the colace and prune juice (id say for a couple weeks to be safe) plus try to poop before you leave the hospital, walk around as much as they say you can once you can but when not up rest with the leg compressor/massager things, wear a belly binder...that's all I can think of for now
@MrsB627 are you being monitored for pre-eclampsia? It can happen I think up to 6 weeks PP and for me anyway has been worse after (an ER trip, etc) and can be kinda sneaky so just thought I'd mention bc you're talking about headaches!
@sjo_thetwins I've been told not to share my labor story (jokingly?) by some I've told it to, but honestly I think it's because it' ls NOT a horror story. So here goes: vaginal delivery was not that bad. I'd do it again right now. I'd have done it again with no problem five minutes after!
I went into labor around 7am. I wasn't sure I was in labor and we planned an epidural free and med free Bradley birth, so I just hung out at home. I walked the dog and went about my normal day. My hubby and I decided to take a nap and I woke up at 4:00pm to a pretty painful contraction. I still wasn't sure it was it, but I started timing contractions and we kept on with our day. The contractions got stronger, longer, and shorter intervals, but they never really got regular so I had a hard time deciding when to go to the hospital. We walked the dog, made dinner, and started watching a movie when finally my contractions got pretty painful. Keep in mind that I used to be an endurance athlete, and pain perception is very personal and different for everyone, so this is just my experience.
At about 8:30 pm, my contractions were between 3-6 minutes apart and the pain was enough to make me stop breathing at the height of them. So we decided to call the OB and head to the hospital. We hopped in the car and my contractions went to 3 mins apart. We checked into L&D triage at 9pm. I was laboring in the lobby with contractions 1-2 mins apart and they finally took me back at around 9:15. They hooked me up to EFM and checked my dilation: 8 cm, 100% effaced, with bulging bag. They immediately transferred me to L&D. The doctor walked in at 9:50, checked me again, got gowned up, and my water immediately broke. I started pushing with contractions just after 10pm, four pushes later at 10:06pm, Josie came screaming into this world. It went super fast and definitely wasn't typical for a FTM, but that's how it went.
The contractions were painful, yes. Especially towards the end, but they were manageable even without pain meds. The worst part was when she crowned and the doctor tried to stretch me so I wouldn't tear. I legit screamed, though I managed not to swear, and had the presence of mind to apologize right after. The pain was intense, and I now have a reference for 10/10 pain, but it was short lived. And then I had a beautiful baby in my arms. You'll have two! You can do this. As I told my LO when it felt like she was trying to kick her way out at 36 weeks: "There's only one way out, baby--and that ain't it!"
You got this, mama!
On the downside, I did tear. But it was only a 2nd degree tear. The stitching up after hurt worse than the actual birth, IMO.
@books&icecream I was discharged 24 hours later and was back to walking the dog, albeit very short half mile walks, twice a day as soon as I got home. One week PP, I did our regular 1 mile loop with the dog. It was probably a few days to soon and I had some pinchy pain where my stitches were from the tear, but now at 11d PP, I'm pretty much good. I imagine by two weeks you'll be fine, barring any complications.
Baby GIRL born 9/16/201
BFP! EDD 8/1/2019 CP 4w2d
DH: 34
Married: May 2011
TTC #1: May 2015
DS: 10/20/2016
TTC #2: June 2019
#2 EDD: 2/20/2020
PCOS baby due October 09, 2016
Beta #1: 22.5
Beta #2: 74
Labor tip: RELAX. Being tense can slow down and even stop labor. Also, you're more likely to tear or be more sore afterwards if you're too tense.
@OrangeEv It sure is the worst wait ever though, isn't it?
BFP #1 January 28, 2016
Felicity Joy, born September 2, 2016
My Chart
BFP #2 September 11, 2020
EDD May 23, 2021
Sending creepy internet hugs to @AllyTheKid and @LauraPCOS
PCOS baby due October 09, 2016
Beta #1: 22.5
Beta #2: 74
Let yourself heal, and take the time now, when LO is being cared for by the experts 24/7, to take care of yourself.
I know it seems selfish, but I felt so much more prepared when she came home after my c-sec because even though I was at the hospital like 8 of 12 waking hours visiting and feeding and doing skin-to-skin, I took care of my own healing, too, while I had the opportunity to focus on myself. Baby is safe, and probably couldn't be in a more attentive environment (aside from being home with you of course).
Looking back, I think it was the only thing that allowed me to get through with my sanity in tact. I told myself that I needed this time to get better just as much as she did, and I focused on us getting better together.
I hope you guys aren't separated from your babies very much longer and you get to hold them in your arms soon.
Much love and strength to you!
Mommy to Elizabeth (6/18/09), preemie at 34 weeks
Team Blue!