Dumb Questions - November edition

kvruns

I don't know about anyone else but I have a few more before giving birth!

kvruns

I started this thread because I thought of 2 questions this morning and then promptly forgot them.

1. If you use a tub at the hospital for early labor (like to soak/relax), do you bring a bathing suit or is it sans clothes? At my hospital the tubs are in separate suites, it isn't in your own room.

2. can you have BH without discomfort? Last night I was sitting on the couch and noticed my belly tighten, it didn't hurt or feel bad, I really just noticed bc my hands were on it. During my appt yesterday my Dr said the baby was either balled up or maybe I had BH when she went to do the HR bc she couldn't feel his exact position. So now I wonder if sometimes when I've thought I've felt a big movement it has been more of a tightening due to BH just with no discomfort.

SandNStarsNJ

@kvruns

1. If you use a tub at the hospital for early labor (like to soak/relax), do you bring a bathing suit or is it sans clothes? At my hospital the tubs are in separate suites, it isn't in your own
While in my hospital they are far and few between and in individual rooms, you are typically naked or sans bottoms. You could always rock a bikini top or sports bra for some conservative coverage. 

2. can you have BH without discomfort? Last night I was sitting on the couch and noticed my belly tighten, it didn't hurt or feel bad, I really just noticed bc my hands were on it. During my appt yesterday my Dr said the baby was either balled up or maybe I had BH when she went to do the HR bc she couldn't feel his exact position. So now I wonder if sometimes when I've thought I've felt a big movement it has been more of a tightening due to BH just with no discomfort.
Yes. I have light ones where it simply tightens and then lightens up and then I've had others where I think they're never going to end. And remember that we all have different pain tolerances, so the perception of a BH pain can be pretty subjective. You might just have an awesome pain tolerance.

kmmnocal

@kvruns 1. I'll be using the tub without a swimsuit. I might wear a nursing/sleep bra top for a bit of modesty, or maybe even a bathing suit top, but I can barely get my pants on let alone struggle with a swimsuit bottom. At my hospital, tubs are in our private bathrooms, but I do also plan on wearing a robe in and out. I'm fairly modest and want to at least plan to be able to stay partially covered. We'll see how I end up feeling. H will bring a bathing suit to help me in the tub and shower. 2. Totally! At least in my experience, I've been having BH since about 20 weeks and they've only just now started to get a little painful/achy.

kvruns

@SandNStarsNJ I actually do have a high pain tolerance which worries me a bit about contractions, but I swear that had I not been sitting there and thinking about it (bc of my Dr's comments earlier in the day) I would not have thought it was anything.

msu_gal

@kmmnocal Good to "see" you!  We miss ya in the group.

My plan is to wear a comfy nursing bra to labor the whole time and I will wear that into the tub too if I decide to use it.  My hospital has them private in the room.  DH pretty much lives in board shorts, so he'll be fine if he gets wet helping me. 
 

MollySm

BH are often just tightening,  with no pain.   I usually feel all around to see if my uterus is hard all over,  so I can tell if it's a BH or just baby moving.   

kmmnocal

msu_gal said:

@kmmnocal Good to "see" you!  We miss ya in the group.

My plan is to wear a comfy nursing bra to labor the whole time and I will wear that into the tub too if I decide to use it.  My hospital has them private in the room.  DH pretty much lives in board shorts, so he'll be fine if he gets wet helping me. 
 

Aw, thanks! I miss the action. Still not loving Facebook, though. So it goes... 

Hope you and everyone are doing well! 

hoosiermama-2

@kvruns I'll be tubbing at IU North... don't remember them stating any requirements. But my tour guide did say to bring a swim suit or sports bra/shorts.

hoosiermama-2

1. Non-FTMs: What kind of thermometer do you use? The temporal ones seem super nice, but do doctors actually approve of them? I'm going to ask tomorrow at my appointment too.

2. Have you come across any particularly great baby books or keepsakes?

3. How much nipple cream do/did you go through? I have one 1.8 oz jar of Honest. Should I get more? (strategizing my completion discount spends—so, even if I don't need it right away..)

SandNStarsNJ

kvruns said:

@SandNStarsNJ I actually do have a high pain tolerance which worries me a bit about contractions, but I swear that had I not been sitting there and thinking about it (bc of my Dr's comments earlier in the day) I would not have thought it was anything.

I'm right there with you and it sounds like it's a god-send in the end. I, admittedly, didn't know I was in labor till I was 6cm and went to the doctor for some subtle discomfort. Needless to say they rushed me to the hospital. But the upside was that I nothing really hurt until the actual pushing (no meds here). Good luck!

hollowway

@hoosiermama my pedi  office actually uses the temporal thermometers, so I think they approve of them for at home use. Plus it's so much easier than trying to get a rectal temp or armpit temp on a fussy and squirmy babe!

atcwag

hoosiermama said:

1. Non-FTMs: What kind of thermometer do you use? The temporal ones seem super nice, but do doctors actually approve of them? I'm going to ask tomorrow at my appointment too.

2. Have you come across any particularly great baby books or keepsakes?

3. How much nipple cream do/did you go through? I have one 1.8 oz jar of Honest. Should I get more? (strategizing my completion discount spends—so, even if I don't need it right away..)

1. Rectal. Always rectal. It's the most accurate. When DS was hospitalized at 9 weeks, there was a HUGE difffernce between his temporal, axcillary and rectal temp. 

3. Tons...but I was one of the (un)lucky souls who had significant nipple pain, bleeding, cracking etc. for a very, very long time. I used lanolin until well after a year. Despite multiple consultations, lots of research, etc; DS just had a shitty latch. 

MrsBigTime

My thoughts on fevers are this (and take this as you will): it's more about the symptoms and severity of the fever than the actual number. How long has the fever been high? How is your child acting? Are they less than 6 weeks old? Do they respond to cooling methods (tepid baths, Tylenol, etc.)? 
Our hospital no longer allows rectal thermometers and we use axillary or oral, even for babies. At home, I use a temporal but I really don't like it. A fast oral is my go-to.

SandNStarsNJ

hoosiermama said:

1. Non-FTMs: What kind of thermometer do you use? The temporal ones seem super nice, but do doctors actually approve of them? I'm going to ask tomorrow at my appointment too.

2. Have you come across any particularly great baby books or keepsakes?

3. How much nipple cream do/did you go through? I have one 1.8 oz jar of Honest. Should I get more? (strategizing my completion discount spends—so, even if I don't need it right away..)

1.) I've always been partial to the 8 second armpit one. You just have to be mindful that it will be reading about 1 degree less on average. But I've also never used anything else, so take my suggestion with a grain of salt.

2.) I want to be able to answer this and yet have nothing.

3.) At first I was lathering it on, but it became another step that I lost patience with and never finished the original bottle (which was about 1.8oz). I did, however, live by the hydrogel patches Medela makes when I first started BF.

Katemr1146

My pediatricians office always asked me for the rectal temp for the baby when I called because it's more accurate...but they take temporal in the office. *shrug*

When they're really little, I actually think rectal is easier. It's super quick and reliable. 

rspalding001

I use a temporal thermometer knowing it might be a little off but it's way easier to use on a squirmy baby. Like @MrsBigTime said it more about how they are acting. Are they still eating? Are they listless or unresponsive? Etc. A baby/toddlers temp can actually get quite high before there is a real need for concern. A temp of 101 or 102 is really nothing to be concerned over unless there are other alarming signs present. I used mine mostly to determine if a fever was present and decided if I should take to day care or not because we are not allowed if kid has temp over 100.

I liked the hand/foot mold keepsake personally.

I never used nipple cream. Guess I was one of the lucky ones.

hoosiermama-2

Maybe I'll just get one of each thermometer, haha!
Doctor this morning said temporal is "fine" and easier. That was it.

And at least another tub or tube of cream.

Ash9614

kvruns said:

I started this thread because I thought of 2 questions this morning and then promptly forgot them.

1. If you use a tub at the hospital for early labor (like to soak/relax), do you bring a bathing suit or is it sans clothes? At my hospital the tubs are in separate suites, it isn't in your own room.

I packed a sports bra, oversized sleeveless tank and large athletic shorts in case I decide to labor in the shower or tub. My hospital doesn't do water births, but I am planning to go med-free, so may want to use some hydrotherapy in the room shower/tub. The clothes are more for me being a germaphobe and less about modesty. I don't want my naked butt on the shower floor. 

2. can you have BH without discomfort? Last night I was sitting on the couch and noticed my belly tighten, it didn't hurt or feel bad, I really just noticed bc my hands were on it. During my appt yesterday my Dr said the baby was either balled up or maybe I had BH when she went to do the HR bc she couldn't feel his exact position. So now I wonder if sometimes when I've thought I've felt a big movement it has been more of a tightening due to BH just with no discomfort.

I've been having the same thing! Super tight tummy a few times a day, but no pain at all. I've had a few period like cramps that were contractions, but pretty sure the tightening is BH. 

FirePoppy

okay, here goes--this is truly a dumb question and I'm expecting to get some very direct responses, but...

Can OTC pain relievers (tylenol) be used during labor? I have a high pain tolerance and respond really well to tylenol--in the past, I've used it with a twisted ovary and with burst cysts and didn't require any additional meds to get through. Is it totally insane to think that tylenol might be enough to take the edge off? Does anyone know if tylenol would interfere with epidural (planning not to have one, but you never know)?

Katemr1146

FirePoppy said:

okay, here goes--this is truly a dumb question and I'm expecting to get some very direct responses, but...

Can OTC pain relievers (tylenol) be used during labor? I have a high pain tolerance and respond really well to tylenol--in the past, I've used it with a twisted ovary and with burst cysts and didn't require any additional meds to get through. Is it totally insane to think that tylenol might be enough to take the edge off? Does anyone know if tylenol would interfere with epidural (planning not to have one, but you never know)?

I mean people give birth without drugs all the time, so is it do-able with just Tylenol? Yep. 

But there really isn't anything that compares to labor pain IMO, and I can't see how Tylenol would have helped me at all. 

OlgaN15

hoosiermama said:

Maybe I'll just get one of each thermometer, haha!
Doctor this morning said temporal is "fine" and easier. That was it.

And at least another tub or tube of cream.

I actually have one of each. I usually use the temporal one to see if they have a fever, and the other to get a slightly more accurate temp. if they do. 

SandNStarsNJ

FirePoppy said:

okay, here goes--this is truly a dumb question and I'm expecting to get some very direct responses, but...

Can OTC pain relievers (tylenol) be used during labor? I have a high pain tolerance and respond really well to tylenol--in the past, I've used it with a twisted ovary and with burst cysts and didn't require any additional meds to get through. Is it totally insane to think that tylenol might be enough to take the edge off? Does anyone know if tylenol would interfere with epidural (planning not to have one, but you never know)?

My first was med free (I do have a considerable pain tolerance) and once the baby's shoulders break through the pain just stops, so it is tolerable if you have and are willing to feel that pain threshold. I wasn't allowed anything other than ice once I was admitted so I don't know if OTC anything would have been received well. But I'm going to go with, you should ask your doctor because they all have different preferences and expectations (as we've learned from sharing here). Good luck!

Knottie1458416769

Anyone use "cleansing water" on baby? We got a sample of mustela no rinse cleansing fluid - sounds good, all natural etc - but I'm wondering when to use it - for no water situations, don't you just use wipes?? Dunno but that sounds easier than a cotton ball and mustela solution and then need to pat dry 

kvruns

What supplies do I need for diapering? Assuming no rash do I just use a wipe and then put a diaper on or is there some other lotion or cream you also use?

rspalding001

@kvruns yeah if no rash you can just put a diaper on after you wipe. I've known some people to use Vasaline as a preventive measure even when there is no rash. Just remember that if you do plan to use some kind of cream or ointment to make sure the skin is dry before applying otherwise it keeps the moisture and defeats the purpose.

I also keep a wet / dry bag with me in case there is no nearby garbage for diapers and/or wipes or soiled clothing when on the go.

MrsDho11

@kvruns - I won't have access to a tub, but we have nice big showers with benches that we can labor in, and I plan to (sorry drought!). I've packed a swimsuit for H, but for myself I just have a black sports bra and underwear.  I'll wear just the bra or both depending on how modest I'm feeling at that point.

Also, spent a significant portion of the day two days last week in the hospital-- they frequently saw contractions I wasn't feeling on the monitors, so definitely possible.  They told me the ones on Friday were strong enough that they were probably prepping my cervix, but no real labor yet!

hoosiermama-2

How vigilant are you or have you been with your vitamins?

I slacked off bad for a solid month with my prenatal & my DHA supplement, and I've been trying to take them again over the last week but they've been making me feel really crummy.

kvruns

hoosiermama said:

How vigilant are you or have you been with your vitamins?

I slacked off bad for a solid month with my prenatal & my DHA supplement, and I've been trying to take them again over the last week but they've been making me feel really crummy.

I missed a few days here and there. Meijer stopped carrying the ones I was taking and the new ones make me gag but I take them unless I'm out to dinner then I forget sometimes 

SandNStarsNJ

hoosiermama said:

How vigilant are you or have you been with your vitamins?

I slacked off bad for a solid month with my prenatal & my DHA supplement, and I've been trying to take them again over the last week but they've been making me feel really crummy.

Admittedly, I take them pretty religiously - every morning, before breakfast - and will throughout BF, but I also found one that doesn't make me feel anything other than the "I just swallowed a pill." I had many that made me feel awful before that and those are hard to (no pun intended) swallow. If you're eating well and getting some DHA from fish or the like, I'm sure you're fine; lots of women don't take them every day and lots of women never took any well before our generation.

Now, my iron pills are something I really suck at taking/remembering.

Knottie1458416769

Yea I've been slacking too but doc said so long as I'm eating well...

ZoeFer

I need to buy nursing bra and I am not sure which size I should buy. I used to be 34B before pregnancy, I am using 34C now, but they are getting a little tight. With the milk coming in, should I go for a larger one like 36C,34D or 34C would be good enough ?  

ZoeFer

Knottie1458416769 said:

Anyone use "cleansing water" on baby? We got a sample of mustela no rinse cleansing fluid - sounds good, all natural etc - but I'm wondering when to use it - for no water situations, don't you just use wipes?? Dunno but that sounds easier than a cotton ball and mustela solution and then need to pat dry 

I am really confused about all the supplies, creams etc too. We got the Mustela newborn gift set at my babyshower. But honestly, I am having hard time to understand when or how to use those stuff.  I guess it might be good to use that cleanser with a tissue instead of a wipe? It might have less chemicals compared to most of the wipes ?

MrsMaryK2016

ZoeFer said:

I need to buy nursing bra and I am not sure which size I should buy. I used to be 34B before pregnancy, I am using 34C now, but they are getting a little tight. With the milk coming in, should I go for a larger one like 36C,34D or 34C would be good enough ?  

Oh my god, you only went up one cup size?! You lucky thing. I went from a 32D to a 36DDD. God help me if they get a lot bigger. 

I just bought two in a size that fit comfortably right now and will buy more when we know exactly how humongous these girls get.

MrsBigTime

ZoeFer said:

I need to buy nursing bra and I am not sure which size I should buy. I used to be 34B before pregnancy, I am using 34C now, but they are getting a little tight. With the milk coming in, should I go for a larger one like 36C,34D or 34C would be good enough ?  

Honestly, I would wait until you are a few weeks post partum. I don't even know if the earth has enough fabric for these new milk boobs, even though I steadily grew while pregnant, these things are out of control! However, they will calm down and you'll have a better idea of what size you will really be. I think I grew two cup sizes last time, and I think it'll be a bit more this time. 

Will a band extender help you get through the next few weeks without spending $?

rspalding001

Regarding cleansing water... I looked it up and it just seems like a gentle alternative to wipes. If that's all it is I'd just use regular water on a dry wipe or cloth. No need to spend extra money on some special cleansing water. I used dry wipes with tap water in a peri bottle to get them wet before use with DD in place of wipes for the first year and it worked just fine, very gentle on her skin.

Knottie1458416769

I'm confused - aren't all wiped wet? What's the advantage of a dry wipe?

rspalding001

A Dry wipe you wet with plain water so no chemicals and will be gentler on baby's skin if they are sensitive and have a reaction to using wet wipes. 

Knottie1458416769

Oh ok thanks. I assumed those pampers sensitive wipes would handle that issue 

ashleymercado88

hoosiermama said:

How vigilant are you or have you been with your vitamins?

I slacked off bad for a solid month with my prenatal & my DHA supplement, and I've been trying to take them again over the last week but they've been making me feel really crummy.

I have to do a "rotation" movement with mine to remember. I move them from the vitamins spot to atop my stove/spice rack so I know I haven't taken them yet. Once I take my iron in the morning, it goes back and then come down the red raspberry capsules for lunch, and same for prenatal in the evening. 

hollowway

We use the Honest Co wipes, which are scent free and hypoallergenic. Never had an issue with them and DD had super sensitive skin. Will be using them for DS as well.