Uterus keeps contacting, I am 11 weeks 3 days and its not painful, just uncomfortable. What triggers them and how do I get them to stop?
This happens to me too. This is #4 and I didn't realize dehydration can be a factor but it make sense with timing mostly evenings for me or late afternoons and how much water I thirsty I am.
First, I LOVE this board/thread---thank you!!! Okay, so I get a free breastpump on my insurance- medela or lynsinth? and like a good 300 pump. What else did you guys need? I know extra bottles/bags, the bra so you can pump hands free and maybe tops with nipples so you can feed off the medela or other bottles and ways to refridge (I travel a lot). What else would you suggest? Did you guys register for or buy ahead it? I know you could be at the hospital and need a hospital grade pump due to milk issues--so I wonder if its an after thing.
Also, I hated bra shopping for new bras when I was about 10 weeks, so I went to Victoria's secret where it was all 1 brand so sizing was consistent and I was a DD. They measured and had 1 of every bra to try on....so qyuickly in and out! Whewww......Motherhood maternity was just too hard with so many brands and maybe I wasn't ready for a maternity store yet. I did read nordstroms makes any bra into a nursing bra and of course underwires may clogg ducts or something so underwires are bad (is this right?). Any advice for next set of bras? Anyone found a spot you love for maternity underwear in general? Any other bra shopping hints? For those that don't know their size and have a store nearby, someone did suggest this brand to me and their measuring advice: https://bellamaterna.com/pages/nursing-bra-fitting
Just adding-- my dumb ? was how long can you drive. Someone told me until the day you deliver or even in labor. I have to prep my work I can't fly 2 months out (doctors ordered about flying for work), so I wondered about driving.
@Katie______ Your list looks good- I'd just add some nipple cream and some sterilizing wipes if you'll ever be pumping on the go. I have the Medela with the tote bag and it served me well for a full year of nursing. I really loved the Medela storage bottles that came with the twisty top that you could move to show which day of the week you pumped. All of the supplies were on my registry. I just got the pump itself from my insurance. Also, I pumped at the hospital for the first few days and they let me keep all of the small pump parts so I had an extra set-score.
I think most people drive up until delivery. DD was 9 days late and I still drive short distances to keep myself busy until the day I went to the hospital.
ETA- sorry I'm no help with bras! I hated my nursing bras so I usually just wore a nursing tank under my shirt with no bra.
Thanks @OperaSingerMommy It's good to know you kind of counted on getting the Medela and registered for the other stuff!! and the extra items! I checked and no copay on the pump so free to me, which was a nice boost as that's a big item! We're trying to check on that stuff and then also to make sure like insurance would pay for the nicu, if goodness its needed and kind of how it all works with adding the kiddo. Thanks!!!!!
*edit @OperaSingerMommy --- one ?- was there a specific nipple you used with the medela bottles? I saw tippy tommy does and I'm guessing a few more!
@OperaSingerMommy it never occurred to me to check to see if my insurance covers the pump. It does! I have to buy it from approved providers. I hope they have the model I want.
@Katie______ I had two of the regular medium flow nipples and two slow flow nipples. We used the slow flow at first but it took foreverrrr for DD to finish a bottle so we used the regular ones exclusively. I'm pretty sure the pump itself comes with two bottles and one regular nipple- that kind was DD's fave. I'd try one of each to start and see what your baby likes!
@OperaSingerMommy it never occurred to me to check to see if my insurance covers the pump. It does! I have to buy it from approved providers. I hope they have the model I want.
I think most insurance will cover you! My OB wrote me a prescription for one last time at 36 weeks and it was delivered within the week.
For anyone who buys their own- if you save the receipt then maybe insurance companies will reimburse you.
I am normally a Victoria's Secret and Patagonia and Stitch Fix kind of girl. Willing to invest money in quality. I preface with that because:
Someone on my original BMB recommended Walmart maternity bras. I'm not sure if they're sleep specific or what, but I have two that I love. They're like soft sports bras, but fold down for nursing (no snaps). Cotton. $10 each. I love them.
@Katie______ Your list looks good. You can also just cut a little "nipple hole" in a few of your regular ol' sports bras and skip the hands free bra. I didn't care for the one I purchased and my sports bras worked better.
Use coconut oil on cracked nipples (totally safe for baby).
Most people can drive up until delivery and within a few days after having baby, but it depends on how your body recovers and how you delivered the baby. My MIL didn't want me driving that first week with baby # 1, but to be honest, I had an uncomplicated delivery and was perfectly capable of driving home from the hospital (even though I didn't).
I used the Medela pump with tote and it has lasted me 14 months, and I'll just reuse the same one with this baby.
@Katie______ I would also recommend breast shells not nipple protectors but these go around the nipple and keep clothing away from them. The ones I have are thick so I would never wear them in public. They also came with a shell without holes so I could collect leaking milk. These are the ones I have, not needed but I loved having them. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000058DQJ/ref=pd_aw_sim_75_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=KX7ZJ6ZVQBVNKSRHY2HX&dpPl=1&dpID=91S+-5dqztL Oh and I don't believe it's just underwire bras I think it's any that are to tight on your breasts that can clogged ducts. Someone else can prob speak more just wanted to mention. I drove up until I went into the hospital to be induced.
Just adding-- my dumb ? was how long can you drive. Someone told me until the day you deliver or even in labor. I have to prep my work I can't fly 2 months out (doctors ordered about flying for work), so I wondered about driving.
I drove myself to the hospital when I was in labor but couldn't drive for two weeks after because of my c-section but I definitely think vaginal birth with be different.
Married: 05/26/2012
DS Born Happy and Healthy via C-section: 10/04/2013
Natural M/C: 07/08/2014
DD Born Happy and Healthy via Emergency C-section: 06/30/2015
Thanks all!!!! The pump is such an awesome thank you insurance! so helpful to know the other things especially as I know I will have workplace and airport pumping in my future.
@Katie______ Agreed with the ladies above. I would just add that it's not underwire that causes clogged ducts--it's poorly fitting bras. I suppose a poor fit might be more likely with an underwire but I got clogged ducts sitting around in my wirefree too. I would definitely try to find a specialty store that can ensure a good fit.
So since pumps have come up...I know insurance covers them bc of the ACA. Last time, my insurance was grandfathered and didn't have to cover it, so I got a used one and it's tired. Now the time frame is up, and they will cover.
However, with the current political climate, and hostiliy toward the ACA, is anyone else worried that not going to be covered by the time we order them?
@chiquita928 I'm worried that I won't have insurance period by the time I get to the end of this. 23, still on my dad's, haven't been offered any by an employer, and my husband doesn't have any I can go on either. I guess we'll see what happens. I'm hoping the magical red tape of government will work this time and they won't be able to push it through that fast.
Hubby and Me Friends since 2008 Started dating: July 1st, 2013 Engaged: July 1st, 2014 Married: July 1st, 2016 R born: July 8th, 2017 N born: June 30th, 2019 Baby #3 Due: July 7th, 2022 (maybe I only ovulate in October XD)
@kerils I have many friends in the same boat as you (re insurance) and I am so worried for them. Most of what I've read suggests that the provision of the law that allows people to stay on their parent's insurance until they are 26 is very popular and has bi-partisan support so maybe that won't be scrapped. Even if it is repealed I would be shocked if it went to effect by July but in this political climate who knows. FX it works out for you!
@chiquita928 i am calling my insurance about the pump tomorrow for that exact reason.
Can someone please explain to me the difference between a Rock-n-Play and a Bouncer?? I've read so many product descriptions and reviews and still can't figure it out! They seem the same to me. Which one is better? I live in a small place so am trying to be really smart about what gear I choose. A swing is too big. Please advise
@Sassenach1743 A rock n play is taller and rocks. Mine also had an option to vibrate. It does not bounce. We used the rock n play the first couple of months when baby slept a ton during the day. It's lightweight and easy to move so she was able to be in whatever room I was in rather than in a bassinet or crib. Loved it! Still used our pack n play bassinet at night.
I didn't have a bouncer, so I'm not really sure of the differences other than the bouncer bounces and vibrates instead of rocking. I'm also unsure as to whether people nap their babies in bouncers?
I would go with the rock n play as we didn't have a bouncer and didn't feel like I needed it. The rock n play is still relatively small and I liked that it was up off the floor. And for DD it was a necessity for daytime sleeping in the beginning!
Also we don't have a lot of room either, so I got a swing that was small and low to the ground. It actually looked similar to a bouncer. Probably wasn't as nice as the big swings but it did the job!
Can someone please explain to me the difference between a Rock-n-Play and a Bouncer?? I've read so many product descriptions and reviews and still can't figure it out! They seem the same to me. Which one is better? I live in a small place so am trying to be really smart about what gear I choose. A swing is too big. Please advise
A rock n play looks like a small cradle that's tilted at an angle. Many of them vibrate and/or have an automatic rocking motion that you can set.
A bouncer is much smaller and lower to the ground. It looks like a little baby seat and it is made from springy material so it bounces back and forth a bit. Baby usually sits up at a slightly higher angle.
I have both (bouncer was a gift) but DD never once fell asleep in the bouncer- it was more for playtime. A lot of moms will probably say the opposite so every baby is different! Hope that helps a little?
I never had a Rock n Play. We borrowed a bouncer for DS's first two months, and it was awesome. We wouldn't put him in it to nap, but he would often doze off while in it, so napped there daily. We would put him in it while we cooked and ate meals, too.
Then we had a swing from ages 2-8 months, which was also awesome and served the same purpose.
I would personally suggest either a bouncer or swing. And the RnP would be like an alternative to a bassinet. I know many moms looooove the RnP. The only downside I've heard is the adjustment in moving from RnP to crib can be harder than bassinet, since it's at an angle (and rocks, obviously).
Stupid question: What does the ticker change post really mean? I'm always so confused about it. Is it according to due dates? Or the day of the week when your pregnancy moves up a week? Is it to post about appointments? I'm shamefully confused!
Stupid question: What does the ticker change post really mean? I'm always so confused about it. Is it according to due dates? Or the day of the week when your pregnancy moves up a week? Is it to post about appointments? I'm shamefully confused!
It's the day of the week that you move from "12 weeks" to "13 weeks" or whatever. It's the same day of the week that your EDD would be. A "ticker" is the little graphic that some people have in their siggy that says how far along your pregnancy is and "baby is the size of a _____"
@supermom83 It goes by due dates. For example, I'm due July 12th, which is a Wednesday, so I'm in the Wednesday group. It normally says at the top of the page what due dates each one is for. It is just a basic check in, around 5-6 questions, like how far along are you, how are you feeling, any appointments, and normally a GTYK question at the bottom. It's just a nice way to check in and celebrate hitting the next week milestone. I really like doing it, it makes my new week feel official.
Hubby and Me Friends since 2008 Started dating: July 1st, 2013 Engaged: July 1st, 2014 Married: July 1st, 2016 R born: July 8th, 2017 N born: June 30th, 2019 Baby #3 Due: July 7th, 2022 (maybe I only ovulate in October XD)
So since pumps have come up...I know insurance covers them bc of the ACA. Last time, my insurance was grandfathered and didn't have to cover it, so I got a used one and it's tired. Now the time frame is up, and they will cover.
However, with the current political climate, and hostiliy toward the ACA, is anyone else worried that not going to be covered by the time we order them?
I'm concerned about this as well - I wondered if I could get the pump now, before a full repeal, but I think it is too early. I think the good news is that once a repeal passes, it will still take some time to go into effect. Check your state's laws as well, some of them may still require this coverage.
Are people still reading this thread? It's gotten long LOL. How about we turn this to a weekly? Stupid Question Tuesday?
My dumb question is that yesterday on the NT, the technician wrote a different due date and gestation age. I was 12w5, but she put 13w2. How does that happen; which one do I go by?
Are people still reading this thread? It's gotten long LOL. How about we turn this to a weekly? Stupid Question Tuesday?
My dumb question is that yesterday on the NT, the technician wrote a different due date and gestation age. I was 12w5, but she put 13w2. How does that happen; which one do I go by?
It probably means your baby is just measuring about 4 days ahead of what would be expected. It's normal, harmless. Babies grow fast in certain stages and then slower, and no two babies follow the same pattern. Stick with your original due date.
@plumpous After two "measuring ahead" readings, I changed my ticker 3 days ahead to 6/30 because I was being weird about knowing what milestones he was probably actually reaching - my official EDD with the doctor stayed the same, 7/3, since that was just based on LMP.
Also I was wanting to read the "new week" stuff with my husband, and if I wait for him to get home Monday mornings, I make myself late for work! He doesn't work Fridays, so it worked better! lol
Highly monitored internet and no cell service in the office, so I'm postin' and ghostin' while I'm workin'
@Katie______ and @Twinkiedoll I'm a FTM so I can't really say what to look for in a pump/accessories, but I'd check with the hospital you plan to deliver at and see what they offer. When I did a tour of our hospital, they let me know that the little maternity store on site would be able to bring my insurance-covered pump right up to my room and get everything set up. That way, if for some reason it didn't work or a part was broken, it would be replaced on the spot and I wouldn't have to worry about waiting for a replacement. I'm not sure if every hospital does this, but it might be worth looking into!
Did anyone meal-prep before baby or is that just a stupid pipe dream? I'm considering prepping full meals like casseroles, lasagna's, making full batches of spaghetti sauce & stew etc. and also prepping meal bags for stuff that can just be thrown into the crock-pot or dutch oven. Being pregnant has opened my eyes to how lazy I am with dinner when I am deathly tired so I can't see having a newborn being any better. I have a small deep freeze in my basement so I have the space. How early can I start? Anyone have tips on how to keep food "fresh" for a few months?
Are people still reading this thread? It's gotten long LOL. How about we turn this to a weekly? Stupid Question Tuesday?
On the "READ THIS FIRST" thread you can sign up to post the weekly, "Stupid Question Sunday." I find there aren't a lot of volunteers for the weekly threads. I would do it but I tend to only come on TB when I'm at work (lol!) which doesn't include weekends.
@stokesm21 I didn't meal prep last time since it was just me and hubby and we could fend for ourselves but this time since I have a toddler I plan on doing it so her "routine" doesn't get changed up any more than it already will.
I found a bunch of recipies on pinterest. A lady on there said last time she did them too early (25weeks) and they got a freezer burn taste. So this time she did them a month out and they were a lot better. She had a lot of good tips on how to seal them so they stayed fresh/taste better heated up too.
I'm curious if other people have recommendations or recipies since I've never done it before either!
@stokesm21 I didn't meal prep but I should have! Family brought us freezer meals which was greatly appreciated. I should really consider doing it this time around because leaving the house with one tiny newborn was realitively easy, I will have no desire to leave the house in the early days with 2.
TTC: 1/2014
BFP: 9/24
EDD: 6/8/2015
Sorry for the poor man's siggy...ticker won't load regardless of how many tips I read.
@stokesm21 my suggestion is use throw away containers. People gave me dinners which was great but then I had to spend forever scrubbing (their pans) when I just wanted to nap. I personally enjoy cooking and wanted to spend time cooking while on maternity leave. I would put baby in a bouncer on the kitchen floor and we would listen to music. Im not planning on prepping food (people will prob bring some) bc ds likes to help cook so it will be our time together. -Crossing my fingers this actually happens.
@stokesm21 I had a good stockpile of meals in the freezer before DS arrived and it saved me. My recommendation is to have a lot of slow cooker meals and buy slow cooker liners so you don't have to scrub it clean and its ready for the next day. Any kind of casserole you prepare put it in those aluminum casserole pans so your dishes aren't stuck in the freezer.
@stokesm21 I did not do meal prep last time and regretted it. It was a huge point of contention between DH and I. Even though my MIL who moved across the street a month before my second was born offered and did make dinner as long as we needed it my husband wanted to be home and relax and I had nothing stockpiled and was really in so much pain for two weeks after my c-section that I couldn't cook much. We had an ugly fight over it. This time I am going to buy a bunch of throw away casserole containers and make food ahead of time so all I or DH have to do is pop it in the oven. We bought a chest freezer for this purpose alone. If you have toddlers I'd stockpile some easy reheatable meals for them too, you will thank yourself!
Re: A Big Thread for Dumb Questions
Also, I hated bra shopping for new bras when I was about 10 weeks, so I went to Victoria's secret where it was all 1 brand so sizing was consistent and I was a DD. They measured and had 1 of every bra to try on....so qyuickly in and out! Whewww......Motherhood maternity was just too hard with so many brands and maybe I wasn't ready for a maternity store yet. I did read nordstroms makes any bra into a nursing bra and of course underwires may clogg ducts or something so underwires are bad (is this right?). Any advice for next set of bras? Anyone found a spot you love for maternity underwear in general? Any other bra shopping hints? For those that don't know their size and have a store nearby, someone did suggest this brand to me and their measuring advice: https://bellamaterna.com/pages/nursing-bra-fitting
Just adding-- my dumb ? was how long can you drive. Someone told me until the day you deliver or even in labor. I have to prep my work I can't fly 2 months out (doctors ordered about flying for work), so I wondered about driving.
I think most people drive up until delivery. DD was 9 days late and I still drive short distances to keep myself busy until the day I went to the hospital.
ETA- sorry I'm no help with bras! I hated my nursing bras so I usually just wore a nursing tank under my shirt with no bra.
It's good to know you kind of counted on getting the Medela and registered for the other stuff!!
*edit @OperaSingerMommy
--- one ?- was there a specific nipple you used with the medela bottles? I saw tippy tommy does and I'm guessing a few more!
I think most insurance will cover you! My OB wrote me a prescription for one last time at 36 weeks and it was delivered within the week.
For anyone who buys their own- if you save the receipt then maybe insurance companies will reimburse you.
Someone on my original BMB recommended Walmart maternity bras. I'm not sure if they're sleep specific or what, but I have two that I love. They're like soft sports bras, but fold down for nursing (no snaps). Cotton. $10 each. I love them.
Use coconut oil on cracked nipples (totally safe for baby).
Most people can drive up until delivery and within a few days after having baby, but it depends on how your body recovers and how you delivered the baby. My MIL didn't want me driving that first week with baby # 1, but to be honest, I had an uncomplicated delivery and was perfectly capable of driving home from the hospital (even though I didn't).
I used the Medela pump with tote and it has lasted me 14 months, and I'll just reuse the same one with this baby.
Good luck!
Oh and I don't believe it's just underwire bras I think it's any that are to tight on your breasts that can clogged ducts. Someone else can prob speak more just wanted to mention.
I drove up until I went into the hospital to be induced.
Married: 05/26/2012
DS Born Happy and Healthy via C-section: 10/04/2013
Natural M/C: 07/08/2014
DD Born Happy and Healthy via Emergency C-section: 06/30/2015
BFP #4: 11/15/2016
EDD: 7/27/2017
However, with the current political climate, and hostiliy toward the ACA, is anyone else worried that not going to be covered by the time we order them?
Friends since 2008
Started dating: July 1st, 2013
Engaged: July 1st, 2014
Married: July 1st, 2016
R born: July 8th, 2017
N born: June 30th, 2019
Baby #3 Due: July 7th, 2022
(maybe I only ovulate in October XD)
@chiquita928 i am calling my insurance about the pump tomorrow for that exact reason.
I didn't have a bouncer, so I'm not really sure of the differences other than the bouncer bounces and vibrates instead of rocking. I'm also unsure as to whether people nap their babies in bouncers?
I would go with the rock n play as we didn't have a bouncer and didn't feel like I needed it. The rock n play is still relatively small and I liked that it was up off the floor. And for DD it was a necessity for daytime sleeping in the beginning!
Also we don't have a lot of room either, so I got a swing that was small and low to the ground. It actually looked similar to a bouncer. Probably wasn't as nice as the big swings but it did the job!
A bouncer is much smaller and lower to the ground. It looks like a little baby seat and it is made from springy material so it bounces back and forth a bit. Baby usually sits up at a slightly higher angle.
I have both (bouncer was a gift) but DD never once fell asleep in the bouncer- it was more for playtime. A lot of moms will probably say the opposite so every baby is different! Hope that helps a little?
Then we had a swing from ages 2-8 months, which was also awesome and served the same purpose.
I would personally suggest either a bouncer or swing. And the RnP would be like an alternative to a bassinet. I know many moms looooove the RnP. The only downside I've heard is the adjustment in moving from RnP to crib can be harder than bassinet, since it's at an angle (and rocks, obviously).
@Sassenach1743
Friends since 2008
Started dating: July 1st, 2013
Engaged: July 1st, 2014
Married: July 1st, 2016
R born: July 8th, 2017
N born: June 30th, 2019
Baby #3 Due: July 7th, 2022
(maybe I only ovulate in October XD)
My dumb question is that yesterday on the NT, the technician wrote a different due date and gestation age. I was 12w5, but she put 13w2. How does that happen; which one do I go by?
Also I was wanting to read the "new week" stuff with my husband, and if I wait for him to get home Monday mornings, I make myself late for work! He doesn't work Fridays, so it worked better! lol
Highly monitored internet and no cell service in the office, so I'm postin' and ghostin' while I'm workin'
Dating: 12/21/2001
Married: 09/08/2012
BFP: 11/16/2016 EDD: 07/27/2017
Baby Fish born: 08/01/2017
Met: 08/2001 ~ Dating: 07/2004 ~ Engaged: 11/2009 ~ Married: 06/2011
TTC: Since 09/16 ~ BFP 10/28/16 ~ EDD 7/5/17
Team Pink * Canadian Bumpie
Met: 08/2001 ~ Dating: 07/2004 ~ Engaged: 11/2009 ~ Married: 06/2011
TTC: Since 09/16 ~ BFP 10/28/16 ~ EDD 7/5/17
Team Pink * Canadian Bumpie
I found a bunch of recipies on pinterest. A lady on there said last time she did them too early (25weeks) and they got a freezer burn taste. So this time she did them a month out and they were a lot better. She had a lot of good tips on how to seal them so they stayed fresh/taste better heated up too.
I'm curious if other people have recommendations or recipies since I've never done it before either!
I personally enjoy cooking and wanted to spend time cooking while on maternity leave. I would put baby in a bouncer on the kitchen floor and we would listen to music. Im not planning on prepping food (people will prob bring some) bc ds likes to help cook so it will be our time together. -Crossing my fingers this actually happens.