first time mom (ftm) check in 2/8 (plus stm+ questions)

BecauseLove

First Time Mom CHECK IN:
How far along are you?

What is your due date?

Are you having a singleton or multiples? 

Upcoming appointments this week?

Any new symptoms or changes or cravings?

Rants/Raves/Questions? 

Questions for stm+? 

GTKY: Are you using any baby or pregnancy apps? 

HollyGolightly09

I didn't do this last week, but then felt a little silly reading it when I hadn't checked in, lol. 

How far along are you? 9+6 

What is your due date? September 7 

Are you having a singleton or multiples?  Just one! 

Upcoming appointments this week? Nope

Any new symptoms or changes or cravings? No... just the same old ones still hanging around. I need for me and nausea to break up now. 

Rants/Raves/Questions? Can't really think of anything. 

Questions for stm+?  Any advice on keeping people out of the baby's face? I know I am the mom and can say "hey.. back off my baby!" I'm just wondering if anyone had gone about it in a nice, non pissing people off, way. 

GTKY: Are you using any baby or pregnancy apps? Just The Bump app, and the Ovia one. I downloaded the What to Expect app last week, but I didn't really like the set up, so I deleted it. 

mercury94

How far along are you?

7 weeks, 5 days

What is your due date? 

9/22 based on LMP.

Are you having a singleton or multiples? 

As far as I know, just one. No u/s yet. It was a medicated cycle, so I know multiples are possible.

Upcoming appointments this week?

Friday. Finally, u/s and OB first thing in the morning.

Any new symptoms or changes or cravings?

Not really. Same symptoms sticking around. I have been really into all forms of potatoes.

Rants/Raves/Questions? 

I'm so tired. Is it even possible to be this tired all the time?

Questions for stm+? 

How are you able to keep up with your kids while pregnant? Seems impossible at this point for me.

GTKY: Are you using any baby or pregnancy apps? 

Just The Bump.

Cats*in*space

How far along are you? 7+6

What is your due date? As of now, 9/21

Are you having a singleton or multiples? not sure yet

Upcoming appointments this week? 1st ultrasound is tomorrow

Any new symptoms or changes or cravings? cramping, almost got sick this morning (but couldn't handle the idea of vomiting into the toilet), aversion to leftovers

Rants/Raves/Questions? nope

Questions for stm+? What kind of parenting style do you have?  Did you go in thinking you wanted to parent a certain way, or did it all fall into place?  Do you and SO parent the same way?

I found these descriptions online  
Authoritarian - parents establish rules; Authoritative - rules, but also exceptions; Permissive - "kids will be kids"

GTKY: Are you using any baby or pregnancy apps? Ovia (I like the daily updates on development) and the Bump

lap018

@HollyGolightly09 I did a lot of baby wearing, especially at Christmas parties. It keeps baby close to you and their face isn't really accessible for people to get into. If they are in their stroller keep the hood pulled up and throw a thin swaddle blanket over it to keep them covered and keep strangers from sticking their head in there. If someone else is holding your baby then there's not much you can do besides saying please don't get in the baby's face.

@bridge-and-wall lol! I have the same question! I am so tired and feel like such a failure! 

@jmn1985 I'd say me and DH have sort of the same style I'd say we are more authoritative with a teeny tiny bit of permissive mixed in and some tiny parts of authoritarian. It's hard to explain, I would research as much as you can but each child is different and will respond to and need different parenting styles. I would learn about different techniques but once a baby comes into the picture a lot of things you once thought you'd do or be like changes, and you learn more about your child and they learn more about you. It's a really sweet thing. 

mrs_tacos

How far along are you? 9+3

What is your due date? September 10th for now, may change at my next appointment

Are you having a singleton or multiples? Singleton, whew. 

Upcoming appointments this week? Already passed, had an ultrasound Monday morning. Everything was perfect.

Any new symptoms or changes or cravings? Bleeding yesterday and spotting today, so I'm on bedrest for the next week. Otherwise, just nauseated and tired, per usual.

Rants/Raves/Questions? Nope

Questions for stm+? Has anyone used the Bradley Method or Hypnobabies? Would you recommend them or use them again?

GTKY: Are you using any baby or pregnancy apps? I have five or six apps on my phone, but I really only use Ovia and The Bump. 

mercury94

I am clearly going to need to look into this ovia app that everyone is using. 

ColoradoHiker

@HollyGolightly09 Babywearing, and also I mention not having had vaccinations yet (if you go that route).  DS was born in late November, so it was just in time for the flu season to start ramping up.  I asked that no one kiss him on the lips/ face because he was so young that any infection would be a really big deal.  I may have overemphasized this part a little bit, but it helped keep things manageable.
 
@bridge-and-wall Hahahahaaa... yeah.  I'm a STM.  DS has been getting more than his fair share of Paw Patrol and Mickey Mouse lately.  I've also been leaning on DH for support more than normal, and he's really stepped up.  It's getting easier with the fatigue letting up, but I've been on the struggle bus for the past month.

@jmn1985 My thoughts on parenting and my actual parenting style have evolved over time.  DS is 15m, so I'm not exactly an expert yet.  I've watched my bff, who has a 3 year old and a 12m old, and really thought about some of the strategies I've seen her and her DH use.  Some of it I've implemented with DS, some don't work for us as a family.  It never hurts to consider parenting knowing you're probably going to go a certain way (helicopter parenting vs more independent style), but I think the key for us so far has been recognizing what you're doing may work now, but not later.  Or not with another child you have.  I believe that being flexible will get you a lot farther than sticking to one specific style with no deviations.  DH and I do have similar parenting styles, we definitely fall more on the relaxed side as far as allowing DS to learn and explore, but we are consistent with enforcing rules, like no standing up on the couch/ chairs.  

sugarrush

@lap018 babywearing for that purpose-- genius!!  @HollyGolightly09 I had the same concerns especially because there was an outbreak of whooping cough at that particular time when my DD was born.  The only thing I did was ask everyone to wash their hands as soon as they came over and I totally blamed it on myself being "overly crazy" and the whole vaccination thing, but most of our family and friends understood.

@bridge-and-wall  I've been failing (so it feels like) ever since the pregnancy symptoms came on.  I am super lucky to have a very involved DH who also can't sit still, so he's constantly taking DD out or entertaining her to give me time to nap or deal with whatever is ailing me.  If he wasn't so in love with DD and involved, I don't know what I'd do.

@jmn1985 DH and I just decided to go with the flow.  We would talk about scenarios of being tested by our future kids and what we would do.  We were raised similarly and I think that helps us being on the same page with a lot of things.  The one thing we established and hold strong to is that we will always have each others back and be a united front in front of our kids when handling situations with them, even if we don't agree with each other on something.  We can always hash out how we really feel behind closed doors but we will always be a united front.

BookitBoo

@HollyGolightly09 -- I usually baby wear and that keeps people out of both of our faces, except for the unusually persistence personal space invader. If they try to get close I just tilt my body away and they pick up on the subtle body language


@bridge-and-wall  -- I'm lucky enough that I have a really supportive husband who wrestles our wild things while I lay down and groan about being miserable/sick/exhausted/dying. On the days when I just can't even I'll lay down and let the kids climb on me while we watch a show they both love. my number one job besides parenting is human jungle gym.



@jmn1985 -- I fall somewhere between go with the flow and authoritarian. Usually I'm pretty laid back but if I've told you to stop kicking your brother one thousand times this past week, dammit, you better stop kicking your brother!  DH and I do not parent the same way and it's a lot of growing together. We try to keep a United front in front of the kids, but just being honest, it will always be real. You will have times where you disagree or even argue infront of them. And I find our parenting styles differ the older our kids get. My best advice is try not to get too attached to one idea of how you will parent, because things can change daily, and try to be forgiving (of your own perceived parenting fails as well as your partners). Each day is a new day and a new chance to start over!

JNR6510

How far along are you?

8+6

What is your due date?

9/17/17

Are you having a singleton or multiples? 

Just 1

Upcoming appointments this week?

I just had my first visit with the OB today. Next appointments aren't until 3/8

Any new symptoms or changes or cravings?

Nothing new really. Same old nausea and fatigue.

GTKY: Are you using any baby or pregnancy apps?

Ovia and TB

BecauseLove

First Time Mom CHECK IN: 
How far along are you? 7 weeks

What is your due date? Sept 27th

Are you having a singleton or multiples? We believe a singleton (saw a healthy heartbeat last US) but we also saw a 2nd sac that didn't have a fetal pole...so either its a vanishing twin, a sac of fluid, or a twin that didn't show his pole or heartbeat at week 6. So we are going back for another US this Friday (a 10 hours drive). 

Upcoming appointments this week? Friday (2nd) US

Any new symptoms or changes or cravings? Hungry hungry hungry, also not extra sleepy but happy to lounge in bed when I get home and get in extra naps when I have time. Heartburn and headaches are my symptoms. 

Rants/Raves/Questions? Working on our baby announcement because I think we are going to announce at 8 weeks. I live in a small area where everyone knows your business so its already around a ton...so just would like to be able to share myself vrs others sharing for me. 

Questions for stm+? I will come back with some questions. 

GTKY: Are you using any baby or pregnancy apps? Nurture App and the Ovia App. Both are good. I like nurtures tracking of health and symptoms and I like the ability to upload pictures onto ovia. 

Cats*in*space

@BecauseLove I can't believe you have to drive so far for your ultrasound!  Is that the closest or do you go there for a specific reason?  

BecauseLove

jmn1985  (5 hours each direction) to go see my RE (I am under RE care until 10 weeks of pregnancy. We did IVF/FET to get this little nugget of cells). 

The closest place to deliver babies is 2 hours each direction from where I live. We do thankfully have a clinic in my town for some lab work and prenatal visits.

mercury94

@BecauseLove Man, that is a crazy drive. You must be in a really small town. 

Texafornian

@HollyGolightly09 baby wear and there are also covers that can go over the infant seat. I had one with s mesh window so it was breathable for baby but no one could touch her.

@bridge-and-wall  it's rough! More tv than I'd like for sure. Thankfully my 2.5yo has a Mother's Day out class for 4.5hts twice a week so I get a repriev@JMU_Bride09

@jmn69 authoritative. We parent the same but DH gets more impatient than I which is mostly due to the fact that I'm around our daughter more during the day. We stick to a pattern and on occasion go with the flow. I try to speak with her a little like an adult...get on her level and let her know I hear her...then I deflect. You kind of just learn as you go though...what works for one kiddo might not work for another! Like CIO for instance...works like a dream for some kiddos and just escalates the crying in others...Biggest advice: stick to a bed time routine (bath, lotion, pjs, brush teeth, read book, say prayers or sing a song and plop in bed) & do a shorter version st nap...like book, sing, bed. I'm flexi with times for the most part but I stick to patterns.

Aly0430

How far along are you? 9 weeks 4 days

What is your due date? September 10

Are you having a singleton or multiples? No u/s yet, so assuming 1 until proven otherwise.

Upcoming appointments this week? Nope.

Any new symptoms or changes or cravings? I really have been into potatoes. I just made myself some stovetop popcorn and that smells really good. Fatigue is worse this week. Round ligament pain also started this week.

Rants/Raves/Questions? Rant: Why does my husband have to go into work at nope a.m.? I always get up with him to cook for him so he can sleep a bit later, but these days it's getting so difficult.

Questions for stm+? Not atm.

GTKY: Are you using any baby or pregnancy apps? just TB right now. May look into some others soon.

mrs_tacos

@Aly0430 Wow, you are a much nicer wife than I am! I make sure he has plenty of breakfast options (cereal, bagels, eggs and  hash browns he can make himself), but DH gets up almost three hours before I do, and we both agree I'm a nicer person when I get those three hours of sleep! 

mrsvp614

How far along are you? 11 weeks today! Whoa!

What is your due date? Aug 31st

Are you having a singleton or multiples? One LO

Upcoming appointments this week? Nope

Any new symptoms or changes or cravings? Officially hiding the "bump" in bigger tops/leggings and the belly band. I know it's still early, but I definitely see it, and buttoned pants are too uncomfortable. Craving is now pizza, since it's national pizza day!

Rants/Raves/Questions? Above is somewhat of a rant, since I'm still trying to keep it under wraps. I'm definitely ready to embrace the bump when we make our announcement official in a few more weeks. 

Questions for stm+? What books do you recommend for newborn info? I've ready books on actual pregnancy, but I want to do all the research I can on how to actually care for the kid.

GTKY: Are you using any baby or pregnancy apps? The Bump, Ovia, Pregnancy +, What to Expect... like I said, I like my research.

labby18

How far along are you? 8wks 4days

What is your due date? 9/17/17

Are you having a singleton or multiples?  just 1

Upcoming appointments this week? i had my 1st U/S yesterday 

Any new symptoms or changes or cravings? i usually am a deep sleeper, i cant sleep for crap anymore. I am waking up at random hours of the night having to go pee or hungry or a pet jumped on the bed or something. Then i cant go back to sleep because i can't get comfortable. I love sleep, we have always been good friends I didnt think the lack of sleep was supposed to start so early. 

Rants/Raves/Questions?  i am just so in love with my baby. After that ultrasound yesterday, i am just so obsessed. I got to hear this strong steady even 161bpm heart and I am totally in love with this little miracle inside me. I got to see movement also! I am just beyond amazed. Then last night while texting with DH, he says "Goodnight love you both". I started crying. (For those who dont know DH is military and is across the country for training until early/mid march). I am so happy.

Questions for stm+? when does this "pregnancy glow" start? All i got is acne and i feel like a zombie.

GTKY: Are you using any baby or pregnancy apps? i use Glow to track symptoms and use The Bump for community and articles, and I use What To Expect for articles also. I have OVIA, used it when TTC, i dont really like the pregnant version except for the little daily "your baby is..." updates.

ColoradoHiker

@MrsVP614 I only got a couple of pregnancy books, but both of them had information at the end of the book on general (healthy) baby care.  DH and I also took an infant care and CPR class at the hospital prior to DS being born, I think that was really helpful as far as the basics.  Especially bc DH did not have any experience with caring for a baby.  And honestly, babies are pretty easy in the beginning- they eat, poop, sleep and occasionally get baths.  It's once they start moving that you're in trouble.  ;-)

ETA- the What To Expect- First Year book was very detailed if that's what you're looking for.  It can be a bit dry, but whenever I had a question I would check there first.

sparksfly

@HollyGolightly09 When DD was really little I almost always left her in her carseat if we were out in public (grocery store, church). I used a carseat cover (check out MilkSnob especially if you plan on breastfeeding) so people could peek in but it was clear that touching was not an option. We also avoided large family gatherings for a few months (luckily it was Feb. and nothing was planned). If the carseat isn't an option (i.e. baby is being fussy or you plan to be somewhere a while), my SIL's tip was to put those little mittens on their hands and encourage people who wanted to touch to touch baby's toes. I second other's who suggested babywearing, but that only worked for me if we were on the go (walking around the city, hiking, etc.) and not until DD was bigger.

@lahearn18 Second trimester was the best. The tiredness tends to go away, less nausea and sickness, bloating becomes a cute bump, you start to feel little kicks. I'm not sure it's actually a glow, but that was the part of pregnancy I felt most confident - "my body is growing a human  ... I am amazing!" Third trimester, the tiredness starts back up again because you are carrying a giant human on your front + the swelling and stretch marks. 

Sprite2012

@HollyGolightly09  Any advice on keeping people out of the baby's face?  I second baby wearing.  I wore DS around the clock for about a month.  He was born just before the holidays, so family and friends were everywhere.  I kept him close, which made it pretty difficult to be in his face.  I also recommend staying homebound and being in control of who comes to your house completely.  Never be afraid to say you're not accepting visitors. Also, if someone got in my kids face (even now), I wouldn't hesitate to tell them to go away.

@bridge-and-wall  How are you able to keep up with your kids while pregnant? DS is 4, so I don't really need to chase him around or watch him like a hawk anymore.  You'll be tired and exhausted whether you're trying to keep up with your kids or not.  Also, you'll very quickly learn how to survive and function while exhausted.  It is one of the many side effects of motherhood that become apart of who you are.

@jmn1985  What kind of parenting style do you have?  Did you go in thinking you wanted to parent a certain way, or did it all fall into place?  Do you and SO parent the same way?  I actually don't (and won't) put myself into any "parenting style" category.  I find it limiting and claustrophobic.  I know who my son is and I parent him based on him, not what a book or style says I should do. His manners, his sleep, his behavior, his discipline....it's all custom to him.  Of course I educate myself by reading books written by reputable people, or mostly, talking to other moms.  I think DH parents very similar.  We have a very open dialogue and are both very, very involved in our son's parenting.  So far, there haven't been any issues.   

@MrsVP614  What books do you recommend for newborn info? I loved Ina May's Guide to Breastfeeding.  While it's focused on breastfeeding, there is a lot of information on newborn behavior and care.  It was my go-to.  The Wonder Weeks was eye-opening and became a lifesaver for my sanity.  My other favorite was The New Basics by Dr. Michel Cohen.  Definitely spoke to me and I loved the honesty.

BecauseLove

Love reading the stm+ responses to the questions and getting to know the ftm's too! Thank you everyone for participating! 

towntowns

First Time Mom CHECK IN: 
How far along are you? 10 + 4

What is your due date? 9/4/2017

Are you having a singleton or multiples? singleton

Upcoming appointments this week? 11 more days. 

Any new symptoms or changes or cravings? Kinda freaking out because I woke up yesterday and my symptoms were gone. Like everything nausea, vomitting, breast tenderness, acne. I even had energy when I got home from work to clean which hasn't happened in weeks. The only thing that is still really happening is I am so constipated and feel bloated. I don't even want to eat anything. The lack of symptoms is really worrying me that something is wrong. SO and I got into a big fight last week about getting married and I am such an anxiety ridden person that I am so worried I caused a miscarriage. 

Rants/Raves/Questions? Trying to stay calm + figure out my entire life is stressful. 

Questions for stm+?  What did you do to combat constipation?

GTKY: Are you using any baby or pregnancy apps? The Bump mostly, BabyCenter for the development videos, Ovia for the food dictionary. 

BigBadWolf12

a bit late to this..

How far along are you? 7+4

What is your due date? Sept 25

Are you having a singleton or multiples? singleton as far as I know

Upcoming appointments this week? YES. first real u/s on Wednesday (had an u/s at 4 weeks just because my doc was sensitive to my pgal worries, but obviously it just showed a speck, not anything analyzable)

Any new symptoms or changes or cravings? just empty carbs - saltines, dry bread, crackers. anything with flavour? please no.

Rants/Raves/Questions? I'm missing Thai food tonight for my friends' birthdays because I am so tired and know that I would end up ordering plain noodles...

Questions for stm+? not right now

GTKY: Are you using any baby or pregnancy apps? not really....I get a weekly email from "your due date", but I haven't installed anything on my phone. Mostly because I don't have a personal phone, just a work phone!

ElleKH

I was going to answer as many STM+ questions as possible, but the answers already given are so good and I would just be echoing what other PPs have said. But I do have book recommendations, so here goes: 

@MrsVP614 - What books do you recommend for newborn info? I've ready books on actual pregnancy, but I want to do all the research I can on how to actually care for the kid.

You sound like me. I couldn't get enough information the first time around. And this time, I'm rereading everything from my last pregnancy. 
(American Academy of Pediatrics) Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age 5. This book covers everything from baby prep to birth to infant care, and is then divided into sections by age (the 1st month, 1-3 months, 4-7 months, etc). The Mayo Clinic version also looked good, but it didn't work on my Kindle, so I went with this one and I'm not disappointed. I love it.

For FTMs who are looking for the perfect pregnancy companion, I highly recommend the Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy. I devoured this book. It's packed with info and so easy and interesting to read.