May 2017 Moms

Randoms and Questions 2.20 - 2.24

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Re: Randoms and Questions 2.20 - 2.24

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  • Dumb question time: everyone talks about the pad-cicles post partum. How do you wear them? Do they stay absorbent for blood despite whatever it is that makes them cold/soothing? Do you wear them under a pad? I'm struggling to understand the logistics of all the things that need to fit between my lady bits and my pants!
    Haha yes that is a good question. You wear them like a normal pad. The nurses had some they made by hand and kept in the fridge in my room and then they also sent me home with some that you twist to make them cold like ice packs basically but they were pads. They don't stay frozen for long so basically after about 15 minutes they are no longer frozen and are absorbent. 
  • @lrwardrop so can you like buy them or is it a DYI kind of thing or what? *need to prepare*
  • hp_mommahp_momma member
    edited February 2017
    Yes to being absorbent. But your changing them pretty frequently anyways. I only used them in the hospital mainly because I was too lazy to make some for home. Going to the bathroom post baby is like a 20 minute ordeal because of the necessary maintenance for your lady bits. Once I was home it was a layer of heavy pad, tucks pads, the foam stuff the hospital gives you (no idea what it's called) and then using the peri bottle while actually going to the bathroom followed by a direct spray of the Dermoplast. I pretty much just had a basket of supplies in the bathroom with me! I think I did this for the first two weeks max? And then the bleeding usually stops for me and I can just use the peri bottle and Dermoplast spray to help with any itching from stitches. 
    Married 03.09.09
    Sweet Baby H 12.21.11
    Sassy Baby P 03.26.14
    Little Brother Due 05.22.17
  • @lrwardrop so can you like buy them or is it a DYI kind of thing or what? *need to prepare*

    @lrwardrop so can you like buy them or is it a DYI kind of thing or what? *need to prepare*
    Mostly diy but you can buy them

    Medline MDS148055 Deluxe Perineal Cold Packs with Adhesive, 4.5" x 14.25" (Pack of 24) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BLE60T4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_98HRyb9Q9KVXB

    I think those are the same ones that were given to me in the hospital.
  • Ok thanks for that everyone! 
  • I like this link for a simple explanation for DIY padsicles, but instead of pouring witch hazel on the pad I just lined each one with 3 Tucks pads then squirted a generous amount of aloe vera on top of the Tucks pads then folded the maxipad back together (with its wrapper mostly intact) and secured it with the little piece of tape. 

    https://prettyprovidence.com/diy-padsicles-postpartum/

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  • Loving all of these suggestions and the information mamas!
  • @ShadeofGreen816 @thistlenweeds
    Some people DIY make padsicles with witch hazel, and I might try that (or use those store-bought ones!) but haven't done it before so can't comment.... But here's an idea I am familiar with: The nurses managing my care made what we called "ice diapers," which basically was taking a fresh newborn diaper, making a slit down the middle inside, filling it with a layer of ice, and sticking it right against your skin, covered with those mesh undies (and sometimes it went: ice diaper, another maxi pad, and then the mesh). It sounds like it'd be too freezing cold but it provided immediate wonderful relief and didn't require having anything made ahead of time sitting in a fridge or freezer. I continued using them at home, too. Once the ice melts, you still have this absorbant thing in place to catch stuff. Then just toss it out like you would a pad. I recall that maybe it was every couple hours, but it could've been more often during the first few days. The idea of this was a bit weird at first but it helped me so much and I'll def do it again. Oh, and regarding the ice itself: I think the hospital ice maker made those smaller round-ish cubes, and at home I used regular ice-tray cubes, and it was fine both ways. It might sound lumpy, and it kind of was, but with all the swelling I had, I only cared about the cold aspect of it, plus I was kind of reclined when I used them and never really put a ton of direct pressure sitting on it.

    @mdlorenz: The 3-6 hours timeframe for pad changes sounds about right, and the amounts change as time passes. The one "thing to look out for" that the nurses told me was if you're filling one pad in one hour for a few hours, that's a problem and you need to call. It could be evidence of hemorrhaging.... My mom stayed with us for awhile those first days and was overly worried I'd hemorrhage, or be too active like you said, and outright refused to let me take the stairs. It was actually really sweet but got old real fast so I told her the "one pad an hour" thing and she backed off.  :)
  • SKZW said:
    @ShadeofGreen816 @thistlenweeds
    Some people DIY make padsicles with witch hazel, and I might try that (or use those store-bought ones!) but haven't done it before so can't comment.... But here's an idea I am familiar with: The nurses managing my care made what we called "ice diapers," which basically was taking a fresh newborn diaper, making a slit down the middle inside, filling it with a layer of ice, and sticking it right against your skin, covered with those mesh undies (and sometimes it went: ice diaper, another maxi pad, and then the mesh). It sounds like it'd be too freezing cold but it provided immediate wonderful relief and didn't require having anything made ahead of time sitting in a fridge or freezer. I continued using them at home, too. Once the ice melts, you still have this absorbant thing in place to catch stuff. Then just toss it out like you would a pad. I recall that maybe it was every couple hours, but it could've been more often during the first few days. The idea of this was a bit weird at first but it helped me so much and I'll def do it again. Oh, and regarding the ice itself: I think the hospital ice maker made those smaller round-ish cubes, and at home I used regular ice-tray cubes, and it was fine both ways. It might sound lumpy, and it kind of was, but with all the swelling I had, I only cared about the cold aspect of it, plus I was kind of reclined when I used them and never really put a ton of direct pressure sitting on it.

    @mdlorenz: The 3-6 hours timeframe for pad changes sounds about right, and the amounts change as time passes. The one "thing to look out for" that the nurses told me was if you're filling one pad in one hour for a few hours, that's a problem and you need to call. It could be evidence of hemorrhaging.... My mom stayed with us for awhile those first days and was overly worried I'd hemorrhage, or be too active like you said, and outright refused to let me take the stairs. It was actually really sweet but got old real fast so I told her the "one pad an hour" thing and she backed off.  :)
    Gosh during my really heavy days of my period I go through a pad an hour sometimes! I hope it's not worse than that. Eeeek. 
  • edited February 2017
    @ShadeofGreen816 I was always really heavy and would bleed through pad/tampon an hour. I actually felt like my post partum bleeding (once I got home) was less than my periods.

    ETA: I just saw your next post...I'm so sorry! I can't imagine what your friend is going through and how scary that must be for them, but for you as well. Keeping them definitely in my thoughts. We did do NIPT but I still worry the entire time until I can hold them in my arms and see with my own eyes that everything is perfect. 
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  • @ShadeofGreen816 I am so, so sorry your friend is going through this. I've had a friend going through something similar and have had many of the same thoughts you described. Thinking positive thoughts for the best possible diagnosis for her little one!
  • SKZW said:
    [...]
    Gosh during my really heavy days of my period I go through a pad an hour sometimes! I hope it's not worse than that. Eeeek. 
    I mean going through the really really huge and bulky ones, btw, if that even makes a difference to your experience?
  • ***Big TW***
    So my friend had her c-section this morning and had a 4lb, 1oz baby girl. She has a cleft palate and a lot of other suspicious markers for genetic abnormalities. The working diagnosis right now is that it's likely trisomy 18 but they won't have test results back for 5-6 days. I am so absolutely heartbroken for her and her family. I don't even know how that happens that this makes it to (almost) term without anyone realizing anything is wrong. She's been measuring small for some time and had several extra ultrasounds and NSTs etc. so it's not like she didn't have good prenatal care. I just hope they're wrong and maybe it's something less severe. 
    Then the hormonal crazy person that lives inside me is like "why the F didn't we pay for the NIPT for this baby?? What if something is wrong with her and we don't even know it?" That's crazy and this is so far from being about me which makes me feel terrible all over again. 
    Sorry I guess I just needed to unload and my husband gets it but not really. I keep crying thinking about how she must be feeling right now. 
    @ShadeofGreen816
    Of course you're devastated and concerned and feel terrible guilt and are scared sh*tless for your own little one! It's Okay!! I'm so so sorry that your friend is dealing with this unexpected news, especially given that it sounds like she did all the right things, all along the way. I can not even imagine the tornado of emotions they're dealing with right now. It's Absolutely Okay for you to be feeling such strong emotions too. It hits close to home, being pregnant and witnessing all the myriad things that are very real possibilities. It's not easy for anyone. You're being a good friend by being so upset and talking it out with your husband---your being able to cope and process and get to a good place soon will then allow you to be able to offer her a stable presence to depend on, when she needs it most. There will be really tough days ahead (especially having to wait another 5-6 days) and lots of tears but also opportunities for tender moments. Take it one day at a time, one hour at a time. Be strong, you've got this!
  • @ShadeofGreen816 - I am so sorry about your friend and her baby. I can't imagine all the feelings that she might be going through. Like you, sometimes I feel that fear of something being wrong and it going undetected. Pregnancy is hard and you are being a wonderful friend by caring so much. 
    Lilypie Pregnancy tickers
    Me: 38 DH: 36
    Married 8/27/2011
    BFP #1 9/28/2011 DS born 5/22/2012
    BFP #2 4/24/2013 m/c 4/25/2013 at 4w
    BFP #3 1/31/2014 DD born 10/14/2014
    BFP #4 1/20/2016 m/c 2/12/2014 at 7w2d
    BFP #5 8/19/2016 DS2 born 4/29/2017
    BFP #6 3/7/2018 EDD 11/18/2018


  • @ShadeofGreen816 I'm so sorry for your friend, her family and her little one. I can't imagine what she's going through. I can't imagine what you're going through! Let yourself cry. All of your thoughts and feelings are warranted and natural! Thinking about you!
  • So we were talking about the tdap shot for us. Are our partners supposed to get it? If so when? I told DH I thought he should but then I know we get it and pass onto our child so I am not sure. 
  • @ShadeofGreen816 As far as the pad ice packs go...I hated them. I had DD with no meds and an episiotomy and I did not under any circumstances want that sh!t near my junk. Maybe I'm more sensitive than normal, but I thought they were unpleasant.

    Also, sorry to hear about your friend...that's just sad. Even if you do every test, we don't always know how things will turn out so I think there's just a certain point where you have to just realize that you will find a way to live with whatever your situation is, good or otherwise because that's what moms do. We make things work for our babies.
  • @SWE2 Yes, partners and anyone who will be around the baby should be up to date on their Tdap. I think your DH would be clear to get it anytime if he isn't up to date. I can't remember if the shot lasts 7-10 years. DH (and all of extended my family) are still covered from when they got it before DD was born. 

    @ShadeofGreen816 So sorry to hear about your friend. This must be a tough time of coming to terms with it while welcoming their daughter. 

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  • @SWE2 You can get the Tdap at most pharmacies so you don't even have to send your DH, parents, etc. to a doctor. And yes, your DH should definitely get one and we made all grandparents get it! 
    Married 03.09.09
    Sweet Baby H 12.21.11
    Sassy Baby P 03.26.14
    Little Brother Due 05.22.17
  • @ShadeofGreen816 So sorry to hear about your friends baby, thoughts and prayers to them as they navigate this tough time. 
    Married 03.09.09
    Sweet Baby H 12.21.11
    Sassy Baby P 03.26.14
    Little Brother Due 05.22.17
  • @SWE2 yes, all family/friends who will visit baby. Technically they say every 10 years but within 5 if there's an occurrence (I.e dog bite).
  • Major lurking this week. But thank God my work travel ends next week and I can participate more. 

    To to everyone that is sick or has sick LOs, I hope you are all feeling better. 

    @mdlorenz t&ps to you over the next 12 days! 

    @ShadeofGreen816 it is absolutely okay for you to feel guilty with what's going on with your friend. I had something happen to a friend's baby while I was pregnant with DD and it completely freaked me out and made me guilty for having a healthy baby. I don't post specific details, because I don't want to worry anyone. Praying for your friend and all of those involved. 


  • kns1988kns1988 member
    edited February 2017
    I don't think our families would react well to being told to get a shot. Not that they're anti-vaxxers or anything; it's just kind of invasive to tell someone else what to do with their body. Plus, my MIL is terrified of needles. Now I'm worried about it... Hopefully they've kept up with boosters at their doctor, but I know I haven't. I never go to the doctor. 

    ETA: If I knew I was putting anyone at risk, I would have kept up with it. I thought there was just a tetanus shot that you needed every 10 years, and if you get tetanus, you're just hurting yourself, right? I didn't know it protected against other things. 
    Me: 29, DH: 31
    Married: October 2014
    Began TTC: April 2015
    BFP #1: 9/18/15. EDD 5/18/16. MC 10/26/15. (9w)
    BFP #2: 2/27/16. EDD 11/7/16. MC/D&E 4/20/16 (11w)
    BFP #3: 9/22/16. EDD 5/29/17. DS born 4/24/17 <3
    BFP #4: 5/20/18. EDD 1/23/19. 


  • @ShadeofGreen816 , my heart is breaking for your friend. I can't imagine making it so far and then getting such devastating news. And I'm sure that, for you, it's difficult to know how to be supportive when the situation is freaking you out, too. Hopefully, it turns out to be something far less severe than Trisomy 18. If it does turn out to be Trisomy 18, I'm sure the next few months will be very difficult for both of you as you welcome a (very likely) healthy child and she's coming to terms with the typically fatal diagnosis. Just try to be easy on yourself and know that there is no "right way" for either of you to deal with it. 
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  • @kns1988 tdap was tricky with my side of the family last time but we couched it very carefully in terms of "hey my doctor told us something very interesting today and we would like you to think about it...." Framing it as something the doctor asked for instead of coming from us as overreaching parents helped a lot. It turns out my mom couldn't get it because she is allergic to the tetanus part but my stepdad got it and he won't see a doctor for damn near anything, you may be surprised how people respond. 

    May '17 labor memes
  • edited February 2017
    @SWE2 Yes, partners and anyone who will be around the baby should be up to date on their Tdap. I think your DH would be clear to get it anytime if he isn't up to date. I can't remember if the shot lasts 7-10 years. DH (and all of extended my family) are still covered from when they got it before DD was born. 

    @ShadeofGreen816 So sorry to hear about your friend. This must be a tough time of coming to terms with it while welcoming their daughter. 
    Last night at my appointment they had me get another TDAP. I just got one roughly 2 years ago. They said  pregnant women need a new one every pregnancy. For non pregnant people I think its only needed every 10 years.
  • @ShadeofGreen816 I am so sorry for your friend and I am sure it must be very hard for you to see her going through this as you get ready to welcome your own healthy baby. Good thoughts and big hugs for you both.
  • lrwardrop said:
    @SWE2 Yes, partners and anyone who will be around the baby should be up to date on their Tdap. I think your DH would be clear to get it anytime if he isn't up to date. I can't remember if the shot lasts 7-10 years. DH (and all of extended my family) are still covered from when they got it before DD was born. 

    @ShadeofGreen816 So sorry to hear about your friend. This must be a tough time of coming to terms with it while welcoming their daughter. 
    Last night at my appointment they had me get another TDAP. I just got one roughly 2 years ago. They said  pregnant women need a new one every pregnancy. For non pregnant people I think its only needed every 10 years.

    I think they want you to get it every pregnancy to try and pass it along to the new baby.  Also my 2 year olds should have gotten this vaccine already if we're on a normal vaccine schedule right?

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    3-16-2012 D&C/Miscarriage.
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    May 2013  ~ 2nd IUI attempt -100 mg Clomid- Canceled
    June 2013 ~ 3rd IUI attempt - 100 mg Clomid+ Trigger+ Progesterone~BFN
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  • Totally off subject, but I'm searching for a take home outfit for baby girl and utterly shocked at how many baby clothes are hand wash only...I can't IMAGINE buying something that I couldn't just throw into the weekly massive pile of laundry that a newborn accumulates...example: H&M sells cashmere baby clothes. I mean, yeah, they are probably super soft, but couldn't be more impractical.  
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  • @chickyclg I am almost positive it is one of the first ones they get at like four months so yes, they should be good.
  • lrwardrop said:
    @SWE2 Yes, partners and anyone who will be around the baby should be up to date on their Tdap. I think your DH would be clear to get it anytime if he isn't up to date. I can't remember if the shot lasts 7-10 years. DH (and all of extended my family) are still covered from when they got it before DD was born. 

    @ShadeofGreen816 So sorry to hear about your friend. This must be a tough time of coming to terms with it while welcoming their daughter. 
    Last night at my appointment they had me get another TDAP. I just got one roughly 2 years ago. They said  pregnant women need a new one every pregnancy. For non pregnant people I think its only needed every 10 years.
    That's right. I meant to add that but accidentally omitted it. We get it every pregnancy to help pass on some immunity. Everyone else just needs it on their regular schedule. 

    May17 Siggy Challenge
    Labor
  • I really, really cannot stand my co-worker this week. He and I are the only ones in my office this week because my boss is in Aruba. He's a total know-it-all (or so he thinks) and I've already spent an hour this morning arguing with him about certain procedures we have in place that he thinks he can just change because he thinks they work better that way. He's also nosey and a tattle-tale, which no one likes beyond 3rd grade.

    He needs a swift reminder that he's an admin assistant and makes no executive decisions in this office even though he thinks he's smarter than everyone else here. 
  • Just a regular Monday for me too, stuck at work while DH and DS enjoy a day off together.

    Hope everyone who is sick and has sick little ones feels better soon! DS had a stomach bug this weekend, thank goodness I've managed to avoid getting it too.

    @jayandaplus: I never wore actual nursing bra's, I wore sports bras with tank tops and I'd pull the straps down to nurse. 

    My question - Is anyone else's EDD really close to a siblings birthday? My EDD is five days after DS birthday and I'm trying to figure out if i should have is birthday party a few weeks early and hope I don't have the new baby early or just wait and do it later after the baby is here? 
    My EDD is the day before my 30th birthday and 18 days after DH.  :D 
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