As a late May EDD laggard I just realized it's probably perineal massage time.
Aside from the obvious question of why did they name it "massage" when it is really just mildly painful stretching of your vagina, when did folks get the nod to start doing this? I forget from last time and I am not about to go for bonus weeks of highly uncomfortable lady bit torture if I don't need to start yet.
@PartiallyDomesticated I think you are right on it being how baby is positioned. The nights my waist and belly hurt when I lay on a certain side are also the nights that baby wakes me up from moving around. Definitely annoying.
After cold water and a hot shower I've come to the conclusion I've pulled a muscle badly, moving around in general is agony all up my left side and LO has now moved to the right side. /sigh, I'm so over this... considering running up and down the stairs before my 38w appointment so my BP goes up and they think about induction. I really can't do this for another 4 weeks #firstworldproblems
Me - 22 | DH - 32 | Married - 24 May 2014 DS - January 2014
TTC#2 - December 2015
BFP - 6 March 2016 | MC Confirmed - 21 March 2016 TTCAL | April 2016 CP | June 2016 CP | July 2016
As a late May EDD laggard I just realized it's probably perineal massage time.
Aside from the obvious question of why did they name it "massage" when it is really just mildly painful stretching of your vagina, when did folks get the nod to start doing this? I forget from last time and I am not about to go for bonus weeks of highly uncomfortable lady bit torture if I don't need to start yet.
I've read different things about this "massage". I've heard good and bad...but I'm a FTM so I really don't know what to believe! Is it really a good thing to do or does it not really matter? And I have no other advice as to when to start, sorry!
"A day without laughter is a day wasted." ~Charlie Chaplin
@PartiallyDomesticated I think you are right on it being how baby is positioned. The nights my waist and belly hurt when I lay on a certain side are also the nights that baby wakes me up from moving around. Definitely annoying.
After cold water and a hot shower I've come to the conclusion I've pulled a muscle badly, moving around in general is agony all up my left side and LO has now moved to the right side. /sigh, I'm so over this... considering running up and down the stairs before my 38w appointment so my BP goes up and they think about induction. I really can't do this for another 4 weeks #firstworldproblems
Yikes, at least you've pinpointed it! I've definitely had that thought a few times these last few weeks. Hopefully it will heal at least enough to provide some relief.
@PartiallyDomesticated I think you are right on it being how baby is positioned. The nights my waist and belly hurt when I lay on a certain side are also the nights that baby wakes me up from moving around. Definitely annoying.
After cold water and a hot shower I've come to the conclusion I've pulled a muscle badly, moving around in general is agony all up my left side and LO has now moved to the right side. /sigh, I'm so over this... considering running up and down the stairs before my 38w appointment so my BP goes up and they think about induction. I really can't do this for another 4 weeks #firstworldproblems
Yikes, at least you've pinpointed it! I've definitely had that thought a few times these last few weeks. Hopefully it will heal at least enough to provide some relief.
I just want to sleep. It's 11:30pm here and I've been up since 2:30am because I woke up with BH's and couldn't get back to sleep. If I have to deal with another 4 weeks of this I will shoot myself.
Me - 22 | DH - 32 | Married - 24 May 2014 DS - January 2014
TTC#2 - December 2015
BFP - 6 March 2016 | MC Confirmed - 21 March 2016 TTCAL | April 2016 CP | June 2016 CP | July 2016
@PartiallyDomesticated: Hang in there, mama! You got this! Four weeks seems like a long time, I hear you. I was just staring at a calendar myself. We have to remember it's temporary! Sorry about the sleeping issues too.
Thanks for the baby book suggestions! Definitely some cuter options than what I've been seeing.
And hugs to everyone in pain and/or not sleeping. Which I realize is probably most of us at this point! This end stretch can be miserable but we are almost there!
We don't need sleep, right? I mean, I'm about to be up at all hours with a newborn. Why would I need to bother sleeping now to prepare? It's not like I still need to function and go to work and finish getting ready for baby or anything. Sigh... I know it could be way worse, I'm partially joking
@nda_roxybabe the lack of sleep with a newborn is a totally different ball game to this, give me a newborn over this any day! Its now 1:45... still awake.
Me - 22 | DH - 32 | Married - 24 May 2014 DS - January 2014
TTC#2 - December 2015
BFP - 6 March 2016 | MC Confirmed - 21 March 2016 TTCAL | April 2016 CP | June 2016 CP | July 2016
@SKZW It might have been me. I had the corset. Which one is the girdle?
STIB
FTM...is the corset or the girdle truly necessary? I mean it just looks so uncomfortable! Is there an alternative? I thought someone had mentioned just using one of the shape tank tops, maybe from Target? Just curious
"A day without laughter is a day wasted." ~Charlie Chaplin
@nda_roxybabe the lack of sleep with a newborn is a totally different ball game to this, give me a newborn over this any day! Its now 1:45... still awake.
This is what I've been hoping and holding onto. I'm hoping with a newborn I'll actually have the ability to fall asleep, I just will get woken up. Whereas right now, can't fall asleep and then I'm so so tired all day and no chance to nap.
@BabyMC517 I think it's personal preference. I didn't use anything last time and don't plan to this time. I think it is more helpful for csection moms.
BabyMC517 Totally personal preference. I was really happy with it and will definitely be using it again, but I am sure not everyone would feel that way. I had a vaginal birth last time and it actually gave support below (kinda like putting pressure on a wound) and helped hold my back up and belly in because I felt like one of those car sales air dancer things once my belly was gone. But not everyone would be into the extreme structure.
BabyMC517 Totally personal preference. I was really happy with it and will definitely be using it again, but I am sure not everyone would feel that way. I had a vaginal birth last time and it actually gave support below (kinda like putting pressure on a wound) and helped hold my back up and belly in because I felt like one of those car sales air dancer things once my belly was gone. But not everyone would be into the extreme structure.
@Louise_Belcher what a great description, lol. I, too, had a vaginal birth last time and used this. The support from it was great and while going on daily walks, I felt my midsection go back to near normal fairly quick.
@rainydays86 - I'm with you, DTD is not worth it at this point! I'm closing up shop too!
@WombThereItIs - I've been doing a lot of reading about Perineal Massage and talked to my doctor about it too. I tore really bad with my first, and although they say your not as likely to tear with your second, I'm trying to do anything I can to avoid tearing. My doctor told me to start doing a coconut oil rub every night to hydrate that area. The other thing I read that people have been having a lot of success with is using hot washcloth compresses on the perineum during birth.
Re: the P-massage. Totally anecdotal, but I didn't do it last time and didn't tear at all. My kids have huge heads. I don't remember what DD's was at birth, but it was in the 90s. This kid is trending at 97th percentile. To me it sounds like unneeded torture whilst we are already uncomfortable. I haven't researched this at all though.
Thanks @bacorrea@Louise_Belcher and @mrsrep123! I'll save one to my list just in case I feel it would be helpful. The corset from amazon seems a little less uncomfortable, but I get the wanting stability and pressure on a wound.
"A day without laughter is a day wasted." ~Charlie Chaplin
On another note that I forgot to mention...its National Grilled Cheese Day! The cafe on campus was having it as a special and I totally got it with bacon and tatter tots! So healthy!
"A day without laughter is a day wasted." ~Charlie Chaplin
@NotAPlaya-JustCrushAlot - Not to beat a dead horse here... But I want to make sure I understand. Are you saying the changing part is not safe for diaper changes? Or just not safe for sleep?
@emilyalso Just sleeping. We had a changer on our PNP, but DH and I are both tall. It was a little too short for us to use as a changer as it was a bit uncomfortable. The IKEA dresser upstairs was perfect height for us and we just used a changing pad downstairs.
@emilyalso Just sleeping. We had a changer on our PNP, but DH and I are both tall. It was a little too short for us to use as a changer as it was a bit uncomfortable. The IKEA dresser upstairs was perfect height for us and we just used a changing pad downstairs.
ha this is where I was confused too! I never used that piece anyway it didn't seem sturdy enough!
@BabyMC517 - I had a CS, so for a non-CS, I'm not sure of the comfort necessity of some kind of corset. So take this with a grain of salt, as I used the medical one from the hospital (purely for comfort, not for any kind of wishful aesthetics) for the first few weeks when I was sore.
But I also had on Assets (the Spanx brand at Target) in a bigger size than normal, and they were so comfy and just helped everything not feel loose and like it was moving around (which was uncomfortable). I have a short torso, so I wasn't sure how any of the girdles or corsets would feel bending in half whenever I tried to sit down.
Ahh....the glamorous life of the fourth trimester.
@saric83 thanks for the info! I think I was remembering someone mentioning those tanks from Target. I have a fairly short torso as well so that could be why I was thinking the corset would be uncomfortable too! So many fun things to look forward to!
"A day without laughter is a day wasted." ~Charlie Chaplin
We were just talking about perineal massage at birth class last night. FWIW, our instructor said that it may or may not help so if we're comfortable doing it to give it a try. She highly suggested hot oil compresses to help reduce tearing.
I had my 34 week ultrasound today, baby is measuring 5lb 7oz which is 62nd percentile. The ultrasound tech said she was on track to be 8-8.5 lbs by my due date. I scheduled all my appointments until the end of May, which is insane!
Oh man it's hard to keep up with this thread sometimes.
@SKZW I
know you've gotten responses, but I like the Burt's Bee's mama butter
for lotion like use and use Honest Co's belly butter for morning/night
use. It's a lot thicker, waxier, but I feel like it works wonders. It
does not make my clothes gross either. I rarely itch.
FTM but I
got the girdle because I feel like the back support belt is super
helpful with my belly now, so I can only imagine the girdle will be
helpful PP.
For perineal massage, my midwife was not sold on
doing it before labor. From what (little) I've read no one is sold
either way too strongly, it's more of like this is something you can do
to prepare but who knows if it helps. Seems low efficacy at this point,
but if it's not too uncomfortable couldn't hurt to do.
I'm
going to an OB appointment today with a different practice than my
midwives. I feel partially guilty, but I hope I'll feel better at the
end of it having talked to an OB, hopefully getting some still
unanswered questions answered, and in case I still risk out of the birth
center I'll have had contact with an OB office.
Jen has excellent timing. I know last week were discussed ways to take the random board but didn't really get anywhere. Well, I've noticed some of the other BMB's have an appointments thread. Is that something we should do too? I feel like it's a good time to start with us being at the end, everything is starting to happen, and babies are home/about to go home. I know there's a bunch of threads appointments are somewhat talked about, but with one weekly thread it could all be in one place and a little easier to stay posted on everyone.
Jen has excellent timing. I know last week were discussed ways to take the random board but didn't really get anywhere. Well, I've noticed some of the other BMB's have an appointments thread. Is that something we should do too? I feel like it's a good time to start with us being at the end, everything is starting to happen, and babies are home/about to go home. I know there's a bunch of threads appointments are somewhat talked about, but with one weekly thread it could all be in one place and a little easier to stay posted on everyone.
Thanks to all the ladies that posted the baby book recommendations, they were so stinking cute. I can't wait to look at more of them tonight and pick one out!
I don't mind a separate weekly appointments thread.
I've never done the belly corset but I do remember wanting a tight tank top or even the belly band to feel more "secure". It is quite a strange feeling to have so much empty space while all your organs shift back into place!
Married 03.09.09 Sweet Baby H 12.21.11 Sassy Baby P 03.26.14 Little Brother Due 05.22.17
Re: Randoms and Questions 4.10 - 4.14
Aside from the obvious question of why did they name it "massage" when it is really just mildly painful stretching of your vagina, when did folks get the nod to start doing this? I forget from last time and I am not about to go for bonus weeks of highly uncomfortable lady bit torture if I don't need to start yet.
May '17 labor memes
/sigh, I'm so over this... considering running up and down the stairs before my 38w appointment so my BP goes up and they think about induction. I really can't do this for another 4 weeks
DS - January 2014
TTCAL | April 2016
CP | June 2016
CP | July 2016
"A day without laughter is a day wasted." ~Charlie Chaplin
11.2011 - DS1
02.2013 - loss at 6 wks
06.2014 - DS2
10.2015 - loss at 12 wks
03.2017 - DD
DS - January 2014
TTCAL | April 2016
CP | June 2016
CP | July 2016
And hugs to everyone in pain and/or not sleeping. Which I realize is probably most of us at this point! This end stretch can be miserable but we are almost there!
Who posted the rec for Bellefit? @bacorrea? @clebl24? I just can't remember!
What exactly is the diff between the girdle and corset? They look the same to me, except for the price. Please help?
DS2 5/17
#3 Due 9/20
I know it could be way worse, I'm partially joking
1st Baby 5/12/17, Henry
Its now 1:45... still awake.
DS - January 2014
TTCAL | April 2016
CP | June 2016
CP | July 2016
"A day without laughter is a day wasted." ~Charlie Chaplin
1st Baby 5/12/17, Henry
DS2 5/17
#3 Due 9/20
https://www.amazon.com/Shrinkx-Belly-Postpartum-Wrap-Breathable/dp/B00HVKIJBE
DS1 7/24/15
DS2 5/7/17
@WombThereItIs - I've been doing a lot of reading about Perineal Massage and talked to my doctor about it too. I tore really bad with my first, and although they say your not as likely to tear with your second, I'm trying to do anything I can to avoid tearing. My doctor told me to start doing a coconut oil rub every night to hydrate that area. The other thing I read that people have been having a lot of success with is using hot washcloth compresses on the perineum during birth.
May17 Siggy Challenge
Labor
"A day without laughter is a day wasted." ~Charlie Chaplin
"A day without laughter is a day wasted." ~Charlie Chaplin
May17 Siggy Challenge
Labor
But I also had on Assets (the Spanx brand at Target) in a bigger size than normal, and they were so comfy and just helped everything not feel loose and like it was moving around (which was uncomfortable). I have a short torso, so I wasn't sure how any of the girdles or corsets would feel bending in half whenever I tried to sit down.
Ahh....the glamorous life of the fourth trimester.
"A day without laughter is a day wasted." ~Charlie Chaplin
@SKZW I know you've gotten responses, but I like the Burt's Bee's mama butter for lotion like use and use Honest Co's belly butter for morning/night use. It's a lot thicker, waxier, but I feel like it works wonders. It does not make my clothes gross either. I rarely itch.
FTM but I got the girdle because I feel like the back support belt is super helpful with my belly now, so I can only imagine the girdle will be helpful PP.
For perineal massage, my midwife was not sold on doing it before labor. From what (little) I've read no one is sold either way too strongly, it's more of like this is something you can do to prepare but who knows if it helps. Seems low efficacy at this point, but if it's not too uncomfortable couldn't hurt to do.
I'm going to an OB appointment today with a different practice than my midwives. I feel partially guilty, but I hope I'll feel better at the end of it having talked to an OB, hopefully getting some still unanswered questions answered, and in case I still risk out of the birth center I'll have had contact with an OB office.
1st Baby 5/12/17, Henry
"A day without laughter is a day wasted." ~Charlie Chaplin
I've never done the belly corset but I do remember wanting a tight tank top or even the belly band to feel more "secure". It is quite a strange feeling to have so much empty space while all your organs shift back into place!
Sweet Baby H 12.21.11
Sassy Baby P 03.26.14
Little Brother Due 05.22.17
1st Baby 5/12/17, Henry