@graceriesz I pretty much lived in nursing tanks and athletic shorts when I was in the hospital and at home. It was nice to have easy access to the boobs while we were getting breastfeeding figured out.
I was just going to ask about this for post-partum. I really don't want to miss swimming for most of this summer!
You can sooner than baby can. I do t remember when baby can get in the water but I remember being out a swimming season because DS1 was born in May. They will have a hard time regulating their own body temp for a long time! It's why they suggest kiddos don't get into the hot tub until 5 (thought they can go swimming long before that).
My question is kinda weird... maybe. Can you do anything for your boobs NOW to prepare them for breast feeding? I struggled so bad with DS1 I would like to do anything I can.
Sooo....I'm all for skin-to-skin and trying to nurse right away and bonding with baby right after birth, but I'm nervous about the baby being put on my chest all slimy and bloody. Is that not gross to anyone else? Am I a bad mom if I ask them to clean the baby first? If I let them put the slimy, bloody baby on me, how long before we both get cleaned up?
They put baby on me immediately, as in I still thought I was pushing and then she was on my chest staring at me. I didn't even notice the slime. I was just in shock and awe. I can't tell you how slimy she was anyway, I think I'm going to have to look back at pictures now. graceriesz said:
@mamaelle27 I think I will get a gownie! STM's: What did you wear after gowns? I can't figure out what might be comfortable and/or fit. I was thinking maternity leggings and some sort of t shirt, even though it will be the end of June (hopefully) thinking the hospital and car ride home will be air conditioned. Do I really need a robe?
Dd was a June baby too. I wore leggings, sweats, and nursing tanks. I had an ugly button up night gown for night time, and maxi dresses for going home and when people were over. This time I'm bringing maternity yoga pants, nursing camis, a thin black robe, a sweater because the nurses told me to bring one and a maxi to go home in. I'm looking for a black nursing nightgown too. I didn't use a robe last time, but I have one already and it sounds nice so I'm bringing it.
@kyreno11 They wiped DS down as they handed him to me. You really aren't going to notice or care that much if he's not perfectly clean though. I kind of worried about that, too, but it's really not what's on your mind at that point! I got to change and shower shortly after we went upstairs to mother-baby (they wanted me to pee a certain number of times - 2 maybe? - before they took out the IV and stuff). He was born a little after 3:30 and they came in to bathe him at around 8.
@mamaelle27 I stayed in the hospital nursing gown that first night, but this time I'm going straight to a knee-length nursing nightie. The hospital gowns were just huge on me and made pulling stuff up to use the bathroom (you'll need both hands!) and even getting out of bed unnecessarily difficult for me. I wore maternity leggings and maternity shirts during the days last time, but felt that they fit awkwardly because of the huge hospital pads. I am bringing some of my comfy nursing dresses and a couple of cardigans this time!
@graceriez Cool Nights pajamas from Soma are my favorite post partum. The pants are super soft and stretchy and the tanks have a built in shelf bra that's just enough coverage without hindering breastfeeding. They also have beautiful cardigan style robes. I'll be bringing two pairs of those to the hospital, probably only need one.
Going home I'll wear cotton palazzo pants and a tank top, with a sweater if needed. Dresses, even maxis, never feel like enough coverage when I have my period so same principal applies post partum. Leggings may feel too tight with everything going on down there. Also, be sure you have something with a loose waistband in case of an unexpected c-section. Plus, you may want a couple pairs of granny panties, again with no harsh elastic.
Lastly, sorry this became a novel, I found a 2 pack of slippers for $5 at Walmart, so I'll bring one pair to the hospital, wear them the whole time and then toss them, because hospital floors gross me out.
@krex-2 don't underestimate the power of love on your body's own chemistry. When you lay eyes on that baby of yours, your instincts will come, your hormones will change. You'll do great!
This^^^ girl you will have your hormones kick in. I read an article about this before and women do have hormones increase when around babies and your love will shine and babies are way more resilient than we give them credit for.
If you have never seen it I highly recommend watching the documentary called Babies. It used to be on Netflix for free but recently we had to rent it for like two or three dollars on Amazon. It shows babies being raised from birth through one year in all different cultures and definitely gives you a new perspective on parenting and what a baby "needs".
@graceriesz I bought two "supersoft sleepshirts" from Victoria's Secret before dd was born, and they were awesome. It was nice to have a short gown style thing to wear (besides a hospital gown) for the first day or two when they kept checking me, and they are really soft and comfortable. They were also great for nursing for me, because they button up. The regular stretchy nursing camis don't come big enough for me, so I have to wear bras and shirts. I also wore leggings with a nursing bra and a robe some. I like to do a ton of skin to skin, so I was just in the leggings and bra a lot of the time, anyway. I'll pack similarly this time.
I've had a c sections and vaginal birth and both times I changed into fold over waistband yoga pants. I bought bigger ones that fit me now pregnant but I can wear PP. That way I can fold the band down or pull it up for support. I liked that extra support after my c section. I pair them with a nursing tank and cardigan/robe/zip up jacket. I wore this home too. Even though this is a summer baby I think I'm still going to wear the same thing. I need buy some nursing PJs that are shorts and a short sleeve shirt to possibly wear too.
I wear the hospital gown right after birth then change when I feel like showering. Usually the next morning. I didn't really care about DS being covered in bodily fluids when he was born. Plus the vernix is good for them.
My my feet are always cold in the hospital so I pack lots and lots of socks! Ones with grips on the bottom are best for labor if you will be walking or moving around. Slippers are too much work for that part.
Am I the only one who just stays in the hospital gown at the hospital?
I stayed in my gown for 2-3 days. I really didn't want to risk bleeding on my own clothing.
That's what I'm thinking. I'm not about to make some nasty laundry that I'll have to clean when I get home. After reading this, I'm feeling a little embarrassed though. If I'm the only one, I had better get with the program.
@lamch1980 I wore my gown until the day we were released...I took a shower that morning and put on my going home clothes. I plan to do the same this time, it was really easy.
So late in pregnancy and/or when you're in labor and they're doing cervical checks, do/can they use lube?
So I hate to bump my own post, but it seems to have gotten lost in the shuffle. Does anyone have experience with this? The one time I had an internal exam without lube, I'm pretty sure it was about the worst pain I've ever felt! I've Googled a bit but can't seem to find many results.
Am I the only one who just stays in the hospital gown at the hospital?
I stayed in my gown until I got showered and dressed to go home. Im lazy post birth and didn't feel like changing. Plus I bleed a lot, like needed meds to help stop the bleeding. I don't want to wreck my clothes. We don't have in hospital visitors so I honestly don't care what I look like either.
Mom to Madison- 5 and Lillian 2....and now surprise baby #3!
@lovesclimbing mine always did. Funny story to go along with that. I went to L&D at 22 weeks for severe abdominal pain. Everything turned out fine, thank goodness, but while we were there the L&D nurse did a cervical check. The poor woman was the only nurse there and obviously a bit frazzled. She put the lube on her fingers, started the cervical check, and got a phone call!!! Then she ANSWERED THE PHONE DURING the cervical check!!!!
@LAMCH1980 I feel gross wearing a hospital gown, so I showered and then changed into my own clothes as soon as possible (dd was born just after midnight, we settled into our mother baby room around 3 am, and I got up at 6am to shower). We had to go to a "bath class" at some point during our stay though or they wouldn't discharge us, and probably a third of the moms there were in the hospital gowns, so I'd say it's normal either way. If you are comfortable in them, don't make laundry for yourself!
@Knottie42089123 I wore a nursing bra and panties under my hospital gown through most of my labor. Underwear came off when it was almost time to push, and bra came off when dd was out so that we could have full skin to skin. I also wore a robe on and off as I got hot and cold while I was in labor.
@krex-2 don't underestimate the power of love on your body's own chemistry. When you lay eyes on that baby of yours, your instincts will come, your hormones will change. You'll do great!
This^^^ girl you will have your hormones kick in. I read an article about this before and women do have hormones increase when around babies and your love will shine and babies are way more resilient than we give them credit for.
If you have never seen it I highly recommend watching the documentary called Babies. It used to be on Netflix for free but recently we had to rent it for like two or three dollars on Amazon. It shows babies being raised from birth through one year in all different cultures and definitely gives you a new perspective on parenting and what a baby "needs".
Dd and I love babies!! I love how relaxed the mama and baby from Africa are, they both seemed so happy and content just to be together.
I'm not sure why, but I was really anxious to put on my normal clothes after DD was born. The nurse told me I could when I was ready to go to the bathroom, so I asked to go then so I could change. I ended up fainting on the toilet! This time, I think I will wait a little longer.
I'm not sure why, but I was really anxious to put on my normal clothes after DD was born. The nurse told me I could when I was ready to go to the bathroom, so I asked to go then so I could change. I ended up fainting on the toilet! This time, I think I will wait a little longer.
I hear you! I took a shower and nearly passed out brushing my teeth on Day 2 post c/s. Definitely felt good to be up and get cleaned, but it was a seriously scary moment! Listen to your bodies, mamas!
So late in pregnancy and/or when you're in labor and they're doing cervical checks, do/can they use lube?
So I hate to bump my own post, but it seems to have gotten lost in the shuffle. Does anyone have experience with this? The one time I had an internal exam without lube, I'm pretty sure it was about the worst pain I've ever felt! I've Googled a bit but can't seem to find many results.
I'm not sure why, but I was really anxious to put on my normal clothes after DD was born. The nurse told me I could when I was ready to go to the bathroom, so I asked to go then so I could change. I ended up fainting on the toilet! This time, I think I will wait a little longer.
I hear you! I took a shower and nearly passed out brushing my teeth on Day 2 post c/s. Definitely felt good to be up and get cleaned, but it was a seriously scary moment! Listen to your bodies, mamas!
Me too! I lost a lot of blood, but when they finally let me take a shower I ended up getting dizzy and they made me wait until the next day. (Day 2)
I'm not sure why, but I was really anxious to put on my normal clothes after DD was born. The nurse told me I could when I was ready to go to the bathroom, so I asked to go then so I could change. I ended up fainting on the toilet! This time, I think I will wait a little longer.
I hear you! I took a shower and nearly passed out brushing my teeth on Day 2 post c/s. Definitely felt good to be up and get cleaned, but it was a seriously scary moment! Listen to your bodies, mamas!
This is actually really common with moms getting up the first time after delivery, which is why, at least where I work, we always tell our patients to call us when getting up for the first time. Definitely listen to your body if you feel like it's not ready and if you are up and start feeling faint, call for help and sit wherever you are. I can only imagine how scary that was to experience!
When does baby movement slow down? I remember hearing about a certain week baby gets too big and can't move in us as much.
I wouldn't say movements slow down, but instead of jabs of kicks, they're less pronounced and maybe more like a sliding (for lack of better word) or rolling, this happens around 36 weeks on. If doing kick counts, you'll still be able to get 5-10 movements in an hour.
Thanks. Last night she was barely moving. I usually feel her a lot when I lay down for bed. I was getting worried. This morning she started moving again though.
Anyone else still taking Unisom every night? I wonder if it will affect babies sleep schedule once she's born. Like maybe she'll be used to sleeping at night bc of the unisom (wishful thinking lol).
Is any one else formula feeding? I am a FTM and plan to formula feed and do not know how to talk to about choosing the right formula. I do have a formula in mind I want to use but I want to make sure it's the right choice.
Is any one else formula feeding? I am a FTM and plan to formula feed and do not know how to talk to about choosing the right formula. I do have a formula in mind I want to use but I want to make sure it's the right choice.
We're adopting, so formula feeding. I'd like to feed one of the non-GMO and organiz formulas, but honestly I'll probably just feed whatever the hospital starts with, provided she tolerates it well. I put DH in charge of the formula research, but so far I haven't heard what he's picked (odds are he hasn't looked yet...).
We really liked Enfamil for our son. Honestly the ingredients seem pretty much the same in all the major brands (and off brands like Kirkland). It came down to how much we could get free of a specific brand. Our peds office gave us a ton of free Enfamil so we stayed with that. My son is perfectly healthy and super smart so yeah...fed is best y'all!!
@amberp1528@krex-2 Our doctor recommended Enfamil last time so we went with that and had no issues. I don't know if other brands do this, but Enfamil makes the individual size ready to go liquid and that's really useful when you're out and about (just pour into a bottle and go, no measuring, no water). Though we did use powder at home for cost savings. Both available for purchase at our local wholesale club.
I wore hospital gowns my entire stay with DD. I had a c section though and could barely change my underwear without help. I can't imagine trying to put on pants the day after.
Thanks, you guys. I was most concerned about checks after water breaking because I know there's concern about infection with sticking stuff up there, so I didn't know if they wouldn't want to use it. I will make sure to request it if they don't!
Re: The big stupid questions thread
My question is kinda weird... maybe. Can you do anything for your boobs NOW to prepare them for breast feeding? I struggled so bad with DS1 I would like to do anything I can.
This time I'm bringing maternity yoga pants, nursing camis, a thin black robe, a sweater because the nurses told me to bring one and a maxi to go home in. I'm looking for a black nursing nightgown too.
I didn't use a robe last time, but I have one already and it sounds nice so I'm bringing it.
I got to change and shower shortly after we went upstairs to mother-baby (they wanted me to pee a certain number of times - 2 maybe? - before they took out the IV and stuff). He was born a little after 3:30 and they came in to bathe him at around 8.
@mamaelle27 I stayed in the hospital nursing gown that first night, but this time I'm going straight to a knee-length nursing nightie. The hospital gowns were just huge on me and made pulling stuff up to use the bathroom (you'll need both hands!) and even getting out of bed unnecessarily difficult for me. I wore maternity leggings and maternity shirts during the days last time, but felt that they fit awkwardly because of the huge hospital pads. I am bringing some of my comfy nursing dresses and a couple of cardigans this time!
Going home I'll wear cotton palazzo pants and a tank top, with a sweater if needed. Dresses, even maxis, never feel like enough coverage when I have my period so same principal applies post partum. Leggings may feel too tight with everything going on down there. Also, be sure you have something with a loose waistband in case of an unexpected c-section. Plus, you may want a couple pairs of granny panties, again with no harsh elastic.
Lastly, sorry this became a novel, I found a 2 pack of slippers for $5 at Walmart, so I'll bring one pair to the hospital, wear them the whole time and then toss them, because hospital floors gross me out.
If you have never seen it I highly recommend watching the documentary called Babies. It used to be on Netflix for free but recently we had to rent it for like two or three dollars on Amazon. It shows babies being raised from birth through one year in all different cultures and definitely gives you a new perspective on parenting and what a baby "needs".
Eta: I just looked, and the pjs I have are on sale right now, and they have a version that is shorts and short sleeves, too.
Links: https://www.victoriassecret.com/sleepwear/pajamas/supersoft-short-pj-set?ProductID=322110&CatalogueType=OLS
https://www.victoriassecret.com/sleepwear/sleepshirts-and-nighties/supersoft-sleepshirt-body-by-victoria?ProductID=322113&CatalogueType=OLS
I wear the hospital gown right after birth then change when I feel like showering. Usually the next morning. I didn't really care about DS being covered in bodily fluids when he was born. Plus the vernix is good for them.
My my feet are always cold in the hospital so I pack lots and lots of socks! Ones with grips on the bottom are best for labor if you will be walking or moving around. Slippers are too much work for that part.
BFP #1 9/1999. DD Born 6/7/2000
BFP #2 10/2011. EDD 7/11/12. MMC discovered 11/2/11. D&C 11/4/11.
DX PCOS 10/2012.
BFP#3 1/11/13. DS Born 9/17/2013
BFP#4 9/30/17. Grow baby grow!
~Everyone Welcome~
BFP #1 9/1999. DD Born 6/7/2000
BFP #2 10/2011. EDD 7/11/12. MMC discovered 11/2/11. D&C 11/4/11.
DX PCOS 10/2012.
BFP#3 1/11/13. DS Born 9/17/2013
BFP#4 9/30/17. Grow baby grow!
~Everyone Welcome~
BFP #1 6/13 DD 3/14
Mirena 10/14-5/16
BFP #2 9/2/16, CP confirmed 9/8/16
BFP #3 10/10/16 EDD 6/22/17
Mom to Madison- 5 and Lillian 2....and now surprise baby #3!
Funny story to go along with that. I went to L&D at 22 weeks for severe abdominal pain. Everything turned out fine, thank goodness, but while we were there the L&D nurse did a cervical check. The poor woman was the only nurse there and obviously a bit frazzled. She put the lube on her fingers, started the cervical check, and got a phone call!!! Then she ANSWERED THE PHONE DURING the cervical check!!!!
@Knottie42089123 I wore a nursing bra and panties under my hospital gown through most of my labor. Underwear came off when it was almost time to push, and bra came off when dd was out so that we could have full skin to skin. I also wore a robe on and off as I got hot and cold while I was in labor.
BFP: 9/29