Weekly Randoms 4/24-4/28

Jens_Hoes

What's going on this last week of April?

jlonie614

Woke up with a headache But on the plus side my boss is out of the office until Thursday. However, I have 3 main tasks I want to get done ASAP - just in case this baby comes early (38 weeks today). Although, something tells me this baby is going to be a late. 

bacorrea

@rosemarylaff I hope your headache goes away and you can get your main tasks done! 

My BFF and her family are moving here which is super exciting! They are flying out to look at houses so we are getting dinner tonight. DDs birthday is Wednesday and her birthday party is Sunday. I really need to not go into labor this week. Ha.

jayandaplus

@rosemarylaff I hope your headache goes away!
@bacorrea That's a big week! So exciting your BFF and her family are moving to you. I hope you guys have fun tonight.

I woke up feeling much better than yesterday, but I'm still anxious. I'm trying to just take it hour by hour at this point. The only thing left on my to-do lists before baby are to clean the house, organize our cleaning supplies closet (I'll do that today) and stock up the pantry/freezer (I may just forego cooking freezer meals at this point.)

Happy Monday!

starphish18

This is my last week at work, woo! I ordered a handful of nursing bras last night from Target (20% off this week), so I'm hoping there's 1 or 2 I like from that bunch. I'm also planning on picking up a yoga ball this week (per H's suggestion) to help get through the next month and early labor.

@jayandaplus I hope everything settles down for you!

jayandaplus

@starphish18 If you have Amazon they have yoga balls (aka balance balls) at a good price.

ETA: they discontinued them in their AmazonBasics line, so nevermind.

starphish18

@jayandaplus I did see that. I just have absolutely no clue what size to get or if it even makes a difference. I was planning on swinging by Dick's Sporting Goods to see if they had any out I could test.

BabyMC517

@starphish18 I believe it is by your height...I think I have the medium size one, but can double check when I get home tonight. They have them at Target pretty cheap too. I actually used mine this morning (I have been really bad with it lately) because my right hip, the one I have issues with, has been bothering me the last couple of days. 

After our classes yesterday, we stopped by my parents house. We were just talking with my mom and she asked if H thought I would go early or late and he said late and that I would have a c-section. Where did that come from? I think he's worried because of how I've been feeling the past couple of weeks and the issues with my back so he has it in his head that I might have a c-section, even though there really isn't any indication that I should. I mean if I do, I do, but it was just really odd. My mom thinks I'll go early...she said maybe you'll have a Mother's Day present! My EDD is May 21st so that would be a week early...they both are kind of stressing me out a little haha

jayandaplus

@starphish18 I'm 5'2" and have a 75 (inches, cm, no idea). It's a bit big in all honesty, but I preferred bigger as opposed to too small. I got a 55 originally and had to return it. I think 65 is probably the "sweet" spot. My birth center has 65s and 75s. I still use my 75, but wish I had gotten a 65.

starphish18

@BabyMC517 and @jayandaplus Thanks! That's helpful. I had no clue there were even different sizes, so that threw me at first. Can you tell I'm not really into the whole "working out" thing?

jayandaplus

@starphish18 Think of it this way, even if you don't use it much pre-birth, it can be the best seat in the house when you have a newborn that needs "bouncing" and you're too fatigued to do it. Sit on the ball with baby in your arms, and bounce. Genius!

hp_momma

I need to get my yoga ball out, it definitely helps with the hip pain. But I've been avoiding it as I know it will then become the new favorite toy of DD1 and DD2... 

psherman42wwsa

I just started using my yoga ball again. I used it quite a bit during the end of my last pregnancy. I actually rolled around on it after my water broke at home for an hour or two with DS. It definitely intensifies contractions but I just kept telling myself that's a good thing because progress is being made!  I think I have a 75 but I don't think the size matters. I got a cheap one at Walmart or Meijer, I don't remember... I knew I wasn't going to work out with it. I did use it to bounce with my newborn too.

inomniaparatus2

@starphish18 I got one from target and hate it! Filled to the right amount but you still really sink down when sitting on it. So if you fill it more it just stretches more. Plus I got the right size for my height and I wish it was bigger, it also has that annoying sandbag or whatever in it which is annoying. I want to donate or throw it out bc it won't get used. 

jayandaplus

@SWE2 Maybe that's an example of not all are made equal, because mine doesn't sink at all, which is why I wish I'd gone smaller (if it sank more I feel like it'd be perfect). I could deflate it some, but it's not bothersome enough to me to do that. Also, I agree, I didn't like it being weighted, so that's another consideration.

psherman42wwsa

After reading about everyone's symptoms and early labors I have myself questioning every little pain wondering if its time! I think its going to be a long 4 more weeks..

RainyDays86

@hp_momma I'm in the same boat. I want to get my yoga ball out and start using it because it really does help with hip and lower back pain but I know as soon as it comes out it's going to become DS's new favorite toy/projectile.

I'm a little bummed because I feel like I've taken a step back in terms of pain and recovery. The last two mornings I've felt really good for the first part of the day and haven't needed any pain pills until the evening. I was hoping to get up this morning and do some work and maybe run a few errrands (with my mom chauffeuring, I can't drive for a while). I have so much I want to get done pre-baby and have gotten my hopes up about how much I'll be able to accomplish especially since DS is at daycare so it feels like the perfect opportunity to be productive. Well I woke up feeling really stiff and in a lot of pain. I ended up taking a pain pill which I feel guilty about doing and I don't think I'm going to be able to sit down and focus on work for a few hours like I had hoped. I know I'm only a few days post-surgery but it's discouraging to realize recovery isn't linear, especially since I have less than five weeks until my due date and I have SO much I want to get done.

/end bitch session.

nda_roxybabe

My body feels SO heavy today. I want to go back to bed.

starphish18

@RainyDays86 I'm sorry you're not feeling as well today. I hope your day looks up and you're able to accomplish some of what you wanted, but take it easy if you need to! Maybe your mom could run a couple errands for you?

jayandaplus

@RainyDays86 I'm so sorry you're not feeling well. Don't look at it as a step back, just look at it as another bump in the roller coaster of recovery. You're right, it's not linear, and that's okay. Don't feel bad about taking a pain pill. Being in pain isn't good for baby either, because it stresses you out and baby feels that! Take it easy and be kind to yourself.

ShadeofGreen816

@rosemarylaff I hope your headache goes away. I'm not sure I'm looking forward to anything more than good old ibuprofen! 
@bacorrea That's so exciting about your BFF! No labor vibes for you!
@jayandaplus I'm impressed with your nesting productivity! Take it easy today and hopefully your ute calms down today.
@starphish18 so jealous it's your last week at work. Enjoy! Also, PPs are right about the ball sizing.It goes by your height. Its best to get one thats the appropriate size for you, but I would err on the side of too big vs too small. If it's too small your knees will be up too high and it can be hard on your knees and uncomfortable. Ideally, your thighs should be parallel to the ground while you're sitting on it! Most of them have heights on the box/package so that should help! 
@babyMC517 I just love how everyone has an opinion about that! Like, if ANYONE knows anything, I think it would be me or my Dr. and even then, no one has a clue except this LO that can't talk!
@rainydays86 I hate to hear that you're in more pain! I do think its very typical for the first day to be easier than subsequent ones. Try not to be too hard on yourself - just like pregnancy, your body is doing the best it can and giving you the signals for what it needs. Maybe some extra rest would be good. Anything you can delegate to your mom that you can stay home while she does?
@nda_roxybabe I feel ya, girl. Luckily I'm off today after working all weekend. I woke up at 6 am (of course!) and was up until 8 but refused to get out of bed. I fell back asleep at 8 and slept until almost 11. It felt amazing

Quick question about yoga/exercise balls. Is this something I should start now (35 weeks)? Or is it something that helps engage baby and start labor? Do you do anything specific on the ball or just bounce and kind of roll/rotate hips? Feeling the FTM here....

jlonie614

@starphish18 I got my medicine ball at Target and it wasn't too expensive. I really like mine, especially when my back is hurting I will lie back on it (with H's help) and it does help quite a bit. Also, it has been super helpful with my hip pain. 
@RainyDays86 I'm sorry you aren't feeling well today. FX you feel better. 
@lrwardrop LOVE LOVE LOVE your pic. I feel the same way. 
@bacorrea and @jayandaplus thanks! My headache is not as strong as it was this morning - so I am feeling much better!
@nda_roxybabe Here's hoping your day flies by and you can get back into your bed ASAP. 

onebadmotha

@RainyDays86 - I'm sorry to hear that you're not feeling well. I agree with the previous posts, take it easy and definitely don't feel guilty taking something for pain when you need it. Whatever things you want to get done can wait- the most important thing at this point is to take care of yourself for your sake and your kiddos'! Hopefully your mom or other support system can bear some of the load for now.

@starphish18 - Did the bra discount apply to nursing stuff? I went to the store yesterday, but I thought the nursing bras were excluded! I may have to check that out more thoroughly.

I ordered my breast pump this morning! I was kind of bummed that my only option was the Medela PISA, which is what I have from last time, but at least now I'll have one for home and one for work. The tote bag was a $100 up-charge. Eff that noise...I bought a used tote on eBay for $20 last time, and just did the same this time. 

In other news, I think my son is going through the 18 month sleep regression. I guess better to get that out of the way now so he (fingers crossed) goes back to his usual sleep awesomeness by the time this kid arrives?

starphish18

@kayemjay2 The nursing bras were included in the sale when I ordered them online. Our local Target doesn't have any in store, so I'm not sure if it would be different.

nda_roxybabe

Hmm, are there tricks to get baby to drop? Dr on Friday said "Baby needs to drop!"

bailey8809-2

@RainyDays86 - I'm so sorry recovery isn't going at smoothly and quickly as you hoped. I agree with the previous posts, you shouldn't feel guilty at all about taking pain medications or taking the time you need to heal. Take it easy and hopefully you'll spring back soon! 

@nda_roxybabe - I'm feeling exactly the same way this morning! So exhausted and so heavy.

DS actually slept in this morning which would have been a great opportunity for me to get some extra sleep but I couldn't get comfortable and ended up getting up super early. I'm trying to decide if it's appropriate to have a soda at 10am, I really need some caffeine! 

achays11

@RainyDays86 do not feel guilty at all about pain meds! You need to do what's best for your health and in turn that will help you and baby be less stressed. I'm hoping you start to feel better soon! 

Random: MH turned DD FF in her car seat, and now when she falls asleep her head kind of hangs down. It looks very uncomfortable, but because her seat not longer has that little bit of recline from being RF'ing, I can't get her head to stay up. Any ones have any recommendations? 

jayandaplus

@ShadeofGreen816 I don't know what your OB would say, but I don't think it's ever too late/too early to start using the ball. I've had it in my living room for months and try to get on it once a day, or if I'm sitting for long periods. Not only does it help your pelvis, I feel like it strengthens my core muscles (slow and steady, not like a workout.) I'm not on it at the moment because of my uterus situation, but I don't believe using it to swivel your hips or for posturing will induce labor if your body/baby is not ready.

ETA:

@nda_roxybabe Have you looked into spinning babies? I think there are exercises that help engage baby better?

Random: my cat will not stop climbing on my lap, but my bump keeps getting in his way, so he tries to stand half on my leg, half on bump. Bump is not a step kitty!

BabyMC517

@starphish18and everyone else looking to get a yoga ball...my PT told me to get one that has the bicycle pump vs a foot pump. Apparently hats better quality or something like that lol and definitely agree you'd rather have it larger than too small so you aren't all scrunched up! 

@ShadeofGreen816 I do pelvic tilts on it, circles both ways, stretch with my arms up side to side, heel stretches (leg extended and try to reach your toes, yes I know it's difficult now with our bellies but you should still get some of a stretch), and sometimes I'll get on my knees and lean on it going straight out and then to each side to help stretched my back too, plus it helps to hang. Those are all of the stretches my PT told me to do. There's some others but those are the most that I do at this point because well I'm lazy lol but it does help with back/hip pain! 

Yiggle09

@starphish18 is that a cartwheel sale or regular at target?
@BabyMC517 my husband wanted me to get a c section just to spare me the pain of labor last time I was like are you nuts!

nda_roxybabe

@jayandaplusI have, but I didn't think I saw anything on helping baby drop. I'll look again. I know they're head down and right there, but I need baby to come down more. Bring on the uncomfortable pelvic pressure!

Kipperoo

@RainyDays86, I'm sorry to hear that you are having a rough day. Don't beat yourself up about taking the pain meds--you've been through SO much and you are a rockstar! This is a minor setback--listen to your body and I'm sure you'll be back to feeling great in a couple of days. 

psherman42wwsa

@nda_roxybabe I don't think my son ever "dropped"... he was pretty high up but head down. Some people say they notice a drop but some people don't. If your baby is head down I wouldn't be concerned.

nda_roxybabe

@lrwardrop I'm not overly concerned as I figure baby will drop at some point. It's just my Dr. was very like "this baby needs to come down some!"

luckywife10

I need to get a yoga ball too! And of course I bought nursing bras at Target last week when they weren't on sale. I should see if I can get the price adjusted and still get the discount.

I have a couple questions: has anyone used or know of anyone who used a peanut ball during labor? I watched an informational video about peanut balls being used during labor and they look interesting! My hospital has them, but I forgot to ask about them when I went for my hospital visit.

Also, did anyone ask for a different labor nurse when they were in labor at the hospital? The nurse H and I met during our hospital visit was not our favorite and we really hope we don't get her when I'm in labor. I feel like a labor nurse is a big part of labor and delivery at the hospital and I'm nervous I'll get a nurse I don't get along with and be stuck with them. I'm going to.ask my doctor about this also at my appointment this week.

Yiggle09

@luckywife10 you have the right to request a different nurse. I should have with my first but didn't. Just remember they are there only 12 hours usually 3 days a week so it's possible this nurse you met may be off or not taking care of you that day

hp_momma

@nda_roxybabe I would definitely try some
sitting/hip circles on a yoga ball and some curb walking! Neither of my girls "dropped" until I was in full labor. I remember being so annoyed at everyone's comments at the end of "oh your carrying so high, your not having that baby anytime soon!" Yea, because that's what everyone likes to hear at 39-40wks pregnant...

@luckywife10 I used a peanut ball while in labor with DD1. I personally didn't like it, I think it just wasn't a comfortable position for me to labor in. I also am tall and have long legs so I wonder if it just didn't fit. 

bacorrea

@RainyDays86 I hope you start feeling better soon. I agree with everything @jayandaplus says, don't feel guilty about taking pain meds! Just give yourself a break! Easier said than done, I know.

I didn't use an exercise ball for labor, but it was great for bouncing baby after like others have said! 

momma2char

I'm throwing my mom's 50th birthday party this weekend, and everyone is supposed to dress up as 80s theme. DD (18 months) is going to be a fitness instructor, but I have no idea what to dress up as! Any suggestions? 

WombThereItIs

@luckywife10 you can totally boot nurses but I would wait and see how things go. I really didn't see most of my nurses much at all so whether I liked them or not was kind of moot. You never know how long you'll be laboring too so if you have her one day shift and end up delivering at night for example it's not like she will be "your nurse" for the big show anyway. 

NotAPlaya-JustCrushAlot

@luckywife10  I used a peanut ball during my induction w/ DD.  Things progressed very quickly after that point, but I have no idea if that did the trick or not.  The labor nurse seemed to think it helped. 

Sidenote: My hospital ran a study on peanut balls and was one of the first to implement their use.