@heatherdubrow@pbtoast For those that donated cord blood, can you do that and also do delayed cord clamping? With my first I knew I wanted to do delayed cord clamping and I thought I remembered my ob saying you couldn't do both so I didn't pursue it. Maybe I got bad info!
@garnetmama Before (2-3 years ago) they used to say you can't do both because there wouldn't be enough to donate. I've heard recently that it can be an option, but I would talk to your OB about it.
The hospital where I delivered didn't have a donation program, and when I was looking into it I realized it that while there were ways around that, it would have been an uphill battle.
@heatherdubrow maybe I misunderstood what you were saying... hoping you could clarify...
so even if you do bank the cord blood - there is a chance if my child were to ever need it....it could potentially be useless? I thought that was the point of cord blood - that the young cells were perfect for transplants later on if needed? Under what circumstances would they not be helpful?
I actually love the idea of donating and hopefully somebody can benefit from it right away. My mother is a stage 4 cancer survivor all because of a stem cell transplant so I would want someone who needs it to have access immediately.
@bb3vj3n yes that's correct. If a child had leukemia, for example, the cord blood cells are too similar to the child's blood cells, it's likely the cancer cells would just come back. I've literally never seen a kid's own cord blood cells used to treat their cancer. I have seen siblings use another siblings cord blood, but that is only if they are a match.
@heatherdubrow you just blew my mind. I have never heard this before! It makes so much sense that the companies charging an arm and a leg for storage would leave this info out but I actually haven't come across that data anywhere. thank you.
my original hope was/is to donate... so I think I will continue to work towards that path.
Regarding delayed cord clamping, I did it with both, and when I had my second, my OB said it was pretty routine by that point. I'd recommend talking about it with your doctor to see what they think!
For any moms out there, during your first, or any pregnancy for that matter, did you have this gross taste in your mouth constantly? I do and unless I'm eating or chewing gum or a hard piece of candy, it's awful! Will it go away?
For any moms out there, during your first, or any pregnancy for that matter, did you have this gross taste in your mouth constantly? I do and unless I'm eating or chewing gum or a hard piece of candy, it's awful! Will it go away?
Yes, I had that. I found that chewing gum made it worse. I'd just rinse with Listerine.
@crossfitbabybump I read about a metallic taste in the What to Expect book. They said it's a lesser known pregnancy symptom caused by our crazy hormones! The recommended remedies are citrus juices, lemonade, sour sucking candy, and foods marinated in vinegar. They said it should ease up or go away completely in the 2nd tri. GL!!
For any moms out there, during your first, or any pregnancy for that matter, did you have this gross taste in your mouth constantly? I do and unless I'm eating or chewing gum or a hard piece of candy, it's awful! Will it go away?
I have that every time. I just drink a lot of lemon water and it helps. It gets better soon.
@crossfitbabybump I read about a metallic taste in the What to Expect book. They said it's a lesser known pregnancy symptom caused by our crazy hormones! The recommended remedies are citrus juices, lemonade, sour sucking candy, and foods marinated in vinegar. They said it should ease up or go away completely in the 2nd tri. GL!!
Well this explains why veggies all taste like burnt metal and sadness to me!
GG620 and @vflux33 me too. MIL live in Italy. (where DH grew up.) We had her here for 10 weeks this summer and ... it wasn't as bad as I expected, but DH disappeared to work whenever her felt like it. I work from home. but I digress.
Now that we know I'm due in March, and he'll still be teaching (at university) plus doing research, he keeps saying my mom should come stay with us around the time I'm due and then his mom should come stay with us. For the help. Which, yes, him mom cleaned the hell outta this house. That was nice, but she also doesn't listen, even when I'm speaking Italian. Plus, I had to do all the cooking.
I also am a very private person, and think I might just want some time with my baby.
So a more detailed convo with DH must happen before anything is decided. Good to see other people's input. I like the idea of us developing the schedule and sticking to it.
@vflux33 I forgot about the metallic taste!! I definitely had that last time.
@fatstagnation I would not be able to handle someone staying in my house right after bringing the baby home. We had guests parading through our house for two weeks after R was born and it drove me crazy. I was so exhausted and felt so gross. I just wanted space, time to adjust, be able to walk around in pjs, etc. I will definitely be more firm this time around. Just remember it's your and your husband's decision. Don't let outsiders make the decision for you. And if someone does come to stay with you to help, make sure they do just that. HELP.
@vflux33 When DS was born, I lived 8 hours from MIL and FIL, 6 hours from my dad and stepmom and a days worth of flights from my mom. I was induced... and everyone came to the hospital to see us. It was tiring and overwhelming but I definitely wanted everyone to see him right away. MIL and FIL briefly visited the day he was born and then came back for a couple hours the next day then drove the 8 hours home. My dad visited for a few hours the first day and then he plus my stepmom and 3 siblings all visited for another hour or two the second day and then they drove the 6 hours back. My mom was there the entire time, off and on at the hospital and then she stayed for 1.5 weeks after we got home. My MIL came for a week a couple weeks after my mom left and then my stepmom and sister came a couple weeks after MIL. So my mom was first and then they all got their chance but I spread it out over two months so I didn't feel overwhelmed.
The hospital visits were extremely overwhelming because DS and I were hardcore struggling with breastfeeding and I had a 24 hour labor and was exhausted, but I would do it again so they get to experience seeing the newborn baby. It's a special time that really doesn't compare to anything!
Did any of the STMs do placenta encapsulation? The doula service that works with my doctor's office offers the service, and I'm curious about it. I know a lot of people think it's totally nutty, and I'll admit I haven't done a ton of research yet, but I'd love to hear y'all's experiences if you have any!
Did any of the STMs do placenta encapsulation? The doula service that works with my doctor's office offers the service, and I'm curious about it. I know a lot of people think it's totally nutty, and I'll admit I haven't done a ton of research yet, but I'd love to hear y'all's experiences if you have any!
I considered it, but didn't do it. I read a lot of research that said there is no evidence of it doing anything. My doula agreed. But it can't hurt, so do it if you think it'll help you. It's usually pretty expensive, though.
@kitandcat I totally get why that might be ideal for you and others, but honestly I would not be cool with so many people around me. Sounds kinda like a nightmare. I'm a very private person and navigating situations with all our families in the same place is stressful for MH and I. They haven't all been in the same room since our wedding (which will be over 8 years ago by March). They are friendly but they don't know each other very well. And I'm not comfortable showing my primal private self to MIL --it's just not our relationship. But if that worked for you that's great! I mean sometimes I want to be the type of person who likes that sort of thing. But I'm 34 and far past the time when such a fundamental personality change would be possible!
@vflux33 I totally get that!!!! Part of me wanted to scream at everyone to get the eff out because I was so stressed. And coordinating who was coming when and how long they should stay... that is not something I could even fathom thinking about while in hormone and stress overdrive and told DH he needed to figure it out!! You need to do what's best for you and the LO in such an intense and crazy few days!!
@ksmwalters my sister is a chiropractor and is getting her diplomats in pregnant women, babies, and children. She texted me during her first class because that was the topic. The teacher was saying that if you would eat your placenta after giving birth you would get back all of the nutrients lost during pregnancy.
@ksmwalters In my area, I was told the process was complicated. I wasn't directly told those words, but none of it seemed easy, including the possibility of meconium tainted placenta, which would eliminate the possibility of encapsulation.
I say this but I have friends who had midwives provide them with bio identical supplements and they swear by them.
I didn't know about any of it at the time but acupuncture/ Chinese herbs saved me postpartum.
I'm not 100% sure yet, but it's possible I caught a respiratory flu from MH and am in the beginning stages... even though it's August and I got a flu shot last fall and we tried really hard to avoid him infecting me. I'm reading stuff that's absolutely terrifying me about birth defects caused by the flu, and that it sometimes leads to complications that I'm already at a higher risk for because of twins. Have any of you STMs had a bad flu during pregnancy, particularly first tri, and seen or not seen effects from it in your baby or complications from it later? Were any of you put on antiviral medications during pregnancy, and if so, did they help and were they worth potential side effects from those drugs? ETA I'm obviously gonna call a doctor too once I'm sure that's what it is but want to see what you guys think too based on your experiences.
Ughhh @vflux33 Im sorry to hear this! I had a similar go with my first. The stress sucks.
If you don't want to go the anti-viral route, L-Lysine is a recommendation from midwives for fighting off infections and oil of oregano (tastes horrendous) is great for fighting off what you already have.
Anyone else have experience getting the flu shot while pg? I have it on my list of Q's for appointment next week, but just curious if they can do it any trimester? I'd like to get it done before DH goes back to school. He always brings home germs.
@vflux33 they can test for the flu, different types are more serious than others. I would get in to see a Dr now, the antiviral medication is really only useful at the beginning of the illness. I have definitely had flu like illnesses during pregnancy and it's miserable but it has been fine. Good luck!
@vflux33 I had influenza with my daughter, but I think it was at the end of the first tri/beginning of second tri. It was fiercely miserable and my whole body was in pain. I slept for a few days, and I didn't take anything for it. The only concern my doctor had was the my fever didn't stay high and I didn't get dehydrated. I'm so sorry you're sick. I wish you a quick recovery!!
Thanks for the info, guys. I ended up calling the advice nurse and she scheduled me for an appointment this afternoon just to be safe. I'll definitely ask about getting tested @heatherdubrow, I didn't know you could do that. @barrelocarol, thank you, though I'm not against herbal remedies L-Lysine apparently hasn't been tested a lot during pregnancy and I think I'd rather take whatever a doctor says to at this point, even if it's a medication I'd prefer to avoid. I'm just too nervous to try anything not mainstream right now.
@LiveNLove44 Thanks--yeah that's my fear too. Part of why I ended up calling is because if I do have it and it's what MH is currently recovering from he did have a fever for about a day when it was at its worst, and apparently fevers are one of the major concerns in this situation.
@fatstagnation I had a flu shot with my first. It was actually at a prenatal appointment, and they highly encouraged them for pregnant people. It was second tri, and I don't remember if they had rules about first tri or not, but they didn't get that year's batch of flu shots in until I was early second tri. They don't usually get them until late September or early October though anyway so we'll all be second tri by then.
@vflux33@barrelocarol I SWEAR by oil of oregano when not pregnant but my doctor has told me that under no circumstances is it at all safe during pregnancy. my husband and I both take it regularly but I stopped when we were TTC at the request of my doc.
@fatstagnation, my OB recommends flu shot for pregnant women. With DS I had it at the very end of first trimester.
@crossfitbabybump, I can't recommend a doula highly enough! We hired someone we'd never met. We met once and discussed what she does. She told us to go think about it, and before we had pulled out of the driveway, DH and I said we'd be hiring her. She was AMAZING!! I've already hired her again for this baby. I would not have felt comfortable having someone I know personally in the room. Other than DH. I am extremely self conscious about my body and was not prepared to have anyone else in there. Of course in the moment of delivery it didn't matter. But it would've stressed me out beforehand.
Figured I should update in case someone finds themselves in a similar position: I was told influenza is unlikely because of the time of year, but that it could be a very similar virus so they gave me the weird sinus test to see if it's one of 17 viruses. I should get the results tomorrow. Depending on whether I test positive for one of the 17, and depending which one, I *might be given antiviral meds. In the meantime I'm supposed to take tylenol and probably continue taking it until it passes. If I have an unidentified virus (not one of the 17) they'll just tell me to stick with the tylenol. I'm really glad I went in-- no one thought I was overreacting. He did say if I got a fever it's unlikely it would negatively effect the pregnancy, but it is possible and worth taking precautions.
Thanks again to everyone who weighed in earlier. Hopefully if I curl in a ball and watch enough TV it will just go away lol.
Re: FTM Questions for STM+ - August Edition
The hospital where I delivered didn't have a donation program, and when I was looking into it I realized it that while there were ways around that, it would have been an uphill battle.
Pregnant with #2:
so even if you do bank the cord blood - there is a chance if my child were to ever need it....it could potentially be useless? I thought that was the point of cord blood - that the young cells were perfect for transplants later on if needed? Under what circumstances would they not be helpful?
I actually love the idea of donating and hopefully somebody can benefit from it right away. My mother is a stage 4 cancer survivor all because of a stem cell transplant so I would want someone who needs it to have access immediately.
my original hope was/is to donate... so I think I will continue to work towards that path.
MIL live in Italy. (where DH grew up.) We had her here for 10 weeks this summer and ... it wasn't as bad as I expected, but DH disappeared to work whenever her felt like it. I work from home. but I digress.
Now that we know I'm due in March, and he'll still be teaching (at university) plus doing research, he keeps saying my mom should come stay with us around the time I'm due and then his mom should come stay with us. For the help. Which, yes, him mom cleaned the hell outta this house. That was nice, but she also doesn't listen, even when I'm speaking Italian. Plus, I had to do all the cooking.
I also am a very private person, and think I might just want some time with my baby.
So a more detailed convo with DH must happen before anything is decided. Good to see other people's input. I like the idea of us developing the schedule and sticking to it.
lol @vflux33 - that still cracks me up!
Thanks ladies! I've been eating lemon drops and jolly ranchers
@fatstagnation I would not be able to handle someone staying in my house right after bringing the baby home. We had guests parading through our house for two weeks after R was born and it drove me crazy. I was so exhausted and felt so gross. I just wanted space, time to adjust, be able to walk around in pjs, etc. I will definitely be more firm this time around. Just remember it's your and your husband's decision. Don't let outsiders make the decision for you. And if someone does come to stay with you to help, make sure they do just that. HELP.
The hospital visits were extremely overwhelming because DS and I were hardcore struggling with breastfeeding and I had a 24 hour labor and was exhausted, but I would do it again so they get to experience seeing the newborn baby. It's a special time that really doesn't compare to anything!
I say this but I have friends who had midwives provide them with bio identical supplements and they swear by them.
I didn't know about any of it at the time but acupuncture/ Chinese herbs saved me postpartum.
ETA I'm obviously gonna call a doctor too once I'm sure that's what it is but want to see what you guys think too based on your experiences.
If you don't want to go the anti-viral route, L-Lysine is a recommendation from midwives for fighting off infections and oil of oregano (tastes horrendous) is great for fighting off what you already have.
Anyone else have experience getting the flu shot while pg? I have it on my list of Q's for appointment next week, but just curious if they can do it any trimester? I'd like to get it done before DH goes back to school. He always brings home germs.
Married: 5.27.16
Baby Boy Due: 3.18.18
@crossfitbabybump, I can't recommend a doula highly enough! We hired someone we'd never met. We met once and discussed what she does. She told us to go think about it, and before we had pulled out of the driveway, DH and I said we'd be hiring her. She was AMAZING!! I've already hired her again for this baby. I would not have felt comfortable having someone I know personally in the room. Other than DH. I am extremely self conscious about my body and was not prepared to have anyone else in there. Of course in the moment of delivery it didn't matter. But it would've stressed me out beforehand.
Thanks again to everyone who weighed in earlier. Hopefully if I curl in a ball and watch enough TV it will just go away lol.