Questions - Week of 10/8

muggle621

Happy Thanksgiving to our friends in Canada!!! 

muggle621

How many months before the baby is born do you need to reserve a breast pump through your insurance? 

ShawnnaO

@muggle621 I think with my insurance you can do it at anytime. But that's something your OB should know the specifics of, or better yet, call your insurance company and see what their policy is. 

becausescience

@muggle621 Varies from insurance to insurance. I was able to place my order anytime, but they wouldn't ship until 30 days before my due date.  Definitely call your insurance company. They may have a vendor (or vendors) you have to order through. 

ashleyf911

@muggle621 I didn't do anything with my insurance company in advance. The hospital I delivered at had a lady from their in-house medical supply company come to my room and show me my different options and handled all the insurance work for me. 

cford08

My insurance says 30 days before my due date. 

barrelocarol

My previous insurance allowed me to order anytime during the pregnancy. I was actually allowed to order 2 since you could order one the first year and one the second year of baby's life within a time frame after birth...That doesn't even make sense and I have no clue how to reword it at this point. 

What I'm saying is get it sooner rather than later in case your insurance plan year changes or some randomness like that. 

barrelocarol

Can someone recommend a maternity belt? My old one was so stiff. Great support but I had to undo it every time I sat down and it was so bulky under clothes. 

Edited bc I care more about comfort and flexibility of the belt than its actual support. 

stardustskies

@muggle621 I qualified through Aeroflow. Go to their website and just fill in your name, contact info, and insurance info. They do all the work for you. You can look at the different pumps on their website and choose one from there. I picked the Spectra. My insurance company won't let them send it to me until after my baby is born, but most insurance companies let them send it out right away. It took about 5 days for them to reach out to me after I filled out the info on their website. Easy peasy.

Gingermom15

I found out which pumps I qualified for and already got my Spectra yesterday. 
If you’ve never used a pump before I highly recommend reading reviews and comparing. I knew I wanted the Spectra because I had used it a time or two last breastfeeding journey, but had a Medela for every day use. I preferred the Spectra and wanted to get it just in case insurance changes 

muggle621

Eek, there is so much to think about!! Sorry for not tagging - my computer is being weird this morning. Thank you all for the answers! I will call my insurance company today for information. 

chasingroygbiv

Does anyone know how often insurance companies usually allow you to get a new pump? Or is it a one time gig? I didn’t love my pump with DD and while it isn’t old, I did get it what will be 4 years ago when this baby is born. 

barrelocarol

@chasingroygbiv 1. They usually allow at least one per baby/pregnancy.

2. Mine allowed one per plan year within the first year of life. So my son was born in September and my plan year changed over the next January. I could have gotten 2 but didn't bc I forgot. 

I'd say you could get one!

chasingroygbiv

Thanks! @barrelocarol I will have to call and see what they have to say, that would be so nice. But then I would have to figure out which one to get. 

stlbuckeye132

@barrelocarol your insurance must be a lot better than mine! I just checked what mine offers, and it says the breast pump is limited to 1 per 36 months, so it must depend on your plan. My insurance is awful, so it's not a surprise to me that I wouldn't be able to get one per plan year. 

ksmwalters

Does anyone have recommendations/opinions on crib brands? I've been looking at Babyletto since they seem to be a well-liked and well-reviewed company, and the price is great. But my mom made me nervous that maybe they won't last? (I've been looking at the Sprout 4-in-1 specifically since it would work for us long term.) We haven't had a chance to go and look at them in person yet, but I was just curious. My mom seems to have the "more expensive = better quality = it'll last longer" mentality, which I get and agree with but why spend the money if you don't need to, you know?

day38

@muggle621 I was able to order my with my 1st somewhat early on, but I think I waited until early 3rd trimester. They didn't ship it until a certain time frame before the due date (I want to say 30 days but may have been 45). Their policy was 1 pump every 36 months (and overall it was a good policy in terms of coverage).

I have a different insurance now and the only information I can find through their website is to order through Medela directly, which is great because I want a Spectra. I think I'm just going to call a local medical supplier and they typically deal with the insurance. Last time I went through https://pumpingessentials.com/ and it was super easy (it was one of the providers my insurance linked to).

bravoandprosecco

@Gingermom15 Can I ask why you liked it better? I used medela last time but wasn't producing a lot. Did the spectra get more milk? 

npkat

I just posted this on the breastfeeding thread as well..

For those that have Cigna insurance... I was just told breast pumps are covered 100% if you order through CareCentrix. They said they will give you options of different brands. You must be 28 weeks to order and you can get one with each pregnancy. Here is the number to call once your 28 weeks... 1-877-466-0164. Hope this helps!

becausescience

@ksmwalters We have a Babyletto and really like it.  We've only used it as a crib and haven't converted to a toddler bed yet though.  I'd say it is more mid-range price wise.

My advice is don't spend too much on a crib because your kid is probably going to chew it to heck whether it costs $100 or $1500. 

stlbuckeye132

I'm attempting to find some daycares to tour, and I'm totally overwhelmed. Any suggestions on what questions I should be asking when we tour them? I feel so clueless in this department that I don't even know what to ask other than how much it costs... help! Please

mdfarmchick

So just my two cents on cribs... if you are planning on using it for future children it might not matter how many things it converts to unless you want each kiddo to have their own crib. I am reusing my DS’s crib with this LO and doubt that I will ever really switch it to the full size headboard just because DS is sleeping in a queen bed now, our guest bed is a queen and it’s entirely possible that we will do bunks at some point. So I bought a solid wood crib that I hope will last for all of our kiddos. 

muggle621

@stlbuckeye132 I am going through the same thing and if I weren't pregnant it would drive me to drink some strong margaritas. So. Stressful. 
My friend who has a 1.5 year old and is having #2 next compiled the questions below for me:

Do we pay when sick, gone on vacation, etc?

 

What things do I need to keep at center? Diapers, wipes, etc?

 

What is the policy for visitors? Can you pick up and drop back off if needed? Is there a drop off time where kids are no longer admitted?

 

What is the best way to communicate with caregiver?

 

Do you provide a daily report of her behavior? Eating/sleeping patterns?

 

Do you feed her on demand or schedule?

 

Do you have a place to store prepared bottles? If

 

What is the child/caregiver ratio for infant room? When she moves up?

 

What is the caregiver turnover rate? Are they allowed to smoke? Education of caregiver?

 

What does the daily schedule of activities look like?

 

If a child cries for an extended amount of time, Are the parents called? If a child is sick/contagious at center where do they go? Are parent notified?

 

How often are rooms cleaned? Cribs wiped down? Does she sleep in her own crib or do they share?

 

Check the room for safe sleeping arrangements (nothing in crib), clean area for play, baby-proof, escape-proof.Is there a covered drop off area?

muggle621

@ksmwalters We bought a 100% wood convertible crib since we are one and done. We got it one a killer sale at a local store that sells baby furniture and baby stuff (strollers, etc.) I figure while a wood crib will sustain some weathering like scratches and bite marks it should still hold up pretty well overall. 

stlbuckeye132

@muggle621 thank you soooo much, this was exactly what I needed! Each time I read the question I thought to myself, "Oh that's a good question, I would've never thought of that." It is extremely stressful, and I haven't even heard any prices yet... I'm scared haha

npkat

@stlbuckeye132 What area of STL are you in and will be looking at? I have called a bunch of places around me to get pricing (Webster Groves/South City-ish areas). It is definitely overwhelming, but I have not set up any visits yet.

bettyvonsomethingstein

My knowledge of the insurance industry isn't great, but should people be worried about getting their pumps, etc, ordered sooner rather than later?  I thought the insurance-paid breast pump was part of Obamacare, and since anything having to do with women's health is currently under attack and/or just straight up being repealed, is there a chance that waiting until early next year could be a gamble?

eta: this was meant for the breast pump thread but since it's a legit question and pumps were mentioned earlier, I'm leaving it

stlbuckeye132

@npkat we're looking more in west county-ish. I've only submitted online requests for information/tours so far because I hate talking on the phone, so when there's an online option I take it. I haven't heard anything back yet, so if I still haven't by the end of the week I'll probably break down and call places.

@bettyvonsomethingstein I just submitted my request for a pump through Aeroflow today for this exact reason. Everything healthcare-related is so up in the air right now. I have no idea if my insurance will allow me to get one this early, but I figured I might as well try now.

bettyvonsomethingstein

@stlbuckeye132, FWIW, I have BCBS and they don't care when you order it, but you can only get one a year. They cover the bags as well!

garnetmama

@stlbuckeye132 you also may want to ask if there's a web cam in the room you can access, or even if they have security cameras in the rooms just in case of incidences. I am not sure how common the security camera is but my son's school has a secure web cam with an app I can access throughout the day! I love being able to peek in on him. Also, my son's school has a secure app where they post pictures, send messages, and give updates throughout the day. I am not sure if this is available in your area but it was a huge selling point at my son's school!

Another thing you may want to know about is if they offer a Parents Night Out. Obviously what's most important is finding a place your child will be safe and nurtured during the day, but having a safe and friendly environment for your child to go while you get a relaxing adult dinner alone with your spouse is a nice perk too!

kalawa

Those are all great questions for the day care. I just left work as a support worker in a day care and those were questions we got asked on every tour. Also, make sure you ask about certain policies pertaining to sleep and ratios. Infants in Ontario are supposed to be checked on every 15minutes. Recording room temp, and other important info. Also, ask if they work at reduced ratios during nap time. Some day cares do not. Meaning we had to have the same number of educators in the room whether the children were all asleep or not. It was frustrating when you had to pee, but it really shows in quality of care.

nyokabi_

Hi guys, been having nosebleeds and headaches on two or three days of the week. I am 17wks this week and I just wanted to find out whether it's normal or what I should do. 

SoFlaMommie1128

@nyokabi_ I'd definitely call the doctor for this. Headaches on their own tend to be pretty common in pregnancy, but I haven't heard of nosebleeds often. 

becausescience

@nyokabi_ At this point in pregnancy your body's blood volume is way up, so it is possible that could be causing both. But definitely call your doctor. 

stlbuckeye132

@nyokabi_ I've been getting nosebleeds somewhat regularly too (also 17 weeks). In one of the books I have it says they're fairly common in pregnancy and not cause for alarm. Here's what I found with a quick google:
Pregnancy can make the blood vessels in your nose expand, and your increased blood supply puts more pressure on those delicate vessels, causing them to rupture more easily. That's why nosebleeds are common during pregnancy – 20 percent of pregnant women have them, compared with 6 percent of nonpregnant women.

Definitely call your doctor if you're concerned though!

SoFlaMommie1128

Anyone have any experience with BV and taking Flagyl during pregnancy? Seeing my dr this afternoon, but nervous to take anything...

mintea

@nyokabi_ headaches and nosebleeds are both super common around now but if I had both I'd worry about blood pressure - so yes, would call dr.

Question for all: Are you wearing obvious maternity clothes now? It's my first day wearing anything rouched at work and I'm wearing a sweater on top because I feel like maybe it's premature?

muggle621

@mintea I have been rocking obvious maternity clothes since 13-14 week! I'm not sure why you think it would be premature, you are pregnant after all and if you need maternity clothes then rock them! I'm more worried about being comfortable!! 

ashleyf911

@mintea I'm almost 20 weeks and have been in maternity clothes since 12 or 13 weeks lol. They're so much more comfortable! Plus I feel like they're more flattering - I actually look pregnant whereas in regular clothes it looks like I'm just getting chubbier. 

chasingroygbiv

@SoFlaMommie1128 Just went through this. Google scared me.. a lot. So maybe avoid Google and make the decision with your doctor. Basically there are cons to both the prescription AND letting BV go. My bout of BV already seemed to be causing problems, so after hanging onto the script for a few days I finally filled it and took it. Had I not had any symptoms from the BV I may have avoided the medication, but that wasn’t the case. I still worry that I shouldn’t have taken it, but.. 

chasingroygbiv

@SoFlaMommie1128 also, swallow those bad boys fast if you do take it and don’t take it with anything carbonated. So nasty!