Roll call/Reintro

DDRRT1982

This is a place to reintroduce or introduce yourself to the March board. 

DDRRT1982

Hi!  I am 35 year old  mother of five.  My kids are 15, 4, 3, 1, and almost six weeks.  Samantha, the baby, was born Feb 27.  In pregnancy I am high risk due to IC.  My oldest was born at 25 weeks.  I have had a cerclage with my last four that was successful.  I haven't decided if I will have any more babies.  My body is tired and with so many littles it's been harder this time around.  Sam is such a good baby, so it's not her.  Just the workload and splitting attention is hard.  I am also a Respiratory Therapist.  I work weekends, but am considered full time.  I return to work next weekend.  I am usually a very active parent. I workout for stress relief and enjoy running and yoga.  I hope to start running again. Next week after being cleared by my OB.  Anyways, that's a little about me.  Welcome and hello.

megpeg

I am a 35 year old mom of 3- a 9yr old boy, 4 year old girl, and 4 week old boy. Declan was born 3/9 - vaginally with meds- 8lbs 10oz and 20 inches long right on his due date. 
 I was high risk because of GD that was diagnosed early with all my pregnancies at 12, 8, and 7 weeks respectively. 
  Declan is the easiest baby I have had and I would like to have one more but DH isn’t sure we need another.
 I stopped working last July so that the kids can be involved in sports and other activities. DH is a chiropractor and works a lot of hours so I am a very involved parent.
  

StephBrim24

Hey everyone! I’m 33 and mom to 3 — 6 year old DD, 4 year old DS and we just turned from team green to team pink with the birth of Cora yesterday at 8 days overdue. I successfully had her with no meds, which I did with DS, and am soooo glad I made it even though it’s crazy hard. I’ve been a SAHM since DS was born; I used to be a middle and high school English teacher. Welcome April moms!

shoretobe

Hi all. I’m 34 and a FTM to Maeve who was born on 3/27 via c-section after I developed a fever during labor. I work one full time and two part time jobs for local government, but am trying to figure out how to leave one of the part time jobs. Maeve has been an easy baby, for which I’m so grateful as I adjust to being a mom.  MH and family have also been amazing as I recover from the CS (I’m not a good patient). 
Thank you all for sharing your stories - it’s been so helpful. 

maelily15

Hello everyone! I’m 28 and a STM- my first DD (Lily) just turned 3 last week and DD2 (Luna) was born 3/21 at 39 weeks 4 days via CS due to turning breech last minute. I was also a high risk mother due to having had pree with DD1. I work for my local Department of Social Services (not in any of the children’s departments though) and anticipate returning to work between 7-8 weeks postpartum when the doctor releases me. I also have a second weekend job working the local movie theatre (mostly just for fun- I’m a big movie buff) but I’m unsure whether I’ll be returning to that job since I’ll be much busier with 2 littles now. 
DH and I decided before TTC that this baby would be our last and they performed the TL during the CS. It was the right decision for our family I feel. Welcome to all the new members and congratulations everyone on your little ones! 

satafer

Hi everyone!
I'm 32 and about to be a FTM. I'm currently 12 days overdue, will be induced at 42 weeks if she hasn't shown herself before then. 
I work as a high school biology and science teacher. Although right now of course I'm on leave, getting to enjoy the first proper days of spring this weekend. 
Whilst still working, my pelvis was killing me, but since my leave started and I've been able to get more rest when needed, things have actually been going more or less ok. So although I really want to meet my daughter, the need is not too physical, both she and I are still doing quite well.
Everyone already enjoying their little bundles of joy, congratulations! I believe I saw one (future) mom still waiting, good luck to you!

satafer

Hi everyone!
I'm 32 and about to be a FTM. I'm currently 12 days overdue, will be induced at 42 weeks if she hasn't shown herself before then. 
I work as a high school biology and science teacher. Although right now of course I'm on leave, getting to enjoy the first proper days of spring this weekend. 
Whilst still working, my pelvis was killing me, but since my leave started and I've been able to get more rest when needed, things have actually been going more or less ok. So although I really want to meet my daughter, the need is not too physical, both she and I are still doing quite well.
Everyone already enjoying their little bundles of joy, congratulations! I believe I saw one (future) mom still waiting, good luck to you!

ashleyf911

Hi friends! I'm Ashley. I'm 30 and a mom to two - my son Lincoln will be 3 in June and Eloise (Ellie) is 6 weeks old, born Feb 21 via repeat csection. My water broke a week before my scheduled cs so this one was technically an emergency cs.  I've been married for 6 years but together with DH since I was 14.    I'm struggling a bit with PPD and was put on zoloft for it, in case anyone else out there is also dealing with it.  As for work, I am a full time 911 (police/fire/medical) dispatcher and plan on going back in 6 weeks. 
.

fatstagnation

Hello all! I'm 41 and a FTM to Vincenza, who was born two days before her due date by CS because she was stubbornly breach. She's an easy baby overall, except nursing isn't going so well. She's a biter! 
I work from home as a writer and free-lance editor, which means I don't get paid for maternity leave, but I'm taking 6-8 weeks anyway. I'm privileged to have a supportive family who are helping us transition into parenthood.
Edit: I'm also the "manager" of the pospartum MyFitnessPal group. DM me if you would like to join!

nancysimp

Hello supportive friends,
I'm a 38 yr old FTM. I delivered Massimo on March 8 the day after my due date. He is honestly a gift and could not have come at a better time. I'm getting used to this change from career to taking care of my little babe and totaly loving it. I might become a stay at home mom for the next 2-3 yrs....still contemplating. We plan to try for baby#2 in a year. 

mmom3

Hello!  I’m a 34 year old TTM to a DD (7 years old), a DS (3 years old), and my son Charlie 5 weeks.  He was born 3/1 via c-section.  My prior deliveries were vaginal but this guy’s head could not clear my cervix.  I was a special education teacher who’s now a SAHM.   My husband works very long hours 80-90 a week typically so I’m on my own M-F with the kids, so we decided it was best that I’m at home.  Charlie is a pretty good baby but we’ve currently dealing with what’s currently called breast milk jaundice.  He’s gaining weight well, but hasn’t been able to clear the jaundice despite adding some rounds formula in.  We were certain we were done after Charlie, but I couldn’t pull the trigger with a TL we said we’d get if I had a c-section (he was expected to be a large baby and I was induced at 39w2d to try be able to deliver vaginally.).  So we will see in the future if our family will grow again.  Glad to see some new mamas and stay in touch with my March mamas! 
 

knutty3

Hi! I'm a 36 year old FTM who delivered two identical twin boys on 2/27 via emergency c section due to concerns with Andrew no longer being supported in the womb by exhibiting stress symptoms.  Matthew and Andrew spent about a month in NICU.  Matthew is home on caffeine to deal with apnea (and is on a home monitor) and Andrew was admitted to Pediatric ICU on Saturday to deal with a possible baterial meningitis (waiting for cultures).  It's been a rough journey but enjoyed this active March group when we thought we'd deliver in March (April 12th due date) at 36 weeks and instead delivered at 33w5d.  I'm an in house business attorney by trade, but loving being a mom.  I don't want to go back to work in 6 weeks!  Thanks for letting me join you ladies!

slr1229

I’m 30 and have a daughter who will turn 3 in June and had our second daughter March 6, both were surprise gender babies!  DD1 is still going to daycare to continue her routine and is playing big sister like a champ- she loves the baby and wants to help and is enjoying the attention when people come visit- they play with her too.  We always wanted 3 kids (I have 4 siblings) but I honestly do not want 3 girls so we will have to see.  I work at a corporate office in retail and plan on returning to work, but, retail sucks so bad right now so not sure how long I’ll last.  We have the means for me to stay at home, but I also don’t think I could do it.

BrittnieMariee

Hello, ladies! I’m Brittnie, 26 years old, and a STM. I’m a SAHM to my 2.5 yo DS, Nicholas, and 8 week old DD, Emma. My due date was 3/1 but I knew I’d have a Feb baby because I had GD again. Luckily I had it under control (with the help of meds) so Emma was 6 lbs 13 oz when she was born via RCS. I attempted a VBAC but after 28 hours of labor we discovered she had her hand above her head and she wouldn’t move it. My first CS was pretty traumatizing so this birth was healing for me and my husband.

paigew123

Hi. I’m 25 and a mom to 2 boys. My first is 2.5 and baby will be 3 weeks old this week. Time flies! Baby was born on 3/21 2 days past my due date via induction due to meconium in my water (dr saw it on the sonogram) 
i work full time for a publishing company and plan on going back at 6 weeks. My husband would love for me to cut back, but I can’t see myself being a sahm right now...
looking forward to getting to know the April moms! 

katester91

Hello everyone! My name is Katie. Im a 27 year old STM. I have a son Collin who will be 3 in May and just had our daughter Harper March 6th. Her due date was March 9th. Our plan was to have her in the hospital and I ended up having her in the back of an ambulance. Not how we planned things but everyone is happy and healthy. Currently I’m breastfeeding but I also have to supplement with formula. I started supplementing at 1 week per the pediatrician and lactation consultant and haven’t been able to ween her from the formula. Currently she is taking about 7-10oz of formula each day. We aren’t planning on having anymore children. I’m taking 12 weeks off from work and go back the end of May. Excited to get to know everyone!

senora76

Hello mamas- I’m Jennifer, 41 year old mother of 4: Zane is a freshman in highschool, Vance is almost 12, our son Mars was 3 1/2 mos old when he passed away last year, and Nova is 3 1/2 weeks old. Mars was my post divorce spanish love child that completely changed our entire world.  Ended up marrying my secret Spanish lover who has ended up being the love of my life, and an amazing stepfather to my older sons.  Mars left us suddenly and unexpectedly- he took a nap at daycare and never woke up... we are still grieving together heavily everyday, but have this new joy in our daughter Nova, we know her big brother Mars would want us to celebrate.  We are the “luckiest, unlucky” people to have this healthy baby daughter in our arms...our arms were so empty... None of us want to put her down!!!  My teenager and tween included!!! Crazy as it seems, we hope to have another baby right away if its even possible at my age exclusively breastfeeding... only time will tell.   I am not strong enough yet to handle facebook, so this is my only online community of moms, so I really cherish this space

looeeze

Hi everyone. I'm currently three days overdue with my first. I work full time but have been able to work from home the last week. Very happy that March and April are merging! Thanks to you all for sharing your experiences, lurking has been invaluable to me and I look forward to getting this baby out of me so I'm better able to contribute!

DDRRT1982

@knuttyplus2 I really hope Andrew is doing better.  Keep us updated.  That's so scary.  

senora76

@knuttyplus2 I hope youe baby heals and gets stronger by the minute.  when my 2nd son was in the NICU I was offered a social worker (which I didnt use at the time) Now I AM using a social worker provided to me this time around because having lost my last child at daycare 2 weeks after returning to work, I do NOT have the mental capacity to handle returning to work in 2 weeks, let alone until my baby is older than my son was when we lost him.  Sorry- dont wanna make this about me- I strongly suggest working with a social worker to extend your leave- they can help you extend state benefits or internal employer benefits- for me I am taking short term disability... last thing you need is to deal with work!!!

ashtuesday

Hi all - I'm Ashley, 29 and a FTM to Nora, who was unexpectedly born a month early on February 7.  I'm an English teacher who took 12 weeks of leave - I go back May 1, and then my husband's at the helm until summer break rolls around!  We hope to have a big family and plan to start trying again around Nora's first birthday.

vflux33

@knuttyplus2 I hope you get some good news soon about your son. 

@senora76 Wow you have been through so much. Also I didn't know social workers did that--that's really interesting. 

Hi (again)! I’m 34, and I’m a FTM to fraternal twin boys conceived by IUI (PCOS) and born 2/22 by unplanned c section due to a bunch of pregnancy and birth complications, which was all very scary but luckily only resulted in brief stay(s) in the NICU and no long term issues that we’re aware of. I’m not in love with my career path ATM so I’m taking a few years to do the SAHM thing and reevaluating all that a bit later. MH and I were “college sweethearts” (if anyone even still says that) and have been together 15 years as of last month. 

knutty3

Thanks everyone!  Antibiotics and caffeine (yes, weird, I know...I now have 2 Starbucks addicts...to stop the apnea from occurring (which is when they stop breathing)) are helping Andrew and perked him up quite a bit.  Still don't know quite what is/was wrong as the cultures are coming back negative so far.  We are testing my breast milk and also ram some basic labs on Matthew to make sure everyone is ok.  Sigh, just want everyone home and healthy.

knutty3

Thanks for the social worker advice...I live in Alaska, so I think my options are limited here, but worth looking into. I don't have FMLA either as I started work in January, but my employer had a generous paternal/maternal leave with no minimum employment time and our health insurance (which I can't even fathom what these hospital bills will be) is very much needed.  I think we will try to bring in help or Dad, who works from home, may become a stay at home dad.  

@senora76...I'm so sorry for your loss!  Thank you for sharing your story.

luna8433

Thanks for the invite, I have been lurking since February when April had it's mass exodus to facebook. I am due with my second on Wednesday with no signs of labor. I have a almost 3 year old boy who seems excited about his baby sister until we talk about sharing my lap.

senora76

@knuttyplus2 @vflux33 the social worker isnt working directly with the state on my behalf but she is advising me on my options and connecting me with a psychiatrist within Kaiser (my hmo) to get me a note so I can go on short term disability after my maternity leave is over. An option I didn’t even realize I had. They cant perform miracles but they can lighten your load.

Ugh my right boobie is hella sore Cannot tell if its because Nova slept from 9:50-2:30am or this is the start of something yuck.

LeahS927

Hi everyone! I'm a 28-year-old SAHM. I love baking and sewing, but I swear I'm not quite the '50s housewife I sound like. Our DD will be 2.5 in May, and DS is 5 weeks old tomorrow. DD was conceived via IUI, and DS was conceived during the week I was on an antidepressant (which I was taking for sleep).   I had with PPD after my first, but never really dealt with it (that's another whole story) and ended up with general depression and anxiety. I started taking Zoloft a month before DS was born, but I'm really hoping my hormones even out soon because I'm not doing so great, even with the meds. My mom and my husband are a huge help - my mom has been taking our toddler nearly every weekday morning, and my husband takes care of the kids most of the weekend (other than nursing!) so I can rest. 

I've been participating on these forums more this pregnancy than I did with my first, but I'm still probably mostly a lurker. However, I've found this community to be so supportive, helpful, and encouraging to everyone, and I just wanted to introduce myself and thank you all for being nice, respectful online persons. You make my day better!

Radishes

Hi!  I'm kind of from April... I didn't have too much to contribute about pregnancy, but I can't wait to start talking babies!  I'm due on the 17th.  I have a c-section scheduled for the 16th, but I am really hoping to try for a vbac before then.  As I get closer to my due date, it's looking less and less likely and my super crunchy midwife told me yesterday that she hopes I don't try to deliver vaginally.  She thinks the baby is huge.  Ugh.  But whatever!  I'm mainly hoping for a healthy baby and healthy mamma.  My new little will be joining my almost 2 year old son.  We live in the country and I usually run a small vegetable farm in the summer, but I'm taking a couple of years off because of babies.  Thanks for letting me join in!

mccurleya

Hello! 
My name is also Ashley and I was just a lurker until my little guy came and I started having my own questions! I'm a 23 year old FTM to a sweet boy named Nathaniel or Nate as we are calling him. So thankful for this group 

chasingroygbiv

Hi again!

I’m a Mama to 3 on Earth, 3 in Heaven. Our newbie, 7 weeks old, is our rainbow baby. We also have a 3 and 8 year old. 

DD is such a sweet baby albeit currently questioning some allergy/intolerance to something in my diet. Nights are still definitely rough, but she is so worth it! She is so loved by her entire family.  

I am a SAHM and have been since our second was born. I will probably go back to work once all of my littles are in school for full days, but I likely won’t go into what I went to school for as wasteful as that may seem. If I do, I would like to teach Pre-School/Kindergarten verses Elementary, which would likely lead to more schooling for me. 

I dont know what the future holds family wise. While pregnant I said we were done because of my overwhelming fears and those same fears are likely what will close this chapter for us. If I can overcome them we would love to have one more. 

allen4tl

Hello again,
My name is Teresa, I’m a 32 year old STM. DD will be 2 on 4/20 and my DS is almost 2 weeks old. DS is so far turning out to be as easy of a baby as DD was, and far easier than I could have hoped for. Everyone kept telling us our second would be a terror since our first was easy, I’m glad that (so far) they were wrong. I am a therapist and love my job though it is very stressful. There is an opportunity for me to interview for a supervisor position that I’m hoping to get. It’s not ideal to have to interview while on maternity leave but would be great to go back to a new job!
I am looking forward to contributing more!  

heatherandmatt26

Hi everyone I'm from the feb bmb which has been non existent since everyone moved to fb months before babies came! I was not very active but I will be now that things have finally settled so hopefully I can join in with you ladies? anywho I'm heather I'm 21 I'm a SAHM and a STM  DS1 just turned 3 feb 11th and DS2 was born feb 8th via repeat c-section both my boys were 9lbs11oz at birth DS1 was an unplanned c section due to his size, with DS2 he was a scheduled c section due to size and high bp which rose throughout pregnancy.  we will probably try again for a girl in a couple years but for now we are enjoying our family of four and all the baby snuggles  

DDRRT1982

Welcome!  We have a few very close in age to your DS2.

heatherandmatt26

Thank you! Can't wait to get to know everyone!

heatherandmatt26

@mmom3 DS2 had pretty high bilirubin levels I think it got up to 19 (?) before it finally started going down his Pediatrician said it was breastmilk jaundice too she told me to increase frequency of feeds  and to have him sit in indirect sunlight with just a diaper on and it worked for us! We were able to avoid a hospital stay under the lights! 

mmom3

@heatherandmatt26 - in the hopsital after birth we got up to a 18 and had two rounds of the lights/blanket before we were discharged.  However, since being home he hasn’t been able to clear it.  He’s currently at a 13 despite frequent feeds, waking at night, and even pushing two rounds of formula with one being several days on primarily formula.  Yesterday, we finally got some indirect sunlight by a window as our weather has been so cold and still snowy these past few weeks.  Today is back to all clouds, maybe in a few days the sun will be out again.  Next week he will have another repeat billi to see what’s going on. If we can’t get it to come down then the doctors may begin further testing. 

On a different note, welcome and glad to have you!  

bexster05

Hello everyone! 
I’m Becky- a 32 year old FTM to 4 week old DS Jeffrey. I had a rather traumatic birth experience, I labored for 41 hours which led to an emergency c-section and losing a lot of blood, but it was all worth it when I first saw him. I was a major lurker for most of my pregnancy but now that my LO is here I’m starting to have my own questions and have found this forum every helpful. 

My DH has been able to be home with us for the past 4 weeks but will be going back to work sometime this week. He works for the railroad so his work takes him out of town most of the time and he’s usually gone for a day or two. I work as a Fraud Investigator for a financial firm and will be going back to work in June. 

Right now now we are suggleing with gas pain. About two hours after he eats he screams his head off until he passes some gas. We started gas drops today and hope they help. 

I look forward to getting to know everyone! 

nancysimp

@bexster05 welcome  

re. gas drops, is it over the counter or prescription?

bexster05

@nancysimp the doctor recommended we try over the counter first. My husband picked up Infants’ Mylicon at Target. We’ve given him three doses so far and it seems to be helping. Fingers crossed! 

nancysimp

@bexster05 good luck! Let us know if it works for you. I'm going to mention it to my Dr ...I'm seeing her in the AM. My babe has a ton of gas poor thing.