@pangolindrome I loved the old navy maternity ones for working out last pregnancy! I taught fitness classes in them 3 days/week so they got a ton of wear. I ended up throwing them out after because they had some holes in them, but I literally wore them SO much, so I was okay with it.
@lucyg00cy I have gotten the tdap with both pregnancies, and will do with this one as well. So that's 3 times in 6 years. My husband got his I think for both pregnancies as well.
@lucyg00cy@mamamoomoo12@ciscothedog2018 One day, when our financial situation is very different, I might go for Lululemon, but I am also very clumsy AND will end up doing yard work in whatever leggings I wear (because I have not an ounce of sense in my brain about clothes), so I may never be comfortable with the price point, LOL!
@trapperkeeper87 My SIL said that Old Navy has loads of great maternity clothing, and that deal!!! Wow! I'm sad it's not in store so I can't just try them on... but I just ordered two leggings, a pair of bike shorts, a pair of sleep leggings, and a graphic "Mama" tee for $56. Between the sales and the extra 30% off, I almost feel like I robbed them @lalarose22 I keep hearing good things about Old Navy. Now I'm really excited for my order to come in!
@jhysmath that’s good to know, I’m going to ask about scheduling those for us at the next appointment
@pangolindrome totally understandable. I’m lucky since I’m a yoga instructor on the side I get a major discount at lululemon which makes most of my purchases less expensive than other brands
gap has some good leggings too I just can’t figure out their sizing, some run really large
@pangolindrome Most of the maternity pants that I have purchased so far are super weird fitting and uncomfortable. The only super comfy pants that I have bought are from Adidas. They provide really good support for my belly and fit perfectly. I bought the size that I was pre-pregnancy.
@puppiesandbabies I find this is a weird stage for maternity pants/jeans. For me, my bump isn’t super big yet it’s too big for my regular jeans and too small to properly hold up maternity pants. With my first baby the maternity bottoms were a lot more comfortable and secure once I got a bigger bump.
@neebabymomma good to know! I couldn’t get any work pants even over my thighs yesterday so I pulled out a maternity pair. I spent all day hiking them back up - drove me crazy. I guess I’ll sick to dresses and maxi skirts until the bump is a little bigger.
@newbabymama27 I agree with @laj0217 , thanks for sharing your experience. I felt like I wasted so much money and products because they made me feel icky and I don't want to wear them. This feeling of having nothing that fits is deflating - it also takes FOREVER to get ready in the morning. I'm looking forward to a better fit with a bigger bump!
@newbabymama27 I'm having the same issue! I had to give up on my usual jeans a few days ago, but maternity pants don't fit quite right yet. For now I'm living in yoga pants, but I'm eagerly awaiting the moment where I can switch to maternity jeans. I have a few pairs that I'm working to hem, for the moment when the bump is big enough to keep them from falling down as I walk. :P
First time mom-to-be, due 9/25/22
Some complicated chromosomal stuff going on - our fingers are crossed, but this may not go according to plan!
For those that are in-between, H&M has some pants that have a short belly panel. They were great for a while but I've now outgrown them. The belly panel only comes to my belly button.
My Levis belly panel jeans are amazing. I had to give up on regular pants because I was peeing every half hour due to the pressure. I’m an FTM and 19+4 and barely showing, so I’m definitely not big enough for full belly panel jeans.
One word of caution is that first they sent me a small by mistake, and the quality vas very different (worse) than the medium I have been wearing. So if you get a “dud pair,” then ask for a replacement.
My daughter works at Lululemon and she said they get lots of pregnant women buying the leggings. They stretch to accommodate the belly well and retain their original shape for wear postpartum. There's also a huge market for used Lululemon if you want to buy something secondhand. Lululemon backs their stuff and will exchange items without a receipt for wearing, pilling, tears etc. I think it just has to be recent styles so within the last 5 years.
Should I keep or discard my old bra a.k.a. how much should I expect my boobs to shrink after breastfeeding?
I was a B and my old bra is a large B, I grew into and out of it as of pregnancy and now I’m… idk, mid-range C. It was comfy and I felt good in it, but I know there’s no sense keeping something I’ll never fit into again.
@pangolindrome I use sports bra type bras for the most part now. I used them pre pregnancy and they fit all throughout my last pregnancy. Any of my regular bras didn't fit after my last pregnancy as I grew around the middle. Boobs when back to the same-ish size only with some added sag🤪
@pangolindrome I would keep it for now and try it on later once you’re done breastfeeding. I went back to my B cup but went up a size in the band (was 32, now a tight 34) because my rib cage expanded (?). Some people go back to same size, just more saggy. So if you like your pre-pregnancy bra, might as well keep it and try it out later.
@pangolindrome I can still fit mine. I kept most of them, but I don't wear them. Underwire and I don't get along anymore. I've been wearing nursing bras for the last 4 years.
@chelsraec Ice cold water, sugary drinks or desserts... A good night's sleep 😂
The room we're turning in to a nursery is pretty small. There isn't a closet in the room, so the previous owners put an Ikea Pax wardrobe. With the wardrobe, only two of the three will fit: crib, dresser/change table, or rocker/glider. How do I decide? I feel like all 3 are pretty important, but looking for guidance as a FTM!
@babez_mom Can you look at a crib/changing table combo? The dresser may be less important with the wardrobe in there.
Current pregnancy - First BFP on 1/4/22. Due date 9/13/22.
Four prior losses, no living children - 1 first trimester miscarriage, 1 blighted ovum, 1 chemical, and one extreme premature live birth daughter who died at 15 days old.
@babez_mom I would prioritize the crib and glider. A diaper can be changed anywhere and you can use the wardrobe for clothes and supplies. I know several people who actually prefer changing diapers on a pad on the floor because they feel it's less likely for falls.
@pangolindrome keep the bras, especially if they are nice. You might go down after breastfeeding. I went down quite a bit. I’m in the camp of keep it all and then figure it out a year or two after. Hard to know what postpartum body will do, but bras ain’t cheap’
@chelsraec That’s true. My dilemma is always that we are greatly limited on space, but at least the sports bras are really nice. The bra makes me feel good but was cheap from Amazon… but doesn’t take up much space.
I am so thankful y’all are helping me remember that there will be more changes post-partum which I need to remember!
@babez_mom our nursery is itty bitty the ceiling is slanted on both sides so our options are limited. I only have room for a crib and a dresser/changing table. I am planning on setting up a pumping and nursing station in the living room with the glider as it is just outside babys room
The ones for my date range are already filling up so I am scrambling, wondering if I even need them or not.
On one hand, I wouldn’t write an exam or run a marathon without preparing first so it seems like I should go!! But on the other hand, women have been giving birth for thousands of years without a $150-$400 class… AND I’m a pretty well-educated human who can sort through online resources and books myself.
Wondering if it’s worth the money to have this expert advice/hands on experience?
@melyrae I personally loved our childbirth class. We got a tour of the hospital and we learned a lot about birthing positions and resources they have (like a squat bar, mirror, different types of birthing balls, etc.) and even got to practice breathing and relaxation positions. My husband was also shown massage techniques to help me relax, and I loved the roller ball massage things so much we had to buy a set of our own for home.
It may have not been for everyone, but having it condensed and in-person really helped me to feel better and more prepared. I'm someone who absolutely loves to research and read up on everything, and I would still recommend that in a heartbeat. For what it's worth, you can usually take the class at any hospital, you just won't have the exact info for your particular hospital.
@melyrae I didn’t do anything but hospital tour. Felt like birth was something that would be pretty instinctual. I got anxiety from thinking about doing extra work like a birth class. My birthing experience was fine. I wish I had read up more about breastfeeding though. I didn’t and it was challenging at first. Maybe it could have helped me get the knack of it sooner and not have the lactation people up in my business.
@melyrae I read a lot and bought the birth hour "know your options" childbirth class. I knew the info but didn't practice any of it. As soon as I was in active labor, I was incapable of thinking and could only do what people told me to do. I wish I had practiced the breathing techniques and positions so I knew that I had the stamina and maybe they would have felt more natural. One position that can be helpful is squats so I've begun practicing squats and holding them. I remember squating during contractions last time and it helped but I'd get so so tired. Another reason I'd recommend a birthing class is so you can know what things are and what the nurse/midwife is talking about and any risks that could be associated with certain procedures. Which I guess you could research as well. I liked that I didn't have to go searching for info as I had no idea what specifics to search for.
@melyrae I didn’t even consider a class. I read lots of books and watched a bunch of birth videos on YouTube. I think that prepared me well for [an uncomplicated] birth.
My birth class was a waste of time. I ended up getting a c section bc she was breeched and so all it did was terrify me for giving birth when I went, then I didn't even need to use any of the information.
I signed up for the one at the hospital I’ll deliver at, as well as the breastfeeding class. However, it was only $70/couple. It’s a day and a half and includes a hospital tour, breathing techniques, what to expect during labor/c-section, and I think infant CPR/choking. The breastfeeding class was $40/couple, but I don’t think my husband plans to attend that one. It’s 2 hours if I’m remembering correctly. I’m looking forward to that one, as I can’t seem to finish the book I bought.
@laj0217 Try to get your husband to go to the breastfeeding class with you. Having him in the know with how he can help you as well as being an extra set of ears for remembering things they tell you is invaluable.
@melyrae we went to our hospital one for my first because I wanted my husband to be able to learn it. He learned a lot and asked lots of questions. He was very engaged and I was happy to see that. Questions as simple as "does his the cord get cut decide if my kid is going to have an innie or outie" were questions he had. He didn't know much about birth and I was glad he could ask those questions without me mocking him.
Our classes were free through our hospital, but I would pay for one just to get my husband educated.
@trapperkeeper87 it isn’t a lack of desire on his part! We have a crappy parenting plan with a right of refusal and he’d lose his visitation if we get a babysitter. Unfortunately, the only time the class is offered is when he has visitation 🙄. We actually had to switch weekends to make the birthing class work out (his coparent doesn’t know why or it would have been a hard no, thinks we’re doing her a solid for her vacation plans - whatever works I guess?).
Re: The Great Big Queston Thread!
I looove the crossover panel active maternity leggings by Isabel Maternity at Target. I bought a second pair for this pregnancy and wear them whenever I'm out and about. You could definitely wear these to work. Here's the link: Crossover Panel Active Maternity Leggings - Isabel Maternity By Ingrid & Isabel™ Gray S : Target
@trapperkeeper87 My SIL said that Old Navy has loads of great maternity clothing, and that deal!!! Wow! I'm sad it's not in store so I can't just try them on... but I just ordered two leggings, a pair of bike shorts, a pair of sleep leggings, and a graphic "Mama" tee for $56. Between the sales and the extra 30% off, I almost feel like I robbed them
@lalarose22 I keep hearing good things about Old Navy. Now I'm really excited for my order to come in!
@pangolindrome totally understandable. I’m lucky since I’m a yoga instructor on the side I get a major discount at lululemon which makes most of my purchases less expensive than other brands
gap has some good leggings too I just can’t figure out their sizing, some run really large
Some complicated chromosomal stuff going on - our fingers are crossed, but this may not go according to plan!
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07JXNXL8P
There's also a huge market for used Lululemon if you want to buy something secondhand. Lululemon backs their stuff and will exchange items without a receipt for wearing, pilling, tears etc. I think it just has to be recent styles so within the last 5 years.
I was a B and my old bra is a large B, I grew into and out of it as of pregnancy and now I’m… idk, mid-range C. It was comfy and I felt good in it, but I know there’s no sense keeping something I’ll never fit into again.
@chelsraec Ice cold water, sugary drinks or desserts... A good night's sleep 😂
Thank you for the feedback! I will keep a hold of it and the sports bras that don't currently fit!
First BFP on 1/4/22. Due date 9/13/22.
I am so thankful y’all are helping me remember that there will be more changes post-partum which I need to remember!
It may have not been for everyone, but having it condensed and in-person really helped me to feel better and more prepared. I'm someone who absolutely loves to research and read up on everything, and I would still recommend that in a heartbeat. For what it's worth, you can usually take the class at any hospital, you just won't have the exact info for your particular hospital.
Our classes were free through our hospital, but I would pay for one just to get my husband educated.