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Houston Babies
almostjones
member
New mom-to-be questions
almostjones
member
Oh wise ones, :-)
1. DH and I decided not to take a childbirth prep class because we have heard from two couples that it was a waste of time & the hospital staff where we are delivering walks the mom through everything really well. It was $90 we chose to put toward other things, which sounded fine at the time but now I'm nervous. If you didn't take a childbirth prep class, do you wish you had? Any other insight on this topic?
2. What supplies/items will I need for me after DD is born? I've heard I'll need super maxi pads, nipple cream, and bra pads, but what else?
3. Any post baby weight loss/cellulite reduction success stories out there? I haven't gained a lot, but where I've gained I've gotten cellulite and general mushy grossness. I'm trying not to freak out about it, but I'm nervous about balancing being a mom, wife, working, taking care of the house, and taking care of me...
I think that's it for now. Just some things that are giving me a little anxiety right now.
This discussion has been closed.
Re: New mom-to-be questions
1. We were debating doing it and my doctor said the same thing. My doctor recommended the infant care class at my 34 week appointment and we were planning to take that and maybe the breastfeeding class. Baby came at 35 weeks so we never took anything. My L&D nurse was amazing and I don't regret not taking the class. My labor was really fast though, so I dunno what I might have learned that would have gotten me through a longer labor/delivery process. Someone else might chime in there.
2. I'd add Tanks tops -- Nursing tanks are good but sometimes I preferred regular shelf bra spaghetti strap tanks (cheaper and can use after you stop nursing). I love my sleep bra (https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3012815). Next time, I'll be sure to have tanks and these bras in my hospital bag. Once I got a couple of those sleep bras, I never wore my nursing tanks... I'd spend much of my days at home in the sleep bra and a tank top.
1. We didn't take it and were just fine. My L&D was super easy and F came really quickly. I do not wish we had taken the class.
2. Colace, take the giant cup that the hospital gives you and keep it with you when you nurse to keep yourself super hydrated, sleeping nursing bra (soft and cotton), peri bottle (hospital should send you home with one)
3. I lost all my babyweight within weeks, I attribute it to BFing because when I stopped BFing when F was one year old, I put on weight (which I am STILL working on getting off). We did a whole lot of walking those first few months, which really helped. Just keep as active as you are comfortable with.
So Tasty, So Yummy
1. I didn't take a birthing class b/c I figured I was going to have drugs, so it didn't matter. If were going to do drug-less, then I would have probably wanted it.
We did take a "Baby and Me" class from the Women's hospital. It was pretty cheesy, but we got to watch part of Happiest Baby on the Block, and that was very valuable (so you could just go out an buy that DVD from BRU). It was a good brush up on "baby" stuff - but neither DH nor I had really been around babies in a long time, so I was glad to do it.
2. All of the above and get some hemoroid (sp?) cream, as well. They usually send you home with something, but just in case. Also - I wish I had already got a pump b/c there was some drama on engorgement/latching issues that I think I could have avoided if I already had a pump to pump down my engorgement. I ended up being ok with a nipple shield - but I think I thought of it too late.
3. I wouldn't worry about the weight - 90% of mine fell off in the first few weeks (again, prob. attributable to BF). The last 5% fell off when I went back to work at 12 weeks - I think it was just me getting moving to restart my metabolism. I wouldn't worry about the weight stuff until maybe 6 months out - if you still aren't where you want to be.
2. Tucks pads, Colace, nursing tanks, Loose comfy pants. Make sure you take home the mesh panties, pads, ice packs, the water squirt bottle, and the solacaine spray from the hospital.
3. Not really. I was trying to figure that all out still when I got pregnant with #2.
BFP with no treatment!
You could also try to ask the LC to bring you one in the hospital and then you can rent that first month to make sure everything is going okay before you spend the money.
1 - We took a combined class (Lamaze, BFing, and Infant Care) - the lamaze part was useless but the bfing and infant care were okay. More than anything it was time for DH and I to focus on the baby. I think it was much more informative for DH than me b/c I spent my days on The Bump learning all about what to expect. I was planning on an epi, but wasn't able to get it until I was 9cms. All of the breathing techniques were crap, I was too busy screaming for my epi! The nurses (there were like 4 of them in the room watching) really helped me a lot. I had no intention of going that long w/o the epi, but they couldn't push the IV fluids fast enough. They got me through it!
2- Tucks pads, colace, Dermoplast, pads - I liked Stayfree ultrathin overnights w/ wings, and tank tops. I went and bought several from Old Navy after we got home. I hated the nursing tank I bought from Target.
3 - i'm no help here. I still have 19lbs to lose...ugh! I'm sick of being fat!
1. We took a one day class and thought it was pretty useless. I was induced and had a pretty quick delivery.
2. Dermoplast was my friend! Also, I liked the Stayfree Ultra think maxis with wings. Some of the other overnight ones were too think. I lived in a nursing tank, t-shirt, and yoga pants for the first month. I was so happy when I finally put on a real bra.
3. I only gained 30 pounds during my pregnancy and I lost 20 lbs within a few weeks. Sadly, I still have 7 pounds to get to my pre-pregnancy weight and I know for a fact that this weight was not from the baby. It is weight I have put on since the baby. We have had such a hard time adjusting, especially with all of the reflux and sleep issues, that we grab whatever is easy. That means a lot of junk food. That is where the weight came from. If I had had easy, healthy meals I would have probably been thinner now than my prepregnancy weight. Now I just have to get to the point where I can diet and exercise. It is going to be hard, but I did it to myself.
Dx: PCOS and short luteal phase
18 cycles (3 with our RE) - Metformin + Clomid + HCG booster did the trick!
BFP #1 6/22/09 EDD: 3/2/10 DS born: 3/8/10
TTC #2 since Dec 2011
BFP #2 7/8/12 EDD: 3/18/12 M/C @ 9w1d: 8/16/12
1. We didn't take any classes and I do not feel like we missed out on anything by not taking one.
2. can't think of anything else to add
3. Hopefully weight will fall off of you but I did BF for 11 months and I do not feel like this made my weight magically disappear. I gained about 30lbs while pregnant. I would say probably around 9 months PP I was finally back to my pre preg weight. Your body will be forever changed by having a baby but I think mine is pretty close to what it used to be. While on maternity leave I took a lot of walks with the baby and once back at work I started going to the gym during lunch time.
1. We took one and the only things I truly felt were helpful were some breathing tips (I didn't get an epi until I was 8 cm because Aiden came on a Sunday morning and the one and only anesthesiologist was stuck in surgery) and a tour of the L&D area and PP floor, which you can usually do separately. Our L&D nurse was amazing and I think she could have helped with the breathing otherwise. I thought the baby care class was good, though, and breastfeeding was helpful (although I wish I had taken one with my now LC instead but I didn't connect with her until after Aiden was born)
2. Ditto everything that was mentioned above (especially taking all of the things they have for you at the hospital- cup, peri bottle, tucks, hemm. cream, numbing spray, etc...)
3. I am super jealous of everyone who said that they have lost most or all of their weight. I still have 18 pregnancy lbs and 8 pre-baby lbs to go. I eat pretty well and have been back running quite a bit (even did a marathon at 5 months PP). Some people just hang onto it when the BF and I am one of them. I hope you're not in my boat but if you are don't be discouraged and know you are not alone
1) we did the childbirth class and I feel we wasted $80. Mostly because I ended up with a c/s, but also because they didn't really teach me anything. I mean...the baby is coming out. Doesn't really matter if you are educated or not. :-)
2) My pointers are that you should buy big undies in the biggest size out there. Because of the c/s I retained a TON of fluid and had to send DH to the store the day we came home to get bigger undies. Someone brought us a snack basket and that was nice to have, so I suggest packing snacks - we didn't use them until after the birth. I took PJ pants, nursing tanks, my own bathroom things, my flatiron (yes I used it - it made me feel like a human!), a bathrobe and socks. Make sure your DH packs something warm to sleep in. I would crank the a/c at night and he would freeze.
3) drink a lot of water and pack your patience.
1.) We took the childbirth class at Woman's and it was okay...I enjoyed the hospital tour more than the class itself. I wish we would've taken the breastfeeding class.
2.) To echo a lot of what has already been said -- Lanolin cream, lots of heavy duty pads, Colace, hemorrhoid cream or pads, nursing tanks, breast pump, Dermoplast! That stuff was a lifesaver. You might also want to try a sitz bath. Tell your hubs to be prepared to make some quick Target or Babies R Us runs after you get home!
3.) I only gained about 25 pounds with #1 and lost all of it within a few months. With #2, I seem to be gaining more quickly and I'm noticing icky cellulite on my thighs, so I'm looking for some cellulite-reduction stories, too.
Thanks so much to everyone who has responded. I really appreciate it and y'all have given me a lot to think about (in a good way!).
Kreeper, I plan to bring and use my flat iron too. Probably won't bother with makeup, but I will feel better about myself if I have clean done-ish hair for sure.