- Pregnancy
- Baby & Toddler
- Parents
- Getting Pregnant
- Baby Names
- Product Reviews
-
Registry
- Community
-
More
Want a personalized experience?
Download the free app
June 2011 Moms
gymnst1013
member
2nd+ time mamas - help us first-timers out!!
gymnst1013
member
Share your wisdom with us!
What sorts of things do we have to look forward to in pregnancy (don't hold back the nitty gritty details!)? What baby items are absolutely essential? Which ones are overrated? What's the best thing about being a new parent?
Warning
No formatter is installed for the format bbhtml
This discussion has been closed.
Re: 2nd+ time mamas - help us first-timers out!!
you know I came across a blog that has good items to buy too and a good past post on another board. I bookmarked
https://alphamom.com/pregnancy/our-ultimate-baby-registry-checklist/
https://community.thebump.com/cs/ks/forums/thread/43110915.aspx
I mentioned this talked about white noise machine and my boss said "I wouldn't get it..because then what happens when you don't have it and they are used to it" hmmmmm.
BLOG
Wow...there is so much that happens, this is hard...I might have to post a couple times
I would say the BEST thing is when you feel the first kick, at first you think it's gas bubbles or something..but then you finally feel a REAL kick, it's amazing. I also loved my belly-- and I loved how much my hubby loved it too! Now, it's not all wonderful all the time...and you will get exhausted, and want your body back by the end (well, some do) but I am so happy to do it all over again.
The hard parts: shaving (everywhere) when you have a belly, finding good maternity jeans, not being able to eat sushi ( i love it), and the lack of sleep...
I can't think of much more right now..but if I do, I'll add later! Hope this makes sense!
this is a book my SIL swears by as far as what you need and what is a waste of money
[My Decorating Blog]
pacifier's that come with the little pacifier cover up.
pacifier clips that clip to the baby's clothes - helps keep up with the pacifiers.
lots of cloth diapers. babies throw up a lot! everyday, everywhere.
Be prepared for swollen ankles! Stock on shoes that you can just slide into.
I personally think the diaper genie is overated. Some like them, some hate them.
I know it can kick in earlier but I'm so happy the end of this pregnancy will be when the weather is nice - flip flops are so much easier than boots when your feet are swollen!
The white noise thing is no big deal - my DS has slept with one in his room since we bought him home. It was relaxing to him and simulated a heartbeat so it made him feel secure. He sleeps at daycare, my MIL's, my Mom everywhere else without it though with no problem. It's just part of his bedtime routine here and he likes it.
Everything else...the best part for me was just knowing there was a baby in my belly! I LOVED being pregnant - I was lucky and had a very easy pregnancy. I would say the "bad" parts - people that make stupid comments without thinking or think it's ok to rub your belly no matter how well to know that. I promise you, it will happen and you'll get annoyed.
In regards to essential baby stuff...just depends on your LO. For DS, his vibrating bouncy seat was a life saver on many levels. Big fan of the sleep sacks as well and the "My Breast Friend" pillow if you're going to nurse.
this has always been a fear of mine because I have cankles to begin with
. No one believes me because I am pretty small until I show them the proof then they are like "oh yeah"...haha.
I don't think I'd use the diaper Genie.
BLOG
I will give a word of advice about flip flops cuz I learned the hard way last year - I wore them as soon as the weather was nice enough and pretty much throughout the whole summer when I was on maternity leave. I ended up with a stress fracture in my foot because of there not being enough support in my arch, wearing them so frequently, and being pregnant on top of that. Just an FYI! I know it'll be hard to find shoes that fit for some, but DON'T live in the flip flop. I had to wear a stupid special ortho shoe for 4 months to get over the stress fracture and that was a pain in the butt when I was getting up at night to nurse a little one!
I've warned DH that he is going to help me with this one when the time comes. I have have ladies past their due date come in for brazilian waxings. Funny thing is I do them but am too much of a baby to get them..
BLOG
To be honest I loved being pregnant! I really enjoyed it and loved the baby moving. Oh and birth isn't that bad I thought it was the best experience of my life. After I had DS I said I could do this again!
As for baby items.
Get a good stroller if anything I would spend more money on that. Something with strong tires. None of those plastic cheap tires. I thought the whole basinet, play pen, and bulky high chair where a waste of money and space. Unless you travel a lot the play pens are a waste. I wouldn't buy that until you actually need it. A basinet is a waste because they only fit in it for about 3 months. Borrow one if you need it.
Crib, changing table, and dresser is all you need. Oh a rocking chair and a boppy! You will need a bathtub, make sure it grows with baby. Many show that they stretch out or that they come with pieces to acomidate a small babe to toddler...
Good to know! I live in flip flops now, even when it's really cold out. But I can understand having the extra weight could definitely make a difference.
you are my new favorite . Can you post this weekly please. lol
BLOG
Oh yes the swollen feet you will need wide or bigger shoes. Oh the leaky boobs are so fun! You will need pads.
itchy skin, some women get ugly break outs...
You have to concentrate on your breathing and keep yourself calm. Oh and listen to your body. It knows what it's doing!!
Oh and Gymn there isn't a best part about being a parent. All of it is great. From the minute they hand you that baby, you can't help but cry because that baby already loves you and you have been loving it for so long. When they look up at you that's what love at first sight is.
Edit: and it only gets better from there. MS is 10 and he is a mommas boy, I love it when he tells me "you're the best mom". Nothing melts my heart more. He still holds my hand to cross the street and he is taller than I am. He does things to make me happy. When we went to a buffet he came back with a slice of red velvet cake. Just because he knew it's my fav. It's those things that make being a parent so worth it. His colic was horrible, but this makes up for it!
*uncontrollable tears*
OMG! I forgot - Lots of cream for your nipples! Especially if you are breastfeeding. Also, the breast pads. You will leak like crazy, especially at night. I had to keep them in my purse and drawer at work! I produced a lot of milk. If you plan to breast feed, keep a manual breast pump with you at all times. Breast engorgement (sp) is pure hell! So pump as much as possible. Ladies that aren't planning to breast feed, I still reccommend a manual breast pump, to ease the pain of your boobies when they make milk
Also, lots of sport bra's. Try to sleep in them now for breast support.
Gymn you are going to love being a mom and I know you will be great at it!!
Aw, thanks Mari!
Seriously ladies - the tips are great. Keep 'em coming! I am bookmarking this post
Yes, I agree regarding birth. My birthing experience was amazing! I'm not going to lie, it was painful, an unexplainable pain. I had NO PAIN MEDICATION. I almost caved, but my nurse gave me a little pep talk.
As I was going through the labor, I whispered to her.."I can't do this. I think I might need some med's now". She said.." You are almost there and you can do this...just continue being strong and focused so you can meet your goal of having a natural birth".
After her pep talk, I stayed strong and breathed through all the contractions and BAM! Natural birth with no meds! IT was a HUGE accomplishment and I pray I am able to do it again with no meds! If you are a trooper, ask to pull the baby out! Kourtney Kardashian did it!
Top Items:
- Lanolin if nursing
- Sleep Sheep
- Fuzzibunz and BumGenius3.0 one-size cloth diapers
- Itzbeen timer (great for nightime feedings/diapering) "it's been how long since he ate/slept/was changed?"
Agreed that the first kick is the best... as well as when you're finally starting to feel better after the first tri's exhaustion and morning sickness.
One caution... even if you have the best pregnancy and feel great throughout, you will have meltdowns. If you're like me, you'll have one between each trimester when nothing fits. Your maternity clothes are too big when you first start to outgrow your normal clothes...
I started to get plantar fascitis around 20 weeks (hadn't really even put on more than 5lbs at this point). Had to wear sneaks through the rest of my pregnancy - so TAKE CARE OF YOUR FEET.
Finally - when you start to have to pee a lot at night, drink milk after dinner instead of water, you'll have to go less
Congrats ladies.... it's a whirlwind and goes by quickly, try to keep a journal or blog or something to document as much as you can
What sorts of things do we have to look forward to in pregnancy (don't hold back the nitty gritty details!)?I loved just going to bed at night with DH and feel and watch Ella move all over. It was sooooo awesome. We would look at eachother and be in shock that there was a baby in there.
Birth wasn't bad,like pp said. I had Ella 6 weeks premature, but was in labor for 2 weeks. Hard labor for 2 hours. I had all back labor which was insane but I did it! No drugs. I was deterimed to keep DD free of any meds. The second she popped out INSTANT relief. I'll never forget her staring at me in between my legs. I was looking at her like OMG I just pushed THAT OUT! It was the most insane feeling ever. However bittersweet also because I wasn't allowed to hold her for several hours. Just able to kiss her before they took her away and ran IV's and test.
What baby items are absolutely essential?
THE NOSE SUCKER from the hospital DON"T loose it! The best one ever! If you can get an extra from them. I also asked my pedi for one. She had one and gave it to me.
Also the Swaddler and sleep sacks. I started using the swaddler religiously at 2 months. DD was wake herself up when she would mover her hands. Sleep sack for when she was about 6 months and up.
Pacifiers.I think I bought every type out there. My pedi said she did not want the string attatched to the clothes ...big no no she wasn't a big pacifier person. I am not also only at naps never during the day around the house.
Sterilization pouches by Medela awesome
Which ones are overrated? OMG so many things...
What's the best thing about being a new parent?To sit with you DH and look and eachother and say "WOW we created this child.....amazing"
pack and plays are nice.....my SIL uses hers in her room. some come with a little bassinet type thing and she keeps it right beside her bed. he's right there and she doesn't need to bend over very far to get him. that's only worth it if you plan on traveling or have the baby spend the night at the in laws or something useful like that. we got ours from a friend and we used it temporarily until we could afford a crib. now we have it at the in laws in case we ever need a last minute sitter or something.
cloth diapers are great to use as burp cloths. they're thick and mine were bought for me but as far as i know they are farely cheap. people told me i needed a lot of receiving blankets but to be honest i never use them unless it was really hot and the baby didn't need much covering..... those also do well if you don't have a burp cloth handy. but some do use them a lot so it just depends on what you prefer.
if you invest in a stroller/car seat combo i suggest checking out the car seat first.... i got one and the car seat was hard to carry around and wasn't worth it. the clips were hard to clasp too. i use the stroller a lot though. if you find one with a good car seat i suggest getting that but only if you plan on using the stroller too. otherwise buy them seperate.
the diaper genie is useful in keeping the smell contained but i got one and i don't use it anymore. it's nice but i take the trash out all the time anyway so what's another trip to me. regular trash cans that have lids work just as well as long as the lid stays closed haha.
with my first he always had the hiccups when i was trying to sleep....one night i had them too! lol i loved being able to feel him move though that was the best. at the very end he was in my ribs and i had heartburn all the time. i ate tums like they were candy (i craved the peppermint kind)
last thing if you plan on breastfeeding.....................it hurts the first time i mean really hurts so be prepared
you ladies and your birth stories. I love it. Ya got the water works going.
BLOG
Well I caved and asked for the meds, it was a crazy night and the DR was all over the place, so he put in the catheter and said he would be right back with the meds. It was too late and I had to stay strong. Once I realized i had no choice I sucked it up and got through it. I was amazed at how strong I was. So this time around I will do my best to suck it up!!
I love reading all of these posts. Can't wait to read more!
Yay for being a mom!
that sucks!! I wore "Fit Flops" the entire last 2 months with DD and my feet loved it!
Oh my gosh, the pressure!
Such a great post and I found myself nodding in agreement with every poster that replied! What can I add?
What sorts of things do we have to look forward to in pregnancy (don't hold back the nitty gritty details!)?
I had terrible heartburn (something I had never experienced in my life!), most times for no reason at all or after only having a glass of water 4 hours before bedtime... I had to sleep elevated for 2 months! That was the worst part for me, the entire pregnancy was uneventful and wonderful! Also, sex was great during my 2nd-3rd trimesters.
What baby items are absolutely essential?
Everyone's L&D and recovery is so unique, it's hard to know what you'll need/want until after you are home so I suggest getting everything you can to try out and return should you not need it. The pack 'n play was critical as I'm short and couldn't physically place baby down in the crib (too sore) so, Emily slept in the P'nP for 8 weeks next to our bed. We also used it 5x+ every year in our travels and for Emily to play in when she wasn't quite mobile and I needed her contained. The vibrating chair/bouncy chair and swing was also an essential for the "fourth trimester" (the first 3 mos. of baby's life) as Emily was happiest when she was in constant motion. The sound machine and video monitor have been invaluable as we still use them 4 years later! They both travel everywhere we do as we all three of us need the noise to sleep. When sleep-training, when Emily began pulling up in her crib to sitting then, standing, and when she was fussy during nap time, being able to SEE that she was OK but still stay out of sight was such a comfort and relief! 18"x27" lap pads allowed me to place baby down anywhere to change her: in the backseat of the car, on an airplane, in a bathroom with no changing table (they do exist!) and they are somewhat absorbent in case baby pees and are machine-washable!
Which ones are overrated?
Hmmm... I can't think of anything as I used and loved just about everything, except the wipes warmer (dries them out).
What's the best thing about being a new parent?
The magical feeling of creating a family! There's nothing like it in the entire world!
eclaire 9.10.06 diggy 6.2.11
Yes, Nipple cream! And if you pump, make a "handsfree bra" out of cheapo sports bras with holes cut in them.....So helpful as an exclusive pumper.
I loved being pregnant. Labor and delivery was great...Super fast. DD was 4 weeks early, so I definitely wasn't expecting her to come the day she did. I was even in denial that I was in labor until the nurse who first checked me when I got to the hospital told me I was at 8 cm! Just like that. I was for sure they would be putting me on bedrest....not that I'd be having DD right then! It was fabulous though. There she was and she was perfect! My DH cried and it was the most precious thing ever. He followed her and the nurses everywhere to make sure things were ok (and then texted me details. LOL).
I recommended getting your camera/video camera ready at least 8 weeks early.
You never know when they'll come. You could have a small bag pack and even put a disposable camera in the bag just in case.
I'm rambling.....Please remember, those early weeks you may not realize this, but you will sleep again, you will sleep in your own bed, you will wear normal clothing, you will stop sweating every night, you will figure out your sweet baby's nuances and what makes them tick.
The sleeping thing was a big one for me. DD was a noisy sleeper; I was nursing, pumping, and giving her BM from bottle, burping, getting her to sleep, falling asleep myself and getting up in 45 min to do it again (DD was a little thing and needed to be woken up to eat). BUT IT WAS ALL WORTH IT. I would do it again if I had to.
Things we used early on: receiving blankets to swaddle, then the swaddle me, then the woombie. DD loved the FP "Precious Planet" mobile from months 2-5. We weaned from the pacifier at 5 months and it was the best decision ever. We did not use our swing often, but this time around we are buying a swing that goes both ways (DD would have loved that!) We had a Grace SnugRide32 and used it with the Graco stroller to click into and also the BOB revolution with carseat adapter. <---need that if you jog/walk. WE LOVE THE BOB! Hoping to get a dual BOB for Christmas.
Okay. I'll quit for you. Being a mom is the best. DH just said 3 minutes ago, "Isn't DD the coolest?" and I have to agree. You forget about the crappier times when you see their sweet facing smiling, or when you see something spark for them and they learn something new. love it....every second.
Good luck, ladies. Thanks for letting me reminisce.
The joys of pregnancy--the leaking boobs (although not everyone's leak, my sister thought I was nuts when I told her this b/c hers never did in all 3 pregnancies), not being able to shave the nether regions once your belly is giant and I was too fearful to let DH try so it was a MESS lol, the hospital nose sucker is a definite KEEPER (you will not find a better one anywhere). The end of pregnancy can be pretty crappy feeling tired, sore, can't get in and out of bed easily, you need a bunch of pillows to get comfortable to tru to sleep. Peeing, peeing, and more peeing. BUT when the baby is born all of that seems like nothing so push through..we can do it!! I love my pack n play still in case we go anywhere since my DS is still a little too small for a toddler bed. The best thing about being a parent is your child smiling at you and thinking that you are the best thing in their world (most of the time anyway haha)
ETA: Oh I forgot about my massive heartburn e.v.e.r.y.d.a.y...tums were like my hard candy that didn't really do much good most of the time...that pretty much sucked but other than that I had a very easy pregnancy.
your lador sounds amazing. How soon was she able to come home?
BLOG
FANTASTIC post idea!!!! I love, love, love it and all the words of wisdom that are in it already. I can only hope that over the next 8 months people continue to add and keep it going until we all have our little ones with us!
This made me tear up. Thanks gym for posting this thread!
She was in the hospital for an additional week. It seemed like forever, but in all reality it was a very short (but scary) period of time.
It will be tempting, but don't waste money on an expensive crib set.
I think every baby is different, but our MUST have for Connor was a swing and a bouncer. Gave us sanity.
We rarely used our bumbo seat.
I agree with PP - read baby bargains!
I had a c-section, so I don't know if this is true of vaginal births or not, but I didn't know I would be so swollen after delivery. It lasted about a week. It freaked me out. I wish someone would have told me to expect that.
You may feel the need to do it all yourself. Let others help.
ETA because I saw a thing about nipple cream: Don't stock up until you know your LO will nurse with it on. Connor decided from day one he wasn't going to nurse if I had it on. Buy a tube, for sure, but wait and see how it goes.
I know I'm late on this but I figured I'd put my input in anyways.
What sorts of things do we have to look forward to in pregnancy (don't hold back the nitty gritty details!)? I think a lot of what the pp said is correct. You will have people who say stupid things, you will have people who just come up and rub your stomach, feeling the baby move is the best part aside from knowing you are creating life, and at the end you will be swollen. Make sure that when your resting at night that you put you feet up so it will help with the swelling.
What baby items are absolutely essential? A lot of these things depend on the baby. We used the boppy chair that vibrated and played songs, the bulb syringe from the hospital, cloth diaper burb cloths (make sure you get the ones thick enough because they have some that are really thin and they are useless), a mirror for in the car that plays music (some come with a remote and it was a life saver for us), diaper bag that is big enough to carry what you need and a lot of pockets, an insulated cold pack for when you go out, swaddle me, and a couple of crib pads for when they have accidents in the crib.
Which ones are overrated? Again this depends on the kid. We never used our swing or the infant carriers like bjorn or wraps. The pack in play is over rated as well. It's just not a must have.
What's the best thing about being a new parent? The best thing about being a new parent is seeing the beautiful child you and your SO made.
One last thing....my labor was not easy. I don't want to tell you guys this to scare you I just want it to be known that not everyone is lucky to have a natural and unmedicated birth.
I had to be induced. At my 39 week appointment my Dr. told me they would induce at a certain time and we discussed dates. I had had a feeling through my whole pregnancy that my due date was off. We went back and forth and finally decided on a date only a few days from then since he was leaving town. So I went in early that morning and got hooked up to the IV and we started to induce. About an hour after we started the Dr. came in and broke my water. Or at least tried to. My sons head was plugging it so we didnt have a gush of waters. I got the epidural shortely after since I had been in early labor for 2 days at that point. After the epidural I felt alright and I was progressing. When I finally got to 10 they had me start pushing. After a while I told them it wasn't going to happen this way. I felt like I was trying to crap out a knife (no joke this is what I told the nurse). She told me I wasn't pushing hard enough. They then gave me a bumb and I couldn't feel anything. No contractions, nothing. I couldn't even lift my legs. After 2 hours of pushing and being in an incredible amount of pain, they called my Dr. in. He checked me and said there was no way my son was coming out this way. He couldn't even get his finger past my pelvic bone to try and encourage my sons head over the edge. He said if I had pushed any harder, I would have broken my pelvis. So I was rushed in to an emergency c-section and within 20 mins my son was in my FI arms.
Recovery was not the best. Right after the took me back to my birthing room to watch me for an hour. I was so exhausted that I kept trying to sleep. But apparently every time I tried to close my eyes to go to sleep I would stop breathing. So they wouldn't let me sleep. After the nurse told me that I fought to stay awake and watched the monitor that kept track of my breathing. I finally got to go to the recovery suite and it was perfect. I tried pumping right away and my incision healed very well.
I'm glad I fought the Dr. on my induction date. When he was born he had a massive infection. He had had a bowl movement and had been sitting it for a while. They didn't catch it when they broke my water because it head blocked the flow of the fluid. He had to be on antibiotics for a few days but now he is very healthy.
Anyway I know this is long, and my birth expereince isn't a good one, but I just wanted to tell it because not every birth is natural. I really applaud everyone who can do it that way.
What sorts of things do we have to look forward to in pregnancy (don't hold back the nitty gritty details!)?
An aching pelvis. Shortness of breath from the uterus/baby pressing against your lungs/ribcage. Swollen feet. Well, swelling in general, really.
The good stuff: feeling the baby move, having people come up and talk to you about babies who you would never have guessed were baby people. Seriously, people love pregnant women.
What baby items are absolutely essential? Which ones are overrated?
Essential: A good swaddling blanket (Aden & Anais is great), zipper pajamas, sleep sacks (for winter babies). Obviously diapers & such go without saying.
Overrated: Wipe warmers, newborn shoes.
What's the best thing about being a new parent?
Well, to be honest, being a brand new parent (i.e, for the first few weeks) totally blows. You're exhausted, you're hormonal and you're still learning your baby's cues. Once you get into the swing of things and start to learn what he/she needs, things get easier.
I'd say that's the best thing: those times when you just know what the baby needs and you can take care of it, and you're rewarded with a peaceful, happy baby.