Things I wish I knew before giving birth

sallywacket · July 2013

JocelynB0911 said:

auroraloo said:

JocelynB0911 said:

Looking at your past history, you have no issue bringing others l&d visits into conversations.

If I agreed with you I'd agree with it or thanks to the "love it" button would do so. And I think if I wanted to call you something I would have no issue doing so. If you honestly don't believe that then clearly you don't know how I operate. We both know I say what's on my mind.

Way to conveniently forget that I owned the Emlynn L&D thing and said I shouldn't have said it. Want to try again?

And the fact that you haven't ever agreed with me, or "loved" a post proves my point that you do not acknowledge that I have anything to offer. So I'm not sure where you're going with that. The most recent post that comes to mind is the pumping at work post.

I have no idea what you're talking about in regards to wanting to call me something.

A) just because you owned something doesn't mean it's not a part of your track record. So no, I'm not forgetting you owned up to it but I'm also lot forgetting you said it either.

the things that come to mind from you have always struck me as negative, which is why my dear, they are so few and far between.

C) re-read what you wrote about me wanting to flat out call you evil. As I said above, if I wanted to call you that or something else I would.

Would y'all mind moving this to a different post? I'm all for the drama. Don't love to be in it but fun to watch

But I think it would be nice to keep this thread as a useful tool, especially for the new mamas. Seems like it should be easy to find the useful info without wading through the arguments. Just a thought. Sorry if I'm stepping on toes.

JocelynB0911 · July 2013

sallywacket said:

JocelynB0911 said:

auroraloo said:

JocelynB0911 said:

Looking at your past history, you have no issue bringing others l&d visits into conversations.

If I agreed with you I'd agree with it or thanks to the "love it" button would do so. And I think if I wanted to call you something I would have no issue doing so. If you honestly don't believe that then clearly you don't know how I operate. We both know I say what's on my mind.

Way to conveniently forget that I owned the Emlynn L&D thing and said I shouldn't have said it. Want to try again?

And the fact that you haven't ever agreed with me, or "loved" a post proves my point that you do not acknowledge that I have anything to offer. So I'm not sure where you're going with that. The most recent post that comes to mind is the pumping at work post.

I have no idea what you're talking about in regards to wanting to call me something.
A) just because you owned something doesn't mean it's not a part of your track record. So no, I'm not forgetting you owned up to it but I'm also lot forgetting you said it either.

the things that come to mind from you have always struck me as negative, which is why my dear, they are so few and far between.

C) re-read what you wrote about me wanting to flat out call you evil. As I said above, if I wanted to call you that or something else I would.

Would y'all mind moving this to a different post? I'm all for the drama. Don't love to be in it but fun to watch

But I think it would be nice to keep this thread as a useful tool, especially for the new mamas. Seems like it should be easy to find the useful info without wading through the arguments. Just a thought. Sorry if I'm stepping on toes.

Oh it's just the last 5 or so posts

lol

A37licia · July 2013

CurlingRocks said:

JocelynB0911 and @auroraloo, could you guys hash it out somewhere else. I don't care if you agree with each other or not, just realize this is planned to be pinned for a while and I don't want to have to take it down or edit out replies because it got out of hand. Thanks, ladies!

That's cool with me. I'll take the blame for bringing it up anyway.

>-

A37licia · July 2013

Something else I remembered is if you have kids already, and you may have already figured this out, but type out their typical schedule and favorite foods/meals so whoever helps take care of them will have a good guide and not need to ask you everything. Also, my parents are cautious and have always requested a signed medical release with their insurance cards and doctor information attached any time we leave our kids with them, in the rare event they need to take them to the hospital.

Zmommy2 · July 2013

A37licia said:
Something else I remembered is if you have kids already, and you may have already figured this out, but type out their typical schedule and favorite foods/meals so whoever helps take care of them will have a good guide and not need to ask you everything. Also, my parents are cautious and have always requested a signed medical release with their insurance cards and doctor information attached any time we leave our kids with them, in the rare event they need to take them to the hospital.

Ooh that's a REALLY good idea! I didn't even think of that. And not that they wouldn't be able to figure out something, and DD will be fine.. But I'm really concerned with keeping her on her schedule and writing it out will make for a lot less interruptions and worries for me.

redfallon · July 2013

Great thread! I feel like I should print the whole thing out and use highlighters all over it!

leahaustin · July 2013

As a first time Mom I really enjoy reading this type of advice, even if I already knew some of the things on the list, there is always room to learn more! Thanks!

notapastasauce · July 2013

Gah. Way to turn one of the more useful posts on the board into a shit show. Can we unpin this and start over somehow with the good stuff?

A37licia · July 2013

notapastasauce said:

Gah. Way to turn one of the more useful posts on the board into a shit show. Can we unpin this and start over somehow with the good stuff?

We've already moved on.

WhitneySherwood · July 2013

For FTMs...be prepared for some pretty painful cramping associated with breast feeding. BF stimulates the release of hormones that helps contract your uterus. With my first I had turned down pain killers, then called my doctor two days later for a prescription. Not to scare anyone, but I wish someone had told me what to expect.

Unless you're against pain killers or have a high threshold, don't try to be a hero. Take the prescription and get it filled just in case.

tonty07 · July 2013

Awesome list and suggestions ladies!!!! As a FTM, I totally appreciate it!

KaylaC0514 · August 2013

WhitneySherwood said:

For FTMs...be prepared for some pretty painful cramping associated with breast feeding. BF stimulates the release of hormones that helps contract your uterus. With my first I had turned down pain killers, then called my doctor two days later for a prescription. Not to scare anyone, but I wish someone had told me what to expect. Unless you're against pain killers or have a high threshold, don't try to be a hero. Take the prescription and get it filled just in case.

totally forgot about that... ek

Mama3+1 · August 2013

auroraloo said:
The squirt bottle is called a peri bottle. We now use it for cloth wipes to wet them down. Keep it forever.

I use mine to rinse DD hair without getting water in her eyes.

4Angel5 · August 2013

Re: insurance cards and signed release form for medical treatment of sibs. We did this too! Gave grandparents peace of mind.

FlwrChild · August 2013

Mahalo for this list

Luckymomma4 · August 2013

This is my 4th baby and just for some advice for FTM. I wish I would have known how truly unglamorous birth and after birth was. I was so naive back in the day and nobody really told me what to expect, even after taking all the classes. I never knew peeing/pooping after delivery would be such a challenge and actually take concentration. There were so many nurses that saw my downstairs mix up while I was in the hospital and towards the end of the stay it really became no big deal. haha! I never thought while giving birth I would be one of those women that actually asked for a mirror so I could see the progress I was making with each push. I had expected to go home with a belly left over but wasn't expecting a bowl full of jelly. I really just wish someone would have told me these things and not sugar coat them. I don't want someone to scare me either but just be honest. AND now that I have typed all that I wanted to add that I have had two vaginal deliveries and my third was an emergency C-section. No matter how you get baby out, you are a rockstar!

SarahE22nd · August 2013

One tip I got last time that I found was really helpful was to take card stock (or just heavier paper) for the nurses to do footprints, etc - much easier than trying to do them in the book directly.

Also, I constantly remind myself that everything is a 'stage'. Someone once said that "it doesn't get easier - it just get's different" and it's so true! Once you figure something out there will always be something new to question.

ilovetolaugh · August 2013

WhitneySherwood said:

For FTMs...be prepared for some pretty painful cramping associated with breast feeding. BF stimulates the release of hormones that helps contract your uterus. With my first I had turned down pain killers, then called my doctor two days later for a prescription. Not to scare anyone, but I wish someone had told me what to expect. Unless you're against pain killers or have a high threshold, don't try to be a hero. Take the prescription and get it filled just in case.

Oh crud, I forgot all about this!

And the fact that you practically fall asleep the first few days bfing because of all the hormones.

jackylc06 · August 2013

Throw some extra nursing tanks or tees in the diaper bag for yourself. If you do venture out, you may leak or baby may get you messy.

I like nursing shields instead of pads... I always leak right through the pads, even the super duty ones and the ones with plastic backing... the shells catch it.

Have lots of clean socks ready... you will bend over to pick something up, and you'll have instantly wet feet!

Involve your other kids in the getting-ready-for-baby process. They will feel like they are an important part of baby's life, and feel bonded before he or she even arrives!

Wash your baby clothes a couple of weeks before your due date!

Tell hubby where everything is, incase he needs to go home to fetch some things you forgot, like extra onesies, your nipple cream, or baby lotion!

mmjefferson · August 2013

The nose suckers are invaluable. I took many from the hospital so I could have one in every room at home.

The hospital pacifiers are laced with a flavor - vanilla I believe. Babies get addicted to them and won't take another. Grab as many as you can.

inthelost · August 2013

As a first time mom thank you for sharing!

traneshaph · August 2013

FABULOUS list! Absolutely fabulous. U rock!

atcwag · August 2013

laurelannie said:

I love this list, and I will totally remember cash for errands, I hate asking for favors that involve money, so it'll make me much more likely to ask for help, if I'm able to at least hand them money to run the errand.
Also I second the night light. I didn't have one, but I ended up throwing a blanket over our bedside lamp when I turned it on to nurse, it kept it dim enough to not fully wake her, but I always hated the idea of a blanket over it, even though it wasn't a bulb that got hot, and was paranoid about not leaving the light on for too long because I had images of it starting fires.. A night light would be a lot less to think about.

Haven't gotten through this whole thread, but wanted to add - I have the "flashlight" app on my iphone - I literally use it every night when I have to get out of bed to pee. It is quite bright, but if you put it a bit away from what you're doing, it's really, really handy! I'm planning to use that as a night light while breastfeeding, then I don't have to have a night light on all night (or reach down to the floor to turn it on) - we like pure darkness for sleep!

atcwag · August 2013

mmjefferson said:

The nose suckers are invaluable. I took many from the hospital so I could have one in every room at home. The hospital pacifiers are laced with a flavor - vanilla I believe. Babies get addicted to them and won't take another. Grab as many as you can.

Ewww...flavored pacifiers? I've never heard of this in my life. We're not planning on doing a paci until breastfeeding is well established and only then if needed. Flavored pacis remind me of flavored condoms....yuck!

heaven22tw · August 2013

can you clear out the drama posts or set up another thread...I need this info please:)

imakeeff0rts · August 2013

@heaven22tw

Just read past it. Everyone has already moved on.

Gigglebuggy · August 2013

Such a great list! I'm n

Gigglebuggy · August 2013

I'm bookmarking it. (My phone isn't letting me type properly.

mathornt · August 2013

1. If you are having a csection, have a small pillow handy. Hold it across your incision when you cough or sneeze. Those little freezer bags they give you for vaginal births also work well on csection incisions.

2. have meals already made in the freezer for those early days

3. if they offer you pain meds in the hospital, dont be brave. just take them. its best to stay ahead of the pain than to try to squelch it after its a nightmare.

4. its ok to have a birth plan, but know that its a plan and plans often change. be happy if baby comes out healthy, doesnt come out of your forehead and is able to come home with you when you leave the hospital.

5. if you have pets, have somebody bring home the baby smell on a blanket or piece of clothing for the pets to smell before the baby comes home. also, your pets probably missed you and will want to greet you. walk into the house without the baby when you return home. let them get their crazies out. same goes for older siblings.

Gigglebuggy · August 2013

Again, I want to thank you for this list. It's simply fabulous. For anyone with pets: have your partner bring home a blanket after the LO was swaddled in it. Let your pets smell it. When you arrive home with LO, introduce your pets to him/her.

babymama619 · August 2013

mmjefferson said:
The nose suckers are invaluable. I took many from the hospital so I could have one in every room at home.

The hospital pacifiers are laced with a flavor - vanilla I believe. Babies get addicted to them and won't take another. Grab as many as you can.

I agree the hospital nose suckers are by far the best!! Also, just saw the vanilla scented soothies at Target.

The two things STMs have told me are:

1. Being your own pillow and boppy to the hospital. Makes for better sleep and nursing because hospital pillows suck

2. Pack a little make up for the hospital- it will make you so much happier to take and look at those pictures from the few days in the hospital. (I'm not even a regular make-up wearer and I think this is a good idea!)

juliasmama2010 · September 2013

Howdy from the Jan 14 board!! One thing that I will NEVER forget is to pack snacks in your hospital bag. I delivered my daughter at 12:48 am and the only thing they had to offer me was crackers!! Gr, I wanted FOOD!!! So make sure you have granola bars, a bag of chips, maybe a couple pieces of fruit...something that won't go bad/get squished and that you can indulge in if you have a midnight baby like I did!!

northport6 · September 2013

A Dec13 mama here -- thanks very much for this! I bookmarked it to be able to find it later. Best of luck, September moms!

steenbean18 · September 2013

I'm a Sept2012 mama that's now also an Oct2013 mama and here are the few bits of wisdom I can add:

1) Download the "Total Baby" app or something similar. It helped me because I could keep track of which side baby nursed on/how long, diaper changes (wet/dry), and nap times. I couldn't even keep track of my own shiz those first few weeks let alone hers!

2) It's ok to get frustrated and cry the first few weeks! It's a tough time for everyone, and it doesn't make you a bad mommy if you feel overwhelmed or don't know what to do.

3) Take full advantage of the lactation consultant at the hospital. I didn't realize that there was a learning curve with BF'ing and her experience was invaluable to getting us off to a great start. I asked her to stop by 2-3x every single day!

4) It's normal for breastfeeding to hurt at first (for some women, not all). If you have problems with nipple pain or cracking, PLEASE ask them for hydrogels! They're the little gel pads that are made of burn treatment gel and they are ahhhhhmazing!! Nipple cream did nothing for me those first days and the gel pads were my best friend.

5) If you have a c-section, you WILL feel disabled for the first few weeks. Don't try to overdo it!! You'll regret it in a major way. By "overdo" it, I mean that even rolling over in bed can hurt...don't overestimate what you'll be able to do without abdominal muscles.

Littlemama01 · September 2013

Wow, great list!! I will be printing it out forsure

Gigglebuggy · September 2013

Awesome!

bossmom11 · September 2013

As a FTM I wish I knew how bad a teat hurts and how much your arms and back kill after labor. For some reason that wasn't on my radar and now after 3-4 days I thought I would be pretty self sufficient by now.... Nope. Don't try to be a hero, it's not worth it. Let ppl help you!

kat81again2 · September 2013

Oh, I thought of another good one the NICU nurses taught me:

Change baby's diaper before the feeding rather than after because they often get sleepy from the feeding.
Changing before also helps wake them up a littl, which helps with feeding.

Along those lines, if you have an overly sleepy feeder, save the diaper change for the MIDDLE of the feeding, so that you can help wake him/her up to keep going. This was DS. As they get a little older, if you put them in a super absorbent diaper (cloth or disposable) and your baby isn't poopy and s/he isn't fussy about being wet, then you don't even have to change the diaper for the night feeding(s). This is nice because sometimes you don't want them to really wake up. But really this only applies when they're a bit older and a) not necessarily falling asleep easily from a feeding and b) able to sleep-feed, which newborns basically are not able to do.

kat81again2 · September 2013

atcwag said:

mmjefferson said:

The nose suckers are invaluable. I took many from the hospital so I could have one in every room at home. The hospital pacifiers are laced with a flavor - vanilla I believe. Babies get addicted to them and won't take another. Grab as many as you can.

Ewww...flavored pacifiers? I've never heard of this in my life. We're not planning on doing a paci until breastfeeding is well established and only then if needed. Flavored pacis remind me of flavored condoms....yuck!

ew, yeah, if babies get addicted to the flavor and won't take another, I'd go in the other direction -- make sure that NO ONE gives your baby a pacifier!! Even if you're ok with doing it before BFing is established or whatever...just do it on your own with ones from the store that don't have a flavor and are replaceable. However, I also recommend limiting pacifier use in the first 6 weeks (by all means partake, but try to limit it if you're establishing BFing.)

kat81again2 · September 2013

AmyG* said:

Go to the bfing board here at the bump if you run into breastfeeding issues in those first weeks after birth. You'll get honest answers, and usually not just "you should really go see an LC" because that really isn't helpful at 2am! And www.kellymom.com is an awesome resource for breastfeeding help as well.

seconded, and so great to see a post from the famous AmyG of the BFing board!

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