FTM Questions - No idea what I'm doing!

MommyKMD · August 2013

Are nursing pajamas necessary, or can I just kind of pop my boob out the top of a cami or something? I have nighttime nursing bras.

What nipple ointment do you prefer?

What music (if any) should I bring for labor?

I've heard of this "membrane sweep" thing... Any cons?

Help! Haha

AnjaO · August 2013

No, you don't need nursing pajamas.

I only had Lansinoh and it was fine, though using breast milk helped most.

Whatever music you think would help you. I didn't have any.

Cons to having your membranes swept include introducing infection and inadvertently breaking your water when baby's not ready. They only did mine after my EDD last time (they didn't even check you until they were scheduling an induction). From what I understand, it really only "helps" if you're ready to go into labor anyway. Personally, I wouldn't do it unless I was facing induction, but I think I'm in the minority there.

Pockety · August 2013

Our hospital had wifi, so we just used Pandora for music. I ended up listening to the Bob Marley channel throughout labor and delivery. It was relaxing but still upbeat.

We did have a couple playlists for back up in case the wifi didn't work as well as it was supposed to. I had one calm list and one energizing list.

jaydamuhindra · August 2013

Pockety said:

Our hospital had wifi, so we just used Pandora for music. I ended up listening to the Bob Marley channel throughout labor and delivery. It was relaxing but still upbeat. We did have a couple playlists for back up in case the wifi didn't work as well as it was supposed to. I had one calm list and one energizing list.

Thumbs up for Bob Marley! I am from Jamaica so I am all for some soothing Reggae music. In fact my playlist is all island music B-)

mamabear6252011 · August 2013

Nursing pjs are not necessary. I personally recommend nursing camis. You can sleep in them or layer under regular shirts or cardigans for maximum utility.

My husband made my labor playlists for me. It's one of his jobs during labor to be dj. We have two lists - one calming and the other pump up when I need the energy for pushing. He got really excited to make them.

Rubbing breastmilk on your nipples after nursing and letting it air dry was the best solution for sore nipples for me but I didn't have the extreme pain, cracking or blisters I've heard other women complain of. Even if you do use a cream I recommend using breastmilk first and then applying cream. That stuff works miracles.

RedDDD · August 2013

You don't need nursing PJ's but I do remember liking the cotton nursing bras that are sort of sports bra like to sleep in. My boobs got so engorged and were so uncomfortable that sleeping in one of those was really nice....plus I would leak everywhere over night so these contained it somewhat to my bra instead of being all over my sheets

as far as nipple ointment....I just used whatever the hospital gave me...never ended up using the entire tube. still have some

your other two questions I have no experience with since I had a C-section

SweetPeaK26 · August 2013

I just slept in a nursing tank, that was enough for me!

For nipple creams, I think the thinner the better. I didn't care for the thick lanolin at all. This time, I got a cocoa butter nipple butter.

I'm doing music this time, though I haven't in the past. I'm planning a playlist of high energy workout type songs, one with mellow music, one with happy memory music, and making sure I have an audio book to listen to as well. I don't know if I'll actually get them all done, but I will make sure to have a book to listen to. It relaxing and forces you to focus on something other than pain!

Cons of membrane sweep: it hurts. For some women worse than others, and it can be done unless you are already dilated enough for your OB to get a finger through your cervix. I've had it done. It was very quick, but it definitely wasn't comfortable. But, like I said, so quick that it was over before I could really think about it. I didn't even know he was doing it till he was done and said something along the lines of "well, maybe that membrane sweep will get things going for you". I'd compare the pain to getting an IV, and about as quick.

chois · August 2013

Nursing pajamas aren't necessary.

I used Lansinoh last time. I'd also put breast milk on after nursing and let it air dry whenever I could.

I didn't use music with DS1 and I don't think I will this time either. I think it would annoy me more than help me. That's just my personal preference though. If you think it'd help you I'd bring an upbeat playlist and a more relaxing playlist.

I haven't had my membranes swept so can't speak from experience. I hear it can hurt, increase risk of infection and may not actually help speed things up unless you're already close to labour.

Brooke81 · August 2013

MommyKMD said:

Are nursing pajamas necessary, or can I just kind of pop my boob out the top of a cami or something? I have nighttime nursing bras. What nipple ointment do you prefer? What music (if any) should I bring for labor? I've heard of this "membrane sweep" thing... Any cons? Help! Haha

Nursing pjs are not necessary a cami or shirt with a roomy or V-neck line works fine.

Lonoline for nipples

I never have had music so I can't speak to that.

Cons for membrane sweep. It hurts like heck!!! I would not do it unless you are already in labor and need to speed things up. I would not do it at say 39 weeks in the hopes of triggering labor. That could be a lot of pain for nothing. I had it done with DD because my regular (every 4 minutes for a couple of hours) contractions slowed at one point and I was certain this was it and wanted to get it her out already. I really worked in my case but I hope I don't need to have it done this time, ouch!

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