Dumb Questions

shellbell3845 · January 2014

MissDemeanor said:
I'm planning on EBF and will be staying at home with LO for at least the first year. I'm wondering if I should buy a breast pump now anyway, or just wait to see if I need it? Some Of my friends mentioned that they were able to just get away with a manual pump for the few times they needed it, so I don't want to drop $400 if I won't use it much. But I don't want to have to send clueless boyfriend out to buy me one either. Advice?

FTM, but here's what the lactation consultants at my breastfeeding boutique said:

1. Are you going to ever want to leave baby with someone else, even so you can have a coffee with friends, get your hair done, have some "me" time? If the answer is yes (which I think is the absolute right answer), you need a pump.

2. Bottles should be introduced at around 3 weeks. (Though I'd be interested in what STM have to offer on this.)

I don't think you need to spend $400 for a decent pump. I'd say half that, or less. Mine is $185 at said bf boutique. On amazon it's $149. (And did you check insurance?)

cauliflowereyes · January 2014

Thank goodness for this thread. I have all kinds of dumb questions.

This one's been on my mind a lot, though - I'm a first time mom, and really hyped about baby wearing. I have this cute baby sling (one of those fabric ones with the ring) that I can't wait to use - it says in the instructions to have baby always upright in it, against your chest, when they're newborns, and high up enough so that you can lower your face to smooch the top of their head. That all makes sense - but it also says that you put them in so that their little legs are all curled up under them.

Now, I know that there's logic there, in that their limbs are all curled up in the tight little womb - which is imitated by the fabric - but they're all floaty in fluid in the belly.. wont gravity squish their little legs under their body in the sling? Wouldn't that get extremely uncomfortable fast? Lots of babies love being all curled up like this in their sling, but I can't stop imagining how stiff and crunkled my legs would feel if they were all bent and smooshed under me in a sling for an hour! Then again, I'm a thirty year old woman who's been walking for 29 years, not a newborn, so maybe they don't give a crap and I'm worrying over nothing.

Soap1 · January 2014

shellbell3845 said:

I'm planning on EBF and will be staying at home with LO for at least the first year. I'm wondering if I should buy a breast pump now anyway, or just wait to see if I need it? Some Of my friends mentioned that they were able to just get away with a manual pump for the few times they needed it, so I don't want to drop $400 if I won't use it much. But I don't want to have to send clueless boyfriend out to buy me one either. Advice?
FTM, but here's what the lactation consultants at my breastfeeding boutique said: 1. Are you going to ever want to leave baby with someone else, even so you can have a coffee with friends, get your hair done, have some "me" time? If the answer is yes (which I think is the absolute right answer), you need a pump. 2. Bottles should be introduced at around 3 weeks. (Though I'd be interested in what STM have to offer on this.) I don't think you need to spend $400 for a decent pump. I'd say half that, or less. Mine is $185 at said bf boutique. On amazon it's $149. (And did you check insurance?)

I know that this is technically the "right" answer, but my know-it-all-mom-of-2 answer is that it matters almost zero when you introduce bottles. I think the whole nipple confusion thing just scares new moms.

DS1 refused to nurse. I tried everything and did everything right (no bottles, no formula, supplemental nursing system) but he never caught on and I had to exclusively pump and feed him breastmilk in bottles. Felt like a huge failure.

DS2 refused bottles. He nursed right away when he was born, and while we did have the usual challenges with nursing, I felt like I finally understood what people meant when they said, "Breastfeeding is hard." Ohhhh, yes it's HARD, but it's POSSIBLE! Made so much sense :P I introduced bottles within the first week and he refused them and wouldn't really take one until he was about 2-3 months old.

So, my opinion is that you should just do your best because in the end, your baby decides

Rosie137 · January 2014

As a TTM, this whole putting onesies on feet first is blowing my mind. Lol, you learn something new everyday

Can't wait to try it with DS.

micaelasmakeup · January 2014

shellbell3845 said:

MissDemeanor said:
I'm planning on EBF and will be staying at home with LO for at least the first year. I'm wondering if I should buy a breast pump now anyway, or just wait to see if I need it? Some Of my friends mentioned that they were able to just get away with a manual pump for the few times they needed it, so I don't want to drop $400 if I won't use it much. But I don't want to have to send clueless boyfriend out to buy me one either. Advice?
FTM, but here's what the lactation consultants at my breastfeeding boutique said:

1. Are you going to ever want to leave baby with someone else, even so you can have a coffee with friends, get your hair done, have some "me" time? If the answer is yes (which I think is the absolute right answer), you need a pump.

2. Bottles should be introduced at around 3 weeks. (Though I'd be interested in what STM have to offer on this.)

I don't think you need to spend $400 for a decent pump. I'd say half that, or less. Mine is $185 at said bf boutique. On amazon it's $149. (And did you check insurance?)

Also check with friends that would let you borrow one they are not using.
You can also rent from the hospital. I EBF dd for 11months, I still needed a pump to a) get a little freezer stash. You never know when you will need it. And trust me b) you will want to have a way to get away from LO at some point.
And a manual is just not going to cut it.

[Deleted User] · January 2014

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micaelasmakeup · January 2014

cauliflowereyes said:
Thank goodness for this thread. I have all kinds of dumb questions.

This one's been on my mind a lot, though - I'm a first time mom, and really hyped about baby wearing. I have this cute baby sling (one of those fabric ones with the ring) that I can't wait to use - it says in the instructions to have baby always upright in it, against your chest, when they're newborns, and high up enough so that you can lower your face to smooch the top of their head. That all makes sense - but it also says that you put them in so that their little legs are all curled up under them.
Now, I know that there's logic there, in that their limbs are all curled up in the tight little womb - which is imitated by the fabric - but they're all floaty in fluid in the belly.. wont gravity squish their little legs under their body in the sling? Wouldn't that get extremely uncomfortable fast? Lots of babies love being all curled up like this in their sling, but I can't stop imagining how stiff and crunkled my legs would feel if they were all bent and smooshed under me in a sling for an hour! Then again, I'm a thirty year old woman who's been walking for 29 years, not a newborn, so maybe they don't give a crap and I'm worrying over nothing.

They will let you know if they are uncomfy trust me! Also when I was a FTM excited about baby wearing I was happy to have 3 different slings, one was great when dd was brand new and the other two were great for different types of activities. Don't give up if the one you have doesn't work right away

[Deleted User] · January 2014

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Winnieella · January 2014

MissDemeanor said:
I'm planning on EBF and will be staying at home with LO for at least the first year. I'm wondering if I should buy a breast pump now anyway, or just wait to see if I need it? Some Of my friends mentioned that they were able to just get away with a manual pump for the few times they needed it, so I don't want to drop $400 if I won't use it much. But I don't want to have to send clueless boyfriend out to buy me one either. Advice?

Does your insurance cover a pump? If so get one through them. If not see if you can rent a hospital pump. You will want to pump sometime to build a freezer stash. You may also want to introduce bottles with your pumped milk so that way your SO can help with feeding and you can spend some time away from your LO.

[Deleted User] · January 2014

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littlepig2 · January 2014

@bluedot818 I've heard the Bjorn's are really bad for LO's hips. we got the Ergo Baby and I really like that you can wear it on your front, side, or back. my sister, cousin, and friends have sworn by the Ergo and I tried it on (but sans baby because I was 7 months haha) and I liked the way it felt a lot. the straps were really comfortable and it seemed super easy to do if I was alone. (I have a huge fear of trying to put LO in and dropping her.)

sprashley · January 2014

Regarding showering... It depends if natural no epi, epi or c-section. At my hospital the room you deliver in us the same room you stay in. It's kind of cool.

Anyway I had an epi with my first and showered that afternoon (she was born at 630 am) after the epi wore off and catheter removed. A nurse was there to help. With my second no epi and I could pretty much shower when I felt up for it. C-section I have no clue and hopefully I won't find out this time around!!

cauliflowereyes · January 2014

Thanks for the feedback, baby wearin' mommas! I've got the ring-sling version, plus a second carrier, like the one @BlueDot818 posted - and I may even get a third carrier too, haha.

You guys are right, baby will tell me if he gets uncomfortable - I forget that we can really learn from them as we go!

cauliflowereyes · January 2014

Bahaha I just thought of another dumb question. I'm pretty sure I know the answer to this, but I have to admit, this one has bugged me in the past.

I live in Ontario. It's FREEZING here right now.. like dangerous freezing. It's so damn cold. Anyways, my large parka zipped up pretty well up until about three weeks ago - now I have to leave it open from the mid-belly down. Not a big deal - I don't have too far to go these days, I tend to layer mad sweaters to keep warm anyhow, and besides, I have my "pregnancy furnace" keeping me pretty warm in recent days.

....but every time I'm out for a walk in the mega-cold with the blistering wind with my coat open, all I can think of is "Oh man... if the skin on my belly is cold... I wonder if the baby can feel it on whichever parts of him are touching the belly-wall!" Then I picture him shrinking away from the cold belly-wall and wondering what kind of ice planet he's being born into, lol!

I'm pretty sure I've read that you'd actually have to have hypothermia for cold affect a fetus.. something about body temperature being regulated, etc. But still. Cold clammy belly makes me worry for LO every single time! It's nothing to fret about, right? .....Right? #canadianproblems

iwubrory · January 2014

BlueDot818 said:

On the baby carrier note.... I still didn't buy one... and I really want to wear baby too... DH want's a Bjorn style (which I've heard are really uncomfortable), or an Ergo Style... I prefer a K'tan, I don't want both, is one more practical than the other? I know we have discussed favorite kinds of carriers... but is one better for in home use, and another for on the go?

@BlueDot818 I have a Bjorn Air which I loved for DS when he was really small (*gasp*). I've heard/read the hip stuff but the powers that be are pretty recall happy over baby products, so I figure they would have recalled it long ago if it were really bad. Plus, I never kept him in it for really lengthy periods. I also have an Ergo Performance which I love. It's super comfy. I tried out the newborn insert with it and hated it. It's awkward and a huge hassle to use when out and about so that's why I ended up using the Bjorn until DS could use the Ergo without the insert. DH was also perfectly happy and comfortable using both carriers. IMO, you really can't get away with just having one carrier.

slwprincess · January 2014

vshumway said:

slwprincess said:

vshumway said:

For those having the baby sleep in the PnP. Are they sleeping in the bassinet part or the rocking seat part? I guess I has originally thought the rocking set part while attached to the PnP but now I am not sure.

I'm gonna need to see a picture/link of your particular PNP to answer this one. I'm not sure what rocking seat part you are talking about?

I just got an iPad and sadly I don't know how to copy and paste a picture on it. So here is the link to the pack n play I got
https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=17197726&cp=&parentPage=search

Ok, I see now. Personally, I would use the little seat for daytime naps but I try to put baby down flat in a bassinet/crib at night from day 1. 2 reasons... 1. Nap time seemed to be when my babies needed that snuggled feeling- they just wouldn't sleep well in the crib/bassinet during the day but did great in a swing/bouncy/rocker. 2. I would drive myself crazy at night checking to be sure baby hadn't wiggled out of that thing and got caught or something. My sleep/peace of mind is important so we are pretty strict about the SIDS rules at bedtime.

slwprincess · January 2014

As for the questions about baby wearing... I did a little with #1 but omg, I wore #2 A LOT. Every baby is different so don't spend a lot on carriers until you know what your baby likes.

I found the Moby to be the best carrier in the newborn phase. DD loved it and even though she always cried when I was putting her in, she passed out in 5 min every single time. She loved having her feet tucked under- that was never an issue. She really didn't like the cradle hold so I wore her in the froggy leg position almost exclusively. This included a trip to Disney at 8 weeks old in Freezing Feb. temps. She stayed warm and snug and very happy the whole time!

When they get a lil bigger, I like the Mei Tie style carrier. It's still light and flexible like the moby but easier to tie and just less hassle.

DH only ever used the Bjorn (he said the others were too girly) and usually just on vacations but it was nice to have so he could carry her sometimes and save my back. I wouldn't want it to be my only carrier b/c of the hips issue though.

This time I got a used Ergo- eager to see how it goes when baby is a lil bigger.

mdr619 · January 2014

DisneyPeanut said:

KatyBriggs said:

OK, I thought of a worthy question. When real contractions happen, they say its go time when they're 5-1-1 generally. So when the real ones start out, do they start out lasting a few seconds or several minutes? Or is everyone different. I just read one of our crew is having 7 min contrax & it made me wonder. I feel extended tightness on the regular, but its never been legit contrax. I always thought they'd get progressively longer, but I dont know what I based that on TIA!

To piggy back on that question, what is the 5-1-1?

Contractions should be 5 min apart, lasting 1 min, for 1 hour before you go to the hospital.

inluv4life2 · January 2014

golfergirl08 said:

BlueDot818 said:

@cauliflowereyes I don't have exp but I think that the smooshing is like the swaddling effect... NB's like the feeling of being held tightly, since it replicates the womb that they are so used to...I certainly could be wrong though.

On the baby carrier note.... I still didn't buy one... and I really want to wear baby too... DH want's a Bjorn style (which I've heard are really uncomfortable), or an Ergo Style... I prefer a K'tan, I don't want both, is one more practical than the other? I know we have discussed favorite kinds of carriers... but is one better for in home use, and another for on the go?

@bluedot818 as you know I am a FTM too so this is just my opinion without ever actually having a baby. I was fortunate that I was gifted a K'Tan and an Ergo, so we will have both of those. I have heard the Bjorn is bad for the baby's hips, so I didn't register for that one.

I would think that in the long run, and Ergo would be more economical, even though it is a lot more expensive. The KTan seems like it can only be used for smaller babies, plus you have to buy it in a certain size and you and your DH might not be able to share. For example, my size Small will not fit my 6'3" DH (well, we haven't tried, but I assume this will be the case). The Ergo will be able to fit both of you. The KTan weight limit is 35, but I have heard from various friends that it is better for smaller babies. And I don't know if I would feel like it is supportive enough after a certain point. With the Ergo, you can use an infant insert, and then it is approved up to 45 lbs. It seems really sturdy, and I have heard it is comfortable.

We haven't actually used either yet so those are just my thoughts!

I highly recommend the ergo! I used a bjorn w DD in the beginning before I scored an ergo on baby steals and I just like it so much better. She's now almost 4 1/2 and I still used it until getting pregnant. My H wears and we both find it really comfy. This one will see us through both kids - until they weigh 45lbs which can be a long time! DD is only 40 lbs now.

inluv4life2 · January 2014

I just have to say that I am the oldest of 7 and a STM and the onsie over the feet was total news to me. Thanks all!!

ScaredOfCats · January 2014

Love this thread. Thank you for all the questions/answers. I have learned a ton.

In regards to showering post-birth, is it ridiculous to bring a blow dryer? I can't stand having wet hair but I wonder if I will even have a chance to care.

ziggy903 · January 2014

@scaredofcats my room had one- like a mini hotel one. I definitely blow-dried my hair.

ETA: don't listen to me, I don't know what I'm talking about.

ziggy903 · January 2014

golfergirl08 said:

ziggy903 said:

@scaredofcats my room had one- like a mini hotel one. I definitely blow-dried my hair.

I have seen this on many of the lists for hospital bags, including the one on Lucie's list. I am planning on bringing one :-)

Sometimes I forget that I was in a different ward and not L&D recovery.
Of course my room had one, it was for long-term patients. I have no idea if L&D rooms have them.

magentawarped · January 2014

ScaredOfCats said:
Love this thread. Thank you for all the questions/answers. I have learned a ton.

In regards to showering post-birth, is it ridiculous to bring a blow dryer? I can't stand having wet hair but I wonder if I will even have a chance to care.

Bring one if it makes you more comfortable. My recovery room had one in the bathroom (mini one like @ziggy903 was talking about) so you may want to check with your hospital before packing it.

ScaredOfCats · January 2014

Thanks. Happy I don't sound too crazy for caring about dry hair.

MamaAllison · January 2014

ScaredOfCats said:
Thanks. Happy I don't sound too crazy for caring about dry hair.

Not at all. I often go without drying my hair at home (because lazy) but when I was in the hospital and people were taking pictures I wanted my hair at least dry if not looking decent for pictures. My hair is wet in so many of them! Definitely bringing it this time!

slwprincess · January 2014

ScaredOfCats said:
Love this thread. Thank you for all the questions/answers. I have learned a ton.

In regards to showering post-birth, is it ridiculous to bring a blow dryer? I can't stand having wet hair but I wonder if I will even have a chance to care.

Yes, definitely bring one. My hospital room did not have one. I'd be miserable waiting for mine to air dry.

slwprincess · January 2014

adinashoshana said:
For those who are STM or have outside babies, did you feel baby "drop" before the big day? Or did it happen the day of? I'm assuming this is different for everyone, but I'm curious to see what your experiences were.

Neither of my previous babies ever "dropped". It's totally different from person to person.

courtls22 · January 2014

I've noticed that my LO seems to be moving around a lot more. I'm thinking it may be just that now he is more active during the day when he was always more active at night but I'm not sure. My OB always says to call if he isn't moving but never mentioned anything about it being possible that movement would increase. I'm almost 39 weeks, has this happened to anyone else?

Beachmommy1029 · January 2014

BlueDot818 said:

courtls22 said:

I've noticed that my LO seems to be moving around a lot more. I'm thinking it may be just that now he is more active during the day when he was always more active at night but I'm not sure. My OB always says to call if he isn't moving but never mentioned anything about it being possible that movement would increase. I'm almost 39 weeks, has this happened to anyone else?

My LO is moving ALL the time... day... night... after a cold drink, after a meal, before a meal... haha, It's really picked up in the last week or so (35w4d here) Baby has a lot less room in there now so I'm feeling everything... and baby is probably on a regular sleep cycle...

39 weeks and nonstop here too. I'm hoping he is a wiggly dreamer bc if not he never sleeps...

sprashley · January 2014

Our hospital has the hotel ones, but I still bring mine. It would take forever to dry my hair with those little ones!

courtls22 · January 2014

Beachmommy1029 said:

BlueDot818 said:

courtls22 said:

I've noticed that my LO seems to be moving around a lot more. I'm thinking it may be just that now he is more active during the day when he was always more active at night but I'm not sure. My OB always says to call if he isn't moving but never mentioned anything about it being possible that movement would increase. I'm almost 39 weeks, has this happened to anyone else?
My LO is moving ALL the time... day... night... after a cold drink, after a meal, before a meal... haha, It's really picked up in the last week or so (35w4d here) Baby has a lot less room in there now so I'm feeling everything... and baby is probably on a regular sleep cycle...
39 weeks and nonstop here too. I'm hoping he is a wiggly dreamer bc if not he never sleeps...

Glad I'm not alone and yeah he still is moving around a lot at night but when I'm asleep I'm not sure what's happening. I can only assume he's actually sleeping then because like you I have no idea when he does sleep!

hopefuldog · January 2014

I love this dumb questions thread! (None are actually dumb questions!)

I have one to add. I just picked up some soothies, per many recommendations. https://www.lansinoh.com/products/soothies-by-lansinoh-gel-pads

The package says 2 reusable pads. The directions say reuse up to 72 hours. I'm confused, do you reuse over and over, or one as many times in 72 hours and then toss? they were $10, which seems pricey to toss. But I can't figure out what you are supposed to do.

slwprincess · January 2014

hopeful0328 said:
I love this dumb questions thread! (None are actually dumb questions!)

I have one to add. I just picked up some soothies, per many recommendations. https://www.lansinoh.com/products/soothies-by-lansinoh-gel-pads

The package says 2 reusable pads. The directions say reuse up to 72 hours. I'm confused, do you reuse over and over, or one as many times in 72 hours and then toss? they were $10, which seems pricey to toss. But I can't figure out what you are supposed to do.

I reused over and over. But I honestly never read the instructions ;-).

slwprincess · January 2014

DreamingBabies said:

BlueDot818 said:
Another PnP question...

- I have the one with the newborn napper/changer that flips back and forth... there is still a large enough space to place LO on the bassinet crib part as well. My question is, should LO be safe on the bassinet with the napper still in place? Or should I remove the napper if I'm using the bassinet? I worry that LO could get under the napper or something, but then again NB's don't move very much so idk..?

This is the one I have:
https://www.amazon.com/Graco-Playard-Reversible-Napper-Changer/dp/B005UV0UCM/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1390667234&sr=8-3&keywords=pack+n+play+newborn+napper
I believe the instructions tell you to remove the napper part before using the bassinet. However, I agree with you that a newborn is unlikely to move and get caught under the napper/changer.

ETA: see page 15 of the instructions. They say to remove the napper. https://download.gracobaby.com/ProductInstructionManuals/PD196635A.pdf
I would still plan on using your gut instinct on this as I feel as though this
is a bit of a CYA part of the
instructions.

Yeah, I used the bassinet part with the changer still attached to mine. Only recently found out that was a no no. But newborns don't move and I just faced them with their feet under the changer so it would have been hard for them to roll/turn that much without me noticing. We only used the PNP during the day though, so if you will use at night, I'm more cautious then b/c I know I will be sleeping too.

[Deleted User] · January 2014

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churst23 · January 2014

MissDemeanor said:
I'm planning on EBF and will be staying at home with LO for at least the first year. I'm wondering if I should buy a breast pump now anyway, or just wait to see if I need it? Some Of my friends mentioned that they were able to just get away with a manual pump for the few times they needed it, so I don't want to drop $400 if I won't use it much. But I don't want to have to send clueless boyfriend out to buy me one either. Advice?

I bought one before delivering with my first LO and I'm glad I did. The hospital LC taught me a few tips/tricks with my pump and also sorry if tmi but I have pretty flat nipples and I was encourage to pump for a couple minutes before breastfeeding to "pull my nipples out".

amerk1107 · January 2014

I just wanted to say thank you to everybody for all the awesome Q&A's because many of these were questions I had myself, and now I don't have to ask them

cbear47 · January 2014

I love this thread. Thank you Feb 14!

dadalou · January 2014

@beachbumm2214 Mattress pads are fine. You will probably want one or two. I think you will definitely want more than 2 sheets. There are times when LO will have multiple accidents in the night and you probably don't want to have to throw a load of laundry in the washer at 3am. With DD, I think we had 6, but really only used about 4 of them on a normal basis.

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