Stupid Questions Thread

babybarnes87 · February 2014

Anyone else not waking up to pee during the night? Enjoying it while it lasts...

Cecilbear · February 2014

Mamamonzo said:

If I feel my contractions in my back now am I likely to have back labor or is that something that can change?

I can't really answer this (sorry), but from everything I've read, our LOs can change position minute-by-minute. So, try the inversions or Rebozo technique from Spinning Babies? Just an idea.

Heeb918 · February 2014

Ooo I've been wondering that also. So baby should come out facing down? Do you have to get a c/s if they are flipped up?

Cecilbear · February 2014

Mrs+Hebert said:

Ooo I've been wondering that also. So baby should come out facing down? Do you have to get a c/s if they are flipped up?

If baby is sunny-side up, you have back labor (no c/s unless you have other complications of course).

JamiesWife2010 · February 2014

Lindsay808 said:
Yay! I love this!
STM - did most of you have baby room-in with you or sent to the nursery? I keep thinking how exhausted I'm going to be but I kinda feel guilty if I just send baby away to the nursery.

We roomed in the first night, but sent DS to the nursery for a few hours on night #2. I was exhausted and super stressed out bc DS was having alot of trouble latching.

Totally worth a few hour of sleep while DS drank a bottle and got some sleep himself.

Heeb918 · February 2014

Cecilbear said:

Mrs+Hebert said:

Ooo I've been wondering that also. So baby should come out facing down? Do you have to get a c/s if they are flipped up?

If baby is sunny-side up, you have back labor (no c/s unless you have other complications of course).

Okay I'm an idiot. What is the difference between back labor and.....ummmmm.... Front labor? Just the way the baby faces or is it actually different?

Cecilbear · February 2014

Mrs+Hebert said:

Cecilbear said:

Mrs+Hebert said:

Ooo I've been wondering that also. So baby should come out facing down? Do you have to get a c/s if they are flipped up?

If baby is sunny-side up, you have back labor (no c/s unless you have other complications of course).

Okay I'm an idiot. What is the difference between back labor and.....ummmmm.... Front labor? Just the way the baby faces or is it actually different?

Full disclosure: I am a FTM who over-researches, so maybe a STM can double-check my answer

But here's what we learned in birthing class: Back labor and normal (?) labor are essentially the same, in that no special interventions are needed. With back labor, the baby's back is facing your back. Our birthing instructor told us that because it's essentially bone against bone, back labor will result in some pretty strong back pain (though DHs/SOs are good for applying counter pressure for relief) and labor can last longer. Spinningbabies.com has some exercises that are meant to encourage LO to be in the optimal position for labor and delivery.

Heeb918 · February 2014

Thanks everyone! Since my OB doesn't typically do any more scans after the A/S, how will I know if I need to try and spin her? Or is that something you are supposed to try to do at the end right before labor?

spano41 · February 2014

I think your OB can tell by pushing on your stomach, like how she can tell if the baby is breach. I think I read that some where...I could be wrong though.

SeattleMomma · February 2014

Awesome! Thanks ladies

I'm going to look into the nipple guards and hope that this LO doesn't have any issues.

Heeb918 · February 2014

Gotcha. Anything I can do to try and make things easier I'm good with. Maybe I'll ask at my appt next week if they can tell where she is. Thanks y'all!

edoliesmom · February 2014

I know there was a thread about this a little while ago, but I just wanted to ask a specific question about it.

I remember most moms saying they use All Free & Clear to wash baby's clothes, but a few said they just use the kind they use for the rest of the family. I'm using Purex and just really want to start washing my baby's clothes! I haven't gotten around to buying a different detergent. Is this something you would risk (her possibly being allergic or it irritating her skin), or should I just wait until I get a different detergent?

edoliesmom · February 2014

@ColleenSwerb Thanks!! I just checked their website, and the kind I have says this: contains naturally sourced ingredients with natural fragrance extracts. Hypoallergenic and dye-free, Purex Natural Elements detergents are perfect for sensitive skin.

Looks like I'll be washing baby clothes tonight and tomorrow! Yay!

Emily041285 · February 2014

Ok I have one: my pump is supplied by my insurance and I plan to pick it up Friday. Besides the actual pump what are the extras I need? And what are the extras I probably want to have? I keep hearing about breast pads and really don't know even know what those are....

homediva · February 2014

Emily041285 said:
Ok I have one: my pump is supplied by my insurance and I plan to pick it up Friday. Besides the actual pump what are the extras I need? And what are the extras I probably want to have? I keep hearing about breast pads and really don't know even know what those are....

Your pump probably comes with a couple bottles - you might want to try a few different types with baby to see what they like best. I only gave a bottle on occasion and always just used the ones that came with my pump. You'll also need milk bags to store milk in the fridge or freezer, and maybe batteries for your pump. I only pumped to build a small stash though so I might have missed a few things!

The breast pads are helpful if you leak, I never went through very many but some women use them a lot! I also loved my nursing tanks, perfect for layering!

Twirple · February 2014

Emily041285 said:

Ok I have one: my pump is supplied by my insurance and I plan to pick it up Friday. Besides the actual pump what are the extras I need? And what are the extras I probably want to have? I keep hearing about breast pads and really don't know even know what those are....

It is nice to have an extra set of tubing and flanges so you can use them if your washing a set, as well as if something happens to one set. If your pump doesn't come with one, you'll probably want to get a cooler bag to keep the milk cold when you're transporting it. Some type of nipple cream like lanolin is an essential as far as I am concerned. Breast pads are absorbent pads that you wear in your bra in case you leak. You can get them in reusable cloth or disposables.

RedDawnsRevenge · February 2014

Emily041285 said:
Ok I have one: my pump is supplied by my insurance and I plan to pick it up Friday. Besides the actual pump what are the extras I need? And what are the extras I probably want to have? I keep hearing about breast pads and really don't know even know what those are....

I didn't have spare tubing but I did have two sets of pump parts (flanges/valves/horns). Would also have spare membranes incase you tear one while washing your stuff. The medela quick steam bags aren't nessacary but they sure are nice, I work in the ER so there is no 5 second rule. I would also get a travel sized soap bottle (the empty type they sell in the travel/camping isle) to keep with your pump just incase you need to wash you parts for what ever reason while out and about or at work. I also had a small brush in my pump bag, the type used to clean sippy cups works best to clean pump parts. And a permanent marker to keep with your milk bags, because you might be pumping into bottles but it's nice to have a few extra in the bag just in case. And lastly, breast pads really come down to trying a few and seeing what you like, what feels good and what absorbs the best for you.

kggmrgajgcag · February 2014

On baby three. I have no leaking with any during pregnancy. My boobs get giant and that's about it during or pregnancy. Which is surprising because I am a milk factory when they are born

tamaraaaa · February 2014

Ok, this is a stupid one, but can you tell if you are dialated and how far? I don't want to rush to the hospital, but when I think about it I won't know whether I'm 1cm or 5cm... I want to labor at home as much as possible, and I for sure don't want to drive to the hospital and have them send me home or be there way longer than needed just because I got there too early.

Bees Everywhere · February 2014

FYI, I just came across this article yesterday that mentions a study that showed back labor wasn't related to baby's position.

https://www.babycenter.com/0_back-labor_1451580.bc

They reference a study and then don't cite it which drives me NUTS. I'm trying to look for it because I had always heard back labor was because of a sunny side up baby.

They also have an article, that again references a study they don't cite, that says apparently even during labor babies change position a lot.

https://www.babycenter.com/0_posterior-position_1454005.bc

AcaAwkward · February 2014

dani+california said:
This is a great thread @BIRL!

Okay so I have one: we bought the BOB Revolution SE and matching car seat that clicks into it. The stroller has straps attached to its underside that are meant to go across the car seat and buckle over it and the baby-much like the buckle straps shown on the change pad earlier.

Do people actually use this? I've never seen a strap over a car seat in a stroller before. Is clicking the car seat into the stroller not sufficient enough? I feel like it would be a pain in the ass to clip and unclip every. single. time., but then I feel like I'm already a bad mom and cutting corners. Haha...thanks for the great advice so far ladies!

Our Snap-n-Go stroller frame and our jogger have the extra nylon strap -- I always used them with DD. Just made me feel like she was more secure, and it only took half a second. Fwiw, I've never used the strap on a changing pad though!

AcaAwkward · February 2014

Jessieann1020 said:
I will be pumping at work and I prefer not to wash any parts in the breakroom sink. Could I just stash them in a plastic bag and then in a cooler bag in the fridge and wash them when I get home? I would just take one set of everything for each pumping session. I would think being in the fridge would prevent bacteria from starting to grow.

How many times in an 8 hour work day would I need to pump? Assuming I nurse/pump shortly before leaving my house for the day.

Yes -- no need to wash them at work. So long as the parts are refrigerated (so any milk on them won't sour), they only need to be washed every 24 hours.

Other ladies who've pumped at work might be more helpful than me, but I assume the answer is you will need to pump as often as your baby would eat at home to keep up your supply, at least at first. So, depending on when you return to work, I'd anticipate needing to pump at least 3x in the beginning.

thomas930 · February 2014

P&B715 said:
Um see I can't even explain it well!!!
I feel like my vagina is being stretched, but only when I pee.

If your lady bits are swollen then that might be contributing to the feeling and then the pressure of sitting on the toilet...

Kyllarae · February 2014

What's the best way to take baby's temperature? I was gifted a paci thermometer but I'm worried about the accuracy of it. I was always under the impression that taking it rectally was best?

RedDawnsRevenge · February 2014

Kyllarae said:
What's the best way to take baby's temperature? I was gifted a paci thermometer but I'm worried about the accuracy of it. I was always under the impression that taking it rectally was best?

Yes rectally. If you're not sure how ask your doctor or nurse, and give a return demonstration. Pt teaching is our job!

patunia7321 · February 2014

I feel like this is a super stupid question but here we go: Does anyone have any tips for position when having to elevate your feet to relieve swelling? I have really horrible swelling (bp & protein ok- so it's just a nuisance symptom) but any position I sit or lay in while trying to elevate puts tons of pressure on my back and is uncomfortable. Any pillow placement or position tricks?

homediva · February 2014

joytomylifex said:
Ok, this is a stupid one, but can you tell if you are dialated and how far? I don't want to rush to the hospital, but when I think about it I won't know whether I'm 1cm or 5cm... I want to labor at home as much as possible, and I for sure don't want to drive to the hospital and have them send me home or be there way longer than needed just because I got there too early.

I don't think you can really tell - but you can totally walk around for the last month or weeks dilated to 1-2 or more cm and it doesn't make any difference! I labored at home and thought I wasn't progressing - but when I finally went in and got checked I was already 5cm!

snowclouds · February 2014

Jessieann1020 said:

I will be pumping at work and I prefer not to wash any parts in the breakroom sink. Could I just stash them in a plastic bag and then in a cooler bag in the fridge and wash them when I get home? I would just take one set of everything for each pumping session. I would think being in the fridge would prevent bacteria from starting to grow. How many times in an 8 hour work day would I need to pump? Assuming I nurse/pump shortly before leaving my house for the day.

Throw all the parts in a large ziploc and store in the fridge. I exclusively pumped last time and I only washed pump parts once a day. In a 8 hour day, you'll probably have to pump 2-3x.

snowclouds · February 2014

joytomylifex said:

Ok, this is a stupid one, but can you tell if you are dialated and how far? I don't want to rush to the hospital, but when I think about it I won't know whether I'm 1cm or 5cm... I want to labor at home as much as possible, and I for sure don't want to drive to the hospital and have them send me home or be there way longer than needed just because I got there too early.

I couldn't tell I was dialated at all even before I got the epidural at 7cm so no you can't tell. A good indication is that contractions are getting closer together (3 or so minutes apart) and you have a hard time talking through them. I was in labour for a long time before we went to the hospital and I was admitted at a 3-4cm dialation, but I wish I'd stayed even longer at home.

snowclouds · February 2014

Kyllarae said:

What's the best way to take baby's temperature? I was gifted a paci thermometer but I'm worried about the accuracy of it. I was always under the impression that taking it rectally was best?

The only really accurate temp in an infant is rectal. They move too much to do armpit (believe me I tried) and the forehead ones are generally considered not to be too accurate.

I would think that the paci thermometer would work well to give you an idea of the temp, but if you need an exact temp for the doctor you'll need to take it rectally usually.

rockstarlaw · February 2014

I think I remember this being covered in another thread before, but I can't remember what the answer was: how many newborn outfits should we pack to bring in our hospital bag?

beautifulstr13 · February 2014

rockstarlaw said:
I think I remember this being covered in another thread before, but I can't remember what the answer was: how many newborn outfits should we pack to bring in our hospital bag?

Our hospital had some of those kimono type shirts and swaddled the baby every day so we really only needed a going home outfit. This time I'm planning to bring a couple rompers and her going home outfit.

strawberrytree · February 2014

rockstarlaw said:

I think I remember this being covered in another thread before, but I can't remember what the answer was: how many newborn outfits should we pack to bring in our hospital bag?

We just brought our coming home outfit last time. DS spent the whole time there either swaddled or in a diaper getting skin to skin. He was born in late May though, so I might bring a few little kimono shirts and a sleeper or two this time in case it's colder. They'll still have their cord stump so I'd avoid things with a waistband.

thomas930 · February 2014

kcp913 said:
Does your belly button typically go back to its normal position? Mine's moved down 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch so far and the bottom of my naval piercing is that far off from my belly button now (which is how I know how far my belly button has moved).

So far mine has always returned to normal.

nikki912 · February 2014

P&B715 said:
Um see I can't even explain it well!!!
I feel like my vagina is being stretched, but only when I pee.

I think I'm experiencing the same thing. It's a strange feeling... Like I'm being stretched and baby's head is RIGHT at my cervical opening.

BiggerinRealLife · February 2014

joytomylifex said:
Ok, this is a stupid one, but can you tell if you are dialated and how far? I don't want to rush to the hospital, but when I think about it I won't know whether I'm 1cm or 5cm... I want to labor at home as much as possible, and I for sure don't want to drive to the hospital and have them send me home or be there way longer than needed just because I got there too early.

@joytomylifex FTM so I have no experience, but I'll share what I've been told by both my OB and Bradley Method teacher. Get yourself familiar with the signs of the different stages of labor and plan to be at the hospital during "transition" (the part between early labor and feeling like you need to push). Different docs will give you different recommendations on timing your contractions an when to come in, and I think that's a more accurate way to figure it rather than trying to tell how dialated you are. Anything past three centimeters and before ten doctors are estimating anyway by feel. Of course, this advice is assuming you want to labor at home as long as possible and/or aren't planning on an epidural. If you're getting an epidural you can go in any time after early labor and they're unlikely to send you home.

Rachnan · February 2014

Have one and can't remember if it's been addressed in other threads: LO was measuring a couple weeks ahead this morning, is there any correlation with size and delivery week? If he is measuring that way going forward am I more likely to have him earlier or is it just likely to have him around the right time and just have a bigger boy?

spano41 · February 2014

So the mucus plug thread reminded me to ask....when we are talking mucus plug, how much mucus are we talking? Teaspoon, tablespoon, 1/3 Cup? I asked my instructor and I don't think she knew because she evaded the question and never really answered. I'd just like to know what to be expecting.

nikki912 · February 2014

spano41 said:
So the mucus plug thread reminded me to ask....when we are talking mucus plug, how much mucus are we talking? Teaspoon, tablespoon, 1/3 Cup? I asked my instructor and I don't think she knew because she evaded the question and never really answered. I'd just like to know what to be expecting.

It can be thin strands, a tablespoon, a golf ball, or you could have nothing. I didn't notice it until I was in labor and even then it was just smeared on TP after peeing.

Eta: to clarify- its not that some women don't have it, but they don't notice when they loose it because it drops steadily into the toilet over time or all at once when they are laboring
and it doesn't register.

hlm184 · February 2014

kcp913 said:

thomas930 said:

Does your belly button typically go back to its normal position? Mine's moved down 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch so far and the bottom of my naval piercing is that far off from my belly button now (which is how I know how far my belly button has moved).
So far mine has always returned to normal.

Good, such a dumb thing to worry about with all the other stuff but I'm very attached to my belly button apparently. Something I didn't realize until this pregnancy, lol

DH makes fun of me for obsessing about my belly button. He doesn't get it!

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