Stupid Questions Thread

snowbound · February 2014

Is there a point in time or certain age where skin to skin is no longer/less beneficial?

BiggerinRealLife · February 2014

Does sciatica go away after pregnancy if you never had it before? **mutters to herself please say yes please say yes**

nikki912 · February 2014

Jennpjc414 said:
Speaking of skin to skin....Is the first hour of skin to skin contact only with the mom? DH wouldn't be able to have skin to skin till after the first hour of baby being with mom?

I did skin to skin until I needed to deliver the placenta and then DH did skin to skin until I delivered the placenta and showered, then baby came back to me.

mrsB68 · February 2014

BiggerinRealLife said:
Does sciatica go away after pregnancy if you never had it before? **mutters to herself please say yes please say yes**

Everything I've read and heard says yes. Which would make sense since baby isn't in your nerve anymore!

RedDawnsRevenge · February 2014

BiggerinRealLife said:
Does sciatica go away after pregnancy if you never had it before? **mutters to herself please say yes please say yes**

My sciatic pain went away about a week after my c/s. Had sciatic pain this pregnancy to but not as bad.

mrsB68 said:
This sounds bad but I'm going to ask...can they give baby a quick bath and then do skin to skin or does that eliminate the point? I know I probably won't care at the time but right now I just say ew to an unbathed baby. I'm probably being ridiculous, I know.

Delaying the first bath is actually beneficial: https://www.bestforbabes.org/booby-traps-series-why-the-newborn-bath-should-wait
We ended up accidentally delaying DDs bath because I wanted my GF to give her the bath. Unfortunately she had to take state boards that day and never made it to the hospital. We made it nearly 48 hrs before the nurse and her student insisted she have a bath, and I gave in. GF showed up shortly after...

beautifulstr13 · February 2014

BiggerinRealLife said:
Does sciatica go away after pregnancy if you never had it before? **mutters to herself please say yes please say yes**

Mine did not go away entirely after DS but it did ease up. The more stretching and good exercise I got the better it got. I also haven't had it as bad this pregnancy.

AcaAwkward · February 2014

mrsB68 said:
This sounds bad but I'm going to ask...can they give baby a quick bath and then do skin to skin or does that eliminate the point? I know I probably won't care at the time but right now I just say ew to an unbathed baby. I'm probably being ridiculous, I know.

The vernix (white gunk) is actually super good for baby's skin!

AcaAwkward · February 2014

BiggerinRealLife said:
Does sciatica go away after pregnancy if you never had it before? **mutters to herself please say yes please say yes**

For the most part, mine went away (and is back with a vengeance this pregnancy) after DD was born. If I sat weird for an extended period of time, I'd still get a pang every now and then, but it was waaaaaaaaaaaay better.

JoelleOK · February 2014

AcaAwkward said:

Emily041285 said:

AcaAwkward said:

Emily041285 said:
If my dr mentioned he would induce me 7 days past my due date by breaking my water does that mean I won't get pitocin? Or is it both?
It depends on how your body reacts to having the membranes ruptured. There is no guarantee that manually breaking your water will induce contractions. But breaking your water will likely "put you on the clock" if you're at a hospital with an OB...if you don't start contracting on your own, it's likely your OB would suggest Pitocin. If you want to avoid Pitocin, I'd speak with your OB about it now...and possibly ask if you can wait longer after your EDD to start any interventions.
Hmmm. We've talked about my desire to be as natural as possible but maybe I should be more specific with him. I just assumed breaking my water was the natural way and that labor would start soon after.

The 7 days is my only option with him. He has had two still births with mothers who went farther than 7 days so it's not negotiable with him. But I knew that when we started seeing him and he's pro everything else I want so I'm just crossing my fingers for going into labor on my own.
You might ask him about Foley balls as well! I am hoping for a VBAC, and Pitocin can't be administed during a VBAC (I want med-free anyway) -- using a Foley ball + rupturing membranes are the two "natural" induction options usually available!

Hopefully you go into labor spontaneously and don't have to worry about it!

The foley ball is a great idea. My midwife likes to use it after applying a gel to the cervix to get it ready.

Before the foley ball or breaking the waters you might consider having your membranes stripped or having a cervix ripening cream/gel applied. I can't remember the name of the cream but it has hormones in it that soften the cervix to get it ready for labor.

In my opinion, starting an induction by only breaking the waters seems like a harsh method that has a high likelyhood of leading to other interventions.

reillyea · February 2014

Are skin tags and moles a side effect of pregnancy? I have never heard this but moles are darker and skin tags are popping out. Itchy and annoying

mrsB68 · February 2014

Thanks @reddawnsrevenge that's a great article!

JLyn821 · February 2014

SLSchuerg said:

Is it common for doctors/nurses not to check your amniotic fluid levels at each appointment? My NPs never have, and I don't really know how they would check it anyway. I just have seen some of the ladies on TB talk about it, and the concern of low fluid levels. I plan to ask at my appointment tomorrow but wanted to know what're norm was for others.

Mine have only ever been checked during u/s. I don't know how they'd do it otherwise.

snmetz7 · February 2014

Has anyone tried to induce via acupuncture? did it work? how quickly?

reillyea · February 2014

There are a lot of skin changes. I get skin tags with each pregnancy. Keep an eye on the moles - if they get much bigger, multicolor or oddly shaped, have them professionally examined. Not to try to scare you, but the hormones of pregnancy woke up a latent tendency towards skin cancer for a friend of mine with both of her pregnancies.

Thanks, was thinking i would wait until after pregnancy since i figure they won't be able to do anything about them now. But i guess i should at least have them checked out.

Emily041285 · February 2014

What's the book that everyone recommends for after the baby is here? It has what to do for colds, diaper rash, those kinds of things. Baby 411 maybe?

JNova78 · February 2014

Here are two stupid questions:

1. Does it matter what kind of stain/spot treatment remover is used on baby's stuff? I am using All Free and Clear and no fabric softener for washing, but wasn't sure about pre-treating.

2. How should I wash the plastic toys//teethers? Do I just wash with regular dish detergent and rinse?

MadBloom · February 2014

Ok my turn for some stupid questions! Hope someone reads them because I'm actually really curious and don't want to start a whole discussion on them.

1. I have read a lot of people talk about their repeat c-sections. So if you've had a c-section in the past do they not let you attempt a vaginal birth? I'm sure it's different for everyone but i just see a lot of the whole "repeat c-section" being said.

2. All the lists of what to bring in the hospital bag say to bring pads. Am I to expect something like a full on period or just spotting after the birth? And how long does it last?

Thanks in advance!

ksulli · February 2014

@KendraColeslaw- I'd ask about it first. If you're BFing, you'd probably only leave baby for 2-3hrs at a time. With such a little one could you bring baby to some of the stuff? It'll still sleep a lot at 2 mos, so to just have baby sleep by you in a stroller while you sit at the pool, enjoy a meal or a drink, etc. could be really nice.

snmetz7 · February 2014

@MadBloom said:

Ok my turn for some stupid questions! Hope someone reads them because I'm actually really curious and don't want to start a whole discussion on them.

1. I have read a lot of people talk about their repeat c-sections. So if you've had a c-section in the past do they not let you attempt a vaginal birth? I'm sure it's different for everyone but i just see a lot of the whole "repeat c-section" being said.

2. All the lists of what to bring in the hospital bag say to bring pads. Am I to expect something like a full on period or just spotting after the birth? And how long does it last?

Thanks in advance!

FTM but I have been listening to alot of talk so I have answers.

1. VBAC (vaginal birth after c -section) is not allowed by every OB since it requires a lot more attention and can be dangerous (previous scars opening and what not) and most OB will go straight for RCS since it is "safer"

2. there will be heavier than period bleeding they will actually provide you with mega pads (think size of an adult diaper) for at least the first day and then the bleeding will be equal to a heavy period after that. Your placenta was just ripped from your uterus its like an open wound so it will bleed for CS or VB. as for how long it lasts, this differs for everyone. can be 3-8 weeks from what I hear.

ksulli · February 2014

@JNova78 said:
Here are two stupid questions:

1. Does it matter what kind of stain/spot treatment remover is used on baby's stuff? I am using All Free and Clear and no fabric softener for washing, but wasn't sure about pre-treating.

2. How should I wash the plastic toys//teethers? Do I just wash with regular dish detergent and rinse?

1- I would just pre-treat with All Free & Clear right on the spot. Also, poo-splosion and spit up stains bleach out nicely if you leave the clothing/blanket/what have you in strong sunlight.
2- they make baby dish detergent, but it's really the normal stuff watered down more.

ksulli · February 2014

@MadBloom said:
1. I have read a lot of people talk about their repeat c-sections. So if you've had a c-section in the past do they not let you attempt a vaginal birth? I'm sure it's different for everyone but i just see a lot of the whole "repeat c-section" being said.

2. All the lists of what to bring in the hospital bag say to bring pads. Am I to expect something like a full on period or just spotting after the birth? And how long does it last?

Thanks in advance!

1- some people are good candidates for VBAC, some aren't. You're not generally stuck with c-sec just because you had one, but are often given the option since there are risks either way.
2- it's a HEAVY period for several days before letting up. Where the placenta detaches from your ute is essentially an open, though internal, wound. Plus there's a lot of stuff to flush out.

MadBloom · February 2014

Thank you! @snmetz7 and @ksulli

You do not want to know what I thought a VBAC was lol. Not that I need to worry about that since I'm a FTM but I was just curious.

And thank you for the 2nd answer as well. Doesn't seem pleasant..... but at least I'm better prepared now!

JNova78 · February 2014

ksulli said:

@JNova78 said:
Here are two stupid questions:

1. Does it matter what kind of stain/spot treatment remover is used on baby's stuff? I am using All Free and Clear and no fabric softener for washing, but wasn't sure about pre-treating.

2. How should I wash the plastic toys//teethers? Do I just wash with regular dish detergent and rinse?
1- I would just pre-treat with All Free & Clear right on the spot. Also, poo-splosion and spit up stains bleach out nicely if you leave the clothing/blanket/what have you in strong sunlight.
2- they make baby dish detergent, but it's really the normal stuff watered down more.

We have lots of strong sunlight here in TX, so I will definitely give that a try! Thanks.

sdo_082989 · February 2014

For all of you that have made it beyond the terrible 2's...in what ways is 3 worse?

beautifulstr13 · February 2014

sdo_082989 said:
For all of you that have made it beyond the terrible 2's...in what ways is 3 worse?

3-4 has been pretty bad for us. DS has gotten a lot more stubborn, his fits escalated with no way to stop them, he became a more picky eater. He's developing a little personality which is great but that comes with highs and lows. He's not as easily entertained as before and will let you know about it.

jgreig83 · February 2014

Just how effective is NO2 or laughing gas during labor. I know that I am not allowed it when I am pushing as it is counterproductive but I was hoping it would take a bit of the sting away in early labor so I wouldn't be reaching for the Fentanyl.

ksulli · February 2014

@kcp913 regarding adjusted ages- my friend has micro-preemie twins and they stopped tracking adjusted age at 3 years. That's when they 'should be' on track for all developmental milestones. You may stop tracking earlier if baby is preemie (vs micro-preemie).

AcaAwkward · February 2014

@kcp913 - I think it depends on how premature the baby was, but I've read that by 24 months, almost all physical milestones should have caught up to normal. With BLW, the baby really needs to be sitting up really well (practically unassisted), reaching out, grasping things, and bringing them to its mouth...so a preemie parent would want to check those milestones off the list before beginning!

AcaAwkward · February 2014

poru said:

Emily041285 said:

What's the book that everyone recommends for after the baby is here? It has what to do for colds, diaper rash, those kinds of things. Baby 411 maybe?

BABY 411. Best book ever. Get the real thing, not an ebook, since it's all color coded, and indexed, and easy to just look up a question. They have one chapter that focuses on the first couple weeks home from the hospital. I suggest only reading that one chapter before baby comes. And read it a couple of times. You don't need to read the whole book before baby arrives. Then when additional questions come up after baby comes home, you can turn to the specific sections.

Seriously, Baby 411 is the BEST. I give it to every single pregnant friend. Big fan of Toddler 411, too! And like @poru said, definitely buy the hard copies.

AcaAwkward · February 2014

jgreig83 said:
Just how effective is NO2 or laughing gas during labor. I know that I am not allowed it when I am pushing as it is counterproductive but I was hoping it would take a bit of the sting away in early labor so I wouldn't be reaching for the Fentanyl.

Where are you located? Laughing gas is (sadly) not at all standard for births in the US (and I'm pretty sure it's not big in Canada either, but I could be wrong?), so I'm not sure how much info you'll get here! But maybe some of the European ladies can help you out!

snmetz7 · February 2014

Melody*W* said:

snmetz7 said:

@MadBloom said:

Ok my turn for some stupid questions! Hope someone reads them because I'm actually really curious and don't want to start a whole discussion on them.

1. I have read a lot of people talk about their repeat c-sections. So if you've had a c-section in the past do they not let you attempt a vaginal birth? I'm sure it's different for everyone but i just see a lot of the whole "repeat c-section" being said.

2. All the lists of what to bring in the hospital bag say to bring pads. Am I to expect something like a full on period or just spotting after the birth? And how long does it last?

Thanks in advance!

FTM but I have been listening to alot of talk so I have answers.

1. VBAC (vaginal birth after c -section) is not allowed by every OB since it requires a lot more attention and can be dangerous (previous scars opening and what not) and most OB will go straight for RCS since it is "safer"

2. there will be heavier than period bleeding they will actually provide you with mega pads (think size of an adult diaper) for at least the first day and then the bleeding will be equal to a heavy period after that. Your placenta was just ripped from your uterus its like an open wound so it will bleed for CS or VB. as for how long it lasts, this differs for everyone. can be 3-8 weeks from what I hear.

Omg, I was thinking it gently detached - but it actually rips from the uterine wall?
My poor body

I swear after all this it's nothing but margaritas and massages.

Those were the words used by my birthing class instructor. A contraction forces them apart and it leaves you with an open wound. Not to scare you and they said you won't really feel that part just regurgitating my learnings

sdo_082989 · February 2014

beautifulstr13 said:

sdo_082989 said:
For all of you that have made it beyond the terrible 2's...in what ways is 3 worse?
3-4 has been pretty bad for us. DS has gotten a lot more stubborn, his fit escalated with no way to stop them, he became a more picky eater. He's developing a little personality which is great but that comes with highs and lows. He's not as easily entertained as before and will let you know about it.

Surely DD can't get worse about being entertained. Even my mom has commented on how difficult DD is to entertain. She is an excellent eater so I really hope that doesn't change. She is already extremely impatient, I am afraid if it gets any worse she will explode. So not looking forward to things getting worse.

MrsMeatball41 · February 2014

Where do you get raspberry leaf tea. I don't have a midwife and can't seem to find it

mrsflamingo · February 2014

@snmetz7 My good friend had her baby last month- she had acupuncture one morning and baby was here that evening. She was 41 wks 6 days, so he was more than ready to come out but she needed something to jump start contractions. Hard to say whether it was actually the acupuncture, but it definitely got things moving for her.

MapleLeafMama · February 2014

sdo_082989 said:

For all of you that have made it beyond the terrible 2's...in what ways is 3 worse?

https://www.rantsfrommommyland.com/2011/07/top-ten-reasons-why-3-is-worse-than-2.html

rockstarlaw · February 2014

MrsMeatball41 said:
Where do you get raspberry leaf tea. I don't have a midwife and can't seem to find it

Amazon. Or try Whole Foods?

snappyK · February 2014

snmetz7 said:

Melody*W* said:

snmetz7 said:

@MadBloom said:

Ok my turn for some stupid questions! Hope someone reads them because I'm actually really curious and don't want to start a whole discussion on them.

1. I have read a lot of people talk about their repeat c-sections. So if you've had a c-section in the past do they not let you attempt a vaginal birth? I'm sure it's different for everyone but i just see a lot of the whole "repeat c-section" being said.

2. All the lists of what to bring in the hospital bag say to bring pads. Am I to expect something like a full on period or just spotting after the birth? And how long does it last?

Thanks in advance!

FTM but I have been listening to alot of talk so I have answers.

1. VBAC (vaginal birth after c -section) is not allowed by every OB since it requires a lot more attention and can be dangerous (previous scars opening and what not) and most OB will go straight for RCS since it is "safer"

2. there will be heavier than period bleeding they will actually provide you with mega pads (think size of an adult diaper) for at least the first day and then the bleeding will be equal to a heavy period after that. Your placenta was just ripped from your uterus its like an open wound so it will bleed for CS or VB. as for how long it lasts, this differs for everyone. can be 3-8 weeks from what I hear.

Omg, I was thinking it gently detached - but it actually rips from the uterine wall?
My poor body

I swear after all this it's nothing but margaritas and massages.

Those were the words used by my birthing class instructor. A contraction forces them apart and it leaves you with an open wound. Not to scare you and they said you won't really feel that part just regurgitating my learnings

If all is going normally, I think "gently detaches" is a better description. Evidently, some caregivers will apply "umbilical traction" which can end up being like ripping the placenta out. This is generally NOT a good thing. I'm not sure if that's standard practice at my hospital, put I'm putting in my birth plan that they should not do any umbilical traction.

As my doula described it to me, as soon as you give birth, your uterus starts to shrink back to its smaller size. As this happens, the placenta will detach naturally and pretty quickly because the space it was attached to just gets smaller. It's not a violent ripping, but there is still some open wound-ness to it.

haziedaze · February 2014

kcp913 said:

With regards to preemies and adjusted ages (I.e. I've seen my 2 year old daughter who is technically 21.5 months used on here and on other boards I look at). What is the difference and at what point do you stop referring to the adjusted age of your child? I'm assuming it could possibly affect development in the short term, but since I don't have experience with it, it confuses me. For example, I follow BLW on Facebook and one of the women was told to wait until her daughter would be 6 months from her due date instead of using BLW now(so she was told to in essence wait until the baby was 7.5 months to BLW instead of at 6 months because that is her adjusted age) Sorry if this confuses anyone.

You correct until they are 2 and then they are supposed to be "caught up"- this is really only the formal definition used by Early Intervention and Pedis, but for most kids it's a gradual process. DS started BLW at 7 months (5 adj) and was ready. He seems like his peers now in most ways, but I still notice very subtle delays and his height is still crossing percentiles slowly.