I didn't feel my catheter, but they also only used a straight cath every few hours and didn't leave it in. I was able to tell when they needed to come in and drain my bladder because the contractions would get more uncomfortable even with the epi.
@Melody*W* when I did my NICU rotation for my CCNI (crit care nurse intern) we couldn't wear nail polish for fear it would chip and a chip of polish could go down a vent and kill a baby. I would assume they are using the same logic in their OR? We don't have such a policy at any of the last few hospitals I've worked at. Though, if my pt needed an emergent section and it was our policy, I would not be taking the time to take it off, I'd put gloves on the pt.
@dani+california nursing as much, and as unrestricted as possible will help your milk come in. My milk took quiet a while to come in. I wouldn't supplement, our bodies are much much smarter than we are. As long as baby is making wet and dirty diapers if you are golden. If baby isn't doing the following then I would try pumping to supplement first using a foley cup or syringe.
My hospital book says not to wear nail polish in the event they have to do a c-section. However, If i go in to labor before my EDD and am wearing nail polish, will they just remove it?
Pretty sure they will.
Thank you! I figured they would... I just needed reassurance. Thankfully this thread exists! I just wasn't sure if I should pack nail polish remover just in case! lol
Why no nail polish?
They usually put a pulse oximetry on your finger to measure your oxygen saturation. If you have nail polish on, it doesn't work as well. If you have nail polish, sometimes they put the pulse ox on your ear!
Thanks for all of the responses, ladies. I'm very conflicted about the catheter though...not sure if I should request not to have one or not. Maybe I'd just rather pee all over everyone? I mean, I don't have to clean that up, right? (I am...sort of...joking) ">
My hospital book says not to wear nail polish in the event they have to do a c-section. However, If i go in to labor before my EDD and am wearing nail polish, will they just remove it?
Pretty sure they will.
Thank you! I figured they would... I just needed reassurance. Thankfully this thread exists! I just wasn't sure if I should pack nail polish remover just in case! lol
Why no nail polish?
I am not sure..There is a section marked as important in my info pamphlet and one of the points is no nail polish. Although some of the PP's have given some good reasons as to why.. They also say to remove all jewlery in case of a C-section they may have to cut them off? I guess policies across hospitals are not standard..
The nurse at our hospital tour said no nail polish because they put an oxygen meter or whatever it's called on your finger during a c section. She said they'd take your polish off if your have it on and need an emergency section.
Thanks for all of the responses, ladies. I'm very conflicted about the catheter though...not sure if I should request not to have one or not. Maybe I'd just rather pee all over everyone? I mean, I don't have to clean that up, right? (I am...sort of...joking) ">
When you're pushing you basically can't pee because baby's head is kinking off your urethra. They will often pass a catheter quickly if you've been pushing a long time and then pull it out as baby comes out. Most women I've seen don't even notice b/c they are so focused on pushing or have an epi. I had one put in right after my epi and it was the only time DS's HR dropped, I think the combo of the epi plus suddenly deflating the bladder balloon caused it, he recovered quickly with oxygen and rolling to my left side. I honestly don't remember it coming out, it was clearly NBD.
BFP#1 9/14/10 (EDD 5/21/11); no fetal pole 6w6d, 7w4d, d&c 10/8 BFP#2 3/16/11, beta 138; 4/12 Baby/HB DS born 9/10/11 at 29w4d due to partial abruption and PTL BFP#3 8/19/13 Another boy! 17P, modified bedrest and Nifedipine helped us have a termie! DS2 born 4/19/14 at 38w5d.
@P&B715 I've really never had a problem with a PTs nail polish. I have had problems with their acrylics. Usually the problem is thick/colorful/3D nail art. Overly long nails might not fit hard plastic SPO2 monitors, and not all hospitals/units have the sticker type. I am assuming you have acrylics, can't recall ever having a pt with silk wraps or overlays, but as silk is stronger than Kevlar I think they might cause a problem?
We may have already gone over this AND I am pretty sure my OB already answered this for me, but I'm having a serious brain fart... Is there a medical reason for me to go to the hospital as soon as my water breaks if I want to labor at home as long as possible? Or can I wait for the 5-1-1- rule? Because I think it's been mentioned that the water breaking (if it even does before we are at the hospital) could be waaaay before baby comes, like days even, is that right?
We may have already gone over this AND I am pretty sure my OB already answered this for me, but I'm having a serious brain fart... Is there a medical reason for me to go to the hospital as soon as my water breaks if I want to labor at home as long as possible? Or can I wait for the 5-1-1- rule? Because I think it's been mentioned that the water breaking (if it even does before we are at the hospital) could be waaaay before baby comes, like days even, is that right?
My doctors rule: water breaks, you come in. Because once it breaks there is a way for things such as infections to get up to baby.
Why do my boobs look so good? Then I peed on a stick...
We may have already gone over this AND I am pretty sure my OB already answered this for me, but I'm having a serious brain fart... Is there a medical reason for me to go to the hospital as soon as my water breaks if I want to labor at home as long as possible? Or can I wait for the 5-1-1- rule? Because I think it's been mentioned that the water breaking (if it even does before we are at the hospital) could be waaaay before baby comes, like days even, is that right?
Completely provider dependent. I have up to 72 hours to give birth after my water breaks- some docs make you go in right away. If they say its your choice, I'd labor at home until the 5-1-1 rule provided you are full term, the fluid is clear, and you aren't GbS+
April 2014 May Siggy Challenge: Funny Animals- Kangaroo Mating Ritual
FTM here. I know you are supposed to continue prenatal vitamin while breast feeding but do you need to take anything additional? Does making milk require more of certain nutrients? I think if you have a good diet intake and prenatal you should be fine right??
@rockstarlaw I would be surprised if they let you do that because when you get the epidural you can't feel the urge to pee so you risk filling up your bladder too much and stretching it out which can lead to other problems later on. At least that's what they taught us in baby class.
I remember them saying it had something to do with your blood pressure and your nail beds change color or something. I hadn't taken mine off(toe polish not finger nail) and ended up with an ECS and after telling me I should have taken it off (and taken out my earrings/rings) removed it themselves.
So after vaginal birth, it's no sex for 6 weeks correct? This is going to be a funny question but is that just because of the friction of penis and vagina? I ask because if I dont get off for a period of time, I orgasm in my sleep... Weird, I know. And I know my hormones will be super different so maybe my libido will finally take a rest, but I'm just curious if the orgasming part of sex is also not so great after having a baby or what.
Why do my boobs look so good? Then I peed on a stick...
FTM here. I know you are supposed to continue prenatal vitamin while breast feeding but do you need to take anything additional? Does making milk require more of certain nutrients? I think if you have a good diet intake and prenatal you should be fine right??
There are certain foods that can help keep your supply up. Oatmeal is supposed to be a big one. Go on Pinterest and search for lactation cookie recipes. I didn't find out about them until after DD was weaned, but I also didn't have a supply problem. Just eat a healthy diet and you should be fine.
FTM here. I know you are supposed to continue prenatal vitamin while breast feeding but do you need to take anything additional? Does making milk require more of certain nutrients? I think if you have a good diet intake and prenatal you should be fine right??
Unless you have issues with your supply you don't have to change your diet. I mean, eating a generally healthy balanced diet is always beneficial, but if you aren't having issues with supply you don't have to eat anything special. Baby will take all the nutrient he needs first, so even if you live on McDonalds for the first month baby will get the nutrients he needs from your milk and you will get what is left over.
So after vaginal birth, it's no sex for 6 weeks correct? This is going to be a funny question but is that just because of the friction of penis and vagina? I ask because if I dont get off for a period of time, I orgasm in my sleep... Weird, I know. And I know my hormones will be super different so maybe my libido will finally take a rest, but I'm just curious if the orgasming part of sex is also not so great after having a baby or what.
No, it's because of the introduction of bacteria and the fact that your vag and uterus are generally a mess. Your cervix doesn't close immediately, and the site where the placenta used to be attached is considered an open wound. So bacteria introduced by the penis (or fingers, or a sex toy) could cause an infection.
What about a vibrator on you clitorus? Or would an orgasm post birth hurt?
So after vaginal birth, it's no sex for 6 weeks correct? This is going to be a funny question but is that just because of the friction of penis and vagina? I ask because if I dont get off for a period of time, I orgasm in my sleep... Weird, I know. And I know my hormones will be super different so maybe my libido will finally take a rest, but I'm just curious if the orgasming part of sex is also not so great after having a baby or what.
No, it's because of the introduction of bacteria and the fact that your vag and uterus are generally a mess. Your cervix doesn't close immediately, and the site where the placenta used to be attached is considered an open wound. So bacteria introduced by the penis (or fingers, or a sex toy) could cause an infection.
What about a vibrator on you clitorus? Or would an orgasm post birth hurt?
I was told (unprompted, my midwife just offered up this info- I guess she is asked a lot) that absolutely no penetration but that the use of a CLEAN hand or vibrator on the clitoris was okay. The labia and discharge should protect from bacteria entering the vagina. But I would definitely check on that before you do it.
If you have the interest and energy before the six weeks is up I'm going to be so jealous! I forced myself the first time back in the saddle.
April 2014 May Siggy Challenge: Funny Animals- Kangaroo Mating Ritual
Oh I have a stupid question! Im sorry if this has been asked but I haven't read in over 300 posts and am being lazy...
How can you tell if baby is engaged? I am getting stabbing pains in the front of my pelvis today- but more to the right, so don't think its SPD, could be RLP??. She is sitting lowish - but not noticeably lower than usual, but she is definitely not up under my ribs. When I feel her, I cant tell where her head is, but I know where her butt is. I am needing to pee more frequently and am feeling pressure and movement on my cervix.
I know it doesn't actually matter because at this point she can move back up and down a few times, but if DH questions why I am limping I would actually like to say yep, shes engaged, now please bring me a hot chocolate, it hurts to walk!!! hehe
Oh and am I in labor?!?! (sorry, had to!)
Angel baby June 2013, DD born 22 April 2014, BFP 10 Sept 2015 - Due 22 May 2016
Just wanted to say thank you to all the awesome BTDT mommas who constantly answer our "stupid questions"! We haven't given you all nearly enough credit for being so patient with us :x
That being said I have a question again "> I posted this on the RTT but with how fast it's moving today, it might get buried... I'm having some painful cramps however they're only in small areas of my belly (maybe growing pains?) and I do feel the sporadic "tightness" that people describe as BH, but it's almost always while baby is moving. Is that just tightness from her pushing around or would she move when she feels the BH happening? It doesn't always feel so uncomfortable and tight when she moves, just sometimes
I'm having some painful cramps however they're only in small areas of my belly (maybe growing pains?) and I do feel the sporadic "tightness" that people describe as BH, but it's almost always while baby is moving. Is that just tightness from her pushing around or would she move when she feels the BH happening? It doesn't always feel so uncomfortable and tight when she moves, just sometimes
I *think* the difference is that with BH your whole ute gets tight/hard, whereas when it's an uncomfortable baby roll it's just the part baby is pushing on that gets so hard. That's how I differentiate anyhow. Both are sorta painful.
@ksulli in one of the previous discussions about BH (can't remember which one) some mommas said that only the top or bottom of their ute would get hard so according to that information, it might be different for everyone, I guess? The part that's throwing me is that my belly always feels hard to the touch. The tightening doesn't seem to change that for me. Idk why I'm having such a hard time understanding this whole BH business!
ETA I must not be having any at all, because I'm getting the impression that I'd be able to tell when it's happening!
This may be silly, but I've been researching vaccines.. If I have had the Tdap does baby still need to receive the Dtap !? My Dr told me that the Tdap was supposed to benefit baby and pass along those anti bodies ..so wouldn't that mean baby wouldn't need Dtap ?
@ksulli in one of the previous discussions about BH (can't remember which one) some mommas said that only the top or bottom of their ute would get hard so according to that information, it might be different for everyone, I guess? The part that's throwing me is that my belly always feels hard to the touch. The tightening doesn't seem to change that for me. Idk why I'm having such a hard time understanding this whole BH business!
ETA I must not be having any at all, because I'm getting the impression that I'd be able to tell when it's happening!
I had tons of BH I never noticed or felt, but whenever I'd have NST the nurse would comment on them. BH make your stomach get even harder kind of like when you are flexing your abs or coughing except you'll be doing absolutely nothing. It's more common to have a lot the second time around which is funny because I've gotten a lot less this time.
Baby Girl: 2014/4/25 K: Born 2012/02/20
BFP 12/31/2010; missed m/c @ 6w1d, medical m/c(Misoprostol)@ 13w2d. My Blog
FTM, but when I asked my doc about getting a pump, she suggested I wait until I know how breast feeding goes for me, in case I have any special needs that a specific pump could address better. Since you aren't dealing with insurance and red tape about it, I would say having the extra expertise from your nurses and lactation specialists/pediatrician/what have you might be really helpful in picking the right pump for you specifically and then you can just send your DH out to pick up their best recommendation.
You don't want to get a pump too early also because the warranty starts running when you buy it. If I were buying one OOP and knew i would need one to go back to work I would just be waiting for a good deal. You probably won't need one an the very beginning and If you do it may be covered by insurance because of medical necessity. Or, If it's not, you can pick one up at target or BRU so it's not like they are hard to get if you do end up needing one immediately.
My insurance told me to wait on ordering the pump until close to the due date for one simple reason that made a lot of sense: the warranty on it starts to run when shipped, not when you start using it....but if imagine you're close enough now that it doesn't matter much. I was inquiring about pump coverage really early on, so probably why she mentioned it.
I was super committed to BFing but didn't buy my pump until 2 mo PP. This was before the Affordable Care Act so my insurance didn't cover it, and I wasn't returning to work so I didn't need to worry about building a freezer stash.
Then DD was born and I had initial supply issues and she was in the NICU and had to take bottles as well as BFing. I rented the hospital's pump for 2 mo which actually turned out to work in my favor since the hospital grade is so powerful; it really helped with my supply.
Long story short, if there's a good rental available to you, you can always go that route while waiting on purchasing your own (for whatever reason....still researching, don't really need it at first, waiting to see if BFing works out, etc).
If you live somewhere dry, especially in the winter, they certainly help. They're great for when baby gets a cold and help combat dry skin. We put one in the hallway between our room and DS's room to keep both rooms humidified during the winter. Definitely have one on hand; they make a big difference when you have a stuffed-up, sick baby.
Re: Stupid Questions Thread
@dani+california nursing as much, and as unrestricted as possible will help your milk come in. My milk took quiet a while to come in. I wouldn't supplement, our bodies are much much smarter than we are. As long as baby is making wet and dirty diapers if you are golden. If baby isn't doing the following then I would try pumping to supplement first using a foley cup or syringe.
Edit:typo
Then I peed on a stick...
They usually put a pulse oximetry on your finger to measure your oxygen saturation. If you have nail polish on, it doesn't work as well. If you have nail polish, sometimes they put the pulse ox on your ear!
Then we had you.
Now we are complete.
BFP#2 3/16/11, beta 138; 4/12 Baby/HB DS born 9/10/11 at 29w4d due to partial abruption and PTL
BFP#3 8/19/13 Another boy! 17P, modified bedrest and Nifedipine helped us have a termie! DS2 born 4/19/14 at 38w5d.
Then I peed on a stick...
No epi, so not sure how it compares to with one.
I remember them saying it had something to do with your blood pressure and your nail beds change color or something. I hadn't taken mine off(toe polish not finger nail) and ended up with an ECS and after telling me I should have taken it off (and taken out my earrings/rings) removed it themselves.
Then I peed on a stick...
Then I peed on a stick...
I was told (unprompted, my midwife just offered up this info- I guess she is asked a lot) that absolutely no penetration but that the use of a CLEAN hand or vibrator on the clitoris was okay. The labia and discharge should protect from bacteria entering the vagina. But I would definitely check on that before you do it.
If you have the interest and energy before the six weeks is up I'm going to be so jealous! I forced myself the first time back in the saddle.
That being said I have a question again
ETA I must not be having any at all, because I'm getting the impression that I'd be able to tell when it's happening!
Then DD was born and I had initial supply issues and she was in the NICU and had to take bottles as well as BFing. I rented the hospital's pump for 2 mo which actually turned out to work in my favor since the hospital grade is so powerful; it really helped with my supply.
Long story short, if there's a good rental available to you, you can always go that route while waiting on purchasing your own (for whatever reason....still researching, don't really need it at first, waiting to see if BFing works out, etc).