Newbie Playdate (Post your random questions here!)

missnacholover · June 2014

We haven't had one of these for a while, so I thought I'd get one started!

Have a "dumb" question? Post it here!

I mean no offense by the word "dumb". Don't get butthurt.

lizzielu82 · June 2014

Great idea! I have a really dumb/embarrassing question but I'll post it anyways.

For STM+, did you ever get turned on by breast feeding?

I know that you are providing food for you baby and all that, but mine are so sensitive and is a big part of foreplay with DH. Would love any feedback as I worry about it and am planning on breastfeeding.

abbyful · June 2014

lizzielu82 said:
Great idea! I have a really dumb/embarrassing question but I'll post it anyways.

For STM+, did you ever get turned on by breast feeding?

I know that you are providing food for you baby and all that, but mine are so sensitive and is a big part of foreplay with DH. Would love any feedback as I worry about it and am planning on breastfeeding.

When I was pregnant with DS, I knew I wanted to breastfeed for the benefits (healthier & free), but I was weirded out by the idea because they are a major erragenous zone for me.

When I actually did it, it's totally different. Not sexual feeling at all. I breastfed DS for over a year.

lizzielu82 · June 2014

Thanks @abbyful that makes me feel better!

KMW08 · June 2014

Another breast feeding question, (I need to google & ask my doc) is there anything you can do to try and stimulate/encourage the breast milk supply?

aka get your tits in prime condition for breast feeding?

)

moroccojade · June 2014

lizzielu82 No arousal during nursing for me....

heisenberg When we had our first child we lived downtown... I definitely could have done without a car most days of the week. (We did "play"' dates with people that lived far away, though... and our dr is definitely a drive away.. but other than that, a good stroller and the Ergo worked great.)

flutterbuggie I would say a big no to your question. Although our babies should all be hearing what is going on in the room by this point if it loud enough to drown out our hearts beating and our digestive systems working...

@KMW08
If there was something to do to help nursing along before birth, I would have done it! There are lots of things you can do after, though. (Nasty tinctures, herbs, drugs... I took 'em all.)

mommymeg143 · June 2014

How do you know if baby is getting enough milk? This is something I constantly think about. There is no way to measure how much they are getting, unless you pump. I'm terrified that i'm going to starve my baby.

abbyful · June 2014

lissydee said:

MeganMullikin said:
How do you know if baby is getting enough milk? This is something I constantly think about. There is no way to measure how much they are getting, unless you pump. I'm terrified that i'm going to starve my baby.
----

If they start gaining weight after the first week and beyond. And if they have enough what an poop you diapers

Yep, this.

My hospital (and I think most) sends you home with a "diaper count" sheet to track how many wet & poopy diapers per day, and they tell you numbers which there should be.

There's also a breastfeeding group that meets at my hospital weekly. You can go just to be around other breastfeeding moms, and you can also weigh your baby before and after feeding and the nurse will tell you how many ounces baby ate. You don't have had to have given birth at that hospital to attend, so even if your hospital doesn't have something like that, another local one might.

wildflower75 · June 2014

kyliedaniellexx said:
Is the Moby wrap really idiot proof? I feel like LO is going to go flying if I get one...

I know it seems silly but this is precisely why I never use wraps...I'm scared to death of my baby falling out

Carriers only for me...

MollMoll4 · June 2014

heisenberg said:
Is it crazy to try to do this thing (i.e., have a baby) without a car? I live in a super walkable city/neighborhood with great public transportation.

Nope! We know a couple who live in a similar area and just got their first car - their daughter is 4. They got by with zip car and rentals when needed.

MollMoll4 · June 2014

flutterbuggie said:
Okay this is a stupid question..

Can the baby hear music or whatever when you are wearing headphones?

Nope. Headphones = sound directly from your ear to your brain. The only way they could possibly hear would be headphones directly on your belly.

ssstephanie214 · June 2014

How common is listeria anyway? Believe it or not, can't find answer on google

lisaren · June 2014

In ref to bfing, fenugreek was amazing for me! It really helps with supply!
Plus it has no negative effects on baby and your skin will taste like syrup

Maelara · June 2014

lizzielu82 said:

Great idea! I have a really dumb/embarrassing question but I'll post it anyways.

For STM+, did you ever get turned on by breast feeding?

I know that you are providing food for you baby and all that, but mine are so sensitive and is a big part of foreplay with DH. Would love any feedback as I worry about it and am planning on breastfeeding.

It does happen and is normal

if it happens to you I suggest seeing a lactation consultant first and see what they suggest. I never was but I've heard it can and is normal! My nipples are a big erogenous zone as well.

Maelara · June 2014

kyliedaniellexx said:

Is the Moby wrap really idiot proof? I feel like LO is going to go flying if I get one...
I know it seems silly but this is precisely why I never use wraps...I'm scared to death of my baby falling out Carriers only for me...
I've never actually heard of anyone injuring a baby by dropping it out of a wrap or anything... but I mean, it's gotta happen right? Even if it doesn't happen often? Everyone I know IRL that has one just tells me it takes a little practice but like you I'm terrified to try. Which sucks because they look much comfier than some carriers.

You just have to practice safety and use common sense. Always, always have at least one hand on the baby, supporting and holding it in place.

Jpinky9 · June 2014

I have a question and fear it may be a stupid one but I'll ask anyway.

How do I know if I am having regular discharge or leaking amniotic fluid? I don't think that I am and it's not a real concern to me at this point. My dr does ask if I have had any leaking at my appointments and at the time I never think to ask her what the difference is. I think I read somewhere that amniotic fluid smells sweet, but does it have a different look or texture?

Maelara · June 2014

Jpinky9 said:

I have a question and fear it may be a stupid one but I'll ask anyway. How do I know if I am having regular discharge or leaking amniotic fluid? I don't think that I am and it's not a real concern to me at this point. My dr does ask if I have had any leaking at my appointments and at the time I never think to ask her what the difference is. I think I read somewhere that amniotic fluid smells sweet, but does it have a different look or texture?

Umm, I believe it's a clear liquid. The only way to tell is to smell your panties. Sorry!

Maelara · June 2014

Becks517 said:

I've been finding dried colostrum in my nipples, but a lot more in my right one. I have this fear that I will only produce milk in my right breast and I'll be all lopsided and uncomfortable. Please tell me this is irrational thinking so early on...

I leaked my whole first pregnancy and I had issues bf. Some women never leak while pregnant and have no issues at all. Unfortunately, leaking while pregnant is no indicator whether or not you will have issues with supply or not. Sorry, I probably didnt make it any better! I'm leaking too if that makes you feel any better.

lizzielu82 · June 2014

kyliedaniellexx said:

Is the Moby wrap really idiot proof? I feel like LO is going to go flying if I get one...
I know it seems silly but this is precisely why I never use wraps...I'm scared to death of my baby falling out Carriers only for me...
I've never actually heard of anyone injuring a baby by dropping it out of a wrap or anything... but I mean, it's gotta happen right? Even if it doesn't happen often? Everyone I know IRL that has one just tells me it takes a little practice but like you I'm terrified to try. Which sucks because they look much comfier than some carriers.

I apparently rolled off the changing table as a baby. And I'm totally normal now 8-}

Nfranco973 · June 2014

Maelara said:

Jpinky9 said:

I have a question and fear it may be a stupid one but I'll ask anyway.

How do I know if I am having regular discharge or leaking amniotic fluid? I don't think that I am and it's not a real concern to me at this point. My dr does ask if I have had any leaking at my appointments and at the time I never think to ask her what the difference is. I think I read somewhere that amniotic fluid smells sweet, but does it have a different look or texture?

Umm, I believe it's a clear liquid. The only way to tell is to smell your panties. Sorry!

I couldn't tell. Didn't have a smell. Just sort of dripped down but clear. No color. Felt like I trickled pee but just with a gush.

Nfranco973 · June 2014

Maelara said:

Becks517 said:

I've been finding dried colostrum in my nipples, but a lot more in my right one. I have this fear that I will only produce milk in my right breast and I'll be all lopsided and uncomfortable. Please tell me this is irrational thinking so early on...

I leaked my whole first pregnancy and I had issues bf. Some women never leak while pregnant and have no issues at all. Unfortunately, leaking while pregnant is no indicator whether or not you will have issues with supply or not. Sorry, I probably didnt make it any better! I'm leaking too if that makes you feel any better.

I just freaked DH out with this. I was laying on my side and my nipp rubbed against the pillow with a bit of pressure and I felt a wet spot so I pulled my boob out and tada! Leaking boob! I chased him around saying " need milk ? lol

mslynn2012 · June 2014

@KMW08‌
I took the fenugreek to up my supply - all it did was give me horrendous diarreah (tmi - sorry). I did bake the lactation cookies (with brewers yeast and some other herb) and I'd say it helped. I was able to exclusively nurse for 9 months while working (pumping). Not easy, but we made it through.

Eta - words

lizzielu82 · June 2014

I have another one! Does anyone fluctuate a lot in temperature right now? Sometimes I feel normal and other times I'm burning up hot. Just curious as to why the extremes from hot to normal.

SweetMelissa5 · June 2014

Becks517 said:

I've been finding dried colostrum in my nipples, but a lot more in my right one. I have this fear that I will only produce milk in my right breast and I'll be all lopsided and uncomfortable. Please tell me this is irrational thinking so early on...

I don't know about whether what you're experiencing is an indication of future issues, but I can tell you that all of my kids have preferred my right boob, and as a result, my milk production has been mostly concentrated on that side which has made me really lopsided. My husband said that you couldn't tell unless I was shirtless, and it was never uncomfortable, just kind of annoying.

abbyful · June 2014

bloomraiser said:

KMW08 said:
...is there anything you can do to try and stimulate/encourage the breast milk supply?

aka get your tits in prime condition for breast feeding?
)
With my first PG, I had read advice re desensitizing nipples to prevent early nursing pain, but didn't really bother.

For me, within two days, nursing became so toe-curlingly painful, I think I got off to a bad start and ended up w low supply that never increased, despite trying every trick out there (short of domperidone).

So, this time, I think I will try the washcloth scrub thing and hopefully will have a different experience.
I know every baby's different, but it's worth doing I think.

No no no! Don't scrub your nipples with washcloths. You're going to put yourself through discomfort for nothing, it won't simulate anything close to breastfeeding!

If it hurts, baby isn't latched right. Seek the help of a lactation consultant.

I had a rough start breastfeeding too. DS was born on a Saturday, the hospital lactation consultant only works Monday-Friday. I didn't see her until right before we checked out. It was taking me 30-45 minutes to even get DS on, and then bad latching had already caused one of my nipples to split down the middle, hurt like hell. I got a prescription cream for it, had to nurse through the pain so my supply wouldn't drop, it was a bad first couple weeks.

FTMs, don't let that scare you away from breastfeeding. Once DS & I both learned what we were doing, it was so easy! I breastfed him for over a year.

NunyaBennis · June 2014

lizzielu82 said:
I have another one! Does anyone fluctuate a lot in temperature right now? Sometimes I feel normal and other times I'm burning up hot. Just curious as to why the extremes from hot to normal.

Yes! Ugh. Out of nowhere sometimes I'll get flushed and sweaty, though it mostly happens when I'm outside or doing something. I've been known to soak sheets with sweat while I sleep, blech. My cheeks (face) and boobs stay warm to the touch most of the time.

missnacholover · June 2014

heisenberg said:

This is for everybody, since I'm a few weeks behind some of y'all. I keep seeing reference to the magical snoogle. Is it really worth it? Had anyone gotten it and said "meh"? Back/stomach sleeper here.

I have no experience with the snoogle, but I did just buy a $10 body pillow from Target (Figure that's worth a shot before investing in the snoogle) and last night I slept awesome!

brooklyngirl18 · June 2014

heisenberg said:

This is for everybody, since I'm a few weeks behind some of y'all. I keep seeing reference to the magical snoogle. Is it really worth it? Had anyone gotten it and said "meh"? Back/stomach sleeper here.

i got a snoogle a week or so ago because i kept waking up on my back and one day i woke up with numb tingly legs and figured it was time. i love it so much. it helps stabilize your back and belly and curves around to go between your legs which alleviated my hip and back pain when i woke up. i highly recommend it!

lizgrace03 · June 2014

heisenberg said:

This is for everybody, since I'm a few weeks behind some of y'all. I keep seeing reference to the magical snoogle. Is it really worth it? Had anyone gotten it and said "meh"? Back/stomach sleeper here.

I love it, personally! I use it every night. I may even keep using it after the LO comes!

sweetbabyrahe · June 2014

Anyone with previous latch concerns or pain consider use of a nipple shield? It was an added inconvenience because I always had to make sure I had one with me, but we had a lot of problems with latch and I used one with DS. I would attempt to wean him from it, but I never could. I used it the whole year I bf him. Just an option for people to consider if they have problems or are really concerned.

JamieK1882 · June 2014

Ok I have some concerns that are probably stupid but figured this would be the place to post them.

I'm 19w2d and still haven't felt baby move at all. Also, during a/a it didn't look like to me baby was moving much. Heartrate has also been low (130s). I must've asked the tech 4 times "is it moving?" And she said yes but all I noticed was her moving the wand.

It just stressed me out when I read everyone else's posts about their wriggling babies. Anyone else have a lazy baby?

lizgrace03 · June 2014

JamieK1882 said:

Ok I have some concerns that are probably stupid but figured this would be the place to post them. I'm 19w2d and still haven't felt baby move at all. Also, during a/a it didn't look like to me baby was moving much. Heartrate has also been low (130s). I must've asked the tech 4 times "is it moving?" And she said yes but all I noticed was her moving the wand. It just stressed me out when I read everyone else's posts about their wriggling babies. Anyone else have a lazy baby?

Don't worry about it. I'm almost 22 weeks and still hardly feel him. And he moves a lot, as I saw on the u/s yesterday. I think it's just the way my body is. I asked the doctor and she wasn't worried at all.

As far as moving during the u/s, I'm sure the tech would have said if there was something wrong. I think some babies are just naturally more active!

Lilwatz · June 2014

JamieK1882 said:

Ok I have some concerns that are probably stupid but figured this would be the place to post them. I'm 19w2d and still haven't felt baby move at all. Also, during a/a it didn't look like to me baby was moving much. Heartrate has also been low (130s). I must've asked the tech 4 times "is it moving?" And she said yes but all I noticed was her moving the wand. It just stressed me out when I read everyone else's posts about their wriggling babies. Anyone else have a lazy baby?

I'm over 21 weeks and have felt nothing (maaaaybe a little something once a week or two ago, but not repeated and I am not sure). My sister said it took her until 24 weeks with all of her pregnancies. So, from my perspective it seems normal?

kfo22 · June 2014

lizzielu82 said:
I have another one! Does anyone fluctuate a lot in temperature right now? Sometimes I feel normal and other times I'm burning up hot. Just curious as to why the extremes from hot to normal.

Yes

No clue why though..

Maelara · June 2014

JamieK1882 said:

Ok I have some concerns that are probably stupid but figured this would be the place to post them. I'm 19w2d and still haven't felt baby move at all. Also, during a/a it didn't look like to me baby was moving much. Heartrate has also been low (130s). I must've asked the tech 4 times "is it moving?" And she said yes but all I noticed was her moving the wand. It just stressed me out when I read everyone else's posts about their wriggling babies. Anyone else have a lazy baby?

A heart beat in the 130s isn't low

this monkey has been 132, 136, then 152. I think anywhere between 120-170 is normal. This baby didnt move a ton at the ultra sound either. I think she was sleeping, she was kicking her legs something fierce at the end though.

abbyful · June 2014

bloomraiser said:
@abbyful‌ , FWIW, I saw 3 different LC after going home. Found one 1/2 hr from home who was really great, but impossible to get appt with, was helpful but, long term, only minor improvement. Probably just me.

And, I get it that washcloth =\= baby latch, but anything to reduce skin sensitivity! Ouch!!

Rubbing with a washcloth might make things even worse by removing the oils and drying the skin, leading to more cracking/bleeding.
https://www.llli.org/faq/breastprep.html

SarahHeck · June 2014

@JamieK1882‌ I had non stress tests the last half of my last pregnancy where I was hooked up to an US machine for 45 minutes every week. Some days my little girl would be wiggling like crazy and others she was sleeping the whole time. It's totally normal to have a lazy baby. Your doctor would most definitely have let you know if anything was out of the ordinary.

tugglek23 · June 2014

Is it possible to breastfeed if you have flat nipples?

Maelara · June 2014

tugglek23 said:
Is it possible to breastfeed if you have flat nipples?

Yes but you will need help and need to inform your nurses.

absolutelymaybe · June 2014

heisenberg said:

This is for everybody, since I'm a few weeks behind some of y'all. I keep seeing reference to the magical snoogle. Is it really worth it? Has anyone gotten it and said "meh"? Back/stomach sleeper here.

@heisenberg - I have a Snoogle and it's been wonderful for me. Back/side sleeper, too. Although now I am having to add additional pillows to help me get comfortable.

Maelara · June 2014

kyliedaniellexx said:
I have another one. What size bottles do I need? I know there's lists out there and stuff but wondering about other mama's experience. Is 4oz and 8oz sufficient? Is it worth having a few 2oz bottles to prevent gas in early months?

I always just had 4oz and 8oz bottles. I like the playex bottles with the liners. They are great at preventing gas!

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