Questions I really need answers to

jaztastic · August 2014

We get so many questions about baby showers and "guess the sex" and those posts drive me nuts... I have some real questions I need help with. All are welcome but ST+M would be appreciated

1) When should you start taking birthing classes? Is this a 3rd tri thing? How soon is too soon?

2) When is a good time to talk with HR and your boss about ML? What questions are important for me to ask my HR person? A lot of times people miss out on benefits because they dont know its an option and never bother inquiring about.

3) Prenatal exercise (yoga), I heard it was good to do it. I know you can start as early as you want, but do you recommend a certain time where you really should be working out?

4) Life insurance... When do you add a policy for baby? Can you do it before birth?

Oem617 · August 2014

1) When should you start taking birthing classes? Is this a 3rd tri thing? How soon is too soon?

We took classes sometime in 3rd tri. A couple parenting classes, but no breathing classes or anything. My hospital offered them and they were helpful. You could always inquire now.

2) When is a good time to talk with HR and your boss about ML? What questions are important for me to ask my HR person?

Again I don't think any time is too soon to talk to HR and see what your options are. I work for a large bank and there are online resources and places to call to just talk. I really couldn't do anything until I knew exactly when I was leaving. And then when the baby was actually born.

3) Prenatal exercise (yoga), I heard it was good to do it. I know you can start as early as you want, but do you recommend a certain time where you really should be working out?

I took prenatal yoga last time and it was awesome! It really helped with my back pain. I did it for about 12 weeks and think I started towards the end of the 2nd tri. I don't work out at all these days, but would be interested in yoga again. It can be pricey but if you can afford it I would start as soon as you can. It's just good for you.

4) Life insurance.. I believe the baby would have to be born to be added, but I could be wrong. ???

mandamoochie · August 2014

I dont know the answers to most of your questions , but I definitely reccomend looking into and potentially signing up for the classes you want now. They can fill ridculously quick sometimes. We took childbirth ed, family cpr and breastfeeding classes all like between weeks 26&34 last time.

sleeepybunny · August 2014

Thank you for this! Today I asked my doctor about when to talk with HR and she just shrugged her shoulders and said any time. I know that's not her specialty, but I figured she might know something more than I do. I guess the bottom line was that she said it's safe to discuss now, so I guess I need the ST+M expertise about the rest.

CatLadyTX · August 2014

1. I didn't take any classes offered by my hospital. I thought it was the end of the world was upon us because I was completely unprepared. Ultimately, I refreshed my infant CPR on my own and I watched YouTube videos on breast feeding. I recall Baby Center having a really good breast feeding video.

2. I would take to HR as soon as you talk to your boss. If God forbid, you need bed rest, you want to know what your work options and benefits are as soon as possible.

3. Ask your OB. I think that some programs may require a waiver signed by your OB anyway. I'm going to sign up for pre-natal yoga and water aerobics in September.

4. I don't think most employers will allow you to add benefits for your child until birth. You are going to need info like DOB, anyway. Check out someone like Gerber Life Insurance (that is who DS's plan is through), they may allow you to start sign up early so baby is covered upon birth.

michelle142 · August 2014

1) When should you start taking birthing classes? Is this a 3rd tri thing? How soon is too soon?

The class we took was a 4 day (Saturdays) class. So we started when I was about 28 weeks, done by 32 weeks. I think that's a good time frame. It might depend on the class schedule, how fast the class fills up, how long it is, class style.. etc as to when you take it.

2) When is a good time to talk with HR and your boss about ML? What questions are important for me to ask my HR person? A lot of times people miss out on benefits because they dont know its an option and never bother inquiring about.

I say start talking to HR about your options whenever you feel comfortable doing so. Definitely before 3rd tri. Ask about FMLA, what paperwork you need to have filled out before hand, how insurance premiums are handled while you're off (sometimes you're responsible for the full premium cost while you're on leave).

3) Prenatal exercise (yoga), I heard it was good to do it. I know you can start as early as you want, but do you recommend a certain time where you really should be working out?

If it's not something you've done before, IMO pregnancy isn't really the time to start a new workout routine. However, yoga may be the exception - you just need to know your bodily limits. Don't push yourself to hard. I did yoga my entire pregnancy last time (and so far this time), and I'm glad I did. Last time, my last yoga class was about 4 hours before I pushed DS out. Keep it up as long as you're comfortable

4) Life insurance... When do you add a policy for baby? Can you do it before birth?

I think with Life insurance, the baby needs to have already been born to be added to a policy.

With Health Insurance, you can set the ground work before hand so that it's ready to go as soon as you have a birth date.

jaytee16 · August 2014

1. There are a couple of twins prenatal classes, so I'm looking at dates and will pick what works (I'm worried about the babies coming early, plus there's the holidays in there too).

2. I told my work yesterday, I have no benefits so I'm not helpful here.

3. The classes I have looked up recommended not starting until 2nd tri, I think I will sign up next week.

4. I got nothing.

jaztastic · August 2014

My health coverage is under DH's employer. Other than FMLA and STD anything else I need to consider with my employer?

Does DH need to do anything prior to babys birth? I know he needs to change our plan to a family plan after LO is born. I know baby is covered under me (maternity care) for like 30 days... I need to go read that part again to be sure.

FlowerPower16 · August 2014

ugh...stuck in a box.

1) When should you start taking birthing classes? Is this a 3rd tri thing? How soon is too soon? I think the norm is around the beginning of 3rd tri. Make sure you have enough time so you're not too far along at the end of the class. I would at least wait until after your anatomy scan.

2) When is a good time to talk with HR and your boss about ML? What questions are important for me to ask my HR person? A lot of times people miss out on benefits because they dont know its an option and never bother inquiring about.
Being in HR, it's always good to give them a heads up as soon as you feel comfortable. It's never too early to ask about the benefits you have and what your pay situation will be while on maternity leave. It's nice to be able to plan/budget if any or all of your maternity leave is unpaid. They'll also get you FMLA paperwork and the medical certificate to give to your doctor.

3) Prenatal exercise (yoga), I heard it was good to do it. I know you can start as early as you want, but do you recommend a certain time where you really should be working out?
I would start now. It helps with round ligament pain. It also helps your energy level. Exercising while pregnant, especially yoga, also helps your endurance and ability to maneuver in different positions while in labor and delivery.

4) Life insurance... When do you add a policy for baby? Can you do it before birth?
I know with our work life insurance, we can't add children until after they are born. I don't know how individual policies work.

Hope this helps!

jaytee16 · August 2014

CrazyCornball said:

HAI @jaytee16 !! I've missed you!

@CrazyCornball - You know how to make a girl feel spehul $:\$ ">

I had a crazy couple of weeks at work that did not support my bumping addiction, but I'm back and trying to catch up!

jennjilljo · August 2014

What everyone else said. I never took birthing classes though. I just went with. In hindsight, a birthing class would have been smart but by the time I tried to sign up (at 7 months) there were no available spots. I think it's better to get in early than not available all for those classes.

ksgsmu · August 2014

your questions are good ones!

I just looked into classes... if you know the hospital you will be delivering at try checking out their websites. Many have them listed with available dates and you can sign up online. At the hospital they should be free but sometimes they make you register at the hospital before you can register for the class. If that is true just ask your doctor for the form next time you are there.

Mine told me it was best to take classes between 30-34 weeks.. but it was fine to take them earlier if it was best for your schedule etc... ( with twins 30-34 weeks was laughable so I will be going at 26-28 weeks)

firelizard83 · August 2014

I just signed up for term life insurance and there was an option to add a rider for any children that might be added to the fam during that term (10 yr). So that was one way to cover them pre-birth

jennypolkadots · August 2014

1) it depends what class you are wanting to take. Hypnobabies is started around 26 weeks. Bradley around the same time. Figure out what class you want, contact the instructor, and she will tell you!

2) I am going to talk to work around 20 weeks. I told them I am pregnant at 12 weeks but I want to wait a little longer before talking about the details of my leave. Thankfully, they are really supportive and I don't think it will be a big deal either way.

3) You should exercise as frequently as you feel up to it. It will help keep your body prepped for birth, help you snap back afterwards, help with digestion, help with sleep, help with energy, etc. I do Tracy Anderson pregnancy project dvds a few days a week. I take long walks with DH. We have an indoor pool just a short walk from home so I go swim a few days a week. I do prenatal yoga class once a week if I feel like it. Honestly, I am pretty fit and yoga is more for relaxation than anything with birth or fitness. I get almost no feeling of working out from it whatsoever because prenatal courses are pretty low intensity. But still, it is fun to go and connect with other pregnant women.

4) You can't have a policy on a person who has not yet been born, and I am not sure you can have a policy for someone under 18 because life insurance policies are self imposed and managed. When the baby is born, that will qualify as a life event and you can change your own policy information and add the baby as a beneficiary in case something happened to both you and your husband. I don't really understand the question, are you wanting to add your child a beneficiary to your policy or have a policy to get money if something happens to the baby?I've never heard of someone having a policy for a child or collecting from the loss of a child. The point of life insurance is to replace income so that survivors can afford to make due. Like if your husband died. Maybe I don't get your question though?

jaztastic · August 2014

jennypolkadots said:

4) You can't have a policy on a person who has not yet been born, and I am not sure you can have a policy for someone under 18 because life insurance policies are self imposed and managed. When the baby is born, that will qualify as a life event and you can change your own policy information and add the baby as a beneficiary in case something happened to both you and your husband. I don't really understand the question, are you wanting to add your child a beneficiary to your policy or have a policy to get money if something happens to the baby?I've never heard of someone having a policy for a child or collecting from the loss of a child. The point of life insurance is to replace income so that survivors can afford to make due. Like if your husband died. Maybe I don't get your question though?

We had to bury my 13 month niece a few years ago. Funeral costs are expensive even for a young child. I remember my sister being devastated and relying on most of us family members to cover costs. So this is what sparked my inquiring about policies for a baby/child, not trying to collect income from the death.

beagee413 · August 2014

jaztastic said:
.
1) When should you start taking birthing classes? Is this a 3rd tri thing? How soon is too soon?
I have heard that mid-late second tri to early third is perfect timing because your body has changed enough for you to kind of feel out what they're taking about.

2) When is a good time to talk with HR and your boss about ML? What questions are important for me to ask my HR person? A lot of times people miss out on benefits because they dont know its an option and never bother inquiring about.
I will be telling my boss tomorrow, which is just one day shy of 13 weeks. I don't think it can hurt to give HR notice about it and discuss your options!

3) Prenatal exercise (yoga), I heard it was good to do it. I know you can start as early as you want, but do you recommend a certain time where you really should be working out?
I'm doing prenatal yoga now! I started at about 11 weeks. It's amazing to connect with your babe and other mamas. Seriously, it's never too soon to start as far as I'm concerned (and as far as the prenatal yoga instructors are concerned!). If it helps YOU feel better, do it!

4) Life insurance... When do you add a policy for baby? Can you do it before birth?
This I'm not so sure about and am trying to figure out the same thing myself. I'm looking forward to some answers from other posters!

beagee413 · August 2014

Sorry @jaztastic‌ didn't mean to quote the whole thing! The iPhone app is not awesome.

FlowerPower16 · August 2014

jaztastic said:

jennypolkadots said:

4) You can't have a policy on a person who has not yet been born, and I am not sure you can have a policy for someone under 18 because life insurance policies are self imposed and managed. When the baby is born, that will qualify as a life event and you can change your own policy information and add the baby as a beneficiary in case something happened to both you and your husband. I don't really understand the question, are you wanting to add your child a beneficiary to your policy or have a policy to get money if something happens to the baby?I've never heard of someone having a policy for a child or collecting from the loss of a child. The point of life insurance is to replace income so that survivors can afford to make due. Like if your husband died. Maybe I don't get your question though?

We had to bury my 13 month niece a few years ago. Funeral costs are expensive even for a young child. I remember my sister being devastated and relying on most of us family members to cover costs. So this is what sparked my inquiring about policies for a baby/child, not trying to collect income from the death.

@jaztastic That is why child life insurance exists. We have a lot of employees elect child life insurance. We have a policy on DS. What the poster said about the point of life insurance is not entirely true. I know multiple employees who have lost a spouse and relied on their life insurance policy to pay for funeral costs. You don't realize how expensive that whole process is until you have to go through it.

beagee413 · August 2014

jaztastic said:

jennypolkadots said:

4) You can't have a policy on a person who has not yet been born, and I am not sure you can have a policy for someone under 18 because life insurance policies are self imposed and managed. When the baby is born, that will qualify as a life event and you can change your own policy information and add the baby as a beneficiary in case something happened to both you and your husband. I don't really understand the question, are you wanting to add your child a beneficiary to your policy or have a policy to get money if something happens to the baby?I've never heard of someone having a policy for a child or collecting from the loss of a child. The point of life insurance is to replace income so that survivors can afford to make due. Like if your husband died. Maybe I don't get your question though?

We had to bury my 13 month niece a few years ago. Funeral costs are expensive even for a young child. I remember my sister being devastated and relying on most of us family members to cover costs. So this is what sparked my inquiring about policies for a baby/child, not trying to collect income from the death.

@jaztastic‌ it's definitely worth getting and it's super cheap for babies! It's a good idea for anyone for exactly the kind of things you're talking about. Plus it can stay with them through adulthood.

mandamoochie · August 2014

Thanks for reminding me, ive been meaning to get life insurance for Henry for a while.. I can tell you this, $15,000 policy for a 1 yr old is 9 bucks a month..lol

jaztastic · August 2014

@mandamoochie‌ $9 doesn't seem too bad.

mandamoochie · August 2014

Nah agreed @jaztastic‌.. I bought it without telling DH. Lol thats when you know its dirty cheap.

kimmykaye · August 2014

You've received some great answers already, but here's my two cents as well. I never took birthing classes. I don't think it's ever too early to talk to HR about ML. I would ask about the length of ML, if any of it is paid, and definitely talk about your benefits. I think the baby must be born to add to health insurance and life insurance policies. For health insurance, we had 30 days after they were born to add them. Hope this helps. ETA: I would talk to your doctor before starting a new workout routine. Generally pregnancy is not the time to start something new like that.

Jay_Cee · August 2014

jaztastic said:
We get so many questions about baby showers and "guess the sex" and those posts drive me nuts... I have some real questions I need help with. All are welcome but ST+M would be appreciated

1) When should you start taking birthing classes? Is this a 3rd tri thing? How soon is too soon?

I took mine at the end of 2nd tri last time bc it was when we could go. Our hospital recommends taking them around 28 weeks, if possible. Check with your hospital, they may have timing suggestions for you. We also took a BFing class. If you're interested in BFing, that's a good one to consider, too.

2) When is a good time to talk with HR and your boss about ML? What questions are important for me to ask my HR person? A lot of times people miss out on benefits because they dont know its an option and never bother inquiring about.

I've already talked to our HR, but that was because I knew nothing was actually set in our new company. You can inquire at anytime! You likely won't fill out paperwork or anything until closer to your due date.

3) Prenatal exercise (yoga), I heard it was good to do it. I know you can start as early as you want, but do you recommend a certain time where you really should be working out?

Start now! I need to get back into it. It's never too early or too late to exercise. Just listen to your body and take it easy.

4) Life insurance... When do you add a policy for baby? Can you do it before birth?

You'll need a ssn for this, so after.

jennypolkadots · August 2014

@bellinghammama - they are really good honestly. It comes with 9 dvds, a different one for each month of your pregnancy. She is also pregnant when doing the workouts which is neat. They are mostly arm and leg muscle toning, with incorporation of abs without doing any crunches or anything specifically targeting abs. Some of the sequences really get your blood pumping so it is a bit of cardio too. They are about 40 minutes long and each video also has a bonus feature of ladies talking about pregnancy and other stuff.

You can pause it if you get worn out, but it is not for someone who is not in pretty good shape already. You need a yoga mat, an armless dining chair, and a set of 3 lb free weights. The only thing I really don't like is that many of her leg work sequences use an "attitude" position of the leg from dance/ballet. It is awkward for non dancers and takes practice. I expect the later dvds don't do this because it can make you lose your balance. She also doesn't seem too concerned with form and that irritates me.

I do them twice a week and really like them. They are great on days I can't get out of the house and just need a little pick me up. It was only like $20 on Amazon for the 9 disc set. https://www.amazon.com/Tracy-Anderson-The-Pregnancy-Project/dp/B00AQ4WJM2

Cookie0875 · August 2014

@jaztastic great questions! I just recently started wondering about some of this too.

HailsMom · August 2014

@jaztastic‌, you have gotten a lot of really good replies. I just wanted to add, that for classes, you really want to try and time them so you don't finish up to far from birth, so you are less likely to forget what all you learned. It's a balancing act since you never know just when you are going to deliver and trying to find that perfect time so that you finish before, but not to far before.

I would look into the different types of classes and see what you think would work for you, and then see what they suggest.

Also, another thought on why its better to start getting information on your ML early. Some doctors offices take FOREVER to get FMLA paperwork filled out. You don't want that to hold up your ML.

jaztastic · August 2014

@hailsmom Thanks!! I was thinking that I wanted all my classes to be finished at least 4wks before my due date. So I should start researching those now, so I can start signing up at the appropriate times since everyone says the classes fill fast.

jaztastic · August 2014

@ChickenOnSunday This is exactly why Im asking about it. Im always afraid of something happening to my child and for whatever reason Im faced with having to bury them. I wanted to know if you could get life insurance on a child, and if so is there a policy you sign up for before they are born?

I was trying to avoid the topic going in a morbid place. But Im curious as to how you handle infant passing. Even late 3rd tri loss, I know people still bury their children. I wasnt sure if there were special life insurance policies for babies that you could sign up for at a certain point in a pregnancy.

Does this make sense?

jaztastic · August 2014

@trin42 yes, I remember my sister getting a payment from social security (not sure of the amount) but $800 sounds really close. I know it was a few hundred.

FlowerPower16 · August 2014

We obviously could never sign up for insurance for our daughter since she was stillborn, but I believe most work policies will not let you enroll until baby is born. We received no sort of social security benefit, but again, I think we were in a different category because of a stillbirth instead of infant/child loss. The funeral home did donate the casket and plot to us so that was extremely helpful. It would have been a lot of money if we would have had to pay for everything out of pocket. When all is said and done, I think it's a great idea to sign up for child life insurance, especially since it's usually very cheap.

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