Newbie/FTM questions?

[Deleted User] · December 2014

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Shortstack06 · December 2014

So an extra outfit might not be a bad idea.

AllTheTeaInChina · December 2014

No gown for my DH either. During the actual birth he held one of my legs. He didn't get messy but I guess there is the possibility.

allitor12 · December 2014

@Shortstack06‌ no gowns at our hospital either. DH had nothing with him when we went to the hospital bc he went straight from work and he didn't have to change. He didnt visit the business end too much during delivery though

Eora3 · December 2014

a+m=dixon said:
OK, question (and yes, I know this is normal so I'm not freaking out or anything):

For the peeling newborn skin, any suggestions on handling it? Have you all found it best to just leave it alone or does lotion or anything help? I know it doesn't itch or bother him but literally his whole body is peeling and I just feel bad for the little guy.

My pediatrian always reminds me to leave it alone. It is just the top layer but if you mess with it too much you can accidentally cause an abrasion. I do put some lotion on them after a bath but I don't over do it.

Shortstack06 · December 2014

allitor12 said:
@Shortstack06‌ no gowns at our hospital either. DH had nothing with him when we went to the hospital bc he went straight from work and he didn't have to change. He didnt visit the business end too much during delivery though

My husband does Plumbing so I threw an outfit in because if he comes from work, he may have someone else's poop on him or who knows what. Thanks for the straight from work comment!

soulcupcake · December 2014

a+m=dixon said:

OK, question (and yes, I know this is normal so I'm not freaking out or anything): For the peeling newborn skin, any suggestions on handling it? Have you all found it best to just leave it alone or does lotion or anything help? I know it doesn't itch or bother him but literally his whole body is peeling and I just feel bad for the little guy.

I don't do anything special. I apply coconut oil to her skin once a day.

amedbery · December 2014

So DH's employer changed insurance carriers beginning in December and the coverage for breast pumps has dramatically changed. As such, we now are having to try to fit a pump in our budget. I want to EBF and will be home at least 12 weeks. Is a pump an immediate necessity? I just worry that I won't get one and if baby takes time to get the hang of things or won't nurse enough at first, then my milk won't come in right or something and I will screw everything up. Anyone with experience or advice on this? I can make arrangements to rent one for a month, if need be.

JunkieBrewster · December 2014

BdblZ said:
I've been trying to keep up with this thread, and don't think this has been asked yet -

But just to confirm - if my dishwasher has a "sanitize" option, that should be just as good as boiling all the new bottles, nips, and paci's before first time use, yes?

Also, does anyone have any of the WubbaNub paci's? How did you go about sterilizing those with the stuffed animal part on the end?

@BdblZ‌, unless you live somewhere that the water is questionable, you don't need to sterilise at all. Just soap and water is fine.
wubbanub will get a little wet, but it's not the end of the world.

JunkieBrewster · December 2014

puppy pads work well under the sheets spit up, too.
you know, if you're like me and have 3 boxes of it laying around.

AllTheTeaInChina · December 2014

@amedbery‌ first- relax. It sounds like you are putting a lot of pressure on yourself. That will not help when breast feeding. Ins coverage of pumps is relatively new but women have been successfully BFing for thousands of years. It's difficult but you can do it! Ask for help in the hospital. You should be able to see a LC before leaving. The BFing board is very helpful and check out Kelly mom.

A pump is a big expense up front but so much cheaper than formula.

[Deleted User] · December 2014

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JunkieBrewster · December 2014

bvsbabymomma said:

Slaps said:

JunkieBrewster said:
@BdblZ‌, unless you live somewhere that the water is questionable, you don't need to sterilise at all. Just soap and water is fine. wubbanub will get a little wet, but it's not the end of the world.

This is good to know. Everything says "STERILIZE!" and I felt like it might be overkill, but just wasn't sure. The only thing I'll be sterilizing for sure is my breast pump.
Agreed. I was trying to plan what to do with my pacis and bottles tomorrow. I'll just use soap and water then.
I use a steam steriliser, but I am old fashioned. My bottles and if he wants a dummy, will all be sterilised daily.

Someone bought us an Avent bottle sterilizer at my shower but its still in the box because I don't think it'll fit all the different bottle brands we have. We registered for a few different brands so we can see what LO likes. I'm lost on what to do about this honestly!

Its so much preference. If I had well water, I would. Some people just feel more comfortable doing so.

To clarify, I would probably sterilize them the very first time, because of who may have touched them while being made but a boil for 5 minutes would do the trick.

Eora3 · December 2014

My pediatrician has told me that "sterilizing" anything is pretty much impossible at home and is pointless unless your baby has an issue with their immune system. The minute you touch the item it is no longer sterile.

Some tips: Wash bottles in the dishwasher on the highest temp setting. You cannot hand wash anything in water hot enough to kill bacteria. Be careful with heating anything plastic, even if it says BPA free, it still contains chemicals that are released when the item is heated.

Wubanubs can be run through the washing machine on gentle cycle with regular detergent. Air dry and then wash the pacifier part with dish soap.

amedbery · December 2014

AllTheTeaInChina said:
@amedbery‌ first- relax. It sounds like you are putting a lot of pressure on yourself. That will not help when breast feeding. Ins coverage of pumps is relatively new but women have been successfully BFing for thousands of years. It's difficult but you can do it! Ask for help in the hospital. You should be able to see a LC before leaving. The BFing board is very helpful and check out Kelly mom.

A pump is a big expense up front but so much cheaper than formula.

I know I'm freaking out a little! The closer I get to my due date, the more there is to be nervous about that I can't control - I guess this is the little corner of the motherhood universe that I can try to prepare for. We'll definitely get a pump before I go back to work. But yeah, you're right that they aren't necessary just to breastfeed. I need to have a sit-down with Kelly mom, too.

Thank you and the other ladies for the advice!

desertsun · December 2014

I like the Medela steam bags. I run all new things through one of those before first use, and once a week thereafter. In between, dishwasher or hand wash with soap and water for 20 seconds. (I figure if the 20 second rule is good enough for killing germs on hands, it should also kill the majority of germs on baby stuff.)

Shortstack06 · December 2014

bvsbabymomma said:

Slaps said:

JunkieBrewster said:
@BdblZ‌, unless you live somewhere that the water is questionable, you don't need to sterilise at all. Just soap and water is fine. wubbanub will get a little wet, but it's not the end of the world.

This is good to know. Everything says "STERILIZE!" and I felt like it might be overkill, but just wasn't sure. The only thing I'll be sterilizing for sure is my breast pump.
Agreed. I was trying to plan what to do with my pacis and bottles tomorrow. I'll just use soap and water then.
I use a steam steriliser, but I am old fashioned. My bottles and if he wants a dummy, will all be sterilised daily.

Someone bought us an Avent bottle sterilizer at my shower but its still in the box because I don't think it'll fit all the different bottle brands we have. We registered for a few different brands so we can see what LO likes. I'm lost on what to do about this honestly!

I have the Avent sterilizer also, but we don't have "city" water, we have well water.

BdblZ · December 2014

desertsun said:

I like the Medela steam bags. I run all new things through one of those before first use, and once a week thereafter. In between, dishwasher or hand wash with soap and water for 20 seconds. (I figure if the 20 second rule is good enough for killing germs on hands, it should also kill the majority of germs on baby stuff.)

I have a bunch of these too. I ran everything through the dishwasher last night, and then will likely throw them in a sanitizer bag one more time, closer to when i'm going to use them.

Thanks everyone for the tips/advice!

BdblZ · December 2014

kc295905 said:

I feel like this is a really stupid question but do you wear a bra under the hospital gown? My girls would be flopping around sans bra.

I've wondered the same thing. I have an old cheap cotton sports bra that its basically useless for any type pf physical activity. I plan on bringing/wearing that, just to attempt to keep things contained, and theres no love lost if it gets ruined in the process. Or i bring it and the nurses tell me its a no-go. No loss either way.

AllTheTeaInChina · December 2014

kc295905 said:
I feel like this is a really stupid question but do you wear a bra under the hospital gown? My girls would be flopping around sans bra.

I brought a couple of sleep nursing bras to the hospital. They are kinda like sports bras but cross in front for easy access.

mlee116 · December 2014

kc295905 said:

I feel like this is a really stupid question but do you wear a bra under the hospital gown? My girls would be flopping around sans bra.

I wore a bra the whole time. I got some nursing sports bras from Motherhood and felt a lot more comfortable without wondering if I was covered or flopping.

BayCamp · December 2014

Contraction question: I know that they can feel like period cramps and backaches. But for the last hour (after 2 hours on the ball and vacuuming) I've off and on felt like I've had BH but slightly painful and it feels like I can't catch a breath during them since I'm feeling the all the way up to the top of my uterus. No steady pattern to them though. Can contractions feel like that?

aggiejenn37 · December 2014

BayCamp said:
Contraction question: I know that they can feel like period cramps and backaches. But for the last hour (after 2 hours on the ball and vacuuming) I've off and on felt like I've had BH but slightly painful and it feels like I can't catch a breath during them since I'm feeling the all the way up to the top of my uterus. No steady pattern to them though. Can contractions feel like that?

I'd say in early labor mine felt very similar to what you described- just more intense BH. Not like the period cramps I was expecting- I went to L&D because after a couple hours of those contractions I had some bleeding. I went to be monitored but it turned out I was in labor. Baby arrived about 15 hours later. (After they broke my water and gave some pitocin to better regulate my contractions).

aggiejenn37 · December 2014

BayCamp said:
Contraction question: I know that they can feel like period cramps and backaches. But for the last hour (after 2 hours on the ball and vacuuming) I've off and on felt like I've had BH but slightly painful and it feels like I can't catch a breath during them since I'm feeling the all the way up to the top of my uterus. No steady pattern to them though. Can contractions feel like that?

I'd say in early labor mine felt very similar to what you described- just more intense BH. Not like the period cramps I was expecting- I went to L&D because after a couple hours of those contractions I had some bleeding. I went to be monitored but it turned out I was in labor. Baby arrived about 15 hours later. (After they broke my water and gave some pitocin to better regulate my contractions).

Cryssteen · December 2014

kc295905 said:
I feel like this is a really stupid question but do you wear a bra under the hospital gown? My girls would be flopping around sans bra.

My only experience in postpartum is from nursing school, but nurses will want to check your nips if your BFing. I intend to wear a sports bra/nursing bra anyway.

Nmcalhoun · December 2014

@BayCamp, that's pretty much what my contractions feel like though mine aren't usually painful. It's just a tightness in my upper belly and it feels hard to breathe.

hollieandaaron2012 · December 2014

kc295905 said:
I feel like this is a really stupid question but do you wear a bra under the hospital gown? My girls would be flopping around sans bra.

I wore a nursing bra but a sports bra would work too. After delivery it was nice having the nursing bra. Bring two of those.

feeshah · December 2014

kc295905 said:
I feel like this is a really stupid question but do you wear a bra under the hospital gown? My girls would be flopping around sans bra.

I wore a sports bra with my first under the gown. My boobs like to feel secure.

MaineMama · December 2014

Bra warning- I wore my favorite comfy bras and I forgot to take it off when getting dressed for my csection. I remembered once all my ivs were hooked up. I had to cut the strap to get it off

sadsies

nwsnowbunny · December 2014

Re washing Wubbanubs (from the WN website) :

How do I clean the WubbaNub™?
Plush: Machine washable. Place in lingerie or mesh laundry bag. Wash on gentle cycle. Remove from washer and allow to air dry.
Pacifier Nipple: Wash nipple before initial use. Place nipple portion in warm water using a mild liquid soap. To sterilize, place nipple portion of WubbaNub into boiled water for 2 - 4 minutes.
Sterilizer: A moist heat sterilizer unit can also be used with the WubbaNub product for sterilization.Are WubbaNubs™ dishwasher safe?
For sanitary reasons, we do not recommend placing the WubbaNub™ in the dishwasher.

So, sounds like they are suggesting tossing the whole thing in the washing machine, then washing the nipple part with soap and warm water, or sterilizing it if you feel like doing that.

hprice3467 · December 2014

Stupid FTM question: should I wake up to swollen feet??? I feel like I read where that the swelling should go down overnight. My feet are HUGE constantly. Started at about 36 weeks

hprice3467 · December 2014

I had an appt yesterday and pointed it out. And even said "are my feet supposed to get this big" and the dr replied with "hmmm not really but sometimes" and moved on the the appt

AllTheTeaInChina · December 2014

hprice3467 said:
Stupid FTM question: should I wake up to swollen feet??? I feel like I read where that the swelling should go down overnight. My feet are HUGE constantly. Started at about 36 weeks

Mine stay swollen in the last few weeks. Sometimes not as bad in the morning but still not normal. I asked my OB about it and she wasn't concerned. My blood pressure is great and I don't have swelling anywhere else. I got my feet/ankles back about 2-3 days after DD1 was born. Expecting the same this time.

hprice3467 · December 2014

She took my blood pressure and didn't say anything about it. They also test my urine every time and nothing was said - so I assume it was fine. No headaches, no vision problems. nothing beyond CRAZY swollen feet. I sleep on my left side as much as possible. But my feet are def swollen and never improve throughout the day even if they are elevated.

LovesBooks · December 2014

My feet are huge too but no other odd symptoms so they don't seem concerned. They just check my feet each week at my appointment. Guess its normal as long as everything else is fine. But I would like my feet back. These ones are scary.

ashleykadlec · December 2014

My hands and feet get real swollen from time to time and my OB told me to really watch my salt intake and to make sure I'm drinking a lot of water. Now that I've paid attention to that stuff more it's helped a LOT

nwsnowbunny · December 2014

Try getting a pair of compression socks at a drug store or uniform shop. I've heard good things.

ksalley · December 2014

I know infants should have nothing in the crib with them. But, at what age/ability level is it OK to have them sleep with a blanket or a stuffed animal or whatever? Eventually kids do have stuff in their sleep area, I just don't know the time line.

mlee116 · December 2014

ksalley said:

I know infants should have nothing in the crib with them. But, at what age/ability level is it OK to have them sleep with a blanket or a stuffed animal or whatever? Eventually kids do have stuff in their sleep area, I just don't know the time line.

I waited until right before DS was one year. At that point I would let him have a thin muslin blanket or a loosely crocheted blanket, just in case it got over his face. If he went to sleep with a stuffed animal, I'd take it out after he fell asleep. I was probably pretty paranoid compared to other moms though!

soulcupcake · December 2014

hprice3467 said:

I had an appt yesterday and pointed it out. And even said "are my feet supposed to get this big" and the dr replied with "hmmm not really but sometimes" and moved on the the appt

Have you been on your feet more than your usual? When I started sitting on my birthing ball like 99% of the time from 35+ weeks my ankles began to swell (fluids pool to the feet/ankles). By 37 weeks there was pitting. While my BP was elevated, perhaps from stress, it wasn't consistently high (both systolic and diastolic) and no other scary symptoms of PIH. Once I began elevating them and DH massaged my ankles the swelling went down.

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