What do contractions feel like? How did you KNOW you were in labor?
I remember being 4 months pregnant and in the hospital with my friend who was having a baby. She was 6cm, had just gotten her epidural, and her mom and husband were telling her when she was contracting (according to the monitor screen). When I saw that she could hardly feel it, I was like "Oh....no big deal!" Since all of my friends had babies before me, they had all told me that their contractions were like period cramps coming and going, and all in front. I went into the hospital around 39 weeks with a migraine (so they wanted to check me for pre-eclampsia), and while hooked up to the monitor, they said I was having contractions (but I couldn't feel them). I was inducted at 40w6d, with the miso tablet and pitocin. The difference between my contractions and my friends contractions, was that I had all back labor. It took 12 hours for me to go from 1cm to 2cm, and it felt like someone was taking a sledgehammer to my lower back. After 12 hours, I asked for an epidural, and was so disappointed when I found out I was only 1cm more than when I walked in and started the process. My 28 hours of labor, I felt nothing in the front, it was all in my lower back.
For those of you who were induced, what was the reasoning? Was there a medical reason or just a time cut off? Did they give you the option or say that it was absolutely necessary?
When my mom was pregnant with me they let her go all the way to 42 weeks before inducing, and then it was because she developed pre-e. But then I've heard other people bring up induction much earlier and I'm just curious about it. I'd like to avoid it unless absolutely necessary but I'm just wondering under what circumstances will I not have the choice anymore.
I was induced because it was getting far past my due date. I was 11 days overdue, the hospital wouldn't schedule me over a weekend, and I really didn't like the doctor that would be in on Monday at 2 weeks past my due date, so I decided to go the Friday before. I really wanted a natural labor and was pretty scared to be induced, but it turned out fine. Obviously do your own research, but from what I've read from credible sources like Mayo Clinic, there isn't evidence of increased risk to baby until you are 2 weeks past your due date. Most doctors around me only let you to go one week over. I go to a group of doctors and several told me that they don't "let" their patients go past one week and cited increased risk of complications. I asked them what if I don't let them induce me and they were pretty easy to back down and work with me when they knew I was informed and knew what I wanted. One doctor admitted that ACOG recommends induction between 41 and 42 weeks and their office has decided on 41 as a practice. For the record, I had an u/s at 8 days overdue and the estimated weight of my baby was 8 lb. 4 oz. The doctor was concerned she might be 9 pounds by the induction, and she was born 7 lb. 1 oz. I loved our u/s tech and she repeatedly told me it was plus or minus 20%, which is HUGE (like a pound and a half or 2 when talking about bigger babies). If they had predicted a 10 or 11 pound baby, then chances would be higher for an even bigger baby and I may have been more concerned about moving the induction up.
@stellaluna14 I wasnt induced but they scheduled one for me. I was going on a week over my due date and if she hadn't come by the end of the week they were going to schedule my induction (I would have been 1.5 weeks overdue by then). Luckily I went into labor naturally just before it came to that, which I was praying for since I wanted to do it naturally. In the end my baby was 9 lbs 4 oz, so it would have probably been a good idea, I had a VERY intense natural labor that got pretty serious during the pushing stage and I honestly think it had to do with how big she was.
I was induced with my second because I was 5cm at my 38wk appt. (was 38.5wks). I felt a little guilty at first because the longer they bake the better and I wasn't having contractions yet. However things progressed so fast that I am really glad I was induced (just broke my water).
I was almost induced at 37wks with #3 because he was a stubborn turd and wouldn't cooperate for the NST. I was induced once again at 38.5wks because I was 5.5cm dilated. No guilt this time. If I had not been induced then I would have been induced the following week because of GD.
Wife. Boy mom x6. Expecting #7. Wannabe homesteader. , 💙💙💙💙💙💙
For those of you who were induced, what was the reasoning? Was there a medical reason or just a time cut off? Did they give you the option or say that it was absolutely necessary?
When my mom was pregnant with me they let her go all the way to 42 weeks before inducing, and then it was because she developed pre-e. But then I've heard other people bring up induction much earlier and I'm just curious about it. I'd like to avoid it unless absolutely necessary but I'm just wondering under what circumstances will I not have the choice anymore.
I think that it really depends on the doctor. I know a lot of people that were induced just because they were uncomfortable or because it worked with the doctors schedule, which......honestly, I side-eye. I had my membranes stripped at 39 weeks, went back at 40 weeks and I was still 1cm. Had them stripped again at 40 weeks, and had my induction scheduled for 40w6d (during that same appointment). I have Kaiser insurance and I know most doctors that work in my area (for this company) don't induce before 40w unless medically necessary. My doctor wouldn't let me schedule my induction for any earlier than 40w6d, in hopes that I would go into labor naturally before the induction date. I didn't go into labor naturally, and walked into the hospital for my induction and was still 1cm (even after two membrane sweeps). But because I was measuring large, my doctor didn't want me to go past 41 weeks (baby was born 9 pounds 1 ounce). The doctors (again, working for Kaiser, in my area), will let you choose to go to 42 weeks, if you request (and if things are medically okay with your pregnancy)....since they know that ovulation could be off from that they are estimating. I have had several friends that have delivered at 42 weeks, without incident (although they were all ladies that were trying for a home birth and ended up choosing to do a hospital birth when they hadn't delivered at 41+ weeks, just to be on the safe side).
For those of you who were induced, what was the reasoning? Was there a medical reason or just a time cut off? Did they give you the option or say that it was absolutely necessary?
My water broke and contractions stopped after about 4 hours. I got pitocin about 16 hours after my water broke. I had a midwife and she told me it was necessary at that point for the baby's safety.
For those of you who were induced, what was the reasoning? Was there a medical reason or just a time cut off? Did they give you the option or say that it was absolutely necessary?
When my mom was pregnant with me they let her go all the way to 42 weeks before inducing, and then it was because she developed pre-e. But then I've heard other people bring up induction much earlier and I'm just curious about it. I'd like to avoid it unless absolutely necessary but I'm just wondering under what circumstances will I not have the choice anymore.
I was induced at 41 weeks because my blood pressure was very high. They won't technically call it pre-e because I never had any bp problems before this date. I was only .5 cm dilated at 41w... I was so mad. This time around if they want to induce me at 40w I'll probably let them. There were a lot of complications with DS's birth and it probably isn't because of that extra week, but everything in me tells me it was.
Kinda OT, and I plan on saying this again when everyone gets closer to their due dates, but a word of caution for anyone who's Dr uses cytotec(misoprostol) to induce. This drug is actually used for stomach ulcers, but many Dr's use it for induction. My previous OB told me if I needed to be induced that she would use this drug. I had heard a lot of negative things about it from my DS's bmb so I did my own research and thought "well Tylenol can have horrible side effects too... the likelihood of me getting them are close to nothing". Wrong! I contracted non-stop (literally) from about 10pm to 7am. It was horrible! Cytotec is a tablet so they can't stop the side effects. I would encourage you to ask your OB's if they use this and if they do for different induction options. The first thing I did when I met my new OB was ask if she uses this drug and that if she did I will not consent to it. She does not use it at all which I saw as a good sign.
I don't get the chance to comment often, but I was induced because of high bp @stellaluna14. I don't believe I was ever labeled as pre-e, but my doctor monitored me very closely (which included blood work) and allowed me to go a little longer than she wanted before she said I absolutely had to deliver which put me at 39 weeks and a few days. I had a great doctor who was very supportive and calm and overall my experience was pretty good. I was induced using cytotec @Singingmama10 and I had read in the paperwork they gave me that cramping/contractions were a side effect. I definitely experienced them continuously, but they were more mild, uncomfortable cramps... so I opted not get any pain meds. I believe my doctor chose that method for me because of the high bp and my cervix was still high and closed (I'm not sure though). I have heard lots of negative things about cytotec as well, but since I trusted my doctor, I didn't question her about it. I was able to get an epidural before they started the pitocin and things went really quickly from that point on.
@stellaluna14 I was induced for medical reasons (complications from low lying placenta) at 39+5. I was already experiencing early labor contractions when I went in and they used pitocin to induce. I laboured quite quickly and didn't find it any more painful or difficult than I had expected. It got intense only just as I went through the last 2 cm.
I was induced at 36 weeks and a couple days. I had cholestasis and my liver enzymes and bile acid levels were very high. There is a chance of still birth after 37 weeks so most with this condition are induced around then. I had cervical ripening done for 24 hrs then a foley balloon, and pitocin. Nothing was working. I was stuck at 3 cm for days! Finally everything was turned off so I could rest and everything got crazy! My body finally realized what it was supposed to be doing, I went from 3 cm to 7 to fully in 30 minutes and pushed ds out in 15 minutes. It was a wild hour lol. I was going to be going back for a c section at 7 and ds was born at 7:06am. My induction sucked but I'm very happy I was able to have a vaginal delivery!
How soon after baby came did the placenta? Is it as painful as labour? Or did you even notice?
@LF93 - I didn't even notice . I couldn't feel a thing with my epidural. Obviously if you're going med-free than that's a different story - I'm guessing some other ladies can weigh in on that, though.
I was induced at 40+2 because of low fluid and measuring small (all which I attribute to my stupid OB clinic telling me I had to stop taking diclectin... Which in turn made it so I threw up everything I ate and drank). You need to trust your clinic because mine had been pushing for an induction and trying to find the smallest thing wrong to do so since 37 weeks. OB's are trained to find something wrong because of how they think. I will not stop taking diclectin this time and will not consent to an induction until I am 42 weeks this time. I was induced with a double foley (one inside and one outside the uterus) as I hadn't opened at all and my cervix hadn't flattened either. I was then on pitocin until my contractions were over lapping and I needed an epidural because I couldn't get a break. Your body continues contractions until after the placenta is delivered but honestly it's the smallest push that most do t notice because you have just done all the hard work and are in a state of awe when you get to see your baby for the first time.
How soon after baby came did the placenta? Is it as painful as labour? Or did you even notice?
@LF93 - I didn't even notice . I couldn't feel a thing with my epidural. Obviously if you're going med-free than that's a different story - I'm guessing some other ladies can weigh in on that, though.
I went all natural with my daughter. After she was born and the cord was cut, they put her on my chest, and told me to give a tiny push. It's going to sound nuts, but it actually tickled coming out. Mine did not hurt at all. @LF93
@LF93 I don't remember exactly how long...maybe 10 minutes? That was on Pitocin with no epidural. After pushing a baby out, I didn't think it hurt at all.
@LF93 I think the placenta came just a couple minutes after baby. I really didn't even notice it. I felt the stitches more than the placenta coming out. I also had an epi
@LF93 with my first I didnt feel it at all since I had an epi and was way more concerned with my brand new baby boy. With my second I definitely felt it since I had no epi. It bothered me a bit, but the stitches bothered me even more considering I had no pain med at all. Nothing compares to the actual birth, but it definitely didnt go unnoticed.
@lolomommy1 , @silvers626 , @MrsRo731 Thanks for the advice ladies. I'm hoping to have an epi all going well, so fingers crossed I don't feel anything either. I think it's definitely one of the things that is never mentioned when describing the birth. Good to know it's not all bad
How soon after baby came did the placenta? Is it as painful as labour? Or did you even notice?
Mine was about 10 minutes after? And it hurt. I thought I was done pushing since the baby was out. I guess you don't always have to push, but I did. They said my placenta was really big (my son was 9 lb 10 oz) so maybe that's why it hurt? I did have an epi but I felt everything. So just be prepared that the epi may not block all of the pain.
How soon after baby came did the placenta? Is it as painful as labour? Or did you even notice?
Mine was about 10 minutes after? And it hurt. I thought I was done pushing since the baby was out. I guess you don't always have to push, but I did. They said my placenta was really big (my son was 9 lb 10 oz) so maybe that's why it hurt? I did have an epi but I felt everything. So just be prepared that the epi may not block all of the pain.
Nooooo don't say that I suppose everyone is different during L&D I'm just imagining all the gory things, hoping it doesn't happen to me!
Ok so I know we have had variations of this question so I apologize in advance. I found out recently that my insurance does not cover a breast pump. So I have been debating about how to handle it. I guess my main thought is to wait and make sure that breast feeding works before I spend the money on a pump.
If you had to pay for your own pump would you rent one from the hospital or buy one? Would you rent one while at the hospital for delivery then if everything works out go and buy one? (or is there not point in this since you may not be pumping for the first month, but you never know?)
Ok so I know we have had variations of this question so I apologize in advance. I found out recently that my insurance does not cover a breast pump. So I have been debating about how to handle it. I guess my main thought is to wait and make sure that breast feeding works before I spend the money on a pump.
If you had to pay for your own pump would you rent one from the hospital or buy one? Would you rent one while at the hospital for delivery then if everything works out go and buy one? (or is there not point in this since you may not be pumping for the first month, but you never know?)
If you are really unsure, and it is a big expense for you, I would rent from the hospital first. That way, you can work on breastfeeding, but if for some reason you need to pump (like if you decide you don't like breastfeeding after trying, there are reasons your baby needs to take a bottle, etc), you have one for backup. My friend was going to breastfeed, but after two weeks, baby wasn't gaining so she was instructed to breastfeed....then pump and feed baby with a dropper. She didn't buy a pump because she didn't think that she would need one, and then had to try and rush through with her insurance to get one ASAP. I went in, 100% going to breastfeed, decided I hated it after a few days, and went right to EP-ing. Since I know that I am going to be EP-ing this time around (once we leave the hospital), I need to have a pump right away.
If you have the hospital one for a month, you can then decide if you really need to purchase one.
Im kind of feeling weird about the breast pump thing too. Ive already done this twice and with my first two I always had the breast pump pre baby so it was never an issue. We got rid of everything and now im on number three and know my insurance covers the pump, except they wont provide it until AFTER the birth and I will need to get a referral from my DR. first. This makes a delay in the whole pump process. I remember using my pump early on to help with certain issues, and now im pretty worried about the whole thing.
I think I will be looking into my options, as I would love to have SOMETHING when I get home with baby. Has anyone ever used a manual pump? I might look into that in the meantime while waiting for the electric...
@lolomommy1 Do you happen to have Kaiser? I know that they wont let you get it until after baby is born, but that it takes like 3-4 days to get it, once baby is born. If you breastfed with the first two (and used the pump here and there), I wouldn't worry about it as much as if you had never breastfed and had no idea what your supply was going to be...since it would only take a few days to get. I have Kaiser and have to get a referral and have to wait until after baby is born. Although I already bought a Medela and paid out of pocket for it, I am still going to get the free one from insurance, to keep in the car for if I am out and about at someone else's house and such....I wont have to pack up my Medela. I am going to chat with my OB, and see if there is a way I can get my referral stuff before I deliver, so I don't have to deal with trying to get it after just having a baby, or what she would recommend I do.
Also, I do have the Medela manual pump, and it was fine for if you are breastfeeding and then just want to pump here and there. I was a exclusive pumper, so I wouldn't recommend it for that....since that is A LOT of pumping to be doing with a manual. But I always kept the manual in the diaper bag, because I never knew when I was going to be out longer than anticipated, and just wanted to pump out enough that I wasn't engorged...and it worked perfect for stuff like that.
@lolomommy1 Do you happen to have Kaiser? I know that they wont let you get it until after baby is born, but that it takes like 3-4 days to get it, once baby is born. If you breastfed with the first two (and used the pump here and there), I wouldn't worry about it as much as if you had never breastfed and had no idea what your supply was going to be...since it would only take a few days to get. I have Kaiser and have to get a referral and have to wait until after baby is born. Although I already bought a Medela and paid out of pocket for it, I am still going to get the free one from insurance, to keep in the car for if I am out and about at someone else's house and such....I wont have to pack up my Medela. I am going to chat with my OB, and see if there is a way I can get my referral stuff before I deliver, so I don't have to deal with trying to get it after just having a baby, or what she would recommend I do.
Also, I do have the Medela manual pump, and it was fine for if you are breastfeeding and then just want to pump here and there. I was a exclusive pumper, so I wouldn't recommend it for that....since that is A LOT of pumping to be doing with a manual. But I always kept the manual in the diaper bag, because I never knew when I was going to be out longer than anticipated, and just wanted to pump out enough that I wasn't engorged...and it worked perfect for stuff like that.
Since I'm too lazy to ask and also have Kaiser, is the covered pump a manual one?
@mckcak23 my hospital brought one in after I delivered and the LC taught me how to use it. I should have pumped more in the beginning because I ended up having low supply. I think the best option is to rent ASAP so you have it. Can you buy or get a used one from a friend? You can replace the hoses and stuff.
@lolomommy1 Do you happen to have Kaiser? I know that they wont let you get it until after baby is born, but that it takes like 3-4 days to get it, once baby is born. If you breastfed with the first two (and used the pump here and there), I wouldn't worry about it as much as if you had never breastfed and had no idea what your supply was going to be...since it would only take a few days to get. I have Kaiser and have to get a referral and have to wait until after baby is born. Although I already bought a Medela and paid out of pocket for it, I am still going to get the free one from insurance, to keep in the car for if I am out and about at someone else's house and such....I wont have to pack up my Medela. I am going to chat with my OB, and see if there is a way I can get my referral stuff before I deliver, so I don't have to deal with trying to get it after just having a baby, or what she would recommend I do.
Also, I do have the Medela manual pump, and it was fine for if you are breastfeeding and then just want to pump here and there. I was a exclusive pumper, so I wouldn't recommend it for that....since that is A LOT of pumping to be doing with a manual. But I always kept the manual in the diaper bag, because I never knew when I was going to be out longer than anticipated, and just wanted to pump out enough that I wasn't engorged...and it worked perfect for stuff like that.
Since I'm too lazy to ask and also have Kaiser, is the covered pump a manual one?
Depends on what state you are in. I have heard that in CA, only a manual is covered (they don't cover anything else). In OR/WA, they cover the Ameda Purely Yours, and no manual.
How soon after baby came did the placenta? Is it as painful as labour? Or did you even notice?
Mine was about 10 minutes after? And it hurt. I thought I was done pushing since the baby was out. I guess you don't always have to push, but I did. They said my placenta was really big (my son was 9 lb 10 oz) so maybe that's why it hurt? I did have an epi but I felt everything. So just be prepared that the epi may not block all of the pain.
Nooooo don't say that I suppose everyone is different during L&D I'm just imagining all the gory things, hoping it doesn't happen to me!
My epi ran out while I was pushing for 2.5 hours, so I felt everything for him crowning, etc. I didn't feel contractions though, so I guess it wore off lower first? I don't know. Getting stitches was one of the worst parts; I had to ask her to use more anesthetic because I could feel everything she was doing.
@lolomommy1 Do you happen to have Kaiser? I know that they wont let you get it until after baby is born, but that it takes like 3-4 days to get it, once baby is born. If you breastfed with the first two (and used the pump here and there), I wouldn't worry about it as much as if you had never breastfed and had no idea what your supply was going to be...since it would only take a few days to get. I have Kaiser and have to get a referral and have to wait until after baby is born. Although I already bought a Medela and paid out of pocket for it, I am still going to get the free one from insurance, to keep in the car for if I am out and about at someone else's house and such....I wont have to pack up my Medela. I am going to chat with my OB, and see if there is a way I can get my referral stuff before I deliver, so I don't have to deal with trying to get it after just having a baby, or what she would recommend I do.
Also, I do have the Medela manual pump, and it was fine for if you are breastfeeding and then just want to pump here and there. I was a exclusive pumper, so I wouldn't recommend it for that....since that is A LOT of pumping to be doing with a manual. But I always kept the manual in the diaper bag, because I never knew when I was going to be out longer than anticipated, and just wanted to pump out enough that I wasn't engorged...and it worked perfect for stuff like that.
aahh good info. I think im going to ask about getting the referral all lined up so its ready to go after baby. I have a very good supply, and I would like to use some of the excess milk to pump and freeze for later since I know I will be overflowing for a while and the pump will come in handy. I wont over pump, just kind of relieve myself, if you will. :P
What do contractions feel like? How did you KNOW you were in labor?
I remember being 4 months pregnant and in the hospital with my friend who was having a baby. She was 6cm, had just gotten her epidural, and her mom and husband were telling her when she was contracting (according to the monitor screen). When I saw that she could hardly feel it, I was like "Oh....no big deal!" Since all of my friends had babies before me, they had all told me that their contractions were like period cramps coming and going, and all in front. I went into the hospital around 39 weeks with a migraine (so they wanted to check me for pre-eclampsia), and while hooked up to the monitor, they said I was having contractions (but I couldn't feel them). I was inducted at 40w6d, with the miso tablet and pitocin. The difference between my contractions and my friends contractions, was that I had all back labor. It took 12 hours for me to go from 1cm to 2cm, and it felt like someone was taking a sledgehammer to my lower back. After 12 hours, I asked for an epidural, and was so disappointed when I found out I was only 1cm more than when I walked in and started the process. My 28 hours of labor, I felt nothing in the front, it was all in my lower back.
Back labour. The devil. My BFF has a super low pain tolerance (she'd be the first to say it) and was able to have her baby without an epidural, so I was convinced I would be able to handle it. What I didn't anticipate was the god damn back labour and the painfully slow progression. Sorry you went through that too and I hope this LO is in a better position for you!
For those of you who were induced, what was the reasoning? Was there a medical reason or just a time cut off? Did they give you the option or say that it was absolutely necessary?
When my mom was pregnant with me they let her go all the way to 42 weeks before inducing, and then it was because she developed pre-e. But then I've heard other people bring up induction much earlier and I'm just curious about it. I'd like to avoid it unless absolutely necessary but I'm just wondering under what circumstances will I not have the choice anymore.
I was induced because I was almost 2 weeks overdue. They were also concerned about DD's size as I was measuring about 2 weeks ahead already, so likely they wouldn't have let me wait. She was 8lbs 12oz so not huge but she did get stuck in my pelvis. Given how everything went I assume my induction was medically necessary, but to be perfectly honest I never asked those questions because I was so sick of being pregnant by then (definitely don't recommend following this course of action - always ask questions! If I wasn't going for a repeat c-section this time I would do everything I could, safely, to avoid another induction)
Yeah I've never actually been up to L&D but I'm super happy with Kaiser overall. My friend has worked at the hospital I'll be delivering at in Denver and sounds like it's pretty nice. It will be an adventure to switch OBs and move so late but probably better than moving with a newborn? That's what I'm telling myself anyway...
@mnkenned yea I'm super happy with Kaiser overall, we've only had it for insurance for a short while, like maybe two months before I found out I was pregnant. And I think you're right, while it'll probably be annoying to move before, at least you're all moved in and can relax with your baby when that time comes
@mnkenned We're moving sometime between now & end of August, so either I'll be there to commiserate with you moving late in pregnancy, or I can offer the opposing view and we can figure out which might suck less, lol!
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Me: 33 DH: 32 Married 7/18/15 1st born at 35+4 on 6/6/16 Team green turned BLUE! 2nd born at 38+6 on 8/30/18 Team green turned PINK! Due with #3 on 6/6/20 Team Green
Re: Ask a BTDT mom questions about birth/recovery/breastfeeding
When my mom was pregnant with me they let her go all the way to 42 weeks before inducing, and then it was because she developed pre-e. But then I've heard other people bring up induction much earlier and I'm just curious about it. I'd like to avoid it unless absolutely necessary but I'm just wondering under what circumstances will I not have the choice anymore.
I was almost induced at 37wks with #3 because he was a stubborn turd and wouldn't cooperate for the NST. I was induced once again at 38.5wks because I was 5.5cm dilated. No guilt this time. If I had not been induced then I would have been induced the following week because of GD.
, 💙💙💙💙💙💙
Kinda OT, and I plan on saying this again when everyone gets closer to their due dates, but a word of caution for anyone who's Dr uses cytotec(misoprostol) to induce. This drug is actually used for stomach ulcers, but many Dr's use it for induction. My previous OB told me if I needed to be induced that she would use this drug. I had heard a lot of negative things about it from my DS's bmb so I did my own research and thought "well Tylenol can have horrible side effects too... the likelihood of me getting them are close to nothing". Wrong! I contracted non-stop (literally) from about 10pm to 7am. It was horrible! Cytotec is a tablet so they can't stop the side effects. I would encourage you to ask your OB's if they use this and if they do for different induction options. The first thing I did when I met my new OB was ask if she uses this drug and that if she did I will not consent to it. She does not use it at all which I saw as a good sign.
Edit to change from 7pm to 7am
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DS#1 July 2016
Baby #2 July 2018
DD #2: EDD July 2016
Thanks for the advice ladies. I'm hoping to have an epi all going well, so fingers crossed I don't feel anything either. I think it's definitely one of the things that is never mentioned when describing the birth. Good to know it's not all bad
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DS#1 July 2016
Baby #2 July 2018
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DS#1 July 2016
Baby #2 July 2018
If you had to pay for your own pump would you rent one from the hospital or buy one?
Would you rent one while at the hospital for delivery then if everything works out go and buy one? (or is there not point in this since you may not be pumping for the first month, but you never know?)
If you have the hospital one for a month, you can then decide if you really need to purchase one.
I think I will be looking into my options, as I would love to have SOMETHING when I get home with baby. Has anyone ever used a manual pump? I might look into that in the meantime while waiting for the electric...
Also, I do have the Medela manual pump, and it was fine for if you are breastfeeding and then just want to pump here and there. I was a exclusive pumper, so I wouldn't recommend it for that....since that is A LOT of pumping to be doing with a manual. But I always kept the manual in the diaper bag, because I never knew when I was going to be out longer than anticipated, and just wanted to pump out enough that I wasn't engorged...and it worked perfect for stuff like that.
Can you buy or get a used one from a friend? You can replace the hoses and stuff.
IF, 5 losses, 1 son, 1 on the way.
I was induced because I was almost 2 weeks overdue. They were also concerned about DD's size as I was measuring about 2 weeks ahead already, so likely they wouldn't have let me wait. She was 8lbs 12oz so not huge but she did get stuck in my pelvis. Given how everything went I assume my induction was medically necessary, but to be perfectly honest I never asked those questions because I was so sick of being pregnant by then (definitely don't recommend following this course of action - always ask questions! If I wasn't going for a repeat c-section this time I would do everything I could, safely, to avoid another induction)
And I think you're right, while it'll probably be annoying to move before, at least you're all moved in and can relax with your baby when that time comes
DH: 32
Married 7/18/15
1st born at 35+4 on 6/6/16
Team green turned BLUE!
2nd born at 38+6 on 8/30/18
Team green turned PINK!
Due with #3 on 6/6/20 Team Green