@nicklesb use a nipple shield! It's like a little flexible plastic cover that sticks to your nipples when they are moist from milk. I am bringing mine with me to the hospital this time and my babe won't touch my boobies until it's on there. I was never able to nurse without one with my first. It is a little harder because it's one more thing, but it sure helped me
@nicklesb I wouldn't jump straight to a nipple shield unless you need one. It can be tricky to wean off of them. I mean, use it if you need it, but wait and see first.
@gracie4400 is there a reason you're interested in pumping versus nursing? I'll share that personally the concept freaked me out initially. I figured I'd mostly pump. But after a few days of nursing it felt natural and like PP said, was way more efficient than pumping. I personally loved nursing and found it to be the most convenient way to feed. No bottles to warm or clean!
Around what week did you ladies start to feel the baby's movement?
15 weeks. I just had a piece of key lime pie and I don't know if it was all the sugar or what but I distinctly felt tiny feet playing a little double bass in there.
@MauiQuickie I wish I would have tried one but nobody at my hospital (midwives or lactation consultants) would allow me to try it... I don't know if they didn't have them but they were all vehemently against them. I had latch problems with all three of my kids and wanted to try anything.
Do you guys think there are any benefits to pumping verses actually breast feeding? Do they let you pump in the hospital? Is pumping more or less uncomfortable?
I pumped exclusively for DD (NICU baby, 29 week preemie) and did a combination of nursing and pumping for DS (full term).
Pumping for me was definitely more uncomfortable, not to mention more time consuming and inconvenient (finding something to occupy the baby if he's awake, cleaning pump parts, etc). I would actually feel queasy (something akin to morning sickness) when pumping, especially during letdown and the first few minutes. I didn't notice that with breastfeeding.
The only reason I pumped for my second baby was because I had supply issues with my first and was somewhat paranoid about it happening again. Aaaand I ended up with an oversupply.
Just from experience, I can't think of a solid benefit to pumping exclusively over breastfeeding unless it's your only option, either because you are a working mom or there is some strong impediment to nursing (prematurity, cleft lip, and so on). Breastfeeding really is SO convenient and self-regulating, I can't stress that enough. However, you may want to consider supplemental pumping for a freezer stash if your husband wants to feed the baby or if you want your baby to have breast milk even when you arent available.
March 2017 September Siggy Challenge: Favorite Fall Things
To add to the pumping question, I didn't get nearly as much milk when I pumped vs breastfeeding. At work when I pumped the only way my milk would start flowing is if I watched videos of my DD.
For people with FMLA questions, it can get confusing what people mean by how man seems they will get off. I'm fairly positive that if your employer qualifies for FMLA you are entitled to 12 weeks (unpaid) time off. Many women only take 6 or 8 weeks because that is what their short term disability will cover. (Don't get me started on how ridiculous that is. A section is a serious surgery. You often can't even drive for weeks. 8 weeks is NOT enough time for many women's bodies to recover)
Since FMLA is federal this 12 weeks should be universal in the US, right? (unless I'm missing something?)
@longliveregina From what I understand, even though FMLA is federal, some employees/employers don't qualify for it. An employer has to have at least 50 employees, and an employee has to have been at the job at least 12 months.
On this topic, any Washington state moms, you can qualify for 18-20 weeks off (unpaid of course) through Washington's FLA program. https://lni.wa.gov/WorkplaceRights/LeaveBenefits/FamilyCare/Maternity/default.asp It's confusing but most company's HRs will be well-versed in it but don't out-right announce it which pissed me off. None of the pregnant people I worked with knew about it and I only found out because DH was digging around on the web one day. I had been talking to my HR and they never mentioned it until I brought it up then they explained it to me.
I will say what makes me most angry is my husband gets paid paternity leave and I get jack shit. We live in the wrong country.
On this topic, any Washington state moms, you can qualify for 18-20 weeks off (unpaid of course) through Washington's FLA program. https://lni.wa.gov/WorkplaceRights/LeaveBenefits/FamilyCare/Maternity/default.asp It's confusing but most company's HRs will be well-versed in it but don't out-right announce it which pissed me off. None of the pregnant people I worked with knew about it and I only found out because DH was digging around on the web one day. I had been talking to my HR and they never mentioned it until I brought it up then they explained it to me.
I will say what makes me most angry is my husband gets paid paternity leave and I get jack shit. We live in the wrong country.
I'm in Tri-Cities (West Richland to be exact) and this pisses me off to no end to hear this. I wish I would've known about this when I was pregnant with my son 2 years ago. I worked at a different hospital at the time and I had many emails back and forth to the HR "FMLA Specialist", who tried to tell me that I only got 6 weeks off instead of 12. I was furious! This was all because my doctor's office said that I could return to work in 6 weeks, which yes, technically I can return in 6 weeks since I'm physically able at that point, but FMLA allows me 12 weeks and this HR person would not admit she was wrong. I finally emailed her and said, I don't know what it is that you need to do on your end to figure this out, but I'm taking 12 weeks and I'll see you all in August. Never in all my years have I ever dealt with an actual competent HR department. Had I known about this law back then, I would've taken 20 weeks.
@kiyamurph It is so infuriating that the HR specialists don't offer us our choices. FMLA/ FLA is so confusing (I read through all of the information given and it is barely decipherable) and that is what they are there for! Instead of helping employees they are looking out for the bottom line of the company and trying to get employees back as soon as possible!
For everyone asking about time off, I'd take as much time off as possible. This is baby #3 for me and I plan to take 4-5 months off. I know this isn't possible for everyone, but we will save and just not buy as many things during my months off. Having a baby is a big transition, not to mention that leaving a 3 month old is a lot different than a 5 or 6 month old. I'd encourage everyone who can to be creative with finances, get family involved (even if they can only do a little), and talk to your employer about being off longer than FMLA allows. If asked, a lot of companies will be lenient during this transition (knowing that 12 weeks is really not much time).
I hope this doesn't offend anyone- I know everyone is in a unique situation. Just don't assume that you can only get a certain amount of time until you ask.
As as a working mom (of 2 soon to be 3) I hope we can all find a way to get back to work and spend the precious time with our babies! No situation is easy (staying home v working)!
I was on bedrest with my 1st.and modified bed rest with my 2nd and 3rd. Tv an food after your best friends, sleep gets boring after the first couple of days. Honestly I hated it you find some much you could do around the house of you could do it lol. Get books crosswords and all sorts of things to keep you sane. And of you can schedule company sounds weird but you need it to break up the days...
bellybutton rings don't always have to come out, if your belly buttin never pushes out you
@gracie4400 is there a reason you're interested in pumping versus nursing? I'll share that personally the concept freaked me out initially. I figured I'd mostly pump. But after a few days of nursing it felt natural and like PP said, was way more efficient than pumping. I personally loved nursing and found it to be the most convenient way to feed. No bottles to warm or clean!
The concept of breastfeeding also freaks me out a bit, so that's part of it, but there's other reasons as well. For one, I work full-time so I'm assuming at some point I'll have to start pumping. Also, I'd like my husband to help with the feedings as much as possible. Another thing is I think I'd personally feel uncomfortable nursing in public so I'd like the option of bottles for outings (although I suppose I won't be going out that much with a newborn). Something else that I thought about that makes me nervous is how do you know how much the baby is getting when you breastfeed? I mean at least with a bottle you can see an exact measurement, but how do you know with breastfeeding? (These are the things that keep me up at night, I will stamp FTM on my forehead now) I never did think about the convenience of breastfeeding through - no set up or clean up! Thanks for your advice
As you pointed out @gracie4400 you'll be surprised what convenience can convince you of!! Waking up at night and nursing in a half awake state then going back to bed easily-vs getting up, going to the kitchen, prepping a bottle while baby screams... So I picked nursing at night!
Going out in public, lots of places will allow you a place to go if you're still feeling uncomfortable-dressing rooms, mothers lounges-but cute nursing shawls, scarves, or a blanket will surprise you with how no one will even realize what you're doing. For me-not having to pack anything at all to feed baby when you pack a diaper bag won out over prepping and packing bottles, and then having to toss lots of excess milk if you have it out for too long.
The knowing how much baby is getting thing does drive some moms crazy-but you can trust baby will just nurse as long as they need to and get enough! and they will speak up and still be fussy to let you know if they need more.
Ultimately:IMO: try not to worry about what you are going to do 5months from now. When baby comes, you'll figure out what works best for both of you!! Feeding takes two, 50% of the work is baby. And you'll need to find out his/her preferences and see what you both enjoy and become comfortable with.
BF was far easier for me then pumping I think. I found it hard to find the time to pump to build a stash for when I returned to work. I echo the fact that the baby is better then the pump, I actually and still nursing and cuz I am pregnant I am having MAJOR supply issues, but on weekends I am able to keep up with DD3 but can hardly get anything during the week pumping for her to have at school. Will def say that IMO the commercial grade is the way to go if your gonna pump though. I have PCOS so low supply comes with the territory and OMG the commercial grade has been a lifesaver. I had a regualr Medela with the other two kids and the commercial grade for this one and I know its the only reason I have made it to 19 months pumping.
There are pros and cons to both though, if you exclusively BF then its you through the night, BUT even with that I will say the baby learns and at some point you don't even have to get up for it if you co-sleep (which we do) the just roll over and latch on. BF makes it easier to get up and go. But it makes getting a moment to yourself harder if the baby really refuses to bottle feed (ours STILL wont bottle feed in my presence or at home in general).
I'm so sorry! @jessjoelmasse I know several people that couldn't breast feed without one. My nipples were literally purple and blue after the first latch and those covers were the only things that worked for me. I hate how people are so emotional over breastfeeding. Any way that works for you, works for baby. One plus was that my son easily switched from BF to bottle when I needed, thanks in part to the nipple shields feeling more like a bottle nipple.
@gracie4400 is there a reason you're interested in pumping versus nursing? I'll share that personally the concept freaked me out initially. I figured I'd mostly pump. But after a few days of nursing it felt natural and like PP said, was way more efficient than pumping. I personally loved nursing and found it to be the most convenient way to feed. No bottles to warm or clean!
The concept of breastfeeding also freaks me out a bit, so that's part of it, but there's other reasons as well. For one, I work full-time so I'm assuming at some point I'll have to start pumping. Also, I'd like my husband to help with the feedings as much as possible. Another thing is I think I'd personally feel uncomfortable nursing in public so I'd like the option of bottles for outings (although I suppose I won't be going out that much with a newborn). Something else that I thought about that makes me nervous is how do you know how much the baby is getting when you breastfeed? I mean at least with a bottle you can see an exact measurement, but how do you know with breastfeeding? (These are the things that keep me up at night, I will stamp FTM on my forehead now) I never did think about the convenience of breastfeeding through - no set up or clean up! Thanks for your advice
You can pump and nurse. As long as baby is gaining weight and has enough wet diapers, you're fine. You funny need to know exactly how many ounces.
My best friend had to use nipple shields but that's because she didn't really have nipples, they went in kinda like how an innie belly button is. So everyone is different. What may work for one person, may not work for you.
@gracie4400 is there a reason you're interested in pumping versus nursing? I'll share that personally the concept freaked me out initially. I figured I'd mostly pump. But after a few days of nursing it felt natural and like PP said, was way more efficient than pumping. I personally loved nursing and found it to be the most convenient way to feed. No bottles to warm or clean!
The concept of breastfeeding also freaks me out a bit, so that's part of it, but there's other reasons as well. For one, I work full-time so I'm assuming at some point I'll have to start pumping. Also, I'd like my husband to help with the feedings as much as possible. Another thing is I think I'd personally feel uncomfortable nursing in public so I'd like the option of bottles for outings (although I suppose I won't be going out that much with a newborn). Something else that I thought about that makes me nervous is how do you know how much the baby is getting when you breastfeed? I mean at least with a bottle you can see an exact measurement, but how do you know with breastfeeding? (These are the things that keep me up at night, I will stamp FTM on my forehead now) I never did think about the convenience of breastfeeding through - no set up or clean up! Thanks for your advice
Just make sure that you've established breastfeeding before you start having your husband give bottles throughout the night or it can throw off your supply. For all breastfeeding related stuff, kellymom.com is a fantastic resource. I ended up breastfeeding for 2 years and I would bring bottles with us when we would be out in public for a while. If it was a short errand, I'd breastfeed right before leaving, but if we were out for a couple of hours, I brought the bottle just so I wouldn't have the hassle of trying to cover up and all that jive. I'm not brazen enough to breastfeed uncovered, mostly because where I live is uber conservative and people would be outraged. We took our son out for the first time when he was 12 days old. It is okay to go out in public with a newborn, but you obviously have to be smart about it. I wouldn't let people touch him, just look at a distance. The best thing to do so no one really bothers you is to babywear. No one will ever ask to hold the baby when they're attached to you. As far as baby getting enough to eat, like someone else said, they'll let you know when they're done. They'll either unlatch or fall asleep. They WILL let you know when they're still hungry, no doubt about it. Also, I'm not sure what everyone's local hospital does, but we had a post-natal appt the day after my son was born. We met with a nurse who went over everything under the sun and then she put him on the scale, had me breastfeed, and then weighed him after. He ate the equivalent of a bottle and a half of formula. So the point is, you just have to trust that baby is getting what he/she needs as long as they have so many pee diapers throughout the day and they're gaining weight. Obviously if they're dropping weight and not voiding, then it's cause for concern. It's tough in the beginning, but you can do it! And hey, if you find that breastfeeding is making you insane, by all means switch to formula. Fed it best and your mental health is important.
@gracie4400 All legitimate points! I have two ideas that might help you worry less:
1. I often would pump a bottle in the evening, and H would do a night feed! 2. I got a baby scale for ~$40, and would do weighed feedings to make sure she was getting enough! Babies hardly take anything as newborns, but by 3 months she would take 3-4 oz or more and I'd never know it if I didn't weigh her
You can totally nurse and pump and you'll figure out what works for you.
It actually surprised me how willing I was to BF in public after DS was born. I'm one of those people who is too self conscious to comfortably wear a bikini in public! But we went to the Toledo Zoo for a number of hours when DS was about 3 months old and I BF'd without a cover often, even while walking between exhibits. The only comment I got was "someone's hungry!" from an older woman (who I assume was well-meaning, as she said it pleasantly enough).
And I definitely second @kiyamurph on the mental health thing! That's the most important. So many women (myself included) are so hard on themselves if they can't breastfeed to the extent they feel they should. It's always a good idea to at least attempt breastfeeding or pumping, but if it becomes distressing for ANY reason, there's absolutely no shame in using formula.
March 2017 September Siggy Challenge: Favorite Fall Things
I never breastfed DS in public. I don't care if other people do and I probably would have given it a shot but my let down was forceful and DS always popped off and it was messy so I don't think I could have handled all that under a sheet lol
Jumping in on the nipple shields question. I used them with my DD, because we just couldn't get the latch down and I was really commited to try anything to make nursing work. One day around 3/4 months she just ripped it off and never looked back. One downside IMO, is that the shields aren't as easy on the go. Have to be washed, etc if they fall and kind of an awkward set up process for nursing in public. For us, nursing also took a lot longer with the shield- like 40 mins compared to 15/20 without.
I'm def going to try without first with this LO, but will definitely use if need be. I think in most cases its just a temporary fix until baby can figure out how to latch.
Since people have been mentioning nipple shields I figured I would add one to my registry just to have on hand in case things go south. It looks like there are different sizes? Is this boob size or nipple size or like baby mouth size? Sorry if this is dumb, I didn't even know they existed until recently.
Since people have been mentioning nipple shields I figured I would add one to my registry just to have on hand in case things go south. It looks like there are different sizes? Is this boob size or nipple size or like baby mouth size? Sorry if this is dumb, I didn't even know they existed until recently.
The lactation consultant gave me one at the hospital so hopefully you can get one there and don't have to register for one
I also used a nipple shield with DD as recommended by my LC, and I think it hindered things for us. I threw it away after 4 weeks of having a really tough go of it and we made do without it. It's good to have on hand to try, but it doesn't work for everyone.
Invest in a good nursing cover and comfy nursing tanks. I lived in mine for 2 months and would just throw a cardigan on over it. Walmart has good one that are loose around the tummy for not too expensive.
Met DH - Aug 2001 :: Married - Jan 2010 :: DD born - Sept 2012
I also used a nipple shield with DD as recommended by my LC, and I think it hindered things for us. I threw it away after 4 weeks of having a really tough go of it and we made do without it. It's good to have on hand to try, but it doesn't work for everyone.
Invest in a good nursing cover and comfy nursing tanks. I lived in mine for 2 months and would just throw a cardigan on over it. Walmart has good one that are loose around the tummy for not too expensive.
Truth. I wore a nursing tank and cardifan to work today. My son is 18 months and gasnt nursed in the day time for awhile. I just love how supportive the shelf in this tank is!! I think it's motherhood maternity. I also loved shirts from Latched Mama (online).
Can we talk about birth plans? I was under the impression that it's good to have a plan but don't bank on it 100% because things change. I guess my question is how specific or not do you really need it to be? Also when do you make your doctor/midwives aware of your plan?
@EALasagna45 Someone once told me to refer to birth plans as "birth preferences" because they never go exactly as planned...I like that. Mine certainly didn't.
That being said, my hospital had a form that was really helpful (PM me for a link). You can be as specific or not specific as you want to be. I brought mine to the hospital with me. It's really for whoever is in L&D, but you can certainly let your doctor know your wishes ahead of time. I think my doctor and I talked birth at 34 weeks (which was good because I delivered at 35 weeks!).
Regarding birth plans, yeah things might not go exactly as planned. But if you feel very strongly about something and if you don't specify, people might not ask! For example, "Don't give my baby a pacifier" or "No residents or students in the delivery room" or "My husband will cut the cord/give baby his first bath" etc. Because if you don't tell the nurses and doctors beforehand, they will do whatever is standard protocol. It's better to discuss up front than to be upset after the fact.
Also, if you are adamant about a pain-med-free birth, you will want to specify "do not offer pain meds" because in the moment, if someone is dangling an epidural in front of your face it will be harder to resist.
Those are all really solid points @Cbeanz. I was reading some books and some things we're really specific which kind of threw me into a tizzy because as a FTM I really didn't think there were that many options/choices. There are some specifics I really want such as a med free birth so I appreciate you mentioning to specify that's the game plan so they don't offer it to me. I'll probably cave if they do. Thank you!
Can we talk about birth plans? I was under the impression that it's good to have a plan but don't bank on it 100% because things change. I guess my question is how specific or not do you really need it to be? Also when do you make your doctor/midwives aware of your plan?
I went over my plan with my midwife at the beginning of 3rd tri...not really to try to buck hospital policies or anything but just to know if my expectations were different than what would happen. Mostly she was like, that's what we already do.
I made sure to consider contingencies. What if I have to be induced? Csection? It was helpful to make quick decisions when I was induced because I had already talked about options with my.midwife and knew what I would decide when.
I had similar experience to @longliveregina. I found a template online, and My birthplan was 99% "that's what we already do" when talking to the nurses as I arrived at the hospital because I was delivering at an awesome birth center where they happened to already do everything the way I thought was best for baby'.
I think a big part it can play also is to get DH on the same page with your desires-so when you are focused on laboring, he can focus on your wishes ((should the hospital policies not be exactly what you wish for))
Did anybody try delayed cord clamping with a C-Section?
Me 29 I DH 28 Married in April 2007 One Furbaby - Adorable Pitt Mix 15 Months TTC....2nd Cycle of Letrozole - Success! Expecting our first two little miracles - Boy/Girl Twins! - EDD March 3, 2017 High Risk Pregnancy - Type 1 Diabetic; Hypothyroidism; Di/Di Twin Pregnancy
Re: Ask a STM
Pumping for me was definitely more uncomfortable, not to mention more time consuming and inconvenient (finding something to occupy the baby if he's awake, cleaning pump parts, etc). I would actually feel queasy (something akin to morning sickness) when pumping, especially during letdown and the first few minutes. I didn't notice that with breastfeeding.
The only reason I pumped for my second baby was because I had supply issues with my first and was somewhat paranoid about it happening again. Aaaand I ended up with an oversupply.
Just from experience, I can't think of a solid benefit to pumping exclusively over breastfeeding unless it's your only option, either because you are a working mom or there is some strong impediment to nursing (prematurity, cleft lip, and so on). Breastfeeding really is SO convenient and self-regulating, I can't stress that enough. However, you may want to consider supplemental pumping for a freezer stash if your husband wants to feed the baby or if you want your baby to have breast milk even when you arent available.
Since FMLA is federal this 12 weeks should be universal in the US, right? (unless I'm missing something?)
I will say what makes me most angry is my husband gets paid paternity leave and I get jack shit. We live in the wrong country.
I hope this doesn't offend anyone- I know everyone is in a unique situation. Just don't assume that you can only get a certain amount of time until you ask.
As as a working mom (of 2 soon to be 3) I hope we can all find a way to get back to work and spend the precious time with our babies! No situation is easy (staying home v working)!
Tv an food after your best friends, sleep gets boring after the first couple of days. Honestly I hated it you find some much you could do around the house of you could do it lol. Get books crosswords and all sorts of things to keep you sane. And of you can schedule company sounds weird but you need it to break up the days...
bellybutton rings don't always have to come out, if your belly buttin never pushes out you
Baby #1 7/16/10
Baby #2 11/14/12
Baby #3 12/11/14
Baby #4 3/30/17
Baby #5 2/28/19
Baby #6 Miscarriage
Baby #7 7/3/22
Naturally with PCOS
Going out in public, lots of places will allow you a place to go if you're still feeling uncomfortable-dressing rooms, mothers lounges-but cute nursing shawls, scarves, or a blanket will surprise you with how no one will even realize what you're doing. For me-not having to pack anything at all to feed baby when you pack a diaper bag won out over prepping and packing bottles, and then having to toss lots of excess milk if you have it out for too long.
The knowing how much baby is getting thing does drive some moms crazy-but you can trust baby will just nurse as long as they need to and get enough! and they will speak up and still be fussy to let you know if they need more.
Ultimately:IMO: try not to worry about what you are going to do 5months from now. When baby comes, you'll figure out what works best for both of you!! Feeding takes two, 50% of the work is baby. And you'll need to find out his/her preferences and see what you both enjoy and become comfortable with.
We have been talking about what happens if day care for 2 > my income =/
i might end up just staying home but then i feel like we don't make enough money if i stay home... pretty stressed out about it...
SaveSaveI found it hard to find the time to pump to build a stash for when I returned to work. I echo the fact that the baby is better then the pump, I actually and still nursing and cuz I am pregnant I am having MAJOR supply issues, but on weekends I am able to keep up with DD3 but can hardly get anything during the week pumping for her to have at school.
Will def say that IMO the commercial grade is the way to go if your gonna pump though.
I have PCOS so low supply comes with the territory and OMG the commercial grade has been a lifesaver. I had a regualr Medela with the other two kids and the commercial grade for this one and I know its the only reason I have made it to 19 months pumping.
There are pros and cons to both though, if you exclusively BF then its you through the night, BUT even with that I will say the baby learns and at some point you don't even have to get up for it if you co-sleep (which we do) the just roll over and latch on. BF makes it easier to get up and go. But it makes getting a moment to yourself harder if the baby really refuses to bottle feed (ours STILL wont bottle feed in my presence or at home in general).
Baby #1 7/16/10
Baby #2 11/14/12
Baby #3 12/11/14
Baby #4 3/30/17
Baby #5 2/28/19
Baby #6 Miscarriage
Baby #7 7/3/22
Naturally with PCOS
As long as baby is gaining weight and has enough wet diapers, you're fine. You funny need to know exactly how many ounces.
I ended up breastfeeding for 2 years and I would bring bottles with us when we would be out in public for a while. If it was a short errand, I'd breastfeed right before leaving, but if we were out for a couple of hours, I brought the bottle just so I wouldn't have the hassle of trying to cover up and all that jive. I'm not brazen enough to breastfeed uncovered, mostly because where I live is uber conservative and people would be outraged. We took our son out for the first time when he was 12 days old. It is okay to go out in public with a newborn, but you obviously have to be smart about it. I wouldn't let people touch him, just look at a distance. The best thing to do so no one really bothers you is to babywear. No one will ever ask to hold the baby when they're attached to you.
As far as baby getting enough to eat, like someone else said, they'll let you know when they're done. They'll either unlatch or fall asleep. They WILL let you know when they're still hungry, no doubt about it. Also, I'm not sure what everyone's local hospital does, but we had a post-natal appt the day after my son was born. We met with a nurse who went over everything under the sun and then she put him on the scale, had me breastfeed, and then weighed him after. He ate the equivalent of a bottle and a half of formula. So the point is, you just have to trust that baby is getting what he/she needs as long as they have so many pee diapers throughout the day and they're gaining weight. Obviously if they're dropping weight and not voiding, then it's cause for concern. It's tough in the beginning, but you can do it! And hey, if you find that breastfeeding is making you insane, by all means switch to formula. Fed it best and your mental health is important.
1. I often would pump a bottle in the evening, and H would do a night feed!
2. I got a baby scale for ~$40, and would do weighed feedings to make sure she was getting enough! Babies hardly take anything as newborns, but by 3 months she would take 3-4 oz or more and I'd never know it if I didn't weigh her
You can totally nurse and pump and you'll figure out what works for you.
And I definitely second @kiyamurph on the mental health thing! That's the most important. So many women (myself included) are so hard on themselves if they can't breastfeed to the extent they feel they should. It's always a good idea to at least attempt breastfeeding or pumping, but if it becomes distressing for ANY reason, there's absolutely no shame in using formula.
I'm def going to try without first with this LO, but will definitely use if need be. I think in most cases its just a temporary fix until baby can figure out how to latch.
Me 28 DH 28 Married 2012
TTC #1 since March 2015
Metformin + Femara + Gonal F + Trigger = BFP 6/24/16
EDD 3/3/17
Found out it's a girl! 9/23/16
Me 28 DH 28 Married 2012
TTC #1 since March 2015
Metformin + Femara + Gonal F + Trigger = BFP 6/24/16
EDD 3/3/17
Found out it's a girl! 9/23/16
Invest in a good nursing cover and comfy nursing tanks. I lived in mine for 2 months and would just throw a cardigan on over it. Walmart has good one that are loose around the tummy for not too expensive.
@EALasagna45 Someone once told me to refer to birth plans as "birth preferences" because they never go exactly as planned...I like that. Mine certainly didn't.
That being said, my hospital had a form that was really helpful (PM me for a link). You can be as specific or not specific as you want to be. I brought mine to the hospital with me. It's really for whoever is in L&D, but you can certainly let your doctor know your wishes ahead of time. I think my doctor and I talked birth at 34 weeks (which was good because I delivered at 35 weeks!).
Also, if you are adamant about a pain-med-free birth, you will want to specify "do not offer pain meds" because in the moment, if someone is dangling an epidural in front of your face it will be harder to resist.
I made sure to consider contingencies. What if I have to be induced? Csection? It was helpful to make quick decisions when I was induced because I had already talked about options with my.midwife and knew what I would decide when.
I think a big part it can play also is to get DH on the same page with your desires-so when you are focused on laboring, he can focus on your wishes ((should the hospital policies not be exactly what you wish for))
Married in April 2007
One Furbaby - Adorable Pitt Mix
15 Months TTC....2nd Cycle of Letrozole - Success!
Expecting our first two little miracles - Boy/Girl Twins! - EDD March 3, 2017
High Risk Pregnancy - Type 1 Diabetic; Hypothyroidism; Di/Di Twin Pregnancy