March 2017 Moms

Ask a STM

Any questions this week, Ladies!? 


Re: Ask a STM

  • edited September 2016
    I've got a couple of questions actually...

    1. If you breastfed, and also went back to work, how did you manage to continue breastfeeding? I'll have some options since I only work 3mi from home, and I get a 1hr lunchbreak, and my parents will be moving in with us for awhile (so could drive the baby to me), and I have a nursery here at work (just don't want to leave the baby there all day... my parents will help with daycare) Just curious how you did it! Thanks!

    2. Did you develop a "birthing plan"? Did you have a doula?

    3. If you were on "bedrest" would you be willing share why your doctor put you on bedrest, and for how long?

    THANK YOU!!!! FTM at the age of 40!!! Lots of questions!!!
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  • I've got a couple of questions actually...

    1. If you breastfed, and also went back to work, how did you manage to continue breastfeeding? I'll have some options since I only work 3mi from home, and I get a 1hr lunchbreak, and my parents will be moving in with us for awhile (so could drive the baby to me), and I have a nursery here at work (just don't want to leave the baby there all day... my parents will help with daycare) Just curious how you did it! Thanks!

    First, I extended my leave as long as I could with my work and financially. I ended up staying home for 6 months, but even 3 would have been enough time to really establish things before starting bottles. 

    Second, I obsessively read stuff from the Kelly mom website. So good. I started a small freezer stash but had to throw it away (long story), but as l9by as I prioritized pumping at work I was fine.  

    Third, I was really straightforward and upfront with what I needed from my work in order to pump. Even if you think you'll go home, a pump should be covered through your insurance: worth getting a good one. Last time I used a medela pump in style. I think I'm going to try the spectra s2 this time. 

    Finally, I really fed my baby on demand when home After work, even at night.

    2. Did you develop a "birthing plan"? Did you have a doula?

    No doula--in sure they're great, it was just too expensive for us. Look into the Bradley method (Husband Coached Childbirth is the book)...knowing what was going pn in my body through the overwhelming sensations was so helpful to me. I had a birth plan. I made a list of what I wanted and brought it in to talk with my midwife about what was reasonable and why some things wouldn't work. That was extremely helpful because I definitely feel more in control when I know what to expect. I also knew that shot happens and used my birth plan to think through contingencies. What if I do need to be induced? What if I needed a c section? What did I want to happen in those scenarios. As it happened, I had to be induced because of preeclampsia, but I had already educated myself as options and what had to happen so when the time came I felt bizarrely prepared and not as much blindsided. For example, I knew that I would rather have Pitocij than a vaccuum extraction. So when my pushing approached 3 hours, I was immediately ready to accept the drug. (I ended up going into labor just from a suppsitoty and the midwife rupturing membranes, Pitocij wasn't needed until pushing.) Similarly I avoided getting an epidural because I had thought out scenarios when I would want one and I held to my plan. (example: in labor more than a day, this mama would need a nap!)

    3. If you were on "bedrest" would you be willing share why your doctor put you on bedrest, and for how long?

    THANK YOU!!!! FTM at the age of 40!!! Lots of questions!!!
    Sorry for the super long answers. Everyone likes talking about their births, lol.
    BabyFruit Ticker
  • I would have loved to have a doula but it was too expensive for us in our area. I know some hospitals have lists of doulas available and sometimes you can get a student doula for free..

    I had a birth preference list as I called it because let's be honest you can't plan labor. Although I wanted to go med free, an over 24 hr labor period with pitocin and slow progress led me to getting an epidural a couple of hours before delivery. I don't regret the way my birth ended up though because after being up for 36+ hours the epidural gave me a few hours to rest before pushing and baby arrived safely. 
    I will say that I definitely recommend developing a birth plan even though it might not go the way you'd like. It's a great way to research different options and get informed about things you might not even know existed. Also it's a great tool to generate questions for your doctor and helps you feel like you at least have a game plan when you're headed to l&d and give you a (somewhat imagined) sense of control. Looking at sample birth plans was a great start for me. 
  • edited September 2016
    I've got a couple of questions actually...

    1. If you breastfed, and also went back to work, how did you manage to continue breastfeeding? I'll have some options since I only work 3mi from home, and I get a 1hr lunchbreak, and my parents will be moving in with us for awhile (so could drive the baby to me), and I have a nursery here at work (just don't want to leave the baby there all day... my parents will help with daycare) Just curious how you did it! Thanks!

    2. Did you develop a "birthing plan"? Did you have a doula?

    3. If you were on "bedrest" would you be willing share why your doctor put you on bedrest, and for how long?

    THANK YOU!!!! FTM at the age of 40!!! Lots of questions!!!
    1. I went back to work when DD was 8 weeks old, I started pumping extra right from the get go to build up a freezer stash (pump after baby eats, and especially after the morning feed, you'll get a lot then). I would then pump twice a day. Daycare got the frozen milk and would thaw and put in the bottle, I would take my refrigerated milk from work and freeze so it was ready for daycare.

    2. No birthing plan, no doula so I'm no help here.

    3. Was on bedrest for 2-3 weeks because of high blood pressure. Work was very understanding, my sub just started earlier then planned. I was allowed 12 weeks at 75% pay by my work, so I still was able to get partially paid during this time since I only could get 6 weeks paid after because the doctor gave me the all clear then. Praying it doesn't happen again because I have a toddler and bed rest would now be impossible. 

    edited because words
    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker
    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker
  • edited September 2016
    Thank you so much @longliveregina , @Gators&BoSox , & @canadianintheSouth ...  I really appreciate the help!
  • 1. I went back to work after 3 months and by then we had an excellent breastfeeding relationship. I had to start pumping right away since son went to NICU for 2 days, and I continued to pump after some feeds to build a nice stash for daycare. At that time I was working at another hospital with a female manager who never had kids and she initially suggested that I pump in the bathroom. First of all, eww. Second of all, that's a big nope sandwich. I had to firmly tell her about my lawful right to pump in a private room with a lock and I found a place in the hospital. Thankfully I switched hospitals after a year and the hospital I'm at now has actual pumping rooms. Godsend! It sounds like you have a great set up and shouldn't have a problem continuing to breastfeed and pump. 

    2. I didn't have an actual plan, just preferences and I found the hospital where I delivered already did the things that I wanted. I didn't have a doula. I was planning on it initially but after looking at the costs of them, I figured I'd just educate myself and communicated with my husband about the things that I wanted. I found it to not be necessary. I think if I birthed at a granola type birth center and was adamant about a drug free in a birthing tub or something, then maybe I would've gone with a doula. 

    3. Did not have to be on bed rest so no advice there. 
  • @triwellnessgirl I second the Kellymom.com! A great resource for any breastfeeding questions! lots of books and online articles are "dated" but this site is the one I went to time and again with my questions!

    I didn't go back to work with DD-so no personal experience-but it sounds like you have great options set up for nursing or pumping! You'll figure out what works best for you and baby--the advice I always give with breastfeeding is: it's 50% baby too! Lots of figuring out what's gonna work for you really can't happen till he/she gets here! So try not to stress too much about it now. ((Ido know legally work is required to accommodate pumping with an appropriate location, and breaks.))

    i found a birth plan template on line that I filled out with DH - the birth center I delivered at looked it over as I arrived and pretty much said--> this is all what we already do.  But like PP said, it was nice to look over the options in advance, research things I didn't know about, and key-in DH to what I wanted so he was involved and could fight for your wishes IF the regular hospital policies don't go with what you would prefer.  As PP also said: as you make your plan, always remind yourself it's the ideal way you want it, but there's a good chance things will change-so many mamas are heartbroken after their births because they didn't get the exact experience they planned for... You can't plan your birth, you have to be ready for anything! The hospital is going to do everything you want--unless baby needs your plan to change.

    Doula -- I didn't have one.  I personally didn't want another person involved in the process. And even though they don't cost much-I didn't want yet another fee, and more appointments to go to. I felt like I was educated enough and confident enough in the process, and wanted to try and use just DH as my support.  I do think they are great! My bff used a doula and will sing her praises day and night for how she couldn't have done it without her. (I agree more helpful if you're delivering at w huge hospital and want more of an all natural route))  All in all:: You know you best. If you feel you could use extra support, and you think it would help you! Then don't hesitate to hire one :) or even make some appointments with local doulas to just meet them, and see if you "click" and would want them on your team!  
  • Wow! Such great info!!! Thank you @kiyamurph , @kjd291 , & @vino831 !!!! Yes, @vino831 , I would love that list of questions !!! Thank you!
  • wow @vino831 that was really informative, thank you! Thanks @triwellnessgirl for asking the doula question. I've been curious about it also.


  • So I just called my insurance company about breast pumps. Apparently they only offer the Medela Pump In Style with no substitutions, which is fine. I've heard good things mostly. However, they won't let me request it until I give birth, meaning I'll be without a pump for at least a good week after LO is here. Can I survive without a pump for a week? I'll be EBF while on maternity leave (if possible), but I've heard its nice to also pump to help with supply issues and to get a stockpile going. Should I get a cheap manual for the time I'll be without?
  • So I just called my insurance company about breast pumps. Apparently they only offer the Medela Pump In Style with no substitutions, which is fine. I've heard good things mostly. However, they won't let me request it until I give birth, meaning I'll be without a pump for at least a good week after LO is here. Can I survive without a pump for a week? I'll be EBF while on maternity leave (if possible), but I've heard its nice to also pump to help with supply issues and to get a stockpile going. Should I get a cheap manual for the time I'll be without?
    The guy I talked to when I called my insurance told me this as well.  When I commented on how stupid that was (politely) he was like just have your husband run out and buy it after the baby comes....Soooo helpful.

    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

    Pregnancy Ticker
  • What books did you feel were worth reading for reliable information? 

    I'm interested in learning about everything, but particularly I want to learn about the labor/birthing process, and about unmedicated childbirth. I do plan on taking classes, but I'm not doing that until I have a new OB and a doula lined up and I want to be learning now... 
    BabyFruit Ticker
  • @kap1988 exactly! My DME is out of town and has to ship it to me. I mean, I understand wanting to make sure the baby is safe and sound before shelling out the $$ for the pump, but it's a huge inconvenience to the mom. Maybe my hospital has a rental for this purpose. I'll have to see.
  • @sunshine507 I was pretty underwhelmed by most books when I was pregnant with DS. This time around, my doctor gave us a copy of Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy and I've liked it a lot so far!
    Alex
    married to M since 6.13.09
    T - 3.3.14
    A - 2.24.17
  • @sunshine507, I agree with @datalover13. My friend gave me her copy of the Mayo Clinic Guide. Super helpful and not overwhelming.
  • kiyamurphkiyamurph member
    edited September 2016
    So I just called my insurance company about breast pumps. Apparently they only offer the Medela Pump In Style with no substitutions, which is fine. I've heard good things mostly. However, they won't let me request it until I give birth, meaning I'll be without a pump for at least a good week after LO is here. Can I survive without a pump for a week? I'll be EBF while on maternity leave (if possible), but I've heard its nice to also pump to help with supply issues and to get a stockpile going. Should I get a cheap manual for the time I'll be without?
    I have United Healthcare and they were the same way. I called the day my son was born and I got the pump the following week. He was born on a Sunday and the pump didn't ship until Tuesday and it took about 5 days for shipping. In hindsight I should've paid extra for overnight shipping. In the meantime, my little guy was in the hospital for 5 days following a NICU admission after aspirating on vernix (super rare). I was able to use the hospital pump until discharge. After discharge, my pump still wasn't there, so I ran out to Target to get a hand pump just in case. By then my milk came in and since I had to pump from the start I had an abundance of milk and needed to pump off the extra milk before I exploded. Maybe you can see if the insurance company can have the pump shipped overnight so you don't have to wait for standard shipping.
  • What books did you feel were worth reading for reliable information? 

    I'm interested in learning about everything, but particularly I want to learn about the labor/birthing process, and about unmedicated childbirth. I do plan on taking classes, but I'm not doing that until I have a new OB and a doula lined up and I want to be learning now... 
    I didn't read any books since I didn't want to be inundated with info and feel overwhelmed. I mostly read about breastfeeding stuff on kellymom.com and I found all of the info I needed about everything else regarding birthing and what to expect after baby's born on pregnantchicken.com. My main concern was baby's sleep cycles and such and Pregnant Chicken is a great site since it's pretty humorous, but also informative. I had planned on an unmedicated birth, but ended up getting the epidural at 7cm. I was exhausted and knew I wouldn't have had the energy to push, so got the epidural to rest and catch my breath. Before going into labor though, I did look into hypno-birthing but I wasn't religious about it. There are many women who've used hypno-birthing techniques and it was very successful for them, so that might be something for you to look into.
  • That's a good point, @kiyamurph. I'll have to look into that. I was just super bummed because I finally felt like I was being productive today and getting something accomplished, until they shut me down! As a bonus, I found out the insurance company will pay me money to go to birthing classes (up to $55 per class and they only cost $10-15 to attend), so that's going on my to-do list for sure! I'm not sure if other companies do this but it may be worth looking into!
  • @wishilivedinfloridacheck on the Medela website. I entered my insurance information and the pump popped up for $0 so I ordered it, and had it within a week.
    DH: 29
    Me: 27
    Married 9/20/14 
    BFP: 7/3/16
    EDD: 3/13/17

    BabyFetus Ticker


  • Crisis averted. Apparently we have local DME location that usually has them stocked, which is not what my insurance rep told me. If for some reason they are out of stock when I send DH to get it, they will overnight ship at no extra cost. Probably should have just started at the DME to begin with! :D
  • I've got a couple of questions actually...

    1. If you breastfed, and also went back to work, how did you manage to continue breastfeeding? I'll have some options since I only work 3mi from home, and I get a 1hr lunchbreak, and my parents will be moving in with us for awhile (so could drive the baby to me), and I have a nursery here at work (just don't want to leave the baby there all day... my parents will help with daycare) Just curious how you did it! Thanks!

    2. Did you develop a "birthing plan"? Did you have a doula?

    3. If you were on "bedrest" would you be willing share why your doctor put you on bedrest, and for how long?

    THANK YOU!!!! FTM at the age of 40!!! Lots of questions!!!
    @triwellnessgirl here's my take-
    1) I nursed while home on maternity, and towards the end of my leave started more pumping to build a stash, at work, I would pump on my lunch hour, then nurse as soon as we got home, but my job ended up not being nursing friendly and refused to give me the pumping time I required, it wasn't a good place for me, so I left!

    2.  No birthing plan/doula...when it comes down to it, things can change/happen so fast, that even if you had a plan it could get thrown out the window...DD was an emergency c-section, nothing I had in my head was realistic when the time came, it was more important to get her here safely!

    3. I was put on bedrest about 5 weeks before I delivered- I had been having pre-e episodes, and severe swelling, so they wanted me off my feet- i worked at a daycare and was on my feet all day, and after the c-section, I was back to carrying things within a week

    hope those help :)
    **~*Noelle*~**
    Happily Wed DH in May 2010
    June 2012: DD#1 born after countless fertility cycles, our 4 year old miracle 
    TTC #2: current cycle: 225iu Menopur for 4 weeks, Ovidrel Trigger= BFP! Beta #1; 333, Beta #2 713! 1st u/s showed TWINS (7/18)
    BabyFruit Ticker

    Pregnancy Ticker
  • Belly Laughs by Jenny McCarthy was pretty funny and honest. The Happiest Baby on the Block by Harvey Karp saved me in the first few months too. 
  • So I just called my insurance company about breast pumps. Apparently they only offer the Medela Pump In Style with no substitutions, which is fine. I've heard good things mostly. However, they won't let me request it until I give birth, meaning I'll be without a pump for at least a good week after LO is here. Can I survive without a pump for a week? I'll be EBF while on maternity leave (if possible), but I've heard its nice to also pump to help with supply issues and to get a stockpile going. Should I get a cheap manual for the time I'll be without?
    You can usually order through a medical supplier, they will send it to you and bill insurance after birth. I just googled "buy breast pump with insurance" and ended up buying from Byram healthcare. I got my pump for free, then got a bill for my copay about a month after birth which was only like $48. 
    BabyFruit Ticker
  • As far as pumping right out of the hospital... If youre EBF, then pumping lots extra on top of it is just going to make you produce more! Your body is smart, it produces the amount that baby drinks:  If you do lots of pumping sessions between nursing, your body will think your baby is needing x2 the amount and start producing for twins ;) IMO - once your milk comes in the best thing would be to wait a week anyway to start pumping till your supply is established.  It's tempting to just pump constantly to relieve the fullness, but it actually just will make it worse. 
  • triwellnessgirl  I messaged you a link to the questions! 
  • So I just called my insurance company about breast pumps. Apparently they only offer the Medela Pump In Style with no substitutions, which is fine. I've heard good things mostly. However, they won't let me request it until I give birth, meaning I'll be without a pump for at least a good week after LO is here. Can I survive without a pump for a week? I'll be EBF while on maternity leave (if possible), but I've heard its nice to also pump to help with supply issues and to get a stockpile going. Should I get a cheap manual for the time I'll be without?
    You could rent a hospital grade pump from BRU until your pump from your insurance company comes in. But you should be fine just EBF for the interim. 
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