DS was swaddled in flannel receiving blankets for at least 2 months - but he was a peanut. The larger A&A Muslin blankets were actually so big for him they felt unsafe but he was a 4.2 lb baby. I used them as multi purpose washable clothes for a good year then I put them away. Babies have a lot of fluid accidents, and you may not want to put them belly down on their 'nice' blanket or playmat for tummy time after eating without an extra layer.
So I have a question. I know I'm supposed to use "Free & Clear" type laundry detergent for LO's clothes and stuff. This is fine cause its what we use anyway due to my allergies, but what about dryer sheets? We have some unscented dryer sheets that we use with our clothes, but can I use these with baby clothes?
So I have a question. I know I'm supposed to use "Free & Clear" type laundry detergent for LO's clothes and stuff. This is fine cause its what we use anyway due to my allergies, but what about dryer sheets? We have some unscented dryer sheets that we use with our clothes, but can I use these with baby clothes?
I skip dryer sheets with baby clothes and my kids pajamas. Not sure how much truth or myth but I have read it takes the flame retardant out of their clothes. Plus it's just one less step
@allicat89, depends on the size of the receiving blanket. We have a few larger ones that were suitable for swaddling our ~7 and ~8.5 lb DSs for a couple of months after birth. Other than that, the best use I found for them was to drape over my shoulder when I burped the babies...DS2 in particular was bad about spitting up. They were also "good enough" for our southern winters as far as an extra layer over the boys while they were in the car seat since jackets are a no no.
@kbduke, yes to what @ajstevenson said re adding your child to your insurance. Another thing to keep in mind is that you may be able to make other changes to your insurance as well during that time frame as well (i.e. upping your flexible benefits plan if you have one, etc.).
@brittnic86, I know that you've already gotten a lot of responses on this, but I'll go ahead and weigh in as well. If it were me, I'd go with the more portable option, especially if you plan on EPing alone. I haven't tried the hospital grade Medela, but I was able to typically pump ~ 50 oz+ daily with the PISA within a few months EPing 7-8 x daily (20-25 min./session) after beginning EPing day 2 after delivery. I was probably pumping 25-30 oz within a few weeks, but can't remember that as clearly. That said, everyone's supply is different and everyone responds to particular pumps differently. Since your hospital has a breastfeeding center, I'd definitely stop by there to take a look at the two pumps you're interested in and ask the LCs additional questions on how to best build a supply with multiples given your particular situation (i.e. interest in EPing, prospective work return date, etc.). Who knows, since they rent equipment, maybe they have some demo units that they'd let you try if you bring your own flanges/bottles/tubing - I doubt it, but you never know until you ask.
ETA: Tag, and can't remember if anyone else said it, but throwing in an extra session or pumping longer than necessary (i.e. after you stop producing milk) can up your supply over time.
@jptrumptone we don't use dryer sheets at all. Stopped 5 years ago and never noticed after the first week or so. We use dryer balls to fluff things up and prevent static. Dryer sheets are flammable and make towels less absorbent, and can't be used on our running clothes so we stopped long before dd1 was born.
In my opinion the only uses for dryer sheets are: Dust blinds/baseboards with them - helps repel dust for a while. Stick one in each drawer - smells good. Place in the bottom of diaper genie.
I quit using dryer sheets a few years ago too. For some reason that I don't remember DH didn't like them so when we got married and I moved in I quit using them. I was surprised, but honestly don't notice a difference.
I get the whole dye-free scent-free detergent and whatnot for infants. But at what point do you switch back over to "the real stuff"? Like 6 months? 6 years?
I get the whole dye-free scent-free detergent and whatnot for infants. But at what point do you switch back over to "the real stuff"? Like 6 months? 6 years?
Im entirely too lazy and cheap to ever do anything different for their laundry than my own. L never had any issues, and Im hoping E will be similar.
Formerly known as Kate08young August '18 Siggy April Showers:
Me: 28 H: 24 Married: 7/22/14 Baby L: 8/4/2015 August 2015 Moms Baby E: 11/18/2016 December 2016 Moms TTC #3 08/2017 BFP 11/27/2017. Twin B lost 11/22/2017, Twin A doing well.
I get the whole dye-free scent-free detergent and whatnot for infants. But at what point do you switch back over to "the real stuff"? Like 6 months? 6 years?
We use "free & clear" type detergent anyway, but I'd say once baby is mobile and their skin is not as sensitive...so maybe 1-2 years?
We use free & clear for everything. Switched to that too a few years before dd1 was born. We do use a different blue detergent for running clothes once a month to get any lingering stink out. But in general I do not intend to ever "go back" to other stuff for us or the kids.
@AbriannaO I'm a FTM so take this as you will- but I strongly believe that a combination of exfoliation and moisturizer helps! Moisturizing alone is not the best because if you are not exfoliating the old skin away, you are essentially just moisturizing dead skin. If you exfoliate (I personally use a $7 sugar scrub from Wal-Mart- nothing fancy)a few times a week and moisturize a couple times a day, that should help your skin renew itself and never get too dry- so hopefully you would get less stretch marks. I use this regimine and haven't gotten any... Yet. And I've gained more than the recommended amount (sad face).
I do know a lot of it is genetics and skin elasticity, but I feel anything to help can't hurt!
Ok prob a dumb question, but pregnancy is so weird you can just never be sure. Is a pedicure safe if your ankles and feet are really swollen? Has anyone done this? I think it would feel amazing but I've also heard that having a certain area near your ankles massaged could start contractions, not sure if that's true? My poor feet look like they belong to a dragon so if I know it's generally safe I'm thinking I need one!
@mforinger, I've been getting pedicures throughout my pregnancy and have had no problems. I just started getting swelling in the last month and it does feel wonderful! Just make sure they're aware you're pregnant to avoid any major pressure points. I am going again on Monday and am so excited!! My husband hates feet and the few times he will rub them or my ankles, he does it too soft. I want them man handled as it feels like it's breaking up the water and swelling opposed to delicate touches.
Thank you ladies! @Kate08Young and @AbriannaO I'm gonna go try to get one as soon as I'm outta work, I'll have to give a big tip to the poor soul who gets stuck w these puppies but I can't wait!!
Yesterday I had a run of intense Braxton hicks contrx along with heart palpitations. Lasted about 3 hours off and on. I get palpitations frequently, so not that worried (I had a full cardiac work up with preg#2) , but I don't remember any correlation to BH. Anyone else?
Does anyone's feet and hands hurt when you wake up? I'm sure it has to do with swelling, but it's super weird. When I get up, my feet hurt so bad that I want to lay back down again. It's like getting up after an entire day of sightseeing, where you walked 20 miles in shoes that totally weren't meant for that.
To STM's and others who have experience with little ones: do you use talcum powder during diaper changes? There's all sorts of stuff in the news about a link between talcum powder and ovarian cancer. Most of the plaintiffs in these cases seem to be older women, so maybe that is just something that manifests after years and years of use? Thoughts? And if you don't use talcum powder, what do you use?
@Lisa3379 I haven't noticed my hands so much, and I haven't really had any swelling yet, but the soles of my feet hurt so bad when I first get out of bed. After a bit of walking it calms down. I figured it was normal feet spreading and that after being scrunched up all night they ache once they spread back out on the floor.
@allicat89 It is not recommended to use talcum or baby powder when changing. Mostly *i think* because it can get into LOs lungs and cause all sorts of problems.
Formerly known as Kate08young August '18 Siggy April Showers:
Me: 28 H: 24 Married: 7/22/14 Baby L: 8/4/2015 August 2015 Moms Baby E: 11/18/2016 December 2016 Moms TTC #3 08/2017 BFP 11/27/2017. Twin B lost 11/22/2017, Twin A doing well.
I believe those cancer cases with powder are bbecause those people used it for decades... not just when they were babies .
We used baby powder... but only a few times when the doctor explicitly told us to for a specific reason. we would put it in the diaper tten the diaper on the baby so that it wasn't flying around to get in their lungs.
There are also talc-free baby powders. I have no idea how they work since I'm a FTM, but I have a couple of friends who like the burt's Bees baby line.
@zubenescamali I get palpitations with my BH quite often and my tests showed no issues as well.
ETA: Also I thought the organic/talc free baby powders were ok? I was actually told to use them when DS was rashy bc putting aquaphor on a freshly wet wiped bum was just locking moisture in and making it worse. I use the Honest Company stuff I think its just like, cornstarch and something else.
Does anyone's feet and hands hurt when you wake up? I'm sure it has to do with swelling, but it's super weird. When I get up, my feet hurt so bad that I want to lay back down again. It's like getting up after an entire day of sightseeing, where you walked 20 miles in shoes that totally weren't meant for that.
My hands are so stiff when I wake up, and they both fall asleep too. It's carpel tunnel due to fluid retention, and it sucks.
Thanks @Fauxpa and @gowenc... I figured I probably wasn't the only one, but man, does it suck. My boyfriend just said it looks like I have Hobbit feet... minus the hair. I said I'd be fine with the looks if I didn't have to deal with the pain.
Maybe this should go in symptoms, but whatev. Does anyone else have upper back pain? I think it's because baby is all up in my ribs if I try to slouch while seated, so I have to sit up more straight, which my back isn't used to. Just wondering if I'm not the only crazy one out there though.
Me: 31 | DH: 31
Together since 2003 | Married 2010 TTC #1 January 2016 BFP April 18 2016 | EDD December 29, 2016 Welcome baby A! January 9, 2017
TTC#2 March 2018 BFP March 30, 2018 | EDD December 12, 2018
@PensiveCrayon My back pain has been higher up. Kind of mid-back-ish, only on one side. It's the worst when I sit. Better when it's stretched nice and log. Chiro said it was my ribs getting expanded. So it's definitely possible that's what you're feeling. Chiro/massage helped mine a decent amount. And just moving around a lot. Sitting sucks.
@PensiveCrayon yup, starting to get upper back pain too. Feels nice to stretch and arch my back. Sitting is uncomfortable. I agree with @tinattt23 I think ribs are widening, plus boobs keep getting bigger which I think is putting more stress on it. Check your bra band size and buy an extender if you need, it might help if only a little. I'm getting to the point where the only comfortable position is horizontal. Bleh
Ive seen where several breastfeeding mommies have been able to get a breast pump through their health insurance. Is that something you just call the insurance company and ask about? Or how do you handle all that?
@1MommyRunner It depends on your particular insurance. I had blue Cross/Blue Shield with L, and I just walked into Norco/Medical Supply store and gave them my card after I hit 36 weeks. It was all taken care of then. While this round I am on a new insurance, and I have to have a prescription dated after birth.
I'd call your insurance company and see what their procedure is, as most plans should be letting you get pump ordered about now.
Formerly known as Kate08young August '18 Siggy April Showers:
Me: 28 H: 24 Married: 7/22/14 Baby L: 8/4/2015 August 2015 Moms Baby E: 11/18/2016 December 2016 Moms TTC #3 08/2017 BFP 11/27/2017. Twin B lost 11/22/2017, Twin A doing well.
@1Mommyrunner Call your insurance first, they may require you get a prescription from your doctor. Once I got that, I just called one of the medical supply companies on their approved list and faxed the prescription, then they did the rest.
@1MommyRunner I called my insurance (I have Premera) to find out what they needed. They gave me a couple of 'in network' websites I could use to order my pump. I think I used medeladelivers.com. It asks you about your EDD, insurance info, state you live in, and your medical provider info. They reached out and verified with my provider then the pump I selected showed up at my doorstep about a week later. Super easy!
I have a potentially dumb one... has anyone felt like their ankles or wrists were swelling but they look normal? My hands are a tiny bit swollen but not enough that my rings don't fit, and my numbers are all normal. Maybe a side effect of weight gain?
@ea301 my hands and feet look normal but I can't wear my rings anymore remember our blood volume has increased 50% to support these babies! I wouldn't worry about it.
Me: 38, DH: 36 Married Jan 2008 DD Baby Bells born Dec 2016 5 lbs, 12 oz, 18" so in love Due with #2 Baby Arya EDD February 2020
@ea301 This is me! My swelling is pretty mild -- I really only noticed my one ankle was slightly thicker than the other and brought it up with my midwife. She felt some fluid in my ankles/shins. Other than that, my rings and shoes might be a little tighter too. But nothing hugely noticeable.
Me: 31 | DH: 31
Together since 2003 | Married 2010 TTC #1 January 2016 BFP April 18 2016 | EDD December 29, 2016 Welcome baby A! January 9, 2017
TTC#2 March 2018 BFP March 30, 2018 | EDD December 12, 2018
Samesies for me. I can't wear my ring anymore and some days my watch feels a little snug by the afternoon but otherwise there's no noticeable difference. the only time I had swelling (so far) was when I was recruiting on college campuses for 3 weeks for work.
I'll start a Swollen Club. When I close my fists I can feel my pulse! I even had to buy a CZ ring on Amazon since my wedding set doesn't fit right now I did buy a pretty one though!
Re: Stupid questions 10/15
My Wedding Bio!
@kbduke, yes to what @ajstevenson said re adding your child to your insurance. Another thing to keep in mind is that you may be able to make other changes to your insurance as well during that time frame as well (i.e. upping your flexible benefits plan if you have one, etc.).
@brittnic86, I know that you've already gotten a lot of responses on this, but I'll go ahead and weigh in as well. If it were me, I'd go with the more portable option, especially if you plan on EPing alone. I haven't tried the hospital grade Medela, but I was able to typically pump ~ 50 oz+ daily with the PISA within a few months EPing 7-8 x daily (20-25 min./session) after beginning EPing day 2 after delivery. I was probably pumping 25-30 oz within a few weeks, but can't remember that as clearly. That said, everyone's supply is different and everyone responds to particular pumps differently. Since your hospital has a breastfeeding center, I'd definitely stop by there to take a look at the two pumps you're interested in and ask the LCs additional questions on how to best build a supply with multiples given your particular situation (i.e. interest in EPing, prospective work return date, etc.). Who knows, since they rent equipment, maybe they have some demo units that they'd let you try if you bring your own flanges/bottles/tubing - I doubt it, but you never know until you ask.
ETA: Tag, and can't remember if anyone else said it, but throwing in an extra session or pumping longer than necessary (i.e. after you stop producing milk) can up your supply over time.
DH: 36⎹ Me: 36
In my opinion the only uses for dryer sheets are:
Dust blinds/baseboards with them - helps repel dust for a while.
Stick one in each drawer - smells good.
Place in the bottom of diaper genie.
Formerly known as Kate08young
August '18 Siggy April Showers:
Married: 7/22/14
Baby L: 8/4/2015 August 2015 Moms
Baby E: 11/18/2016 December 2016 Moms
TTC #3 08/2017 BFP 11/27/2017.
Twin B lost 11/22/2017, Twin A doing well.
I do know a lot of it is genetics and skin elasticity, but I feel anything to help can't hurt!
Formerly known as Kate08young
August '18 Siggy April Showers:
Married: 7/22/14
Baby L: 8/4/2015 August 2015 Moms
Baby E: 11/18/2016 December 2016 Moms
TTC #3 08/2017 BFP 11/27/2017.
Twin B lost 11/22/2017, Twin A doing well.
My Wedding Bio!
Formerly known as Kate08young
August '18 Siggy April Showers:
Married: 7/22/14
Baby L: 8/4/2015 August 2015 Moms
Baby E: 11/18/2016 December 2016 Moms
TTC #3 08/2017 BFP 11/27/2017.
Twin B lost 11/22/2017, Twin A doing well.
We used baby powder... but only a few times when the doctor explicitly told us to for a specific reason. we would put it in the diaper tten the diaper on the baby so that it wasn't flying around to get in their lungs.
ETA: Also I thought the organic/talc free baby powders were ok? I was actually told to use them when DS was rashy bc putting aquaphor on a freshly wet wiped bum was just locking moisture in and making it worse. I use the Honest Company stuff I think its just like, cornstarch and something else.
TTC #1 January 2016
BFP April 18 2016 | EDD December 29, 2016
Welcome baby A! January 9, 2017
TTC#2 March 2018
BFP March 30, 2018 | EDD December 12, 2018
I'm getting to the point where the only comfortable position is horizontal. Bleh
My Wedding Bio!
I'd call your insurance company and see what their procedure is, as most plans should be letting you get pump ordered about now.
Formerly known as Kate08young
August '18 Siggy April Showers:
Married: 7/22/14
Baby L: 8/4/2015 August 2015 Moms
Baby E: 11/18/2016 December 2016 Moms
TTC #3 08/2017 BFP 11/27/2017.
Twin B lost 11/22/2017, Twin A doing well.
Married Jan 2008
DD Baby Bells born Dec 2016 5 lbs, 12 oz, 18"
Due with #2 Baby Arya EDD February 2020
TTC #1 January 2016
BFP April 18 2016 | EDD December 29, 2016
Welcome baby A! January 9, 2017
TTC#2 March 2018
BFP March 30, 2018 | EDD December 12, 2018
I did buy a pretty one though!