I agree it's definitely not comfortable. I had it done once and won't have it done this time unless I'm like a week past due and they can sweep my membranes. Like people have said it just doesn't mean much and I agree, I do not want to take my pants of unless necessary.
@disneybaby84 I won't say that you'll experience the same excruciating pain that I did the first time, but it definitely isn't something that you don't feel. Each check up after that was better, but still very uncomfortable and a bit painful. The PA that I saw was a woman and her hands weren't that big, but she was just rough and I wanted kick her in the face! When I was in labor, the dilation checks weren't nearly as painful, but still uncomfortable.
Hmm. I didn't find checks painful at all. I was excited for them with DD-and a bit bummed when they didn't offer them at one appointment because I wanted to know how far I'd progressed.
But like PP said--there is really no reason for them. This time around I'll be refusing them at the last appointments. Some women go weeks and weeks being dialated and effaced--and others have no sign of either and go into labor the next day.
For those who have pumped & commuted to work - what do you carry all your gear in? Would a stylish diaper bag suffice? I really don't want to schlepp a purse & lunch & pumping stuff in 3 separate bags on the train through the city.
DH and I went to Buy Buy Baby a couple of weeks ago to "test drive" strollers. We were interested in the Britax 35 travel system, but when we were pushing it around, a nice mom came up to us and said that she didn't mean to intrude but we shouldn't buy that stroller due to the wheels. She was using a Baby Jogger City Mini GT, and I asked her how she liked it. She ranted and raved about it. The following weekend my parents were in town visiting us and insisted on going back to Buy Buy Baby with us to see what we found. While there, another nice lady randomly told us that she has a Baby Jogger City Mini that has lasted 4 years & thru 2 children, so she highly recommended it. The guys that worked at the store also highly recommended it. Needless to say, we bought the Baby Jogger City Mini GT based on all of these recommendations. Hope this helps.
@Goodmorning12 I used the medela pump in style with the shoulder bag, so it looked like a normal bag. It would probably fit your keys and wallet so you don't have to bring a purse. So then you'd have to carry a lunch bag as well, but then you can bring home the milk in your now empty insulated lunch bag.
How do you find a good pediatrician? When do you start looking?
Reviews and word of mouth. I went to a few practices and had a new patient "appt" with a doctor here to ask questions and get the feel of the place at about 7 months.
For those who got them before: when did you start to notice a linea nigra and/or stretch marks?i
I think stretch marks are really dependent on your genetics and skin. I have dry, fair skin so I got stretch marks as soon as i got a bump in shoe of my best efforts.
For those who have pumped & commuted to work - what do you carry all your gear in? Would a stylish diaper bag suffice? I really don't want to schlepp a purse & lunch & pumping stuff in 3 separate bags on the train through the city.
I kept a small cooler and my pump parts in a Ziploc bag in a giant purse. I didn't pump at home so I just locked my pump up in my office closet until weekends.
I think I missed one of the STM threads so I apologize if this is a repeat question.
Bigger car: how much do y'all recommend this? I have a regular 4-door compact car (or whatever a Volkswagen Passat qualifies as) but a lot of people have told me that it's uncomfortable to deal with putting the carseat/baby in and out of short cars.
I've been researching the mini-SUV ranges like the Honda CRV or the Ford Edge... but I don't know. I'm nervous about adding a car payment to our monthly bills right before baby comes, even though technically we can afford it just fine. I'm on the road a lot (southern California freeway commuting, booooo) so I would like a car I'm totally comfortable in.
*TW* - BFP & MC in March 2016. BFP in June 2016; EDD March 2017. Samuel born February 2017!
@EnglishTeacherMama When I was pregnant with my son I traded in my little VW Jetta and got a sedan. While it was bigger than the Jetta, we couldn't drive it if we were going somewhere as a family since my husband was way too tall to have the seat all the way back since the car seat was positioned in the middle. I would say that a Passat should be fine while you have one, but if you plan on having a second you might start to feel cramped. I had that car for 3 years and just upgraded to a mid-size SUV since we seriously needed space. Now we don't have to constantly rely on my husband's car if we want to go somewhere since he now has enough room to be all the way back and still have enough room to accommodate for the infant seat that will go behind him. I feel much more comfortable with the bigger vehicle. Long story short, you should be fine with having one kid and having room in your Passat for a while. I would consider an SUV with another kid though.
@kiyamurph Okay, good to know! Thank you. We definitely want a second baby but first I have to accomplish makin' this one, haha. I'll probably stick with my car, see how our budget gets adjusted over the next year, and purposefully try to put some money away for the future-baby-SUV.
*TW* - BFP & MC in March 2016. BFP in June 2016; EDD March 2017. Samuel born February 2017!
Did anyone semi sleep on their back on tummy? I'm at +21 and still wake up to find myself sleeping on my back or tummy, sometime legs slightly splayed so a slight rotation of hip area. They say the side is best and I do fall asleep on my side. Shouldn't sleeping on my tummy or back be uncomfortable?
When I asked my OB about back sleeping she said "your body will let you know when it is time to stop sleeping on your back". I am usually always a back sleeper and trying to switch to side sleeping wasn't going well at first.
For those who got them before: when did you start to notice a linea nigra and/or stretch marks?
I am A FTM but I started noticing a linea nigra right around 14 weeks! It isn't very dark yet but it is definitely noticeable right after I shower! No stretch marks yet though.
My question- my feet have already started swelling quite a bit at the end of the day It started at 19+1 and my OB doesn't seem that concerned about it but it seems super early! Did anyone else get significant swelling of feet & ankles this early?!
@EnglishTeacherMama we traded in our 4 door sedan for an explorer shortly after we had DS. Not only did we know we wanted one more kid but kids come with bulky stuff like strollers and pack n plays when going to visit people. We also have a chocolate lab so we need room for him and we wanted to make sure that we could fit another person or two if need be just to make life easier and for when the kids are older and have a friend with them. LOVE the explorer. We got is used but it came with everything except nav so it has the little tvs that no one has used yet lol. So I guess what i'm trying to say is yes, I'd recommend a bigger car.
P.S. we've had and F250 since before DS but it's a bit of a pig on gas.
@EnglishTeacherMama I kept my little 4 door Subaru with DD, and I'm going to keep it with two littles. Would it be more convenient to have a bigger car? Yes. Is it absolutely necessary? Nah. I'd rather have the extra money and slightest inconvenience for 5seconds of tucking the babes into the back of a small car.
How does naming a kid with two middle names work? Can you legally do that? I ask because when I legally changed my name after I got married at first I was told I could add my maiden name to my middle name, then when I arrived at the SS office (not the most high-speed location by any means) I was told you can only legally have a single middle name.
@EnglishTeacherMama When DS was born we managed with having a Camry and a VW Beetle for 2 years. It wasn't the best and we couldn't all ride in the Bug very comfortable, but it's do-able. Once we started thinking about #2 we traded in the Bug for a Toyota Venza, which is roomy like the Camry. I'm 5'9" and I've never had a problem bending over in the sedan to tuck him in.
Alex married to M since 6.13.09 T - 3.3.14 A - 2.24.17
How does naming a kid with two middle names work? Can you legally do that? I ask because when I legally changed my name after I got married at first I was told I could add my maiden name to my middle name, then when I arrived at the SS office (not the most high-speed location by any means) I was told you can only legally have a single middle name.
I've never heard of such a thing. I actually have 2 middle names and it's never been a hassle. The only thing that can get annoying is when I fill out important documents I can only put the first middle initial. My driver's license has one initial but my bank cards and credit cards has two.
How does naming a kid with two middle names work? Can you legally do that? I ask because when I legally changed my name after I got married at first I was told I could add my maiden name to my middle name, then when I arrived at the SS office (not the most high-speed location by any means) I was told you can only legally have a single middle name.
I've never heard of such a thing. I actually have 2 middle names and it's never been a hassle. The only thing that can get annoying is when I fill out important documents I can only put the first middle initial. My driver's license has one initial but my bank cards and credit cards has two.
I've never heard of that either. Maybe your local SS office was being lazy?
How does naming a kid with two middle names work? Can you legally do that? I ask because when I legally changed my name after I got married at first I was told I could add my maiden name to my middle name, then when I arrived at the SS office (not the most high-speed location by any means) I was told you can only legally have a single middle name.
I've never heard of such a thing. I actually have 2 middle names and it's never been a hassle. The only thing that can get annoying is when I fill out important documents I can only put the first middle initial. My driver's license has one initial but my bank cards and credit cards has two.
I also have 2 middle name's and have never had a problem.
I think I missed one of the STM threads so I apologize if this is a repeat question.
Bigger car: how much do y'all recommend this? I have a regular 4-door compact car (or whatever a Volkswagen Passat qualifies as) but a lot of people have told me that it's uncomfortable to deal with putting the carseat/baby in and out of short cars.
I've been researching the mini-SUV ranges like the Honda CRV or the Ford Edge... but I don't know. I'm nervous about adding a car payment to our monthly bills right before baby comes, even though technically we can afford it just fine. I'm on the road a lot (southern California freeway commuting, booooo) so I would like a car I'm totally comfortable in.
I have a Nissan Altima and I've never had any issues getting the baby in or out. We're going to keep it for the second baby and just put the bigger seat behind the passenger seat since H is 6'4" and needs the space behind the driver's seat and he usually drives when we're together.
How does naming a kid with two middle names work? Can you legally do that? I ask because when I legally changed my name after I got married at first I was told I could add my maiden name to my middle name, then when I arrived at the SS office (not the most high-speed location by any means) I was told you can only legally have a single middle name.
My SIL gave her son two middle names...his full name is a mouthful....so i guess legally you can? this also happened in CA so it may be legal there, and not in other states.
How does naming a kid with two middle names work? Can you legally do that? I ask because when I legally changed my name after I got married at first I was told I could add my maiden name to my middle name, then when I arrived at the SS office (not the most high-speed location by any means) I was told you can only legally have a single middle name.
Could it be that you can't change your name to have 2 middle names, but it's fine if you are named that way when you're born? It sounds like everyone else may have been given 2 middle names at birth.
How does naming a kid with two middle names work? Can you legally do that? I ask because when I legally changed my name after I got married at first I was told I could add my maiden name to my middle name, then when I arrived at the SS office (not the most high-speed location by any means) I was told you can only legally have a single middle name.
I had the same issue when I changed my name after getting married. The social security office had no problem with it, but said that the state did. Maybe it varies state to state?
@EnglishTeacherMama I decided two years ago to get a "mom" car since I knew we would need one eventually. I went with the Chevy Impala and it has never disappointed. It's nice and roomy, has a V6, and gets good gas mileage. The trunk could probably fit 6 bodies....haha! So plenty of room for strollers and baby stuff. I haven't put an infant carrier in it yet so I don't have any input on that. All this to say that you're not limited to an SUV if you need the good gas mileage to go along with plenty of space.
Me: 24 DH: 27 High School Sweethearts: 10/13/06 Married: 10/13/13 Baby #1 EDD: 3/20/17
How does naming a kid with two middle names work? Can you legally do that? I ask because when I legally changed my name after I got married at first I was told I could add my maiden name to my middle name, then when I arrived at the SS office (not the most high-speed location by any means) I was told you can only legally have a single middle name.
I had the same issue when I changed my name after getting married. The social security office had no problem with it, but said that the state did. Maybe it varies state to state?
Perhaps it's by state. A friend of mine has three middle names and it's never been an issue for her.
I know... I'm seriously trying to weigh the pros and cons. My car is also getting old so it's been in the shop a few times this year, so there's that value too--a new car would be more reliable, which might be more important once I have my son with me all the time.
That's good to hear too. It sounds like a ton of families make do with a car like mine. I think I'm going to do my best to deal with it and then save up for a bigger car before the next baby (since I do have my dog to fit too).
@OctoberLove13 Thank you for the tip! (And my husband made the "how many bodies in the trunk" joke to the salesman when we were car-shopping for him a few years ago, and I was so mortified, hahaha. Luckily I think the sales guy had heard it before.)
*TW* - BFP & MC in March 2016. BFP in June 2016; EDD March 2017. Samuel born February 2017!
@Goodmorning12 I'm trying to remember... I think there were other, better sales for the big ticket items after BF? I don't remember about rocking chairs. I keep an eye on babycheapskate.com for gear deals.
Alex married to M since 6.13.09 T - 3.3.14 A - 2.24.17
@EnglishTeacherMama hubby and I got Ford Focus station wagon when our little Nissan Sentra bit the dust and I love it. With number two on the way I still feel confident that we have all the room we need. It's not exactly pretty, but it's super practical.
@datalover13 this store called Magic Beans in MA was having a warehouse sale & I picked up my dream rocker & ottoman for a fraction of the price I wasn't even aware of this sale until that morning, we went on a whim, I'm so thrilled! We were also able to test out nearly every stroller possible & found we love the Vista the most. Slightly disappointed with the Bugaboo Buffalo which I thought would be the front runner. The Bubmleride is cool, possibly a second option if we feel we need a real AT/jogger.
@Goodmorning12 I was also considering the Bugaboo Buffalo as I have the Chameleon now and I love it. Can you expand on why you didn't like it? I was also considering the Vista, but haven't test drove either one yet.
So we both loved steering the Chameleon but as I would like bigger tires for varied terrain/snow it's out. Basically, we both felt the Vista handled better, was a super easy fold/unfold, and more ergonomic. I think this does vary greatly from person to person based on needs, terrain, what have you. For instance several people commented about how they preferred the Buffalo folding and thought the Vista was difficult but we thought the Vista was a piece of cake. I thought we would want the Buffalo and it's a little prettier but will go with the Vista and possibly a Bumbleride if we really want a true ATV stroller.
Re: Ask a STM 10/31
I was excited for them with DD-and a bit bummed when they didn't offer them at one appointment because I wanted to know how far I'd progressed.
But like PP said--there is really no reason for them. This time around I'll be refusing them at the last appointments. Some women go weeks and weeks being dialated and effaced--and others have no sign of either and go into labor the next day.
Bigger car: how much do y'all recommend this? I have a regular 4-door compact car (or whatever a Volkswagen Passat qualifies as) but a lot of people have told me that it's uncomfortable to deal with putting the carseat/baby in and out of short cars.
I've been researching the mini-SUV ranges like the Honda CRV or the Ford Edge... but I don't know. I'm nervous about adding a car payment to our monthly bills right before baby comes, even though technically we can afford it just fine. I'm on the road a lot (southern California freeway commuting, booooo) so I would like a car I'm totally comfortable in.
*TW* - BFP & MC in March 2016.
BFP in June 2016; EDD March 2017.
Samuel born February 2017!
*TW* - BFP & MC in March 2016.
BFP in June 2016; EDD March 2017.
Samuel born February 2017!
I am A FTM but I started noticing a linea nigra right around 14 weeks! It isn't very dark yet but it is definitely noticeable right after I shower! No stretch marks yet though.
My question- my feet have already started swelling quite a bit at the end of the day
Me: 26 Hubs: 28
Married: 6/6/15
Baby Girl: 3/22/2017
P.S. we've had and F250 since before DS but it's a bit of a pig on gas.
I ask because when I legally changed my name after I got married at first I was told I could add my maiden name to my middle name, then when I arrived at the SS office (not the most high-speed location by any means) I was told you can only legally have a single middle name.
married to M since 6.13.09
T - 3.3.14
A - 2.24.17
DH: 37
DD: 03/17/17
DS: 12/06/19
Me: 26 Hubs: 28
Married: 6/6/15
Baby Girl: 3/22/2017
High School Sweethearts: 10/13/06
Married: 10/13/13
Baby #1 EDD: 3/20/17
Perhaps it's by state. A friend of mine has three middle names and it's never been an issue for her.
@datalover13
@OctoberLove13
Thank you for the tip! (And my husband made the "how many bodies in the trunk" joke to the salesman when we were car-shopping for him a few years ago, and I was so mortified, hahaha. Luckily I think the sales guy had heard it before.)
*TW* - BFP & MC in March 2016.
BFP in June 2016; EDD March 2017.
Samuel born February 2017!
married to M since 6.13.09
T - 3.3.14
A - 2.24.17