Ask a STM+ Week of 11/07

hjmorgan-2 · November 2016

Ask away!!
(I didn't see one started yet, so I went ahead! let me know if I'm mistaken!)

hjmorgan-2 · November 2016

So, I didn't want to start a whole new thread for this, what have you moms used to wash your baby clothes?
Is it best to buy brands? Or is there any natural DIY that work pretty well too?

I don't like chemicals, I'm hoping to find something I can mix together myself, lol.

ThePax89 · November 2016

@HJMorgan I say go for it. We use tide free and clear on all of our laundry. Including baby stuff.

katesmama0706 · November 2016

@HJMorgan it's been addressed a couple times, but mostly towards moms who are worried about having to use Draft or the like. I think the general consensus is to just use whatever you typically use and only to switch if baby has a reaction to whatever it is. We personally use a homemade soap from a recipe I found on Pinterest. It works great but idk how "chemical free" it is (it might be, it just isn't something I worry about so I haven't looked into it). It's borax, washing soda, oxy clean and fels naptha soap.

hjmorgan-2 · November 2016

@katesmama0706
Sorry for the repeat question! I usually keep up with the STM+ threads, didn't remember seeing this info recently(but... I can easily be mistaken LOL). I'll try and search through them some more. Thanks

katesmama0706 · November 2016

@hjmorgan no worries, they get so long that even if you're on top of them it's hard to keep up with all the questions in them! But I think you might be able to find some good brand recommendations in a couple of them so I'd for sure search!

cjs260 · November 2016

@HJMorgan I've been using this detergent all year, and love it. I made it in January, and am only about halfway through. I plan on continuing to use it for all of our clothes. I will be using Tide original for the cloth diapers (per the instructions that came with them).

@katesmama0706 I chose a "borax free" due to it's "failing" score for the environment, but I think it's typically considered okay for skin and such.

My question: My shower is upcoming this weekend, and I am running out of things on my registry. What are some little/cheap things I can put on there that hopefully people will buy, and that I can keep a small stockpile of? I was thinking maybe some soap/lotion kinda things. Or maybe little stroller toys?

katesmama0706 · November 2016

@cjs260 yeah we've been using the same laundry soap with the borax for 3 years and none of us have had any problems with it so I'm not too worried. Stockpile stuff: I think soaps and lotions is a good idea, bath toys are good since they seem to have a short shelf life, wipes, socks, I feel like I've paid a small fortune in baby silverware so spoons and toddler sized forks and stuff.

ElleMF728 · November 2016

@cjs260 I personally don't like to stockpile lotions and soaps since my first was so sensitive. We ended up with a ton that went unused because they made him break out. I would add a ton of Tylenol, Motrin, Butt paste, cloth diapers (great burp cloths and for cleaning spills) wash cloths (we use them for everything and go thru several a day). Gas drops are also really helpful to have on hand. Agree on bath toys and little sponges since they tend to get worn out but wash really well. Batteries would also be great to stash, we buy them nearly every week in different sizes for toys, soothers etc.

karaelaine1991 · November 2016

cjs260 said:

@HJMorgan I've been using this detergent all year, and love it. I made it in January, and am only about halfway through. I plan on continuing to use it for all of our clothes. I will be using Tide original for the cloth diapers (per the instructions that came with them).

@katesmama0706 I chose a "borax free" due to it's "failing" score for the environment, but I think it's typically considered okay for skin and such.

My question: My shower is upcoming this weekend, and I am running out of things on my registry. What are some little/cheap things I can put on there that hopefully people will buy, and that I can keep a small stockpile of? I was thinking maybe some soap/lotion kinda things. Or maybe little stroller toys?

One thing that we registered for with DD's shower that we ended up absolutely loving was a Wubbanub. they're these cute little stuffed animals, about the size of a beanie baby, with a pacifier attached to them. They were developed by a mom whose baby had colic and supposedly a lot of colicky babies have benefitted from using them. I think that's probably an ad gimmick, BUT it ended up being the only pacifier DD would take for months and saved my sanity more times than I could count. Plus, they're adorable. DD used the pink elephant one, then my SIL also got her a duck and a dog. She loved them all. $10ish on amazon, which is steep for a pacifier but a drop in the hat in the grand scheme of things so it might be a good thing to throw on for people looking for one small thing to add to whatever they might already be getting you.

therealfrizzle · November 2016

Not sure if this is the right place to ask necessarily, not really sure where this falls under and don't want to start a new thread. Kinda TMI and embarrassing, but here I go:

Yesterday, DH and I were fooling around a bit and he stopped and looked at me really concerned and said there was something bulging in my vaginal canal. We assume it must be my bladder being displaced by baby, but is that something normal? Have any of you STMs or even FTMs experienced this? Needless to say, it made sexy time terribly awkward. :-[

cjs260 · November 2016

@HJMorgan I just realized I never linked, here you go! https://brendid.com/grade-a-laundry-detergent/

@PMForbie Where exactly is this buldge? It could be your bladder, but it could also be varicose veins... I'd call my nurses' line, just to let them know, and if it's anything serious, I'm sure the doctor would call you in. Personally, my vagina is so swollen, I don't even recognize her anymore

Thanks everyone for responses to my question!

MamaandNurse · November 2016

There is no need to buy special baby laundry detergent. I did with my first because every where online told me I just had to. She ended up having eczema and an on-going battle with diaper rash but neither one had to do with the laundry detergent.

Just use whatever you already use. If baby has an issue with it, then you can make a switch but that's actually pretty unlikely.

KMck27 · November 2016

My son has eczema and we use costcos free and clear laundry detergent and have no issues. I didn't like dreft and our pediatrician actually told us not to use it. I'm no help in the homemade department but after reating previous posts I'm going to look into it.

Little inexpensive things to add to your registry could be bibs (plastic liner on the back helps keep shirt dry), wipes, triple paste (my favorite butt paste, it has worked wonders for our 2 lo's, although now that I think of it it's really not cheap) if you're breastfeeding/pumping milk storage bags. I second the bath toys suggestion, I feel like they get gross fast. sippy cups for different stages. Socks. I feel like I am always buying socks for the kids.

therealfrizzle · November 2016

@cjs260 it's by my pelvic bone, the pubic symphis area, towards the front, over my g-spot (not cool haha). Would vericose veins cause a bulge? I stopped looking down there a long time ago so as not to freak out, but this is somewhat far up there.

cjs260 · November 2016

@PMForbie The vagina is a very highly vascularized, so my limited medical/vaginal knowledge leads me to
think a vericose vein could do it. But what you're describing sounds pretty much like your bladder putting pressure on your vaginal canal. Run it by your OB , but as long as you're not feeling a budge from your cervix, I'd imagine it's not an emergency.

ThePax89 · November 2016

@cjs260 o-balls, mirrors, different pacifier brands, wubbanubs, breast pads, breastmilk storage bags.

moosette113 · November 2016

Did any STMs with vision changes during previous pregnancies notice their pre-pregnancy sight didn't quite return after delivery? I started wearing glasses less than a year before getting pregnant, but have noticed that my eyes are almost as bad now with my prescription as they were last year without one. I guess I just need to wait and see what happens after January, but it's reassuring to hear experiences from real people.

LastMango · November 2016

@moosette113 Mine went back to what is was pre-pregnancy but, like you said, everyone is probably different.

Renee1105 · November 2016

moosette113 said:

Did any STMs with vision changes during previous pregnancies notice their pre-pregnancy sight didn't quite return after delivery? I started wearing glasses less than a year before getting pregnant, but have noticed that my eyes are almost as bad now with my prescription as they were last year without one. I guess I just need to wait and see what happens after January, but it's reassuring to hear experiences from real people.

My eyesight got much worse and actually stayed like that. My doctor said it was pretty common .

Renee1105 · November 2016

@cjs260 I'd put on some toddler stuff ex:snack cups, straw cups.
You could even ask for the next size up bottle nipples.

Renee1105 · November 2016

Hey guys, am I the only crazy mom that not only used special free and clear laundry detergent but also special baby dish soap?
IS this totally unnecessary ?

TinaBelcher · November 2016

I know this is probably a personal preference thing but there are so many types, I'm overwhelmed.

I want to have some premixed formula on hand. I hope to breastfeed but I'm terrified of two screaming babies if my milk takes forever to come in so I want to be able to top them off with formula ASAP if necessary. Any STM who supplemented care to share your formula preference? Similac makes one specifically for breast milk supplementation with extra probiotics that's in my Amazon cart now... that's probably a gimmick so I thought I'd ask here before pulling the trigger

AshleySparkle720 · November 2016

moosette113 said:

Did any STMs with vision changes during previous pregnancies notice their pre-pregnancy sight didn't quite return after delivery? I started wearing glasses less than a year before getting pregnant, but have noticed that my eyes are almost as bad now with my prescription as they were last year without one. I guess I just need to wait and see what happens after January, but it's reassuring to hear experiences from real people.

Yespecially! I used to wear glasses for driving and at night, but after having DD I don't need them at all anymore!

AshleySparkle720 · November 2016

@Renee1105 to me that is totally unnecessary. hhowever, it's your call! if you feel safer having separate products that is completely up to you. It's just an extra expense and more work.

ThePax89 · November 2016

@TinaBelcher this will be controversial advice...but here it goes anyway. I'm a strong believer in not having formula around if you plan on breastfeeding. Any feedings replaced by formula will signal your body to produce less milk- making the process harder. The first weeks of breastfeeding are hard, having formula around is tempting to use but can ultimately booby trap you into not being able to successfully breastfeed. Instead, I would find an amazing IBCLC. I have never birthed multiples, but my milk took 8 days to come in with my daughter. This is rare. She continued gaining weight and we had a very successful 21 month nursing relationship. Buying formula, if you need it, is never more than a quick trip to Walgreens away. For what it's worth, I believe in you and your body's ability to feed your gals. You've got this.

MamaandNurse · November 2016

TinaBelcher said:

I know this is probably a personal preference thing but there are so many types, I'm overwhelmed.

I want to have some premixed formula on hand. I hope to breastfeed but I'm terrified of two screaming babies if my milk takes forever to come in so I want to be able to top them off with formula ASAP if necessary. Any STM who supplemented care to share your formula preference? Similac makes one specifically for breast milk supplementation with extra probiotics that's in my Amazon cart now... that's probably a gimmick so I thought I'd ask here before pulling the trigger

Unfortunately, you won't know until you give it to them. We had a terrible time finding the right formula that didn't upset DD1's little tummy. Eventually, we settled with Enfamil's Gentlease. But again, all babies are different so you may not have any issues.

The hospital may be able to send you home with some formula samples. Not all do but it's worth asking about.

therealfrizzle · November 2016

@TinaBelcher I would definitely look into what free samples you can get before actually purchasing anything. I have so many containers of formula from people who had extras on hand to the 3D ultrasound place (I think they've given me like $75 in samples plus so many free sample coupons!) I'd also talk with your pediatrician if it becomes a problem keeping up with feeding both babes to see what formula they recommend.

@cjs260, thank you for your reassurance! My next appointment is next Wednesday and I feel confident I can wait until then to ask, I just wanted to make sure it wasn't something to freak out about now.

susykat77 · November 2016

@TinaBelcher my SIL breastfeed twins (she had 6lb and an 8lb boys) she suplamented occasionally with this: https://www.amazon.com/Earths-Best-Organic-Infant-Formula/dp/B001BM4JLC

katesmama0706 · November 2016

@TinaBelcher like PPs said there's some trial and error in formula so if you're just gonna have a little on hand while waiting for milk supply to catch up to demand I'd just go with some samples. We had samples of similac advanced and sensitive last time (requested at my OBs office and similac sent them to me) , ended up using similac gentle (??? The purple container) when we supplemented and when I weaned to ovulate. We have the same samples this time around (this time they just showed up!) and we'll just wait to see what my milk does and how baby tolerates those types.

@renee1105 oh girl. That's way overkill IMO. We just used whatever soap (laundry or dish) that we used on everything. Unless baby has a specific reaction to something I can't see myself worrying about washing all their stuff separately when I'm already trying to keep track of so much, it would just be added stress. BUT if it makes you feel better then by all means keep doing it.

shlecks · November 2016

@moosette113 I bet they won't even give you a vision test while pregnant. My husband went to get his and we talked about mine being due and the doctor said that they wouldn't even do it until about 6 months post partum because of how vision changes so much during pregnancy.

KMck27 · November 2016

@TinaBelcher my first didn't have the whole "sucking" thing down, so while I thought I was nursing he wasn't actually getting anything. I was so engorged and in so much pain. I had to try to latch him and nurse, then pump and give him the pumped milk, and bc I wasn't producing what he needed, I supplemented with similac for supplementation. He eventually got the hang of nursing and we had no issues with just breastfeeding. Every baby is different, but we had no problems with the similac for supplementation.

adorebella · November 2016

@TinaBelcher Nursing didn't work out for Owen and I ended up pumping and supplementing with Similac Advance, which luckily turned out to be a good fit for him and he didn't have an issue going between the formula and BM.

Even though this time I'm going straight to exclusive formula I've only gotten 1 container of Similac Advance to start in case Henry doesn't tolerate it well. I wouldn't suggest getting much of a formula stash going just because babies can be really finicky about what formula works for them.

LastMango · November 2016

@TinaBelcher I'm with you on using the "breastmilk supplementation" formulas, even though is may be a gimmick. I didn't have to supplement until DD was around 10 months but when I did, we used Gerber's version (green top).

Although it never hurts to be prepared with backup, I second what @ThePax89 said about those first few weeks being crucial to establishing the right supply your babies need. Using formula so soon could throw that off. Also seconding that you should wait and see what kind of formula your LOs can handle and not stock up on one brand until you know.

@Renee1105 You're not the only one! I use free and clear detergent (any kind) for all of us. I also used special dish soap while DD was still using bottles and quit when she was maybe a year old? Debating on it this time.....

TinaBelcher · November 2016

@ThePax89 not controversial at all and that's what I had originally been planning on- just making it work and letting my supply build. But as we're getting closer (and my hormones are making me straight up insane) I'm getting damned nervous about having 2 newborns, my history of depression and anxiety and possible PPD, and my mental ability to handle it if my milk doesn't come in and I can't get them fed and calm in the middle of the night. (I'm really nervous about my right breast and possible obstructions because of a shitty nipple piercing I had forever ago, so if I'm down a boob with 2 mouths to feed... terrifying)

Currently my plan is to camp out on the couch and feed on demand for the first few weeks I just don't want to be stuck mid break down with no back up plan if it doesn't work.

Thanks everyone!!

AshleySparkle720 · November 2016

TinaBelcher said:

@ThePax89 not controversial at all and that's what I had originally been planning on- just making it work and letting my supply build. But as we're getting closer (and my hormones are making me straight up insane) I'm getting damned nervous about having 2 newborns, my history of depression and anxiety and possible PPD, and my mental ability to handle it if my milk doesn't come in and I can't get them fed and calm in the middle of the night. (I'm really nervous about my right breast and possible obstructions because of a shitty nipple piercing I had forever ago, so if I'm down a boob with 2 mouths to feed... terrifying)

Currently my plan is to camp out on the couch and feed on demand for the first few weeks I just don't want to be stuck mid break down with no back up plan if it doesn't work.

Thanks everyone!!

To give you a tiny bit of relief...nipple piercings definitely do not necessarily have a negative effect on breast feeding. No matter how badly it was pierced it won't effect your milk glands, natural lactation cues, etc.

ThePax89 · November 2016

@TinaBelcher I think it is great that you are trying to take it easy on yourself with breastfeeding expectations with a history of anxiety and depression. (I did the same thing before my first was born). I'm hoping your right nipple functions as well. So much luck to you.

TinaBelcher · November 2016

AshleySparkle720 said:

TinaBelcher said:

@ThePax89 not controversial at all and that's what I had originally been planning on- just making it work and letting my supply build. But as we're getting closer (and my hormones are making me straight up insane) I'm getting damned nervous about having 2 newborns, my history of depression and anxiety and possible PPD, and my mental ability to handle it if my milk doesn't come in and I can't get them fed and calm in the middle of the night. (I'm really nervous about my right breast and possible obstructions because of a shitty nipple piercing I had forever ago, so if I'm down a boob with 2 mouths to feed... terrifying)

Currently my plan is to camp out on the couch and feed on demand for the first few weeks I just don't want to be stuck mid break down with no back up plan if it doesn't work.

Thanks everyone!!

To give you a tiny bit of relief...nipple piercings definitely do not necessarily have a negative effect on breast feeding. No matter how badly it was pierced it won't effect your milk glands, natural lactation cues, etc.

*it shouldn't but definitely can! Blocked ducts are totally possible when it's a shitty piercing in the wrong spot unfortunately

BrennansMom2012 · November 2016

@TinaBelcher I didn't have a shitty piercing but a major snafu with my left nipple piercing and was equally worried with my first about being able to breastfeed. Amazingly, everything worked wonderfully and I ended up getting mastitits in the right breast--go figure! I will tell you that even though your holes are technically closed you'll have milk come out of them and it's kinda freaky at first. Lol I also agree with @ThePax89 but love that you're self-aware to be prepared for the just in case. I used formula when I weaned him at 6 months and found my son did better (gas, fussiness,etc) when I took him off Similac and switched to generic brands or Gerber. Like pp's said though your baby girls will make the ultimate decision for you. In addition to getting samples from the hospital, sign up for free samples online. I gave away a ton of free sample containers to my friend when we had our son.

kaytastic25 · November 2016

Formula is really expensive. However, I prefer Baby's Only organic when my son drank formula. usually you have to buy online. I'm going to try to BF but will have a can or two on hand of this just in case. (I have implants so who knows if BF will work this time because it didn't last time).

canavara · November 2016

How many pairs of socks do you really need for winter babies? We have 4 pairs right now so I know the answer is "more than that, obviously." But I also don't want to go overboard. I haven't actually checked but I think only about 1/4 of the onesies we have are footed. Everyone talks about how easy it is to lose baby socks and I live where it gets bitterly cold in the winter, so I don't know what to think and my brain is all like

Want a personalized experience?

Ask a STM+ Week of 11/07

Re: Ask a STM+ Week of 11/07

Choose Another Board

Search Boards