Ask a STM week 1/7

disneybaby84 · January 2017

This is a forum for first time moms to ask second time mom questions or second time mom to a third time mom. Ask away!

disneybaby84 · January 2017

How do you know which baby body part you feel on your belly?

Gators&BoSox · January 2017

for me its easier once I know for sure which was LO is facing. She's head down now so I know the big bulge in the middle of my stomach is her back/butt. The little rolling jabs down south are her fists and that means the slightly larger pokes up top are feet or knees

datalover13 · January 2017

I still honestly have no idea most of the time. Except since he's head down I figure everything I'm feeling near my cervix is him head-butting or he has his hands near his face.

Burrberrymum · January 2017

I still have no idea either. I don't even know if baby is breach or not. I'm thinking head down because I'm feeling a lot more movement in my ribs which I'm thinking are feet or legs. There's a pretty big bulge at the top sometimes and I'm just assuming its back/bum.. Normally when I feel that bigger bulge there's usually a smaller pressure / bulge very low.. I could be wrong but I just assume its baby's head.

KellyT22 · January 2017

If you push on an area and the whole baby moves, it's probably the butt or back. If just the part of baby you push on moves, it's probably the head.

Another way to tell is to try to feel hiccups. Whereever you feel them is the location of baby's upper chest.

wintersong · January 2017

Any moms out there use gas as a method of pain relief during labor? I just found out my hospital now offers it! What was your experience? I want to avoid an epidural, but have no idea how I feel about the gas.

kjd291 · January 2017

@longliveregina no previous experience! But my midwifes at the birth center:hospital offer it too! I'm excited about trying it out. They said totally safe, none passes to baby, and it's self administered: do you can never take too much, because if you have more than you can handle your incapable of holding the mask to your face. I'm looking forward to trying it out at the peak of the worst contractions if I want to call uncle and take some assistance

Gators&BoSox · January 2017

i know it's big over in the UK... no idea why its not more common over here

Cbeanz · January 2017

@kjd291 @longliveregina
Like nitrous? I have used it in the dentist office but when I'm anxious or in pain it doesn't seem to have any effect on anything. But maybe the dosage I had was really low.

kjd291 · January 2017

@Cbeanz yes! Nitrous oxcide. Apparently the center I'm going to is the only one currently in the state. Not sure how the dosage compares to a dentist.

Ivorytower2 · January 2017

Just curious- why do you want the gas over EPI? I was so adminent last time about no IV drugs because I was scared of being loopy and not being able to focus to push or make game time decisions if I had to. What does it make you feel like?

kjd291 · January 2017

Ivorytower2 said:

Just curious- why do you want the gas over EPI? I was so adminent last time about no IV drugs because I was scared of being loopy and not being able to focus to push or make game time decisions if I had to. What does it make you feel like?

as I said, ive never used it before so I don't know exactly how it'll make me feel. But-I do know if you breath with the mask for a few seconds it only takes a bit for it to kick in, and you see if you like it. ((Explained to me as SLIGHT Edge taken off pain and helps ppl to calm and remove themselves from the situation ))
if it's not helpful, or you don't like how it feels, dropping the mask and breathing regular air will drop the effects within a minute.

So it's a nice pain relief option that has no harm for baby, controlled by you, and wears off almost instantaneously when you stop breathing it so you can be fully in the moments you want to be in!

[[again//not speaking from experience, but it's something I'm looking forward to trying]]

an article about it if you're interested
https://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/laughing-gas-nitrous-oxide-labor

Ivorytower2 · January 2017

@kjd291 thanks!

BaylieGirl · January 2017

Did anyone hire a night nanny/doula before? I'm curious how the process of finding one works. Neither DH or i have family near by to help the first weeks and I'm getting really nervous about the two of us going at this solo. I'd love the idea of some help just a couple nights a week at first till I recover and get the swing of things.

shilarys · January 2017

BaylieGirl said:

Did anyone hire a night nanny/doula before? I'm curious how the process of finding one works. Neither DH or i have family near by to help the first weeks and I'm getting really nervous about the two of us going at this solo. I'd love the idea of some help just a couple nights a week at first till I recover and get the swing of things.

No experience with a night nanny. You can do it

However I would ask your doctor or mid wife if they know of any services like this or ask around on Facebook. Or you can always ask a friend that you trust to help out once or twice and see how it goes? If you plan to BF though you really can't use anyone as help. But DH can and should def help with nightime feedings if you are doing bottles so you can rest and recover. But BF makes you really the only one that can be helpful at night....one big downfall

Don't be nervous, you'll do awesome and as a momma, you just "know" what to do and how to do it

kiyamurph · January 2017

@BaylieGirl Are you a part of any local mom groups on Facebook? Highly recommend those as those type of groups can be a lifesaver for different reasons. I also echo asking your OB/midwife as they may have some resources. If you plan to formula feed then a night nurse type of person may be beneficial so both you and your SO can rest, but if you plan to breastfeed, those first few weeks will be crucial for establishing your supply and a night nurse would totally screw that up. I personally don't have any experience with a night nurse. My parents came out to help for a few weeks but they weren't any help at night, and neither was my husband, since I breastfed and I was the only person up with the baby. I'm not judging you for wanting night help because sleep deprivation is no joke. The thing about motherhood though is you learn to just do it. You learn to adjust and you'll find that even though you may feel like you haven't a clue as to what you're doing, you'll just get it. Maybe give it a few days after baby's born and wait and see if you'll really need the help. Your baby will have it's first ped appt within the first week of life and if within that first week you're both really struggling and feel like you can't get a grasp on things, maybe then ask about a night nurse. You can totally do it though! I'm sure some of us will still be around on the boards after baby and we can maybe help you with any questions.

npaulie · January 2017

@bayliegirl a friend of mine is a doula, and she said if you're breast feeding, even if a doula was there to feed baby, you'd have to get up in the middle of the night to pump anyway (especially at the beginning) to help with your milk supply. I was looking into the same thing, because both our parents are a 16 hour plane ride away. However, like @kiyamurph said, would likely be different if did formula.

I think if you're worried about extra help, maybe getting someone like a housekeeper in the beginning could help? They're also A LOT cheaper. They could help with cooking, running errands and cleaning while you focus on baby.

kjd291 · January 2017

Agree with PPs, you'll get into the swing of things just fine! I actually found night routines the easiest part-feed and back to sleep! so id agree waiting to see what and when you actually need help with the most before you go and hire someone. Sleep wise--you can also take naps easily during the days with baby if you are really feeling tired. But I got more sleep in the newborn stage than I do pregnant.
My personal challenge at first was cooking/housework on top of taking care of baby-so I agree a housekeeper may be more helpful in place.

kiyamurph · January 2017

npaulie said:

@bayliegirl a friend of mine is a doula, and she said if you're breast feeding, even if a doula was there to feed baby, you'd have to get up in the middle of the night to pump anyway (especially at the beginning) to help with your milk supply. I was looking into the same thing, because both our parents are a 16 hour plane ride away. However, like @kiyamurph said, would likely be different if did formula.

I think if you're worried about extra help, maybe getting someone like a housekeeper in the beginning could help? They're also A LOT cheaper. They could help with cooking, running errands and cleaning while you focus on baby.

This this this! One of the great things about my parents flying out to help was that my mom did all of the cooking and cleaning. She's one of those people that needs something to do, so she didn't mind stepping in to do those things, and she also knew that I wouldn't have any energy whatsoever to do that stuff. Highly recommend that someone at least comes and cleans every couple of weeks if that's all you can afford. That can very much save your sanity. If you have the time, maybe start finding recipes for freezer meals now and getting those done so that's one less thing you have to worry about when baby's here.

Cbeanz · January 2017

I agree with PP - I would hire people (or invite family) to help with chores so I could focus more on the baby. Rather than hiring someone to focus on the baby so I could do more chores. You will also be able to nap during the day if you're up at night. One baby is surprisingly very manageable - of course I'm saying this in hindsight!

Ivorytower2 · January 2017

I just checked Aetnas website and it looks like they only provide a new pump if it's been at least three years since your last one. I won't qualify in that case, and I'm bummed because I have a Medela that I realllly put through the ringer with DD and was hoping to try something different.

Anyone else in a similar situation or any hacks for how to get around it?

Goodmorning12 · January 2017

I would go to your OB and ask. Mine took care of the entire process, I just signed a piece of paper and checked off Madela.

kiyamurph · January 2017

@Ivorytower2 Maybe try using a website like Edgepark or Aeroflow.

pandalily · January 2017

@Ivorytower2 I'm going through Aeroflow for mine. I entered in my insurance info and they checked everything for me. Unless your health plan is grandfathered in, the ACA stated that insurance plans had to provide a new pump each pregnancy.

Ivorytower2 · January 2017

Thanks guys! I will check it out. Does anyone have any reccomedations for pumps? I used Medela electric double which I thought was fine, but curious if anyone had better experiences with anything else?

serenity13 · January 2017

@Ivorytower2 I just bumped up a discussion thread where we talked a lot about breast pumps in, good luck! I went directly through the Medela website & got the electric double.

korpisar · January 2017

Even though I am a STM, have a question - did anyone use a Snuza Hero last time around? I found one super cheap at Target on clearance and bought it. Last time we were sent home from the hospital with a monitor due to DS being premature and having issues. It was such a blessing that helped me not worry as much. Appreciate any feedback. Thanks!

Ivorytower2 · January 2017

@serenity13 Thank you!!

ShaunaT25 · January 2017

@longliveregina I got gas at the end just before pushing with DS and it was AMAZING. There are some hilarious pictures of me giving a big thumbs up with a huge smile on my face when I got it. I was so mad they didn't bust it out sooner. I was laughing and cracking jokes. Loved it.

datalover13 · January 2017

@korpisar we used one last time and loved it! Gave me peace of mind those first several months. We only had a few false alarms when we used it, and we used it nightly for 9 months I think? When DS started sleeping on his side/stomach we just switched where we had it placed. Definitely plan on using it again.

korpisar · January 2017

Thanks @datalover13

alexxapplepiee-2 · January 2017

Okay ladies! As long as he holds out tonight and tomorrow, at 12am on Tuesday I'm set to be induced since we'll be at a week since my water broke and he'll be 34 weeks in. My question is what should I do before this induction? I'm stuck in the hospital so my options are limited. My MIL cleaned our entire house and my Mom is bringing me lunch from Olive Garden or Longhorns, depends on what I'm feeling tomorrow. I just wanna know what helped everyone since the doctors are saying he might not be here until Thursday still.

kjd291 · January 2017

@alexxapplepiee oooh! Goodluck!

do you know what meds/steps they're taking to induce? My induction started on a Thursday night and baby girl didn't arrive till Sunday morning. They weren't in a super duper rush to get her out, so it wasn't till Saturday night that they broke my water and things immediately were rolling. Thu/Fri/SatDAY was spent chatting with nurses, eating, reading, watching tv. Very slow and boring process at first-(pain-free)! So yeah, be prepared for it to potentially drag on for a few days OR to be immediate and fast-it all depends on how your body responds to the medications.
((ask for a break if it's taking forever and they're willing) my 2nd night they stopped the meds and let me have sleep meds instead and get a rest before they continued the following morning.

ETA-as far as last food? There's no way to know... sorry! If things move fast-you could be tossing your cookies. If things move slow, like it did for me, you could be eating lots of meals before labor really progresses.

alexxapplepiee-2 · January 2017

@kjd291 they said something that they'll insert inside of me to start stuff up first and then they'll figure out what they wanna do next. The nurse already said since I wasn't dilated on Tuesday when my water broke and I really haven't had any contractions, it's gonna probably be a long process. They said once they gave me one of those medicines I couldn't eat so that's why I'm gonna make sure to eat quite a bit tomorrow, fill myself up lol.

Gators&BoSox · January 2017

I have no advice (sorry!) I just wanted to wish you luck and say that I'm so excited for you! I hope everything goes quickly and smoothly

kjd291 · January 2017

@alexxapplepiee gotcha! Yeah, they gave me the suppository too ((to soften and dilate cervix)) that I barely even noticed, and slept with the whole first night. So if they aren't letting you eat--then definitely eat whatever the heck you're craving before and enjoy!!

I'd ask the nurse what you are allowed to have after medicine for your mom or DH could run to the store. Honey sticks? sports drinks? things that would allow you to get some energy while you're not allowed to eat.

lcarp203 · January 2017

@alexxapplepiee - good luck girl, you will do great! Your situation is exactly how it happened with my first kiddo. Water broke on a Monday and I was zero percent dialated and no contractions. I didn't get out of the hospital till Friday after being induced and a 36 hour labor. There is really nothing to prepare for. A labor that long is exhausting so sleep as much as you can! Hoping your induction goes smoothly and fast!

Gators&BoSox · January 2017

Thinking of you today! I hope whatever you got for lunch yesterday hit the spot

alexxapplepiee-2 · January 2017

I'm going on 15 hours of labor now. I got the epidural at 10:30am when the contractions were so bad that I was almost in tears. I napped for a bit and now it's the waiting game. I was 2cm dilated at 9am. My contractions are 1 to 2 minutes apart but they don't want to check me because of the risk of infection. Send positive vibes that he's here soon, I like the date for his birthday ❤

ashley14598 · January 2017

Thinking of you and prayers for a healthy Baby & Momma

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