@WkoutMomtoBe yes--but the problem is that none of them live less than two hours from me and I'm afraid of something happening where they couldn't be there in time. I don't know. We'll see.
I completely agree. I had bought a lovely birth gown to look fabulous in, and when I decided for a c-section, on went the hospital gown.
Here's my quick birth story:
My doc said LO was measuring small so she wanted to induce labor. I said okay and went in. Well after being dosed up with Pitocin and having Cytotec shoved up my vagina every 4 hours to help induce labor, nothing was happening. I was like this for 2 days. She then tried breaking my water. Again nothing. The epidural guy even came in and asked if I wanted one and I was thinking "i'm not even feeling contractions", so I refused. On the 3rd day, I had finally had enough and told the doc I wanted a c-section. Her response was "well, I'm not scheduled tonight...but I guess I can do one". I was so pissed!!! I was like you stupid piece of sh*t, you have no idea, what its been like laying here having drugs shoved up your vag! Not to mention, all the Pitocin that was being pumped into me and my baby.
So the moral of the story is, trust your instincts. When the time comes, you will know what's best for you and your baby. Oh and another side note: After my son was born, my doc said she could do a circumcision. When the hospital pediatrician came by she said she wouldn't recommend it because he didn't have enough skin on the bottom to cut. She said to schedule an appt with a urologist later on. When I told my doc, she said "well you can do that, but I've done them before and the babies are just fine". A month later we went to the urologist and she said we had made the right decision to not have him cut at the hospital. He would have grown up with a crooked one!!!
^I agree, trust your instincts. I could have delivered vaginally with DS but after a long discussion with the dr on call and with my Dh, we opted for the c-section bc DS was consistently measuring well over 9lbs in his scans so we knew the risks of him getting stuck and what could happen from there. You get a lot of different feedback on whats best from friends/family/bmbs but you'll know what feels right and what doesn't, so trusting your instincts and having open/clear conversations with the dr are really important.
Also @shaunessa we had a similar situation with DS, he was born like 80% already circumsized so there wasn't enough skin, the dr didn't feel comfortable performing it. I'm glad we waited and saw a pediatric urologist bc he would have ended up with a crooked one as well!
@MWoodside I know. I mean more like something happens where she can't come at first notice and isn't able to get away for eight hours or more. She'll also be in Jamaica in late March and if baby came early (though unlikely), she definitely wouldn't be there in time.
So my birth stories are the same, in that they were both (thankfully) uneventful (other than the event of the baby being born!). With DD (1st child) I was in labor at home from about 11am to 5 or 6pm. Contractions ramped up at dinner time and we went to the hospital around 5 or 6. At that point, contractions were maybe 2-3 minutes apart. I got to the hospital and was 5cm dilated, so I got a room. I did choose an epidural (which took fine and allowed me to control the amount of medicine that I needed). I labored all night and had DD the next morning at 6am. Recovery was fairly "easy" taking into account that I needed an episiotomy because my clitoris was in danger of tearing (something of reverse tearing). The doctor said it's easier to sew the straight the line of the incision than to repair a torn clitoris. I didn't need too much pain management. I did take stool softeners to help with the first postpartum BM. DD was 8lbs. 10oz., so slightly higher than average size.
With DS I had a similar beginning to labor. I labored at home from 11am-4pm (when I say labored at home I mean went from the first contraction to contractions 2-3 min. apart). Left for the hospital, got checked by the triage nurse, who called in another nurse. I figured either I wasn't dilated or I was going to deliver at that moment. They agreed I was 8cm. dilated with bulging waters. I wanted an epidural (the nurses were very supportive, and they even said things like, "you are handling labor so well! You can do this without meds!"), so they got fluids in me quickly and I got the epidural. I began pushing at around 8pm (so, yes epidurals can slow down labor) and the baby was born within the hour. DS was 10lbs. 3oz. and recovery was MUCH harder. I tore (he was born "like superman" his shoulders didn't turn before he was born, so imagine the baby flying out (HA!)) and he was so big, so recovery was slow. I really felt terrible afterward. The uterine contractions while BFing were pretty awful.
I would say the best thing is to be prepared for anything. You never know how things will go and having some great ideal and then losing the ideal would be really crushing. In terms of what to bring I usually pack:
Chapstick Mints Extra clothing (I like nightgowns or nursing dresses, so the nurses can check you easier after birth) Something to read Cell phone and charger Camera and battery charger Contacts and glasses Toiletries Baby take-home clothing Carseat Slippers Anything you need for nursing, if you decide to BF
I did not bring a nursing pillow. I am a little weird about hospital germs and, while I could wash the pillow, didn't want to bring it for the 2 days I was there. I just used the pillows on the hospital bed. We live 5 minutes from the hospital, so if we forgot something DH went and got it. DH did not spend the night because we have a dog (when we had DD), and then DD and the dog (when we had DS). Honestly, I liked the time alone to bond and we wanted DD to have as a normal a routine as possible when I was away. We will probably do the same thing this time unless I have a c-section (in which case I would want his help in the room).
My mom and DH were in the delivery room with me when I had DD (I wanted her there because I was SO nervous as a FTM). The second time it was me and DH (my mom and dad watched DD).
I found my nurses to be so awesome and helpful. They coached me through everything and made the experiences positive ones.
*in my best Oprah voice* PADSICLES, PADSICLES, PADSICLES! Also, a homemade vagina pp spray. You can make both at the same time as they require the same ingredients. Works for c-section hole too. I didn't have a c-s but, the ingredients are to promote healing and decrease swelling.
You are required to water your vag after every bathroom trip and having the spray ready to spritz after makes you feel amazing in the mangled niblets. I added tea tree oil and lavender to mine. I made a travel size for the hospital bag. I also recommend Tucks brand witch hazel pads. You can just put a jar in each bathroom, they are super cheap and make you feel super clean.
@catem07 Id had one on my wrist when laboring at home that AM but during one particular contraction, I had a fit about anything touching me and asked DH to put it in the hospital bag. He reminded me of that moment when I was begging for one in the delivery room.
We had a TV in my L&D room. It was during the NBA playoffs of 2014 (go spurs go), so we got to watch a few of the games while in the hospital. My friends were making fun of us for watching while I was in labor!
We had a TV in my L&D room. It was during the NBA playoffs of 2014 (go spurs go), so we got to watch a few of the games while in the hospital. My friends were making fun of us for watching while I was in labor!
Did you go get the limited edition Duncan O's cereal?
We had a TV in my L&D room. It was during the NBA playoffs of 2014 (go spurs go), so we got to watch a few of the games while in the hospital. My friends were making fun of us for watching while I was in labor!
Did you go get the limited edition Duncan O's cereal?
I have a feeling that when we come to TX for our shower this weekend we're gonna be picking up some of these! DH is a HUGE spurs fan!
@pammasu0909 and @SnarkasaurusRex Your experiences are very valid. And PPD is a real bitch, so you do what you feel you need to do to avoid that. But, I have seen some real nasty cases of PPD following births where the mother was not set on a birth plan at all. So, that may or may not always have to do with PPD.
A client I had this past fall came to me the day before her due date desperate for a doula. I took her on as one of my free cases because I had so much empathy for her. This was her 2nd birth, but the first had been 16 years ago when she was young and very uneducated. We quickly squeezed in a marathon 4.5 hour doula prenatal session a couple of days later and luckily she hadn't given birth yet. I could tell she wanted an unmedicated birth. But, she would literally not let herself say those words. "I want a natural, unmedicated birth." I would ask and ask try to get her to tell me what she really wanted. But she would also need a follow up. She would say something along the lines of, "I am hoping to not using pain meds, but I know that things can happen....etc, etc.". Finally I just asked her if her dream birth would be one without medication. She said that yes, it would be. So, I told her to just say it. Plan in. Think about it. We talked about the fact that of course you can't plan for everything. But, you are allowed to have desires and hopes. No one is going to judge you or laugh at you if things change and you don't get all those things you want. I literally physically saw her exhale and relax for the first time since I had met her. It's like sometimes women need permission to have a goal or a dream. So, I am just giving anyone on here that permission. ETA: That client of mine ended up being induced at 42 weeks. I was there for her entire 10 hour labor and she did the whole thing with no medication and about 30 seconds of pushing (seriously!). During our postpartum visit I asked her what I did or taught that she thought helped the most. She said that conversation about birth plans. That is why I share, just in case someone else benefits from hearing it. And also I love to toot my own horn.
Also, I know doulas are so expensive. Honestly, we can't afford one and I won't be having one with this birth. But, I do several free, or discounted births every year. During training or while someone is working on their certification many doulas offer very discounted prices. It is definitely worth looking around if you think you would benefit from a doula.
Me: 28 year old SAHM/Birth Doula DH: 30 year old pneumatic electrical engineer
Married: October 8, 2011
DD1: September 24, 2013 BFP: June 25, 2016 and MC: July 3, 2016 DD2: April 16, 2017 BFP: November 30, 2018 EDD: August 14, 2019
Things that were most helpful to have in my hospital bag- chapstick, lotion, phone/charger, camera/charger, toiletries (hairbrush, toothbrush/toothpaste, shampoo/conditioner, soap- if they provide this kind of thing, it probably won't be as nice as your own favorite stuff), socks, robe, nursing sleep bra, LOOSE clothes to go home, nursing pillow, baby's going home outfit. DH packed his bag after my water broke at home... so it was a good thing I had the basic essentials in mine. My labor/delivery was faster than I expected- water breaking to baby on my chest was about 9.5 hours but because DH wasn't packed and they were unconvinced my water had actually broken, I only spent about 4.5-5 hours checked in at the hospital and in a labor and delivery room. So we didn't use the entertainment I had packed. Plus it was all late at night so once I got my epidural, I wanted to rest as much as possible in case labor took forever.
My birth plan included an epidural and that was it. I tried to learn as much about childbirth as possible but the only thing I was set on was the epidural. I figured if I needed to have an emergency c-section, I'd already be numb from the waist down, and if not, I didn't want to experience more pain than necessary. I had Braxton Hicks contractions regularly from a very early point in my pregnancy and was kind of tired of contractions so I didn't want to feel the real thing in all it's glory if there was an option to take the edge off, I was going to take it. My plan is the same, but I'm going to ask my dr if I can sign paperwork for the epidural (and emergency c section permission forms) before I get to the hospital, maybe around my 36 week appointment? Those were frustrating to try to sign mid-really-painful-contractions-that-wouldn't-let-up. If you can have all that paperwork filled out beforehand, I'd recommend it. And find out if they can keep it in your file or if you need to keep it with you (in the hospital bag so you have it when you're getting checked in).
Good call on the paperwork. We actually got copies of all of the consent forms form the hospital during our tour, but my OB also gave me copies when I was about 36 weeks out. I was able to read through everything with a clear head and pre-fill some of the information so that once I was in the thick of labor and finally decided on the epidural, all I had to do was sign.
Can anyone recommend a good book to walk me through making a birth plan? I'm not looking for something that advocates particular positions but instead something that details the benefits and drawbacks of different decisions--epidural, episiotomy, delayed cord cutting, etc.
DD #1: April 2017 DD #2: May 2020 Baby #3: EDD May 2023; MC October 2022
Can anyone recommend a good book to walk me through making a birth plan? I'm not looking for something that advocates particular positions but instead something that details the benefits and drawbacks of different decisions--epidural, episiotomy, delayed cord cutting, etc.
Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering. I thought it did a great job of objectively laying out pros and cons of many procedures.
Might have already been said but... the best thing I did was have a little basket already set up in each bathroom with my supplies allocated between them (for me it was one for downstairs and one upstairs). This way I always had everything I needed without needing to think about it. In my basket I had: pads (variety of sizes), a peri bottle, hemroid wipes and dermablast (cold spray). I think that was everything - I need to go back and look but I'm sure Pinterest has suggestions for items. All in all it was so nice not to have to think twice about what I needed when running to the bathroom.
Oh and best advice - taking stool softeners starting in the hospital. Made that first one so much easier even if it still hurt like crazy!
Definitely listen to your body. Once it was time to push my body instantly starting contracting (like the tight feeling you get in your stomach when you throw up) so my husband told the nurse and she said don't push there's still a bit of a lip (last time she checked very shortly before I wasn't quite at 10cm) but she came and checked again and it wa s a complete 10...the worst part of my labour imo was the few pushes my body tried to do that I fought against until the nurse checked again and discovered I was at 10
So, this is a bit of a different "tip" from what we've been discussing, but we all might want to be thinking about eating dates once we're a month out from our due dates (6 a day is what the study suggested). It's meant to make labor shorter/easier and lessen your chance of needing an induction. Worth a shot, at least!
I actually did eat dates with DD2's pregnancy. 5/day for the last 6 wks. She was 4 days late, but my labor was on the faster side- 5 hrs from first surge to babe in arms. I love dates so this is an easy thing for me to do. One of my friends is Persian and said this is encouraged throughout pregnancy in her country of origin.
Can the dates be wrapped in bacon? Because that's definitely the best way to eat them...also, where in the grocery store do you find them?
I bought toiletries for my hospital bag today. It's getting real. Though I really only bought them today because I needed cash from CVS and couldn't think of what else I needed haha...
DD #1: April 2017 DD #2: May 2020 Baby #3: EDD May 2023; MC October 2022
The family I nannied for for 18 months were from the Middle East and once when they came back from a visit to the UAE they brought me a large box of dates. They were the most delicious things I have ever eaten. I have yet to find any in the US even close to what those were. So, if anyone wants to ship me some dates from over there I would totally eat those bad boys up!
Me: 28 year old SAHM/Birth Doula DH: 30 year old pneumatic electrical engineer
Married: October 8, 2011
DD1: September 24, 2013 BFP: June 25, 2016 and MC: July 3, 2016 DD2: April 16, 2017 BFP: November 30, 2018 EDD: August 14, 2019
@catem07 I don't believe their effectiveness is altered by how they're consumed I saw them recently in the natural/organic foods section with all the other dried fruit or in the regular produce section (usually prepackaged). Do you have a specialty/Middle Eastern market near you? That would be a good bet, too.
Dates are a great idea, but what do I do if I love them, but was told to go on a low sugar diet? They are delicious but very high in sugar...
Also, does anyone have experiences with birthing balls?
Me: 35 year old FTM, a busy city banker living in London, and a constant worrier. My DH: French guy, car fanatic, best husband ever. Our baby boy: Due on 17 April, currently 37 weeks. I can't believe it - I made it to full term!!!! Last measurement: 3150 gs at 37+1! This is going to be a big baby
@smallanimal you might have to run that one by your doctor. I'm not sure if fruit sugar is still counted as sugar when it's medical related. I have considered how many sugary calories 6 dates a day will add up to be and wondered what that will do to my weight gain.
I love my birth ball for sitting on while pregnant but found it too intense to sit on during labor. I did lean on it a bit. I've also heard great things about peanut balls, especially while confined in bed with an epidural.
Yeah, I doubt I would be able to manage 6 dates a day for a month or more. My teeth would probably be all f-ed up afterwards, beyond just getting bored of them. But, I might aim for a couple a day...maybe? We'll see.
This is a different way to switch up the dates. I didn't ever really tire of them, but I like dates. I gained less with the date-eating pregnancy and no cavities. Who knows if it helped speed labor, but I'm doing it again just in case it was a factor.
@smallanimal I used a birthing ball during my last labor - but not to sit on. I would put it up on the couch and then lean over it. That was the only "comfortable" position I could find to labor.
I only have experience with mesh panties, and I really liked how comfortable they were. I was only able to snag 2 pairs from the hospital, but probably could have used 3-4 more. Amazon has 6 pairs for $12.99 plus free shipping, so I'm tempted to just buy some now while I'm thinking about it.
The depends silhouette adult diapers are about $12 at Walmart and come in a 12 count pack. Are the adult diapers snugger around the waist and thighs? If they are, I may opt for the mesh panties since they aren't constricting.
I can't do adult diapers. It was super uncomfortable for me. I prefer giant pads with mesh undies a million times over. When I tried Depends with DD1 I literally used 1 and gave the rest to a friend. I just couldn't deal.
Once I am hope I just use cloth post-partum pads, which are more comfy than disposable pads.
@magheeta Mesh panties of course! Those things are awesome, for what they are. Wearing pads for all those pp weeks leaves me chafed so I can't imagine diapers for that long.
Do not pay for mesh panties. The hospital will give you a lot more if you ask. Also the moms on my local groups are always giving away extra pp supplies (Dermoplast spray, mesh undies, sitz bottles, etc).
IVF/ICSI #1 - BFP, DS born Jan 2013
IVF/ICSI #2 - BFP, DD born Feb 2015 IVF FET - BFP, due April 2017
@Magheeta I am 100% on the adult diaper side. I hated the mesh panties. They didn't stay on me. I guess I felt like they were too loose and I was just sliding around in them every time I moved, which made the pad slide around and it was a bloody sticky mess. So, I think I prefer the more snug fit of the adult diapers. I did get size XL in the adult diapers, which is probably a little bigger on me. They didn't feel tight at all. I did need to air out my butt a little bit with the diapers and would use just a pad for an hour or two or I would get a little chaffed. I think it is just personal preference. I will say I just got the cheap Target brand adult diapers that were only a few dollars for the small pack. It is worth a try because they may change your life like they did mine. I am buying so many in advance this time!
Me: 28 year old SAHM/Birth Doula DH: 30 year old pneumatic electrical engineer
Married: October 8, 2011
DD1: September 24, 2013 BFP: June 25, 2016 and MC: July 3, 2016 DD2: April 16, 2017 BFP: November 30, 2018 EDD: August 14, 2019
Another mesh panties fan here. The adult diapers chaffed me and rubbed against my c-section incision uncomfortably. I didn't have issues with the mesh panties staying up and they were way more breathable than the adult diapers.
It really is a personal preference though...my SILs looked at me like I had 3 heads when I said that I didn't like the adult diapers, haha. I would suggest getting a pack and taking a bunch of the mesh panties from the hospital so that you have options.
Thanks guys. I hope that I will be able to remember to ask for extra mesh panties before I leave the hospital. Of course, I can always send DH on an errand, too.
Re: Tips and tricks for easier birth?
DD1 born 5/24/10.
Missed M/C at 14 wks Feb 2012.
DD2 born 5/14/13.
Missed M/C at 9 wks July 2015.
Also @shaunessa we had a similar situation with DS, he was born like 80% already circumsized so there wasn't enough skin, the dr didn't feel comfortable performing it. I'm glad we waited and saw a pediatric urologist bc he would have ended up with a crooked one as well!
DS--N14
Baby #2 EDD--4/16/17
With DS I had a similar beginning to labor. I labored at home from 11am-4pm (when I say labored at home I mean went from the first contraction to contractions 2-3 min. apart). Left for the hospital, got checked by the triage nurse, who called in another nurse. I figured either I wasn't dilated or I was going to deliver at that moment. They agreed I was 8cm. dilated with bulging waters. I wanted an epidural (the nurses were very supportive, and they even said things like, "you are handling labor so well! You can do this without meds!"), so they got fluids in me quickly and I got the epidural. I began pushing at around 8pm (so, yes epidurals can slow down labor) and the baby was born within the hour. DS was 10lbs. 3oz. and recovery was MUCH harder. I tore (he was born "like superman" his shoulders didn't turn before he was born, so imagine the baby flying out (HA!)) and he was so big, so recovery was slow. I really felt terrible afterward. The uterine contractions while BFing were pretty awful.
I would say the best thing is to be prepared for anything. You never know how things will go and having some great ideal and then losing the ideal would be really crushing. In terms of what to bring I usually pack:
Chapstick
Mints
Extra clothing (I like nightgowns or nursing dresses, so the nurses can check you easier after birth)
Something to read
Cell phone and charger
Camera and battery charger
Contacts and glasses
Toiletries
Baby take-home clothing
Carseat
Slippers
Anything you need for nursing, if you decide to BF
I did not bring a nursing pillow. I am a little weird about hospital germs and, while I could wash the pillow, didn't want to bring it for the 2 days I was there. I just used the pillows on the hospital bed. We live 5 minutes from the hospital, so if we forgot something DH went and got it. DH did not spend the night because we have a dog (when we had DD), and then DD and the dog (when we had DS). Honestly, I liked the time alone to bond and we wanted DD to have as a normal a routine as possible when I was away. We will probably do the same thing this time unless I have a c-section (in which case I would want his help in the room).
My mom and DH were in the delivery room with me when I had DD (I wanted her there because I was SO nervous as a FTM). The second time it was me and DH (my mom and dad watched DD).
I found my nurses to be so awesome and helpful. They coached me through everything and made the experiences positive ones.
DD: 6/20/11
DS: 2/23/13
EDD: 4/15/17
https://intheknowmom.net/diy-padsicles-musthave-postpartum-item/
You are required to water your vag after every bathroom trip and having the spray ready to spritz after makes you feel amazing in the mangled niblets. I added tea tree oil and lavender to mine. I made a travel size for the hospital bag. I also recommend Tucks brand witch hazel pads. You can just put a jar in each bathroom, they are super cheap and make you feel super clean.
Baby #2 due April 2017
ETA: Can order online. Currently placing order!!
A client I had this past fall came to me the day before her due date desperate for a doula. I took her on as one of my free cases because I had so much empathy for her. This was her 2nd birth, but the first had been 16 years ago when she was young and very uneducated. We quickly squeezed in a marathon 4.5 hour doula prenatal session a couple of days later and luckily she hadn't given birth yet. I could tell she wanted an unmedicated birth. But, she would literally not let herself say those words. "I want a natural, unmedicated birth." I would ask and ask try to get her to tell me what she really wanted. But she would also need a follow up. She would say something along the lines of, "I am hoping to not using pain meds, but I know that things can happen....etc, etc.". Finally I just asked her if her dream birth would be one without medication. She said that yes, it would be. So, I told her to just say it. Plan in. Think about it. We talked about the fact that of course you can't plan for everything. But, you are allowed to have desires and hopes. No one is going to judge you or laugh at you if things change and you don't get all those things you want. I literally physically saw her exhale and relax for the first time since I had met her. It's like sometimes women need permission to have a goal or a dream. So, I am just giving anyone on here that permission.
ETA: That client of mine ended up being induced at 42 weeks. I was there for her entire 10 hour labor and she did the whole thing with no medication and about 30 seconds of pushing (seriously!). During our postpartum visit I asked her what I did or taught that she thought helped the most. She said that conversation about birth plans. That is why I share, just in case someone else benefits from hearing it. And also I love to toot my own horn.
Also, I know doulas are so expensive. Honestly, we can't afford one and I won't be having one with this birth. But, I do several free, or discounted births every year. During training or while someone is working on their certification many doulas offer very discounted prices. It is definitely worth looking around if you think you would benefit from a doula.
DH: 30 year old pneumatic electrical engineer
BFP: June 25, 2016 and MC: July 3, 2016
DD2: April 16, 2017
BFP: November 30, 2018 EDD: August 14, 2019
My birth plan included an epidural and that was it. I tried to learn as much about childbirth as possible but the only thing I was set on was the epidural. I figured if I needed to have an emergency c-section, I'd already be numb from the waist down, and if not, I didn't want to experience more pain than necessary. I had Braxton Hicks contractions regularly from a very early point in my pregnancy and was kind of tired of contractions so I didn't want to feel the real thing in all it's glory if there was an option to take the edge off, I was going to take it. My plan is the same, but I'm going to ask my dr if I can sign paperwork for the epidural (and emergency c section permission forms) before I get to the hospital, maybe around my 36 week appointment? Those were frustrating to try to sign mid-really-painful-contractions-that-wouldn't-let-up. If you can have all that paperwork filled out beforehand, I'd recommend it. And find out if they can keep it in your file or if you need to keep it with you (in the hospital bag so you have it when you're getting checked in).
DD #2: May 2020
Baby #3: EDD May 2023; MC October 2022
Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering. I thought it did a great job of objectively laying out pros and cons of many procedures.
Oh and best advice - taking stool softeners starting in the hospital. Made that first one so much easier even if it still hurt like crazy!
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21280989
DD1 born 3.2014
DD2 born 4.2017
DD1 born 5/24/10.
Missed M/C at 14 wks Feb 2012.
DD2 born 5/14/13.
Missed M/C at 9 wks July 2015.
I bought toiletries for my hospital bag today. It's getting real. Though I really only bought them today because I needed cash from CVS and couldn't think of what else I needed haha...
DD #2: May 2020
Baby #3: EDD May 2023; MC October 2022
DH: 30 year old pneumatic electrical engineer
BFP: June 25, 2016 and MC: July 3, 2016
DD2: April 16, 2017
BFP: November 30, 2018 EDD: August 14, 2019
DD1 born 3.2014
DD2 born 4.2017
Also, does anyone have experiences with birthing balls?
My DH: French guy, car fanatic, best husband ever.
Our baby boy: Due on 17 April, currently 37 weeks. I can't believe it - I made it to full term!!!!
Last measurement: 3150 gs at 37+1! This is going to be a big baby
DD1 born 5/24/10.
Missed M/C at 14 wks Feb 2012.
DD2 born 5/14/13.
Missed M/C at 9 wks July 2015.
I love my birth ball for sitting on while pregnant but found it too intense to sit on during labor. I did lean on it a bit. I've also heard great things about peanut balls, especially while confined in bed with an epidural.
DD1 born 3.2014
DD2 born 4.2017
This is a different way to switch up the dates. I didn't ever really tire of them, but I like dates. I gained less with the date-eating pregnancy and no cavities. Who knows if it helped speed labor, but I'm doing it again just in case it was a factor.
https://gethealthyandfitwithme.blogspot.com/2012/08/frothy-cantaloupe-slush.html
DD1 born 5/24/10.
Missed M/C at 14 wks Feb 2012.
DD2 born 5/14/13.
Missed M/C at 9 wks July 2015.
I only have experience with mesh panties, and I really liked how comfortable they were. I was only able to snag 2 pairs from the hospital, but probably could have used 3-4 more. Amazon has 6 pairs for $12.99 plus free shipping, so I'm tempted to just buy some now while I'm thinking about it.
The depends silhouette adult diapers are about $12 at Walmart and come in a 12 count pack. Are the adult diapers snugger around the waist and thighs? If they are, I may opt for the mesh panties since they aren't constricting.
What are y'alls takes on this?
I can't do adult diapers. It was super uncomfortable for me. I prefer giant pads with mesh undies a million times over. When I tried Depends with DD1 I literally used 1 and gave the rest to a friend. I just couldn't deal.
Once I am hope I just use cloth post-partum pads, which are more comfy than disposable pads.
DD1 born 5/24/10.
Missed M/C at 14 wks Feb 2012.
DD2 born 5/14/13.
Missed M/C at 9 wks July 2015.
Do not pay for mesh panties. The hospital will give you a lot more if you ask. Also the moms on my local groups are always giving away extra pp supplies (Dermoplast spray, mesh undies, sitz bottles, etc).
IVF FET - BFP, due April 2017
DH: 30 year old pneumatic electrical engineer
BFP: June 25, 2016 and MC: July 3, 2016
DD2: April 16, 2017
BFP: November 30, 2018 EDD: August 14, 2019
It really is a personal preference though...my SILs looked at me like I had 3 heads when I said that I didn't like the adult diapers, haha. I would suggest getting a pack and taking a bunch of the mesh panties from the hospital so that you have options.