@yellow1daisy have you met with a lactation consultant, the struggle is real and there might be a medical reason. I was unable to breast feed, produced less the 2oz in a day, it was hard not to feel like a failure, after meeting with a consultant that told me I didn't have many milk ducts due to a development issue either in utero or puberty it made me realize sometimes there is literally nothing you can do and thankful that formula options have come a long way. I still nursed the first week with my twins (bonding, small amounts of colostrum) but started supplementing within 24hours of their birth and it was much less stressful and disappointing for me. I've also had a few friends who struggled with supply one pregnancy and had better luck their with their 2nd one.
I have a really dumb question, but apparently all I read is propaganda. People have gained weight while breastfeeding and then had trouble losing it? Do most people gain weight? I feel like I've been lied to.
I have a really dumb question, but apparently all I read is propaganda. People have gained weight while breastfeeding and then had trouble losing it? Do most people gain weight? I feel like I've been lied to.
I think a lot of it depends on your diet. I found that a lot of people myself included use breastfeeding as an excuse to have extended pregnancy cravings and eating habits. I fell into that trap for a bit but once I realized what I was doing I cleaned up my diet and lost a ton of weight. I know breastfeeding was helping me because I kept the same diet and workout routine once I stopped nursing and the weight stopped falling off.
@theweevee I actually gained last time, but I was super unhealthy too. I didn't exercise and I ate whatever I wanted. I also have Hashimoto's thyroiditis and I was 225lbs. I'm interested to see how it works for me this time. I eat a lot healthier now than I did then and I'm fairly active. I think it really does depend on how sedentary you are and your diet. It's kind of like when your pregnant. You're not actually eating for two. Your body only needs and uses a certain number of calories for breastfeeding. If you over indulge, you'll probably gain weight.
I have a really dumb question, but apparently all I read is propaganda. People have gained weight while breastfeeding and then had trouble losing it? Do most people gain weight? I feel like I've been lied to.
I think it really depends on the person. I lost weight while breastfeeding, but one of the be side effects of breastfeeding is being hungry all the time. I needed to eat constantly, and would honestly have like a primal instinct to be defensive about my food. Like if there was one slice of pizza left, I would have to stop myself from literally running for it. LOL. So I think it depends on how you choose to satisfy that urge to eat, and I also think it depends a lot on a person's hormonal/chemical makeup. From what I've read, MOST people lose weight while BFing, but not everyone.
I have a really dumb question, but apparently all I read is propaganda. People have gained weight while breastfeeding and then had trouble losing it? Do most people gain weight? I feel like I've been lied to.
It depends. Breastfeeding does burn a lot of calories so you need to eat about 500 extra calories a day...but that is 500 calories more than a healthy person your size, not an extra 500 calories on top of an already over-indulging diet (not you personally, the general you).
So if a breastfeeding mom eats unhealthy, doesn't exercise, over indulges (and possible other factors), then yes you can absolutely gain weight and struggle to lose it. I didn't gain more weight while breastfeeding, but I certainly didn't lose weight either, if that makes sense. It only took a few weeks to get back down to my pre-baby weight, BUT I only gained 18 lbs in pregnancy and lost most of that the day baby was born. So I don't really consider that a massive amount of weight lost due to breastfeeding.
Do most women gain weight breastfeeding? My answer would be no, especially if you take good care of your body and exercise But I wouldn't expect a miraculous amount of weight loss either.
@theweevee Breastfeeding made me super hungry. I ate healthy food and worked out, but it didn't help, and I gained weight. I also had a very stressful life once DS was 9 months old, because DH had a stroke. So for me, it could have been overeating, but it was most likely stress.
I have a really dumb question, but apparently all I read is propaganda. People have gained weight while breastfeeding and then had trouble losing it? Do most people gain weight? I feel like I've been lied to.
Hmmm, well most of the time the issue is that it makes you REALLY hungry, and people tend to reach for what's easy and not necessarily healthy. I gained a few and then realized my mistake and started prepping healthy foods so I had something good BEFORE I got to the point of starving.
I can honestly say I have NEVER lost weight while breastfeeding. Once I finished though, I did notice the weight came off (still had to work at it). It's totally selfish of me, but that's one of the main reasons I don't like breastfeeding
@munchkinsmama I did actually meet with one, but besides my flat-ish nipples, she didn't note anything that would be a problem. Then she suggested we use a nipple shield (even though my daughter was latching fine in my opinion), and that made the whole thing even harder because then it came to a point where my daughter wouldn't nurse without it. Had to use it all 14 months of our nursing relationship. Had to have that piece of silicone clean and on me at all times; never again! But I produced 20-something ounces a day for a little while after a lot of hard work, but as soon as I tried to dial back the pumping a little in order to get my life back (the pumping that I was doing in addition to nursing full time that is ), my supply started to dip again.
The pediatrician's theory is that the nature of my daughter's birth is the cause of my struggles with BF. I wasn't able to even see her until 8 hours after she was born, she didn't nurse until day 2, she had severe jaundice and therefore slept through feedings---the NICU nurses didn't suggest trying to wake her, they only called my room whenever she woke, my milk didn't come in until day 6 PP, and her jaundice got to the point where we HAD to supplement. So a culmination of all those things kinda set us up for failure. I really do hope this second time around is better. But I THINK I know better than to let it depress me again.
---
oh and yeah I'm in the gained weight while BF camp. And my diet is/was very healthy. I just ate A LOT. And was home a lot because trying to make BF work was taking up ALL my time, so all I would do is eat lol. I would eat and my stomach would feel empty minutes later. It was the most intense hunger ever. I'm hoping I'll know better this time around regarding this too, but honestly my memories of the hunger are that it is VERY hard to ignore. And the feeling like I had to eat or my supply would disappear didn't help either.
BFP May 2013 - MMC at 8 weeks BFP September 2013 - MMC at 12 weeks BFP February 2014 - early loss/CP at 4.5 weeks BFP May 2014 - MMC/ complete molar pregnancy at 11 weeks BFP December 2015 - DD born 8/18/2015 BFP November 2016 - pending...
I keep reading that you shouldn't lie on your back from ~2nd trimester on because of blood flow, etc. This sounds silly, but what exactly is considered lying down? I just realize that I spend a good part of my days off reclining on the couch, propped up with pillows and my feet out in front of me. I would say my torso is at about a 45 degree angle, and my feet are horizontal to the floor. Is this 'too much' lying down? Or am I overthinking things (Who, me? Never!) and it's no big deal? Also, if it makes any difference, I am 17 weeks and change. Love!
Ok ladies, I have a dumb question that doesn't pertain to pregnancy at all. I love growing my own tomatoes, and my question is how do you puree them into a sauce for chili / pasta without them getting all foamy?
I've never made tomato purée with fresh tomatoes (always roast them) and without adding olive oil so maybe oil and roasting prevents it from being foamy?
@sehp8b I asked my chiropractor about this, because I lie on my couch the same way. He said that the magic recline is somewhere at/above 45 degrees, and it's better if I prop or bend my legs, to limit the weight of the baby on whatever vein it is that gets squished. Also, that I should try to roll at least a little bit onto one hip. If I start to feel "off" (dizzy, tingly, lightheaded, etc) I'm supposed to readjust. This is all for lower-risk pregnancies. If you have a medical condition like a blood pressure issue or diabetes, or if you're heavier or carrying multiples, or something, it might be different. Also, toward the last 4-6 weeks he wants me fully upright, even leaning forward sometimes, to help get the baby into the proper position (apparently lying on your back at that stage increases the risk of baby facing up, instead of toward your back which is ideal).
Anyone have a recommendation for a pregnancy-safe facial cleanser, preferably that exfoliates? I've been lucky to have a decent complexion pre-pregnancy and would only wash with dove soap but lately I've had a few problem areas and my face feels oily all the time. I have very sensitive skin so it would need to be mild.
@CarsonsMommy your post re: tomatoes made me think of my grandfather, who grew the most amazing tomatoes and would make his own sauce and paste. Unfortunately he has dementia so it has been many years since he kept a garden but my family managed to keep seeds from his plants. DH and I hope to do a small box garden this year so we can enjoy 'his' tomatoes.
Anyone have a recommendation for a pregnancy-safe facial cleanser, preferably that exfoliates? I've been lucky to have a decent complexion pre-pregnancy and would only wash with dove soap but lately I've had a few problem areas and my face feels oily all the time. I have very sensitive skin so it would need to be mild.
I've had really good luck with Belli (I bought it at Ulta). It's pregnancy safe and has really helped to tone down my breakouts. I bought the cleanser, spot treatment, and lotion. It was a little more money than I wanted to spend, but it's worked well and I got a free stretch mark reducing cream.
I use a mix of baking soda and matcha green tea exfoliator(iv mixed them up in a bottle) a few times a week mixed with my Green tea cleanser. @oheliza44
Anyone have a recommendation for a pregnancy-safe facial cleanser, preferably that exfoliates? I've been lucky to have a decent complexion pre-pregnancy and would only wash with dove soap but lately I've had a few problem areas and my face feels oily all the time. I have very sensitive skin so it would need to be mild.
@CarsonsMommy your post re: tomatoes made me think of my grandfather, who grew the most amazing tomatoes and would make his own sauce and paste. Unfortunately he has dementia so it has been many years since he kept a garden but my family managed to keep seeds from his plants. DH and I hope to do a small box garden this year so we can enjoy 'his' tomatoes.
That sounds great, I wish sucess with growing and breeding them!!! My grandad has alzheimers and unfortunately, it has turned into full dementia as well. It is difficult to see them like that, but I try to keep his active loving memories alive in my head.
A great pregnancy safe cleanser is Murads Pomegranate cleanser, basic, but safe and effective and great for pores. You don't want a daily cleanser that exfoliates because even if it is gentle, you can easily overdo it.
I recommend Murad Pomegranate enzyme exfoliator (deemed safer than any acid exfoliator during during pregnancy). Ulta and sephora should sell both of these, and if you have a Massage Envy near you, they have Murad across an entire wall usually. I also love their Vitamin C cleanser.
Another good line to check out is Kerstin Florian. This line is organic and very effective.
@oheliza44 what do you use for moisturizer? I used to use dove for my face and hormones tend to make my face more oily etc too. I don't know if it's just this pregnancy but I haven't changed my regimen and haven't broken out at all (except for a random hormonal zit and bacne but that's another problem) - before you buy anything, I'd suggest trying apple cider vinegar (diluted with 50%water) as a toner after you wash your face and then moisturizer with coconut oil and see how you do with that. I use an oil cleanser (counterintuitive for oily skin but it's amazing), acv toner, spritz of rosewater, and coconut oil moisturizer. In the morning, I just splash with water, a little witch hazel toner, and a light moisturizer and spf.
@satsumasandlemons I am pretty loyal to Clinique products and have used their gel moisturizer, eye cream, and night cream for years without issue. Whatever is going on with my skin is definitely hormonal- I never used to have an oily sheen on my face but now no matter how often I wash it it still feels that way. It also feels gritty (for lack of better ways to say it) hence why I think I need an exfoliator as well. I thought I got lucky and avoided skin issues because I didn't have any during the first tri... guess not.
I LOVE this brand. I found it at Target in the maternity section near the pharmacy. It's where you can find Preggie Pops and prenatals too. I tried it on a whim since it's 100% natural and claimed to help with breakouts. It really does work! I'll probably keep using it even after this baby is born. It works better than the fancy anti-acne soap I used to use. They also have a moisturizer but I haven't tried it yet. I'll probably pick some up though next time I'm buying face soap.
Okay to go to concerts while pregnant? I have 2 coming up ... one in March and one in May although the May ones I purchased for my husband. I think I'll be too pregnant to even want to go so I might tell him to bring a friend haha! But I'm really looking forward to the one in March. I'll be on the floor but seated, not in general admin.
@stokesm21 I don't see why not.... I mean maybe it would be too loud for the fetus? That's the only thing I've got. And I have no idea if that's valid at all or not.
So my BDQ: Can you feel your placenta/veins pulsing in your stomach? At first I thought those little movements were baby, but it keeps getting stronger, and now I can tell that is rhythmic. I still feel baby flips and rolls that are not that, but I'm starting to think that the pulses are not baby now that they are so strong and on a beat. My placenta at least was anterior, and apparently there is a big vein that runs down the uterus??
Hubby and Me Friends since 2008 Started dating: July 1st, 2013 Engaged: July 1st, 2014 Married: July 1st, 2016 R born: July 8th, 2017 N born: June 30th, 2019 Baby #3 Due: July 7th, 2022 (maybe I only ovulate in October XD)
Okay to go to concerts while pregnant? I have 2 coming up ... one in March and one in May although the May ones I purchased for my husband. I think I'll be too pregnant to even want to go so I might tell him to bring a friend haha! But I'm really looking forward to the one in March. I'll be on the floor but seated, not in general admin.
I don't see why not, unless it's indoor and they allow smoking (not sure many places still do anymore, unless it's a really small venue). Also I went to a concert right after finding out I was pregnant, and the "smoke" from the smoke machine on stage really bothered me.
@stokesm21 I don't see why not.... I mean maybe it would be too loud for the fetus? That's the only thing I've got. And I have no idea if that's valid at all or not.
So my BDQ: Can you feel your placenta/veins pulsing in your stomach? At first I thought those little movements were baby, but it keeps getting stronger, and now I can tell that is rhythmic. I still feel baby flips and rolls that are not that, but I'm starting to think that the pulses are not baby now that they are so strong and on a beat. My placenta at least was anterior, and apparently there is a big vein that runs down the uterus??
How fast is it? If it's in sync with your heart rate it's probably your pulse.
How often do you feel it (always, or just sometimes)? I felt something rhythmic a few days ago but it was super slow (like every 5-6 seconds) so I was assuming maybe she had hiccups?
@stokesm21 it really depends on the genre of the music, and how big your venue is. i would just avoid anything that's too loud or too erratic(like a rave.. ) otherwise you should be fine.
@kerils@kat0607@BusyZee I don't expect smoke machines or anything, he doesn't strike me as that kind of guy haha! It's Chris Stapleton so it's country but he's a little more "homey" and not pop-country like FGL or any of those guys. It's a massive venue like a stadium. I hope there won't be smoking (can't say I've never smoked in there during a concert because I have lol when I was in my teens) but they do a pretty good job of pulling those people off the floor.
I think it will be cool to tell her she went to a concert in my belly haha! :P I don't normally waste money on concerts. I only go for people that I really want to see rather than everyone that I like. He is the exception. I had actually sold the tickets (stupid purchase at a time that I couldn't afford it) but they are already paid off by now and the family member ended up having a couple's weekend booked so she couldn't go anymore. Which worked out perfect because the closer it got the more I wanted to go. Not sure how I'll do with my anxiety but here's hoping LOL!
I went to a Bruno Mars concert when I was pregnant with DD. Doctor said it was fine to go and DD came out perfectly fine with no hearing issues whatsoever. Pretty sure things are super muffled in there.
@kerils@kat0607@BusyZee I don't expect smoke machines or anything, he doesn't strike me as that kind of guy haha! It's Chris Stapleton so it's country but he's a little more "homey" and not pop-country like FGL or any of those guys. It's a massive venue like a stadium. I hope there won't be smoking (can't say I've never smoked in there during a concert because I have lol when I was in my teens) but they do a pretty good job of pulling those people off the floor.
I think it will be cool to tell her she went to a concert in my belly haha! :P I don't normally waste money on concerts. I only go for people that I really want to see rather than everyone that I like. He is the exception. I had actually sold the tickets (stupid purchase at a time that I couldn't afford it) but they are already paid off by now and the family member ended up having a couple's weekend booked so she couldn't go anymore. Which worked out perfect because the closer it got the more I wanted to go. Not sure how I'll do with my anxiety but here's hoping LOL!
I went to a few including Coachella; we had a blast. Got pretty close to the stage for arcade fire, too, and didn't feel like it was too loud or unsafe. Doctor said it was fine and to just make sure I was super hydrated and take it easy with the walking. She was right - I think I overdid it with the walking and had to take a day after we got back to just lie down. Honestly I was more worried about watching Bridesmaids in theater at like 35 weeks sitting in the front seats - not only was it loud, but I was laughing so hard and dd was moving around so much I seriously thought a few times I'd have to leave in case I laugh myself into labor or something.
@oheliza44 I know that feeling exactly. Definitely try the apple cider vinegar but I did pick up some alba exfoliator from sprouts because I felt like there was so much to slough off - and it felt good!!
Okay to go to concerts while pregnant? I have 2 coming up ... one in March and one in May although the May ones I purchased for my husband. I think I'll be too pregnant to even want to go so I might tell him to bring a friend haha! But I'm really looking forward to the one in March. I'll be on the floor but seated, not in general admin.
Hell yeah it's okay, if you're feeling up for it! Enjoy!
And I'm here again lol! Just read an article on labour stating that you should go to the hospital when contractions are 5 minutes apart, 1 minute long but my hospital is about 45 mins away. It's all highway and if it's in the evening or middle of the night it will take no time to get there but that's obviously no guarantee. Should I plan to leave sooner?
Re: Big Dumb Q's Thread 2/17/17
So if a breastfeeding mom eats unhealthy, doesn't exercise, over indulges (and possible other factors), then yes you can absolutely gain weight and struggle to lose it. I didn't gain more weight while breastfeeding, but I certainly didn't lose weight either, if that makes sense. It only took a few weeks to get back down to my pre-baby weight, BUT I only gained 18 lbs in pregnancy and lost most of that the day baby was born. So I don't really consider that a massive amount of weight lost due to breastfeeding.
Do most women gain weight breastfeeding? My answer would be no, especially if you take good care of your body and exercise But I wouldn't expect a miraculous amount of weight loss either.
my happy boy
well maybe the deodorant doesn't matter......
The pediatrician's theory is that the nature of my daughter's birth is the cause of my struggles with BF. I wasn't able to even see her until 8 hours after she was born, she didn't nurse until day 2, she had severe jaundice and therefore slept through feedings---the NICU nurses didn't suggest trying to wake her, they only called my room whenever she woke, my milk didn't come in until day 6 PP, and her jaundice got to the point where we HAD to supplement. So a culmination of all those things kinda set us up for failure. I really do hope this second time around is better. But I THINK I know better than to let it depress me again.
---
oh and yeah I'm in the gained weight while BF camp. And my diet is/was very healthy. I just ate A LOT. And was home a lot because trying to make BF work was taking up ALL my time, so all I would do is eat lol. I would eat and my stomach would feel empty minutes later. It was the most intense hunger ever. I'm hoping I'll know better this time around regarding this too, but honestly my memories of the hunger are that it is VERY hard to ignore. And the feeling like I had to eat or my supply would disappear didn't help either.
BFP September 2013 - MMC at 12 weeks
BFP February 2014 - early loss/CP at 4.5 weeks
BFP May 2014 - MMC/ complete molar pregnancy at 11 weeks
BFP December 2015 - DD born 8/18/2015
BFP November 2016 - pending...
https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-basic-tomato-sauce-with-fresh-tomatoes-cooking-lessons-from-the-kitchn-193622
I like my sauce really smooth so I puree it twice - once before I freeze it and again after I thaw it, if you are going to preserve it for later.
CP 3/2019
@CarsonsMommy your post re: tomatoes made me think of my grandfather, who grew the most amazing tomatoes and would make his own sauce and paste. Unfortunately he has dementia so it has been many years since he kept a garden but my family managed to keep seeds from his plants. DH and I hope to do a small box garden this year so we can enjoy 'his' tomatoes.
I use Mario badescu enzyme cleanser https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/mario-badescu-enzyme-cleansing-gel/2920704?cm_mmc=google-_-productads-_-Women:Skin_BodyTreatment:Cleanser-_-176007&rkg_id=h-1aec0e3956711b2fe84ede75d29c2a87_t-1487563087&adpos=1o1&creative=145518892750&device=c&network=g&gclid=CLW_mavkndICFQcDaQodDdgNeA and then they have an exfoliator I use every once in awhile made out of strawberries. I found things online that said it was safe--and had been using prebaby. That said, the Mario cleanser doesn't always do the best job at getting all my make up off-- so definitely try it first. If you want to try mario's stuff, you can full out an online form and they send you a trial of lots of it free. And ulta has a mini of the cleaner for $8 or something.
That sounds great, I wish sucess with growing and breeding them!!! My grandad has alzheimers and unfortunately, it has turned into full dementia as well. It is difficult to see them like that, but I try to keep his active loving memories alive in my head.
A great pregnancy safe cleanser is Murads Pomegranate cleanser, basic, but safe and effective and great for pores. You don't want a daily cleanser that exfoliates because even if it is gentle, you can easily overdo it.
I recommend Murad Pomegranate enzyme exfoliator (deemed safer than any acid exfoliator during during pregnancy). Ulta and sephora should sell both of these, and if you have a Massage Envy near you, they have Murad across an entire wall usually. I also love their Vitamin C cleanser.
Another good line to check out is Kerstin Florian. This line is organic and very effective.
I used to use dove for my face and hormones tend to make my face more oily etc too. I don't know if it's just this pregnancy but I haven't changed my regimen and haven't broken out at all (except for a random hormonal zit and bacne but that's another problem) - before you buy anything, I'd suggest trying apple cider vinegar (diluted with 50%water) as a toner after you wash your face and then moisturizer with coconut oil and see how you do with that.
I use an oil cleanser (counterintuitive for oily skin but it's amazing), acv toner, spritz of rosewater, and coconut oil moisturizer. In the morning, I just splash with water, a little witch hazel toner, and a light moisturizer and spf.
@satsumasandlemons I am pretty loyal to Clinique products and have used their gel moisturizer, eye cream, and night cream for years without issue. Whatever is going on with my skin is definitely hormonal- I never used to have an oily sheen on my face but now no matter how often I wash it it still feels that way. It also feels gritty (for lack of better ways to say it) hence why I think I need an exfoliator as well. I thought I got lucky and avoided skin issues because I didn't have any during the first tri... guess not.
https://www.mumsienaturals.com/gentle-cleansing-facial-wash/
Met: 08/2001 ~ Dating: 07/2004 ~ Engaged: 11/2009 ~ Married: 06/2011
TTC: Since 09/16 ~ BFP 10/28/16 ~ EDD 7/5/17
Team Pink * Canadian Bumpie
So my BDQ: Can you feel your placenta/veins pulsing in your stomach? At first I thought those little movements were baby, but it keeps getting stronger, and now I can tell that is rhythmic. I still feel baby flips and rolls that are not that, but I'm starting to think that the pulses are not baby now that they are so strong and on a beat. My placenta at least was anterior, and apparently there is a big vein that runs down the uterus??
Friends since 2008
Started dating: July 1st, 2013
Engaged: July 1st, 2014
Married: July 1st, 2016
R born: July 8th, 2017
N born: June 30th, 2019
Baby #3 Due: July 7th, 2022
(maybe I only ovulate in October XD)
How often do you feel it (always, or just sometimes)? I felt something rhythmic a few days ago but it was super slow (like every 5-6 seconds) so I was assuming maybe she had hiccups?
I think it will be cool to tell her she went to a concert in my belly haha! :P I don't normally waste money on concerts. I only go for people that I really want to see rather than everyone that I like. He is the exception. I had actually sold the tickets (stupid purchase at a time that I couldn't afford it) but they are already paid off by now and the family member ended up having a couple's weekend booked so she couldn't go anymore. Which worked out perfect because the closer it got the more I wanted to go. Not sure how I'll do with my anxiety but here's hoping LOL!
Met: 08/2001 ~ Dating: 07/2004 ~ Engaged: 11/2009 ~ Married: 06/2011
TTC: Since 09/16 ~ BFP 10/28/16 ~ EDD 7/5/17
Team Pink * Canadian Bumpie
Honestly I was more worried about watching Bridesmaids in theater at like 35 weeks sitting in the front seats - not only was it loud, but I was laughing so hard and dd was moving around so much I seriously thought a few times I'd have to leave in case I laugh myself into labor or something.
Married: 06-2024
TTC #1: Since November 2015
Restarted TTC "count" Oct. 2016
due to previous issues.
***TW***
BFP: 11/4/2016
BFP: 07/17/2024
Met: 08/2001 ~ Dating: 07/2004 ~ Engaged: 11/2009 ~ Married: 06/2011
TTC: Since 09/16 ~ BFP 10/28/16 ~ EDD 7/5/17
Team Pink * Canadian Bumpie