First Time Mom Check In with Questions for Second Time + Moms

BecauseLove · March 2017

How far along are you?

When are you due?

Upcoming appointments this week?

Rants about being pregnant?

Raves about being pregnant?

GTKY: Are you reading any blogs or books about being pregnant or baby development or life after birth? If so, what are you reading?

Questions for 2nd + Time Moms:

BecauseLove · March 2017

How far along are you? 11 Weeks

When are you due? 9/27

Upcoming appointments this week? Thursday 1st Delivery Dr appointment

Rants about being pregnant? Sneezing...I sneeze all the time. Also the gas/bloat, heartburn etc and the constant hunger. Also being nervous constantly if she is ok...that if my symptoms get lighter is she ok...that I don't have another US until around maybe 16 weeks and I dont know how I just trust that everything is ok.

Raves about being pregnant?

GTKY: Are you reading any blogs or books about being pregnant or baby development or life after birth? If so, what are you reading?
Slacking so far and I haven't really read anything. My husband got a book called when your wife is expecting or something like that...he is planning on reading it when we go on vacation in a few weeks (I will believe it when I see it).

Questions for 2nd + Time Moms:

1. Any advice for traveling with baby?
2. After the baby was born did any of you super utilize your Mom or Mother In Law for support and care?
3. Did you get an epidural and if so did you have any regrets?
4. Did you get massages while you were pregnant and if so how early in the pregnancy?
5. Did you go to a chiropractor while you were pregnant and if so how early in the pregnancy?

BigBadWolf12 · March 2017

How far along are you? 11+2

When are you due? Sept 24

Upcoming appointments this week? not until April 24 at 18+1

Rants about being pregnant? not about being pregnant, but I'm ready for second tri and to have a growing bump. It's like the only confirmation that this baby is real will happen in the second half of the pregnancy...that's when I am allowed to have regular appointments, that's when I'll start to see and feel baby...just gotta make it there with sanity in tact!

Raves about being pregnant? just imagining LO growing inside me is so fun. A friend gave me this link and I keep watching it:

https://www.msichicago.org/fileadmin/assets/online_science/games/make_room/v2/mrfb.html

GTKY: Are you reading any blogs or books about being pregnant or baby development or life after birth? If so, what are you reading? Mayo Clinic guide to pregnancy book.

Questions for 2nd + Time Moms:

I live in Europe and all family live in Canada. My mom will be coming over for a while (i imagine a month to 6 weeks, but nothing's confirmed). I don't know whether to suggest she come close to my due date or a couple weeks after my due date in case I'm late and/or in case I don't want her in my hair right away. Basically what was your experience in the balance of "I want help with this tiny crying human!" and "I don't want people in my space, I just want to be US"?

MyNamesTaken · March 2017

1. Any advice for traveling with baby? We only travelled by car until DS was almost one. Plan extra time and leave early because you will inevitably stop a few times.

2. After the baby was born did any of you super utilize your Mom or Mother In Law for support and care? Mine are both deceased. Would have killed for my mom to be around, but luckily my SIL and my aunts were very supportive. I also had a couple friends who gave birth around when I did so we were in constant contact.

3. Did you get an epidural and if so did you have any regrets? Yes and I loved it! No regrets. I feel like a lot of FTMs are worried because they feel they will be less connected to the process if they're just numb. I could still feel everything and knew when to push, when to hold off, where DS was, etc. It just didn't hurt. Great experience with it.

4. Did you get massages while you were pregnant and if so how early in the pregnancy? All the way through. Mine had the pillows that let me lie on my stomach. I would have paid just to do that for an hour in 3rd tri! She also gave me an induction massage a few days before DS arrived.

5. Did you go to a chiropractor while you were pregnant and if so how early in the pregnancy? Nope.

mightymcqueen · March 2017

How far along are you/When are you due? 13 weeks / September 13th

Upcoming appointments this week? I have my nuchal ultrasound on Monday, which I'm super excited about.

Rants about being pregnant? I've been taking Unisom for my nausea/morning sickness, and I am so sick and tired of feeling sick and tired.

Raves about being pregnant? I'm just so stoked to be having a baby, nothing can really bring me down right now.

GTKY: Are you reading any blogs or books about being pregnant or baby development or life after birth? If so, what are you reading? I read a lot of stuff before I started TTC-ing, so I'm not really reading anything right now. I'm afraid of seeing something that will freak me out.

mercury94 · March 2017

How far along are you? 11w5d

When are you due? 9/22

Upcoming appointments this week? NT on Friday at 12 weeks. Nervous and excited.

Rants about being pregnant? Will I ever stop yawning? Seriously, I don't remember what it's like to not be tired. Also, getting hard to hide pregnancy, because everyone keeps telling me how tired I look and I don't have a good excuse for it.

Raves about being pregnant? I'm just so excited to get to be a mom. It's pretty much the only thing I've ever really wanted.

GTKY: Are you reading any blogs or books about being pregnant or baby development or life after birth? If so, what are you reading? I bought What to Expect, but I haven't read too much of it. By the time I get home from work, I just want to crash.

mcoleman1007 · March 2017

1. Any advice for traveling with baby? We took a 5 hour plane ride when my LO was 5 months. Advice is to have your partner get on the plane first and get luggage and everything packed away and you and baby get on plane at last possible second. Bring 2 change of clothes, lots of diapers and wipes! Bring a few new toys/books for baby that they haven't played with yet and if you are breastfeeding, feed baby during take off and landing to help with any ear popping issues!

2. After the baby was born did any of you super utilize your Mom or Mother In Law for support and care? luckily, both my mom and MIL live close by and were nice enough to help out in any way possible. Sometimes that meant coming over while I took a shower, cleaned up the house, went shopping, etc.

3. Did you get an epidural and if so did you have any regrets? Yes and wouldn't change my mind for anything! I was in A LOT of pain to the point where I couldn't focus on anything else. After the epidural, I finally felt relief and could actually focus on getting that baby out!

4. Did you get massages while you were pregnant and if so how early in the pregnancy? i think I only got one when I was in the second trimester. It was definitely nice and helped with some aches and pains!

5. Did you go to a chiropractor while you were pregnant and if so how early in the pregnancy? No.

sarahufl · March 2017

1. Any advice for traveling with baby? We travel with DD all the time- it has gotten more challenging as she has gotten older but was super easy for the first 6 months or so. Carriers come in handy because you have the hands to hold other things and put stuff in the overheads, etc. Don't overpack and make sure you have extra clothes and toys. DD wears feety pajamas so we don't have to deal with socks or shoes or anything.
2. After the baby was born did any of you super utilize your Mom or Mother In Law for support and care? No, and I didn't want to. MIL lives nearby but my parents are a plane ride away. I honestly just didn't want anyone in my house for awhile except me, H and DD.
3. Did you get an epidural and if so did you have any regrets? Yes, and no regrets. I was in labor for a really long time and without the epidural, I would have had no energy when it came to pushing.
4. Did you get massages while you were pregnant and if so how early in the pregnancy? no
5. Did you go to a chiropractor while you were pregnant and if so how early in the pregnancy? no

mrs_tacos · March 2017

How far along are you? 13+3 based on LMP, 12+2 based on my new due date

When are you due? Sep. 18.

Upcoming appointments this week? Ultrasound and general appointment/blood draw yesterday, NT scan tomorrow

Rants about being pregnant? pelvic pain, heartburn, and evening nausea all suck big time. Also, I really hate having my blood drawn.

Raves about being pregnant? Seeing baby yesterday was amazing! He/she was very active, and it was just incredible to finally see a tiny person living inside me. I am so in love!

GTKY: Are you reading any blogs or books about being pregnant or baby development or life after birth? If so, what are you reading? I'm reading From the Hips and Expecting Better about pregnancy, and I just ordered Ina May's Guide to Breastfeeding. I have several books friend's have loaned me about parenting a baby, but I haven't gotten around to reading them yet.

Questions for 2nd + Time Moms: None today.

awildrose · March 2017

@BecauseLove

My mom stayed with me the first week home with each baby. She cooked and cleaned and cuddled baby while I showered. Such an amazing amount of help. She has a different job now she won't be able to take that time off when my Sept Baby is born, and I'm already sad about it.

Take your manual pump on road trips. Pump, pop a nipple on top, and hand that bottle back to baby! And be prepared to stop often. Travel the first couple months was the hardest.

I saw a chiropractor all of third trimester with my second baby. And my OB referred me out as soon as I hit 12 weeks this go around. I'll see the chiropractor in schedule with each OB appointment- once a month for now, then twice a month, and weekly at the end.

ColoradoHiker · March 2017

@BecauseLove

1. Any advice for traveling with baby? Depends on the kind of traveling? It's so so so much easier when they are very tiny, especially in the car. I haven't flown with DS, so I can't comment on that.
2. After the baby was born did any of you super utilize your Mom or Mother In Law for support and care? My mom/ MIL both watch DS while we're at work. It's worked out well for us, and saved us thousands of dollar.
3. Did you get an epidural and if so did you have any regrets? No, but DS came fast, and he had heart rate problems, so I didn't have a choice. I haven't met anyone yet who has regrets, although I have read about residual head and back aches from it.
4. Did you get massages while you were pregnant and if so how early in the pregnancy? Nope.
5. Did you go to a chiropractor while you were pregnant and if so how early in the pregnancy? Nope.

awildrose · March 2017

@BecauseLove

I had an epi with my first and none with second. I had a bad epi experience. I know my epi experience was not how it should work in theory, but it was bad. I thoroughly enjoyed going med free with my second. Such a beautiful experience and had a much smoother recovery, too. I plan to go med-free again with #3 in Sept. (all hospital births, same hospital)

HollyGolightly09 · March 2017

ugh...posted on the wrong thread, lol... I'll be back here later.

ashley2824 · March 2017

Questions for 2nd + Time Moms:
1. Any advice for traveling with baby?
2. After the baby was born did any of you super utilize your Mom or Mother In Law for support and care?
3. Did you get an epidural and if so did you have any regrets?
4. Did you get massages while you were pregnant and if so how early in the pregnancy?
5. Did you go to a chiropractor while you were pregnant and if so how early in the pregnancy?

1. If your nursing, I've heard that's good. I traveled with a 6 month old and had a few bottles, binkies, and toys. She did great. She did poop on the way to our destination...that was fun
2. I'm not super close with my mom, but she was always there for questions, as was my MIL. I prefer to do things my own way anyway.
3. Got an epidural and did not regret a thing. Definitely getting one again (as long as I have time....big fear since it's my 2nd)
4. I got a massage in the 3rd tri, maybe 7/8 months? It was amazing. It was a gift from my MIL.
5. Didn't with my 1st. Started with this PG already. I asked my dr and she gave me the go ahead. I think I went around 9/10 weeks. Need to go again!

margareth-2 · March 2017

@awildrose I'm sorry to hear about your first experience. Do you (or anyone) have any suggestions about when to decide while you're in labor if you should go for the epidural or not? How bad would it have to get? I know that's a hard question to answer. But, yeah, I'm worried about the extreme pain.

sarahufl · March 2017

margareth said:

@awildrose I'm sorry to hear about your first experience. Do you (or anyone) have any suggestions about when to decide while you're in labor if you should go for the epidural or not? How bad would it have to get? I know that's a hard question to answer. But, yeah, I'm worried about the extreme pain.

For me, it was easy. I was in labor for a good 30 hours before we even got to the hospital. DD was born at 9lb, 5oz and was face up, which makes labor incredibly painful and slower. I didn't know it at the time, but it would be another 12 hours before she was born after checking in. I was vomiting and had diarrhea at home, so it had been a long time since I had anything substantial to eat. I got the epidural right away because I was exhausted and had no energy. I needed rest to be able to deliver. I don't regret a thing.

Texafornian · March 2017

@BecauseLove
1. Any advice for traveling with baby? When they're itty bitty it's a piece of cake...just remember to either nurse, give bottle or a pack upon take off and landing to pop their ears. It's easiest to travel with baby in a carrier. As toddlers between 1-2...got help you! They're still on your lap but squirmy. Bring new toys...and lots of snacks. Hate check the stroller...never check it.

2. After the baby was born did any of you super utilize your Mom or Mother In Law for support and care? My mom came for two days and got sick and went home lol...if you have the support, take it! Having food prepped ahead of time (freezer meals) or a relative around to cook and give you shower breaks is priceless.

3. Did you get an epidural and if so did you have any regrets? Yes...and no regrets. I was woozy and fainted in my recovery room and one leg stayed numb for 24hrs...that sucked. But it was so worth it to me. I say go as long as you can and be open to getting it if need be.

4. Did you get massages while you were pregnant and if so how early in the pregnancy?
You cant get a pregnancy massage until 3m or second tri. Yes, I had one ever few weeks. I did the one where you lie in your side with pillows as I was advised against the belly table ones...can't recall why.

5. Did you go to a chiropractor while you were pregnant and if so how early in the pregnancy?
Yes not until late in third tri. My tailbone was killing me and she popped it back into place. Make sure if you go that they're savvy with pregnant women as you'll need a specialized table for the tummy.

Texafornian · March 2017

@BigBadWolf12 only DH and I were at the hospital...our parents knew when I was going in and we called on the way home. My mom came the next day and my mil flew out two weeks after to help out so it wasn't everyone all at once. I think it's nicer to bond with baby and get acclimated before being bombarded by input etc.

awildrose · March 2017

@margareth

I had to go in with the mindset that I wasn't getting it or it would've be too easy to cave and possibly have another bad experience. I had back labour with both kids and that SUCKED. I had better pain management techniques with the second kiddo and I knew better how to expect I would react to things. I used the same doula so she knew how to read my pain and needs better, too. It was just all in all so much better the second time. I got the epi at 7cm right after my water broke with my first and was confined to my bed. My labour immediately slowed down which didn't help in all the other mess for it. The second time around I read Natural Hospital Birth and Ina May's Guide to Childbirth and felt like I had a much better mental idea of how my body would feel at different stages. I had requested no cervical checks and asked to not be offered pain meds unless I asked for them on my own. By the time I felt like it was getting to my breaking point I asked for a cervical check and was at a 9. It was sweet relief knowing I was that close- it gave me motivation to stick with what I was doing because it was working. It's not walk in the park, of course. But for me, it was a much more preferable way to birth than with the epi.

BigBadWolf12 · March 2017

@texafornian thanks. That helps. so would you tell your mom to book for 42 weeks ish? We have to decide well ahead of time unless she wants to fly standby, but I doubt she'll want to do that's :S

mrsvp614 · March 2017

How far along are you? 15 weeks

When are you due? 8/31

Upcoming appointments this week? Not until 3/21

Rants about being pregnant? Not really... I seemed to have it easy compared to others. It's better once people know, so you're free to talk about it and not lie about symptoms/not drinking.

Raves about being pregnant? I love imagining my future family and knowing there's a sweet LO growing inside me! I'm looking forward to having more of a bump, rather than looking heavier, and feeling LO more!

GTKY: Are you reading any blogs or books about being pregnant or baby development or life after birth? If so, what are you reading? I've been listening to the pregnancy podcast and the Birth Hour. I have a whole list of books on my kindle that I hope to get to eventually. I like all the information I can get!

Questions for 2nd + Time Moms: I see @awildrose mentioned a doula, and for others... I'm trying to decide if we can afford one, but I'd like feedback on your experience. I think it'd be great since I'm a FTM and want as few interventions as possible. I think it'd help DH know what to do and feel more prepared for labor/delivery as well.

sugarrush · March 2017

@BecauseLove i'll speak to your third question about the epidural. Hell yes I got one! It ended up not working on half of my body about halfway through 18 hrs of labor, and I think it was because it dislodged. In retrospect, I wish I would have asked them to re-do it. I ended up having it re-done anyway when I was in the OR for my csection. TBH, the epidural was no biggie, the nurse told me it would feel like a bee sting in my back, and I think it felt exactly like that. And it was relatively quick. I'd do it all over again in a heartbeat!

@BigBadWolf12 My mom lives halfway across the country from me, she flew in on March 25, and I was due April 3, and I didn't give birth until April 10. That was a lot of extra time with my mom! lol! It was nice but next time around I told her to come on my due date, or a few days before and we'll leave it at that. After I gave birth, I told her the first couple days at home I just wanted it to be me and DH, so she stayed at my aunts house and let us have our time. And then she was immensely helpful when I was re-hospitalized a week later due to complications from my csection, it was her and my DH taking care of our new baby because I couldn't, and for that I am forever grateful.

BigBadWolf12 · March 2017

@sugarrush thanks! That helps. We have no family here, so once she's here, she's staying in our apartment with us for 4-6 weeks, which is contributing to my hesitation... she's great though and we have a good relationship, so I just hope hormones don't get the better of me and make a normally fine situation be overwhelming...

Texafornian · March 2017

@BigBadWolf12 what's the least amount of notice she can have? I ask because maybe you can wait til you're 38w for her to book. Rule of thumb is that first time mom's deliver an average of one week late BUT I was induced at 38+5 so you juuuuust never know. I'd hate for you to be solo for 3-4wks. I'd go wit what @SugarRush said and maybe go with right around your due date or a little after. But if you can wait for her to book til after that 35ek mark you might know better IF you're a special circumstance and are going to labor sooner. (My DD had some heart rate dips so they just opted to error on the side of safety since she was cooked...wasn't some emergency

). But yea...I just told mom when I was on way to the hospital and that gave her a timeframe...

sugarrush · March 2017

@BigBadWolf12 Oh I totally feel you on the apartment, we were living in a 2 bedroom condo with our first! I was a little overwhelmed because my brother and his wife had also flown in from South Korea to see the new baby the day I was giving birth because everyone just assumed, for some reason, that i'd give birth on my due date (and they showed up at the hospital while I was in labor, I'll go into that story another time) and I was like there is no way we can house them at our place! So they stayed at a local hotel, but that still made me feel bad. Its a tough situation when everyone has good intentions to want to help and congratulate you, without stepping all over your new mommy toes! My husband's entire family also came over the day we came home from the hospital and I pretty much lost my shit and had a hormonal meltdown an hour into the visit, and everyone left pretty quickly afterward. Sorry not sorry for that one. I set pretty specific guidelines with what I was and wasn't okay with, yet everyone still showed up. Anyway, I digress.

BecauseLove · March 2017

MrsVP614 We just hired a doula because I wanted someone in the room that could support both me and my husband. He is the sweetest but not great at advocating or talking to people...and I really wanted him to have the support (other than me) to say something if I need something...and to have the doula help him with how to care for me as well as how to advocate for me. I also wanted someone that could help me through the labor that was really there just to help support me and that had a ton of knowledge (she has been part of over 100 births). At first it looked a little pricey but when I realized she would have to be on call, she would be there for our labor, and also for 2 visits before and 2 visits afterwards (and was willing to drive the 2 hours each way to our home) I was sure that the price was minimal.

BecauseLove · March 2017

Ladies you all have such great info! Thank you for sharing it with me!!

The reason I had asked about the epi...is because my SIL just had one and now has a lot of regrets as she has had a lot of back pain since the delivery (due to the epi). She was glad to have one at the moment...but said that the lasting impact wasn't worth it. PLus I had a good friend that had the experience where only half her body went numb and none of the dr's or nurses were willing to acknowledge that it wasn't the correct amount of pain relief.

I am keeping my options open...as I really just don't know how I will handle that level of pain. I don't want to say I will be tough and then turn out that I just can't handle it.

Thanks for sharing your experiences!! You guys are the best!! Love hearing the advice from you pro moms!!!

BigBadWolf12 · March 2017

@texafornian good idea. We always book our flights months and months in advance, but I wasn't really thinking that you CAN book them very short notice. I will start looking at prices now to see how drastically different they are to see if it would be unreasonable to wait that long to book.

@sugarrush we have a 3 bedroom apartment, so it's not small, but I would never ask my mom to stay at a hotel when we have a guest room. Having said that, it will be just her or just her and my dad for when he can have time off work (I imagine he'll wait until a few weeks after the due date since his time off is limited), so I won't have the same problem as you with DH's whole family moving in! (they're moving in for three weeks in July/August, but I imagine third tri hormones will be better than postpartum! so I have high hopes! lol)

Thanks again to you both

ColoradoHiker · March 2017

@BigBadWolf12 I think it depends on you, and how you deal with your mom. My in-laws stayed at a hotel in town after DS was born, and their help was amazing. They made dinner, washed dishes, and just held the baby when I (DH, too) needed naps, to take showers, etc. But, it was also only a couple of days, not weeks. If you think your mom might get on your nerves while you're recovering, or if you think you'll go all momma bear and not want to let anyone else really handle the baby, you may want to wait a few weeks. If you think she'll be awesomely helpful, I'd say aim for close to your due date.

Obviously, you never know when a baby will be born. DS was born 4 days early, after a membrane sweep. My bff's baby was born almost 2 weeks late, after many sweeps. It can go any which way, so timing is basically a crapshoot.

BigBadWolf12 · March 2017

@coloradohiker yea, I know you can't time it perfectly. I was more thinking do I want to completely avoid the chance of having my mom in my space in at least the first week by inviting her to come at like, 43 weeks when I KNOW if baby hasn't decided to come out, it will be ejected

I'll probably ask btdt moms I know once we go public to see their thoughts too. Just like the timing of the birth can go either way (early, late, who knows), my mom can also go either way....she normally is very "I don't want to step on your toes, you're an adult" but with her first grandbaby, all levelheadedness could go out the window

she's been judgmental of other people's parenting before, specifically that of her siblings who had children a decade or more after her, so I saw it, and I guess that's in the back of my mind....what if she judges me and gets bossy about things? either I bottle it up or I tell her I'm the mama now, my kid, my way....and I think either way would end up being bad. I am totally putting the cart before the horse here though.. I'm not even in second tri and I'm worried about having my mom live with us for 4-6 weeks in "4th" trimester

ColoradoHiker · March 2017

@BigBadWolf12 It's really interesting to see how parents change once they become grandparents. My mom is definitely protective of DS, but I think she also wishes he would stay a baby forever, haha. I (gently) told mom about how and what we were doing as the situations came up. Sometimes she was a little upset, but she always got over it. i'm sure she had to do the same thing with her mom. And honestly, the judging is constant, and comes from everyone. My mom is currently upset because DS is completely weaned from bottles (he's almost 16m), bc that is what our ped recommended. When I was a kid, it was apparently not until well after 2 years old. The great part is that you get to be momma bear, and make your own decisions. Hopefully your mom will be able to respect that (hopefully).

Like you said, I wouldn't worry about all of it too much ahead of time. I found once I set boundaries, it went a lot better for my mom and I. It's not always easy, but the excitement of a new grandchild should outweigh that for a while.

Texafornian · March 2017

@BigBadWolf12 and @ColoradoHiker it can also swing the other way...in terms of how parents change once they're actually grandparents. Both my mom and MIL were so far up in my bidness while pregnant with DD...lots of opinions flying and wanting to do this or that for baby. But once she was here...both surprisingly backed off and totally deferred to me! Hopefully your mom surprises you too

coastalmomma2 · March 2017

1. We did quite a bit of traveling with my toddler when he was a baby. His first plane ride he was about 6 months old.It was so much easier to travel when he was a baby then it is now. My advice is just to keep it simple and anticipate time to break from driving to nurse/change diapers, etc. If flying, a carrier to keep your hands-free is an absolute must.
2. My mother and mother-in-law both came for a couple days right after my son was born. I was ready to have some time alone with him after that, but I've always been pretty introverted. This time though I will be using more of their help since I will have my hands full with a toddler and a newborn.
3. I didn't have any massages with my first pregnancy, but with this pregnancy I had one to celebrate my birthday last week. Unfortunately, I did not advocate for myself and tell the therapist to lighten up. I was sore for days after.
BecauseLove said:

How far along are you? 11 Weeks
When are you due? 9/27
Upcoming appointments this week? Thursday 1st Delivery Dr appointment
Rants about being pregnant? Sneezing...I sneeze all the time. Also the gas/bloat, heartburn etc and the constant hunger. Also being nervous constantly if she is ok...that if my symptoms get lighter is she ok...that I don't have another US until around maybe 16 weeks and I dont know how I just trust that everything is ok.
Raves about being pregnant?
GTKY: Are you reading any blogs or books about being pregnant or baby development or life after birth? If so, what are you reading?
Slacking so far and I haven't really read anything. My husband got a book called when your wife is expecting or something like that...he is planning on reading it when we go on vacation in a few weeks (I will believe it when I see it).
Questions for 2nd + Time Moms:
1. Any advice for traveling with baby?
2. After the baby was born did any of you super utilize your Mom or Mother In Law for support and care?
3. Did you get an epidural and if so did you have any regrets?
4. Did you get massages while you were pregnant and if so how early in the pregnancy?
5. Did you go to a chiropractor while you were pregnant and if so how early in the pregnancy?

Doggiedoc2016 · March 2017

How far along are you? 10 weeks 5 days

When are you due? 9/30/17

Upcoming appointments this week? None until 3/20

Rants about being pregnant? I miss wine so much! And we can't go to two weddings in September we were looking forward to because of how pregnant I would be (could only fly to these weddings). And I'm a nervous wreck having to wait so long in between appointments not knowing how the little bean is doing in there!

Raves about being pregnant? my new boobs haha now I know what well-endowed women feel like and its awesome! (silly I know...)

GTKY: Are you reading any blogs or books about being pregnant or baby development or life after birth? If so, what are you reading? Just the what to expect when you're expecting book.

Questions for 2nd + Time Moms: I'd love some good tips on staying positive - what worked for you or helped you keep the faith that everything was okay?

JLCucinella · March 2017

1. I traveled with my DS (10 mo old now) and we've gone to Wisconsin twice (by car, we live in IL) as well as Arizona. He was on a plane at 6 mo and did fine. I would recommend traveling at night (around bottle/bedtime) so we had a 5:30 flight so I gave bottle at take off and he slept the whole flight and returning we did during mornin nap (8:30 flight) and he slept majority of it. He did great!

2. My mom watches my DS and my niece and nephew. My MIL and I are unfortunately not that close. Therefore I didn't have many people to help PP since my mom was still watching my niece and nephew so she couldn't drop them to care for me. Unfortunately with this one it'll be the same.

3. I got an epidural at 8cm and it was SOOO Worth it!

I waited as long as possible to get one so that I wasn't bed-bound for too long. Not a single regret.

4/5. NO chiro or massage, but I definitely would like to this time.

awildrose · March 2017

@MrsVP614

It was worth the cost. I had an advocate I knew and trusted. Extra support for DH if something went wrong and I would a csection or something. Immediate breastfeeding support. Someone to help me know what questions to ask my OB along the way. Our family lived too far way to fill any of those roles. Etc etc. The way my husband looked at the price- if the doula helps me get the med-free birth I want, she's way cheaper than the cost of the epidural and anesthesiologist. Now, prepping for baby #3, I can't imagine NOT having her be there.

Ae_Lovely321 · March 2017

How far along are you?
15 Weeks

When are you due?

9/2

Upcoming appointments this week?

No, not until the 21st

Rants about being pregnant? Probably TMI, but I want a sex drive back. Plus all the baby gear and options are a bit overwhelming.

Raves about being pregnant?
The smile on my husband's face during each ultrasound makes it all worth it.

GTKY: Are you reading any blogs or books about being pregnant or baby development or life after birth? If so, what are you reading? Not really. I've read a couple articles I found on pinterest, but nothing else yet.

Questions for 2nd + Time Moms: If you have pets, how did you introduced them to the baby?

awildrose · March 2017

@Ae_Lovely321

We stole a blanket from the delivery room, my DH put it in the crib. Then every time he came home while I was in the hospital he'd move it to another "baby place"- swing, bouncer, etc. When I came home I came in without the baby and loved on our dog for a little bit and let her smell me. Then DH brought the baby in and we let the dog sniff her while she was in her carrier car seat. It worked out well for us. Our dog would always lay near baby and watch her.

wyomama0427 · March 2017

Hey @awildrose YGPM

Ae_Lovely321 · March 2017

@awildrose thanks, I'll have to try that when the time comes.

mamakculb · March 2017

1. Any advice for traveling with baby?
We flew with our first when he was about 2 months old. We flew a few more times before he was 2, and several car trips under 6 hours. My biggest advice would be to be flexible. If flying, bring lots of things to suck on/drink to avoid ears popping and use a baby carrier on the plane. Expect to feed or nurse baby more often when traveling. It's comforting and helps them rest in a strange situation. Also, small, quiet light up toys were perfect for distracting the baby on a plane. Walking up and down the aisle when safe was helpful too. Traveling super early morning or afternoon nap time worked best flying or driving for us.

2. After the baby was born did any of you super utilize your Mom or Mother In Law for support and care?
My mom is deceased but my MIL lives close by and her and I are very close. She has been by my side for both births of my children. She loves to bring meals and watch the babies, and her love language is being needed and helping. After I had my second, my breasts were so engorged before leaving the hospital I couldn't fit in any of my bras. She ran to target and got some giant soft sports bras just so I could have something. It was so helpful. I felt human again, haha. My kids, currently 3 and 1, sleep most Saturday nights at her house and love it. While I always miss them, I love that they are so close with their grandparents and that I always have a free night with DH.

3. Did you get an epidural and if so did you have any regrets?
I was super anti epidural with my first. I was terrified of having one. However my labor was start to finish under 5 hours and I just couldn't catch a break to feel calm once it started. I accepted it at the last possible moment and was able to relax and really enjoy pushing. I had an episiotomy because my son came out with cord wrapped around his arm next to his head, and I didn't feel any of that thankfully. My daughter was sunny side up during labor and towards the end my poor tailbone just couldn't take it anymore, so I had another. Both times I've gone in not expecting to have one, but open to utilizing it as a way to enjoy birth, which I did both times. It has really helped me calm down and relax and enjoy feeling the baby crown and hearing those first beautiful cries. This time around I'll do the same. I'd love to do without one, but I wanna enjoy the experience and be comfortable too.

4. Did you get massages while you were pregnant and if so how early in the pregnancy?
Nope. I wish!!
5. Did you go to a chiropractor while you were pregnant and if so how early in the pregnancy?
Nope.

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