@wal2017 my first came 4 weeks early. We had the carseat And the nursery set up, but had only been to one lamaze type class. Healthy pregnancy up until delivery, but then he had to stay in nicu for a month.
I wear nursing tanks and soft cup bras. They're pretty comfortable. Dd3 is just started to wean at 32 months. My boobs are pretty deflated now, and they don't change much until later in pregnancy.
G 12.04 | E 11.06 | D 11.08 | H 12.09 | R 11.14 | Expecting #6 2.16.18.
Tell me about your pregnancy pillows please. I am looking into one and can't decide which one to get. Someone mentioned the Boppy one in the Amazon thread but it doesn't get good reviews. Help!
I love my snoogle. My husband is already dreading it coming back into bed with us, haha.
This! H hates the thing, but I neeeeeed it. I just remembered the other day that I sold mine because I thought I was done. Now I get to buy a new one ❤️
So am I going to need to buy all new bras or what?? I know I'll prob want one of those special breastfeeding bras, but what about for the rest of the pregnancy? I'm only 8w5d and my boobs feel huge. I haven't even gained any weight. Bras are getting tight. Like how much bigger will they get? I'm sure this varies for each woman but would like to know your experience. Thanks!
I started at a b cup and ended up in a dd by the end of my pregnanc. I flipped over to nursing bras once DS was born and would overflow those when engorged as well, but, after feedings they fit just fine. Luckily I didn't throw these bras away and they're in a box somewhere, I'm sure I'll be needing them again.
Thanks to all of you who have shared your epidural thoughts & experiences. I'm not sure if my hospital offers the nitrous oxide option but I'm definitely going to ask now so thanks to those who mentioned it. (I was immediately reminded of Call the Midwife when I read them!)
Also, I appreciate your candor when it comes to both the pros and cons. It helps me know what to think about and what questions to ask at my next appointment. Many thanks!
So similar to another story, by time I had the epidural it didn't hurt at all (or at least in comparison to the 10 hours of contractions). I also still felt my legs/muscles, just in a much more muted version. (I'd almost compare it to when you get your gums numbed for teeth work). The contractions were so painful that the epidural gave me much relief, and the ability to push harder because I wasn't as focused on the crazy pain. I honestly don't remember how long it took to wear off though, I feel like by time I slept and woke up I was ok as far as any residual numbness
This my third but question for moms with 3+ already
our new van got pushed back because my dog broke her legs and it requires expensive surgery and multiple x rays.
We are looking at our options as far as a new car goes and I'm seriously just considering doing three across in my Civic till we can buy the van. It wouldn't be long at all maybe two months. I'm not willing to trade in my well maintained, low mileage, and reliable car for a used, cheaper, van. I'd much rather wait till we can easily afford it again!
So, question--- has anyone done this? How hard was it having three across? Any input is helpful.
We can cut budget elsewhere to buy sooner if we need to, id just rather not stress about it.
@Starynightsky24 My sister in law has three across in a civic right now. She has two forward facing kids still in five point harnesses and one infant bucket seat. Her two forward facers are in Diono Radians and she is using the maxi cosi bucket seat.
DD born Oct 2011 - DS#1 born Jan 2014 - DS#2 born Apr 2015 - DS#3 born Sept 2016 - LO#5 due Feb 7, 2018
From what I remember, the diono radians are the most narrow and will fit 3 across in most vehicles. Theyre also super safe and go from rf infant to booster I believe. I have a friend who had them for all of her kids and loved them!
Thank you @sabriel1 and @mpp06! I actually have those already for DS and DD to help with space in my Civic. I'm more concerned about how much of a pain it is to get them in and out.
How big are your older two @Starynightsky24? Is the oldest big enough to climb in and out and help with some buckling in/out? I'd think if you did a bucket with the two radians it wouldn't be terrible if the oldest could help some. Put the oldest in the center. Otherwise...I love my Honda odyssey...I'm just saying, it's awesome. We upgraded from a Corolla and it is wonderful. We only have two though, #3 is on the way. My oldest will get moved to the third row and hopefully by then she'll be able to climb in completely on her own and maybe buckle part of the way too.
@farmrose he can buckle his chest clip but that's all... wondering if I could get him to learn the rest by feb! He will be 4 1/2 when LO is born. Thank you!!!
@farmrose he can buckle his chest clip but that's all... wondering if I could get him to learn the rest by feb! He will be 4 1/2 when LO is born. Thank you!!!
*Stuck in the box*
With there across my oldest couldn't get the bottom buckles either. I would usually get her to get in and I'd buckle everyone in on either side and she would get situated in her seat with the chest clip buckled. Then I would just buckle the bottom buckle and tighten from the front seat. Depending on your size this is actually pretty easy.
I would also unbuckle from the front as well and loosen. If you loosen every time you get them out it is way easier for them to learn to buckle the bottom by themselves so all you have to do when buckling them in is tighten the seat from the front.
DD born Oct 2011 - DS#1 born Jan 2014 - DS#2 born Apr 2015 - DS#3 born Sept 2016 - LO#5 due Feb 7, 2018
How do you manage yourself around terrible family members who treat you like crap but want to see the kids? Or even if they don't want to see the kids?
@asly02 personally I cut those types out of my life. Just because someone is blood does not give them permission to be on my life. My family and my marriage have benefited from this approach
DD born Oct 2011 - DS#1 born Jan 2014 - DS#2 born Apr 2015 - DS#3 born Sept 2016 - LO#5 due Feb 7, 2018
How do you manage yourself around terrible family members who treat you like crap but want to see the kids? Or even if they don't want to see the kids?
Pretty sure you didn't like my response before so you won't like this one either. But. Didn't you just post an AW about this? Why post in here too? Like all of us STM+ aren't going to read your post?
How do you manage yourself around terrible family members who treat you like crap but want to see the kids? Or even if they don't want to see the kids?
Pretty sure you didn't like my response before so you won't like this one either. But. Didn't you just post an AW about this? Why post in here too? Like all of us STM+ aren't going to read your post?
Ha! You beat me to this response.
OP, it sounds like you have a big chip on your shoulder as far as expectations with family in regards to your pregnancy announcement. I don't know the entire circumstances of them not including you in the nail salon, but if they down right didn't invite you, that stinks. But if this is what is fueling your feelings about not letting them see your kids, that is a little over the top dramatic.
*TW* Spoiler
Me: 33 DH:30 DD: Aug '16 10/2017: Twins confirmed with TTTS at 22 weeks. 10/10/17 Twin B passed after in utero surgery 11/2/17 Twin A & B born 11/26/17: Twin A passed after 24 days fighting in the NICU Benched 6 months BFP: 6/28/18 MC:7/16/18 BO BFP: 10/2/18 EDD 6/15/18
How do you manage yourself around terrible family members who treat you like crap but want to see the kids? Or even if they don't want to see the kids?
First, I wouldn't have my kids around anyone that would "treat me like crap" in front of them. If they want to be adults and show you respect that's fine. They don't have to be your favorite people in order to be allowed to see your kids. Family is family. If you're talking about your in-laws, where is your spouse in all of this?? They need to stick up for you. (Unless you're just being dramatic.) Second, if they don't want to see the kids, problem solved. You don't have to see them.
Can anyone recommend books for a 2 year old that helps prepare for a new baby? I think sharing our attention with a new baby is going to be a tough adjustment for her.
I was also wondering about cloth diapers so that's great.
STM's-
what was one of the most challenging things about pregnancy for you?
what was one of the most joyful?
I found it challenging that I couldn't *see* if my baby was okay. I'm controlling and when I finally accepted that I just had to let go and have faith, it made me enjoy being pregnant more.
Pregnancy brought a wave wave of confidence in myself I never knew before.
I just want to throw this out there. I recommend taking a stool softener daily about a week leading up to the birth. Continue taking at least one daily until your first post birth BM, especially if you have a c-section. I couldn't physically go for almost a week after having my daughter 15 years ago & I STILL remember that moment in the bathroom! It was worse than going through labor. I am not allowing that to happen this time and I will be prepared!
****TW Signature****
DD born 04/28/2002 Married DH 03/25/2017 1st MMC 08/13/2016 2nd MMC 02/14/2017 BFP 06/16/17 Rainbow DS Born 02/05/2018
I just want to throw this out there. I recommend taking a stool softener daily about a week leading up to the birth. Continue taking at least one daily until your first post birth BM, especially if you have a c-section. I couldn't physically go for almost a week after having my daughter 15 years ago & I STILL remember that moment in the bathroom! It was worse than going through labor. I am not allowing that to happen this time and I will be prepared!
Wow, a week prior? Is it supposed to take that long to get into your system? I just started taking them along with my pain killers post delivery and never had a problem. Both deliveries I had stitches so I took them for about the first week post partum.
I just want to throw this out there. I recommend taking a stool softener daily about a week leading up to the birth. Continue taking at least one daily until your first post birth BM, especially if you have a c-section. I couldn't physically go for almost a week after having my daughter 15 years ago & I STILL remember that moment in the bathroom! It was worse than going through labor. I am not allowing that to happen this time and I will be prepared!
Wow, a week prior? Is it supposed to take that long to get into your system? I just started taking them along with my pain killers post delivery and never had a problem. Both deliveries I had stitches so I took them for about the first week post partum.
I'd say yes. Just to keep things going. I've talked to other moms (and myself included) who were having mild constipation issues before giving birth and the backup afterwards was horrific. They started giving them to me with the painkillers at the hospital and they did nothing. Possible TMI but it took fiber, daily doses of laxatives, and two suppository rounds before anything would move! So yeah, keep those bowels clear a week before and hopefully you'll be in a better situation than I was.
Sidenote: if you know already that your bowels are sensitive to narcotics, this is especially for you. And with a c-section you won't have the muscle strength to push much of anything for days.
****TW Signature****
DD born 04/28/2002 Married DH 03/25/2017 1st MMC 08/13/2016 2nd MMC 02/14/2017 BFP 06/16/17 Rainbow DS Born 02/05/2018
Ha ha! I was the same @rainafire77. Great advice! I might do that. I ended up having an enema (in front of my husband) about five days after my c-section
On the flip side, with both girls I spent the beginning stages of labor vacating my bowels. I don't even want to think of what that would have been like had I been taking stool softeners for a week prior. This was the case for a number of my friends, as well.
FTR, I've never had a c/s and have never been on narcotics.
@rainafire77 i couldn't agree more about taking stool softeners early and often. I didn't go for a week post c section and it was horrific and *TMI* wouldn't flush so yeah. lesson learned for this time around.
TW*** Child and loss mentioned Married 10/12 DS 11/14 Ectopic 2/16 PCOS/Ovulation Dysfunction 11/16 IUI x 3- BFN Laparoscopy 3/17 Endo and tubal damage IVF- 4/17- 40 eggs retrieved, 10 blasts, 7 pgs tested embryos FET- 6/17- BFP! Due Feb 15, 2017
Ladies- I'd really talk to your doctors about the stool softeners prior to taking them yourself. It could be a terrible mess for some. It sounds like many c-section mommas had a very hard time going afterwards but that was not the experience for many vaginal births. Also, it has been suggested to take them a week prior to birth but for many of us we will deliver between 36-41 weeks... unless you have a planned induction or c-section, you won't know when a week prior would be.
One of my early labor symptoms was diarrhea. Then during labor I went several times as well (they have a plastic sheet for this purpose when you push and quickly pulled it away... but all I can envision is (tmi) squirting it at the doctors if I had taken stool softeners for a week prior... eek!
Ok let me rephrase my advice: if you are having a planned c-section then I would highly recommend the stool softeners. If you are going to have a vaginal birth then talk to your doctor. (Talk to your doctor for anything of course.)
I'm just saying it would have saved me (and apparently other c-section women) a lot of agony if we had been on them prior to our c-section. Yes they give them to you post partum but by then it was already too late for me. I hadn't gone for 24 hours before going into labor. I didn't go during the labor and then it was almost a week post emergency c-section before I could finally go. It was not pleasant. It was painful and the pain meds they give you for c-section made it 10x worse. If you think you're fine, great. I myself will not go through that again. It was like delivering another baby.
****TW Signature****
DD born 04/28/2002 Married DH 03/25/2017 1st MMC 08/13/2016 2nd MMC 02/14/2017 BFP 06/16/17 Rainbow DS Born 02/05/2018
I had a vaginal delivery with DD and I highly recommend stool softners. I don't think it has anything to do with vaginal versus c-section, but how your body reacts with hormones with each pregnancy. I had constipation issues throughout my last pregnancy (especially towards the end). And I regretted not taking anything the few days after she was born. I won't get into details, but it was like giving birth again.
This pregnancy however I have the opposite problem thus far (not sure if it's because there are two buns in the oven) so I am not taking anything yet.
The best advice I have is to pack them in your hospital carry bag and when you go into labor, take one on the way there. Colace is your best friend.
*TW* Spoiler
Me: 33 DH:30 DD: Aug '16 10/2017: Twins confirmed with TTTS at 22 weeks. 10/10/17 Twin B passed after in utero surgery 11/2/17 Twin A & B born 11/26/17: Twin A passed after 24 days fighting in the NICU Benched 6 months BFP: 6/28/18 MC:7/16/18 BO BFP: 10/2/18 EDD 6/15/18
I just want to throw this out there. I recommend taking a stool softener daily about a week leading up to the birth. Continue taking at least one daily until your first post birth BM, especially if you have a c-section. I couldn't physically go for almost a week after having my daughter 15 years ago & I STILL remember that moment in the bathroom! It was worse than going through labor. I am not allowing that to happen this time and I will be prepared!
Wow, a week prior? Is it supposed to take that long to get into your system? I just started taking them along with my pain killers post delivery and never had a problem. Both deliveries I had stitches so I took them for about the first week post partum.
I'd say yes. Just to keep things going. I've talked to other moms (and myself included) who were having mild constipation issues before giving birth and the backup afterwards was horrific. They started giving them to me with the painkillers at the hospital and they did nothing. Possible TMI but it took fiber, daily doses of laxatives, and two suppository rounds before anything would move! So yeah, keep those bowels clear a week before and hopefully you'll be in a better situation than I was.
Sidenote: if you know already that your bowels are sensitive to narcotics, this is especially for you. And with a c-section you won't have the muscle strength to push much of anything for days.
Good to know! Not to brag but I never had constipation. I always had the opposite problem in pregnancy, so I totally get how it might be different if that was an issue.
On the flip side, with both girls I spent the beginning stages of labor vacating my bowels. I don't even want to think of what that would have been like had I been taking stool softeners for a week prior. This was the case for a number of my friends, as well.
FTR, I've never had a c/s and have never been on narcotics.
Yeah I always had the opposite of constipation too. But I guess what they say is true, we are all different!
... One of my early labor symptoms was diarrhea. Then during labor I went several times as well (they have a plastic sheet for this purpose when you push and quickly pulled it away... but all I can envision is (tmi) squirting it at the doctors if I had taken stool softeners for a week prior... eek!
**** stuck in the box!!!
i totally agree 100% with this. I had this symptom for both my kids. I never had to go again till 1-2 days after birth when I was taking the softeners they give you in the hospital.
I took colace that they gave me in the hospital every several hours or so and continued to take it at home for about a week. I didn't go until about 4 days after birth. (Vaginal) I was expecting the worst, but it was actually glorious.
I was constipated for most of my pregancy with DD and had a scheduled csection. I was nervous about the first bm that everyone talked about but I had 0 issues and never took any softners before or after. I can see how the pushing would have been rough after the csection but it was like once the baby was out the contsipation was gone for me. It's definitely based on the individual!
- Did you show earlier (are you showing earlier) with the 3rd pregnancy? - Was/Is your third pregnancy different from previous pregnancies? - Was labor quicker or easier for you?
I was 26 with my first, 31 with my 2nd and will be 34 when I have this baby. Just wondering how different it was for others. I'm 10 weeks and not showing at all (uterus is still super low). Bloat is unreal, but other than that, I feel pretty much like I did with the other two.
- Did you show earlier (are you showing earlier) with the 3rd pregnancy? - Was/Is your third pregnancy different from previous pregnancies? - Was labor quicker or easier for you?
I was 26 with my first, 31 with my 2nd and will be 34 when I have this baby. Just wondering how different it was for others. I'm 10 weeks and not showing at all (uterus is still super low). Bloat is unreal, but other than that, I feel pretty much like I did with the other two.
I don't really show until closer to or after 20 weeks. I'm also 5'9.5" and have a longer torso. My uterus is just above my pubic bone now at 10 weeks, but I doubt I'll show anytime soon.
This was 23 weeks with #5.
G 12.04 | E 11.06 | D 11.08 | H 12.09 | R 11.14 | Expecting #6 2.16.18.
@neener*neener* This is also my third. I feel like I'm starting to show already at almost 12 weeks which is earlier than my last two but I am also in much better shape this time so I don't know if that makes a difference or not. So far, this pregnancy is different....the nausea is way worse. The constipation is different. My crotch already hurts when I do certain workouts...not that I worked out with my first two pregnancies so I dont know if that would be different or not. I labored once and had an emergency preterm csection once. This time I just am hoping for a no drama delivery.
My 3rd I was showing early but I was really out of shape. Labor was about the same and the pregnancy was the exact same as my first baby (first was a girl, 3rd was a boy). This time around with number 5 I'm not even showing a little bit.
DD born Oct 2011 - DS#1 born Jan 2014 - DS#2 born Apr 2015 - DS#3 born Sept 2016 - LO#5 due Feb 7, 2018
Those of you that used nitrous oxide, has anyone had an adverse effects with that? I had a panic attack and was nauseous using it during a dental appointment. I've heard others have had that happen to them at the dentist. Has anyone had this happen during labor?
Re: Do you have any questions for STM+(s)?
older siblings: ds 16 dd 14 ds 13 dd 11 dd 7
I just remembered the other day that I sold mine because I thought I was done. Now I get to buy a new one ❤️
Luckily I didn't throw these bras away and they're in a box somewhere, I'm sure I'll be needing them again.
our new van got pushed back because my dog broke her legs and it requires expensive surgery and multiple x rays.
We are looking at our options as far as a new car goes and I'm seriously just considering doing three across in my Civic till we can buy the van. It wouldn't be long at all maybe two months. I'm not willing to trade in my well maintained, low mileage, and reliable car for a used, cheaper, van. I'd much rather wait till we can easily afford it again!
So, question--- has anyone done this? How hard was it having three across? Any input is helpful.
We can cut budget elsewhere to buy sooner if we need to, id just rather not stress about it.
OP, it sounds like you have a big chip on your shoulder as far as expectations with family in regards to your pregnancy announcement. I don't know the entire circumstances of them not including you in the nail salon, but if they down right didn't invite you, that stinks. But if this is what is fueling your feelings about not letting them see your kids, that is a little over the top dramatic.
DD: Aug '16
10/2017: Twins confirmed with TTTS at 22 weeks.
10/10/17 Twin B passed after in utero surgery
11/2/17 Twin A & B born
11/26/17: Twin A passed after 24 days fighting in the NICU
Benched 6 months
BFP: 6/28/18 MC:7/16/18 BO
BFP: 10/2/18 EDD 6/15/18
Second, if they don't want to see the kids, problem solved. You don't have to see them.
Pregnancy brought a wave wave of confidence in myself I never knew before.
DD born 04/28/2002
Married DH 03/25/2017
1st MMC 08/13/2016 2nd MMC 02/14/2017
BFP 06/16/17 Rainbow DS Born 02/05/2018
Sidenote: if you know already that your bowels are sensitive to narcotics, this is especially for you. And with a c-section you won't have the muscle strength to push much of anything for days.
DD born 04/28/2002
Married DH 03/25/2017
1st MMC 08/13/2016 2nd MMC 02/14/2017
BFP 06/16/17 Rainbow DS Born 02/05/2018
On the flip side, with both girls I spent the beginning stages of labor vacating my bowels. I don't even want to think of what that would have been like had I been taking stool softeners for a week prior. This was the case for a number of my friends, as well.
FTR, I've never had a c/s and have never been on narcotics.
DD2 8.22.13
MMC 1.4.17 at 16w
Expecting #3, EDD 1.29.18
Married 10/12
DS 11/14
Ectopic 2/16
PCOS/Ovulation Dysfunction 11/16
IUI x 3- BFN
Laparoscopy 3/17 Endo and tubal damage
IVF- 4/17- 40 eggs retrieved, 10 blasts, 7 pgs tested embryos
FET- 6/17- BFP!
Due Feb 15, 2017
One of my early labor symptoms was diarrhea. Then during labor I went several times as well (they have a plastic sheet for this purpose when you push and quickly pulled it away... but all I can envision is (tmi) squirting it at the doctors if I had taken stool softeners for a week prior... eek!
I'm just saying it would have saved me (and apparently other c-section women) a lot of agony if we had been on them prior to our c-section. Yes they give them to you post partum but by then it was already too late for me. I hadn't gone for 24 hours before going into labor. I didn't go during the labor and then it was almost a week post emergency c-section before I could finally go. It was not pleasant. It was painful and the pain meds they give you for c-section made it 10x worse. If you think you're fine, great. I myself will not go through that again. It was like delivering another baby.
DD born 04/28/2002
Married DH 03/25/2017
1st MMC 08/13/2016 2nd MMC 02/14/2017
BFP 06/16/17 Rainbow DS Born 02/05/2018
This pregnancy however I have the opposite problem thus far (not sure if it's because there are two buns in the oven) so I am not taking anything yet.
The best advice I have is to pack them in your hospital carry bag and when you go into labor, take one on the way there. Colace is your best friend.
DD: Aug '16
10/2017: Twins confirmed with TTTS at 22 weeks.
10/10/17 Twin B passed after in utero surgery
11/2/17 Twin A & B born
11/26/17: Twin A passed after 24 days fighting in the NICU
Benched 6 months
BFP: 6/28/18 MC:7/16/18 BO
BFP: 10/2/18 EDD 6/15/18
- Did you show earlier (are you showing earlier) with the 3rd pregnancy?
- Was/Is your third pregnancy different from previous pregnancies?
- Was labor quicker or easier for you?
I was 26 with my first, 31 with my 2nd and will be 34 when I have this baby. Just wondering how different it was for others. I'm 10 weeks and not showing at all (uterus is still super low). Bloat is unreal, but other than that, I feel pretty much like I did with the other two.
This was 23 weeks with #5.