@madcouplewithabox for me, it was more just the ability to breathe more easily!! By the end, DD was crowding my ribcage so much, it was awesome for her to not be pressing against my organs 24/7. Also, it was awesome to not have to pee all.the.time (why it was wonderful to have the catheter too)
Had anyone switched OB's midway through pregnancy? Did you discuss with your provider first, or just stop going?
I'm considering switching, as our insured network has opened up options, including a practice where the midwives had hospital privileges so they can do the actual delivery. This is what we did with my first delivery, and loved them, but that practice has since discontinued the midwifery. It's a tough decision, though. I'm not unhappy with my current provider, and the new one would be twice the distance from our house.
Me-37, DH-38
Married in 2006, TTC #1 since Jan 2012
Baby Boy born June 1, 2015
He settles her in her home as a happy mother of children, praise the Lord! (Psalms 113:9)
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understand, will guard your heart and mind in Jesus Christ (Philippians 4:7)
@mindaa I switched right about 20 weeks. I was going to a new OB and was having problems with the office. DH got a new job and we switched insurance so I decided to go back to the office that delivered DD. I did speak with the provider and she really seemed to care that I had numerous issues. She had me make another appointment there just in case but told me she didn't really expect to see me again. Best decision and I'm so happy I went back to my old OB. You have to do what you think is best for you
@steph30032 I just got a new one through insurance.The same one I got with DS actually. The previous one still works but im paranoid that it will break. I pump a lot as a working mama so I went ahead with another one as a backup.
Has anyone used a belly wrap/band postpartum? I haven't but am interested this time. I have pretty bad diastasis recti from my first pregnancy and read they can help with that. Any recommendations? Some look like they are just for your waist and some also for your hips? Is that even safe to "shrink" your hip bones?
@GraceUponGrace09 I used a pp belly band. And I'm going to use it again this time. I had a csection and wish I would have ordered this much sooner, I think I was 1 1/2 - 2 months pp. This time I'm going to ask for one while in the hospital because I'm not sure that I'll have the patience to put on this one while in there. I used mine mostly to help with support because of the overhang from the csection in my belly. https://www.bellefit.com/product/corset/
@mindaa I switched around 16 weeks with DS1 (but know of people who switched as late as 38 weeks!). I just called the old office cancelled the appointment, declined to reschedule, and faxed over the medical records release form for my new providers. It was totally painless and I didn’t have to justify my decision to anyone.
DS1: Nov. 2013 DS2: Jan. 2016 DS3: Dec. 2017 Baby #4 on the way!
Trying to decide. Will I regret not doing a maternity session this time... I didn't do one last time, and I did not regret it, and I still do not. But I'm just not sure if I need one this time or if I should skip it and use that money to buy a chest freezer on black Friday.
@supercoolstephy I couldn’t afford a fancy professional photo shoot last time, but I found this link that tells how to do one yourself. I did it when I was 38 weeks pregnant with my iphone set to a timer and stacked up on a million boxes of diapers.
@supercoolstephy same boat here, everyone's maternity pictures are just so gorgeous! We didn't do them with DS, just some separate pictures taken of me at my baby shower by my aunt who has a nice camera. I'm happy with that! Not having a shower this time but will have the same aunt here for thanksgiving and going to have her get a few family pictures for me! Also did the same thing last time as @steph30032 (love yours, btw!) with the silhouette picture! I'll edit this to add my version. My best light was in my bathroom window and I used my bath robe (that has a hood on it) on a hook to hold my phone may have to get crafty haha! ETA picture--this was 40 weeks with DS!
Love that idea! Definitely need to do something like that this time. I seriously have not taken a single bump photo yet.
I did a shoot with #1 and was really happy I did. But... I also got it free because she was looking to test some new techniques. We ended up going back to her for NB photos.
Me-37, DH-38
Married in 2006, TTC #1 since Jan 2012
Baby Boy born June 1, 2015
He settles her in her home as a happy mother of children, praise the Lord! (Psalms 113:9)
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understand, will guard your heart and mind in Jesus Christ (Philippians 4:7)
@supercoolstephy - We hadn't planned on doing one but the last nice photos we have together are from our wedding 5 years ago and we're super under budget so far from the money we saved for the baby so we decided to go for it assuming it wasn't more than x amount of dollars. I really don't think I would have regretted not doing it but I'm also glad that I did if that makes sense.
I didn't do a shoot last time, @supercoolstephy. I just had my friend take a few photos on my camera at my baby shower. I'll have DH take some this time. I didn't want the expense of a full on shoot, but I did want some nice photos of my bump, and I'm glad I have them!
I've got a question. I have a my brest friend already that I had registered for. Someone else bought me a boppy but gave me a gift receipt and said that they are not offended if I return because they went off registry. I'm leaning towards returning it. Is there any benefit/use to keeping the boppy when I already have a my brest friend?
@kelk5 It's completely personal preference, but I used my boppy a lot for propping up the baby on the floor. Once he was a little bigger we used it a lot for tummy time. But there are definitely other options for things to put baby down on if you would prefer to return the boppy for something you need.
@kelk5 I have never had a my brest friend. One thing I loved using my boppy for was to prop DD up for pics when she was a newborn up until she could be propped up to sit. (I would cover it with a blanket or some cute fabric to make a cuter background). You could totally do that with some other pillows you already have, but that is one thing I loved my boppy for. Haha
I've got a question. I have a my brest friend already that I had registered for. Someone else bought me a boppy but gave me a gift receipt and said that they are not offended if I return because they went off registry. I'm leaning towards returning it. Is there any benefit/use to keeping the boppy when I already have a my brest friend?
As others mentioned, the boppy is great for helping baby sit up with a little assistance and for tummy time. I have never used a my breast friend, does it do that as well?
@kelk5@mamaof5already I found the Boppy useless for nursing, but I had a c-section and am on the fluffier side, so someone smaller might not have a problem with it. I couldn't get it comfortably around my waist. It was good later on for tummy time and resting, as others have said. I had the chance to try a My Breast Friend at the LC's office and it was way, way, way better for nursing. But the shape is more boxy so I don't think it would be good for baby to lay on later.
@kelk5 from talking to people I gathered that the my Brest friend is really great for breastfeeding right away, the strap that keeps it up where it needs to be helps keep baby in position etc. Then once they get bigger and squirmier (is that a real word?) the boppy can be better bc it’s easier to maneuver, also as mentioned the boppy is good for other things besides breastfeeding like tummy time and propping baby up etc. during a “stalk my registry” session I saw the Brest friend I’d added was like $9 with shipping and decided to just grab it, someone else had already given me the boppy so I’m planning to keep both....
@kelk5 also just want to add, that from what I've heard, nursing pillows are 100% personal preference. I never tried the breast friend, but I had good success with the boppy. So maybe hold on to both in case you try it and it just doesn't work for you, then you'd at least have the boppy as a backup.
Thanks everyone for the advice. After reading everything, I think I'll hold onto both. Especially, if the boppy is good for tummy time and propping them up. Then I'll also have options for breastfeeding as some of y'all mentioned. Cheers for experienced moms!
@kelk5 you've received the advice I was going to give. My friend let my borrow her My Breast Friend when I had DS. I didn't end up BFing but my friend said she loved it when she did. It didn't seem to fit well around my roundness and the glider I had. I'm hoping to BF this time and to have it work better in my different recliner. I did buy a boppy, but it wasn't helpful for feedings, as much as handsfree time.
@madcouplewithabox Yes! I felt lighter after birth (you WILL be normal again, I promise)—in the immediate sense, I
could breathe more easily. I also was
super lucky and within two days of giving birth didn’t look like I had ever
been pregnant. But I second what people mention on here—your stomach etc feels
better but then you have to get used to
funky boob issues/pain (if BF).
@steph30032 I am getting a new one because I can and then having
my old one at home and my new one at work!
@supercoolstephy I was in the same boat… went ahead and did
it, mostly because I wanted pictures of DD with my belly/her brother. And I do NOT regret
it! The photographer gave us this sample and they KILL me:
@EmilyLove25 oh I love these!!!! I was planning on doing an inspired shoot like the one at Target (https://www.thebump.com/news/target-mother-daughter-maternity-shoot) but then my OB said nope to doing it unless I can do it all in those driving carts. Sooo... yeah. Not going to happen now. I'm bummed but I've accepted it. And now I'll just take that money and buy a boring ol' chest freezer. haha
@EmilyLove25 on a side note, you're giving me major baby fever for my little girl. I just can't wait to put her in tights and sweater dresses. I.CAN'T.WAIT.
I feel like this question would have been better for the old Postpartum Supplies thread, but I’m afraid to resurrect it after so long. But I guess it’s about time to start purchasing the things I’ll need! For those of you that used nursing pads for leaks, do you have any preference on washable vs. disposable, and why?
@RookieAlert I think it depends on how much you leak. I was a huge fan of disposables in the beginning, but I was leaking a ton and constantly. I went through so many so it was nice to be able to just throw them away and get fresh ones, especially in the middle of the night. I did switch to reusable once everything regulated, and I don't know if it was just the kind I was using, but they weren't as comfortable, but they worked.
@RookieAlert I was given reusables so I used them. I kept a stack of them by my bed to swap out as needed, and washed them with the baby laundry since we were constantly doing small loads. The few times I tried disposables they were itchy and crinkly by comparison. However the fabric ones were not particularly subtle which was annoying. I think I'm going to try a set of Likypadz this time.
@RookieAlert I used the disposable kind. I actually didn’t even know reusable ones existed until recently. I liked the Lansinoh best. I used Medela in the beginning but I didn’t find them as comfortable and I think I didn’t like the fit as much as the Lansinoh brand. I’ll do the disposable again this time at least in the beginning. While I was still nursing or pumping (before introducing solids) I leaked so much. Then my supply dropped at around 6 month postpartum when I introduced other foods to my son. At that point I may switch to washable because I leaked wayyyy less.
@bainidhedub I have a couple pairs of lilypadz I got early on, they are great. I don't know how they'll hold up to heavy duty leaks, but they are amazing with pain and cracking and not sticking to things. I would recommend you get the "lilywash" to clean them with. I have been using just hot water on mine, but I need something more to get them really clean as they get a little older and you're not supposed to use soap.
Make sure they are PERFECTLY dry before using them though, because having your nipples pruney from being sealed in with water for several hours is somewhat unpleasant.
@GraceUponGrace09 I totally used a belly binder. they gave me one in the hospital because I had a C-Section, and it was phenomenal then, and even after I healed, I kept wearing one until I was about 6 months. I'll be doing it again this time, as I also waist train as part of my weightlifting/competition training, so I'll be starting immediately PP..
My son is 2 years old (26 months to be exact) and, despite the fact that we talk to him all the time about it, I don’t think he has any idea that he’s about to get a sister. Any tips on preparing toddlers for siblings? Anyone else in the same boat with a clueless kid?
@steph30032 DS will be 2 on Saturday. I tell him all the time about his new sister. He doesn’t have any clue. I bought him a baby book. He doesn’t care. He’ll figure it out real fast when the screaming baby doesn’t ever go away in January. Haha.
@steph30032 DD is almost 17 months and has no idea. We've read books and started showing her how to be gentle with her dolls, but beyond that we're just hoping she'll adjust once he's finally here! I'm getting pretty nervous about it though.
DS is three so he knows he's getting a baby brother but I'm pretty sure he doesn't get what that really is going to mean. He hasn't been around any tiny babies, and most of the "babies" at daycare are 6mo+. He's talking about things like playing various games with BB and teaching him how to do things. I just try to remind him that BB is going to start out very small and will have to learn things like holding up his head before he can catch a ball. We also talk about how babies cry because they don't know how to tell us what's wrong.
Re: Questions for STM+ 11/8
I'm considering switching, as our insured network has opened up options, including a practice where the midwives had hospital privileges so they can do the actual delivery. This is what we did with my first delivery, and loved them, but that practice has since discontinued the midwifery.
It's a tough decision, though. I'm not unhappy with my current provider, and the new one would be twice the distance from our house.
Best decision and I'm so happy I went back to my old OB. You have to do what you think is best for you
J18 December Siggy Challenge: Christmas Movies
DS2: Jan. 2016
DS3: Dec. 2017
Baby #4 on the way!
J18 December Siggy Challenge: Christmas Movies
https://www.whitehouseblackshutters.com/how-to-take-a-pregnancy-silhouette-photo-with-your-iphone/
Heres how my diy maternity picture turned out:
ETA picture--this was 40 weeks with DS!
I did a shoot with #1 and was really happy I did. But... I also got it free because she was looking to test some new techniques. We ended up going back to her for NB photos.
@supercoolstephy, I've never done maternity photos and have never regretted it.
DD2 8.22.13
MMC 1.4.17 at 16w
Expecting #3, EDD 1.29.18
older siblings: ds 16 dd 14 ds 13 dd 11 dd 7
Jan 18 December Siggy Challenge: Christmas Movies
during a “stalk my registry” session I saw the Brest friend I’d added was like $9 with shipping and decided to just grab it, someone else had already given me the boppy so I’m planning to keep both....
Together Let Us Seek the Heights
J18 December Siggy Challenge: Christmas Movies
@madcouplewithabox Yes! I felt lighter after birth (you WILL be normal again, I promise)—in the immediate sense, I could breathe more easily. I also was super lucky and within two days of giving birth didn’t look like I had ever been pregnant. But I second what people mention on here—your stomach etc feels better but then you have to get used to funky boob issues/pain (if BF).
@steph30032 I am getting a new one because I can and then having my old one at home and my new one at work!
@supercoolstephy I was in the same boat… went ahead and did it, mostly because I wanted pictures of DD with my belly/her brother. And I do NOT regret it! The photographer gave us this sample and they KILL me:
DD1 EDD 9/29/2015, Born 9/24/2015
DS1 EDD 1/3/2018, Born 12/26/2017
BFP #3 3/21/2019, EDD 11/29/2019, MMC/D&C 5/7/2019
BFP #4 6/28/2019, EDD 3/12/2020
J18 December Siggy Challenge: Christmas Movies
J18 December Siggy Challenge: Christmas Movies
Jan 18 December Siggy Challenge: Christmas Movies
Make sure they are PERFECTLY dry before using them though, because having your nipples pruney from being sealed in with water for several hours is somewhat unpleasant.
J18 December Siggy Challenge: Christmas Movies
Jan 18 December Siggy Challenge: Christmas Movies