@UnbreakableKimmySchmidt, DS and Baby2 will only be 21 months apart, so a double stroller is a necessity for us. I plan to splurge on one of those fancy ones that can be configured in 16 different ways (looking at the Baby Jogger City Select).
Me: 29, DH: 31 Married: October 2014 Began TTC: April 2015 BFP #1: 9/18/15. EDD 5/18/16. MC 10/26/15. (9w) BFP #2: 2/27/16. EDD 11/7/16. MC/D&E 4/20/16 (11w) BFP #3: 9/22/16. EDD 5/29/17. DS born 4/24/17 BFP #4: 5/20/18. EDD 1/23/19.
@cait32, that's good to hear because it's definitely a big purchase to pull the trigger on! I actually heard about it on here when someone else mentioned it. It looks pretty damn awesome, and I don't have any other things to purchase for this baby except some clothes, so I don't feel bad about spending the money.
Me: 29, DH: 31 Married: October 2014 Began TTC: April 2015 BFP #1: 9/18/15. EDD 5/18/16. MC 10/26/15. (9w) BFP #2: 2/27/16. EDD 11/7/16. MC/D&E 4/20/16 (11w) BFP #3: 9/22/16. EDD 5/29/17. DS born 4/24/17 BFP #4: 5/20/18. EDD 1/23/19.
I have the City Select (was a necessity because we had 3 under 18months) and it has been awesome. I actually bought the glider board then but DS1 was too small and not confident enough for it then. I just re-purchased the board today and am excited to try it out now that he's a bit older!
We'll have four under four when this one arrives, so I'll be using the City Select again with two seats, the glider board, and wear the baby (keep the car seat stroller attachment in the car in case I want to leave baby in the car seat).
Anyone bleach their hair while pregnant? I dyed mine brown back in April right after I found out I was pregnant. I didn’t want to bleach during the first tri. I super miss my blonde and totally regret the brown, but I’m also not sure if I should bleach it back. But I really want my blonde back!! I get 50/50 responses when I ask if it’s okay to bleach after the first tri. Just wondering if anyone of you keep up on your hair while pregnant?
@SweetBriarBee I get blonde highlights. So the bleach is in foil. I did wait until the end of first tri to get my roots done though. I'm not planning on stopping either.
For those of you who have flown pregnant, any tips? I've read the scanners are completely safe for pregnant women to pass through. It's a short flight at 2 hours. I hate flying not pregnant, so any tips or advice on how to make it more tolerable would be appreciated. I will see my doc for my 16-week appt., before the trip, and will also mention it to him.
@CoastieGirl79 I traveled last month when I was 12 weeks along. It was hard for me because I’m a nervous flier and typically have cocktails on the flight which helps. Boy did I miss those cocktails. bring snacks! I typically don’t but I was SO happy I had a couple of things stashed in my purse for the nausea. Also maybe bring a nice scented hand cream in your purse. There were some awful smells along the way and it helps to apply that and inhale deeply to get a different smell in my nose. Hopefully you aren’t too nauseous. It was not a great time for me. (Still battling MS at 15+ weeks now)
@cait32 and @alexandraseattle thanks! Nausea has since subsided but I'm sensitive to smells so I may get some lavender scented somethin-or-the-other to help with that.
I flew a few times last pregnancy @CoastieGirl79 including at 36 weeks- and a 4 hour flight at 5.5 mo. They recommend compression socks, walking the aisle, ginger ale. I never “walked the aisle” but I got up to pee a couple times so that counts. You should be fine flying this early but if you need to fly when you’re later on in the pregnancy a lot of airlines will require that you bring permission from your doctor with you. No one asked me for it but I think if you’re big enough they can refuse to fly you because they don’t want you giving birth onboard - it’s written into most of their policies that you can’t be over a certain number of weeks (I think it’s 36) and that you need a note beyond some number of weeks. I was given my doctors permission and a full copy of my medical records to bring with me.
@CoastieGirl79 I have flown twice this pregnancy 1) Both times opted to not go through the body scanner since there isn't a specific long term study on the effects on pregnancy to say that it is safe (yes the TSA website says it is but I mean...who knows really). If you opt out, then you will need to get a pat down unless you have TSA pre-check. HOWEVER if you make it super obvious you are pregnant (stick out you bump and rub it) then sometime the TSA agent will direct you through the x-ray (allegedly the x-ray gives off less radiation) rather than the scanner and therefore you avoid a pat-down. 2) Try to get an aisle seat so you can get up a pee easily 3) Bring compression socks if it's a long flight 4) Bring your own empty water bottle through security and fill it up after you get through so you can stay hydrated the whole flight instead of relying on those tiny cups of water they hand out 5) Ask to pre-board the flight so you aren't jostled around with people trying to pass you when you are situating your luggage in the overhead compartment (your SO can pre-board with you)
@Potterphile I normally stay clear of airplane bathrooms but in this case, it's a different story. You flew at 36 weeks? You're brave!
@KLS123 good advice on the aisle seat and asking to pre-board. I would love to get the row near the bulkhead with extra leg room. I don't care about reclining; I want to be able to move my legs.
Anyone bleach their hair while pregnant? I dyed mine brown back in April right after I found out I was pregnant. I didn’t want to bleach during the first tri. I super miss my blonde and totally regret the brown, but I’m also not sure if I should bleach it back. But I really want my blonde back!! I get 50/50 responses when I ask if it’s okay to bleach after the first tri. Just wondering if anyone of you keep up on your hair while pregnant?
I have been keeping my roots darker and doing balayage highlights for a while now and it is conducive to pregnancy since the bleach doesn't touch your scalp or skin at all. I did get a balayage touch up done during the first trimester at a well ventilated salon.
Not a STM galactickates and others but I just downloaded The Baby Owner's Manual: Operating Instructions, Trouble-Shooting Tips, and Advice on First-Year Maintenance (Owner's and Instruction Manual) and its pretty good at basics. It covers things like where to place the crib, how to swaddle, how to nurse, how to hold, etc. For people like me who haven't interacted with a baby for more than 5 minutes in 16 years and DH who never has, its a great start.
It's written like a printer or computer manual which is kind of silly but fun.
Not a STM galactickates and others but I just downloaded The Baby Owner's Manual: Operating Instructions, Trouble-Shooting Tips, and Advice on First-Year Maintenance (Owner's and Instruction Manual) and its pretty good at basics. It covers things like where to place the crib, how to swaddle, how to nurse, how to hold, etc. For people like me who haven't interacted with a baby for more than 5 minutes in 16 years and DH who never has, its a great start.
It's written like a printer or computer manual which is kind of silly but fun.
I mentioned this is another thread but the book Brain Rules for Babies is awesome but definitely on the nerdy side.
Anyone else 100% sure this is the last baby/thinking of tubal or vasectomy?? We are thinking about moving forward with the big snip in 2019 & leaning toward DH. Is anyone else having this conversation? If so when are you thinking you/DH will have the procedure?
Yep. It's for sure our last. Even if it didn't work out we were going to be done. DH will get the big V and I am totally good with that.
@greenhillgirl I bought that for my H too! I started reading it, but haven't gotten that far. I also got him the fatherhood survival guide. He really enjoyed it.
For those of you who have flown pregnant, any tips? I've read the scanners are completely safe for pregnant women to pass through. It's a short flight at 2 hours. I hate flying not pregnant, so any tips or advice on how to make it more tolerable would be appreciated. I will see my doc for my 16-week appt., before the trip, and will also mention it to him.
I’ve done it. I chose not to go through the full body scanner at the time. They just used the wand and it was fine. I always choose to forgo the full body though. I didn’t have any issues with swelling or anything. I was 26ish weeks at the time and it didn’t feel any different than normal. Maybe it would if it was third tri but I didn’t have a problem. There were layovers and oversold flights and everything. Pregnancy was not part of my problem. Lol.
@sparkymcgeee thanks! I'm considering forgoing the scanner, too. I'm not totally convinced that it is 100% safe.
I didn’t do the scanner my first pregnancy, I flew a few times then between 16-30 weeks.
I have flown three times so far, the first time not knowing yet, second time 2 days after finding out (5-ishweeks) and third time 7ish weeks (it was a busy 3 weeks!!!) and totally forgot about the scanner and went through it all 3 trips! I asked my midwife and she said it was fine; but future flights I will forego the scanner just to be on the safe side!
I always try to get the aisle seat even when not pregnant so I can get up easily to use the bathroom!
Also don’t forget when driving on long trips to stop every 2-3 hours to stretch your legs, if you’re like me you’ll have to pee anyway! I drive a lot for work as well so make sure I factor in extra stops!
I hesitate when asking questions as a FTM because I really hate the "you won't care answer" that's not why I'm asking. I just want to mentally know what it will be like. I fully realize I probably won't care. I've never done this before so I just want to know the bigger picture.
I wanted to know, do you wear one of those gown things when you deliver? Did you bring something with you and wear that? Are you totally naked? I have no idea. What did you wear when you delivered? When were you able to change into your own stuff?
@galactickates I wore a regular hospital gown. I also got naked and showered and walked around naked for a bit. I showered a couple of hours after delivery and put on yoga pants and a nursing tank with a cardigan for whenever I got cold.
This time I want to get an Ohio State robe/gown because I'm delivering on a Penn State campus(their med school) and it would give me alllllllll the LOLs to do so.
I recognize it may end up gross/ ruined, but even if I can only use it once, I figure it's entirely worth it to 1) not have to wear a gross/ tatty/ uncomfortable/ ill - fitting hospital gown that a hundred women have worn before me, 2) not have to stress about flashing my butt at everyone any time I walk around, and 3) have something moderately cute to wear so I don't look/ feel like a complete train wreck. I may get a second one as well so I have something fresh to change into after the baby is born.
I hesitate when asking questions as a FTM because I really hate the "you won't care answer" that's not why I'm asking. I just want to mentally know what it will be like. I fully realize I probably won't care. I've never done this before so I just want to know the bigger picture.
I wanted to know, do you wear one of those gown things when you deliver? Did you bring something with you and wear that? Are you totally naked? I have no idea. What did you wear when you delivered? When were you able to change into your own stuff?
I think a lot t to do this depends on where you deliver. I have delivered in a birthing tub, so I don’t have anything on when I’m in the tub, but I have kept a terry cloth robe nearby to slip off and on as I got in and out of the birthing tub. I birthed 1 and 3 in the water, so I had nothing on when I delivered. With baby number 2, I think I had my robe on, but it was untied and loose around my. I was down on all fours when I delivered her, so I’m sure the robe was lifted over my back out of the way.
Every hospital birth I’ve attended as labor support, they delivered in a hospital gown. Though if the hospitals in your area allow for water births, you may find yourself in a situation similar to mine.
I liked to have he different options available to me because I never know what I’m going want to do during labor. I had someone ask me if I’m planning for another water birth. I told them I plan on having the birthing tub available, but it really depends on what I feel like doing in the moment. I find the birthing tub soothing, but it also seems to slow my labor. Laboring while standing in the shower has sped labor up for me, and I still love the water. I just don’t want to be in the shower when it actually comes time to push.
@galactickates I just wore a hospital gown. When I got to the hospital it was around midnight and I was 5ish centimeters and I got my epidural soon after so I didnt do any walking around. If I was being induced or wasnt ready for an epidural I may have worn something different. Also I stayed in the gown after birth for a while because I still had a decent amount of bleeding and it made easy access for them to check on my tear that I had. I put my own clothes on after I showered for the first time. I had some nursing gowns but ended up wearing loose pants and a nursing tank.
After birth, I wore adult depends for a couple days. They were way better then a pad with the weird mesh undies. More comfortable, believe it or not, and less leaks.
Also, nursing tanks with a built-in bra were a life saver.
@galactickates I wore a camisole and nursing sports bra during labor and the birth. The nursing student did have to take off my tops, and that was tricky and I ended up throwing the camisole away since it got bloody. The gown at the hospital was big and awkward. The nurse did tell me if there was an emergency they may have to cut off my clothes (I think this was before labor really stepped up). I still opted to keep my own clothes on. I would not buy a cute gown but instead invest in a nice robe to wear once you get cleaned up. It makes nursing and skin to skin easy and allows you to look presentable for guests.
I wore a hospital gown for labor and delivery. I was given a clean one when I was moved to recovery. I changed into my own clothing (loose pants and robe) after I was allowed to shower.
DD: I wore the hospital gowns the whole time until discharge. Not comfortable.
DS: I brought my own soft nightgown I bought for cheap at walmart so I didn't care if it got wrecked. So much more comfy. Only think I didn't anticipate was that it was just a regular gown, so impossible to do skin-to-skin after birth. When DS came out the nurse ripped my nightgown up to my neck so DS could be placed on my chest. For after birth, I again brought a couple of nightgowns that I bought at Walmart to lounge around in. I definitely DID NOT want pants on. Also, the nurses come in frequently to look at your vag if you've had stitches, and I didn't want to be pulling down pants all the time.
This kid: I think I may splurge on an actual birthing gown so that I'm comfy but also doesn't impede skin to skin.
Oct 16: Spontaneous BFP | m/c @ 9w1d (massive SCH) | D&C Apr 17: IUI #1 = BFN May 17: IUI #2 = BFN Jun 17: IUI #3 = Late BFP (18 DPO) | NMC 17Jul17 @ ~6w Aug 17: IUI #4 = Cancelled due to premature ovulation | TI = BFN Sep 17: IUI #5 = Cancelled due to overstimulation (10+ follies) Nov 17: IVF #1 = Cancelled due to non-IF related health issue | TI = BFN Dec 17: IVF #1 = Puregon 200, Menopur 75, Orgalutran, Suprefact trigger due to OHSS risk | 22R, 18M, 16F, 10B frozen Feb 18: FET #1 (medicated) = BFN Mar 18: FET #2 (natural cycle) = CP (beta 1: 54; beta 2: 0)
Apr 18: FET #3 (natural cycle) = cancelled due to missed ovulation
Apr 18: FET #3 (natural cycle) = BFP! Beta 1: 201 Beta 2: 585 Beta 3: 3254 Beta 4: 9715
U/S 19May - one bean measuring on track with a HB of 125! EDD: 07Jan2019 Team Green My Rainbow Baby Boy born 03Jan2019
I also wore the hospital gown. I brought yoga pants and a nursing cami. I bled so much though, I just stayed in the hospital gowns the whole time. Once I was able to go home I showered and put on my clothes. I was given a robe from a friend and I tried wearing it but it was a thick robe and I was hot. Plus, i got blood on it. if you do bring your own robe don't bring anything too heavy .
@galactickates I wore the hospital gown. I had a fetal and contraction monitor on the whole time so the hospital gown was easier. When I wanted to walk around I put a second one on with the opening in the back so my front wasn’t exposed ( and dragged my iv pole and battery pack for the monitors around with me).
I love the what to wear discussion... Very helpful!
OK another FTM question.. I'm semi-terrified of going to the bathroom/showering for the first time after labor. I've heard on multiple occasions that it feels like your insides are going to fall out?? Reassurance please?!
@kianarain I would not describe it as your insides falling out at all. Peeing burns but they give you a squeeze bottle to spray with warm water and it helps a lot. Take it home, use it as long as you need. Pooping is scary the first couple times. It hurts, I won't lie. But it's no worse than child birth!! Showering for me only hurt because my nipples were SO sensitive, I had to keep them covered up for weeeeks. I don't know if this gives you any reassurance but that was my experience.
I hesitate when asking questions as a FTM because I really hate the "you won't care answer" that's not why I'm asking. I just want to mentally know what it will be like. I fully realize I probably won't care. I've never done this before so I just want to know the bigger picture.
I wanted to know, do you wear one of those gown things when you deliver? Did you bring something with you and wear that? Are you totally naked? I have no idea. What did you wear when you delivered? When were you able to change into your own stuff?
I wore the gown the entire time lol.... (changed gowns of course after delivery!)
I almost bought a special 'delivery' robe thing you can buy, but after advice of a friend she suggested just delivering in the gown since it can get messy :-)
I bought clothes to change into but just kept the gown on until it was ready to go home, it was pretty easy to nurse in which is what I did most of the time in the hospital anyway.
This time around I'll probably change into my own comfy clothes at some point after delivery, but we'll see.
And don't hesitate to ask anything; I had this exact same question with my first!
@galactickates I honestly haven’t thought too much about what clothes I’m going to bring with me other than ones I’m not overly attached to. I can’t imagine wanting to wear pants at all after giving birth, especially if I have to have a c-section. I’ll probably get a cheap robe and a couple nightgowns from Walmart or target to bring.
I was planning to wear the hospital gown during labor to make things easier, but if it gets uncomfortable I might just get naked and use blankets to cover up if necessary. I figure I won’t care much about looking cute or being modest at that point as long as baby is ok and I’m comfortable.
married 7.11.09
Me: 31 DH: 36
DD (14) and DS (11) adopted from US Foster care December 2016 BFP April 24, 2018 | EDD December 29, 2018
Re: Ask Me Anything thread!
Married: October 2014
Began TTC: April 2015
BFP #1: 9/18/15. EDD 5/18/16. MC 10/26/15. (9w)
BFP #2: 2/27/16. EDD 11/7/16. MC/D&E 4/20/16 (11w)
BFP #3: 9/22/16. EDD 5/29/17. DS born 4/24/17
BFP #4: 5/20/18. EDD 1/23/19.
Married: October 2014
Began TTC: April 2015
BFP #1: 9/18/15. EDD 5/18/16. MC 10/26/15. (9w)
BFP #2: 2/27/16. EDD 11/7/16. MC/D&E 4/20/16 (11w)
BFP #3: 9/22/16. EDD 5/29/17. DS born 4/24/17
BFP #4: 5/20/18. EDD 1/23/19.
We'll have four under four when this one arrives, so I'll be using the City Select again with two seats, the glider board, and wear the baby (keep the car seat stroller attachment in the car in case I want to leave baby in the car seat).
1) Both times opted to not go through the body scanner since there isn't a specific long term study on the effects on pregnancy to say that it is safe (yes the TSA website says it is but I mean...who knows really). If you opt out, then you will need to get a pat down unless you have TSA pre-check. HOWEVER if you make it super obvious you are pregnant (stick out you bump and rub it) then sometime the TSA agent will direct you through the x-ray (allegedly the x-ray gives off less radiation) rather than the scanner and therefore you avoid a pat-down.
2) Try to get an aisle seat so you can get up a pee easily
3) Bring compression socks if it's a long flight
4) Bring your own empty water bottle through security and fill it up after you get through so you can stay hydrated the whole flight instead of relying on those tiny cups of water they hand out
5) Ask to pre-board the flight so you aren't jostled around with people trying to pass you when you are situating your luggage in the overhead compartment (your SO can pre-board with you)
@KLS123 good advice on the aisle seat and asking to pre-board. I would love to get the row near the bulkhead with extra leg room. I don't care about reclining; I want to be able to move my legs.
It's written like a printer or computer manual which is kind of silly but fun.
DS 05/29/2013
M/C 02/14/2017
M/C 06/05/2017
C/P 03/01/2018
BFP 05/17/2018 EDD 01/27/2019
I lost my angels 07/2010, 04/2017, 10/2017
Meimsx no more
I lost my angels 07/2010, 04/2017, 10/2017
Meimsx no more
I have flown three times so far, the first time not knowing yet, second time 2 days after finding out (5-ishweeks) and third time 7ish weeks (it was a busy 3 weeks!!!) and totally forgot about the scanner and went through it all 3 trips! I asked my midwife and she said it was fine; but future flights I will forego the scanner just to be on the safe side!
I always try to get the aisle seat even when not pregnant so I can get up easily to use the bathroom!
Also don’t forget when driving on long trips to stop every 2-3 hours to stretch your legs, if you’re like me you’ll have to pee anyway! I drive a lot for work as well so make sure I factor in extra stops!
I wanted to know, do you wear one of those gown things when you deliver? Did you bring something with you and wear that? Are you totally naked? I have no idea. What did you wear when you delivered? When were you able to change into your own stuff?
DS 05/29/2013
M/C 02/14/2017
M/C 06/05/2017
C/P 03/01/2018
BFP 05/17/2018 EDD 01/27/2019
DS 05/29/2013
M/C 02/14/2017
M/C 06/05/2017
C/P 03/01/2018
BFP 05/17/2018 EDD 01/27/2019
FTM also, but my current plan is to get my own labor/ delivery gown, like this:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/485079010/lisa-grey-dotted-labor-delivery?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=labor and delivery gown&ref=sr_gallery-1-36&more_colors=1
I recognize it may end up gross/ ruined, but even if I can only use it once, I figure it's entirely worth it to 1) not have to wear a gross/ tatty/ uncomfortable/ ill - fitting hospital gown that a hundred women have worn before me, 2) not have to stress about flashing my butt at everyone any time I walk around, and 3) have something moderately cute to wear so I don't look/ feel like a complete train wreck. I may get a second one as well so I have something fresh to change into after the baby is born.
Every hospital birth I’ve attended as labor support, they delivered in a hospital gown. Though if the hospitals in your area allow for water births, you may find yourself in a situation similar to mine.
I liked to have he different options available to me because I never know what I’m going want to do during labor. I had someone ask me if I’m planning for another water birth. I told them I plan on having the birthing tub available, but it really depends on what I feel like doing in the moment. I find the birthing tub soothing, but it also seems to slow my labor. Laboring while
standing in the shower has sped labor up for me, and I still love the water. I just don’t want to be in the shower when it actually comes time to push.
I really don’t remember whe I changed. I’m sure I would have been able to when I moved the postpartum room (~ 2 hours after birth).
DS1: May 2016
DS2: Jan 2019
Baby #3 EDD: 6/18/24
Also, nursing tanks with a built-in bra were a life saver.
@galactickates I wore a camisole and nursing sports bra during labor and the birth. The nursing student did have to take off my tops, and that was tricky and I ended up throwing the camisole away since it got bloody. The gown at the hospital was big and awkward. The nurse did tell me if there was an emergency they may have to cut off my clothes (I think this was before labor really stepped up). I still opted to keep my own clothes on. I would not buy a cute gown but instead invest in a nice robe to wear once you get cleaned up. It makes nursing and skin to skin easy and allows you to look presentable for guests.
DS: I brought my own soft nightgown I bought for cheap at walmart so I didn't care if it got wrecked. So much more comfy. Only think I didn't anticipate was that it was just a regular gown, so impossible to do skin-to-skin after birth. When DS came out the nurse ripped my nightgown up to my neck so DS could be placed on my chest. For after birth, I again brought a couple of nightgowns that I bought at Walmart to lounge around in. I definitely DID NOT want pants on. Also, the nurses come in frequently to look at your vag if you've had stitches, and I didn't want to be pulling down pants all the time.
This kid: I think I may splurge on an actual birthing gown so that I'm comfy but also doesn't impede skin to skin.
*TW loss and children mentioned*
Apr 17: IUI #1 = BFN
May 17: IUI #2 = BFN
Jun 17: IUI #3 = Late BFP (18 DPO) | NMC 17Jul17 @ ~6w
Aug 17: IUI #4 = Cancelled due to premature ovulation | TI = BFN
Sep 17: IUI #5 = Cancelled due to overstimulation (10+ follies)
Nov 17: IVF #1 = Cancelled due to non-IF related health issue | TI = BFN
Dec 17: IVF #1 = Puregon 200, Menopur 75, Orgalutran, Suprefact trigger due to OHSS risk | 22R, 18M, 16F, 10B frozen
Feb 18: FET #1 (medicated) = BFN
Mar 18: FET #2 (natural cycle) = CP (beta 1: 54; beta 2: 0)
EDD: 07Jan2019 Team Green
My Rainbow Baby Boy born 03Jan2019
I think i'm going to bring a robe for sure. Wether I end up wearing it or not will be another thing, but at least I'll have it.
OK another FTM question.. I'm semi-terrified of going to the bathroom/showering for the first time after labor. I've heard on multiple occasions that it feels like your insides are going to fall out?? Reassurance please?!
I almost bought a special 'delivery' robe thing you can buy, but after advice of a friend she suggested just delivering in the gown since it can get messy :-)
I bought clothes to change into but just kept the gown on until it was ready to go home, it was pretty easy to nurse in which is what I did most of the time in the hospital anyway.
This time around I'll probably change into my own comfy clothes at some point after delivery, but we'll see.
And don't hesitate to ask anything; I had this exact same question with my first!
I was planning to wear the hospital gown during labor to make things easier, but if it gets uncomfortable I might just get naked and use blankets to cover up if necessary. I figure I won’t care much about looking cute or being modest at that point as long as baby is ok and I’m comfortable.
BFP April 24, 2018 | EDD December 29, 2018