October STM check-in

UnbreakableKimmySchmidt · October 2018

How are you doing? How are your other kids?

GTKY: What are you hoping goes differently with the birth of this LO compared to previous births?

MrsDho11 · October 2018

I'm doing alright. DD is 22 months, and we're going through a really, really rough phase where she's testing boundaries and generally just being a jerk to me, specifically. Sweet as can be to everyone else. So that is really freaking annoying, and isn't mixing well with what feels like a fresh batch of pregnancy hormones. She also is having sleep problems again, so I'm really tired while trying to deal with it all. Just feeling really overwhelmed and like I'm totally failing this SAHM thing.

Also, I haven't really done much yet in terms of trying to prepare her for the fact that baby is coming, and I'm struggling to feel like it'll really matter or make a huge difference. I did order some books this weekend that I'll start reading to her regularly.

MrsDho11 · October 2018

Sorry that I did this in two parts. DD started tantruming.

GTKY: Let's see, last time I started having high blood pressure issues right about now-ish in the pregnancy. I had I think 3-4 trips into L&D during the third trimester for related symptoms that were always several hours long (I'd have to get labs done and stay until results were in) and involved the threat of early induction. I managed to hold out on the induction until 39 weeks because my labs were always clean, but my BP was so high that my OB, after consulting with a MFM, decided that I really did need to be induced no later than 39 weeks. So we went in and it took about 45 hours until DD was born. Only about the last half hour of that was pushing, and it ended with a swarm of doctors and nurses flooding into the room and the OB yelling at me that I needed to get her out NOW. And I did manage to get her out on the next push or two, despite being terrified and convinced I was about to get an emergency C.

She was fine, so it was all worth it. That being said, I *think* I'd like to go into labor on my own this time? I'm a little terrified that I won't recognize it when it happens though and I'll accidentally have him at home with DD in the other room crying or something.

Probably an irrational fear, but it is there nonetheless. If I do have to be induced, I'm hoping it'll at least be shorter the second time?

UnbreakableKimmySchmidt · October 2018

DD is 2.5 this week, so crazy! Her vocab has increased so much over the last few months and she actually listens to what we say and then often repeats it. Yesterday she said, "please stop asking me." Wonder where she hears that...

She is pretty aware of LO and has named him "Baby Cake." Several of her friends have new babies at their houses so I think that has helped her realize what is to come.

GTKY: I too, had high BP during my first pregnancy and knew that I wouldn't go past my due date. When it started creeping up at 36 weeks I was surprised to learn I was going to be induced earlier than expected. This time around my BP has remained "normal" and I'm hopeful it will stay that way. Ideally, I want LO to come when he is ready, on his own. I had a really quick induction and all went well, so if I do get induced I hope it is similar. My biggest concern (so far) is that LO will come so fast we won't have time for my parents to get here to watch DD. I'm hoping to line up some friends to step in and help watch her but with the holidays I know a lot of ppl will be out of town too.

saltedcaramel518 · October 2018

@MrsDho11 I felt like it was really hard to parent DS from around 19 months-24/25 months. So much boundary pushing and me trying to figure how to discipline. We’re in a better place now (he’s 28 months).

DS has started to take us somewhat seriously that there’s a little brother in my belly. He’s been giving him kisses.

He’s gotten into playing “super hero” with DH, which involves DH being the “bad man” and lots of chasing each other around the house with capes on. I think he’s going to be a super hero for Halloween.

GTKY: I’ve mentioned this in another thread, but
1) I’d like to not have my water break when I’m 1.5 hours into an Ambien-induced sleep and
2) Have just a quick 15ish minute visit from my parents/ILs an hour or so after birth (or whenever we move to the postpartum room), then no visitors until the next day.

LeahNicole · October 2018

I'm doing ok, some days I really struggle with how LO will fit into life with DD. I just worry about DD not feeling loved enough, and not having enough time with her, we are very close.

She is 21 months and some days are harder than others. Generally she is talking more and really is such a joy, she thinks some things are so funny, and I love it. She pushing boundaries alot, and will look back at the adult in the room if she is doing something to break the rules.

GTKY: everything went very fast with DD1, so I'd ideally like it to go a little slower with LO, however I'm realistic to think it might be faster or very similar.

kmos816 · October 2018

I’m doing good- despite the regular symptoms lol..... work is slow which is nice, I don’t think I’d have the energy if it was busy!!!!

DD is good- she is generally well behaved but is super independent and will go through periods of not listening which can be frustrating. She seems super excited for baby and understands what is going on and what will happen- and asks lots of questions about baby (she’s 4.5). I don’t think she’s prepared for less attention so need to start talking with her about that!

I also had high BP but not until 39 weeks and was able to hold off on being induced after being admitted to labor and delivery! Hoping to go all natural again. I hope I dont have to push as long this time (pushed for 1 hour) though not sure what I can do to avoid that! I’m worried this one will come super fast and we won’t have time to get to the hospital- I was in labor for just 9 hours with DD.

sweetyjenj · October 2018

How are you doing? How are your other kids?
Doing ok, but following a 20month old around the house (or being followed by) is exhausting right now. And she's at this stage where everything is "this" (despite knowing proper words for things) making things complicated right now. Also, she's REALLY into kids dance songs, but doesn't know the name of any of them, but she'll point to Alexa and say "this" and hope I ask for the right one. I feel really bad, because today she looked SO SAD with teary eyes and quivering mouth asking sweetly and desperately for a song that she really wanted to hear. I could tell she thought she was asking clearly, and I had no idea, and she was so sad that I wouldn't play it. I wish she could understand that I want to play it so bad.

She does this cute thing where she'll point to my belly and say "baby" then "come out" and I love it.

GTKY: What are you hoping goes differently with the birth of this LO compared to previous births? I want labor to start naturally! I had 3 false labors before finally being induced. The labor itself went well and smooth and pretty quick, but I want it to start naturally this time.

sfgiantsgamerbabe · October 2018

I’m doing fine and DS is being a typical 3.5 year old. Very opinionated, subborn, and pushes buttons but he has the best imagination and is hilarious. He’s still not potty trained but I’m going to get that going again soon. I’m looking forward to taking him to the pumpkin patch this year. We went to one last year and had fun. The one I want to go to this year is out in the country and it has hay rides.

Gtky: I’m hoping my labor is shorter this time around. I was in labor on and off from a Wednesday morning all the way until DS was born Friday afternoon. I would get regular contractions at night but would taper off during the day. I’m also hoping I know when my water breaks this time. I never felt it break last time but I know it did because when the doctor tried to break my water bag, nothing came out. I think it came out with my mucus plug.

ChasingTheDog · October 2018

I’m doing well. Tired. DD is very excited about her brother. She’s 6 so conceptually she gets it but I don’t think she really realizes it won’t be her show anymore. But we can have like real conversations about it which is nice.

GTKY: I’d love to go into labor on my own. I went two weeks late and then was induced and it went ok but my own labor would be cool.

drabong88 · October 2018

How are you doing? How are your other kids?

I'm doing good. Just feeling tired but trying to spend as much time as I can playing and cuddling with DS. He just turned 2 and he just talks all the time. He hasn't started throwing tantrums yet but definitely does not like the word No. His favorite thing to say is either "This kind" when pointing to something he wants or "Try mommy". If he asks me to reach something or search for something and I tell him I can't find it he just tells me to try. It's pretty cute. He calls the baby "Baby nugget" and will talk to the baby and kiss my stomach. He will then poke my belly button and say Out Baby!

GTKY: What are you hoping goes differently with the birth of this LO compared to previous births?

I had to push for 3 hours with DS so I am really hoping that it doesn't take as long this time. My contractions also slowed while pushing so I had to get some Pitocin at the very end. I was supposed to be induced on a Saturday morning but went into labor Friday night. I did have cramping off and on the previous two days so that was probably some early labor. I got to the hospital around 1 and was completely dilated by 7am but baby was too high so they sat me up and then I started pushing around 8. He was born around 1130. After pushing for so long I felt like I was hit by a bus the next day, my whole body was sore.

ladystout08 · October 2018

I'm ok. DS has been great. He's really sweet when I'm tired or don't feel well, tells me that he's sorry I don't feel well and tells me to lie down. He's 5 so he has a pretty good grasp of what being sick feels like. We just finished his room (posted in the nursery thread) and he loves it so he's been super affectionate and thankful the last few days.

GTKY: I hope to avoid bed rest before delivery this time. I got pre-e last time and it was a giant pain.

molosmiles · October 2018

I'm happy to hear other 2 year olds or nearly 2 year olds are understanding the baby concept. My daughter just turned 2 and she's smart, she understands SO much. But she just ignores us when we talk about the baby. I'm happy to know that she probably does understand but is choosing to ignore us. My cousin said her son did the same until the day before their new baby was born.

GTKY: my second labor was much quicker than my first and went as smooth as a labor could. If it could go a little quicker I would be happy....and if I could not feel the pain LOL. I also hope for a quicker recovery and hopefully no pain in my coxis. It lasted months!!

MrsDho11 · October 2018

@molosmiles I’ve definitely been wondering if DD is doing that as well. Especially since she started calling herself “baby” a few weeks ago, which she did NOT do before I started telling her from time to time.

bradleysmommy28 · October 2018

DS is almost 6 and has been getting increasingly independent which has been amazing. I've been picking up all the parenting slack b/c DH has been working a lot of OT and side jobs so it's been a difficult few weeks and I haven't slept for 3 days because of various issues with DS and with our dog.

GTKY: I hope his birth is identical just the surrounding circumstances are much different. I know I've made mention of this here and there but long story short, I had PPROM with DS#1 and my water broke at 29wks. I landed in the hospital on absolute bedrest immediately, had 2 rounds of steroids and daily monitoring until 9 days later when my body finally went in to active labor. As for the birth - it was the best part. I needed an emerg c-sec and from the time I went into active labor until he was born was about 3 hrs total. I had absolutely no problems with my c-sec and recovered amazingly (I was up and walking to the NICU 3 floors up within 8 hrs). So my hope is that with this one, I go in on the date my repeat c-sec is scheduled at 10am, have my surgery at 12:00 like planned and we're all in the room and relaxing in no time. I'm going to keep repeating my little timeline to myself in hopes that's how it actually goes!!

kmvisioli · October 2018

I’m feeling physically good this week, just trying to remind myself to take it easy as I’m still not supposed to be lifting over 10lbs or doing any strenuous activity (which is basically just life with multiple toddlers). I had a small revelation that I’ve been spending more time thinking/talking about my complication than my actual baby, which I’m trying to change so I can start feeling more excited and attached. It’s really no fun feeling like I’m preparing for a situation instead of a baby, so working to shift my perspective!

GTKY: I was (and still am) hoping for a vbac but honestly don’t have much control over how this one will go at this point. I had pretty rough PPD after my twins, so hoping to get ahead of that and stay aware so I can do my best to stay off that road this time.

VallieS86 · October 2018

How are you feeling? How are your other kids feeling?

I'm good. Tired. Heartburn is kicking my butt. DD is 3 next week so that's exciting. She seems to understand she's getting a sister. One night a week or so ago she said she wants her new friend to come so they can play. It was pretty sweet. She's potty training right now and she's doing great. Has an accident a couple of times a week but we haven't been at it too long so it's to be expected.

GTKY: People keep telling me this little girl will come faster than my last one, I keep saying I want it to go exactly like my 1st. Kept waking up to pee in the middle of the night and had mild cramps at 4 in the morning but went back to bed. Woke up again at 5 to pee, when I got back in bed my water broke. I showered, went to the hospital, had contractions quite frequently (less than 5 min apart) said a lot of "ow's" for a few hours. Got my epidural around 11, they checked me around 1245 and said they were calling my doctor since I was at 10cm. She came around 115, wanted me to wait a little bit. Started pushing at 2, and she was born at 215. I couldn't feel a thing, they had to tell me when to push. I'm perfectly fine with just having a repeat of that, I'd rather it not go too fast, because I want an epidural again. I feel like it went pretty smooth.

jandd2014 · October 2018

How are you doing? How are your other kids?
I've been struggling lately. I'm feeling irritable all the time, which is unlike me. I've been having a lot of trouble sleeping. My sciatica pain is pretty constant. I feel like I'm just waiting around for something to go wrong (which is what happened out of the blue with DD). I'm trying to stay at least a week ahead at work (I'm a teacher), which is stressful, just in case I'm suddenly put on bed rest again. I have an appointment on Thursday and I think I'm going to talk to the doctor about all of this.
DD is doing pretty good lately. She's learning new words every day and is talking so much. She knows she's going to have a baby sister and that she's in mommy's tummy right now, but I don't think she really gets what that means to her life. (She's 22 months.) We are loosely potty training, but mostly just encouraging and following her lead. She's doing pretty good with that, especially when we are out and about, but at home she would rather keep playing than go sit on the toilet and try to go potty.

GTKY: What are you hoping goes differently with the birth of this LO compared to previous births?
I would like to not end up on bed rest again. Other than that, DD's birth went pretty smoothly. I had timeable braxton-hicks contractions (uncomfortable but not painful) for three days before my water broke right after I had gone to bed. DD was born 6 hours later. I would rather not get an epidural this time- I only did last time because I didn't know I was already at 10 cm (they didn't check me before they placed it and only checked again after the test dose). One other thing I do want to be different- I do NOT want my MIL in the room while I'm laboring. But this will be tricky because she is a nursing supervisor at the hospital and I don't think any of the nurses wanted to tell her to leave. Luckily she excused herself before I started pushing. But she and DH sat there and talked about work while I was in very fast active labor. He got an earful about that after things settled down...

Jackiemxoxo · October 2018

How are you doing? How are your other kids?
I feel like I am doing pretty well this pregnancy. I had that second trimester energy but it is slowly dwindling down. Sleeping is getting harder and I think I wake up to pee more than I sleep. I have done nothing to prepare for this baby except for a few small things bought. I am sure I'll be in a panic mode in a month or so.

Both my girls are doing well and adjusting to school. DD1 goes on her first field trip today to the pumpkin patch and I am excited for her. I am also slightly anxious that she'll get left or something irrational because pregnancy hormones. 5 kindergarten classes is a lot though so it sounds like chaos. DD2 is doing ok adjusting to daycare although she tells me she doesn't like her teacher. She is finally sleeping until 6am and I'll take it cause 5am was too early. I really want to put the girls in one room before the baby comes but it feels exhausting to do that right now so I will wait. I know he will be in our room anyway for the first few months but I'd like to tackle that obstacle before he is here.

I would like to labor more at home before going to the hospital. DD1 was induced 3 days early and with DD2 I went in so early on my own cause of false labor that they broke my water anyway cause they weren't busy and I was already 5cm. But i'm pretty neurotic so I'll probably end up going in early anyway thinking the baby is coming. I am pretty nervous about delivering at a new hospital/new place completely. I read that they have a tub to labor in though so that sounds amazing and I want to do that if possible. Just labor though. I am hoping that DH stays awake for this labor because it will just be him and I this time around. Last times I had either my mom or dad in the room and they are super helpful because they are both doctors and know I have blood pressure issues with the epidural. DH literally woke up as I pushed DD2 out. Im gonna be mad if he does that this time around.

tosh24 · October 2018

Doing OK. Starting to get really antsy about getting things organized. I want to do all the fun, nest-y things but there's a lot of heavy moving of furniture and re-organizing to get done beforehand that I can't do myself, which means I have to rely on DH. He's been amazing at getting home from work and diving into things, but I hate not being able to do stuff myself.

Kids are doing well. We're gearing up for both of their birthdays in the next 6 weeks so they're pretty excited (they'll be 12 and 7). Plus, they're starting to get into Halloween mode too. Just bought both of their costumes on the weekend. This weekend is a long-weekend in Canada (it's our Thanksgiving) so we will be going up to the lake and I can't wait for bonfires and blankets and snuggles.

GTKY: My first was OP so I had back labour for 11.5 hours and then 2 hours of pushing which caused a lot of trauma to my undercarriage that I still deal with 12 years later. Also had an epidural and other drugs pushed on me that really hindered my recovery...hoping to not repeat that L&D. I would love to repeat L&D with my second. My water broke at home, I sat in a dark room by myself and listened to some piano music while bouncing on my fitness ball for an hour or so before deciding to go to the hospital. Got to the hospital at 11:40 AM and he was born at 12:15 PM, so super fast, no meds, and my recovery was amazing. I also had a doula and we did hypnobirthing which I think really helped to relax my whole body and allow for a smooth L&D. Here's to hoping #3 goes the same way!

saltedcaramel518 · October 2018

@Jackiemxoxo DH was sleeping when I started pushing with DS. I really couldn’t blame him because it had been a long day, and we’d only gotten 2 hours of sleep the night before. He was mad when he woke up, though. He said, “Um, what were you gonna do, just let me sleep through this?” I was like, “I’m a little busy here!”

sweetyjenj · October 2018

@molosmiles I think 2 is still too young to really understand what it means that a baby is coming. From my professional experience on child development, a 2 year old won't understand this type of cause and effect. I know my 20 month old knows a "baby is in my belly" and will point to my belly when I ask where baby is, but it seems like mimicking behavior. I've taught her that a baby is in my tummy, but I can fairly confidently say she has no idea what's actually coming. If your daughter ignores you when talking about the baby, it's more likely that it's because she knows a baby is in your tummy, but doesn't know that it effects her at all and doesn't know that baby will come out and change her world. Kids this age also can't grasp time, because their brains aren't fully developed this concept.

MrsDho11 · October 2018

@jackiemxoxo - UGH. YES. H slept through transition and I had to yell at him to wake up because I was pushing. So annoying. And he was all like, "well, I was just so tired. We'd been here so long." or some such nonsense, and I thought, "YOU'RE FUCKING TELLING ME?!"

Jackiemxoxo · October 2018

@saltedcaramel518 and @MrsDho11- lol, those responses are so funny. I am convinced that guys will sleep anywhere/anytime.

UnbreakableKimmySchmidt · October 2018

On the SO sleeping note...is anyone thinking of sending their SO home to sleep after the birth? When DD was born we stayed two nights before being sent home and neither of us slept great. Depending on the timing of this birth/how it goes, I am thinking of telling DH to go home and get some rest. Doesn't make sense to have two overtired parents. We are about 7 miles from the hospital, so he could get back pretty quickly. What are you guys planning to do or your thoughts? DD1 may be at our house or at her grandparent's house so was thinking it might help to have Daddy do the bedtime routine if she is at our house.

kmvisioli · October 2018

@UnbreakableKimmySchmidt Last time DH stayed with me the first couple nights, then headed home to take care of DS1 because he had gotten so homesick (he was only 17mos and it was the first time he was away from us, plus staying with friends because we had no family nearby). This time our older kids will be with grandparents, and they have all stayed there before, so I’m guessing we’ll both stay at hospital just to actually have some time of just us plus baby.

@Jackiemxoxo We moved all our boys into one room a few months ago, and it took maybe one-two weeks for them to adjust. Bedtime does take a little longer some nights when they get rowdy, but actually DS1 goes down more quickly than he used to in his own room. I wanted to get them fully adjusted to that before baby comes, and they really enjoy sharing!

molosmiles · October 2018

My SO went home for a shower and some food. I should have had him take a nap too. But he really did want to be there to help with the baby. I was really having a hard time getting up and moving around, so he was picking baby up and bringing her to me. I guess it will depend on how I'm feeling this time. He was exhausted and hated every minute of being in the hospital. But I wouldn't have wanted to be there alone.

UnbreakableKimmySchmidt · October 2018

@molosmiles yeah, I wouldn't have wanted to be alone the first time but if everything goes well this time maybe I will feel better about it. DH will stay, I was the one who brought up going home.

I'm also probably going to send this baby to the nursery if they allow it. My doctor encouraged me to do it last time because I was so tired but I was too worried about what everyone would think (FTM fear).

ladystout08 · October 2018

I sent DH home after DS was born. My mom stayed the night in the hospital with me. DH came back fully rested with breakfast and took over while I went home and napped. We'll likely do the same this time.

kmos816 · October 2018

@UnbreakableKimmySchmidt I suggested to DH that he should go home, we are just 10 min from the hospital. I’m glad he stayed with me last time but I’d rather have him home with DD. I’m also going to send the baby with the nurses this time to get some rest (they don’t have a nursery but they will watch baby in their nursing station if they can). I think I just sent her once so didn’t get much sleep at all!

I’m also hoping to get released after 1 night- depending on the time I deliver!

tosh24 · October 2018

@UnbreakableKimmySchmidt With my first the hospital was so busy and they didn't have any private rooms available so DH had to go home. It was tough to be there alone but I managed. With my second I had a private room right away so DH stayed the one night we were there and he was such a great help. I'm planning on him staying again this time, unless he snores...then he can GTFO lol! We don't have nurseries in the hospitals around here so it's nice to have DH around to help me.

Jackiemxoxo · October 2018

Last time I had an epidural and I couldn't feel my left leg for 2 days after so I definitely want DH staying there with me just in case. They usually have a bed/couch thing there for them and he can sleep through anything so he'll sleep fine there. My mom is supposed to come into town and watch the girls so I know they'll be fine here. I dont expect to really get any sleep until at least after the first year.

UnbreakableKimmySchmidt · October 2018

@Jackiemxoxo yeah, definitely not counting on getting much sleep the first year! It’s rough!

Appreciate heading everyone’s thoughts on DH staying/going home! We will have to play it by ear!

molosmiles · October 2018

With DD1 they had a nursery and baby went there for a solid 5 hrs (I was alone with her) and it was awesome. With DD2 there was no nursery but the nurses did take her for 3 hours and that was the longest stretch of sleep SO and I had. Again, it was glorious. Ask if the nurses will do that and DONT feel guilty!

Mandamay1414 · October 2018

I'm doing ok. I've been having persistent/recurrent bacteruria (for 4 months now) that's super annoying. I have no UTI symptoms, but I keep testing positive at my OB appointments. They've just called in my 4th round of antibiotics. Also, I hope no one ever gets labial varicose veins.. my nether regions feel as swollen and painful now as they did a week postpartum with DD.

DD turned 2 in July and is honestly being really good right now other than running me ragged with her high energy, lol. She is 95% potty trained and I feel like I need to start trusting her more. I still worry about accidents when we go out, but she hasn't had a daytime accident with me for 2 months, so I need to chill. She is also doing really well with expressing her feelings. We've been able to abort most meltdowns by asking her if "she wants to talk about it" or "how she feels". She ALWAYS feels "mad", lol, but that 1 minute discussion seems to resolve most of her tantrums. I hope it keeps working.

My labor with DD was pretty smooth. I did develop a fever, so I would definitely like to avoid that because that meant they took DD to the NICU for antibiotic and evaluation for the first few hours after she was born. Other than that, I'd be fine with things going the same this time.

I'm hoping to have DH stay in the hospital with me again this time. DD will be with her grandparents and already spends nights with them occasionally if we go out of town or work evening/night shifts, so I'm not worried about being away from her for a few days. I'm planning on staying in the hospital the full 2 or 4 days and letting someone take care of me before the really chaos begins

drabong88 · October 2018

@UnbreakableKimmySchmidt DH stayed with me last time but I think I am going to tell him to go home at night this time, which I think he will be fine with. I asked my mom if she would stay with me so I still have help. The hospital I deliver at is "Baby Friendly" So they don't encourage you to use the nursery. When I delivered DS I stayed 2 nights (they wanted to monitor him to make sure he as eating enough after his circumcision) And my night nurse offered to take him to the nursery. They took him for 3.5-4 hours and I slept so good knowing someone was keeping a close eye on him while I slept.

bradleysmommy28 · October 2018

My parents are staying at my house because of DS and the dog so DH will probably want to stay at the hospital. Also, we live pretty close to the hospital so he would just randomly run home if he needed/wanted to.

MrsDho11 · October 2018

My ILs are going to have DD overnight for the first time this weekend as a trial run for hopefully keeping her a weekend in November when we have a wedding to attend and activities both days and would need them to watch her anyway. We'll see how it goes. I think that will be a big deciding factor on H staying overnight in the hospital again or not. They don't have a nursery though, I don't believe, so it isn't really an option for me to send baby away. Granted, H wasn't much of a help that first night with DD anyway... I remember being SO TIRED and telling him I needed him to get up the next time, and he just slept through. Sigh. I swear he actually *is* a good guy even if he isn't coming off as it in this thread!

I'm really hoping that I don't have to do 45 hours of induction and labor before birth this time as well... I feel like that would probably help me manage better and not be quite so exhausted? Maybe it's a pipe dream...

jgil85 · October 2018

How are you doing? I'm doing good. Really sore but I think part of that is from running after a toddler all the time. Nesting is in full force around here and I'm just trying to embrace it.

How are your other kids? DS will be 18 months at the end of October and I'm trying to always make a conscious effort to talk about the baby and read big brother books. Hes at a fun age too where he always wants to help me so I'm just rewarding and praising all the "help" I get from him. He's started kissing and hugging my tummy which is just the sweetest.

GTKY: What are you hoping goes differently with the birth of this LO compared to previous births? Well for one, I'm hoping to make it full-term. I had preeclampsia with ds and went downhill really fast and ended up being induced at 34 weeks. I honestly had the best labor, with the exception of the magnesium drip. I only labored for 12 hours and he was born after 18 minutes of pushing. I honestly know not to expect that with this baby but it would be really nice if I could have an easy labor. The only thing I really want is to be able to do skin to skin right away. They only let me hold ds for a minute before being whisked away to the NICU, and it was hours before I saw him again.

sweetyjenj · October 2018

@UnbreakableKimmySchmidt First time around we ended up staying 2 nights because she was born late the first night, and by the time she was done with the 24hr check it was too late to discharge. It was nice having DH there, and we honestly didn't even think of him leaving. There was no reason for him to, and we had a lot of guests both days. I didn't even leave my room for 24 hours and DH got me snacks and water refills from down the hall between meals or MOTN. This time DD will likely be staying with one of the grandma's, and I would feel much more comfortable with him leaving for a bit to sleep or eat and shower, so long as things go well.

We did send DD to the nursery once each night, but since I was nursing they still had to bring her back when she was hungry, but that caused a lot of issues. DD latched PERFECTLY several times before sending her to the nursery, but then she comes back overly hungry and would.not.latch for anything. Nurse came in and tried putting formula on my nipple to get her to suck, but nothing. She just screamed and would seem like she was looking for the nipple, but then wouldn't latch. Then finally she did and was great that whole day. Then that second night we send her to the nursery and she was only gone about 1.5-2hrs and came back overly hungry and wouldn't latch again. It was like she wouldn't recognize my nipple for what it was. We instructed them to NOT use a paci, but I wonder if they did anyway.

PolarBear517 · October 2018

How are you doing? How are your other kids?
We're doing very well- we have our first cold of the season but its pretty mild. Hoping this cold/flu season is easier on our family than the last! Despite the cold, DD is happy, bubbly and talkative and it hasn't seemed to effect her sleeping at all. We haven't done any prep for her re: new baby... I don't think she would get the concept at this point. At her 15 month check up the pediatrician said with our spacing (19 months) it's kind of a toss up whether or not she will understand the transition and feel jealousy. I'm feeling more anxious about it... the decision to have our children close together is something we think will work to our benefit years down the road but I think the first year or so is going to be rough. I also thought they'd be closer to 2 years apart since we were NTNP with this one. Buuuuut we're in the boat we're in now so I'm trying to be positive

GTKY: What are you hoping goes differently with the birth of this LO compared to previous births?

With DD my water broke before I noticed contractions- was kind of a bummer because I felt pretty confined to my bathroom during the 'labor at home' phase. She was born about 12 hours after my water broke and I only labored the last 2 at the hospital, so I am hoping for another short labor & not a long time at the hospital

I'm really hoping my placenta delivers on its own this time (manual extraction was more painful than L&D for me & I only ended up getting skin-to-skin for half an hour because of it).

I'm also hoping to spend 1 night in the hospital instead of 2. We got L&D just after 1AM on Friday morning so it didn't count as an overnight... it felt like a long time just getting through to Saturday... but we stayed until mid-day Sunday and I couldn't wait to leave. We had been told it would be our choice to stay 1 or 2 nights but in the hospital they said they'd prefer first time parents spend a 2nd night.

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