Third Trimester Thread

Jens_Hoes · October 2018

What do you have left?
How are you preparing for baby?
How are you preparing for being immediately postpartum?
Questions? Comments?

katy0990 · October 2018

I need to:
Get DS’s clothes out of the nursery.
Wash and put away the baby clothes.
Wash and set up baby gear.
Raise the crib mattress and replace the scratched side of the crib.
Make yearly photo books for Christmas gifts.
Wrap Christmas gifts.
Pack hospital bag.
Buy and wrap DS’ big brother gift.
Buy baby book, new pacis, bottle nipples, and diapers.
Make freezer meals.
Buy colace and nipple cream.

Thr nursery is pretty much done because we are reusing the one we set up for DS and we really don’t need to purchase anything major.

For postpartum, especially if I have a RCS, I’m planning on sleeping on our pull out sofa in the living room at first, because our bed has drawers underneath and climbing up onto it was painful, last time. I also will have colace and nipple cream, on hand. Other than that, everything I need should be provided by the hospital, including a belly binder.

countrygirl624 · October 2018

@katy0990 Get it!! You are on it lady - I haven’t even started thinking about Christmas presents. I’ll tell my stepson his present is his first sibling! Haha!

rosebud332 · October 2018

@katy0990 My bed is pretty high too and last time I borrowed a step stool to get up. It helped a lot especially since I was post c-section. Any way you could get your hands on something like that?

What do you have left?
Literally everything. I haven’t done a single thing yet. My problem is my house is on the market and we’ve emptied it as much as possible so all my baby stuff is in storage. We’re going to have to make the call within the next month to pull it off the market if it doesn’t sell by then unfortunately.

How are you preparing for baby?
What I need to do:
Wash all baby clothes, blankets, etc.
Install carseat
Buy a bassinet
Buy a double stroller
Get new bottles and pacifiers and sanitize them
Set up the swing and other baby stuff
Probably a ton more.
Luckily I’m a SAHM so at least I can do most of this stuff pretty last minute without it being a huge problem.

How are you preparing for being immediately postpartum?
I would like to create a breastfeeding station with nipple cream, medication, and all the other essentials so everything is in one space. I think that’s about it. I can’t think of anything else at the moment.

kadeephd · October 2018

What do you have left?

Wash and organize clothes and diapers
Finish packing hospital bag (I have it sitting in my closet and have been tossing things in there occasionally)
Install car seat bases in both cars
pick names!
make some freezer meals

How are you preparing for baby?

trying to get sleep (not working too well)
cleaning and organizing the apartment to make room for all this baby stuff

How are you preparing for being immediately postpartum?

hmm I don't know what I should be doing for this that is separate from preparing for baby! I have nipple cream...

Questions? Comments?

I feel pretty on top of everything we need to do, but at the same time nowhere near ready.

katy0990 · October 2018

@rosebud332 The stepstool worked last time to get into the bad. But, I either had to reach down to get the baby out of the bassinet or climb down and get him and climb back up with him in my arms, both of which were painful and a PITA. I’m hoping on the pull out, I can get the baby more easily. I hope your house sells soon!

Jens_Hoes · October 2018

@kadeephd I know some people in my last BmB made things like padsicles to use when they were home, wanted to stock their bathrooms with things they’d use (pads, peri bottles, etc) and made nursing/changing stations (with food, drinks, desitin, diapers, chargers, etc) for places they knew they were going to breastfeed a lot or change baby.

This may be TMI but our dog was more of a puppy when we brought DD home and I was worried he’d go through the trash sniffing blood from the used pads initially (since there is a lot of blood in the beginning) so I bagged each used pad and tied it so he couldn’t get it.

CecilB93 · October 2018

Need to do:

Buy new bottle nipples, just planning on using pacifiers from DS though, we have 5 and they were all constantly lost and then later found so I don't think any of them were overused, so just plan to sanitize.
Install car seat/base
Wash and unpack NB and 0-3 month clothes we have in tubs from DS
Unpack and prepare cloth diapers
Pull out the swing and bouncer and probably wash the covers
Buy a baby carrier (wasn't a huge fan of the one we had last time, I've got one in mind, just need to buy it)
Finish buying Christmas gifts
Finish sewing Christmas PJs/gifts
Pack hospital bag
Order breast pump

Not sure I really have any plans for preparing for post partum lol. I guess make sure I've got enough pads on hand?

asun123 · October 2018

What do you have left?
Pretty much everything. My baby shower is October 13th. After that, I'll get everything together and go buy all the stuff I still need.
How are you preparing for baby?
Honestly, other than the necessities (bottles and clothes.. etc.) I don't really think I need to prepare much. 3rd kid so I'm way more relaxed now than I was with my first.
How are you preparing for being immediately postpartum?
I've already started stocking up on soft comfy cotton granny panties and lots of pads. I bought some comfy pajama pants that I plan on living in after the baby arrives. I know I'll be fine, comfort is key with me though.

temmetime · October 2018

What do you have left?
We got DS moved to his new room/bed, so now I have the nursery open to get out the clothes & newborn things to put in there. I got my breast pump yesterday (yay!) and have a few things to order on Amazon, but I might wait a bit longer because if I have to return anything my return window will be closed if I order this early. I feel like I don't have that much to do...and I don't know if that's true or if I am forgetting everything.
How are you preparing for baby?
Working on getting DS comfortable in his new room & hoping it's a solid routine. I've been listening to hypnobirthing videos on YouTube to help prepare my mind for staying calm, cool & collected. I'm also enjoying my sleep for now since there's no way to prepare for the upcoming sleep loss.
How are you preparing for being immediately postpartum?
I have a peri bottle that's clean from last time & some Tucks & pads still as well. I'll bring my granny panties along as well & have some easy snacks ready made for when we get home so I hopefully don't try to over do it.

I've been good about keeping my mind busy, but all of the sudden this week all I can think about is BABY EVERYTHING.

Activebaby · October 2018

I will be a 3rd time Mom and I haven’t done anything. If you asked me how I am preparing for leave at work I could tell you so much.
So far I’ve bought a bigger car (minivan, so I can actually bring the baby home) and got a new infant car seat and base. I bought 2 soft newborn winter outfits. I also kicked ds2 out of his room.nursery so it’s “ready-ish” for the baby. That’s it!
I need to get nipples/bottles and diapers for sure. I need to order my breast pump. I need to get the baby clothes out and see what I have (I had a late spring and summer baby, so hope I have some warm-ish clothes for him).
Im not ready and he will be here in 9 weeks or less.

PensiveCrayon · October 2018

What do you have left? Um everything. I am not ready for this.

Really though, the biggest thing I need to do is go up to the attic and sort through all the clothes I have stashed away and get the bassinet down. Set up the bedroom for baby. That's about it.

How are you preparing for baby? Got behind on my freezer meal list, but I'm back to trying to get one recipe knocked out per week. This week it's black bean soup. I got the play gym I was drooling over, and ah...that's about it.

How are you preparing for being immediately postpartum? I have my list of postpartum baskets to set up. I've scheduled a time to assemble everything, so I'll just keep it out of my mind until that comes up. If anyone is interested, I'll attach the original file to this post, with comments on what I actually found useful vs. not.

erose625 · October 2018

What do you have left?
A lot! My shower is 10/14 so as far as buying most things, I'm waiting until after that. We did receive a few gifts in the mail so I've tried organizing those to make less work for after. Install the car seat. Furniture ships tomorrow! Everything comes assembled except the crib so H will have to do that. I put together shelving for the closet and it made my back hurt for an entire weekend. We also need to put the blinds up in the nursery and buy and install closet doors because the current ones always come off the track and are heavy and noisy. Figure out names (this is going to be the hardest one, H and I cannot agree on anything). We need a new fridge and once we have that I want to make some freezer meals.

How are you preparing for baby?
FTM so I'm sure I'm doing way more than necessary (or maybe not and there's really just this much to do!). My family has 3 boys under the age of 4 so I received 5 huge bins of clothes/shoes that I've been slowly making my way through. I've cleared out space in our kitchen cabinets for bottles, etc. Signed up for daycare and negotiated maternity leave with my boss. I started packing a hospital bag when the first Dec18 babies were born because I know H would have no clue where to find anything if I went in to the hospital unexpectedly.

How are you preparing for being immediately postpartum?
I've started filling my Amazon cart with things I've seen you all suggest because I have really no idea what to expect. I've also slowly started dropping hints to my million family members that it's going to be an adjustment for us when we get home (I'm especially worried about our dogs) and they can't just drop by whenever. I think most of them will be good about it especially since we plan to see them all many times for the holidays but just in case.

katy0990 · October 2018

@lippy625 I would highly recommend telling people not to come over unless they talk to you first and then use the do not disturb feature on your phone, if you are trying to rest. I wish I would have started doing that earlier on last time.

misscheapandchic · October 2018

What do you have left? No more than 11 weeks, could be as little as 8.
How are you preparing for baby? Finishing up her nursery and rearranging our room for the first few weeks.
How are you preparing for being immediately postpartum? Meal planning, trying to coordinate where my kiddo is going and how he’s getting to school.

erose625 · October 2018

@katy0990 good idea about the phone, especially since my family likes to group text and my phone sometimes dings every few minutes for hours haha

katy0990 · October 2018

@lippy625 There were several people who ended up on my irrational shit list because they called or texted right as I was about to doze off.

maureenmce · October 2018

Oh my gosh I have SO much stuff left to do. I have exactly 9 weeks until my due date and this is still my list:

What do you have left?
-TDAP and flu shot for me and my husband (have to do that next week.) Luckily, DD already got hers at least.
-get new breast pump via insurance
-buy new car
-buy one more car seat
-install all car seats in new car and my car (including newborn inserts, which I forget how to do)
-put together crib
-take the two things off of the wall where the crib will be that aren't earthquake safe
-decide on/buy a pack and play or bassinet for our room
-wash/put away all baby clothes, sheets and sleep sacks
-buy all items on our registry, especially new bottles and a second camera for our monitor
-stockpile a little bit of formula in case I have similar issues as last time with my thyroid/supply
-order Christmas presents
-decide if we're doing newborn photography and, if so, book it
-buy/get on loan from friends some sibling books to prepare DD
-decide if we're doing a gift for/from the baby and do it
-talk to DD's godparents and my best friend to arrange her care for when I go into labor
-update our wills
-file for unemployment when my current job ends and temporary disability once I qualify, 4 weeks before due date
-double check baby proofing
-decide on Black Friday if we're going to get a swing or just stick with our bouncer
-decide on Black Friday if we're going to get a sit/stand stroller or just stick with the one we have
-buy a handful of long sleeved maternity shirts/sweaters since weather is turning colder now
-buy Dermoplast and pads and pack hospital bags
-take inventory of baby clothes and sleep sacks, and order any additional ones we might need
-do any little decorative details for this LO's side of the bedroom he'll share with DD
-buy baby book for this LO
-not baby related, but: finish my short film script and revisions, and finish my feature film 3rd draft script and get both ready to submit to competitions

How are you preparing for baby?
We reorganized our apartment and DD's room so it'll be for both of them. Still need to set up the crib though and set up the little nook in our bedroom where this LO's pack n play or mini crib or whatever will be.

How are you preparing for being immediately postpartum?
I already have my postpartum endocrinologist appointment scheduled, which is good. I have pads, but probably should buy more. I should definitely stock up on Colace and start taking that earlier this time. And I literally forget everything else I need. Oh, that numbing spray? I forget what it's called but I should google and buy some.

Questions? Comments?
Just why have I not accomplished more? Lol.

temmetime · October 2018

@maureenmce dermoplast! Thanks for that reminder.

maureenmce · October 2018

@temmetime And thank you for saving me from googling "what's the name of that numbing stuff you spray on your vag after giving birth" lol.

omnommer · October 2018

What do you have left?
I feel like there is so much left!

Nursery - finish fixing up the paint on the walls, securing the dresser and the IKEA storage shelves to the walls for safety, organize
Things to buy: wait till after the showers (11/4 and 11/11) and then buy any necessities after that. Except maybe buy the car seat this month. We already have a pack n play with newborn bassinet, so that's good.
Freezer meals - plan on starting these six weeks out, so for me, beginning of November-ish
Set up breastfeeding and changing stations - one on each floor. Need to buy the things I want for this. I have a list somewhere!
Pack hospital bag
Install car seat once we have it
Make christmas cards and buy presents
Wash some newborn and 0-3 months clothes
husband still needs TDAP and flu shot
update wills
put together gifts to thank hosts of showers
finish the crocheted dragon I'm making!

How are you preparing for baby?

Well, for birth, we're doing hypnobirthing, so doing relaxing activities, breathing and calming things every day to prepare
Then preparing for baby, we still need to take a baby CPR/first aid class, and otherwise I think we'll just see as we go! My husband gets 4 months off and I'm indefinitely on maternity leave (we didn't set an end date! Just said I'd say when I'm ready to return in a much more part time role.) So... we have plenty of time to figure things out and I'm SO grateful.

How are you preparing for being immediately postpartum?

Well, the freezer meals to help.
My husband already knows he is diaper changer and burper and I will be the feeder for quite awhile. So we have our roles down (though we'll adjust as needed, but I wanted him to know and feel like he was taking control of a part of her care and invested in the process.)
I am researching pediatrician/family doctors to have that all set up and will need to be on track to check my thyroid and blood sugar levels after birth and 6 weeks after.
Hoping to be able to get back to walking after a week or two and be cleared for exercise and massage at 4-6 weeks. Those are the two things that reallllly help my stress levels and I want to make sure to get back to them when I can. With hubby home, I should be able to take an hour here or there for myself, at least the first four months.

Questions? Comments?
Not really, just excited for December!

runrinserepeat · October 2018

Crap, what DO we have left to do.

I need to finish knitting a hat. And ... buy some diapers? DH just figures we'll do that on our way home from the hospital

We bought a minivan last weekend, and have a carseat. We have a place for baby to sleep when he gets home. We have clothes for him to wear. My boobs will hopefully suffice to feed him. I really think we're about set.

For postpartum, DH and I have started a netflix binge list. That's probably about the extent of our prep.

PensiveCrayon · October 2018

@runrinserepeat Honestly I was going to wait until post-birth to buy diapers too. We'll be using the NB cloth we have, but I don't want to get them all stained up with meconium. Her brother was a chunk when he was born, so I honestly have no idea whether we'll need NB or size 1's. The hospital sends you home with some stuff, no?

Also re: Netflix binging, how does all that work when you have other kids to take care of? Like with my first I could obviously leisurely watch all the Jane the Virgin and Downton I wanted while I fed him and bounced him to sleep, but the toddler is all up in my business in general, and I have a feeling it's not going to be much better when there's a newborn in the house.

runrinserepeat · October 2018

@PensiveCrayon you're forgetting - my kids go to school

The 4 yo isn't all day, but probably enough for us to watch what we want.

PensiveCrayon · October 2018

@runrinserepeat Darn it, I thought they were a bit older. Wise choice with the spacing there

morgantu · October 2018

What do you have left?
Lol. Everything. Move next week and then shower the 14th. After that there will be a lot of organizing, setting up the nursery (don't need to paint, yay!), finishing shopping w. Completion discount, and finally accepting all the hand me downs I've been asking people to hold onto till we move. It's gonna be busy!

How are you preparing for baby?
We have childbirth, breastfeeding, and infant care classes in nov. I'm planning to work on my freezer meals on weekends.

How are you preparing for being immediately postpartum?
This I don't really know. Gotta get some pads, and the other stuff y'all have recommended.

Questions? Comments?
Fx I make it through the next 2 weeks

then it'll be smooth sailing.

snugglyduckling25 · October 2018

@PensiveCrayon the hospital will send you home with diapers. I had a chunk the first time too and plan to get some NB and some size 1 and just return the NB if not needed.
@runrinserepeat I just told a co-worker today I needed to start a “to watch on maternity leave” list

What do you have left?
Almost everything. The nursery is painted and has a crib in it and we’ve purchased a stroller, car seat and a few other things. As far as things to do:
-finish the kids fall sports so I have time for my to dos.
-clean up our living room - basically go through everything that was in the nursery and figure out where to put it or toss it
-have shower on 10/21
-go through everything we get and things we’ve purchased to figure out what we still need
-buy those things, wash clothes, organize nursery
-freezer meals
-buy and wrap all Christmas presents
-install car seat
-pack hospital bag
-read back through this thread with pen and paper so I can write down all of the things I saw that I thought I need to add to my list

How are you preparing for baby?
Just getting his stuff organized. He has a few outfits, a car seat, a crib and I’m hoping BF works, so technically we are ready!

How are you preparing for being immediately postpartum?
I plan to make up some baskets from @PensiveCrayon spreadsheet for nursing areas, bath tub/shower and the bathrooms so that I have what I need ready to go.

Questions? Comments?
None - just trying to figure out how to get all of this done before baby!

scaredunprepared · October 2018

You all have some good ideas! I love the idea of a BF station, I should probably set one up in the living room by the couch. And the PP basket idea is a great one. Definitely getting that set up, one in each bathroom.

What do you have left?

A lot, apparently. Fortunately the nursery is in pretty good shape, just need to set up the crib. But if that's not done ASAP, DH can have his dad help out after baby comes so no rush. We have all the major/ necessary stuff already with the exception of a breast pump.

Left to do:
- unpack all boxes in the garage before winter so, 1) we can park our cars in there when it's cold and snowing, and 2) we have room for all the baby crap we will inevitably be getting from the upcoming showers.
- transfer anything that is staying in the garage to watertight plastic boxes
- label all boxes in garage, shed, and attic so we know what the heck is in them
- christmas shopping ad wrapping (or maybe I'll use pregnancy and upcoming baby as an excuse NOT to do christmas shopping this year)
- decorate for Halloween, then immediately afterward decorate for Christmas
- baby showers on 10/27, 10/28, and 11/10
- maternity photoshoot 11/4
- meet with photographer 10/12 to discuss details, pay, and try on her loaner gowns to determine if I want to get my own
- hospital tour 10/24
- baby care, birthing, and BF classes 11/3, 11/7, 11/14
- change my name legally with SS and DMV (and other important agencies) so we all have the same last name when baby is born
- get me on DH's health insurance plan
- determine if my OB, hospital, and pediatrician are in network with new insurance, and if not, figure out new ones
- look into life insurance
- after showers, determine what we should return and if we need to get anything else
- organize baby clothes by month/size
- make freezer meals
- install car seat bases in both cars
- pack hospital bags
- make BF station for living room
- make PP boxes for bathrooms
- organize bottle and pump parts into some kind of system

How are you preparing for baby?
Organizing, cleaning. I guess that's it?

How are you preparing for being immediately postpartum?
Yes to @PensiveCrayon spreadsheet idea. I think also reading The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding. And maybe just expect the worst? Definitely need to stock up on pads and all PP supplies.

Questions? Comments?
Feeling overwhelmed just looking at that list. And I know it's not even complete. I feel like DH doesn't understand how little time we ACTUALLY have until baby is here because he's acting like we have all the time in the world and it's so frustrating!

katy0990 · October 2018

@PensiveCrayon Anything you open at the hospital, they have to throw away after you leave, so you can take it with you. If you happen to lose or run out of the first pack of diapers and you ask them for more, they will give you a whole new pack.

temmetime · October 2018

I just realized how anxious lists make me

I'm better off with my mental list because I can't see how long it is

hoosiermama-2 · October 2018

This thread just gave me anxiety.

Love of lovetits for you organized heroes!

PensiveCrayon · October 2018

@temmetime That’s funny, I’m the exact opposite! My mind goes crazy trying to remember all the things, but I know I’m good letting it go if it’s on a list. And then I can break down tasks to have a plan for getting everything done!

morgantu · October 2018

@PensiveCrayon totally agree! If i don't make a list, I get too nervous that I've forgotten something. If I have a list (or a lot of them) then I can focus on one thing at a time, instead of worrying that I forgot.

omnommer · October 2018

@temmetime @hoosiermama-2 Haha! Not having a list makes me anxious. I agree with @morgantu and @PensiveCrayon... lists calm me down and help me be sure that I haven't forgotten anything!

MissAmber23 · October 2018

Oh my goodness, some of you are so organized! I have done NOTHING to prep for this kid - I guess that's what happens with #4. We will put a co-sleeper next to our bed for the first few months, and my youngest is still using the crib / toddler bed, so until the new baby grows out of the co-sleeper that'll be his/her place to sleep. I have all the baby clothes and stuff in the basement, someone organized, so when I need to get it out it won't be too hard to find.

As far as postpartum planning, I'm just praying for the VBAC to go as planned. That's really all I'm thinking about at this point, as far as recovery.

k_m10 · October 2018

Omg I feel insanely behind now.
What do you have left?
- Finish the floors in our entire upstairs
- Set up the nursery
How are you preparing for baby?
- H is installing new floors
- We’re signed up for several classes through the hospital.
- Otherwise just getting the baby gear together
How are you preparing for being immediately postpartum?
- Starting to look up some freezer recipes

MDKC14 · October 2018

What do you have left?
~Sort through and wash baby clothes
~Buy a dresser or shelf system to place baby items on in our room
~Set up Co-sleeper
~Pack hospital bag
~Buy new carseats for everyone including baby and install

How are you preparing for baby?
Haven't really thought about this. With two kids running around I don't have much down time to think of what it's going to be like with another. And now that I am, I am really scared. Lol\

How are you preparing for being immediately postpartum?
This will be the first time I have H home for more than a week with me so I haven't bothered stressing over this as much as I have before. He'll do as much with the older 2 as he possibly can so that I can rest with baby. And if I'm still struggling after he goes back to work then my mom has offered to come stay for a week or 2.

mcgeeva · October 2018

Wooo!!! 3rd Trimester tomorrow

Finally getting there!

What do you have left? Too much! Need to finish house projects before I can even work on washing hand me down baby clothes and organize. Need to find crib ruffle thingy and sheets. Stuff hidden from 5 years ago when I had my last. Also need a baby name which is stressing me out. Nothing stands out to me and we can decide. I do not want a repeat of my last where it took two days in the hospital to name him.

How are you preparing for baby? Just checking stuff off my list slowly in the house. Want all Christmas shopping done by end of november so I'm not stressed come December. Need to finish a framed bow holder for her and that's about it. Get some outfit for pics with her brothers for when she arrives because I do not plan on leaving the house.

How are you preparing for being immediately postpartum? Eh...not. Just pray my babysitter is in town when she arrives and scheduling full day child care for when school is close in case.

Questions? Comments? Nope

whoberry · October 2018

What do you have left?

KEGELS!!!
Name the baby (3rd boy so names are really getting hard)
Finish DS2's new room to free up the nursery and get him transitioned into it.
Unpack baby clothes and gear
Buy minivan (this is a complicated one)
Rearrange all car seats
Put the baby car seat back together
Pack hospital bag
Buy bottles (I gave mine away!) and diapers
Buy alllllllll the newborn xmas clothes
Order new pump

How are you preparing for baby?
Not doing a whole lot TBH. I want to buy and wrap all xmas gifts soon so I'm ready but I hate to miss out on black Friday deals.

How are you preparing for PP?
I will buy pads and stock them in each bathroom. I also prefer a spray bottle over peri bottle so I'll get those out.
Maybe I'll buy some tucks too.
I'll have my little stations set up where I sit with baby. Chapstick, tissues, phone charger, boppy, burp cloths.
Download some books to my phone because I know I won't be sleeping...booo.

whoberry · October 2018

@mcgeeva your SN looks very familiar!
Where you in June '14? Or any of the IF threads back between '10 - '14?

mcgeeva · October 2018

@whoberry Hi! Yep

I was on the infertility board in 2011 and again in 2013. Had my boys in march 2012 and march 2014. But all the old gals left. Tried to get back on the IF board this time around which I ended up joining my IVF month because the success after IF board was whack. No one chatted on there etc. Congrats on your little man number 2! I may be the only crazy person that went back to treatments for a third kid

I clearly don't belong in savings or college funds lol

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