January 2019 Moms

The Great Post Partum Care Thread



This thread is to talk about all things post partum care. Your favorite products, things to have on hand before you deliver, PPD/PPA, baby blues, things STM+ wish you had known, FTMs ask your questions here! 
TW

M/C 06/09/2011
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 
Babysizer Geeky Pregnancy Tracker

Re: The Great Post Partum Care Thread

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  • Oh, @kns1988 reminded me, a diaper changing station. We have a two story house so having a separate changing set up downstairs is key so I don't have to go upstairs. 

    Last time I got a little basket and put 
    -diapers
    -wipes 
    -diaper rash cream 
    - a few onesies 
    -cloth diaper inserts/burp cloths 
    TW

    M/C 06/09/2011
    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 
    Babysizer Geeky Pregnancy Tracker
  • @kns1988 ooooh yes to everything, but especially the meals for 2 weeks thing sounds so smart! Not trying to put energy into cooking or do anything to make dishes/mess to clean up while also adjusting. Also, do you freeze witch hazel pads? 
  • Oh, and I agree with setting up a second changing station if you have a house that is more than one level. I kept the pack n play in our family room and it had the changing station and bassinet attachments which I used for changing and naps so I didn't have to walk up the stairs (stairs are not your friend, PP).

    On that note, if you have a really high bed, you're going to want to get a stool from the dollar store so you can climb in and out of it. You have no idea how many ab and groin muscles you use to do daily tasks until you can't use them!
    Me: 35 I DH: 38
    *TW loss and children mentioned*
    DD:2006 | Dx: Unexplained Secondary Infertility | DS: 2011

    TFAS since 2012

    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 <3 

  • @kianarain, I just kept the witch hazel pads under the bathroom sink. They always felt cold and refreshing in the container that they come in. 
    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 <3
    BFP #4: 5/20/18. EDD 1/23/19. 


  • Thanks @ladystout08 for starting this!! I didn't get online to start it until just now :) This will be helpful
    Me: 30 |  DH: 33
    Married: 8/11/2007

    DD: Born 2/3/17
    BFP#2: 5/3, EDD 1/10/19
  • Just one FYI about nipple cream: If you are sensitive to wool, you can't use lanolin since it's the oil that comes from the skin of sheep! I learned this the hard way - I thought wool made me itchy just because it was inherently scratchy, but nope! This is why I recommend you get a non-lanolin based nipple cream. You can still keep the receipt and not open the package so you can return it if you don't use it, but I feel like it's a good thing to have on hand just in case. I used my nipple cream multiple times a day for at least the first 4-6 weeks.
    Me: 35 I DH: 38
    *TW loss and children mentioned*
    DD:2006 | Dx: Unexplained Secondary Infertility | DS: 2011

    TFAS since 2012

    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 <3 

  • @tosh24 I always used coconut oil personally b/c I wasn't worried about DS ingesting a little of it and I used it for lotion/diaper rashes anyway so I had a bunch of it. 
    TW

    M/C 06/09/2011
    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 
    Babysizer Geeky Pregnancy Tracker



  • I'm sure there will be another thread on freezer meals, but I just found this out-- if you have a Hy-Vee grocery store in your area they do freezer meal prep classes.  You sign up for a class, go and make like 6 meals and pay for them; they do all the shopping and clean-up.  Worth looking into if you have a Hy-Vee near you or I'm sure they even do this at other grocery stores.
  • Witch hazel, a peri bottle, sitz bath, and huge pads were the best combo for me. Freezer pads would have been just a waste in my case the first time since I was fortunate that I only had a second degree tear and like 3 stitches. I used the ice packs in the hospital but was fine without by the time I went home.

    I agree with others and highly recommend have a diaper change area on both levels of the house (or if you have one story, maybe have a diaper area in two separate parts). DD's pack n play had a changing table that we used for the first 3 months or more of her life. I don't think we used the changing table upstairs before then.

    I didn't have a "feeding" station prepared or anything but did always grab a bottle of water and a snack before I sat down to nurse or feed her, that way it was there. I always have water by my bedside in the MOTN so I could sip on that if needed.

    If you need to use formula, I've heard several moms suggest having the formula in the bottles ready for the MOTN (or the whole day) before hand and have the water pre measured and ready to add right by you so you don't have to get up and make a whole bottle
    DH: 29 | Me: 29 
    Dating: 10/3/08 | Married: 12/27/14
    TTC #1: August 2015 | BFP: 2/3/16 | EDD: 10/7/16
    DD: 10/5/16
    TTC #2: September 2017 | BFP: 4/28/18 | EDD: 1/7/19
    DS: 1/9/19
    BabyFruit Ticker


  • I have a formula question, since several people have mentioned having formula and water pre measured: can you not just pre-mix the formula in the evening so it's ready throughout the night? If so, why not? Is formula only good for a limited time once water is added? 


  • @AshVa I don't have personal experience best I never used it but from what I've read, once mixed at room temp it is good for one hour. If you pre mix and store in the fridge I think it's good for 24 hours.
    DH: 29 | Me: 29 
    Dating: 10/3/08 | Married: 12/27/14
    TTC #1: August 2015 | BFP: 2/3/16 | EDD: 10/7/16
    DD: 10/5/16
    TTC #2: September 2017 | BFP: 4/28/18 | EDD: 1/7/19
    DS: 1/9/19
    BabyFruit Ticker


  • @AshVA you can pre-mix water and formula and it's good in the fridge. I actually made a pitcher of it and used that- they sell pitchers just for mixing formula. I would then heat up the bottle in a bottle warmer.
  • @AshVA Yup, what @emmaaa said. It's good for 1 he at room temp and 24 hrs in the fridge. They also sell premixed formula but it's a lot more expensive, and again, has a limited shelf life once opened. I never found making a formula bottle a hassle. Actually quite easier than breast milk, since I never warmed up the formula. I always used room temp water. 

    Breast milk is good for 4 hrs, I think, when pumped fresh, so I might pump a bottle at bed time for the SO to do a mid night feeding, but I'm definitely not opposed to using formula, so really whatever he prefers for feeding is what we'll do.
  • These lists are great. I would also add a robe because if you breastfeed then your boobs are out all the time and its better than a shirt. Boppy/nursing pillow for the hospital. 

    Lilypie Kids Birthday tickers
    Lilypie Second Birthday tickers
    Lilypie Pregnancy tickers
  • Current list 
    •  peri bottle (specifically this one, which will be going to the hospital with me and I will be using it this time instead of the one they provided. It's life-changingly better. https://a.co/d/ekpWxIq )
    • Tucks pads (allllll the tucks pads)
    • Depends (used them for at least the first couple days)
    • pads
    • lanolin
    • Lansinoh soothies gel pads
    • wrap/ring sling to baby wear from the beginning.
    • camis and sweat pants and clean blankets (I'm pretty sure I just pulled my tank top down for skin-to-skin time whenever we didn't have people around for the first couple weeks at least and then threw a blanket over us though this will be more difficult with a toddler around...)
    I also agree freezer crockpot meals (I use these a lot anyway now, so I'm hoping that it'll be habit enough to not be difficult to remember to do :lol: ) and one-handed snacks are great to have around.

    Last time I made padsicles and hated them, so I don't plan to bother this time.
    Me: 30 DH: 32 ~~ TTC #1: Sep 2015 ~~ BFP: Mar 2016 ~~ Daughter: Nov 2016
    TTC #2: April 2018 ~~ BFP: May 2018 ~~ EDD: January 2019





  • Oh oh oh! have we talked about nursing pillows anywhere? I have a large chest and at the LC's recommendation tried a my brest friend instead of the boppy I had, and it was much better.
    Me: 30 DH: 32 ~~ TTC #1: Sep 2015 ~~ BFP: Mar 2016 ~~ Daughter: Nov 2016
    TTC #2: April 2018 ~~ BFP: May 2018 ~~ EDD: January 2019





  • @MrsDho11 I have a boppy that is soft on one side and firm on the other and I love it! I borrowed a brest friend pillow from sil and I didn't like it as much. But the brest friend was still far better than a regular boppy.
  • Okay so I see everyone has Tucks pads on their lists, are they just for hemorrhoids? 

    I never had hemorrhoids with ds so I didn't think to use them but would they help with just discomfort down there? 
  • @galactickates that’s exactly what I’m doing!  A separate amazon list for things I wouldn’t want other people buying/seeing. 
  • @jgil85 they're just medicated wipes so they help with everything. For me they took the sting away after I peed. 
    TW

    M/C 06/09/2011
    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 
    Babysizer Geeky Pregnancy Tracker
  • @jgil85 Yes, Tucks will help with just general discomfort, swelling, and itching. I don't think studies have really demonstrated its effectiveness, but it's pretty widely used/recommended for after childbirth. I found it helpful if only for the nice cooling sensation!
    Me: 35 I DH: 38
    *TW loss and children mentioned*
    DD:2006 | Dx: Unexplained Secondary Infertility | DS: 2011

    TFAS since 2012

    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 <3 

  • jgil85 said:
    @MrsDho11 I have a boppy that is soft on one side and firm on the other and I love it! I borrowed a brest friend pillow from sil and I didn't like it as much. But the brest friend was still far better than a regular boppy.
    Interesting. My issue was more needing the bigger shelf, if you will, so DD could rest on it further away from me. Because boobs.
    Me: 30 DH: 32 ~~ TTC #1: Sep 2015 ~~ BFP: Mar 2016 ~~ Daughter: Nov 2016
    TTC #2: April 2018 ~~ BFP: May 2018 ~~ EDD: January 2019





  • MrsDho11 said:
    jgil85 said:
    @MrsDho11 I have a boppy that is soft on one side and firm on the other and I love it! I borrowed a brest friend pillow from sil and I didn't like it as much. But the brest friend was still far better than a regular boppy.
    Interesting. My issue was more needing the bigger shelf, if you will, so DD could rest on it further away from me. Because boobs.
    #teamtinytits over here. But I will say I would still use the boppy when ds was 9 months old and hold him on the pillow while he napped. 
  • jgil85 said:
    MrsDho11 said:
    jgil85 said:
    @MrsDho11 I have a boppy that is soft on one side and firm on the other and I love it! I borrowed a brest friend pillow from sil and I didn't like it as much. But the brest friend was still far better than a regular boppy.
    Interesting. My issue was more needing the bigger shelf, if you will, so DD could rest on it further away from me. Because boobs.
    #teamtinytits over here. But I will say I would still use the boppy when ds was 9 months old and hold him on the pillow while he napped. 
    I sent the boppy  home with my parents and used it when I visited them so that I didn’t have to remember to bring a nursing pillow with me. It was definitely better than nothing. But i was just mentioning it to #teambigtits as a possibly better choice, since I never considered anything other than the boppy before DD!
    Me: 30 DH: 32 ~~ TTC #1: Sep 2015 ~~ BFP: Mar 2016 ~~ Daughter: Nov 2016
    TTC #2: April 2018 ~~ BFP: May 2018 ~~ EDD: January 2019





  • I do know that my sil who is very well endowed loved the brest friend pillow because it gave her a ledge that fit her breasts and the baby. 
  • MrsDho11 said:
    Oh oh oh! have we talked about nursing pillows anywhere? I have a large chest and at the LC's recommendation tried a my brest friend instead of the boppy I had, and it was much better.
    Team giant boobies here: my Breast friend (such a stupid name) was way better. Because most of us large boobied ladies have to use both hands when bfing in the beginning, you really need a firm surface to basically set the baby on it. 
  • @rooonilwaazlib accurate
    Me: 30 DH: 32 ~~ TTC #1: Sep 2015 ~~ BFP: Mar 2016 ~~ Daughter: Nov 2016
    TTC #2: April 2018 ~~ BFP: May 2018 ~~ EDD: January 2019





  • I did not make freezer meals before DS came, which I slightly regret but so many people brought food because we were near family that it wasn't a huge issue. Now that we're not, we probably should stock up on some things. I had really bad PPD last time, and am already on meds this time around so it is hopefully not an issue. We have a 2 level house now, so I definitely planned on having diapers/wipes/etc. downstairs and upstairs so I don't have to walk up the stairs during the day if avoidable. 
    Me: 31 I DH: 31
    Met: 9/8/08; Engaged: 9/8/11; Married 6/30/12
    TTC#1: 8/2013; BFP: 9/30/13; born June 2014 (boy)
    TTC#2: 2/2018; BFP: 2/26/18; MC 4/4/18.
    TTC#2: 4/2018; BFP: 5/12/18; EDD: 1/19/19 (boy)
    2 fur babies: Oakley Marley (11.5) & Ava Lynn (2)

    BabyGaga
  • Are the Depends because it’s just so much blood a pad can’t handle it?
  • frauliv said:
    Are the Depends because it’s just so much blood a pad can’t handle it?

    (Got stuck in the quote box; sorry!)
     That, and. because pads didn’t stay in place as well with my daily changing postpartum body,  and a pad put more pressure on my perinuem more than an adult diaper did. I felt like an adult diaper provided plenty of protection, including preventing overnight leaks, and I was able to position it so the elastic sides sealed off around my legs, but have the actual pad part not touching my sore bits, but still absorbing and catching the blood and tissue coming out.
  • That never even occurred to me. Thanks!
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