@Peachie89 I was also a little shocked at how well DH did. He held me better than the nurse did when placing my epidural. He was all over it. He made it through the C-section fine, even when realizing the cord was around DS's neck. No fainting, no nothing. And he gags at poppy diapers, so we are not talking about a rock star with bodily fluids. When they have to step up they do. And it feels pretty awesome :-)
@Stac928 DH was all over it at L&D and it seemed like nothing bothered him but he still gags at poop and our DS is potty trained lol I am so thankful he stepped up when needed he too
I'm worried about asking my in-laws to get the shots, too, so I think I'll pass that job off to my husband. This is one situation where I appreciate the fact that he is a little neurotic because it means he will be paranoid of germs around the baby and I think that will motivate him to set a boundary with his family!
I had my TDAP the other day, and my doc said that everybody around you, as long as they’ve had their tetanus shots within the last 10 years, should be good to go around baby. Flu shot will be required, not looking forward to that one! Has anybody else had their TDAP yet? I had a massive headache for like two straight days, and my shoulder still hurts! I had it on Tuesday morning 😛
On the bad/weird dreams front, I had a creepy dream last night that I was bathing a baby and I looked down and the baby was submerged in the tub. Not that the baby was struggling, but it was weird when I woke up! I was thinking maybe I was just visualizing what the baby’s doing right now inside my belly? Not sure 🤔
@cpk3535 I got my TDaP shot on Wednesday and agree that it left my arm sore. Kind of feels like a bruise. I didn't get a headache, though. I still need to do the flu shot; I'll probably get that in 2 weeks.
@k_mama91 Yes, tetanus shots within the last ten years. She explained that the reason I have to get it is to pass along the whooping cough part of the vaccine to the baby for the time being. Otherwise, DH and DD are fine, and any friend and relative who keeps up with their normal vaccines should be good to go!
@blueskychicago12 I’ll probably have to do the same with the flu shot. I’m not great at receiving flu shots- I always feel like I get the flu for a few days! My daughter usually gets a fever. When she was a baby, she had a flu shot that knocked her out for a few days- I had to give her children’s Motrin to keep her fever down! Plus the nurse that administered the shots at that office was the scariest/meanest kids nurse I’ve ever seen 🤨. Doesn’t help when you’re stabbing a kid with a needle!!
@cpk3535 I got both my flu shot and the tdap yesterday—one in each arm—so now both my arms are sore 😭 I took a nap when I got home, but other than that, I’ve felt fine 👍
I made a Facebook post a couple days ago specifically stating that anyone who wants to visit baby needs flu shot and updated TDAP and so far my step-mom has responded “your dad and I will have flu shots but I don’t know about the other one” and my mom has said that she doesn’t usually get the flu shot. I told her some hospitals won’t even let you into the maternity ward without a mask if you haven’t had one and she said “well how would they know? I could just lie and say I had one” WTF?!
Like, ok.... that’s the point of me telling you about it 3 months ahead of time. So don’t act surprised if I don’t let you around the baby once they’re here 🙄
@CapricaAndrea Oh man. My husband’s head would explode. He is a firm believer in everyone getting the flu shot, every year! (Doctor.) Babies and older folks are particularly vulnerable too!
On another topic, curious what folks have in mind for a birth plan?
I don’t have a super strict plan but I am going the hospital route and am thinking of speaking with my OB now about going pain med free since my last birth was pretty quick (got to hospital at 5:30 pm and baby was born at 9:30 pm). I like the idea of walking and moving instead of just lying on a bed. I am also terrified of the whole needle in my back with an epidural.
Anybody planning on the same or gone through a birth sans pain meds and have any tips?
I will likely go pain med free. My hospital does delayed cord clamping and skin to skin and has private rooms, so I don't think I really need much in the way of a birth plan. If I am really struggling I will have gas or an epidural. If I'm not I won't. And if I need a c section that's OK too. But the default is as little intervention as possible which is how my midwife practice works anyways.
@bookworm492 I’m planning to do the same this time. Last round with DD#1, for whatever reason, I felt really unprepared and kind of scared, plus I was categorized as high risk due to the epilepsy meds I was on at the time. This time, I want to go epidural free if I can so I can move around, and I’d rather not have the docs do anything like break my water for me and so on. I’m going to try to be as natural as possible, but as you said, I’m okay if I have to do something for health safety reasons.
On a a side note, my cousin’s girlfriend just had their baby on Friday at 38 weeks. Apparently, she went in for her standard 38 week check, and was told her blood pressure was too high and got put in for an emergency c-section. Luckily, everybody was fine, but still a bit nerve wracking. I’m curious how high your BP has to be to trigger that decision from your doctor!
@cpk3535 That’s scary, glad everyone is ok! Did they decide to do a c section due to how high bp was or was that their delivery plan to begin with? Does high bp automatically count you out for vaginal delivery?
@cpk3535 and @k_mama91 it would have to be over 140s/90s. There’s risk of stroke or seizure when it gets more elevated than that. I had a c-section at 31 weeks with my daughter because of HELLP syndrome. They told me my blood pressure was too high to try for a vaginal birth. I think mine was in the 160s/100s at times and was controlled with meds but not for long stretches.
@CapricaAndrea I talked to my family yesterday about getting flu shots and tdap, and my mom gave me such a hard time. She went on and on about how she never gets sick and big pharma blah blah blah, though thankfully my whole family jumped on her about how ridiculous she was being. She left off saying she’ll think about it. I really don’t want to give her an ultimatum, but it bothers me that she’s so unwilling to do this one small thing to protect the baby.
I texted my parents, BIL, and sister about shots on Friday, and put out a general Facebook post so friends could see it about shots. So far, everyone is supportive with the exception of one cousin who lives in Texas--who I don't actually care about, because we've literally never met in real life, and I probably never will meet nor is she really someone I want my kid exposed to anyway based on everything I know about her, sooo....overall, doing well on the family and friends being agreeable about getting shots front. :-D He has yet to tell his family, but I'm pretty sure they'll be on board, considering they're not anti-vaxxers. Though part of me is a bit nervous they'll fight it just to spite us, because that's not beyond the realm of possibility with them. But if so, oh well. They live in NH, so it's not like they'd be here often, and we'll basically refuse to host them until they get it done.
@KTZ17@k_mama91 No, it wasn’t planned, completely a surprise to them! That’s what I wondered, too, knowing how many people are being monitored so closely for various conditions in our group. Yes, from what I’ve read, her BP must have been very high to require an emergency c-section. Nobody’s given me more specific info yet, but I’m still digging! From what little I know, she wasn’t being monitored for anything like this, just a random occurrence. Again, kind of scary!
@pennyandzooey Right?! Like, flu shots are super easy to get just about anywhere, but the TDAP requires an actual doctors appointment and a tiny bit of effort to check records beforehand and see if they even need it. But it's so far ahead of time, like just do it! I'm legitimately already looking into getting flu-blocking face masks to have in the front entrance to the house because I think some of my family members think it's just a suggestion as opposed to a requirement, and they're going to be in for a surprise when they show up.
I was able to get TDAP a few years ago from one of those clinics inside a drugstore. I did have to make an appointment on their website. I am guessing I don't need another shot then? This was Fall 2017 before I traveled to Thailand.
cpk3535 At my 40 week appointment I was told to go to the hospital because they were going to induce. My BP had been on the rise for the last few months, but they never really said anything about it. At 40 weeks it was at 131/92 and they said it was high. If it stayed that high during monitoring (4 hours) they would start the induction process, but not C/S unless an emergency.
g_gabs71016 Birth plan - no pain meds. My hospital does delayed cord clamping and immediate kangaroo care (skin to skin). They do all the initial tests / measurements while baby is on mama unless there is a medical need to take the baby away. Having an arsenal of ways to keep comfort is key because you never know what will actually feel good in the moment and communication (of what you can) is also important. And don't feel like you have to stick with one position the entire time. I labored on my hands and knees, hanging from my husband, on the bed, in the tub, I even sat on the toilet for a while with no need to go.
@bookworm492 they will probably still want you to get it again. Even though it’s a ten year vaccine and I just got it last year, I had to get it again. If you get it while pregnant, it passes some protection against pertussis to the baby. That’s why they want you to specifically get it between weeks 27-36.
I had my shower yesterday. It was nice but bigger than I expected (my sister-in-law invited lots of relatives, some of whom I have never met). Most people did not buy off the registry, and although I appreciate the generosity, we received a lot of gifts we don't need (tons of newborn clothing - even duplicates of some outfits) and about 10 hooded towels, for instance. Not a lot of gift receipts either. I know I'm fortunate to have more than I need, but I'm not sure what to do with all this stuff. Does anyone know if Target, Kohl's, etc will take back items with tags even if I dont have the receipts? If not, I will probably donate some items to a charity of some sort.
@blueskychicago12 - I'm pretty sure target will take them back and give you the amount they currently cost on a target gift card, unless they have changed their rules within the past couple years. Which is totally possible. Not sure about Kohls.
@blueskychicago12 It may be a hassle but you could google the items you want to return and see which retailers carry them. They shouldn’t give you too hard of a time for returning them, you’ll likely get store credit.
I was talked into a shower and since we’re essentially starting over I was fine with and made a very basic registry. Shower is the 12th so we still have time but 7 things have been purchased off registers- my mil made the purchases. I have a feeling I’ll be joining you in your returning spree.
Target will take back. Anything Carter’s can be returned to carters at any time without a receipt, however they only do exchanges at that time and will not do gift cards with money on them. Bummer yes, but we save carters items until we have a need for something and then “exchange” at that time. Or, you can always stock up on small things like socks/ undies (when they get older).
@blueskychicago12 there is an app you can download and then scan the tag and it’ll tell you what store it’s from. I can’t remember the app name but it’s out there. If you are returning to target I suggest doing all at once. It’s probably mine but they always give you a hard time about returns.
So, I woke up Sunday morning with blood in my urine. Not actually spotting (nothing on pantyliner), but clots and pinkish blood when I pee. I called my doc and he sent me to labor and delivery. They monitored baby for about 4 hours, checked me, and ran tests on my urine. Urine test did show moderate amounts of blood, but no infections. He said he only saw some staining when he checked me. They sent me home and it ended up clearing up by that night. No more blood. I had a regular doctor appointment tuesday and ended up talking it over with my midwife. She rechecked me and ordered an ultrasound just to be safe. Everything checked out fine (normal amount of amniotic fluid and my placenta is in a good location). I had the nurse check my urine and she said there was no blood showing. So, all good, they just said it must have been a weird thing. All great and I was so relieved. However, I woke up again this morning with blood in my urine again. Same as last time. I've had some clots when I pee, but absolutely nothing when I wipe or on the pantiliner. Some lower back pain/cramping today. I called my midwife and she is having me wait it out a few hours before going back into labor and delivery. This is my first pregnancy and I am 28 weeks, 2 days. I'm so worried about this. Has anyone else had anything similar happen? 😥
@kbee08 I'm so sorry you're dealing with this and glad that your doctors and midwives have you covered. I haven't dealt with this symptom, but did they test you for a UTI?
Hello Dec 2019 moms. So I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes and I was getting by with diet and exercise but now my sugar has increased. Is this normal do you guys know? What else can I do to help my situation? Id prefer to stay of the meds and insulin as much as I can.
@samm_mz Unfortunately (from my experience) you're likely going to have to go on medication. From what the nutritionist said to me (and I'm on insulin now), is that they have never had anyone stay on the insulin dose they had int he beginning, so you're numbers will likely continue to increase. If you're following a strict diet and exercise and that's not helping, you'll likely have to go on insulin. they may only have you on 1 x a day to begin, but continue to be monitored. Good luck!
@samm_mz numbers often go up as pregnancy goes on. But you might be able to do an oral medication before insulin. I started with metformin and it does a pretty good job for awhile. I’m on a low level insulin dose now but only to control fasting.
@mecoats@Stac928 Thanks! I ended up talking to my Dr and she gave me a week to get my diet together. Turns out I am waiting too long between meals. She did mention probably starting me on insulin because of my fasting numbers. Sorry guys the reason I was so worried is i've been having some pre labor symptoms and worried for baby girl😬 thank you for the feedback!
@kbee08, Hi I noticed from you post that I might have had a similar situation yesterday. Although there was no clots in my urine when I wiped I noticed my urine had a tint of reddish pink. Is that similar to what you saw? I blew it off since I continued to pee several times and nothing. Just curious if you just had clots or noticed urine a different color?
@samm_mz I have had both clots in urine and the tinged urine you mentioned (pinkish red tinge to it). For me, this started off with the tinged urine being the worse in the morning and then having clots on and off during the day. Clots are only visible when I pee (it's like the gravity of peeing pushes them out?) and nothing has ever been on my pantiliner. They checked literally everything at this point and could not find an answer for it. I have some days with no blood at all and some where it's on/off all day. I really wish they would either tell me it's normal and not to worry or find the problem. 🤦🏻♀️
@kbee08 oh ok. I see how it can be frustrating. I’ll keep an eye out for anything else just in case. I guess in your case as long as everything checks out they won’t be worried. I guess it’s up to us to keep an eye out. Thanks for the info.
Which infant formula is better and closest to breast milk? I've been doing research for the times that I may not want to always breastfeed and Similac Pro Advance or Enfamil always come up. Anyone have a preference?
Re: QUESTION Thread
Married 1/28/17
TW:
BFP #2 10/10/17, MC 11/4/17
BFP #3 12/17/17 Birth 8/13/18
BFP #4 4/21/19 Birth 12/5/2019
On the bad/weird dreams front, I had a creepy dream last night that I was bathing a baby and I looked down and the baby was submerged in the tub. Not that the baby was struggling, but it was weird when I woke up! I was thinking maybe I was just visualizing what the baby’s doing right now inside my belly? Not sure 🤔
Like, ok.... that’s the point of me telling you about it 3 months ahead of time. So don’t act surprised if I don’t let you around the baby once they’re here 🙄
On another topic, curious what folks have in mind for a birth plan?
I don’t have a super strict plan but I am going the hospital route and am thinking of speaking with my OB now about going pain med free since my last birth was pretty quick (got to hospital at 5:30 pm and baby was born at 9:30 pm). I like the idea of walking and moving instead of just lying on a bed. I am also terrified of the whole needle in my back with an epidural.
Anybody planning on the same or gone through a birth sans pain meds and have any tips?
On a a side note, my cousin’s girlfriend just had their baby on Friday at 38 weeks. Apparently, she went in for her standard 38 week check, and was told her blood pressure was too high and got put in for an emergency c-section. Luckily, everybody was fine, but still a bit nerve wracking. I’m curious how high your BP has to be to trigger that decision from your doctor!
g_gabs71016 Birth plan - no pain meds. My hospital does delayed cord clamping and immediate kangaroo care (skin to skin). They do all the initial tests / measurements while baby is on mama unless there is a medical need to take the baby away. Having an arsenal of ways to keep comfort is key because you never know what will actually feel good in the moment and communication (of what you can) is also important. And don't feel like you have to stick with one position the entire time. I labored on my hands and knees, hanging from my husband, on the bed, in the tub, I even sat on the toilet for a while with no need to go.
I was talked into a shower and since we’re essentially starting over I was fine with and made a very basic registry. Shower is the 12th so we still have time but 7 things have been purchased off registers- my mil made the purchases. I have a feeling I’ll be joining you in your returning spree.
DH: 37
DD: 03/17/17
DS: 12/06/19
Married 1/28/17
TW:
BFP #2 10/10/17, MC 11/4/17
BFP #3 12/17/17 Birth 8/13/18
BFP #4 4/21/19 Birth 12/5/2019