@ibabyloveb87 I go back and forth on being ready. Like I'm so psyched to be having our first baby, but then the terrified feelings kick in! Especially since I havent seen my normal doctor for a few appointments now and I'm not sure if I should ask the other doctors about inducing and how soon that might happen??
I'm definitely ready for the pregnancy pains to go away though. I think we're mostly ready for her at home, DH said he would grab the pack n play soon and wash her clothes for me (he's the best!) before too long. I want to take inventory of what we've got and maybe get a few varieties of things (like diapers, soaps etc.) In case we run into any sensitivities.
I'm ready to be done with pregnancy, but not ready for baby to come, if that makes sense. I still need to put the finishing touches on the nursery, finish sterilizing the bottles, send the baby shower thank you cards (it's been 2 months; I am that person), pack the hospital bag, clean the house, etc.
I am not ready. It's so strange. I'm eager to meet my baby...but at the same time I know going from one kid to two is going to be a HUGE life change. I'm also having this weird sadness over this being my last pregnancy. DH and I are both in agreement that two is all we should have with finances and our ages, but I'm feeling a little down. I surely won't miss the discomfort, the gestational diabetes and the lightning crotch, but I will miss feeling my little one move inside of me.
@lanie1000 my sentiments exactly (minus the GD). I’m really trying to savor this pregnancy despite how much pain I’m in, knowing this will be the last time I will ever create life and feel it inside me.
@lanie1000 we aren’t for sure done but if it was up to just DH we probably would be. So I hate to rush it. But I just realized today that she can come and I’ll be fine. 🤷🏽♀️ I’m no longer stressed about if everything is perfect.
Me:33 DH: 34 Married: May 2011 TTC #1: May 2015 DS: 10/20/2016 TTC #2: June 2019 #2 EDD: 2/20/2020
I feel all the feelings about meeting this one soon. Excited, impatient, scared, grateful, overwhelmed, etc.
Practically, want her to stay there longer and be healthy and ready - and we’ve truly done nothing. I’ve been distracted with my Mom having cancer and a recent mastectomy and now that I’m ready to nest my in-laws are coming at the end of the month and staying in our guest room which will be the nursery, so holding off on that prep. And shower isn’t happening until the end of the month - delayed it so my Mom could be there. If she comes sooner we’ll just have to deal 🤷🏼♀️ Starting to freak out but trying to keep my perspective
Out of curiosity, do BH contractions always happen weeks before labor? I will be 36 weeks tomorrow and as far as I can tell (FTM) I haven't had a single one. I'm hoping this isn't a sign I will be going 41 weeks
Never had a BH the first time ...haven't had any this time either lol went almost to 41 weeks with my first, but water broke naturally and it was an 8 hour labour, so I have zero complaints but I don't think the lack of BH had anything to do with it...I was still 3cm dialated BEFORE the 40 week mark..she just took her time getting here
@huskervbfan BH mean absolutely nothing in relation to when you’ll go into labor. I had them all pregnancy with DS1 starting in early 2nd tri. Still went to 41 weeks.
I still am unsure if I've actually felt any bh. Sometimes I think I feel them because my stomach gets harder but then I feel baby moving so I cant figure out if it's her pushing on my belly or an actual contraction happening. It's never painful and happens most often when I'm laying down in bed.
Totally with everyone who hasn't felt BH yet. Or maybe I have but didn't recognize it for what it was. Thanks @huskervbfan for saying something because I thought I was the only one not experiencing BH!
I so appreciate everyone sharing how they are feeling about their readiness for their babies to arrive. I'm in the camp of "aaahhh, 6 weeks isn't enough time!!" There are still things to do and books to read. As a FTM I don't know that I'll feel 100% ready.
@huskervbfan - FTM here - I am not sure that I have had any BH either. Same sentiment as above, thanks for mentioning...All the STM+ - Thanks for the different perspectives!
Anyone planning to or have previous experience with wearing some compression stuff after birth? Any recommendations on brand/type and sizing?
I know if you have a Csection they have you wear a belly band but I was thinking even if not I may want to get something to feel a little more together if that makes sense. I can only imagine the amount of loose skin and weak muscles after giving birth.
@Swiftlet I had a section with my first and the hospital provided a belly band. I only wore it for the first couple of days. It didn’t seem very helpful 🤷♀️ I’ve seen some others in stores such as Motherhood, but don’t have any experience with those.
A couple questions. (I think This is starting to get “real” so the questions are flying). Any recommendations for best book to learn about breastfeeding?
Second, how much time/energy did STM put into learning positions etc for labor and delivery? I went to childbirth class today, saw some - but my sense is it’s just going to be a matter of what helps/feels good while Im in it. And there’ll be nurses. Am I being naïve? Should I try to learn more about this?
Last of all - my back is incredibly reflexive. My whole life when someone touches it I flinch/shudder/squirm/move. Can’t control it. My enduring fear is this will mess up the epidural. Any words of wisdom?
@optimism3 with birthing positions, I didn't have much of a choice with my first...had the epidural and couldn't walk/get out of bed...also needed to be on my left side for a while, which made more meds go to that side so I couldn't even move that leg for a few hours after giving birth lol
@optimism3 The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding is an amazing book and resource.
I never attended a child birth class. I Walked the halls and sat on a ball until contractions kicked in enough that I had an epidural with my first and I didn’t have time for the epidural to work before I had to start pushing with my second. Honestly labor happened so quick that time and I was in enough pain that moving around didn’t interest me in the slightest. My labor nurses both times were amazing and helped me so much.
@optimism3 with positions and breathing, I learned stuff in my birth class but when it came down to the real thing, I did was was the best for me in the moment and really didn’t think of what the birth class said.
Once I had my epidural of course I couldn’t get up and walk around but they did have me use the peanut ball to try to help move things along and such.
Me:33 DH: 34 Married: May 2011 TTC #1: May 2015 DS: 10/20/2016 TTC #2: June 2019 #2 EDD: 2/20/2020
@optimism3 - agree with @clee5711 - the Womanly Art of Breastfeeding is amazing and my go-to.
So guys yesterday I met a woman with what I thought was a newborn in the bathroom of a restaurant and the poor thing was changing him between sinks because they had no changing table, and I asked if he was about a week old, and she said no he was a MONTH old but was born SIX WEEKS early (I was exactly 34 weeks yesterday so quite a coincidence!). Then the boy peed all over the ceiling and I ran for cover. He was adorable but so small and helpless.
Anyway it drove home that even though I am anxious to meet this baby I am not anxious for her to come early haha they ARE so much easier to take care of IN!
Me: 38, DH: 36 Married Jan 2008 DD Baby Bells born Dec 2016 5 lbs, 12 oz, 18" so in love Due with #2 Baby Arya EDD February 2020
@optimism3, I was induced and received an early epidural so I didn't need too many labor positions to deal with pain. My nurse was amazing and even after getting the epidural she helped me get up on hands and knees on the bed (leaning on the back of the bed) to help get baby into better position and she helped me use the peanut ball. I couldn't move around more than that. Had I not gotten the epidural, I think the labor nurse would have helped me a lot with positions and breathing.
I will say I think knowing positions and breathing would help most if you are laboring at home before being admitted into the hospital which happens depending on how far dilated you are.
@optimism3 I was also induced and chose to go with an epidural so I didn't get to make use of many birthing positions...although I was having unmedicated contractions for a few hours before I asked for the pain meds. That being said, I don't remember which mama said it, but I completely agree with the notion that the birthing classes are much better for the partner. As many have said, in the moment your instincts will kick in and you'll likely get into whatever position is most comfortable for you. Your partner can choose to remind you of other options (depending on how receptive you are to input at that point...LOL).
As for the epidural, I think you should just plan to let the anesthesiologist know about your concerns with back sensitivity. From my perspective I was just completing a really intense contraction when they entered the room so I naturally relaxed for the needle.
I have a question about stress tests. I had never heard about them until this board. What are they? My midwife hasn't mentioned anything about this. Is it standard?
TTC#1 10/2018: MFI (2 SA under 9 million/ml) 11/2018: HSG shows right Fallopian tube slightly damaged 1/2019: Husband diagnosed with grade 3 varicocele 4/05/2019: varicocele repair surgery 6/13/2019: BFP!!! EDD: 2/22/2020 Baby girl born 2/27/2020 7/18/2019: Total Motile Count at 3 months post surgery = 51 millions!! (number must be >20 millions to conceive naturally).
@misstree5 they let you do yours on your back? I had my first one today and I had to lay on my side for the whole thing. I was in so much pain after bc my pelvis was screaming in horror lol
@misstree5 thanks! Is it standard? when do they start doing that?
TTC#1 10/2018: MFI (2 SA under 9 million/ml) 11/2018: HSG shows right Fallopian tube slightly damaged 1/2019: Husband diagnosed with grade 3 varicocele 4/05/2019: varicocele repair surgery 6/13/2019: BFP!!! EDD: 2/22/2020 Baby girl born 2/27/2020 7/18/2019: Total Motile Count at 3 months post surgery = 51 millions!! (number must be >20 millions to conceive naturally).
@babyroma ive never had it done on my side! Maybe it was to help baby? Or maybe that was the only position they could get a good read on baby?
@rikiteacup I forgot to mention that it also measures contractions So it's used if you are having early contractions or I had do go when I fell down the stairs...I think they for sure do it when you first go in to have the baby ..again just to make sure you are actually in labour
@rikiteacup they do them if there is concern for the baby. In addition to the instances @misstree5 mentioned, my OB also told me to go if my baby failed the kick count or if I needed the reassurance when my anxiety was going through the roof about late pregnancy loss.
@misstree5 That could be, I hope I can do the next one on my back! The nurse didn't even try me on my back. The doctor said sorry it took so long because the 32w ones can be finicky. I wasn't sure if it was that or maybe because I'm overweight.
@rikiteacup I have to have them weekly now because of the blood pressure. They just want to stay on top of making sure we're good!
@rikiteacup, with my DD I never had them until I was being induced. With this pregnancy they have concerns about his growth due to marginal cord insertion so I am starting them at 34 weeks.
Thanks everyone! I've definitely seen this at the hospital when women are in labor. Didn't know it was called a stress test.
TTC#1 10/2018: MFI (2 SA under 9 million/ml) 11/2018: HSG shows right Fallopian tube slightly damaged 1/2019: Husband diagnosed with grade 3 varicocele 4/05/2019: varicocele repair surgery 6/13/2019: BFP!!! EDD: 2/22/2020 Baby girl born 2/27/2020 7/18/2019: Total Motile Count at 3 months post surgery = 51 millions!! (number must be >20 millions to conceive naturally).
Thanks for all the input ladies. Makes me feel like maybe I’ll be fine without the instruction in positions etc. whew. It’s getting real.
@rikiteacup Think it was implied but you also get them if you’re considered high risk. I’m AMA so my doc said I’d be getting them too starting at 32 weeks until the end. It’s not bad although it seems like it takes them way longer to find the heartbeat every time than during a normal check for some reason.
Re: The Great Question Thread
I go back and forth on being ready. Like I'm so psyched to be having our first baby, but then the terrified feelings kick in! Especially since I havent seen my normal doctor for a few appointments now and I'm not sure if I should ask the other doctors about inducing and how soon that might happen??
I'm definitely ready for the pregnancy pains to go away though.
I think we're mostly ready for her at home, DH said he would grab the pack n play soon and wash her clothes for me (he's the best!) before too long. I want to take inventory of what we've got and maybe get a few varieties of things (like diapers, soaps etc.) In case we run into any sensitivities.
Is this really happening next month? 😬
DH: 34
Married: May 2011
TTC #1: May 2015
DS: 10/20/2016
TTC #2: June 2019
#2 EDD: 2/20/2020
Practically, want her to stay there longer and be healthy and ready - and we’ve truly done nothing. I’ve been distracted with my Mom having cancer and a recent mastectomy and now that I’m ready to nest my in-laws are coming at the end of the month and staying in our guest room which will be the nursery, so holding off on that prep. And shower isn’t happening until the end of the month - delayed it so my Mom could be there. If she comes sooner we’ll just have to deal 🤷🏼♀️ Starting to freak out but trying to keep my perspective
DH: 34
Married: May 2011
TTC #1: May 2015
DS: 10/20/2016
TTC #2: June 2019
#2 EDD: 2/20/2020
Diagnosed with PCOS & Hashimoto's
I so appreciate everyone sharing how they are feeling about their readiness for their babies to arrive. I'm in the camp of "aaahhh, 6 weeks isn't enough time!!" There are still things to do and books to read. As a FTM I don't know that I'll feel 100% ready.
some - but my sense is it’s just going to be a matter of what helps/feels good while Im in it. And there’ll be nurses. Am I being naïve? Should I try to learn more about this?
Last of all - my back is incredibly reflexive. My whole life when someone touches it I flinch/shudder/squirm/move. Can’t control
it. My enduring fear is this will mess up the epidural. Any words of wisdom?
DH: 34
Married: May 2011
TTC #1: May 2015
DS: 10/20/2016
TTC #2: June 2019
#2 EDD: 2/20/2020
So guys yesterday I met a woman with what I thought was a newborn in the bathroom of a restaurant and the poor thing was changing him between sinks because they had no changing table, and I asked if he was about a week old, and she said no he was a MONTH old but was born SIX WEEKS early (I was exactly 34 weeks yesterday so quite a coincidence!). Then the boy peed all over the ceiling and I ran for cover. He was adorable but so small and helpless.
Anyway it drove home that even though I am anxious to meet this baby I am not anxious for her to come early haha they ARE so much easier to take care of IN!
Married Jan 2008
DD Baby Bells born Dec 2016 5 lbs, 12 oz, 18"
Due with #2 Baby Arya EDD February 2020
I will say I think knowing positions and breathing would help most if you are laboring at home before being admitted into the hospital which happens depending on how far dilated you are.
As for the epidural, I think you should just plan to let the anesthesiologist know about your concerns with back sensitivity. From my perspective I was just completing a really intense contraction when they entered the room so I naturally relaxed for the needle.
10/2018: MFI (2 SA under 9 million/ml)
11/2018: HSG shows right Fallopian tube slightly damaged
1/2019: Husband diagnosed with grade 3 varicocele
4/05/2019: varicocele repair surgery
6/13/2019: BFP!!! EDD: 2/22/2020
7/18/2019: Total Motile Count at 3 months post surgery = 51 millions!! (number must be >20 millions to conceive naturally).
TTC #2
9/07/2021: BFP - CP: 9/10/2021
10/07/2021: BFP - CP: 10/23/2021
12/23/2021: BFP! EDD: 08/31/2022
10/2018: MFI (2 SA under 9 million/ml)
11/2018: HSG shows right Fallopian tube slightly damaged
1/2019: Husband diagnosed with grade 3 varicocele
4/05/2019: varicocele repair surgery
6/13/2019: BFP!!! EDD: 2/22/2020
7/18/2019: Total Motile Count at 3 months post surgery = 51 millions!! (number must be >20 millions to conceive naturally).
TTC #2
9/07/2021: BFP - CP: 9/10/2021
10/07/2021: BFP - CP: 10/23/2021
12/23/2021: BFP! EDD: 08/31/2022
@rikiteacup I forgot to mention that it also measures contractions
So it's used if you are having early contractions or I had do go when I fell down the stairs...I think they for sure do it when you first go in to have the baby ..again just to make sure you are actually in labour
The doctor said sorry it took so long because the 32w ones can be finicky. I wasn't sure if it was that or maybe because I'm overweight.
@rikiteacup I have to have them weekly now because of the blood pressure. They just want to stay on top of making sure we're good!
10/2018: MFI (2 SA under 9 million/ml)
11/2018: HSG shows right Fallopian tube slightly damaged
1/2019: Husband diagnosed with grade 3 varicocele
4/05/2019: varicocele repair surgery
6/13/2019: BFP!!! EDD: 2/22/2020
7/18/2019: Total Motile Count at 3 months post surgery = 51 millions!! (number must be >20 millions to conceive naturally).
TTC #2
9/07/2021: BFP - CP: 9/10/2021
10/07/2021: BFP - CP: 10/23/2021
12/23/2021: BFP! EDD: 08/31/2022
feel like maybe I’ll be fine without the instruction in positions etc. whew. It’s getting real.
@rikiteacup Think it was implied but you also get them if you’re considered high risk. I’m AMA so my doc said I’d be getting them
too starting at 32 weeks until the end. It’s not bad although it seems like it takes them way longer to find the heartbeat every time than during a normal check for some reason.