August 2022 Moms

Ask a STM+ Mom

24

Re: Ask a STM+ Mom

  • darkrose88darkrose88 member
    edited January 2022
    Question for the ST+ mom's- I swear I am having Braxton hicks this evening! Not painful but definitely the uncomfortable uterus tightening sensation. I'm 12W3D along. I've read it is normal to have them starting 16 weeks but you may get them earlier if this isn't your first pregnancy. As a ST+ mom, did you have them this early in past pregnancies or have you started having them this pregnancy? 
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  • @darkrose88 I don’t remember when exactly they started in my second pregnancy, but it was before 16 weeks because I definitely remember having them on a trip at 14/15 weeks. As for this pregnancy, I have felt my uterus tighten a few times but it’s nothing regular-and I think because it’s still so small, it’s not super uncomfortable yet. I’m also a few days behind you, 11+6. 
  • @paytonpedro okay, yeah I was really surprised. It didn't last long but I had them a few times. I happened to have an appointment this morning and asked about it. The NP didn't seem concerned and just gave me guidance on what to do in the future if it happened again.
  • @darkrose88 I’ve had them maybe like 16ish weeks and beyond. I think drinking more water helps.
    Pregnancy Ticker

    5.5.16 | 8.14.17 | 1.30.19
  • @darkrose88 I was laying on my couch while ds2 was napping and definitely felt tightening once or twice. As @and_peggy said, I just drank some more water. What was the np’s advice for you?
  • Breast Pump Question:

     do you reuse them? I got a free one after my first, then another free one after my second. I could probably get another free one, but I didn't use the second one that much. I EBF for four months, and actually hate pumping so much that when I went back to work I only pumped at normal feeding times while he was at daycare to keep my boobs working, but never pumped extra, which meant most of what he drank at daycare was actually formula, and that was okay. I hate pumping. I plan on doing the same thing with this one and won't go back to work until baby is almost 5 months old. So is it cool to reuse the one from four years ago with new pump parts or no? It's the Medela.
  • and_peggyand_peggy member
    edited January 2022
    @wisewitch222 I’d say just replace the tubing and flanges and the inner parts. If it’s older than that OR if you can get a new one for free, I’d do that instead.

    I have done various things: EFF, EBF, combos, pumped, etc. Last pregnancy I got a hands free pump and it was amazing.


    ETA: I think reusing is fine if you replace the parts. I didn’t read lol.
    Pregnancy Ticker

    5.5.16 | 8.14.17 | 1.30.19
  • @wisewitch222 you can definitely reuse with new pump parts but you may want to consider an upgrade/different option. I hated pumping and the Medela I had with my first and found that I really had a better response and it hurt way less when I got a spectra with my second. 
  • @mdfarmchick lovedddd the spectra. I gave it away 😩 but kept my hands free one. 
    Pregnancy Ticker

    5.5.16 | 8.14.17 | 1.30.19
  • @mdfarmchick I could see if Spectra is available through my insurance. Except what I hated most about pumping was the cognitive dissonance caused by the hormone surge plus the absence of the baby. It made me feel actually depressed (only times in my life I ever felt symptoms of depression were when actively pumping) and the feeling went away as soon as I stopped. So I'm not sure if a different pump can help with that problem 😕
  • @wisewitch222 that is an actual thing and I didn’t even know that was a thing until my first. But I will say that my Medela was loud and the Spectra is much quieter so maybe it will help to be less jarring for you overall for the times you have to pump? Or maybe you just want to do formula and that’s okay too. 
  • @mdfarmchick I'm happy to hear it's an actual thing! I assumed it was real since I only ever had those symptoms while pumping at work (so mostly with DS2 - with DS1 I was in grad school on fellowship and only left him home with my husband for the day once a week), but I hadn't heard anybody else talk about it before. But yeah, I'm definitely okay with formula, but if breastfeeding works out again like it did for the first two I would pump at work just to keep breastfeeding at home going well for a few more months. 
  • @wisewitch222 I'm sorry you had that experience, and thank you for sharing about it. I remember crying while pumping all the time with my first, and at the time I attributed it to mom guilt. It had never occurred to me that it might be a more physiologic hormone-brain response. 
  • @wisewitch222 First, I'm so sorry that was your experience last time :( Sending lots of good vibes for a smooth, happy journey this time around!

    On the question side, I've changed health insurance plans since DS1 so my new plan will cover a breast pump, but if it didn't I'd definitely reuse my Spectra S1! It was amazing. I gave it to my sister who was delivering abroad without insurance, and she's been happy with it (just bought new parts). It has been in use for almost 2.5 years now, almost daily. It's probably what I'll get again.
  • I'm looking for BF advice and top tips and tricks. I've been heavily researching what pump I should get. I know we're early, and I'm sure more will open as we get closer, but I would love a thread on BF to ask all the questions and gain knowledge! 
  • +1 for absolutely hating pumping. It felt like a chore. I pumped as I drove to work, 2x at work, and then on the way home from work until DS hit a year. My milk supply just kept dwindling and we had to supplement with formula. I haven't decided what I'll do this time around with pumping. But I really did enjoy BF and look forward to that aspect. 
  • Just chiming in here that I also love my spectra- which I used through 2 babies, just replaced the parts. It’s what I got free (I may have upgraded and it wasn’t totally free) with insurance. Now I would get a lansinoh free… has anyone used that one? I’m also thinking about buying a manual one for work just to take the pressure off. I only work 5hr shifts. I didn’t use one last time and would come home with watermelons on my chest that hurt SO BAD. I bf ds2 for 18 months so if we started a bfing thread, I’d be happy to answer anything. 
  • So mamas, what maternity pillow do you suggest? I'm looking online and I am just overwhelmed with information. Likes, dislikes? 
  • @bridgiebee82 I recommend the Snoogle! It can be used a bunch of different ways, including postpartum and for nursing! 



    Me: 35  H: 35
    Married: 4/5/13

    "You know that place between sleep and awake, 
    that place where you can still remember dreaming?
    That's where I will always love you.  
    That's where I'll be waiting."
    ~Peter Pan 

    *TW*
    BFP #1: 11/12/12  EDD 7/25/13 Baby boy: 7/27/13
    BFP #2: 10/29/17   MMC dx @ 9 weeks
    BFP #3: 2/2/18 MC 2/7/18
    BFP #4: 3/2/18  MC 3/9/18
    RPL testing and hysteroscopy: all normal
    BFP #5: 4/1/18 MMC dx @ 14 weeks ----> genetically normal girl  :'(
    Hysteroscopy to remove scar tissue 9/28
    BFP #6 11/5/18 EDD 7/20/19  <3  Rainbow baby girl born 7/23/19 
    BFP #7 12/8/2021 EDD 8/22/2022 
  • @bridgiebee82 I had the boppy but never ended up using it. My question is, do you plan on nursing both babies at the same time? Or one at a time. Also a personal question how chesty are you?
  • @coco2787 oooh thanks! I'll check that out. 
    @wigglyicecream I'm pretty chesty to begin with, and I haven't figured out a nursing plan or anything like that yet. Like, how would I hold both at once to nurse? I guess using a boppy type pillow or something.
  • cas060cas060 member
    edited January 2022
    @bridgiebee82 I have this one in the spoiler. My only complaint is the top of the U is thick and so I use my own pillow and sleep with it upside down.  Other complaint (I guess thats two, lol) is its hard as hell to get the slip cover back on if you dare wash it.

    I have no idea how to do a spoiler so if this works woo-hoo and if not. Sorry 😅
  • @bridgiebee82 I would suggest the pillow called “My Brest Friend” I heard good things from BF moms who were chesty and they also have one for twins. 
  • @cas060 ahhh thanks! @wigglyicecream I'll check it out!
  • I have the same one as @cas060 posted. Well, I did. My current middle child stole it and I think I got to sleep with it like 2ish weeks total? 🤣 

    I like the boppy maternity pillow and have used it to prop under my bump and support my legs for all my pregnancies. 

    As an aside, I got my favorite nursing pillow with #3… https://snugglemeorganic.com/collections/support-pillow

    I had the boppy with my first two kids and saw this on super sale with my third and decided to try it. It fits me so much better and overall I just loved it. I think most people recommend the boppy but you might want to consider trying a different shape. 
  • I honestly just smooshed throw pillows under my arm. I had a boppy but it was too soft and smooshy to be supportive for me. It was great for a lounging newborn, though. So it had its uses. 
  • +1 for snoogle if you’re looking for something to sleep with at night, like now. I’m getting ready to pull mine back out here soon!
  • I never bought a pregnancy pillow. We have a queen bed, my husband sleeps in there too, and the first two times I was comfortable enough with extra normal pillows. This time we have an old memory foam pillow that got too old to be a head pillow but we didn't throw it out, and it works great as a between the knees pillow for pregnant side sleeping!
  • Any STM+ have any advice on getting ahead of stretch marks? Ive been slathering myself daily with BioOil and Palmers Tummy Butter since the TWW because im a lunatic, but would be interested in hearing if there are other products or tips/tricks you swear by!!!
  • @ced45 Yep, nothing to do about stretch marks. They do fade eventually, though. 
  • meagan822meagan822 member
    edited February 2022
    @ced45
    (Disclaimer: I’m a first time mom, but I like reading through this thread and I have been taught this from Moms who shared their experience and I’ve majorly researched this topic in the past.) 

    It is majorly hereditary, but you can still make your skin more elasticity the way you have been. Some oils penetrate skin better than other as well, so you could look up which are best absorbing.  Collagen also is something that is recommended for increasing skin elasticity. Increasing your intake through your diet is as important, if not moreso than putting it on your skin too! I need to start doing all this too, so thank you for the reminder. I've probably only oiled my tummy 5-10 times and I’m 10 weeks today. I don’t have a bump yet, so I think that will be a reminder.🤣
  • I have heard its hereditary, but obviously lifestyle can make it better/worse. The diet is an interesting piece i hadnt thought of yet, thanks @meagan822 !! I imagine hydration too. I suck at drinking water and probably need to up my intake.
  • meagan822meagan822 member
    edited February 2022
    @ced45 Yes! Water is a good idea! I have heard that helps with elasticity too. I’m not sure how much elasticity prevents stretch marks, even if genes weren’t such a factor, but definitely worth a shot! Water helps with no many other things too, even helping prevent early contracting and such later on. Water is what I’m doing best at in terms of elastic preparation, I suppose, because I normally go to bed with a 16 oz glass of water, but I was running out part way through the night, and now have to bring two full glasses to bed. I now drink at least 32 oz between when I go to bed and get up.🤣 

    @paytonpedro Interesting! Since you got the same stretch marks with second, did they darken back up for awhile or stay faded but stretch? I’m assuming I’ll get some because I think my mom did, but she also always stayed really covered up and wore long dresses so I don’t know that I actually saw any.. Although we shall see, because so far my pregnancy hasn’t been like any of her 5!🤣 
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