@lll82121@elle-0409 I have one booked for the end of March in a private clinic. I’m excited to see our baby girl more closely, and be able to take as many photos and videos as we’d like. We also get a cardio cub - stuffed animal with the baby’s heartbeat - that we can take home. What really sold us though is that we can bring up to 8 people with us. So both of our immediate families will get to experience the ultrasound along with us. This is the first baby in both sides so everyone is super excited!
I just looked back at the Product Spotlight on Cribs, etc. and didn't see any discussion on mattresses (I would post this here but it was so long ago I'm afraid no one would see it). We got a hand me down last time so didn't do any mattresses. Does anyone love their crib mattress? What did you consider must haves? Thanks!
I second this. We are buying our crib this week and I am trying to avoid the spiral of internet searches trying to find the perfect mattress. Thoughts? Suggestions?
@knottie9e925975510dbf2a, for a crib mattress I looked for one that was a hybrid, 2-stage, and cooling. Most are around $150-$200 price range. 2-stage is important to me so that it can be flipped for toddler stage. FTM, so we haven't used it yet.
Are any of you short of stature and finding it hard to lug your bellies around? I’m 5”2’ and 23w and I feel so much pressure and heaviness already. I have only gained about 7lbs total since before pregnancy, but my stomach has expanded so much that I feel like the muscles on the top of my tummy are always being pulled. I can’t fathom how I’m going to feel a month from now let alone 3.5! Just wondering if any other short moms are out there feeling the same and any tips on what helps ease the pressure/muscle tightness?
@Car1985, yes I can relate at 5'4", 25w! No tips to share since I am FTM, but I'm hoping to get a belly band for 3rd trimester and hopefully it will help! I think the weight of my belly is already causing some pelvic pressure/pain, trying to keep up with stretching, ect. You can also google rebozo stretches to do with your partner, it could provide some relief if you try it in the evenings.
@stress_engine oh I just got a belly band and it definitely helps! My strain is more on the sides and top of my belly though so it only really helps with my pelvis. I’m a FTM too so I’m a little lost on a lot of things and I stopped google searching because it can be overwhelming and contradicting with information. I do yoga stretches, but I’ll try the rebozo stretches too. Anything to loosen these muscles up a bit. Thanks for the recommendation!
Question for the experienced Mama’s. I am starting to think about a hospital bag. When did you prepare that during previous pregnancies and what are some things you used/wished you had last time? I know the basics like clothes (for mom and baby) and toiletries but is there anything else I need?
Every hospital is different but this is the list I made after I had my first so I could remember for this time! Probably going to start putting it together around 35 weeks again
@sbaby2023 I did a terrible job packing both times. I overpacked everything and ended up mostly using what the hopspital provided. I'm copying @littlemarshmallow 's list right now lol!
The one thing we packed that I loved was a portable blue tooth speaker so I could have my birth playlist going in the tub and in the birthing room. Really helped me relax and feel at home, especially with my first which was a loooong labor.
@sbaby2023 I started a list probably around now (beginning of third trimester) but didn’t start packing until maybe a month before? We are going on a trip when I’m 35 weeks so my plan is to start packing right after that so I can take some stuff from that trip pretty easily (travel toiletries). Things you didn’t mention that I clearly remember using - breastfeeding pillow, my pillow from home (so nice to have in the hospital), Bluetooth speaker, nipple cream, phone charger, pillow and blanket for your partner, ponytail holders…. And pro tip - remember to grab your purse/wallet in addition to your hospital bag because I didn’t and so didn’t have my ID or insurance card 🤦🏻♀️
@sbaby2023 snacks! The hospital doesn't give the dad food normally. So it's helpful to have some for him. And since I always nurse, my appetite was always high and I needed to eat like right then! So the snacks came in handy for me as well.
Thanks everyone this is really helpful! So you guys thought the hospital post-partum stuff was good? I have read that it’s better to bring your own but I would obviously just prefer to use the hospital stuff!
@sbaby2023 every hospital is a little different, but I just used what the hospital gave me. The only thing I preferred even at home was my peri bottle (but what they gave me was just fine for the hospital stay).
Last pregnancy I was admitted while at an appt for NST so had nothing but my wallet. The only things I felt that I really needed that the hospital didn't provide was my phone charger and glasses/ contacts. I also didn't have tiny enough baby clothes ( even at home)
For the STM+, what size was your kid when they came out and did they fit into newborn sizes? Both of mine were over 10 pounds so we went straight to 0-3 month clothes and size 1 diapers. Since this babe is coming early, I anticipate she will be considerably smaller. MFM estimates maybe 7-7.5 pounds. I’m trying to figure out if I should buy NB clothes and diapers?
@maggiemadeit all three of my babies were about 7 lbs (at nearly 41 weeks), but gained weight pretty quickly. They were in newborn sizes for a few weeks. They definitely couldn’t fit in 0-3 at the beginning.
Just got diagnosed with hypertension at 34.5 weeks and I’m not sure if I’m classified as high risk now but I’ll be getting ultrasounds and no stress tests every week before induction. Trying to remain positive and not scared but it’s hard.
37 weeks today, exhausted & wondering the difference between B&H and the real article. Stomach tightens and feel pressure low but so far been turned away from the hospital twice.
@anaissoreashell According to Cleveland Clinic: Braxton Hicks contractions are irregular, unpredictable and never get intensely painful. They come and go at random intervals and ease up when you change positions or take a walk. On the other hand, real labor contractions will come at more regular intervals and last closer to 60 seconds each.
In my first pregnancy, I was told not to go to the hospital until I was meeting the 5-1-1 rule (or even shorter intervals): Contracts come every 5 minutes, lasting 1 minute each, for at least 1 hour. There are exceptions to this like if your water breaks, so it's definitely worth discussing when to go to the hospital with your provider. There are also apps you can get to track your contractions, which can be helpful!
@copper1992 I'm sorry to hear you were diagnosed with hypertension. It's definitely hard not to be nervous, but I hope it's reassuring that they will be monitoring you more to make sure all is okay! Also, it's fun to get to see baby more (maybe?)
Thanks for replying. pressure is worse and they are getting closer every 5-7 minutes.. and lasting a 60 to 70 seconds ><;;. Got turned away again today by my HCP.
That sounds like a wonderful experience for your family! It’s great that you can share this special moment with both sides of the family and take home a keepsake with the heartbeat stuffed animal.
I’m currently pregnant and finding myself with some unusual cravings and specific needs. I’m trying to make the most of my trips to Kroger https://krogarfeedback.org/ but I could use some advice on where to find certain items or any tips for shopping efficiently.
<span>Giggle & Stitch Baby is an online baby clothes store offering baby girl and baby boy clothing and cute everyday baby clothes.Our collection includes soft cotton baby outfits Made With Care And Love For Your Baby’s Comfort And Style. </span>giggleandstitchbaby.com/
Re: The Great Big Question Thread
The one thing we packed that I loved was a portable blue tooth speaker so I could have my birth playlist going in the tub and in the birthing room. Really helped me relax and feel at home, especially with my first which was a loooong labor.
In my first pregnancy, I was told not to go to the hospital until I was meeting the 5-1-1 rule (or even shorter intervals): Contracts come every 5 minutes, lasting 1 minute each, for at least 1 hour. There are exceptions to this like if your water breaks, so it's definitely worth discussing when to go to the hospital with your provider. There are also apps you can get to track your contractions, which can be helpful!
but I could use some advice on where to find certain items or any tips for shopping efficiently.
</span>giggleandstitchbaby.com/