More baby questions

[Bernadine]

Does the hospital provide toiletries? I mean, I'm sure they're not high quality, but I don't want to pack more than I have to.

Breastfeeding- my plan is to start pumping at 3-4 weeks, so that h can share in feeding her, and she can get used to taking a bottle. Good plan? So, will I have to be with her 24/7 for those first 3-4 weeks? I'm guessing I'll want to be anyway, just wondering how it might work.

I know I'll still have a belly after giving birth, but will it be easier to move around? I'm guessing yes, since it won't be hard?

Tell me about going into labor.

And anything else you want to tell me.

[Deleted]

I didn't BF, but yes, if you will be exclusively BF then you will have to be available all the time. Babies cluster-feed in the first few weeks, which can mean nursing every hour.

Yes, it will be easier to move around once you regain your strength and heal up some. Childbirth is like a marathon, and it can be quite exhausting. I was sore for a while due to tearing (and also had a broken tailbone), but after a few weeks felt much better. My suggestion is to really take it easy at first. There are no medals for pushing yourself too hard.

My water broke with a high slow leak at 40w4d. I had to be induced because I had no contractions. The induction was difficult, and I ended up getting an epidural, which was a godsend. I felt a lot of pressure with pushing but no pain due to the epidural. Every labor experience is different. You will get through it.

My hospital provided mesh underwear, giant pads, hand soap, toilet paper, and towels. I brought my own toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, and bath soap. Bring whatever will make the experience more comfortable for you. They had lotion there, but I was not a fan. I am sure they have most kinds of toiletries, but I was more comfortable using my own stuff. I also brought plenty of baby wipes to use for myself lol.

Good luck and try not to stress!

[thebuddhagouda]

I don't believe our hospital provided toiletries. I just packed some travel sized bottles. To be honest, I wasn't that worried about myself. I showered to not feel gross, but I didn't wash my hair or do makeup or anything like that.

The pumping sounds like a good plan for now. Just know you may have to be flexible. You may have too much milk and have to pump a bit before you feed. You may have latch issues and have to pump to bottle feed while figuring breastfeeding out. Everything may go 100% perfect, and you may not have a single hiccup. It's all kind of a big guessing game while you and this little person figure each other and the whole system out.

Yes, barring any labor complications, you should be able to move around easier. You'll still be pretty exhausted and sore and feel like you just pushed a human out though and be oozing things. Don't feel like you have to be up and ready to go right away. You need to rest.

[yourmother]

I would pack some small toiletries. I stayed in a really nice hospital, but they didn't have stuff for me like toothpaste/shampoo/etc. (maybe they had that stuff for people who didn't bring that stuff?). I'm an over-packer, so I brought EVERYTHING, including my hairdryer and flatiron, so you may not want to listen to me.

I started pumping early on while on ML to get the hang of it. It may be something you want to consider as there is a learning curve. Every baby is different as far as what they're willing to take (breast + bottle). My little turd of a son was cool with any bottle (nipple) or breast. I lucked out with that aspect, but I've read other babies may not be that into one or the other. Perhaps pump early on to create a stash for down the road?

I think the rule of thumb is that women look 6 months pregnant right after giving birth (except for freaks of nature). I certainly did. I probably still look 6 months pregnant...lol. Moving around will be a piece of cake, though! You will feel SO GOOD to no longer have a baby taking up residence in your belly. I promise. Your belly may be jiggly for a while (mine was). I used a compression girdle that I think really help "shrink" me down some. Also, breastfeeding REALLY helped me lose weight initially too.

I did not experience going into labor naturally. I was induced. However, I did get an epidural early on because I couldn't handle the pain.

You will be fine! I'll admit that I was nervous about giving birth. My only huge piece of advice is to have someone be an advocate for you as to visitors. I limited my visitors to just our immediate families and am glad I did. I love my friends, but I didn't want to feel overwhelmed while in the hospital. I wanted as much downtime as possible. OH!!! And don't be afraid to ask for ANY pain meds. TMI - I discovered a HUGE hemorrhoid right before I left and I was given a great prescription to help with the pain and swelling.

Good luck!!!

[beefcheeks]

I'm so excited for you!!

I'm pretty sure my hospital did not have toiletries. Like Buddha, I did not worry about hair and makeup but I did feel so much better after a shower! I would definitely bring the basics and shower as soon as you're able after labor.

Pumping...I mean, it does sound like a good plan, but I would again echo Buddha and just be flexible. There are so many factors to it all...my best advice is just to go with the flow. I found it difficult to find the TIME to pump that early on because I felt like I was constantly nursing. And when I wasn't nursing, I wanted to be showering or eating or doing something other than being attached to the pump. But that was just me. I started really building up my expressed milk supply once my kids started sleeping more. For example, when they started doing their first long stretch from 7 pm to like 11 or 12 pm, I would pump at 9 pm (since I was used to nursing every two hours).

You're right, moving around will definitely be much easier.

Labor...be flexible!

[FastHands]

Ask the hospital what they provide. Mine didn't provide any toiletries. They also recommended that we bring pillows. Theirs are tiny and apparently they have a very limited supply, so getting an extra one isn't likely to be possible. So I brought my pillow from home and an extra little pillow for help with breastfeeding. Some people bring their boppy, but I didn't feel like lugging it.

Every kid is different, but the baby will likely eat every 2-3h in the beginning. So, yeah, you have to be around, but if you've just fed her and feel like you need to get out to go for a walk or run to the store or something, you absolutely can. I personally didn't feel like putting on real clothes, and my sleep deprivation coping mechanism was hibernation, lol. But I know my BFF was the opposite -- she HAD to get out. She would make lunch or bagel runs daily just to feel more normal. 

You'll have a weird poochiness, but it's nothing compared to a full term belly. So in a mechanical sense, you won't have that big ol obstacle in the way, and touching your toes becomes a theoretical possibility again. But you will likely have new issues to deal with as you recover, whether you're dealing with vaginal or Csection, so your mobility might be limited by that, instead. So you'll trade one set of issues for another, basically. And those issues are impossible to predict, so try not to worry about it. You'll get a  handle on where things are, and you'll have pain management and nurses to help as needed. You'll be fine!

My labor story is super unhelpful because it was weird and not typical. It was actually atypically fast and EASY though, so I will send you good labor juju.

[Bernadine]

Jun 9, 2016 10:37:02 GMT -5 @tambcat said:

It depends on your hospital. I would ask! 

If you don't want to supplement with formula, yeah, you'll probably have to be there all the time at first. They eat all the time. 

Lol yes. I mean, your crotch will likely hurt (in the words of my cousin, you'll feel like you've been kicked in the crotch by a mule), but it's still better than being pregnant. 

Labor is so different for everyone. I knew immediately with Joanna, but sometimes it comes on more subtly. The one thing I can say is DO NOT PANIC. You have to stay mentally on top of your labor. It makes such a huge difference, IMO. The average labor for a first timer is something like 12 hours, so you probably won't have the baby at home. 

Please live GBCN and post a picture once she is here.

That's a given!  Lol.

I still have your jacket, and keep forgetting to bring it to work to mail it!

[FastHands]

Oh! I've started telling this one to everybody because it was the thing that made my birthing class worth every penny. If you are open to an epidural, and you start getting to the point where you feel like things are getting extremely difficult, ask for a bag of fluids. You cannot have an epidural without having a bag of fluids (idk if this is best-practice or just my hospital, so maybe check whether it's required as things are getting started). There can often be a wait for an anesthesiologist, so having the nurses get this part over with (it can take 20-30min) was a HUGE help. I was able to get the epidural the second I wanted it because I asked for it once I had a very strong feeling that I was going to tap out soon. Don't wait until you can't take it anymore before you start discussing it.

[hopecounts]

Jun 9, 2016 10:17:16 GMT -5 Bernadine said:

Does the hospital provide toiletries? I mean, I'm sure they're not high quality, but I don't want to pack more than I have to.
- No or at least mine didn't so bring your own

Breastfeeding- my plan is to start pumping at 3-4 weeks, so that h can share in feeding her, and she can get used to taking a bottle. Good plan? So, will I have to be with her 24/7 for those first 3-4 weeks? I'm guessing I'll want to be anyway, just wondering how it might work.

- You only have to be with her for feedings, I went shopping with my Mom for a couple hours at 5ish days PP, DD was fine and I nursed her when I got home.  
So just see how you feel and don't hesitate to go get coffee or whatever and have a breather if you want it. 

I know I'll still have a belly after giving birth, but will it be easier to move around? I'm guessing yes, since it won't be hard?

-it becomes flabby and you aren't carrying the weight of baby and placenta (7+ lbs) which makes a big difference.

Tell me about going into labor.

And anything else you want to tell me.

- be sure to buy and bring some heavy duty pads, my hospital didn't have the mesh panties and using the puppy pads they had with regular panties SUCKED I had to get my StepDad to bring my PP pads to use.
Don't be hard on yourself, PP is different for everyone the only thing that has to be done is feeding and changing the baby and you getting as much rest as you can. Let everyone else deal with food/laundry/etc and if you want to get out of the house do it, baby will be fine with Dad.

[isabel]

Keep in mind that you'll be near home and can send your H there or to the store if you need something.

My hospital provided toiletries. I did not bring anything like that.

I packed:
Snacks
Loose fitting pajama pants
Nursing bra
Loose fitting vneck shirts (to make it easy to breastfeed)
Going home clothes (yoga pants and a tee)
Going home clothes for baby (just a footed onesie)
Underwear
Hairbrush and toothbrush/paste
Kindle
Phone and kindle chargers
Boppy pillow

That was it. I didn't need much. Don't overthink it. There's likely a grocery store right across the street. You don't need make up or a hair dryer.

They're going to offer you colace. Take it! If they don't offer, ask for it!

[FastHands]

Oh yeah, snacks! And mints! I almost knocked out my poor husband with my breath while I was getting my epi. lol. He of course had the sense to not say anything, but he involuntarily recoiled, LOL, and I was like omgggggg.

[thebreakfastclub]

I had a c/s and had no need for hairties, snacks, cardigans, yoga pants or anything else, except sleeping.

I sporadically paid attention to the baby, lol.

On the plus side, I felt pretty good about 5 days later.

I definitely looked 6m pregnant after, but the next week I grabbed my normal coat without thinking and it zipped up fine.

[FastHands]

Jun 9, 2016 10:50:30 GMT -5 @tambcat said:

Jun 9, 2016 10:43:39 GMT -5 FastHands said:

Oh! I've started telling this one to everybody because it was the thing that made my birthing class worth every penny. If you are open to an epidural, and you start getting to the point where you feel like things are getting extremely difficult, ask for a bag of fluids. You cannot have an epidural without having a bag of fluids (idk if this is best-practice or just my hospital, so maybe check whether it's required as things are getting started). There can often be a wait for an anesthesiologist, so having the nurses get this part over with (it can take 20-30min) was a HUGE help. I was able to get the epidural the second I wanted it because I asked for it once I had a very strong feeling that I was going to tap out soon. Don't wait until you can't take it anymore before you start discussing it.

I wonder if it's possible to get all the questions over with ahead of time. That was the worst! I'm like "whatever, whatever, I don't care if I die - just take the pain away." lol

We did this! I was held overnight for monitoring and my water broke at 4am and they were like "so, are you open to an epidural? If so, since you're just chillin for a while... sign these." lol

[yourmother]

Also, take as many mesh panties and mega pads that the hospital will allow you to leave with. I am so glad I did that. Also, I did end up buying and using the depends disposable underwear. That was a genius suggestion.

[sparkythelawyer]

Jun 9, 2016 10:17:16 GMT -5 Bernadine said:

Does the hospital provide toiletries? I mean, I'm sure they're not high quality, but I don't want to pack more than I have to.

Breastfeeding- my plan is to start pumping at 3-4 weeks, so that h can share in feeding her, and she can get used to taking a bottle. Good plan? So, will I have to be with her 24/7 for those first 3-4 weeks? I'm guessing I'll want to be anyway, just wondering how it might work.

I know I'll still have a belly after giving birth, but will it be easier to move around? I'm guessing yes, since it won't be hard?

Tell me about going into labor.

And anything else you want to tell me.

Bring your own toiletries.  That first shower you get to take, with YOUR shampoo, and YOUR soap, when you finally get to smell like YOU again, will be heavenly.

Depending on how long your maternity leave is, pumping at 3-4 ish weeks is a great idea - to build your stash.  

Your water may not break in one big gush.  For some of us, it breaks all morning long.  With every contraction.  It was so gross.

Understand right now that you are doing just fine.  The first 30 days will SUCK SUCK SUCK.  But they do get better.

The pads they'll give you in the hospital are like double-thickness vending machine pads.  Awful.  Get yourself some Always infinity overnights. 

Make sure they send you home with some dermoplast and hemmie pads.  They will help your lower theater feel better.

[thebreakfastclub]

I was pleasantly surprised by how much I didn't need to interact with my newborn. He slept in the pack n play basinette in my living room and woke up every 2 or 3 hours. 30 minutes later, bottle and diaper, and he was back to sleep.

I'd trade my now 3yo for a day with his newborn self in a hot second.

[sparkythelawyer]

Jun 9, 2016 11:42:27 GMT -5 @tambcat said:

I hate those stupid mesh underwear! I brought and used my own giant underwear.

eta: I also hate infinity pads! Kotex for life!

I think we can both agree that nothing is worse than vending machine pads :-)

[melissa]

Don't be hard on yourself if things don't go the way you had planned.

I would bring toiletries but not the whole bathroom cabinet. You may only be in the hospital one day or so.

As far as how you would feel afterwards, I had an emergency C-section and then a repeat C-section with the second. After the first I was really sore but felt great after the second. I tired easily so I would just take it easy.

I hope things go well. Will keep my fingers crossed for an easy delivery.

[liverandonions]

I brought my own toiletries-I have a travel bag for that stuff ready to go anyway so it was easy to pack. Showering felt so good. I also blow-dried my hair and just felt like a new woman.

I had to pump starting in the hospital with both kids-with Julia she was preemie so they prescribed a hospital grade pump and it was delivered to the hospital and with Robbie he wouldn't latch so I hand suppressed and then started pumping at home. I would pump after a feeding session. I stopped BF/pumping almost 2 months ago and still have milk in my freezer so pumping helped me build a good supply.

Below is a pic of us about 29 hours after birth-you can see my belly. It's the weirdest feeling because it's squishy and no longer hard.

My water broke with both kids-With Julia it broke at Midnight and contractions didn't start until 7am-hard and fast and back labor. She was born at 3:10, the epidural was awesome except I was totally numb. With Robbie it broke at 4:30am and contractions started almost immediately and he was coming hard and fast too-Born at 9:41am. Epidural was good, but I still felt pressure. He was sunny side up so he was hitting my pelvis.

With both kids I felt pretty good after and didn't have any major recovery issues. I was slightly more sore and had slightly worse bleeding with Robbie because I was doing more for Julia so I was more active.

Head's up-After the fun of labor the nurses will push on your uterus to help it contract back and nursing will also do this naturally and it's not the most pleasant experience. I like to pre-warn people about that.


PDQ

[05heel]

I could go for one of those cold maxi pads right now. Those were fun.

I think I brought my own toiletries, but don't stress about it. People will be happy to run and get you whatever you need if you change your mind or want something in particular. I pumped a little bit, because it was nice to be able to take a few feedings off here and there in the early weeks. I was induced, so I didn't go into labor. Epidurals are my best friend though. That's all I know.

[Deleted]

Jun 9, 2016 10:50:02 GMT -5 FastHands said:

Oh yeah, snacks! And mints! I almost knocked out my poor husband with my breath while I was getting my epi. lol. He of course had the sense to not say anything, but he involuntarily recoiled, LOL, and I was like omgggggg.

The nurse offered me a toothbrush.  Ten minutes after I brushed my teeth.  lol  I was dehydrated, and that makes for some nasty breath.

[Mrs. ChanandlerBong]

I'd start pumping as soon as you get home. I was not a big producer and it would take 3-4 pumping sessions to get enough for one bottle.

[Kit]

My hospital did not provide toiletries, but I suppose they might have if I asked. I did bring my own, but didn't end up taking a shower there. I was really sore and just could not be bothered. I brushed my teeth, my hair, and washed my face. I showered when I got home and it was probably the best shower of my entire life.

Someone said it best above, about moving around...you're basically trading one problem (pregnant belly) for another (being sore).

I was induced, but my OB told me before I went in, to get the epidural right away. I didn't listen, and when I wanted the epi, dude was somewhere else, and I had to wait a while. So if you're going to get the drugs, don't wait. They also didn't get the epi in right the first time, so I had to do that twice.

I liked the mesh panties! The nurse gave me a ton to take home but I really only used them for a couple of days and then just wore my underwear.

I really enjoyed the labor and birthing process but I'm probably in the minority on that one. LOL

Make sure someone is your advocate regarding visitors. It's ok to say no. You need to rest, your body just went through a lot.

Bring snacks, and change for the vending machine. Some hospitals don't have food after a certain time.

Good luck, you'll be great!

[05heel]

Jun 9, 2016 12:18:41 GMT -5 RexManningDay said:

Jun 9, 2016 11:43:25 GMT -5 thebreakfastclub said:

I was pleasantly surprised by how much I didn't need to interact with my newborn. He slept in the pack n play basinette in my living room and woke up every 2 or 3 hours. 30 minutes later, bottle and diaper, and he was back to sleep.

I'd trade my now 3yo for a day with his newborn self in a hot second.

My H said the other day "So, at the beginning, do you think it makes sense that I'm "assigned" to Lydia and you're "assigned" to the baby? Like, I'll get her dressed and fed and bathed and take her to and from daycare, and you'll just feed the new baby all the time?" YES PLEASE AND THANK YOU!!

I think we both think we're getting the better end of that deal.

truth. My mom wants to come and stay for awhile with my next one. Sure, but don't think you'll be snuggling a newborn all day. There's a large, loud child that likes to eat lunch and go to the playground and shit. You handle that and you can stay as long as you wish. I'll be over here glued to the couch.

[gennyu]

Reading your post brought a happy memory to mind: I am a stomach sleeper and obviously that was not an option the majority of my pregnancy. I literally "dive bombed" stomach first into bed the first night home from the hospital. Sleeping on my stomach again was HEAVEN.
(Of course, I had to put down a few towels to protect the bed from the murder scene that was my vag. But still better than being nine months pregnant!)

[junebug]

Jun 9, 2016 12:18:41 GMT -5 RexManningDay said:

Jun 9, 2016 11:43:25 GMT -5 thebreakfastclub said:

I was pleasantly surprised by how much I didn't need to interact with my newborn. He slept in the pack n play basinette in my living room and woke up every 2 or 3 hours. 30 minutes later, bottle and diaper, and he was back to sleep.

I'd trade my now 3yo for a day with his newborn self in a hot second.

My H said the other day "So, at the beginning, do you think it makes sense that I'm "assigned" to Lydia and you're "assigned" to the baby? Like, I'll get her dressed and fed and bathed and take her to and from daycare, and you'll just feed the new baby all the time?" YES PLEASE AND THANK YOU!!

I think we both think we're getting the better end of that deal.

I remember having this exact conversation with H when I was pregnant with dd2. He looked so relieved when I agreed with him. Inside, I was all "SUCKER!" I only thought newborns were hard until I had a toddler. lol

[thebreakfastclub]

Jun 9, 2016 12:27:43 GMT -5 gennyu said:

Reading your post brought a happy memory to mind: I am a stomach sleeper and obviously that was not an option the majority of my pregnancy. I literally "dive bombed" stomach first into bed the first night home from the hospital. Sleeping on my stomach again was HEAVEN.
(Of course, I had to put down a few towels to protect the bed from the murder scene that was my vag. But still better than being nine months pregnant!)

Yes, even with a c/s to deal with. Lying on my side and being able to curl up was the absolute best!

[05heel]

Jun 9, 2016 12:46:25 GMT -5 @tambcat said:

Jun 9, 2016 12:27:43 GMT -5 gennyu said:

Reading your post brought a happy memory to mind: I am a stomach sleeper and obviously that was not an option the majority of my pregnancy. I literally "dive bombed" stomach first into bed the first night home from the hospital. Sleeping on my stomach again was HEAVEN.
(Of course, I had to put down a few towels to protect the bed from the murder scene that was my vag. But still better than being nine months pregnant!)

I remember rolling over onto my stomach the night after she was born! It was like ..ahhhh

That was the best.  Along with no longer having a throat full of stomach acid 24/7.  N never dropped and by the end I felt more as if I had swallowed her than anything.  Why so high, fetus? 

[junebug]

My hospital provided toiletries. Although, I would bring my own towel. The one they gave me was so tiny it was a joke. I remember being really irritated about it. lol

I don't really have any advice with pumping. With my first, I didn't produce enough to pump. I think that being an absolute wreck had something to do with it though. With My second, I pumped because I had oversupply. Personally, I wouldn't pump for the first few weeks unless I had to. It's just not as effective as letting the baby nurse in my experience. I always felt so much more comfortable when I would nurse, but when I pumped I felt like I was still engorged. I don't know, it varies for everyone. 

Your belly will still be big, but you won't care because you will be able to move with ease and it will be glorious! 

[junebug]

Jun 9, 2016 12:50:56 GMT -5 05heel said:

Jun 9, 2016 12:46:25 GMT -5 @tambcat said:

I remember rolling over onto my stomach the night after she was born! It was like ..ahhhh

That was the best.  Along with no longer having a throat full of stomach acid 24/7.  N never dropped and by the end I felt more as if I had swallowed her than anything.  Why so high, fetus? 

This is how I felt with dd2. I was so fucking uncomfortable. For the last three weeks of my pregnancy, my mom would comment that "oh, she finally dropped!" STFU mom! she didn't drop, she lives in my rib-cage and I will cut you the next time you remind me that she is not moving and will never come out and I will be uncomfortable forever.