Week of August 7

[King26]

What's up this week?

[King26]

I never thought I'd get tired of being pregnant but this past week I'm over it. This morning I feel like a train hit me. My hips hurt, my stomach hurts, my head hurts, and I feel like he's dropped even lower. I'm so ready for him to just be here!

I have a regular appointment on Thursday. I'm hoping they tell me I'm making more progress. I'm also hoping to finally do our hospital tour (better later then never?) and getting DH's carseat installed.

I don't have much going on this week. I finished canning a bunch of stuff this weekend (I wanted to make pie filling because I like having a dessert when people come to visit but know I won't have much time once the baby comes) so I made peach pie filling and blueberry pie filling. I just need to mix up some pancake mix and biscuit mix and food wise I'll be ready for this baby. I also want to finish my classwork which is due the 2nd week of September just so I don't have to think about it. I have 3 of the 4 assignments finished. I have book club tomorrow which I'm looking forward to. We are trying a new restaurant in town and we read Hillbilly Elegy which basically is the story of half the town here where I live.

[cactuscookie]

I thought this was interesting, King26: www.seriouseats.com/2017/07/how-to-freeze-a-pie-in-advance.html. I made chocolate chip cookie dough when I was pregnant, and I froze the dough in balls. Then I baked up fresh cookies when people came to visit. It was perfect. I didn't use up the dough until like seven months after I made it, and the cookies were still perfect.

[mrsgoontz]

King26 I was just talking to my H this weekend about meal prepping/freezing and at 30 weeks he thinks its too early to start all of that. I think it's a great idea that you did breakfast stuff too like pancake mix, I'm going to steal that one. I hope you get feeling better soon, you're so close!

We had our first baby shower on Saturday, it was so nice. I have a hard time being the center of attention but it was fun to celebrate baby Goontz and catch up with friends and family. Sunday we braved IKEA to get a few items so I could really start organizing the nursery drawers and closet. I got a lot done but I always feel like there is so much more to do.

[pooh8402]

Aug 7, 2017 10:07:56 GMT -5 @daylily said:

King26, cactuscookie you weirdos. People are supposed to bring YOU pie and cookies after you've birthed a child.

People were lucky I put on a shirt when they came over.

For real. When people were coming over and they asked if I needed anything, I was like FOOD! Just bring food! I actually had my mom make me a few ham and cheese sandwiches because I just couldn't muster up the energy to do it myself.

[King26]

I'm definitely the cook/baker in our group of friends. In fact, I've had several friends already ask if I want them to bring food when they come or if I want them to go to the grocery store and then babysit while I cook.

mrsgoontz I made a bunch of freezer meals at week 32 and week 34. My basement freezer is stocked.
cactuscookie I'm definitely going to look into freezing the pies. I've done the cookie dough idea before but hadn't thought of it this time. If I'm up to it I'll do that this week because it'll be easy.

[scm1011]

Aug 7, 2017 10:55:23 GMT -5 @daylily said:

Aug 7, 2017 10:13:04 GMT -5 pooh8402 said:

For real. When people were coming over and they asked if I needed anything, I was like FOOD! Just bring food! I actually had my mom make me a few ham and cheese sandwiches because I just couldn't muster up the energy to do it myself.

Hehe. This is bringing back a memory of a friend leaving a grocery rotisserie chicken on my back step (like, ding dong dash style). BEST VISIT EVER. I didn't have to entertain anyone, put on a shirt, and I still remember H and I both crying because it was the best food we had ever eaten. 

I had a friend who did this like 4 times and IT WAS THE BEST. I'd get a text that was like "I just left chicken enchiladas on your front stoop, enjoy!". Best thing ever, and I'm actually planning on doing the same with a neighbor who had a baby a few days ago because it seriously made me weep with gratitude at the time.

[cactuscookie]

What is it about rotisserie chicken when you have a newborn?! My sister brought one when she visited with her family, and I swear it was the best thing I'd ever eaten. Although I did make everyone a cake.

Like King26, baking is my therapy. That easy cake I made when they visited was one of the first times I felt like myself again after H was born.

[mpc]

Oh a friend brought a rotisserie chicken and some sides and it looked fantastic until she mentioned the her, her husband, and their 3 kids were going to stay for dinner with us!   She brought some chicken nuggets for the kids, but still - 4 adults and 4 kids! And I was still completely ravenous all the time due to nursing. H and I had a second dinner after they left. 

[mpc]

Speaking of cooking and baking... does anyone have lactation cookies or bars you really like? Either recipes or a place to buy them. It looks like I'll be traveling once or twice in september and twice in october. I'm thinking I should take something with me to promote milk production because I'm nervous about my supply when exclusively pumping.

I can't believe I might travel 4 times before my baby is 6 months. With DS I travelled 3 times before he was 1 year, but all after 6 months. I feel bad leaving H so much but it just happens to be a super busy time for the project i'm working on. I tell him that at least he can just give her bottles and not have to worry about solid foods.

[linz]

Aug 7, 2017 10:07:56 GMT -5 @daylily said:

King26 , cactuscookie you weirdos. People are supposed to bring YOU pie and cookies after you've birthed a child.

People were lucky I put on a shirt when they came over.

lol one of my friends came to visit and asked what I wanted. I started crying and said a donut. I didn't leave the house much alone so going to a gas station for a crummy donut was all I craved. 

[starryfish]

S is fully on formula!!!!!!!!! WOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!! I had a DQ blizzard (twice) and pizza ALL weekend LONG!!!!! Dairy I missed you!

Now i just need to get my boobs to dry up. I stopped pumping Saturday and have only had to hand express a little in the morning Sat/Sun/today. Will my milk that is currently in my boobs just dry up? My boobs are still pretty full but not painful anymore.

S also is now sleeping in her crib. First night it was 36 minutes for her to stop crying. we did checks but she got more pissed, so we stopped. She woke up multiple times but only fussed for a few minutes before she fell asleep again. She was STTN before (not crib tho).

[thoseareradishes]

@daylily, all that food sounds deeeelicious!!

We pulled E's feeding tube on Saturday. She hasn't used it in a week, so we decided, why not? Thursday we meet with the feeding team to evaluate how she's doing, and make a concrete plan for formula. I can't wait to be done pumping. I'm down to four pumps a day, but still producing quite a bit, so we'll be able to transition her to formula slowly. She's had it before so hopefully it won't be a huge adjustment for her.

[cherryvalance]

Everything I'm eating is the best thing ever! Jesus, I'm starving all the time, lol.

DS had his first pediatrician appointment today and has lost more weight, so we have an issue. Although the lactation consultant said he was doing great in the hospital, he is having issues latching and is not getting enough fluid. The pedi told me to start pumping; hopefully I can offer the breast to start and then bottle feed the milk.

Breastfeeding/pumping ladies--I've pumped about 8 oz during this first session. Is that good?

[cherryvalance]

Aug 7, 2017 12:48:38 GMT -5 @daylily said:

Aug 7, 2017 11:58:30 GMT -5 cactuscookie said:

What is it about rotisserie chicken when you have a newborn?! My sister brought one when she visited with her family, and I swear it was the best thing I'd ever eaten. Although I did make everyone a cake.

Like King26 , baking is my therapy. That easy cake I made when they visited was one of the first times I felt like myself again after H was born.

Its been my go to for new families since then. Bagged salad, rotisserie chicken, baguette with good butter, container of soup, cheese, fruit salad, cookies. Basic comfort food. I still cook meals occasionally, but I don't feel bad if I'm short on time, because damn that chicken tastes like heaven during that crazy few weeks. 

Did you need my address?

[starryfish]

Aug 7, 2017 16:40:38 GMT -5 cherryvalance said:

Everything I'm eating is the best thing ever! Jesus, I'm starving all the time, lol.

DS had his first pediatrician appointment today and has lost more weight, so we have an issue. Although the lactation consultant said he was doing great in the hospital, he is having issues latching and is not getting enough fluid. The pedi told me to start pumping; hopefully I can offer the breast to start and then bottle feed the milk.

Breastfeeding/pumping ladies--I've pumped about 8 oz during this first session. Is that good?

Yes that is excellent! He probably only needs 2oz or so at a time right now. So freeze the rest!

[swiftlyirun]

Glad to hear that people like the rotisserie chicken meal so much! I did it often for friends while I was working, but felt guilty because everyone seemed to bring me these intricate from scratch meals after DD.

I got an RX to day for phenergan because I'm so nauseous I've basically stopped eating. I feel like what's the point- I'm just going to see the food again in 30 min. However, the phenergan made me SO. SO. tired. #cantwin. Anyone else take something else for nausea that didn't have more terrible side effects?

[pooh8402]

Aug 7, 2017 18:14:21 GMT -5 swiftlyirun said:

Glad to hear that people like the rotisserie chicken meal so much! I did it often for friends while I was working, but felt guilty because everyone seemed to bring me these intricate from scratch meals after DD.

I got an RX to day for phenergan because I'm so nauseous I've basically stopped eating. I feel like what's the point- I'm just going to see the food again in 30 min. However, the phenergan made me SO. SO. tired. #cantwin. Anyone else take something else for nausea that didn't have more terrible side effects?

Unfortunately all the nausea meds that are approved for pregnancy are sedating. Phenergan, Diclegis, unisom+b6... Zofran is not, but it's no longer allowed in pregnancy.

You should get used to the phenergan over time and feel less sedated.

[swiftlyirun]

Aug 7, 2017 19:49:54 GMT -5 pooh8402 said:

Aug 7, 2017 18:14:21 GMT -5 swiftlyirun said:

Glad to hear that people like the rotisserie chicken meal so much! I did it often for friends while I was working, but felt guilty because everyone seemed to bring me these intricate from scratch meals after DD.

I got an RX to day for phenergan because I'm so nauseous I've basically stopped eating. I feel like what's the point- I'm just going to see the food again in 30 min. However, the phenergan made me SO. SO. tired. #cantwin. Anyone else take something else for nausea that didn't have more terrible side effects?

Unfortunately all the nausea meds that are approved for pregnancy are sedating. Phenergan, Diclegis, unisom+b6... Zofran is not, but it's no longer allowed in pregnancy.

You should get used to the phenergan over time and feel less sedated.

That's good to know! I've had some friends recommend cutting the dose and trying that? Gah, I felt like I was drugged and blacked out this afternoon.

[pooh8402]

Aug 7, 2017 20:17:23 GMT -5 swiftlyirun said:

Aug 7, 2017 19:49:54 GMT -5 pooh8402 said:

Unfortunately all the nausea meds that are approved for pregnancy are sedating. Phenergan, Diclegis, unisom+b6... Zofran is not, but it's no longer allowed in pregnancy.

You should get used to the phenergan over time and feel less sedated.

That's good to know! I've had some friends recommend cutting the dose and trying that? Gah, I felt like I was drugged and blacked out this afternoon.

Yea, you can cut the dose in half and try that too. If it works for the nausea, then great! If it doesn't, then you can build up to the full strength.

[thoseareradishes]

cherryvalance , 8 oz sounds great to me!

I did 1/3 formula, 2/3 breast milk in E's bottle this morning, and she didn't really dig it . She fell asleep before finishing it, so I put her in her bassinet while I'm pumping, and now she's awake again, stinker.

[oneslybookworm]

boiler717 straight up fed J and I during the first two weeks after getting home. Seriously, BEST EVER!!!

Not much going on here. At some point, I'll do a brain dump of our "story" on how it all transpired, if you all want to hear! It's been the most amazing, and yet hard, month of my life. I've cried more times than I care to admit, and my therapist is a god send.

[loira]

cherryvalance, I never pumped more than 6oz in my first morning session and the amount decreased throughout the day (although I suspect I was not a great producer).

[cherryvalance]

Aug 8, 2017 11:02:43 GMT -5 loira said:

cherryvalance, I never pumped more than 6oz in my first morning session and the amount decreased throughout the day (although I suspect I was not a great producer).

That's what I'm finding. Yesterday was my first day and I'm guessing I was backed up from him not really getting much. It's been more like 2 ounces each session today.

Ugh, breastfeeding is freaking tough.

[pooh8402]

Aug 8, 2017 13:12:18 GMT -5 cherryvalance said:

Aug 8, 2017 11:02:43 GMT -5 loira said:

cherryvalance , I never pumped more than 6oz in my first morning session and the amount decreased throughout the day (although I suspect I was not a great producer).

That's what I'm finding. Yesterday was my first day and I'm guessing I was backed up from him not really getting much. It's been more like 2 ounces each session today.

Ugh, breastfeeding is freaking tough.

2 oz per session at this age is still normal! I agree that the 8 oz was probably because he hadn't been transferring milk. poor guy. did the LC offer any suggestions for his latch and transfer?

[cherryvalance]

Aug 8, 2017 13:31:27 GMT -5 pooh8402 said:

Aug 8, 2017 13:12:18 GMT -5 cherryvalance said:

That's what I'm finding. Yesterday was my first day and I'm guessing I was backed up from him not really getting much. It's been more like 2 ounces each session today.

Ugh, breastfeeding is freaking tough.

2 oz per session at this age is still normal! I agree that the 8 oz was probably because he hadn't been transferring milk. poor guy. did the LC offer any suggestions for his latch and transfer?

The hospital LCs were great. The one told me we had a great latch going, but it's hard for me to tell what's right and what's not. When we got home, he definitely was having an issue because he was flattening my nipples.

The pedi, who has only BF herself and doesn't have lactation training, is saying his latch on the bottom isn't good. They do have a doctor on staff who's trained in lactation, so I'm going to try to meet with her this week or with an outside LC.

Clearly something is off because since I've been pumping and bottle feeding, he's more alert when he's up and he rarely scream-cries like he did. It's also comforting to know exactly how much he's getting each time, but I don't want my supply to tank from pumping/not pumping enough.

[pooh8402]

I wonder if he has a hidden tongue or lip tie that's preventing transfer... especially since you say he's flattening your nipple. some posterior tongue ties are REALLY hard to see.

[starryfish]

Aug 8, 2017 14:56:53 GMT -5 cherryvalance said:

Aug 8, 2017 13:31:27 GMT -5 pooh8402 said:

2 oz per session at this age is still normal! I agree that the 8 oz was probably because he hadn't been transferring milk. poor guy. did the LC offer any suggestions for his latch and transfer?

The hospital LCs were great. The one told me we had a great latch going, but it's hard for me to tell what's right and what's not. When we got home, he definitely was having an issue because he was flattening my nipples.

The pedi, who has only BF herself and doesn't have lactation training, is saying his latch on the bottom isn't good. They do have a doctor on staff who's trained in lactation, so I'm going to try to meet with her this week or with an outside LC.

Clearly something is off because since I've been pumping and bottle feeding, he's more alert when he's up and he rarely scream-cries like he did. It's also comforting to know exactly how much he's getting each time, but I don't want my supply to tank from pumping/not pumping enough.

Pump every 3 hours or more often if he eats more frequently. 2oz is great at that age! I remember the first few weeks I pumped into 1oz bottles and then eventually i had to switch to 2oz bottles.

[scm1011]

Aug 8, 2017 9:31:23 GMT -5 oneslybookworm said:

boiler717 straight up fed J and I during the first two weeks after getting home. Seriously, BEST EVER!!!

Not much going on here. At some point, I'll do a brain dump of our "story" on how it all transpired, if you all want to hear! It's been the most amazing, and yet hard, month of my life. I've cried more times than I care to admit, and my therapist is a god send.

I've been thinking about you, and would love to hear your story when you're ready! The first couple months are SO hard. Be kind to yourself. Your life was turned upside down literally without warning. Big hugs to you! 

[cherryvalance]

Aug 8, 2017 17:14:48 GMT -5 starryfish said:

Aug 8, 2017 14:56:53 GMT -5 cherryvalance said:

The hospital LCs were great. The one told me we had a great latch going, but it's hard for me to tell what's right and what's not. When we got home, he definitely was having an issue because he was flattening my nipples.

The pedi, who has only BF herself and doesn't have lactation training, is saying his latch on the bottom isn't good. They do have a doctor on staff who's trained in lactation, so I'm going to try to meet with her this week or with an outside LC.

Clearly something is off because since I've been pumping and bottle feeding, he's more alert when he's up and he rarely scream-cries like he did. It's also comforting to know exactly how much he's getting each time, but I don't want my supply to tank from pumping/not pumping enough.

Pump every 3 hours or more often if he eats more frequently. 2oz is great at that age! I remember the first few weeks I pumped into 1oz bottles and then eventually i had to switch to 2oz bottles.

Good to know, thanks!! I was telling my H that I just feel so insane most of the time, not knowing what's normal or right or what.