Thank you! Several people in my other group said makeup was an essential. You know what? There's no way in hell I'm putting makeup on after giving birth. Not a chance.
Like others said, it really is to each their own. I totally brought makeup and put it on while I was in labor. I felt better for having done so and I look pale, washed out, and sick without it. I blew my hair dry and straightened it before going to the hospital for my induction, and brought dry shampoo and a brush for in the hospital. I have shampoo and conditioner packed in case I go into labor while at work and DH needs to bring my bag.
But yea, the essentials for yourself are comfy clothes, charger for your phone, whatever toiletries you like. I also think it partly depends on how far away you live from the hospital. I live literally 7 minutes away, so if I forget anything, I can send my husband home to get it.
I still think the max amount of luggage should be one weekender/duffle bag for each adult, and the diaper bag for baby. I cant stand when people practically move into the labor and delivery rooms and I'm tripping all over their bags.
Ditto all of this. I did pack some makeup, but not my hair dryer and flat iron...and then ended up having my husband grab both when he made one of his trips home (we live 15 mins from the hospital). I felt more like myself after having done all that, but that's just me-my sister thought I was nuts My big essentials were comfy clothes and phone/tablet charger though. Both my husband and I had one duffel bag each, and we had the diaper bag for the baby which all worked out perfectly.
I brought very little. Comfy, nursing friendly clothes, my ipad, chargers, lip balm, and a couple snacks. Oh and baby's going home outfit. I knew I wouldn't be one of those people who washed and blew out their hair and put on make up in the hospital so I didn't bring anything like that. The only thing extra I'll bring this time is a boppy. The hospital (well mine at least) was well stocked with everything else I needed.ย
Thank you!ย Several people in my other group said makeup was an essential.ย You know what? There's no way in hell I'm putting makeup on after giving birth.ย Not a chance.ย ย
I used literally nothing from my hospital bag other than chapstick, my charger and going home clothes for me and DS. I felt like shit run over twice so I stayed in my hospital gown the whole time and didnโt shower at the hospital. No regrets.
A hospital photographer came to my room to take pictures and told me to stand up behind DS for a picture. I asked him if I could cut his stomach open and then ask him to stand up for a picture. LOL. They only took pictures of DS.
Luckily I did my hair the morning of my CS so I didnโt look too awful when I was discharged 3 days later.
Post by pinkalicious on Jan 22, 2019 18:35:42 GMT -5
1. How far along are you this week? 30+1 today
2. Pregnancy-related AW/vents/randoms for this week? Had appointments with OB and MFM yesterday. Little one is looking good, MFM said heโs 4 pounds 12 oz, which I know could be +/- a pound. (Hopefully-) MFM pushed my next appointment with him to 4 weeks out, which makes me happy, but he still wants me doing NSTs 2x a week starting at 32 weeks. Thatโs a struggle, since I just started a new job.
3. Questions for the group? Am I crazy for thinking of flying to California for my cousinโs wedding with DS when he is 4-6 weeks old (depending on when heโs born)? The reception is adults only, so weโd have to get a babysitter. DHโs boss lives 2 miles from the resort the wedding is at, and he and his wife already said they canโt wait to babysit. At least I donโt have to worry about that part!
4. What's your maternity leave plan? Is your partner taking leave as well? I am a realtor and have a very flexible schedule. So far, the plan is for me to take a few weeks (Iโm not sure, but 3-4) completely off to recover and bond with the baby. Then Iโll take a few weeks (4) where I can answer calls from my clients and possibly make calls to leads coming in while DS is sleeping. And then I need to go back to work full time. Unfortunately I do t get paid if I do t have closings, so I canโt take more than 8 weeks, barring any problems.
pinkalicious I wouldnโt plan on attending that wedding. What if you have a bad tear or csection? You wonโt want to fly or lose money on the trip. I would send an extra nice gift instead.
Post by cherryvalance on Jan 22, 2019 18:50:20 GMT -5
I would be skipping that wedding. I had n awesome c section recovery and would not have been able to handle flying, carting newborn stuff, nursing or planning bottles, etc at 4-6 w pp.
Post by aprilsails on Jan 22, 2019 19:00:21 GMT -5
cactuscookie my DD came 3 days after my bloody show and mucus plug came out. I would have light contractions all day and then they would stop at night. Good luck!
I would have been physically fine, especially if H hauled all the crap, but no way could my emotions handle a trip like that at 4-6 weeks PP. I didnt even know which way was up yet!
pinkalicious, I would also plan on skipping. I actually had a pretty easy recovery last time, tearing wasn't too bad. But we were invited to DH's cousin's wedding, only about an hour and a half away and kid-friendly, about 4 weeks PP. Dh went with his parents and I stayed home with the baby. I definitely didn't feel up for attending. Like hamster said, I was physically okay but not emotionally.
greengardener, I just brought one outfit of comfy clothes for me to wear to go home in (wore hospital gowns otherwise), two outfits for baby to go home in (newborn and one 0-3). chapstick, phone, and charger. Oh, and my own pillow/dark pillowcase.
My husband packed clothes for each day we planned on spending there, snacks for when the cafeteria was closed, and a laptop/charger.
I would have been physically fine, especially if H hauled all the crap, but no way could my emotions handle a trip like that at 4-6 weeks PP. I didnt even know which way was up yet!
pinkalicious , I would also plan on skipping. I actually had a pretty easy recovery last time, tearing wasn't too bad. But we were invited to DH's cousin's wedding, only about an hour and a half away and kid-friendly, about 4 weeks PP. Dh went with his parents and I stayed home with the baby. I definitely didn't feel up for attending. Like hamster said, I was physically okay but not emotionally.
Send a nice gift.
Yes, the emotional fallout PP is no freaking joke. I was vastly underprepared for that, even though I physically felt good. It wasn't until more like 8 weeks that I began to feel more like myself and felt like I had a better handle on stuff.
I wish more people had told me how difficult those first weeks are, besides just sleeping or nursing issues. In hindsight, I really struggled with adjusting to no longer being pregnant and now having this tiny human to keep alive.
I like that one (and the price). Of course that's out of stock now!
Yes just set up an alert and they will let you know once itโs back in stock. It took like two weeks last time, but I received it in four days after ordering!
does it have an easy/quiet glide? A lot of the cheaper ones have reviews about being squeaky or not a smooth rock so now I'm nervous.
pinkalicious, Yeah, add me to the list of folks who would not be up for traveling for a wedding at 4-6 weeks pp. I was still bleeding then, and overdoing it (and schlepping baby gear through an airport would qualify) meant heavier bleeding. Plus, around 6-7 weeks was a real low point for me, the cumulative sleep deprivation was catching up to me, she was less of a sleepy newborn and was crying more, I felt like I was sleeping less, etc. It was bad times. It was better both before and after.
Post by pinkalicious on Jan 22, 2019 22:03:10 GMT -5
Thanks everyone! It makes me sad, I was so looking forward to a little vacation. I didnโt really think about my recovery/hormones, I was only thinking about the actual travel part. Iโve clearly never had a kid before because I assumed Iโd be fine by then. ๐คท๐ปโโ๏ธ
FWIW, FIL is planning his big annual 4th of July hang out with all of DHs siblings and their spouses for July 4. Except this time he wants a photographer for some big shoot, karaoke, dinners out, pool parties etc He doesnโt understand why we wonโt go.
DUDE 2wk-3wk old! I donโt want to be around a bunch of people, have 3 kids in restaurants, be near people drinking near the pool OR have a picture taken that will be up for years.
And he lives 15 minutes away so I canโt even imagine flying!
Yes just set up an alert and they will let you know once itโs back in stock. It took like two weeks last time, but I received it in four days after ordering!
does it have an easy/quiet glide? A lot of the cheaper ones have reviews about being squeaky or not a smooth rock so now I'm nervous.
It's not squeaky at all. I guess I could see why someone might say it's not a smooth glide, but it's not bad enough that i noticed. I was looking more for the noise as well. It's not a "deep" rock, which is why I think someone might say it's not smooth?
It's definitely not a replacement for the $1200 one I really wanted at West Elm, but I'm happy.
For all of you talking about what goes in your hospital bag.. why does no one have alcohol on that list? First thing that went in my hospital bag with DS was a bottle of my favorite champagne, and I have another one set aside for this baby. I cracked that sucker 12 hours after DS was born. I'd have opened it earlier, but I needed to sleep first!ย
One of my cousins smuggled in margaritas and solo cups for me both times - premixed in a cleaned out opaque milk jug, no less. ๐ My FIL brought 2 bottles of my Hโs favorite $$$$$ Irish whiskey when Kid2 was born - one to enjoy immediately, the other to put away for Kid2โs 21st birthday. One of the first pics I have of Kid2, about 5 hours after he was born, is my dad holding him in one arm, whiskey in the other, with the other spots on the couch across from my bed occupied by FIL and H, toasting their grandson and son, respectively. So I am on board with alllll the alcohol. When friends have babies, I save the champagne and a birthday cake until we visit once they come home.
turbo, probably because I haven't denied myself the occasional beer or glass of wine. *shrugs* Studies in Europe and Australia (where drinking is more permissible during pregnancy) have shown no decrease in intelligence, school performance, IQ scores, etc, when women have up to one drink per day in 2nd and 3rd trimesters. Even when controlled for educational and SE status.
I only stay away from hard liquors, so I may ask someone to bring me a margarita. A margarita was the last liquor I had before starting stims last June.
FWIW, FIL is planning his big annual 4th of July hang out with all of DHs siblings and their spouses for July 4. Except this time he wants a photographer for some big shoot, karaoke, dinners out, pool parties etc He doesnโt understand why we wonโt go.
DUDE 2wk-3wk old! I donโt want to be around a bunch of people, have 3 kids in restaurants, be near people drinking near the pool OR have a picture taken that will be up for years.
And he lives 15 minutes away so I canโt even imagine flying!
I get it. My dad and uncle have decided to put on another family reunion (last one was summer 2017) the first weekend in August. If 2.0 comes right at/before her due date like her brother did, she'd be roughly two weeks old...and my dad sees nothing wrong with the thought of us driving down there (reunion will be 2 hours away) with a newborn and me freshly postpartum. I love my extended family and my parents are super helpful but NO. Did I mention it'll likely be stupid hot/humid AND reunion is all outdoors? As it is, we're going to have to make a game time decision on going to J's 20th HS reunion which will likely be the same weekend BUT also here in town so much easier to go for an hour or just send J by himself.
Ordered my breast pump last week and almost done with the nursery. My friends are throwing a shower for me next month so I made a registry for things we need or didnโt save from when my DD was born. I go see MFM today, kind of nervous. I bought a blood pressure monitor for home but clearly donโt know how to take bp because I either get super high readings or completely different readings from one arm to another. How tight is the cuff supposed to be?
Questions: if you are a STM+, are you taking the hospitalโs parenting class? We did with my DD but we were first timers and it was 6 years ago. Not sure if we should do it again or if we should just trust our instincts, lol. Silly question.
I am taking 8 weeks of unpaid time off. I just accepted a new job right after I found out I was pregnant and will not qualify for FMLA or STD yet. I knew that coming in to the job so we have planned for it. It will be different but we should be fine. I really want to take 12 weeks but donโt feel like I should take that much since I am a new employee. My H will probably take 2 weeks off, we havenโt nailed it down yet.
Post by cherryvalance on Jan 23, 2019 8:24:40 GMT -5
turbo, I'm not generally a big drinker (I eat my calories, lol), but my one coworker makes this delicious Bailey's drink for Christmas and I would have loved that or coquito when DS was born.
Alas, all I got was the Italian sub I'd been craving for nine months.
poppyseed I'm wondering the same thing about parenting class, but I'm a FTM. I took a family CPR class last night and all the other pregnant women said they were also signed up for the parenting class, so how I'm thinking we should do it...
Also just realized the concert I was asking about yesterday is at 7pm, so I guess all my questions about taking a newborn were for nothing since that's a lot later than I assume a newborn should be out partying with us ๐
poppyseed I'm wondering the same thing about parenting class, but I'm a FTM. I took a family CPR class last night and all the other pregnant women said they were also signed up for the parenting class, so how I'm thinking we should do it...
Also just realized the concert I was asking about yesterday is at 7pm, so I guess all my questions about taking a newborn were for nothing since that's a lot later than I assume a newborn should be out partying with us ๐
I would recommend as a FTM. Our class was about 90 minutes and touched on the first few weeks, swaddling, changing diapers, bathing, soothing techniques, feeding and being supportive partners to one another during this transition. It was also a good time to ask questions.
poppyseed I'm wondering the same thing about parenting class, but I'm a FTM. I took a family CPR class last night and all the other pregnant women said they were also signed up for the parenting class, so how I'm thinking we should do it...
Also just realized the concert I was asking about yesterday is at 7pm, so I guess all my questions about taking a newborn were for nothing since that's a lot later than I assume a newborn should be out partying with us ๐
I would recommend as a FTM. Our class was about 90 minutes and touched on the first few weeks, swaddling, changing diapers, bathing, soothing techniques, feeding and being supportive partners to one another during this transition. It was also a good time to ask questions.
Oh wow, ours is 4 hours! Thanks for the input on taking it as a FTM
turbo, probably because I haven't denied myself the occasional beer or glass of wine. *shrugs* Studies in Europe and Australia (where drinking is more permissible during pregnancy) have shown no decrease in intelligence, school performance, IQ scores, etc, when women have up to one drink per day in 2nd and 3rd trimesters. Even when controlled for educational and SE status.
I only stay away from hard liquors, so I may ask someone to bring me a margarita. A margarita was the last liquor I had before starting stims last June.
::sits on this bench:: pass me some sushi, too!
Downside of a c section is the pain meds and alcohol dont mix. H had beer though, and used the cooler they gave me for breast milk to keep it cold! Jokes on him, it leaked, haha.
It started at 3 PM on my belly, under my bra, and chest, directly where C slept on me for an hour. Whole area was red and hivey. Got it mostly settled but had some itchy patches. 8 PM put on a sweatshirt. Almost immediately break out along wrists, neck, more bra line (and I'm not wearing a bra) along with areas where my underwear is touching. I eventually take a cool shower, have a zyrtec and go to bed. It's fine this morning.
2. Pregnancy-related AW/vents/randoms for this week? My back pain finally seems to have gone away! I think I pulled something 1.5 weeks ago and it resulted in a lot of hobbling around. I've been stretching a lot, but also accepted that I probably need to sit more during the school day. I don't feel like my students are getting the best of me, but I'm making myself and baby my priority. Edited: Forgot that I also was excited to pass the GD test last week! We also took a weekend babymoon to the coast which was really nice and relaxing. It was a fairly eventful week!
3. Questions for the group? Not this week.
4. What's your maternity leave plan? Is your partner taking leave as well? I feel very lucky with the timing of this baby. Baby is due during spring break. I will go out a week early (at 38 weeks) so my students and replacement have time to know each other before break. I feel like kindergarteners returning from break with a new teacher will just be too chaotic. And quite honestly, I know I'll be ready at 38 weeks too! I will stay home for the rest of the school year which hits to just about 12 weeks (using a mixture of saved timed off and STD). Then I have about an extra two months because of summer break. My husband works for a small company so there isn't a set policy in place. I am hoping he'll have about a week when baby is born. His boss knows I'm pregnant but I don't think they've talked about leave yet.
turbo, probably because I haven't denied myself the occasional beer or glass of wine. *shrugs* Studies in Europe and Australia (where drinking is more permissible during pregnancy) have shown no decrease in intelligence, school performance, IQ scores, etc, when women have up to one drink per day in 2nd and 3rd trimesters. Even when controlled for educational and SE status.
I only stay away from hard liquors, so I may ask someone to bring me a margarita. A margarita was the last liquor I had before starting stims last June.
::sits on this bench:: pass me some sushi, too!
Downside of a c section is the pain meds and alcohol dont mix. H had beer though, and used the cooler they gave me for breast milk to keep it cold! Jokes on him, it leaked, haha.
Ha I had sushi last week too!
@poppyseed, we're doing the sibling class but that's it. I used to teach the newborn care classes, and I'm an L&D nurse so I'm well aware of how childbirth and pain management works, lol. I'm also CPR and NRP certified.
if you are a STM+, are you taking the hospitalโs parenting class? We did with my DD but we were first timers and it was 6 years ago. Not sure if we should do it again or if we should just trust our instincts, lol. Silly question.
Nah:
1. My kids will be 3.5 years apart and I don't feel that rusty yet.
2. It's SO FREAKING HARD for me to get childcare coverage for something outside of work/daycare hours, and a hospital class doesn't rise to the top of the heap of ways to spend time when I can get it. I don't plan to take any hospital classes this time.