Question for veteran mommies

• 09-01-2009 4:05 PM

  In reply to

  Shauna845030 Joined on 06-10-2005 Orlando, FL Posts 92

  Re: Question for veteren mommies Reply Contact I had a c-section. Not only do you wear those thick pads down there but I also put them in my underwear where my incision was. That padded where the staples were and stopped it from rubbing on my underwear. Dermaplast was a life saver, too. Also, the first time I took a shower it freaked me out to feel the ton of staples.   Pack early maternity clothes to go home in or lounge around in. You will still have a small belly after you have the baby. I was really uncomfortable in the hospital because my pants were a little too tight.

• 09-01-2009 10:32 PM

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  ~willowtree~ Joined on 04-29-2009 Posts 287

  Re: Question for veteren mommies Reply Contact 1.  work on not being scared of labor and everything. having a baby hurts, but it is a different sort of hurt than anything else, at least in my experience. i'm not saying don't get an epidural, just don't be too scared to experience at least part of labor.  the pain is, well, alot different---and sort of better----than what you might imagine. kind of how a good hard sneeze feels, only (ALOT) harder and longer----you can't help it, you can't get away from it, and it does feel so good when it's over. for me, i felt like it made me into a different sort of person, and i really value the unmedicated experience. NOT to say that "natural birth" moms are somehow better; i am only saying that FOR ME, it was very empowering, and i'm glad i had that.   i was lucky to have normal, relatively short labors, though, so i know my experience doesn't apply at all to what some women have gone through!  2. if husband or partner or whoever is actually watching the birth, make sure they know that the baby's head on its way down the birth canal looks like a crumpled up piece of purple newspaper, and that's normal. the first birth i saw (one of my brothers being born), i didn't know that, and i thought the baby was messed up or something. 3. breastfeeding DOES hurt the first while. i would count the seconds that it hurt, and they got less each time, and it gave me something to focus on. that helped me alot. don't forget to DRINK lots of water----low level dehydration can really cut down on your milk supply. 4. post partum depression (anger/fear/paranoia/sobbing fits/forgetfulness/etc) is a b***ch. i generally bottom out at six weeks, and absolutely think i'm losing it. talking straight with your doctor and other mommy friends might help, and just know that it can and will get better, and don't be afraid to ask for help. none of us are an island; we aren't meant to be, especially at a time like this. 5. join a new mommy's group! you'll love it, and you'll need it! 6. a good baby carrier has been a lifesaver for me. "babywearing" makes my life tons easier the first couple months, although some moms don't enjoy it. do whatever works for you, but you might give it a try for a few days. 7. since you will be wearing sanitary pads of some kind for so many weeks after having the baby, be aware that you might develop a sensitivity to your normal brand. many women have found this to be a problem, and a little soreness down there can easily be dismissed as, well, just soreness. switch up brands a bit if you think it might be causing a problem.  geez, sorry, i wrote a book!

• 09-10-2009 4:45 PM

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  AussieH Joined on 03-22-2003 Seattle, WA Posts 261

  Re: Question for veteren mommies Reply Contact I'm not sure if anyone else has written about this, but after a VB, you will most likely have a sore hoo-ha!  For a little while.  I know tucks were mentioned, but one thing I found comfortable, was sitting on that boppy pillow!  I found it was not comfy to use for breastfeeding, but awesome to sit on!  Its very firm, so doesnt squish when you sit on it.  [The boppy was also great to use for thebaby as they got a little older, for support, and learning to sit, but didnt work for bf'ing.]

• 09-14-2009 6:17 PM

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  mandbro Joined on 12-09-2007 Ryan 07-24-2008, baby #2 due 12-15-2009 Posts 364

  Re: Question for veteren mommies Reply Contact Hi ladies, my name is Mandy.  I'm lurking from December.  Great post, I totally forgot about a lot of this stuff!  I hope you don't mind, but I thought of a few more: For the first few days when you nurse, you will feel contractions.  They are uncomfortable, but not nearly as bad as the labor contractions.  BFing sends off some hormone that helps your uterus contract back to normal size.  Accept help at home.  If your mom, MIL, girlfriend offers to mop the floors, clean the bathrooms, do the laundry...gladly accept!  And who cares if the towels aren't folded the way you fold them...the are clean and put away!  Do not feel bad telling people that you don't want visitors right away.  You are going to be trying to figure out what the heck to do, the last thing you need to do is worry about what time so and so is coming over.  If people ask what they can do, ask for food or gift certs to local restaurants...food is the last thing on your mind, but you need to eat! You are a mom, you are not superwoman!!!!  You need to eat, sleep, shower...don't neglect yourself.  You are no good to your baby if you start to decompose.  If you are BFing - your nipples may get really sore.  Definitely invest in some Lanolin (I liked the Lansinoh kind).  Also, you may want to wear a bra in the shower.  When the water hits your nipples it is like nails - at least it was for me. I know this was said before but I cannot stress it enough.  If BFing doesn't work out for whatever reason, do not kill yourself over it.  I got myself into such a funk because it didn't work for us that I got myself really really sick.   Good luck mamas!!!

• 09-14-2009 7:01 PM

  In reply to

  ~Bernadette~ Joined on 06-28-2006 Whitehall,PA EDD January 30, 2010 Posts 820

  Re: Question for veteren mommies Reply Contact AussieH: I'm not sure if anyone else has written about this, but after a VB, you will most likely have a sore hoo-ha!  For a little while.  I know tucks were mentioned, but one thing I found comfortable, was sitting on that boppy pillow!  I found it was not comfy to use for breastfeeding, but awesome to sit on!  Its very firm, so doesnt squish when you sit on it.  [The boppy was also great to use for thebaby as they got a little older, for support, and learning to sit, but didnt work for bf'ing.]   I agree it is awesome to sit on after having the baby. I did the same thing and it was a lifesaver.

• 09-14-2009 7:04 PM

  In reply to

  ~Bernadette~ Joined on 06-28-2006 Whitehall,PA EDD January 30, 2010 Posts 820

  Re: Question for veteren mommies Reply Contact mandbro: I know this was said before but I cannot stress it enough.  If BFing doesn't work out for whatever reason, do not kill yourself over it.  I got myself into such a funk because it didn't work for us that I got myself really really sick.     I totally agree. I did the same thing. I went into a major depression and felt worthless and wasn't eating. I just wanted to sleep and not be bothered by anyone. It was a horrible time and I would never put myself through that again.

• 09-16-2009 4:26 AM

  In reply to

  Hester Joined on 05-03-2009 Posts 62

  Re: Question for veteren mommies Reply Contact ANY breastfeeding info gratefully accepted here! With my first, it was a disaster, I literally had virtually nothing and by the time she was 3 days old she had lost 25% of her birthweight and the doctors put her on formula just to keep her alive! I remember trying to pump (I had a manual pump) and got 2 dribbles over 20 mins. I did keep part bf her for 6 weeks, but I don't think she really got anything - she was always starving for a bottle. I have bought an electric pump for this time, and am frantically reading anything I can about how to get a milk supply going. So any suggestions appreciated.

• 09-27-2009 11:56 PM

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  AussieH Joined on 03-22-2003 Seattle, WA Posts 261

  Re: Question for veteren mommies Reply Contact I can't remember if anyone has mentioned this - if they have, sorry! With the 'coming home' outfit for the baby, its usually best not to have anything that has a waistline in it - like pants etc.  The cord stump is still there (takes up to 2 weeks to fall off), and it can get irritated with the waistband.  You will also probably need to just fold down the top of the diapers so it doesn't rub up against it. I've heard contradicting things about the rubbing alcohol on the stump too..... so, take what you will.  Don't try and "help" it off at all!!! Babies lose their heat through their head (sounds weird, I know...), so hats are a great idea. Babies will grow out of the 'newborn' size clothing, very quick, so you dont need to have truck load of them. And with the coming home outfit... it would be a good idea to bring an extra set, maybe smaller, or even bigger, as you never really know if baby is going to be bigger than anticipated, or longer (and not fitting in a footed onsie).  Backups are always good!!!!!  HTH -Heidi

• 09-28-2009 6:56 AM

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  stlcard_01 Joined on 08-31-2005 STLMOM to Christian 15, Brady 2 & edd 1/25/10 Posts 798

  Re: Question for veteren mommies Reply Contact  I have to re-read back through the posts...but I thought of something this weekend that really freaked me out when I was a first timer.  The Mucus Plug!  That scared the heck out of me the first time.  I walked around for 2 or 3 weeks after just waiting for my water to break.  Of course, it never did but it was a bit stressful and kinda yucky when it happens.  I did start wearing a pad about a month before my 2nd was born and that seemed to work when the mucus plug came out.  It's very natural if it does happen, but if your not prepared then it's a bit freaky.

• 09-28-2009 4:45 PM

  In reply to

  AussieH Joined on 03-22-2003 Seattle, WA Posts 261

  Re: Question for veteren mommies Reply Contact stlcard_01:  I have to re-read back through the posts...but I thought of something this weekend that really freaked me out when I was a first timer.  The Mucus Plug!  That scared the heck out of me the first time.  I walked around for 2 or 3 weeks after just waiting for my water to break.  Of course, it never did but it was a bit stressful and kinda yucky when it happens.  I did start wearing a pad about a month before my 2nd was born and that seemed to work when the mucus plug came out.  It's very natural if it does happen, but if your not prepared then it's a bit freaky.  Funny - I never noticed when I lost mine... with either of my sons!!!!!  I was waiting and waiting.... and never saw/felt it!!!!

• 09-29-2009 9:33 AM

  In reply to

  cryswilkins Joined on 03-20-2006 Michigan Mommy to Zoe, Baby Boy EDD Jan 2010 Posts 71

  Re: Question for veteren mommies Reply Contact Limit the people that you allow at the hospital and that visit you once you are home.  In the Hospital you are tired, overwhelmed, and just getting your barrings you don't want to feel like you have to entertain all the people that come to visit.  Then once you are home, if there are certain people that stress you out, don't let them come over.  Tell them that you are too tired for guests and that you are limiting them for the first few weeks.  We only let our parents, SIL (without kids!), and my best friend at the hospital.  AND only after I had the baby and was setteled in the room.  Then when we got home we limited visitors for the first 5 days.  It was just my DH and I, and very close family.  It worked out perfectly and I was very relaxed.   When you get home the first day, turn off your phone if you are all trying to get some sleep.  People will be calling all frickin' day and late into the evening. Don't stress about your house being disorganized, not as clean as normal or the laundry not being caught up.  It will get done eventually.   ASK FOR HELP! Seriously, if you feel overwhelmed have your mom, sister, etc come over and watch the baby so you can catch a nap.

• 09-29-2009 10:38 AM

  In reply to

  stlcard_01 Joined on 08-31-2005 STLMOM to Christian 15, Brady 2 & edd 1/25/10 Posts 798

  Re: Question for veteren mommies Reply Contact AussieH: stlcard_01:  I have to re-read back through the posts...but I thought of something this weekend that really freaked me out when I was a first timer.  The Mucus Plug!  That scared the heck out of me the first time.  I walked around for 2 or 3 weeks after just waiting for my water to break.  Of course, it never did but it was a bit stressful and kinda yucky when it happens.  I did start wearing a pad about a month before my 2nd was born and that seemed to work when the mucus plug came out.  It's very natural if it does happen, but if your not prepared then it's a bit freaky.  Funny - I never noticed when I lost mine... with either of my sons!!!!!  I was waiting and waiting.... and never saw/felt it!!!! You are so lucky!  Not trying to be gross but mine was very messy & (TMI ALERT) like snot.  Again, first time...was not prepared for that at all.  Second time, still gross but was not as messy.

• 09-29-2009 5:34 PM

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  ~HappyCamper~ Joined on 01-09-2006 Missouri Posts 103	Re: Question for veteren mommies Reply Contact  Another nursing related thought (this may have already been mentioned) but you will get VERY, VERY sleepy when you nurse.  It's a hormone thing, I can't remember the name of it, but once they are latched on and nursing away, it will be nearly impossible to not fall asleep.  It was that way for me, anyway.  Anyone else experience this?

• 10-06-2009 2:53 PM

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  maryellen141002 Joined on 12-23-2004 United States Posts 46

  Re: Question for veteren mommies Reply Contact NinaBena: I TRIED TO BREASTFEED AT THE HOSPITAL BUT COULDNT...NOT ONLY DID IT HURT BUT I FOUND OUT WHEN I GOT HOME THAT MY DAUGHTER WAS TOUNGE TIED (STILL IS) SO SHE COULDNT LATCH. LISTEN TO EVERYONE THAT TELLS YOU NOT TO HAVE SEX TO EARLY OR YOU COULD END UP LIKE ME LOL AND BE PREGNANT WITH #2 WHO IS DUE A MONTH BEFORE YOUR LITTLE ONES FIRST BIRTHDAY. IT TOOK MY DH AND I OVER A YEAR AND A HALF TO GET PREGNANT SO I DIDNT THINK I WOULD GET PREGNANT SO SOON BUT BOY WAS I WRONG.     Nina, My daughter was tongue tied as well, and they fixed it by snipping that piece of stuff under her tongue.  After that she nursed like a champ, but it does make a difference.  I also got pregnant soon after having her and I am due December 21, 2009. :)

• 10-09-2009 4:10 PM

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  CJ3 Joined on 12-12-2007 Posts 348

  Re: Question for veteren mommies Reply Contact Dropping in from Dec board......I had to respond to this one post. The one thing I either wasn't told about or just clearly oversaw the information on... during labor was delivering the placenta too!!!! I was not prepared for that at all. LOL I thought after the baby was out that was it. Nope there was still a ton of pressure until the placenta had been delivered too, which could be up to a half hour later. That was my surprise being a first time mommy.