Pregnancy Thread.....TGIF, 1/21

[metroames]

Mrs. Sarah.............Tanner Christian..............Born 11/12/04
ChristinaK..............Joshua Vincent................Born 11/18/04
karatejen...............Murphy Archie.................Born 11/27/04
Surfdol...................Catherine Emily Jean.......Born 12/21/04
BrattyChelle...........Elana Marie.....................Born 12/23/04
GetNSlim................Jonathan Charles............Born 12/31/04
Kay&Lydi................"Baby".................... .........Born 01/06/05
Shandril105............Elizabeth Skye................Born 01/10/05
Viki.........................."Baby Girl"......................Born 01/18/05

Nyanchan..................W39................01/31/05......Girl
metroames................W38................02/08/05......Boy
MadameX...................W38................02/09/05......Girl
JennPayton................W32................03/13/05......Girl
blueyedgrl..................W31................03/26/05
kimism........................W31................0 3/26/05......Girl
Heather123................W30................03/30/05......Boy
shelly..........................W30............... .04/02/05......Boy?
Sassy Frass................W29................04/07/05......Girl
Marthad......................W28................04/11/05......Boy

Dar20..........................W27................ 04/16/05.....Girl
Jefinner.......................W27................ 04/16/05
GoJackets....................W25...............05/03/05
mom2twoboys.............W25...............05/07/05
chels_hoff....................W24...............05/15/05......Boy
Ravenly74................... W24...............05/15/05......Boy
Denise85.....................W23...............05/22/05......Boy
tekla............................W23.............. .05/23/05
azktycat.......................W21...............0 5/30/05
michigangrad...............W21................06/01/05
Vixendrop....................W18................06/18/05.....Girl
naerenaenae...............W18................06/18/05
ChristieJ.......................W18............... .06/19/05
Alibarbar......................W18................ 06/20/05
jehcekah......................W18................0 6/22/05
gilbabe75.....................W17................0 6/25/05
Miss Gigl.......................W17................06/26/05
rooney..........................W17............... .06/30/05
Acutepenguin...............W15.................07/10/05
allibaba........................W15............... ..07/12/05....Twins
kclynn...........................W14.............. ...07/18/05
Tbugs...........................W13............... ..07/21/05

Mandyhoward..............W12.................07/30/05
SmileyAmy....................W11.................0 8/08/05
takahirakoshino...........W10.................08/15/05
jojolw...........................W?............... ....??/??/05

Green12........................................... ...Trying!
2BFitHourglass.................................... Trying!
lil miss.............................................. ...Trying!
Nicole133......................................... ....Trying!
jeepifer.......................................... ......Trying!
StrawberryGirl.................................... ..Trying!
AnnieO............................................ .....Trying!
speckle........................................... ......Trying!
Alissaliz......................................... ........Trying!
Aediekins......................................... .....Trying!

[metroames]

Good morning ladies!

Had my prenatal appointment yesterday. Cervix is still the same, but I am measuring 2 weeks ahead of schedule! I guess I was last time too, but the midwife didn't say that last week. The midwife this week said that the baby has to be at least 7 pounds if not close to 8 pounds already! She was so sure that she asked how much Dave and I weighed when we were born. Both of us were under 8 pounds. She didn't say so, but I think that she thinks I'm gonna go early too. As we were leaving I said "see ya next week" and she replied "not if we don't see ya upstairs first".

Boy, now I hope I am a bit early. I don't want a 9 pound baby! BTW, my husbands brother was over 9 pounds and was 22.5 inches! Today he stands at 6'8"! I guess my "little" boy may end up being a "big" boy if he doesn't come early.

Oh, the other thing....during the exam I guess I was having a contraction. I didn't feel it at all. I've had what I've thought were Braxton Hicks contractions for months now where my belly gets uncomfortably tight several times a day....but this one I didn't feel at all and the midwife seemed to think it was quite a strong one. I guess my body is reving up, eh?

Well, that was my excitement yesterday. Today it looks like we are gonna get some significant snow. Thank goodness I'll be working the Pacific desk tomorrow so all's I have to worry about it getting safely to work instead of having to forecast it too! Talk about a double whammy.

Everyone have a great Friday!

Ames

[jeepifer]

Hey everyone,

Ames, wow, you're almost there! Whoohoo!

Well, I shouldn't be posting this... but... at 9 dpo (mid-afternoon yesterday) I got a *very* faint second line. I'll be officially "late" on Saturday, but I've been feeling achy, tired, and my a.m. temp was way up, so I had a hunch.

I'll check back in and let you all know if I get a real positive on Sunday morning, but I was so excited I couldn't keep it to myself!

-- Jenn

[Marthad]

Hi everyone,

Not much new here, house cleaning and cake baking for me today.

I'll try to check back later, but I actually need to get some things done today--my productivity level has been absurdly low lately!

Have a great weekend!

[Marthad]

Here's a question for all the experienced Moms out there, and those expecting too I'm planning to breast feed, but feel like I should have at least some bottles on hand. I'm planning to buy some of the Dr. Brown ones in the US, but have no idea about how many. Has anyone found any guidelines?

TIA!

[MadameX]

Good Morning and Happy Friday ladies!

Well, my SIL and my friend are flying in today for my shower this weekend, so we will be entertaining all weekend. I don't know if I'll have time to post much this weekend. Guess I better start cleaning. Not too much stuff from my online registry has been bought, so it will be interesting to see what I get. My friend throwing the shower is having it catered, & it will be an afternoon tea with champagne, punch, and everything. I can't wait!

Ames~Woohoo, you do sound ready! If Grant is as big as they think, I hope he's a little early too. You must be measuring 40 weeks (40 cms), right?

Jeepifer! CONGRATS!!!!!! Sounds POSITIVE to me!!!!

Martha~ Mmmm, CAKE! I plan on getting the Dr. Brown's bottles too, but registered for several different brands. The Dr. Brown's I registered for were only a 3-pack of 4 oz. bottles (that's all BRU online had), but I think we'd need 8 oz ones eventually. I guess I'll just wait to see what I like and what works, but you may want to get more if it's hard to get them there.

Shandril~Was it you who made the "St Bernard through the cat door" comment yesterday? I was laughing so hard!

Hi everyone else!

Great...I just saw that the woman who killed the PG lady and stole the baby has just pleaded "not guilty". Riiight. How do they figure?

Maybe BBL, maby not (if busy)
Have a GREAT weekend, all!

Kelley

[BrattyChelle]

Originally posted by Marthad
Here's a question for all the experienced Moms out there, and those expecting too I'm planning to breast feed, but feel like I should have at least some bottles on hand. I'm planning to buy some of the Dr. Brown ones in the US, but have no idea about how many. Has anyone found any guidelines?

TIA!

I had that same question before having Elana. She's on formula and goes through 8 bottles a day, sometimes 10-11. Even if I were breastfeeding I'd feel safe having 8-10 on hand for bottle feeds when you pump.

Also, we bought 4 oz. and 8 oz. Don't waste your time, just go with the 8 oz. You'll be surprised how quickly they start eating more than 4 oz. at a feeding when using the bottle. In the end, it's just a little more plastic to wash between uses

[cynicalcyn]

Hey ladies!!

Just popping back in even though I don't know must of you. My lil one is 7 months!!

Chelle- Great advice.-- Don't waist your time on the 4 ounce bottles or money..they will be out of them soon...just buy the 8 ounce ones!!

Take care all you prego ladies and those TTC

Cynthia

[GoJackets]

Back to the breastfeeding.....

Three of my girlfriends are breastfeeding.....and all three of them suggest that I start bottle training early on so I can have some freedom. I guess none of them did, and was never able to get their babies on bottles (well, one is still too young yet)....they went straight to the sippy cup. I'd like to be able to pump and store so DH and others can experience feeding the baby.

Anyone have advice or experience with this? And if I am going to pump and store.....do I need an electric pump....? There are so many types available. Would a hand pump suffice since I won't be doing it manually all of the time? How many bottles do we need?

So many questions.....any advice would help......

[BrattyChelle]

GoJackets....I gave my advice per the # of bottles question...8-10 is the best option and go for 8 oz. bottles, don't waste time/money on 4 or 6 oz. bottles. I think it's great that you are weighing the option of training on the bottle as well while pumping. It's a great opportunity for dad to be involved and you also get a little break.

Don't forget!! There are "Natural" nipples out there that make the conversion from breast to bottle and back to breast very easy as they're formed to resemble the natural breast shape.

I had an electric pump for my son when I breastfed him....but a manual would be fine as well. It's what you're comfortable with that's important. I kind of felt odd hooked up to this electric thing sucking milk out of me...kind of like a cow in a stall LOL. I also had a manual that was given to me and preferred it more as I felt more in control of a situation that already felt out of control to me. I know you love to read up on things, so perhaps checking out all the models/variations online would help. I'd also recommend popping over to the challenge area and asking the "losing the baby fat" group as there seems to be a lot of breastfeeding moms there.

[karatejen]

Originally posted by BrattyChelle
GoJackets....I gave my advice per the # of bottles question...8-10 is the best option and go for 8 oz. bottles, don't waste time/money on 4 or 6 oz. bottles. I think it's great that you are weighing the option of training on the bottle as well while pumping. It's a great opportunity for dad to be involved and you also get a little break.

Don't forget!! There are "Natural" nipples out there that make the conversion from breast to bottle and back to breast very easy as they're formed to resemble the natural breast shape.

I had an electric pump for my son when I breastfed him....but a manual would be fine as well. It's what you're comfortable with that's important. I kind of felt odd hooked up to this electric thing sucking milk out of me...kind of like a cow in a stall LOL. I also had a manual that was given to me and preferred it more as I felt more in control of a situation that already felt out of control to me. I know you love to read up on things, so perhaps checking out all the models/variations online would help. I'd also recommend popping over to the challenge area and asking the "losing the baby fat" group as there seems to be a lot of breastfeeding moms there.

Well, I can put my 2 cents in for what it is worth.

GoJackets~electric pumps will be quicker. So electric versus manula depends on how much time you want to spend pumping and also how quick you let down. There are many electric pumps that are inexpensive and are geared towards women who only pump every once in a while. I bought the mega electric, but that is because I had to go back to work. I would also pose this question on the losing the baby fat thread as Michelle suggested.

Michelle~I know what you mean about feeling like a cow when hooked up to the pump. I hate that feeling, but I bought a hands free band and I try to work while pumping to distract me from that cow feeling.

On the bottles....I have many 4oz bottles right now. Murphy is 8 weeks old and only drinking 3.5oz out of a bottle. BF babies tend to eat more frequently than bottle babies. Murphy eats every 2 hours so I send 6 bottles to daycare with him. I have the 4oz bottles because they hook to my pump. When the whole contraption is attached to me while pumping, the 4oz bottles hit my legs just right while sitting. The 8oz bottles would be too long for me, but everyone is different. I am also very short and that may have something to do with it. I didn't worry about having too many 4oz bottles because even when he goes to the larger bottles, I'll be able to use the 4oz ones for pumping.

I have heard horror stories about waiting too long to introduce the bottle. I am thankful that I didn't have this problem. Murphy has gone back and forth with no problems since he was 3 days old. He and I didn't "connect" very well in the first few days of BF. The morning I was to be discharged from the hospital, the LC dropped by when I was feeding him. He was latched great and was really showing off on eating. Later that night, he screamed and refused to latch even though he was starving. I had to call the LC. She told me he was "too hungry" and suggested that I try to pump whatever I could and give it to him to calm him down. I manage to get out about 1oz. It calmed him down and then he latched on. Even though the LC didn't want me pumping anymore, I would pump 2oz out every night after everyone went to bed (since I was up with the baby). My mom would then feed him after she got up and I was able to skip a feeding and get about 4 hours of sleep. So out of his 11 - 12 feedings a day, he was getting 1 bottle and doing just fine with it.

I was nervous his first day of daycare. He had to take a bottle for 5 feedings in a row. But he went right back to the breast when I got him home that night.

Hope I didn't put anyone to sleep....

[Dar20]

Originally posted by karatejen
He was latched great and was really showing off on eating. Later that night, he screamed and refused to latch even though he was starving. I had to call the LC. She told me he was "too hungry" and suggested that I try to pump whatever I could and give it to him to calm him down. I manage to get out about 1oz. It calmed him down and then he latched on.

Hope I didn't put anyone to sleep....

Nope, not at all! My friend had a similar experience the day she was discharged. David would not latch on at all, and she didn't have the pump yet. He was fussy and hungry, and she was so engorged he couldn't latch. So, she had to resort to formula for the night. He had no problem going right back to the breast and he's done really well alternating between the two.

I've only seen her use the 4 oz bottles.. could have to do with the BF, like you said. I just sent her an e-mail to ask her.

I'm still feeling like cr&p today with this cold. And DH is driving me crazy.. some friends invited themselves over tonight to watch Lost and Alias, and DH mentioned ALSO renting a movie.. crappy movies I might add. So, will I be able to rest tonight? Probably not. These particular friends never leave before midnight. I'm feeling so ******y but all I want is to rest.

[JennPayton]

Hi Gals!

Dar - I am feeling your pain. My hubby decided to have "poker night" tomorrow night (which is perfectly fine with me) but invited 3 full couples over - figuring I would like to see all the girls. I love them all - but I would have liked to have been in the decision making process on that one! So, I am looking at entertaining tomorrow night, when all I want to do is lounge around and do nothing!

I am so glad that I have been lurking the past few days. I feel so unprepared in the whole breastfeeding/pumping/latching on department. Oh wait, I feel so unprepared in just about every department! :-)

I am feeling good, but definitely starting to get more and more cranky. My back hurts pretty much 75% of the time. Its my upper back, around my bra - but I have been switching bras, wearing them tighter or more loose, thinking that its the bra - and I am convinced its not. Now I am thinking it might be my desk at work and my keyboard placement or something. Maybe I need one of those lumbar support things on my chair?

I have a doc appt. today. We will have a sonogram to check the position of the placenta (it showed low at my 20 week u/s) and also to check the baby's size - since she measured so far ahead at my 3D u/s.

No time for personals - since I just spent all my time whining about DH (who is so so sweet 99% of the time, yet I still complain), and talking about myself...

Hi Madame, Metro, Dena, Martha, Jen, Brat, Cyn!!!!!!

Good Luck Jeep! We're all pulling for you!

[karatejen]

Originally posted by JennPayton

I am feeling good, but definitely starting to get more and more cranky. My back hurts pretty much 75% of the time. Its my upper back, around my bra - but I have been switching bras, wearing them tighter or more loose, thinking that its the bra - and I am convinced its not. Now I am thinking it might be my desk at work and my keyboard placement or something. Maybe I need one of those lumbar support things on my chair?

Jenn~ I can relate to this. I tried buying new bras, putting extenders in my bras, etc. My pain was on the right side under my rib cage on my bra line and nothing I did made it any better. I finally realized that it hurt even when I didn't have a bra on and it wasn't because of the bra. (my poor DH....I drug him all over several malls so I could try to find a more comfortable bra) The baby was up there and delivery was my only solution. I just had to grin and bear it and sure enough when he was out, it was gone.

Dar~glad to hear I wasn't alone on the "over hungry" baby night. I cried that night because he wouldn't stop crying. Ooooh, I don't ever want to relive that night. It made me so thankful that I had bought my pump before I delivered.....whew! Hope you feel better and your night isn't too bad.

[kimism]

Had my weekly appointment today. Everything went good. Still at 1 cm. Had some contractions, but nothing he's worried about. 4 more weeks and I get to come off my medicines. And watch, in 4 weeks after coming off the medicines nothing's going to happen, lol. I'll be one of the one's they end of having to induce after worrying about pre term labor. Since I had to get up so early for the appointment I'm going to go lay down, may check back later.

Kim

[surfdol]

Originally posted by Marthad
Here's a question for all the experienced Moms out there, and those expecting too I'm planning to breast feed, but feel like I should have at least some bottles on hand. I'm planning to buy some of the Dr. Brown ones in the US, but have no idea about how many. Has anyone found any guidelines?

TIA!

Not much time (baby just awoke) but I wanted to answer this real quick... I use both bottles & I nurse, but I am using Playtex nursers with the drop in liners... right now (she is only a month) I am only using the 4 oz size and she'll eat anywhere from 1 oz to 4 oz at a sitting.... I have 3 bottles right now and I tend to wash them right after using so that is plenty for me... I would say somewhere between 3 and 9 would be good, depending on how often you want to wash them and how often you plan to bottle feed... I use the bottles when we are out or when people are over and that's about it.... well for now anyhow, lol.... remember this is all just a preference thing in the end

[MadameX]

Originally posted by JennPayton

I am feeling good, but definitely starting to get more and more cranky. My back hurts pretty much 75% of the time. Its my upper back, around my bra - but I have been switching bras, wearing them tighter or more loose, thinking that its the bra - and I am convinced its not. Now I am thinking it might be my desk at work and my keyboard placement or something. Maybe I need one of those lumbar support things on my chair?

I had this too, although it seems a little better lately. I asked my doc, and she said they can prescribe that you see a physical therapist, but I wasn't into that. I would get massage, but there was no knot and no sore muscles out of the norm. I think it was everything being pushed up, and read that your diaphragm can actually cause your ribs to widen and open there (which is why your bra size, not just cup size can change). It hurts to have bones moving!

Try to stretch and just do whatever is comfortable. I put a heating pad on it when it got really bad.

HTH

Kelley

[Shandril105]

Originally posted by MadameX
Good Morning and Happy Friday ladies!

Shandril~Was it you who made the "St Bernard through the cat door" comment yesterday? I was laughing so hard!

Kelley

Yep, that was me. Not my quote though. Courtesy of Jeff Foxworthy!

I just thought of this. For you ladies that have to have an episiotomy or if you tear naturally, Ask for Dermaplast to be provided for you along with your squirt bottle and ice packs. It REALLY goes a long way in helping take the sting out of those stitches. The hospital may provide it as a matter of course, but be prepared to ask for it. Also have witch hazel pads or Preparation H ready at home. Seriously takes the swelling down.

And another word of advice ( sorry if TMI) Do NOT look at that part of your anatomy if you can avoid it for at least a week. In this particular case, curiosity really did kill the cat. That goes double for your DH!


On a personal. Nursery is finally finished. Once DH tells me what he did with the camera, will be posting pics of that and the little munchie bunny!

Have a great day!

[Shandril105]

Originally posted by GoJackets
Back to the breastfeeding.....

Three of my girlfriends are breastfeeding.....and all three of them suggest that I start bottle training early on so I can have some freedom. I guess none of them did, and was never able to get their babies on bottles (well, one is still too young yet)....they went straight to the sippy cup. I'd like to be able to pump and store so DH and others can experience feeding the baby.

Anyone have advice or experience with this? And if I am going to pump and store.....do I need an electric pump....? There are so many types available. Would a hand pump suffice since I won't be doing it manually all of the time? How many bottles do we need?

So many questions.....any advice would help......

Definately start early getting them used to a bottle, esp. if you plan to return to work. I will be starting getting her used to it starting next week.

As for pumps, it will come down to personal preference and how much time they give you to pump at work. MY DH is willing to pay for an electric but I like the manual personally. I can mimic the baby's rhythm better manually ( fast at first, then slowing down as I get tired). electric can be faster than a manual. There really is no wrong way. I personally prefer Medela, but they cn get seriously pricey. (Pump in Styles can exceed $200, A basic electric $50 or more, a Manual will start as little as $15). Advent also makes one I have heard good things about.

[Dar20]

Originally posted by Shandril105
And another word of advice ( sorry if TMI) Do NOT look at that part of your anatomy if you can avoid it for at least a week. In this particular case, curiosity really did kill the cat. That goes double for your DH!

LOL.. Thanks, Shandril... I will keep that in mind!

[karatejen]

Originally posted by Shandril105
I can mimic the baby's rhythm better manually ( fast at first, then slowing down as I get tired). electric can be faster than a manual.

Just a note....Medela's Pump in Style Advanced mimics the baby's rhythm. It does a two minute fast rhytm to start let down (you can shorten the time with an override button if you let down before the two minutes is up) and then automatically swithes to a slower pattern that has adjustable suction to it. Yes it is pricey, but will still be cheaper than formula and it allows me to express quite a bit in a short amount of time. I bought mine new from a retailer on ebay.

[GoJackets]

So much to consider.....when did you ladies figure all of this out? Before or after the baby? I have no idea what to buy as far as bottles, pumps, etc.

I am staying home, so the work factor is not an issue. I imagine we will be very active so I'd like to have bottles on the go....but I'm not opposed to nursing in public (ie, a private place in public i.e. church, friend's house). I feel there will be times I want to leave the baby with others.

This will probably be a couple of months down the road...plus football season will be starting up and we will be taking the baby with us...I don't want to nurse in the stands .....I just don't want to buy stuff I don't need....

Can I find this in a book? I hadn't planned on taking the BF'ng class.

[jeepifer]

Originally posted by karatejen
Just a note....Medela's Pump in Style Advanced mimics the baby's rhythm. It does a two minute fast rhytm to start let down (you can shorten the time with an override button if you let down before the two minutes is up) and then automatically swithes to a slower pattern that has adjustable suction to it. Yes it is pricey, but will still be cheaper than formula and it allows me to express quite a bit in a short amount of time. I bought mine new from a retailer on ebay.

I have this pump, and it was great. Unfortunately, I didn't have much success breastfeeding, as my milk supply never really got going.

We use the Avent bottles. We had about 5 of the 4 oz, and I think we have 15 8 oz. But even at a year, Evelyn rarely drinks more than 6 oz at any time.

The nice thing about the Avent stuff is the sizes are standard. So we bought a few Avent sippy cups, and those tops fit on the bottles! They also have a cool handle that you can put on the bottles when they first start trying to "feed" themselves to help coach them along.

-- Jenn