Moms to Be Part 3

[Maggimus]

Should I talk to my Dr. and see if he can write some kind of note explaining that the heat exposure (especially in a costume w/o air conditioning) and long hours spent on my feet are potentially a problem? Or would he think I was just a lazy whiner for asking? I didn't call him about last week's contractions because I only had two and then they stopped. (Mostly because I stayed in bed as soon as I got home.) But maybe I should tell him? I'm not expecting any easy solutions here, I'm just venting because I'm too nauseous to sleep. Thanks for listening.

My dr would write you a letter in a heartbeat! I would definitely tell your dr. At my office, on the first visit, my dr goes over work environment with all of her patients. When I worked there we had a LOT of patients have to switch different positions per the drs request (i.e. police officers on patrol would take desk jobs, etc). I would certainly go that route!

I don't think you are asking for an easy way out-- I think that what you do day in and day out can pose risks for you and the baby. De-hydration, on your feet for too long, etc, etc... Hope you get that letter soon! I don't envy your job!

 

[DannysMom]

Should I talk to my Dr. and see if he can write some kind of note explaining that the heat exposure (especially in a costume w/o air conditioning) and long hours spent on my feet are potentially a problem? Or would he think I was just a lazy whiner for asking? I didn't call him about last week's contractions because I only had two and then they stopped. (Mostly because I stayed in bed as soon as I got home.) But maybe I should tell him? I'm not expecting any easy solutions here, I'm just venting because I'm too nauseous to sleep. Thanks for listening.

I would say talk to your doctor about it. Dehydration can set off preterm labor. Having your baby early is not worth anything, especially not a month or 5 more weeks of a job that is essentially limited to begin with. KWIM?

You need to be drinking a lot of fluids, most especially in the heat. You need to have access to a bathroom. Lets face it, all those fluids they tell us to drink need to go somewhere. A/C would be nice, but if it's not available, it's not available. And if you are experiencing swelling, you need to be able to sit, at least part of the day. If this job can't accomodate all that, leave it. If it's on doctor's orders, they should still give you your letter of reference. Just because the men you work for don't get it, doesn't mean it's unreasonable. They just don't know.

I hope that helps.

 

[MelessaG]

My dr would write you a letter in a heartbeat! I would definitely tell your dr. At my office, on the first visit, my dr goes over work environment with all of her patients. When I worked there we had a LOT of patients have to switch different positions per the drs request (i.e. police officers on patrol would take desk jobs, etc). I would certainly go that route!

I don't think you are asking for an easy way out-- I think that what you do day in and day out can pose risks for you and the baby. De-hydration, on your feet for too long, etc, etc... Hope you get that letter soon! I don't envy your job!

Thanks Maggie! Fortunately, my boss is out today and I just spent 10 minutes commiserating with a co-worker about the whole situation. I think I will at least call and chat with a nurse from his office (after four kids, they all know me personally) this afternoon and let her pass the info along to him. (I don't see him until the beginning of June.) I was a SAHM with all my other pregnancies, so he may not even be aware that I'm working this time-much less what my job entails.

 

[MelessaG]

I would say talk to your doctor about it. Dehydration can set off preterm labor. Having your baby early is not worth anything, especially not a month or 5 more weeks of a job that is essentially limited to begin with. KWIM?

You need to be drinking a lot of fluids, most especially in the heat. You need to have access to a bathroom. Lets face it, all those fluids they tell us to drink need to go somewhere. A/C would be nice, but if it's not available, it's not available. And if you are experiencing swelling, you need to be able to sit, at least part of the day. If this job can't accomodate all that, leave it. If it's on doctor's orders, they should still give you your letter of reference. Just because the men you work for don't get it, doesn't mean it's unreasonable. They just don't know.

I hope that helps.

That helps a lot Valerie, thank you! It occurred to me after I posted this last night that my 9th and 10th grade high school didn't have a/c either. (Yes, in the late '80's) and that I had teachers who were pregnant and had to deal with that, so I guess that's one complaint I should worry less about than the others. And I agree that my bosses just don't know. Thanks again!

 

[ShootingStarMom2]

Should I talk to my Dr. and see if he can write some kind of note explaining that the heat exposure (especially in a costume w/o air conditioning) and long hours spent on my feet are potentially a problem?

I would totally talk to your doctor. Even for something explaining that the heat can be problematic and that you should be doing that type of work on a limited basis. What could it hurt to ask? And there's a big difference between wearing a costume and educating people outside in the heat and sun than doing it in the classroom, even without air! Wow, you are dedicated. Don't feel bad about it. Our doctor gave me a note explaining that I could work up until my due date since I did office work. But I didn't ask for it. I think he just gives them to remind people that you can only go so far.

If I tell my dad that I can't pick something up or that I take a nap when DS does some afternoons, he will say "you can't use that (being pg) as an excuse much longer". I know he's kidding, but it's a total man-swer. Even if it were a woman saying that without having kids it's not neccessary. I would love for a non-sympathetic male to feel the affects of pregnancy for a week. I think their feelings and comments would change pretty fast. Hang in there!

BTW: Maggimus, no comment from Target about the diapers. I got a response on Saturday that said they were sorry for the incident at my store (what?) and that they would let the manager know there was a problem with the diaper selection. I was complaining about the diapers, not how many there were to buy! Oh well! Back to WalMart for me.

 

[MinnieFan4ever]

I finally signed up for my childbirth class. Better late than never. Our class in June 6th and my due date is June 27th. Whew, I am cutting it close. It is not totally my fault. I need to do a Saturday class and they only hold those every other month. So there were no classes in May. One thing that shocked me is that the class is free.

 

[december]

But if I put this on Facebook or my blog, my co-workers will see it. I've mentioned before that I work as a museum registrar. I'm proud of my job. I went back to grad school while pregnant with my 4th child and getting my Master's is possibly the biggest thing I've ever accomplished outside of my four beautiful children. Because I work at a museum that markets primarily to elementary school field trips, I also have to be able to teach-it is considered a secondary responsibility. My undergrad degree was in teaching, so I usually LOVE this. However, it requires me to dress in a pioneer costume and teach in an un-airconditioned 1897 schoolhouse. When the weather was in the mid-70's, this worked. Now that it's climbing into the 80's, I'm starting to have a problem. The heat is killing me. I come home every day nauseous, swollen, and occasionally having contractions (I'll be 30 weeks on Fri.). Once I get home, I can't do anything but sit with my feet up, drinking water. (Unacceptable to my DH and kids, and I don't like it either.) While I do try to hydrate while teaching, the closest bathroom is quite a hike from the Schoolhouse and I can't leave while teaching. So, I try to be conservative until just before my lunch break and once the kids leave for the day. Tonight, at 10 p.m., my feet finally feel and look better, but I still feel like I could throw up if I move around too much. (As I've felt since I came back into the office to change into my regular clothes and cool off before picking up the kids.)

None of my bosses have kids and one's favorite phrase is "you're pregnant, not paralyzed." If I just quit (like I REALLY want to), there goes my only recommendation as this is the only place I've worked since I graduated. They are very unsympathetic to the pregnancy thus far, though and I know if I asked for less time teaching, I will be "let go" (I am already slated to be "let go" once the new fiscal year starts in July for budgetary reasons) and I really want the paycheck for as long as I can get it. Also, I would really like to finish the database update that I was originally hired to do-though there are school groups and day care groups scheduled through the end of June which will likely prevent me from doing that before my job funding runs out.

Should I talk to my Dr. and see if he can write some kind of note explaining that the heat exposure (especially in a costume w/o air conditioning) and long hours spent on my feet are potentially a problem? Or would he think I was just a lazy whiner for asking? I didn't call him about last week's contractions because I only had two and then they stopped. (Mostly because I stayed in bed as soon as I got home.) But maybe I should tell him? I'm not expecting any easy solutions here, I'm just venting because I'm too nauseous to sleep. Thanks for listening.

I taught in a regular classroom with AC (in MS this is really a necessity!) and regular clothes, and it was tough at the end. I can't imagine doing this under your circumstances! I absolutely agree with pps who said that if they won't agree to some accomodations for you, it is time to go. This sounds downright dangerous-not whiny at all! Men honestly don't have a clue how hard pregnancy is.

 

[harleyquinn]

I'm in agreement with everyone else...you should definitely talk to your dr. Just tell him exactly what you just told us. I'm sure he'll have some valuable insight.

Your job sounds so cool, too bad you have such a terrible boss!

ShootingStarMom2 thanks for the advice! I think I'm going to try that...it seems like so many of the styles right now look like maternity clothes anyway...

I got sick last night for the first time in a long time...I just can't take my prenatals...which sucks because I'd much rather take them than the iron. I guess I'll have to talk to my dr about it at my appointment next week...

 

[harleyquinn]

I almost forgot...I've had my first real craving!! Root Beer!! And root beer floats--especially the Wendy's Frosty floats...mmmmmmmm

I actually went to the store yesterday just to buy ice cream and root beer. And the biggest reason I know its a craving is that I don't normally like root beer!

 

[caitty13]

I have been craving root beer alot over the past week too. I usally hate any kind of soda...

 

[MelessaG]

I would totally talk to your doctor. Even for something explaining that the heat can be problematic and that you should be doing that type of work on a limited basis. What could it hurt to ask? And there's a big difference between wearing a costume and educating people outside in the heat and sun than doing it in the classroom, even without air! Wow, you are dedicated. Don't feel bad about it. Our doctor gave me a note explaining that I could work up until my due date since I did office work. But I didn't ask for it. I think he just gives them to remind people that you can only go so far.

If I tell my dad that I can't pick something up or that I take a nap when DS does some afternoons, he will say "you can't use that (being pg) as an excuse much longer". I know he's kidding, but it's a total man-swer. Even if it were a woman saying that without having kids it's not neccessary. I would love for a non-sympathetic male to feel the affects of pregnancy for a week. I think their feelings and comments would change pretty fast. Hang in there!

I taught in a regular classroom with AC (in MS this is really a necessity!) and regular clothes, and it was tough at the end. I can't imagine doing this under your circumstances! I absolutely agree with pps who said that if they won't agree to some accomodations for you, it is time to go. This sounds downright dangerous-not whiny at all! Men honestly don't have a clue how hard pregnancy is.

I'm in agreement with everyone else...you should definitely talk to your dr. Just tell him exactly what you just told us. I'm sure he'll have some valuable insight.

Your job sounds so cool, too bad you have such a terrible boss!

Thanks Ladies! Of course, after venting last night; the boss was gone today, my co-workers were great, the visiting school group teachers kept offering me water, AND the weather stayed in the mid-70's. I will talk to my Dr. anyway, though. Because every day won't be like this. It really is a cool job and I will miss it. It's just hard to do while 7 mos. pregnant.

I almost forgot...I've had my first real craving!! Root Beer!! And root beer floats--especially the Wendy's Frosty floats...mmmmmmmm

I actually went to the store yesterday just to buy ice cream and root beer. And the biggest reason I know its a craving is that I don't normally like root beer!

That's a good craving. I don't want it right now, but I guarantee that I will sometime before bed tonight just because I read about it.

 

[raysnkaysmom]

Here are some pics of Katie:


This was as close as I got to her for HOURS after she was born:

The bow did NOT last long!

Her first nap with daddy:

Meeting her big brother and sister:

Finally at home:

I'm not just saying this...she is beautiful!! That last picture is gorgeous! (And, she's wearing the same shirt (with polkadot pants) outfit that Ella wore for her hospital pics!!)
The picture with her sleeping on her daddy is just precious.

Congrats again

 

[harleyquinn]

Big sale this weekend at BRU!!

BRU Sales Ad

 

[december]

I'm not just saying this...she is beautiful!! That last picture is gorgeous! (And, she's wearing the same shirt (with polkadot pants) outfit that Ella wore for her hospital pics!!)
The picture with her sleeping on her daddy is just precious.

Congrats again

Thank you! That is what she wore home from the hospital-she is wearing white pants w/ pink polkadots, & it came w/ a long sleeved matching shirt. I'm sure it is the same one you have!

 

[MinnieFan4ever]

Big sale this weekend at BRU!!

http://trus.imageg.net/graphics/corp...JV4VM-64K0C-v1

For some reason, I can't get the link to work. It could be a problem on my end. We have been having major internet issues.

 

[harleyquinn]

Nope it's not working for me now either...maybe its on the website...let me find another one...

 

[harleyquinn]

K I fixed it and here it is again:

BRU Sales Ad

 

[Ride Junkie]

So no maternity clothes advice??

When I first started showing & went looking for maternity clothes, I was shocked at how expensive they are! Especially for something you'll only wear for a short time. So I went thriftin'! I hit a few thrift stores and got some pants & tops that looked brand new. One of the pants I found were Old Navy...$3! The only things I've bought new have been nursing bras and a few more tops. The ladies at work also gave me a few tops they had. Put the word out, you never know who will have clothes they want to get rid of.

Good luck!

 

[harleyquinn]

When I first started showing & went looking for maternity clothes, I was shocked at how expensive they are! Especially for something you'll only wear for a short time. So I went thriftin'! I hit a few thrift stores and got some pants & tops that looked brand new. One of the pants I found were Old Navy...$3! The only things I've bought new have been nursing bras and a few more tops. The ladies at work also gave me a few tops they had. Put the word out, you never know who will have clothes they want to get rid of.

Good luck!

I didn't even think of thrift stores at all! Does yours have an actual maternity section or did you have to look through everything?

I had 3 seperate friends lend or give me clothes, but most of them I can't or won't wear (lol)...either they were from 10+ years ago or they just don't fit. But the thought was nice...I keep looking on ebay, but with shipping and all, I'm not finding any great deals...
I'll be hitting Kohls on Friday for some shower outfits.

 

[Piecey]

Should I talk to my Dr. and see if he can write some kind of note explaining that the heat exposure (especially in a costume w/o air conditioning) and long hours spent on my feet are potentially a problem? Or would he think I was just a lazy whiner for asking? I didn't call him about last week's contractions because I only had two and then they stopped. (Mostly because I stayed in bed as soon as I got home.) But maybe I should tell him? I'm not expecting any easy solutions here, I'm just venting because I'm too nauseous to sleep. Thanks for listening.

I totally would!
They can't fire you because you're pregnant or because of what your DR orders, so speak up! If they try to, you'd have a heck of a lawsuit on your hands- they'd be stupid to cause issues over something like this!!! Be comfortable lady, it's not worth the risk to you or your baby...

I finally signed up for my childbirth class. Better late than never. Our class in June 6th and my due date is June 27th. Whew, I am cutting it close. It is not totally my fault. I need to do a Saturday class and they only hold those every other month. So there were no classes in May. One thing that shocked me is that the class is free.

I totally know what you mean! Ours were only the first Saturday of every month (I work the 1st and 3rd Saturday of every month, go figure) and I was shocked ours was free, too. DH and I totally enjoyed it (and the freebies! ) so I hope you do, too!!



**********

I get to schedule my induction in the morning!

Today was the first day I truly hurt and then I caught myself panting after walking from one end of the teller line to the other ...which leads me to my moment of utter excitement... after re-reading HR's policy today I figured out that I cantake leave before the baby is born and still get my maternity leave, I totally read it wrong before. I can take sick/vacation/personal time, I just can't go on short-term disability and still qualify for the 12wks maternity pay.

After looking at next week's schedule (where I'll be 39weeks pregnant!) they've got me BY MYSELF closing on Friday night, the end of the month. We're not to EVER be by ourselves and somehow I have two nights by myself next week. I'm not sure how well I'll be moving, much less waiting on a lobby AND three drive-thru lanes by myself...
So now that I've figured out I can use my sick leave before I deliver, I'm going to see if my Dr. will write me off after next Friday and I'll have a few days off (paid!) before I have Lucas and my maternity kicks in!!
I'm so excited, I could potentially only have 6 more days of work with 67 days of pay.

Oh, and I'm getting so much closer to meeting my little boy!! DH keeps catching me in the glider in the nursery...