Moms to be Part 4

[phragmipedium]

Hi ladies! Sorry for the delay...but it's a girl!

Harper Mae was born June 3rd at 8:06 pm - 7 lb 13.5 oz (huge for my family of 6 lb 8 oz babies!) and 20.5 inches long. Totally healthy and we're over the moon!

I had a super easy day of being induced because I did have really high blood pressure and got an early epidural, partly to help with that but I also think I would have asked for it anyway! Cytotec did the trick right away and breaking my water a couple hours later also did too; I didn't need any pitocin. I could move my legs and still feel them, which was good, but after the epidural I didn't really feel any contractions until about 9 cm. The epidural was just like being in a warm dry bath that felt "heavy" on me.

They realized she was face up and they tried to turn her some but it didn't entirely work; it made the last few cm very painful. I had a hard time toward the very end with no break in pain between contractions; I was exhausted after pushing for an hour and a half and begged for my doctor to help me get her out somehow, so he used the vacuum once and also had to do a pretty large episiotomy. A little swollen head that night but it started going down right away, and she's perfect. All of the things I was most worried about (epidural, catheter, potential aftercare of episiotomy) were really easy. The most painful part of the whole process besides the last couple centimeters was getting the IV port in in the morning!

Oh, and FWIW, I had several sitz baths in the hospital, and they were in a traditional wide, shallow porcelain thing that was like a toilet but with a basin instead to sit in. Water ran through it and drained slowly. It was really nice after the episiotomy, which was almost-but-not-quite 3rd degree.

Harper has been an amazing baby - she sleeps well and eats well. I wasn't sure if I was going to try breastfeeding and just wanted to play it by ear, but I decided I wanted to give her the best start possible even though I don't want to do it exclusively. We had a few good feedings that way but she learned it was much easier to eat from a bottle and around the time my milk started coming in she started refusing to latch even though she had before. I was having to wake her up to eat and she wasn't very interested in eating at all. I'm sure it was the dreaded "nipple confusion" but I knew that was possible going in. I had to decide if I was ready to give up or not, and I decided yesterday I wasn't so we picked up a breast pump from the medical supply place and I've been working at that. It's a little harder after a couple days of her not getting very much if anything, plus I did have the reduction, so I'm not sure if the low volume I'm getting is from a low initial demand on her part, or the reduction, or just the fact that it normally takes some time to get going with pumping. It really could be anything. We just feed her what I do get and then supplement, which I'm okay with. It's not so much the breastfeeding for me (I feel totally bonded with her whether I feed from a bottle or not) but I do want her to have what breastmilk I can give her even if it comes out of a bottle. Since doing just the bottle and not struggling with latching, she's been eating much more, sleeping better, and being more alert and awake when she is up. I'm really happy with this.

Wow, didn't intend to write so much, but she's napping her next to me and I'm listening to a thunderstorm and everything's just really peaceful. I'm just overjoyed with her and my husband (with no experience around babies) is, as he put it, a "gooball" when it comes to her. It's so nice to watch him with her and I love him even more So happy! Thanks to all of you for sharing in a little of our journey.

 

[irisbud]

Congratulations phragmipedium! she sounds wonderful!

 

[WDWorBUST]

Hi ladies! Sorry for the delay...but it's a girl!

Harper Mae was born June 3rd at 8:06 pm - 7 lb 13.5 oz (huge for my family of 6 lb 8 oz babies!) and 20.5 inches long. Totally healthy and we're over the moon!

I had a super easy day of being induced because I did have really high blood pressure and got an early epidural, partly to help with that but I also think I would have asked for it anyway! Cytotec did the trick right away and breaking my water a couple hours later also did too; I didn't need any pitocin. I could move my legs and still feel them, which was good, but after the epidural I didn't really feel any contractions until about 9 cm. The epidural was just like being in a warm dry bath that felt "heavy" on me.

They realized she was face up and they tried to turn her some but it didn't entirely work; it made the last few cm very painful. I had a hard time toward the very end with no break in pain between contractions; I was exhausted after pushing for an hour and a half and begged for my doctor to help me get her out somehow, so he used the vacuum once and also had to do a pretty large episiotomy. A little swollen head that night but it started going down right away, and she's perfect. All of the things I was most worried about (epidural, catheter, potential aftercare of episiotomy) were really easy. The most painful part of the whole process besides the last couple centimeters was getting the IV port in in the morning!

Oh, and FWIW, I had several sitz baths in the hospital, and they were in a traditional wide, shallow porcelain thing that was like a toilet but with a basin instead to sit in. Water ran through it and drained slowly. It was really nice after the episiotomy, which was almost-but-not-quite 3rd degree.

Harper has been an amazing baby - she sleeps well and eats well. I wasn't sure if I was going to try breastfeeding and just wanted to play it by ear, but I decided I wanted to give her the best start possible even though I don't want to do it exclusively. We had a few good feedings that way but she learned it was much easier to eat from a bottle and around the time my milk started coming in she started refusing to latch even though she had before. I was having to wake her up to eat and she wasn't very interested in eating at all. I'm sure it was the dreaded "nipple confusion" but I knew that was possible going in. I had to decide if I was ready to give up or not, and I decided yesterday I wasn't so we picked up a breast pump from the medical supply place and I've been working at that. It's a little harder after a couple days of her not getting very much if anything, plus I did have the reduction, so I'm not sure if the low volume I'm getting is from a low initial demand on her part, or the reduction, or just the fact that it normally takes some time to get going with pumping. It really could be anything. We just feed her what I do get and then supplement, which I'm okay with. It's not so much the breastfeeding for me (I feel totally bonded with her whether I feed from a bottle or not) but I do want her to have what breastmilk I can give her even if it comes out of a bottle. Since doing just the bottle and not struggling with latching, she's been eating much more, sleeping better, and being more alert and awake when she is up. I'm really happy with this.

Wow, didn't intend to write so much, but she's napping her next to me and I'm listening to a thunderstorm and everything's just really peaceful. I'm just overjoyed with her and my husband (with no experience around babies) is, as he put it, a "gooball" when it comes to her. It's so nice to watch him with her and I love him even more So happy! Thanks to all of you for sharing in a little of our journey.

Congratulations!!

 

[Pollito916]

Pollito: Yes, I do have a desk job. I'll have to go back and read your post on the correct posture etc. from a couple of months back. I've been trying to sit better and more correctly to see if it helps

You know, I thought I may have posted something before, but I honestly couldn't remember.

I think we should take up a collection for some sparkly tassle pasties.

Is it too early to be nesting?

Because if not, I so am. In the past couple of weeks, I've felt this overwhelming push to get everything organized, almost like time is slipping away from me, even though I'm due at the end of July.

I don't think that's too early at all - good for you for getting so much done!

Politto, what did you say about posture? Mine is awful and really causing me problems. And I've only gained 16 lbs. Eeek!

We had our 29w U/S today and it went well. First, she is still a she. Thank God because I can't be finding out it's a boy NOW!

But what is not exciting is that I heard today one of my student's moms may have used our baby name for her son born yesterday.

I don't remember exactly what I posted about posture, but I work for a large company and they send out stuff about proper ergonomics, so I think I posted some tips from that. Stuff like making sure the computer screen is at the right height, the chair, keyboard, mouse all placed well, etc.

I'm glad you found out you're still having a girl too! Sorry about your name possibly being taken, and even worse if it was taken by a boy! I wouldn't want to intentionally give my daughter the same name as a boy in her class.

Hi ladies! Sorry for the delay...but it's a girl!

Harper Mae was born June 3rd at 8:06 pm - 7 lb 13.5 oz (huge for my family of 6 lb 8 oz babies!) and 20.5 inches long. Totally healthy and we're over the moon!

Congratulations!!! Glad to hear you and Harper are both doing so well! Post some pics if you get a chance!

 

[cmskok]

Hi Phragmipedium,

I am so happy for you! Congratulations on your new little Princess!

 

[vettechick99]

Congrats Phrag! I had issues with BFing DD. Tried for a few weeks but a cracked nipple is not fun at all. So I eventually pumped exclusively and made it four months. I plan to try BFing again but won't feel bad one bit if I have to pump.

Can't wait to see pics!

 

[leith78]

Congrats Phragmipedium!!! So happy to hear that you and your little girl are home and doing well. Harper is such a cute name! Love it!!

 

[TSRE]

Is it too early to be nesting?

Because if not, I so am. In the past couple of weeks, I've felt this overwhelming push to get everything organized, almost like time is slipping away from me, even though I'm due at the end of July.

If it is too early for you, then I am REALLY in trouble - I'm only 19 weeks and I've spent most of the last 4 days organizing and cleaning, and sewing. I'm already trying to get in a cycle of tripling recipes and freezing them so we will have 30 meals in the freezer before the baby is born. Scared to see how I will be later on!

Sorry for your loss. I think it's great that you have the baby to focus on to help you get through.

Politto, what did you say about posture? Mine is awful and really causing me problems. And I've only gained 16 lbs. Eeek!

We had our 29w U/S today and it went well. First, she is still a she. Thank God because I can't be finding out it's a boy NOW!

Second, she looked right up at the probe so we have a neat, albeit slightly frightening face shot. That's the one of the left. A nice profile pic on the right. And we have a great girl parts shot, but I'll refrain from posting that one out of respect for her modesty. Actually she had no modesty - she obviously takes after me.

We get to schedule our section next visit which is exciting. But what is not exciting is that I heard today one of my student's moms may have used our baby name for her son born yesterday. Not a big deal if you live in a big city, but I don't! It's not a terribly common name I've picked and to have 2 in the same class is not what I want. So if she did, back to the drawing board which will kill me! It took months to pick this one. So cross your fingers she didn't use it.

Hope everyone is having an easy pregnancy!

Great pictures! Glad it is still a girl! That is really a bummer about the name - I live in a somewhat biggish city, and I still wouldn't want to use the same name as someone in my little circle of people. Two of my sister's friends used our kids names about a year after they were born respectively, and I was even a little irked about that. They said they had never heard those names before, but just loved them. I guess imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, right?


Congratulations Phragmipedium!! I agree, really cute name. Enjoy!

 

[Temair]

Conrats Phrag!

 

[pixiegoose]

Just a heads up to anyone who is a member of the Gilt Groupe website- they have Maclarens (and add-ons) on for really good prices today! The sale started at noon and goes until 6/14 at noon (if it doesn't sell out first). I just got a Techno XT in charcoal for a total of $218 (including tax/shipping) when it normally goes for over $300! We were planning on getting a Quest because they're cheaper but with this deal, it actually cost us less to get the Techno! Just thought I'd let people know. And if you're not a member of the Gilt Groupe, let me know via pm and I can send you an invite- it's free to join.

 

[WDWorBUST]

Just a heads up to anyone who is a member of the Gilt Groupe website- they have Maclarens (and add-ons) on for really good prices today! The sale started at noon and goes until 6/14 at noon (if it doesn't sell out first). I just got a Techno XT in charcoal for a total of $218 (including tax/shipping) when it normally goes for over $300! We were planning on getting a Quest because they're cheaper but with this deal, it actually cost us less to get the Techno! Just thought I'd let people know. And if you're not a member of the Gilt Groupe, let me know via pm and I can send you an invite- it's free to join.

What is the Gilt Groupe?

 

[WDWorBUST]

I am so stinking excited. If you remember my doctor's office does not allow children in the office so although I have an appt next Thursday where they will check gender I wasn't going to find out because I promised DD she could be there. Well my boss came up with the idea of having the doctor write it down so I could give it to DD and she could find out first and tell us and DD went for it! WooHooo.....so as of next Thursday I should know gender and can start chipping away at the shopping list.

 

[TSRE]

I'd like to know what the Gilt Groupe is also.

That is a great idea for finding out what the baby is - it will make a great note for the baby book, too!

 

[pixiegoose]

Gilt Groupe (gilt.com) is a members-only site that has new deals everyday (kind of like babysteals.com but there are multiple deals everyday) on all sorts of things- women's clothing and accessories, men's stuff, home decor, and, of course, kids stuff. They post the new sales every day at noon and the sales usually run for 3-4 days or until they sell out. They have really nice brands (particularly for women's stuff). I found out about it from a friend who got her Maclaren on there the last time they had them.

 

[Nette]

Um, ladies... anyone have before and after pictures of your belly when baby dropped? I think my guy might have started his descent (which would be way early for a 2nd baby). My belly seems lower to me - my b**bs are not resting on it - and I can sort of actually breathe!

 

[TarzansKat]

Hi ladies! Sorry for the delay...but it's a girl!

Harper Mae was born June 3rd at 8:06 pm - 7 lb 13.5 oz (huge for my family of 6 lb 8 oz babies!) and 20.5 inches long. Totally healthy and we're over the moon!

Congratulations.

And in case you need someone to talk to, I pumped exclusively for nine months with my first. I won't go into all the details here, but if you want some advice, shoulder to cry on, experience, or just someone to vent to, feel free to PM me anytime!

I don't think that's too early at all - good for you for getting so much done!

Thank you for enabling my OCD.

If it is too early for you, then I am REALLY in trouble - I'm only 19 weeks and I've spent most of the last 4 days organizing and cleaning, and sewing. I'm already trying to get in a cycle of tripling recipes and freezing them so we will have 30 meals in the freezer before the baby is born. Scared to see how I will be later on!

It's funny that you mention that because I was just thinking, the next time I see a really good sale at the grocery store, I'm going to start buying, cooking, and freezing!

Sorry for your loss. I think it's great that you have the baby to focus on to help you get through.

Thank you! Having the baby to look forward to does help a bit.

I am so stinking excited. If you remember my doctor's office does not allow children in the office so although I have an appt next Thursday where they will check gender I wasn't going to find out because I promised DD she could be there. Well my boss came up with the idea of having the doctor write it down so I could give it to DD and she could find out first and tell us and DD went for it! WooHooo.....so as of next Thursday I should know gender and can start chipping away at the shopping list.

That's so sweet!

Um, ladies... anyone have before and after pictures of your belly when baby dropped? I think my guy might have started his descent (which would be way early for a 2nd baby). My belly seems lower to me - my b**bs are not resting on it - and I can sort of actually breathe!

I don't have any photos, hon, but this second baby of mine is lower in general than the first.

Sometimes, he kicks right into my lower pelvis, so I can't fathom him dropping more. Any lower and he'd be out!

 

[Mrs. Charming]

Sunlover: Congrats on the lil man! (I thought I quoted you, didn't work apparently.. ugh!)

Hello, ladies!

Sorry I haven't been here in a while. I hope everyone is doing well, and congratulations to those who have given birth recently!

We've had a lot of change in our lives lately. A little over a month ago, we very unexpectedly lost my mom. We're still dealing with that, and our own individual grieving processes while trying to prepare for the birth of our newest pirate.

I had a great ultrasound yesterday where we got to see that indeed, all the parts are healthy and in the right places, and that he already has hair, and some very full looking lips! I looked at my husband and said, that's all you.

I have had some high blood pressure (it's been better lately), but we're not really sure if it's from the stress of my mom's passing or actually pregnancy induced hypertension, so I'll be going to have non stress tests twice weekly now, and another ultrasound in a month. Better safe than sorry, that's for sure.

Anyway, just wanted to check in and wish you all well.

OMG! I'm so sorry about your mom's passing. I hope you continue to have a happy healthy pregnancy-- I agree, you have a guardian angel!

Temair: Hope you get some relief soon.

sunlover: yeah for a boy!

Tarzanskat: Sorry to hear about your mom. Hugs for you.

Everything is up in our nursery except my valences, which I am calling about today (ordered over two weeks ago on ebay). Once they get here and get put up, I will post pictures.

I have had this horrid pain in my back everytime I am at work, which has been getting progressively worse and is making ten hour days difficult to do. It is usually in full force by 10 AM and is so awful I can't even think after a while, much less accomplish anything. It also becomes a full fleged migrane by the time I get home everynight. I thought it might be related to my bra so I am going without (I used bandaids, LOL, and am small there anyway) and it seems to be working, though I still feel some tightness in that spot. No one ever comes in here anyway and no one else works in my office so...

Have a great day everyone!

Teehee about the bandaids! I wish I could go braless, I'd get arrested, lmao. Can you try to see a chiropractor? I've thought about going quite a few times.

Is it too early to be nesting?

Because if not, I so am. In the past couple of weeks, I've felt this overwhelming push to get everything organized, almost like time is slipping away from me, even though I'm due at the end of July.

I think part of it is that my family so desperately needs something positive to focus on, and this baby is such a blessing in that regard.

I had DH move around our furniture in the bedroom this weekend so we can fit the crib in there, and I've already washed a ton of clothes and got those in a bureau all set up. The next thing will be to get some of the little toiletry type items for the changing station, and finish up the baby blanket I started for him.

It feels good to make progress though.

Awwww!! That's so sweet. I can't wait to do that kind of nesting.

(I didn't nest last time, long story)

Just popping in to say Hi ladies!! No time to catch up now but will come back later on. Hope everyone is doing well.

Hiya!!

Hi ladies! Sorry for the delay...but it's a girl!

Harper Mae was born June 3rd at 8:06 pm - 7 lb 13.5 oz (huge for my family of 6 lb 8 oz babies!) and 20.5 inches long. Totally healthy and we're over the moon!

I had a super easy day of being induced because I did have really high blood pressure and got an early epidural, partly to help with that but I also think I would have asked for it anyway! Cytotec did the trick right away and breaking my water a couple hours later also did too; I didn't need any pitocin. I could move my legs and still feel them, which was good, but after the epidural I didn't really feel any contractions until about 9 cm. The epidural was just like being in a warm dry bath that felt "heavy" on me.

They realized she was face up and they tried to turn her some but it didn't entirely work; it made the last few cm very painful. I had a hard time toward the very end with no break in pain between contractions; I was exhausted after pushing for an hour and a half and begged for my doctor to help me get her out somehow, so he used the vacuum once and also had to do a pretty large episiotomy. A little swollen head that night but it started going down right away, and she's perfect. All of the things I was most worried about (epidural, catheter, potential aftercare of episiotomy) were really easy. The most painful part of the whole process besides the last couple centimeters was getting the IV port in in the morning!

Oh, and FWIW, I had several sitz baths in the hospital, and they were in a traditional wide, shallow porcelain thing that was like a toilet but with a basin instead to sit in. Water ran through it and drained slowly. It was really nice after the episiotomy, which was almost-but-not-quite 3rd degree.

Harper has been an amazing baby - she sleeps well and eats well. I wasn't sure if I was going to try breastfeeding and just wanted to play it by ear, but I decided I wanted to give her the best start possible even though I don't want to do it exclusively. We had a few good feedings that way but she learned it was much easier to eat from a bottle and around the time my milk started coming in she started refusing to latch even though she had before. I was having to wake her up to eat and she wasn't very interested in eating at all. I'm sure it was the dreaded "nipple confusion" but I knew that was possible going in. I had to decide if I was ready to give up or not, and I decided yesterday I wasn't so we picked up a breast pump from the medical supply place and I've been working at that. It's a little harder after a couple days of her not getting very much if anything, plus I did have the reduction, so I'm not sure if the low volume I'm getting is from a low initial demand on her part, or the reduction, or just the fact that it normally takes some time to get going with pumping. It really could be anything. We just feed her what I do get and then supplement, which I'm okay with. It's not so much the breastfeeding for me (I feel totally bonded with her whether I feed from a bottle or not) but I do want her to have what breastmilk I can give her even if it comes out of a bottle. Since doing just the bottle and not struggling with latching, she's been eating much more, sleeping better, and being more alert and awake when she is up. I'm really happy with this.

Wow, didn't intend to write so much, but she's napping her next to me and I'm listening to a thunderstorm and everything's just really peaceful. I'm just overjoyed with her and my husband (with no experience around babies) is, as he put it, a "gooball" when it comes to her. It's so nice to watch him with her and I love him even more So happy! Thanks to all of you for sharing in a little of our journey.

Awwww!! OMG!! Congrats!! Welcome to the world, little Harper!

Just a heads up to anyone who is a member of the Gilt Groupe website- they have Maclarens (and add-ons) on for really good prices today! The sale started at noon and goes until 6/14 at noon (if it doesn't sell out first). I just got a Techno XT in charcoal for a total of $218 (including tax/shipping) when it normally goes for over $300! We were planning on getting a Quest because they're cheaper but with this deal, it actually cost us less to get the Techno! Just thought I'd let people know. And if you're not a member of the Gilt Groupe, let me know via pm and I can send you an invite- it's free to join.

Oh that is awesome! DH would kill me if I bought another stroller. But I definitely want an invite, I'll PM you

I am so stinking excited. If you remember my doctor's office does not allow children in the office so although I have an appt next Thursday where they will check gender I wasn't going to find out because I promised DD she could be there. Well my boss came up with the idea of having the doctor write it down so I could give it to DD and she could find out first and tell us and DD went for it! WooHooo.....so as of next Thursday I should know gender and can start chipping away at the shopping list.

That is a super cool idea! Love it!

Um, ladies... anyone have before and after pictures of your belly when baby dropped? I think my guy might have started his descent (which would be way early for a 2nd baby). My belly seems lower to me - my b**bs are not resting on it - and I can sort of actually breathe!

This little man is so ridiculously low, I feel like I can hardly wear pants. Seriously. I'm afraid to see what will happen when he drops!

Anywho.. seems like a good sign!!



Gosh I hope I didn't forget anything or anyone.. Im sorry if I did!

 

[Mrs. Charming]

Ahhh here we go. I didn't want to make that post any longer than necessary. Anywho, I've been sick as a dog since last Thursday. I felt a little better Saturday, DH and I went to Target and out for a bite to eat, and Sunday I was a mess. Monday I had to call MIL to come over to bring me to the Dr. Turns out I have both a sinus and upper respiratory infection! Yikes. No wonder I've been feeling like smeared poo. I actually had my mom help me since Tuesday, she just left this afternoon. Ugh, I was a hot mess. a HOT HOT mess. Hotter mess than Lindsay Lohan, but with antibiotics instead of coke.

I'm finally returning to the living today, but now DD is getting sickies. I hope hers isn't an infection... just a cold. ::sigh::

 

[Temair]

Well ladies after suffering through pain for a week I broke down and went to the ER tonight. Turns out my instincts were right and what I have is not hemorrhoids, but an abscess. So I'm now on antibiotics and hydrocodone for that pain. I also have a referral to a specialist to see if it will need to be drained. I'm praying and hoping I can get in asap for me and baby's sake. I did learn that if I think the Dr is wrong not to keep waiting as it can only get worse.

 

[leith78]

Ahhh here we go. I didn't want to make that post any longer than necessary. Anywho, I've been sick as a dog since last Thursday. I felt a little better Saturday, DH and I went to Target and out for a bite to eat, and Sunday I was a mess. Monday I had to call MIL to come over to bring me to the Dr. Turns out I have both a sinus and upper respiratory infection! Yikes. No wonder I've been feeling like smeared poo. I actually had my mom help me since Tuesday, she just left this afternoon. Ugh, I was a hot mess. a HOT HOT mess. Hotter mess than Lindsay Lohan, but with antibiotics instead of coke.

I'm finally returning to the living today, but now DD is getting sickies. I hope hers isn't an infection... just a cold. ::sigh::

Yowsa! Sorry to hear you've been so sick. Hope you and your DD are feeling much better soon! It's so hard to be sick when you're pg.

Well ladies after suffering through pain for a week I broke down and went to the ER tonight. Turns out my instincts were right and what I have is not hemorrhoids, but an abscess. So I'm now on antibiotics and hydrocodone for that pain. I also have a referral to a specialist to see if it will need to be drained. I'm praying and hoping I can get in asap for me and baby's sake. I did learn that if I think the Dr is wrong not to keep waiting as it can only get worse.

Oh wow. That sounds really awful and really painful. I hope you're able to see the specialist ASAP, and that it resolves quickly with the antibiotics and pain meds.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Went grocery shopping this morning, which I really don't enjoy, and when I got home, found we didn't have water. Apparently the water company was flushing the fire hydrants in the neighborhood (I really have no idea what this entails), but in the process, a water main broke on our street. So, from 10:00 this morning to 7:30 this evening we didn't have any water.....Thankfully it's back on, but we have a boil order in effect for 36 hours! So, I sent DH out to buy some bottled water.

TGIF tomorrow! Hope everyone has a fabulous weekend.