New mom to be needs some questions answered

[phillmolly]

Breast pumps, I used a Medela Pump in Style. My insurace covered the cost of it which was great as it runs about $300!!!

Don't even get me started on breastfeeding, I tried for 3 months to get Will to latch and he never would! Only once did he take a whole feeding from the breast! I pumped for him for four months and then we did both BM and formula untill six months when he went on all formula.

Good luck to you!

 

[justhat]

I haven't used either of those pumps, but I have a Medela Pump in Style Advanced and like it a lot. But I will say, as a SAHM, the need for that kind of pump is rare. At the time I bought it I was in grad school and had to go back to classes when my daughter was 6 weeks old so it was a necessity at the time, but with my 2nd kid I was home all the time and probably pumped a total of 5 bottles. My 3rd is due next month and if it weren't that my kids are dying to feed her bottles, I likely wouldn't pump more than 5 bottles again. It's just a pain! And if my husband fed one of our babies a bottle, I still had to be up and pumping otherwise I'd be engorged and in pain by the next feeding.


But to answer your question, if you are looking for an occasional pump to let your husband give your baby some bottles, a manual pump is likely fine. If you are going to exclusively pump for an extended time for latch issues (or whatever), then you'd need a solid electric pump. But that, of course, is not very predictable beforehand.

 

[Jenvenza]

Congratulations!! So exciting!!!!

We used mitten with our DD when we would notice her trying to scratch herself. We didnt use them all the time, but probably on and off for 6 weeks or so.

I dont think anyone has mentioned this before, but there is this thing called a Boppy Newborn Lounger - and it was the best thing we were given at my baby shower! It looks like a round pillow, but babies fit in there perfectly and you can put it on the floor. Our daughter slept in that thing for months! We never wanted her out of her sight, so that was really easy to take with us in any room!

My DD wasnt as messy as I hear lots of other babies are. She never really spit up much. We kept her in those footed pajamas or onesies all through the day and night while we were at home. We might have needed one change during the day, but that was all.

I used the Lansinoh (sp?) breast pump. But didnt use for it too long to know how well it really would have worked. I didnt produce enough milk and her pedi made us start formula feeding her.

 

[ArielRae]

So how many of you ended up weighing more then the doctor said you should? How much did you end up being over by? I have been doing good and staying at the correct weight until the holidays came. I had a routine appointment today and was told I gained 9 pounds over the last month.

She said it is unfair to be pregnant during the holidays.

I see myself gaining alot more as it is so hard to resist all those sugary goodies.

Only 2 more months to go so hopefully I can keep myself some what under control then all my attention will be on the baby. LOL

Starting weight 140 lbs

Now 30 weeks pregnant 173 lbs

 

[3prettyprincesses]

So how many of you ended up weighing more then the doctor said you should? How much did you end up being over by? I have been doing good and staying at the correct weight until the holidays came. I had a routine appointment today and was told I gained 9 pounds over the last month. She said it is unfair to be pregnant during the holidays.

I see myself gaining alot more as it is so hard to resist all those sugary goodies.

Only 2 more months to go so hopefully I can keep myself some what under control then all my attention will be on the baby. LOL

Oh honey, don't stress about the holiday weight gain. Now is not the time to worry about THAT! I agree, it is pain to be pregnant around the holidays, especially the biggies like Thanksgiving and Christmas. Just enjoy the last 2 months of your pregnancy.

As far as weight gain goes, I gained about 30-35 pounds with each of my babies. Everybody is different though. You lose alot after the baby is born due to the baby's weight plus fluid and other yucky stuff I won't mention. Don't stress, enjoy this time and before you know it, you're new little one will be here for you to cuddle and love!

 

[puffkin]

I gained about 40 lbs total....I was within about 10 lbs of my ideal weight when I got pregnant. I gained most of my weight during the last 2 months of pregnancy and a lot of it was water weight. I swelled horribly the last 2 weeks. It honestly dropped off really quickly after I had the baby and I didn't even BF plus I had a c-section. By the time I went back to work when he was 3 months old I was about 5 lbs lighter than before I got pregnant but nothing fit because everything shifts

I wouldn't focus too much on a number especially if you are healthy otherwise....and it really does come off pretty easily for most people however your body will never be the same.

 

[mjkacmom]

So how many of you ended up weighing more then the doctor said you should? How much did you end up being over by? I have been doing good and staying at the correct weight until the holidays came. I had a routine appointment today and was told I gained 9 pounds over the last month.

She said it is unfair to be pregnant during the holidays.

I see myself gaining alot more as it is so hard to resist all those sugary goodies.
Now 30 weeks pregnant 173 lbs

Only 2 more months to go so hopefully I can keep myself some what under control then all my attention will be on the baby. LOL

Starting weight 140 lbs

I always gained 10 pounds over the holidays when I was pregnant - usually around the 30 week mark. I LOVED wearing elastic waisted clothing!

 

[Nette]

I agree with the previous posters.

I think I only covered DD's hands when we were in the hospital. She was born with long fingernails & we didn't have any clippers to cut them with. She loved grabbing her face and kept scratching herself! But she loved putting her fingers in her mouth at night, so she hated having her hands covered after that.

The baby nail clippers scare me as well. I can never see how close I am to cutting her skin. Instead I use the little scissors that came in the red cross baby kit. You can cut the nails close & see what you're doing much easier than with clippers.

The lactation consultant at the hospital told me to forgo the clippers and just bite DDs nails while she nursed. Newborn nails are really thin and just sort of peel off. It was the only good piece of advice I got from that lactation consultant. My mother taught me how to nurse and answered all my questions.

Ok I thought of anouther question.

What brand breast pump do you recommend. I'm a stay at home mom if that helps. I don't want to spend a fortune as I plan to breastfeed but want one to have around for making an extra bottle later for DH to do feedings or if he fails to latch on I can still feed him breast milk instead of formula. I have been looking at the First Years MiPump Single and Playtex - Petite Double Electric Breast Pump so far. I have playtex ventair bottles from my baby shower so that is one reason I am considering the playtex pump. I like that the MiPump one is inexpensive and has good ratings.

First Years MiPump Single
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=10803958
Playtex - Petite Double Electric Breast Pump
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=10817661

I've read really bad things about the playtex pump. But that was 8 years ago so I doubt I could find a source. For a simple hand pump I HIGHLY recommend the Avent pump. I used it exclusively (while working full time) for the first 5 months, then I got a Medela PIS for Xmas.

 

[Planogirl]

1. We never used mittens but DS never really scratched himself. Some kids are worse of course.

2. I bought a small portable straw bassinet and I let DS sleep in it for the first few weeks of his life. It was very sturdy and I could easily move him from room to room as needed. Then I moved him to hit crib and set up a monitor.

3. I always changed DS in the evening but he was messy. There was not only the diaper issue but he spit up now and then so I just felt like it was cleaner to change his clothes.

 

[RachelEllen]

Or, you can come home from the hospital weighing more than when you went in! They pump you full of fluids if you need a section.

Neat weight gain thing for us...my dd is 15 months old, and I just noticed that her and I on the scale now weigh what I did at the end of pregnancy!

 

[mickeyboat]

My only comment about sleepwear is that I think it is recommended that children wear fire-resistant sleepwear or snug-fitting sleepwear. Would the daytime outfit fit that bill?

 

[AlternateEgo]

I just skimmed through the first page, so please forgive me if this has been mentioned.

Be sure that when you do place your baby to sleep that you put them in fire resistant clothing, especially if you will be sleeping.

Any time my children fall asleep in the car and I feel like I am too tired to change their clothing, the thought of precaution always gives me a little extra energy

 

[AlternateEgo]

My only comment about sleepwear is that I think it is recommended that children wear fire-resistant sleepwear or snug-fitting sleepwear. Would the daytime outfit fit that bill?

Look at that!! Someone did mention it... haha!

 

[JoiseyMom]

Hi,

I'm going to be a new mom in the next couple of months and I have some questions for you experienced parents. I have read quite a few books but nothing beats some experienced advice so I have a couple questions right now but may post more if I can think of any.

1) How long does an infant need to wear mittins or outfits with cuffs for?

Mom of 4 here..I never used them...I made sure their nails were cut. Very easy to do.

2) I have a bassinett for the bedroom to have the baby in but was wondering what was best when I am hanging out in the living room. I have a Baby swing and a playmat either of those good for a newborn or should I lug the bassinett out every day? Can I use the playmat and use the baby sleep wedge or do you think I should use the swing and get a head support for the baby to use in the swing?

I never used a swing at all. But I wouldn't put a newborn in one. With my first I kept him in the stroller downstairs at first. WHen he kept his head up I put him in the kanaga rocker roo! It was a baby seat that had a handle so I could cart him into the kitchen or where ever I was going around my house. With my younger two I had a portacrib/play yard that I kept them in downstairs. I never used a wedge.. All of my kids from birth were able to lift their heads...and since my oldest is 26 and younges is 8, I had all my kids sleep on their tummy's.

3) I heard that baby's can go thru alot of outfits during the day but was wondering if this sounded ok. Can I put the baby in an outfit in the morning and not change it until the next morning unless it gets dirty or messed up. Basically do I need to put the baby in a new outfit to sleep in if what he is wearing is clean and comfortable enough to sleep in?

In the winter I think I kept my kids in sleepers..believe me they will get dirty!! From blown diapers to spit etc... I just made sure they had a clean sleeper/onsie type to sleep in at night.

I know these may be minor questions but just something I thought about. Any advice you can offer is greatly appreciated. It may help with thinking of more questions not covered in mom to be books.

Invest in cloth diapers!! These I used for 4 kids for over the shoulder for spit ups and burping!

Take help if offered!! Sleep when baby sleeps!! DRINK lots of liquids if you are nursing.. Nurse if you are able (and want to). Freeze dinners ahead of time if you can..stuff like meatballs or things that are easy to heat up.

Try all brands of disposable diapers till you find the ones that fit your baby best and will hold everything in!!

Pacifiers are a good thing!! Just nod and smile when getting unwanted advice from your mom and mil!! Do what you feel is best and comfortable.

Outfits with snaps at the bottoms!! Lots of Onsies!! I liked the ones that snapped up at the waist.

Oh, don't let people tell you,. that you are holding your infant too much!! It isn't possible!! LOL!!

 

[JoiseyMom]

I also used the Medela Pump in Style...shoot I still have it... keep on forgetting to list it on craigs list!! LOL... It is a great pump.

Just an FYI, breast feeding at the beginning is harder then it looks! Don't give up..it really is worth the effort..so easy to do, once baby gets the hang of it!!

I gained very little weight with all my pregnancies. I have been overweight will all my kids and have lost weight once baby came out!! LOL...too bad it didn't stay off!!

 

[MickeyCrazedMom]

Looks like most answers are similar to mine, but I have one thing to add. I always changed them into jammies at night so that they would start to see a difference between day and night. I think it is never too early to start the night time routine! I don't know if it had anything to do with it but all 3 of mine were sleeping through the night by 7 weeks!

 

[bumbershoot]

1) How long does an infant need to wear mittins or outfits with cuffs for?


Never used them. And...instead of the cute little nail trimmers...I trimmed his nails with my teeth. Never cut too far down, could do it as he slept in my arms after nursing the 18th time that day. Easy peasy, wish I'd thought of it or read it (can't remember how I figured it out) from the very beginning, so there you go.

2) I have a bassinett for the bedroom to have the baby in but was wondering what was best when I am hanging out in the living room. I have a Baby swing and a playmat either of those good for a newborn or should I lug the bassinett out every day? Can I use the playmat and use the baby sleep wedge or do you think I should use the swing and get a head support for the baby to use in the swing?

Never used a swing. Or bassinet. Baby slept with us from the very very beginning, and when we came into the living room I did have the Fisher Price BabyPapasan but he would only deal with it for about 10 minutes then he wanted OUT. I carried him or wore him or sat with him in the rocking chair most of the time. I kept the floor vacuumed and let him hang out there when he wanted. The neck stuff that "tummy time" gives is also much more easily gotten by having baby on your belly while you lie on your back. A lot more fun for baby, too! They also get it just by holding their bodies as you carry them, hold them, or even wear them (in a carrier like an Ergo, facing you, no Bjorns facing out if you like their pelvises and your spine). DS was pulling to stand, using empty boxes, before 6 months...which was scary, but obviously never using the little baby gear things didn't hurt DS.

3) I heard that baby's can go thru alot of outfits during the day but was wondering if this sounded ok. Can I put the baby in an outfit in the morning and not change it until the next morning unless it gets dirty or messed up. Basically do I need to put the baby in a new outfit to sleep in if what he is wearing is clean and comfortable enough to sleep in?

I rarely "dressed" DS "for the day". When he was bitty, he wore pajama type clothes most of the time. If his clothes were clean when we woke up, he wore them until they weren't clean. I was already doing baby laundry because we used cloth dipes, so an extra wash of clothes was no big deal. Actually, it was the baby clothes that were the bulk of the wash...dipes were once every 3 days...baby clothes were every day!

 

[ArielRae]

My only comment about sleepwear is that I think it is recommended that children wear fire-resistant sleepwear or snug-fitting sleepwear.

Does the clothing have a symbol on the tag to show that it is flame resistant? I can't find anything on any of my baby clothes that say that is would be flame resistant. Even my sleepers don't say anything about being fire resitant and they are brand new and not snug fitting. I have clothes from target and carters.

I thought they passed a law that all kids clothes had to be flame resistant now. Any advice?

 

[MickeyShow]

I agree with the PP who said she put pajamas on the baby to establish routine. We started a nighttime routine with DS from his first night home and it definitely helped down the line.

 

[ArielRae]

Here is anouther question.

What was in your hospital suitcase?

I have been reading checklists online but wanted to know what you packed and ended up using and not using.