Newest "Moms to Be" Thread

[harleyquinn]

I'm looking forward to so much with this baby...I love breastfeeding (after the 1st month of course), the little clothes, the first smile, the cuddling.

Care to elaborate on the bolded part? Breastfeeding is a big unknown to me--eventually, I'll get some books...

 

[HomeSweetDisney]

Care to elaborate on the bolded part? Breastfeeding is a big unknown to me--eventually, I'll get some books...

I'd like to know too! I know next to nothing about breastfeeding. I do plan to breastfeed so I'll probably need to start doing some research here in the next few months.


And as for what I am looking forward to the most about being a mom? I think just BEING a mom is what I look forward to. I have known since I was very young that I wanted to have kids someday and even though my pregnancy didn't happen under ideal circumstances, I know that I will love and cherish this baby so much. I can't wait to hold them, cuddle them, and just watch them grow and learn. It's going to be amazing I'm sure

 

[k_reile]

After pain and all of the technical stuff, my biggest fear WAS pooping during labor.

Well........been there done that. Not so worried anymore.


(sorry for tmi!)

That is something I wished I would have known about before having Caleb. I knew it could happen during delivery...I DID NOT know it could happen after delivery when they give you the shot so you do not bleed to death and you cannot control it because of the epidural. I was like "Nobody told me about this". I swear a labor and delivery nurse has to be the worst job ever...the only good part about it is that you get to hold the babies.

I too was worried about the epidural and that was the best thing of the whole day (well besides Caleb's birth anyways)

 

[bkreitzel]

I think the first month of breastfeeding your first baby is a little stressful b/c you AND the baby are both learning what to do.
The things I recommend are:
a class...and make DH attend w/ you. It was so nice that Brian knew what I was talking about or worrying about...somehow he could keep a clear head when I was freaking out about something.
a good book ... i really relied/rely on the one by K. Huggins...I think it is A Nursing MOthers Companion...but I will need to look ... it gives you a lot a resources
a good nurse ... our hospital where I had my first had the BEST lacatation consultants...they even came to my house to help me figure it all out. I was so frustrated. It took me a long time to find the right positions...I am petite but had TONS of milk. We ended up buying a recliner to nurse in so that the milk didnt choke Jillian as it came soooo fast. I swear, she could empty one side in 10 minutes.
a bracelet....seriously... a small beaded stretchey elastic bracelet. Saves my hide. I switch wrists at EVERY feeding so I know to start on whatever side has the bracelet on...a lifesaver at 3am when you are not coherent.
disposable bra pads
knowing to massage around the breast to make sure all the milk ducts empty...i dont know if everyone does this but it helped me to avoid mastitis
mmmmm.
what else...stretchy medela tank bras to sleep in. omigosh. heaven. I ended up wearing them non-stop for a year of nursing. I just wore those b/c they were the most comfy. Skip underwire no matter what!!
i swear by the medela bras...they seemd to be the most comfy and the only ones that lasted the duration.
a good pump...milk storage bags
am i going on and on???? sorry.

 

[MelessaG]

So new topic:

What is the the biggest thing you are looking forward to about being a mom (again!)?

I think most of my answers are just repeating what others have said, but I want to play along anyway: the newborn smell, breastfeeding (things are pretty sore the first month, but then it's great bonding time), tiny clothes, my older kids really appreciating the baby, and getting to use all the cool baby stuff they've come out with in the past few years that I never thought I would use. (The Bumbo seat comes to mind, but there's been all kinds of stuff I've seen and said "Now why didn't they have that when I was having babies?")

 

[k_reile]

I think the first month of breastfeeding your first baby is a little stressful b/c you AND the baby are both learning what to do.
The things I recommend are:
a class...and make DH attend w/ you. It was so nice that Brian knew what I was talking about or worrying about...somehow he could keep a clear head when I was freaking out about something.
a good book ... i really relied/rely on the one by K. Huggins...I think it is A Nursing MOthers Companion...but I will need to look ... it gives you a lot a resources
a good nurse ... our hospital where I had my first had the BEST lacatation consultants...they even came to my house to help me figure it all out. I was so frustrated. It took me a long time to find the right positions...I am petite but had TONS of milk. We ended up buying a recliner to nurse in so that the milk didnt choke Jillian as it came soooo fast. I swear, she could empty one side in 10 minutes.
a bracelet....seriously... a small beaded stretchey elastic bracelet. Saves my hide. I switch wrists at EVERY feeding so I know to start on whatever side has the bracelet on...a lifesaver at 3am when you are not coherent.
disposable bra pads
knowing to massage around the breast to make sure all the milk ducts empty...i dont know if everyone does this but it helped me to avoid mastitis
mmmmm.
what else...stretchy medela tank bras to sleep in. omigosh. heaven. I ended up wearing them non-stop for a year of nursing. I just wore those b/c they were the most comfy. Skip underwire no matter what!!
i swear by the medela bras...they seemd to be the most comfy and the only ones that lasted the duration.
a good pump...milk storage bags
am i going on and on???? sorry.

Since you have breastfed before...question for you. Is it possible for my milk to be drying up. I have gone back to work and sometimes it is hard to find time during the day to pump and DS has been wanting to nurse soo much that I could not keep up...right now I only have enough for about one feeding and I have a feeling that it will be over here shortly. We have been supplementing with a soy formula which is taking really well but boy does it stink. I never thought I would have to give it up this early but I do admit I like the freedom it allows me but I still want to nurse if I can...is there a way to make my milk supply go up?? Or should I cut my losses now??

 

[Laura]

So new topic:

What is the the biggest thing you are looking forward to about being a mom (again!)?

At first? Just being able to hold her and sing some lullabies during some quiet moments. Later, being able to show her the big wide world!

 

[harleyquinn]

I'd like to know too! I know next to nothing about breastfeeding. I do plan to breastfeed so I'll probably need to start doing some research here in the next few months.

Thank you! I was afraid I was the only one who wouldn't know!

I think the first month of breastfeeding your first baby is a little stressful b/c you AND the baby are both learning what to do.
The things I recommend are:
a class...and make DH attend w/ you. It was so nice that Brian knew what I was talking about or worrying about...somehow he could keep a clear head when I was freaking out about something.
a good book ... i really relied/rely on the one by K. Huggins...I think it is A Nursing MOthers Companion...but I will need to look ... it gives you a lot a resources
a good nurse ... our hospital where I had my first had the BEST lacatation consultants...they even came to my house to help me figure it all out. I was so frustrated. It took me a long time to find the right positions...I am petite but had TONS of milk. We ended up buying a recliner to nurse in so that the milk didnt choke Jillian as it came soooo fast. I swear, she could empty one side in 10 minutes.
a bracelet....seriously... a small beaded stretchey elastic bracelet. Saves my hide. I switch wrists at EVERY feeding so I know to start on whatever side has the bracelet on...a lifesaver at 3am when you are not coherent.
disposable bra pads
knowing to massage around the breast to make sure all the milk ducts empty...i dont know if everyone does this but it helped me to avoid mastitis
mmmmm.
what else...stretchy medela tank bras to sleep in. omigosh. heaven. I ended up wearing them non-stop for a year of nursing. I just wore those b/c they were the most comfy. Skip underwire no matter what!!
i swear by the medela bras...they seemd to be the most comfy and the only ones that lasted the duration.
a good pump...milk storage bags
am i going on and on???? sorry.

You got the book title right!! too bad my library's copy is almost 10 years old! I'll have to request a newer version and I'll probably end up buying it.
Thanks so much for that post! Very helpful!

I think most of my answers are just repeating what others have said, but I want to play along anyway: the newborn smell, breastfeeding (things are pretty sore the first month, but then it's great bonding time), tiny clothes, my older kids really appreciating the baby, and getting to use all the cool baby stuff they've come out with in the past few years that I never thought I would use. (The Bumbo seat comes to mind, but there's been all kinds of stuff I've seen and said "Now why didn't they have that when I was having babies?")

I never thought I would be able to look forward to breastfeeding. I know its best for the baby, but never really thought it was something I could actully enjoy! Cool!

 

[ADAMANDLISA]

Care to elaborate on the bolded part? Breastfeeding is a big unknown to me--eventually, I'll get some books...

I'd like to know too! I know next to nothing about breastfeeding. I do plan to breastfeed so I'll probably need to start doing some research here in the next few months.

I think what I wish most people knew about breastfeeding is that it gets easier. So many women give up fairly quickly (although many don't have a choice) and I just want to tell them to hang in there...it's a wonderful experience.

A month is just a number...everyone is different. Sometimes it takes a little while to get the baby to latch on correctly. Your nipples can get sore, but this will pass. They "toughen up" after a while and breastfeeding does not hurt at all.

The bonding you share during bf'ing is amazing. And let's talk about convenience....hello!!!!! Baby is hungry, whip out the b b! No mixing bottles, carrying formula, waste, etc.

Lastly, let's talk about baby poop. I would rather change breastmilk poop any day! It is very different, which you will find out. So much easier to clean up and doesn't smell as bad.

I think the first month of breastfeeding your first baby is a little stressful b/c you AND the baby are both learning what to do.
The things I recommend are:
a class...and make DH attend w/ you. It was so nice that Brian knew what I was talking about or worrying about...somehow he could keep a clear head when I was freaking out about something.
a good book ... i really relied/rely on the one by K. Huggins...I think it is A Nursing MOthers Companion...but I will need to look ... it gives you a lot a resources
a good nurse ... our hospital where I had my first had the BEST lacatation consultants...they even came to my house to help me figure it all out. I was so frustrated. It took me a long time to find the right positions...I am petite but had TONS of milk. We ended up buying a recliner to nurse in so that the milk didnt choke Jillian as it came soooo fast. I swear, she could empty one side in 10 minutes.
a bracelet....seriously... a small beaded stretchey elastic bracelet. Saves my hide. I switch wrists at EVERY feeding so I know to start on whatever side has the bracelet on...a lifesaver at 3am when you are not coherent.
disposable bra pads
knowing to massage around the breast to make sure all the milk ducts empty...i dont know if everyone does this but it helped me to avoid mastitis
mmmmm.
what else...stretchy medela tank bras to sleep in. omigosh. heaven. I ended up wearing them non-stop for a year of nursing. I just wore those b/c they were the most comfy. Skip underwire no matter what!!
i swear by the medela bras...they seemd to be the most comfy and the only ones that lasted the duration.
a good pump...milk storage bags
am i going on and on???? sorry.

I completely agree with everything!

Since you have breastfed before...question for you. Is it possible for my milk to be drying up. I have gone back to work and sometimes it is hard to find time during the day to pump and DS has been wanting to nurse soo much that I could not keep up...right now I only have enough for about one feeding and I have a feeling that it will be over here shortly. We have been supplementing with a soy formula which is taking really well but boy does it stink. I never thought I would have to give it up this early but I do admit I like the freedom it allows me but I still want to nurse if I can...is there a way to make my milk supply go up?? Or should I cut my losses now??

If you up your pumping schedule, you should be ok. As long as you are still producing milk, all you need to do is increase your feedings (or pumping) and your milk supply should increase.

 

[staley7580]

So new topic:

What is the the biggest thing you are looking forward to about being a mom (again!)?

I dont know.. Honestly, I am still quite freaked out about having twins. I am mostly looking forward to seeing how my kids interact wiht the babies. Alex has already staked his claim on the boy, and Mikalah the girl.. Also.. My husband is a NUT for babies. There is nothing he loves more.. I swear, since we found out there were two little beasties in there, he hasnt shown one moment of doubt, or fear.. or ANYTHING. He is NUTS I tell ya!

I havent nursed before, but I have every intention on doing it with these two.. SO I am looking forward to giving that a go. I just cant wait for them to get here!!

 

[k_reile]

I think what I wish most people knew about breastfeeding is that it gets easier. So many women give up fairly quickly (although many don't have a choice) and I just want to tell them to hang in there...it's a wonderful experience.

A month is just a number...everyone is different. Sometimes it takes a little while to get the baby to latch on correctly. Your nipples can get sore, but this will pass. They "toughen up" after a while and breastfeeding does not hurt at all.

The bonding you share during bf'ing is amazing. And let's talk about convenience....hello!!!!! Baby is hungry, whip out the b b! No mixing bottles, carrying formula, waste, etc.

Lastly, let's talk about baby poop. I would rather change breastmilk poop any day! It is very different, which you will find out. So much easier to clean up and doesn't smell as bad.




I completely agree with everything!



If you up your pumping schedule, you should be ok. As long as you are still producing milk, all you need to do is increase your feedings (or pumping) and your milk supply should increase.

Thanks...I will try it out. I still want to continue and I was soo sad that it could be ending.
The formula poo is disgusting...one reason why I want to continue to bf...though supplementing more often to give me a little bit of freedom.

 

[december]

Wow, I can't wait to breastfeed either! I nursed ds11 for 18 months, and would have gone longer if he hadn't learned to unbutton my shirt-not fun during church! I honestly was never sore and never had a single problem nursing. My family was totally against it-none of them nursed and they kept telling me how disgusting it was. It just made me more determined to do it longer! I went back to work when he was 3 wks 2 days old, and pumped during the day. So much cheaper and easier than formula, and the best snuggling times!

With dd9, I had the seizures and had to go on some pretty powerful meds, so I only got to nurse her a few days. That will always bother me, even though I had no choice.

So now I can't wait to snuggle up and nurse my new baby girl!

And just so the newbies know it is true-you cannot compare a breastfed diaper to a formula diaper! Dh changed almost every diaper until ds11 started eating baby food, and then he would gag the whole time. When all they are getting is breastmilk, poopie diapers hardly smell at all.

 

[bkreitzel]

I agree w/ Lisa that I would pump MORE often to try to increase the production - or have the baby try to nurse more...the more demand, the more milk has been my experience.
I would also drink drink drink and drink some more water to make sure you are well hydrated.
Friends have talked about an herb or something that you can take that also boosts milk production but I am not sure what that is or how it works.
Maybe try calling a lacation consultant at the hospital and they can point you in the right direction. I wouldn't imagine you are drying up for any medical reason since it was going fine before ... sounds like demand was just down...maybe schedule it into your calendar??
All this is simply MY opinon and based on nothing other than my experiences I should look in my book before I go giving advice!!!

 

[ADAMANDLISA]

Thanks...I will try it out. I still want to continue and I was soo sad that it could be ending.
The formula poo is disgusting...one reason why I want to continue to bf...though supplementing more often to give me a little bit of freedom.

With both boys, I only breastfed for 6 1/2 months. My sister bfed for a year. Any amount of time you can give your baby breastmilk is better than nothing, so don't feel guilty with yourself if you aren't able to anymore!
She worked the entire time like you and I don't know how she did it pumping everyday. I probably would have given up. I give credit to any mom who has to pump all day!

 

[ADAMANDLISA]

Well, off to another doctor's appointment at 7! Thankfully, my last one this late at night. Just so unfair with the whole scale thing.

I am really hoping for some progress...this pain had better be worth it.

 

[Piecey]

Man. You guys have me worried about stinky diapers now.

I had a breast reduction when I was 19... they took out 4.5lbs and Dr. told me I can probably get some breastmilk, but he can't guarantee it and that it's doubtful, with all the severed glands, etc., that I'd produce enough to soley breastfeed. DH and I decided to just formula feed.

I think I was definitely the patient that won't be able to breastfeed, though I know many usually can.... I've had none of the incredible tenderness that the books speak of, pretty much any symptom that involves your girls, I haven't gotten.


... I got confirmation from HR today that I get 12 weeks to "bond with my baby, congratulations!" so I'm excited to have 12 weeks where I don't have to worry about money, childcare.. etc.. I just get to curl up with my little one and get to know them and embrace mommy-hood!!

 

[december]

12 wks of paid leave is great! I'll have 9 weeks with my little one, but only because I'm due the last week of school and I get paid all summer anyway.

 

[Piecey]

I was shocked.
I'm a part-timer, too, which makes it even more shocking. But I'm considered "Part-Time salaried" and because I have over 2 years of recognized service, I get 12 weeks. Awesome! I'm excited to get that much time with the baby!

...I'm really excited to tickle their feet. I don't know why. This is just what excites me greatly!

 

[Disney Ron]

Hi all,

I had a regular visit yesterday. The baby's heartbeat was 142 . My diabetic scan came back normal and I actually lost a 1/2lb over the holidays.

Next appointment is Jan 26th for level II ultrasound. Can't wait to know the sex. I will be happy either way with a healthy baby, but some family members are pushing for a girl.

As for feeding topic being discussed. I bottle fed DS, and plan on doing so with this one. It just worked for me.

My MS seems to have lessened. The good days and more often than the bad ones!!!

Ann

 

[Laura]

...I'm really excited to tickle their feet. I don't know why. This is just what excites me greatly!

Babies' feet (and hands) are just too cute! Those toes and fingers are so tiny!