Calling all the Pregnant PS''ers

[Jas12]

Missed those last posts when i was posting....

Radiantgirl--I hope those icky physical symptoms go away for you soon--the emotional ones will take longer--but as others have mentioned, I am sure you''ll be pregnant again, and you''ll be a wonderful mom-to-be b/c you''ll appreciate every little sign and symptom of pregnancy. Wasn''t it Halle Berry who said she loved everything--even the vomiting-- b/c she tried for soooo long to get pregnant?

Eph--yep, at 8 or 9 weeks those belly feelings are most likely changes in bowels or uterus--I think my first movements were felt around the 16 week mark and that was pretty early--i never did get the butterfly flutters--more the ''tap taps'' really low in the pubic area. To be perfectly honest they annoyed me at first--felt like popping blood vessels--now at 39 weeks when i get a little fist to the hip bone or a baby bum bulging out i luv it b/c it actually feels like a baby...
As for MS--i felt a day and night difference from week 12 to 14. I took a trip to NYC around week 14 and remember finally wanting a coffee again and not being turned off by lots of stuff--energy improved a lot by then as well--so hang in there girl--hopefully the same will be true for you. Have you told your friends about the pregnancy yet? Are you going to find out what you are having?

 

[curlygirl]

Bobo!!!! It''s so great to hear from you and Baby B is adorable!! What a teeny guy. I''m glad you had an easy labor and delivery and I promise you it will get better. The sleep deprivation is terrible but it doesn''t last forever. Feel free to come here and vent any time. You know we''ll give you tons of support. Glad to see you back!

Qtiekiki, your belly is impossibly tiny for almost 20 weeks!!

I can''t believe you''ve only gained 9 lbs. You look AMAZING! We have some small ladies on this board!!!

lili, yes, it''s surprisingly weird but the movements feel the same as the ones in utero. I can''t really describe it but when I would lay her on my belly or hold her and she would move, I could recognize all the stuff she did when she was inside me. The arms stretching, legs moving--it''s all very surreal and familiar. But I definitely missed sharing my body with her.

snlee, I would be surprised if you were feeling anything already. Like others said, it''s probably gas and stretching but I guess you never know. I''m small and I didn''t feel anything real until 22 weeks with Lily. They say it happens earlier with consecutive pregnancies but it took forever with the first one for me.

ephemery, I''m with you on the m/s. The nausea is just annoying and I''m so over it at this point! Just last night DH said to me, "how long did this last with Lily?" Sadly, it went until around 14-15 weeks so I''m guessing I still have a few more weeks of this to endure. I am definitely waaaaay more tired than I was the first time around but it''s probably because I simply do not get a chance to rest!

sk8rjen, do you think it could be twins?!?! Wow. I hope you start feeling better soon. Let us know how your ultrasound goes.

TGal, I didn''t eat at all during labor and it was really the last thing on my mind. When I was in early labor at home, I knew I should have something but I really had no interest. When I spoke to the doctor on call to find out if I should go to the hospital, she asked me about the baby''s movements and honestly, she hadn''t been moving that much. So she told me to eat something sweet or have some juice and concentrate on the movement. I had some orange juice and a Snickers bar! Lo and behold, she still wasn''t moving that much so I took a shower and we went to the hospital just as the contractions were getting really hard to breathe through. I also had some bloody show and did I mention diarrhea?! I guess the diarrhea was a good thing because it cleared me out so I didn''t have to worry about pooping on the table! But anyway, back to the subject at hand, if you''re not going to have an epidural, I think they''ll let you eat a little bit so you might want to pack some snacks. DH ate all the snacks I had brought with me. I got small sips of water.

My sister gave my jellybeans right after I gave birth so that was a nice treat!

Tacori, preggo brain turns into mom brain so no, you never get your brain back!

I''m so excited for our first announcement. Who will it be???? The full moon really could do something...

 

[chrono]

Bobo,
Baby B is so incredibly cute. Love that plump cheeks and pouty lips.

Curly,
Are you baking another bun in the oven? I've been away from this thread for so long I haven't caught up with all the updates yet.

Ellaila,
Don't feel bad about stopping bfeeding and pumping. You gave your best and that's what counts. It's also so much harder when you have two babies to look after. Not everyone is a milk cow like me. I have 2 deep freezers full and am still milking 12 to 14 oz a day. I can't stop pumping though because Baby C loves his milk and with strong dairy allergies, he can't drink cow's milk.

Baby C is growing up fast. Running around, dancing, speaking a few words...everything is changing so quickly now. Reading about newborns makes me feel nostalgic.

 

[mrssalvo]

ella, they say even some breast milk is better than none. my hat is off to you woman for doing it as long as you did. seriously, it was tough and a chore nursing one baby, i can''t imagine too and them pumping inbetween. i never pumped, nor will i this time. it''s nursing or a formula bottle for me and i honestly don''t know how long i''ll go. i don''t have any timeline set up. i''ll just have to see what works and what i feel comfortable with. anyway, post some more pics of your cuties when you can.

Q- girl you are still so tiny. 9 lbs? you''re like my sister who just hardly put on anything but *baby* weight.

curly- i''m excited to see who will be the first to go too.

jackiejas-thanks for the check in and good luck with the houseguests

chrono-nice to see you here too...

jas12-i hope for your sake the baby comes while your family is there. that would be really cool. i totally wish Jake would come today or tomorrow so i could be back home for easter sunday. wishful thinking i''m sure but still hoping. you have a better shot since you and tgal are 2 weeks ahead of me.

lili, you could go soon too, but the odds are you and I have a little while longer of baking time.

 

[Tacori E-ring]

Ella, no the doctor didn''t mention anything about a special formula. Maybe he is waiting to see how she weighs in at 5 months. I think he thinks it is *probably* genetics but wants to be proactive. Seeing how she was 7 lbs 2 oz a week overdue I am sure she would have been small full term (to be anything under 7 lbs is small). I am petite. I think it is funny that she is 11 lbs at 4 months and DH was 10 lbs (and some change) at birth!

Part of me is also worried that my milk supply is weaning. As you know it is frustrating that they don''t have a gas gage to see how much they are eating!

We are getting so close to solids so even though I AM disappointed that she is getting more formula I am still proud that she was basically 90% BM up to this point. Now she is probably 75% BM, 25% formula.

Curly, great....I''ll just be a ditz the rest of my life! How are you feeling? Girl vibes?

TGal, I am pretty sure I know what your friend was talking about. I had an incident in the hospital I won''t go into details (it was traumatic). But remember everything heals with time.

 

[msb700]

Radiant: Thanks for checking in! glad to hear you''re feeling better.

Bobo: Congrats!!! Baby B is so cute and adorable (again, another testement that PS babies are just the cutest bunch!)

Q: ummmm....u call that a preggo belly!?!?! ur tiny girl!!!!

Snlee: i think 8 week is a bit too early...initially what i ''thought'' was kicking turned out to be gas..i was sure it was a kick around 16/17 weeks

ephemery: sorry ur still suffering through M/S

hopefully things get better soon..

ella: Dont feel bad about stopping BF..u tried ur best and that is all that matters.u know best what works for u and ur family regardless of wat ppl mite say..

as for eating during L&D..lets just say my last meal was 9 pm the nite before delivery..i was in the hospital by 2 am (my waterbroke around 1ish), 12:40 pm the day after and all i had was a sip of water...needless to say i was STARVING by then

 

[TravelingGal]

QT, you look fab! All you little pre-preggo girls make for such cute preggo ones! I had gained 10 pounds after my wedding and always had a stomach, so I didn''t look so cute.

Ephemery, I was the same as you. My M/S hit its peak every afternoon at around 4 pm. I actually felt fine before then so I made sure to have good breakfasts and lunches because I couldn''t stomach dinner too well. I just remember laying in bed a nights thinking, I''m really OVER this! I usually went to bed super early, around 7ish in order to try to sleep through that hung over feeling. Mine continued to about the 12th week and started in the 7th or so, so it wasn''t TOO long. Then one day, you''re fine!

Radiantgirl, glad to hear you are feeling a bit better. Hang in there girl. Hugs to you.

Jas, thanks for the BFing link. Going to check it out after I write this post.

Ella, thanks, but I still maintain my sack of flour story and you''ll notice that I have never posted a belly shot "au naturel."

Also, don''t feel guilty...you really did give it your best shot...I don''t know how you managed with twins. Like I said before, I don''t see any issue with formula feeding. My friend is doing it now and her kid is happy. The mom is even happier!

Oh, and my friend''s kid just started the giggling when he hears giggling too. It''s so funny hearing my friend just make this fake giggles to get her son to do it. Her giggles just sound so DRY and fake, but it still does the job. Funny.

Jackie, good luck with the swedish invasion!!

Curlygirl...jellybeans...ooh, I am going to bring those as my after birth treat too. I bought a jar of jelly bellies at costco because they were on sale and have been having a few here and there. Love em! Good idea!

Been doing daily walks. Thinking of asking TGuy for some nookie to get things going, but he may look at me in horror. Come to think of it, that may help because most likely I''ll get in a crazy fit of laughter at his face and maybe all that shaking will get TTot out.

Do you all think that bringing a boppy to the hospital is helpful? I have that and my own pillow packed. Oh, and other stuff too of course!

Doc appointment today. I''m thinking it will just be a routine thing with not much news.

 

[Tacori E-ring]

What to bring to the hospital: Next time I am packing MUCH lighter. IMHO all you need is an outfit to go home in (remember you will still look preggo), outfit for baby, clothes for DH, and shampoo/conditioner/toothbrush etc....I would not bring your boppy. They have tons of pillows for you to use plus the boppy was hard to use in the beginning b/c the baby is so small. I used to have to use a blanket under her to lift her up (and I''m short!)

 

[TravelingGal]

Date: 3/19/2008 1:25:48 PM
Author: Tacori E-ring
What to bring to the hospital: Next time I am packing MUCH lighter. IMHO all you need is an outfit to go home in (remember you will still look preggo), outfit for baby, clothes for DH, and shampoo/conditioner/toothbrush etc....I would not bring your boppy. They have tons of pillows for you to use plus the boppy was hard to use in the beginning b/c the baby is so small. I used to have to use a blanket under her to lift her up (and I''m short!)

Thanks for the tip Tacori. That''s all I have really too, but it fills out a small carry on rollaboard! I also have a few changes of undies and quite a few of my own maxipads. I heard the hospital gives you some serious duty ones but someone recommended I bring my own. Let''s see...what else do I have. Some wipes for the baby...again recommended because the hospital only gives you dry ones that you have to wet. A couple of receiving blankets in case I need them for a more secure fit in the carseat, and a coming home outfit for TTot. Then I have the video camera/camera and the CBR kit. Why does this seem like so much?!

 

[ellaila]

Date: 3/19/2008 1:35:31 PM
Author: TravelingGal

Date: 3/19/2008 1:25:48 PM
Author: Tacori E-ring
What to bring to the hospital: Next time I am packing MUCH lighter. IMHO all you need is an outfit to go home in (remember you will still look preggo), outfit for baby, clothes for DH, and shampoo/conditioner/toothbrush etc....I would not bring your boppy. They have tons of pillows for you to use plus the boppy was hard to use in the beginning b/c the baby is so small. I used to have to use a blanket under her to lift her up (and I''m short!)

Thanks for the tip Tacori. That''s all I have really too, but it fills out a small carry on rollaboard! I also have a few changes of undies and quite a few of my own maxipads. I heard the hospital gives you some serious duty ones but someone recommended I bring my own. Let''s see...what else do I have. Some wipes for the baby...again recommended because the hospital only gives you dry ones that you have to wet. A couple of receiving blankets in case I need them for a more secure fit in the carseat, and a coming home outfit for TTot. Then I have the video camera/camera and the CBR kit. Why does this seem like so much?!

The hospital pads are MONDO and are way better than normal maxipads! I mean you feel like you''re wearing a diaper, but you really do gush a lot those first few days (ok, weeks) and need the protection. Also, you will have an unllimited supply of receiving blankets there, so no need to take your own. As for wipes, our hospital didn''t even use them -- we just used wet washcloths with warm water. I think for newborns they recommend doing that or using cotton balls so as to not irritate their skin (we switched to wipes once we got home though). This is all just based on my own experience though, so feel free to ignore me. One thing I do recommend bringing is chapstick and also some hard candies because they keep those rooms HOT and DRY and you will feel dehydrated no matter how much water you drink!

Since you''ll likely be there for just 2 days, you can prob just stay in the hospital johnnie, but for anyone getting a c-sec, I recommend bringing your own nursing PJs b/c after a few days you''re just dying to get out of that johnnie and into something presentable!

 

[Jas12]

Tacori--thanks for the tips--i was wondering about the boppy too
Tgal--i have a small truck load as well--the CBB kit alone is big!
So far I have:
Pads (maxi and nursing)
a few loose bras and undies
Pjs
A change of clothing
Baby clothing, hat, mits, snowsuit (cuz it''s still winter here) and blanket
soother (don''t know if i''ll use it?)
cosmetics
Am I missing anything? I don''t know why i am stressing b/c i am across the street from the hospital--DH can run home.
I am wondering if we''ll even drive over--guess it depends on how iam, but it''s almost as far to park and walk to the mat. ward as it is to walk from my house!

 

[Jas12]

Sorry, me again:

Here are a series of Dr. Newman BF articles on different topics (like clogged ducts, getting started, etc.) I have not read them (just going thru them now) --he is ultra-pro breast so that may not be for everyone--but i do know he does nothing but BF assistnace in his medical practice so there must be some good stuff on there. Here is the article linky


Breastfeeding articles

 

[lili]

Jas12

Don''t forget the camera to capture the moment

to share with us you know?

 

[lili]

QT, can you look any cuter? My god, you are so slim! Look at those arms and legs. You are truly all belly.
And only 9lbs gain at the half mark? Tiny tiny.

 

[LitigatorChick]

Here are some essential items for the hospital bag:

- cereal bars and juice - hospital food is gross and you will be hungry.
- change of clothes
- pads
- diapers, wipes, kleenex (the hospital stuff sucks)
- sleeper and blankets for the bambino.
- hot water bottle - I loved this thing on my lower back.
- swim trunks for DH - if you are using the shower or tub, DH can get in with you. I was naked and in pain.
- blanket for yourself - I was happy to have a little "mini duvet" that DH and I use for travel with me. It made me feel and home, and we snuggled with baby in it.
- pen and paper. The hospital kept giving me forms, but no pens that worked. You will also want to record pee/poop and feeding.
- camera and cell phone.

What you do not need:
- make-up
- styling products
- more than 1 set of clothes
- books, magazines, etc.
- pre-pregnancy clothes.

 

[Tacori E-ring]

Oh of course! Cameras/camcorder! Bring that for sure. I agree with Ella. Their pads work well. They even gave me some to take home. Along with tucks, their underwear, and my medicated creams, squirt bottle....We just used their dry wipes too and "borrowed" a few receiving blankets. I am sure our insurance was billed. Haha.

Jas, things are quite messy at first (think of you heaviest period...it''s worse). Do not bring things you don''t want stained. I was in the hospital for 5 days and wore the gown (well I changed gowns of course) the whole time. It was just easier.

 

[TravelingGal]

Date: 3/19/2008 2:28:29 PM
Author: LitigatorChick
Here are some essential items for the hospital bag:

- cereal bars and juice - hospital food is gross and you will be hungry.
- change of clothes
- pads
- diapers, wipes, kleenex (the hospital stuff sucks)
- sleeper and blankets for the bambino.
- hot water bottle - I loved this thing on my lower back.
- swim trunks for DH - if you are using the shower or tub, DH can get in with you. I was naked and in pain.
- blanket for yourself - I was happy to have a little ''mini duvet'' that DH and I use for travel with me. It made me feel and home, and we snuggled with baby in it.
- pen and paper. The hospital kept giving me forms, but no pens that worked. You will also want to record pee/poop and feeding.
- camera and cell phone.

What you do not need:
- make-up
- styling products
- more than 1 set of clothes
- books, magazines, etc.
- pre-pregnancy clothes.

Bahahaha...yeah, I figured that one out already!!

Thanks for the tips ladies...I will rework my bag based on all your advice!

 

[Tacori E-ring]

Oh how could I forget! I loved having my own pillow and a comfy blanket from home (very comforting during my fevers). My mom did bring me a trash mag but I am sure none of you lovely ladies will be in the hospital as long as I was! Our hospital had a good caf where you could get anything but if yours doesn''t snacks would be good.

 

[LitigatorChick]

I thought you would like that one, TGal!!!!!

 

[Tacori E-ring]

LC, my hospital uses pampers. Is it different in Canada?

 

[msb700]

also, as a tip re baby''s outfit... i put all my baby clothes (onesie, outfit, blankey and hat) all together in zip lock bags...that way i simply took it out and gave it to the nurses when they were ready to change my boy...that way i didnt worry that he''d be wearng all these mismatched outfits, or stuff from the hospital directly...so i prewashed, folded and kept each ''outfit'' in a single bag and made sure i gave one to the nurse in the morning and in the evening...worked like a charm

 

[LitigatorChick]

I don''t know what kind of diapers my hospital used. I remember being warned by my doula that it may not be good, so we just brought our own.

 

[lili]

Bobo, I''m sure baby will take over more than just your closet

Tadiantgirl, glad to hear that you''re feeling better. I''m sure we''ll be seeing you back on her pretty soon.

Curly, I''m curious about who''s going in too. Honestly, I think I''d be the last one

like MrsS said, our bebes still need a few more weeks to cook.

MrsS, it would be so cool if Jake decides to come today or tomorrow. You never know. Didn''t you say that you went at 37.5 and 38 wks with your first two?

Jas12, I hope you do go into labor this weekend with your family around. As for myself, my family lives just 30 miles from me, so they''ll be around when the little one arrives.


----

Thanks for the goodie bag list-- I should get mine together as well.

 

[lili]

Just some info on the goody bag.
The nurse at the hospital told us to pack 2 separate bags actually.
One for L&D and another one for the post-partum.
Perhaps it is different with different hospital, but with my hospital, L&D is in one room and the recovery is in another.
So no point in lugging around the items that you won''t need until you leave to the labor and delivery room.

 

[divergrrl]

hi!!! i''ve got family visiting, so no time to read!

anyone give birth this week????

sending lots of good labor wishes to our close mommies!!!

hugs!!!

 

[lili]

Date: 3/19/2008 10:44:59 AM
Author: curlygirl
lili, yes, it''s surprisingly weird but the movements feel the same as the ones in utero. I can''t really describe it but when I would lay her on my belly or hold her and she would move, I could recognize all the stuff she did when she was inside me. The arms stretching, legs moving--it''s all very surreal and familiar. But I definitely missed sharing my body with her.

well, pretty soon you''ll be feeling the movement of your second baby

 

[sk8rjen]

Hi everyone!! First of all, thanks to everyone wishing me to feel better! M/S does kinda bite, but it''s weird b/c I''m glad it''s there to remind me things are working like they are supposed to!

Anyway, I had some brown spotting this morning and was really concerned so I called the doctor''s office and they brought us in for my u/s (it was scheduled for tomorrow -- thank goodness I didn''t have to wait a full day!)...and I have good news!

IT''S TWINS!!!!

I''m so excited right now b/c I really thought it could be twins (high hcg and progesterone, plus I''m pretty positive i released two eggs this month...i cramp when i do!), but the best part is that both heartbeats were visible and apparently good for 7 weeks (143 and 132)!

I''m really just shocked and excited right now and wanted to share

I hope you are all having a happy day too!
jen

 

[lili]

Oh wow, double congrats to you Jen!!!
Curly called it out correctly

That's great, you and jas can go through this pregnancy together.

 

[snlee]

Date: 3/19/2008 3:50:16 PM
Author: sk8rjen
Hi everyone!! First of all, thanks to everyone wishing me to feel better! M/S does kinda bite, but it's weird b/c I'm glad it's there to remind me things are working like they are supposed to!

Anyway, I had some brown spotting this morning and was really concerned so I called the doctor's office and they brought us in for my u/s (it was scheduled for tomorrow -- thank goodness I didn't have to wait a full day!)...and I have good news!

IT'S TWINS!!!!

I'm so excited right now b/c I really thought it could be twins (high hcg and progesterone, plus I'm pretty positive i released two eggs this month...i cramp when i do!), but the best part is that both heartbeats were visible and apparently good for 7 weeks (143 and 132)!

I'm really just shocked and excited right now and wanted to share

I hope you are all having a happy day too!
jen

OMG!!! TWINS! A THIRD SET OF PS TWINS!! SQUEEEL!!!! Ok no more caps! Wow! Glad your TWO little ones are good! Thank goodness they brought you in for an u/s quickly so you didn't have to worry! What a relief! CONGRATS!

 

[Kaleigh]

Jenn,
That''s so exciting you are having twins!!! I thought you had suspected it from what you posted. I bet you and your DH are thrilled.

This will be the 3rd set on PS!!!