Calling all the Pregnant PS''ers

[Blenheim]

Thanks so much - that''s really helpful. How many bibs would be appropriate?

 

[Dreamer_D]

NF and QT See that''s why we need the mamas! I didn''t know that about bottles and I didn''t know that about cotton swabs (I can totally see how they would be better for getting into the little nooks and crannies).

 

[Mrs]

Hi ladies! Sorry to be MIA. I''m still here and reading - just don''t get to post much. Been busy w/work and out and about enjoying life with DH when I''m not at work since I know our time to enjoy each other will be somewhat limited soon. We''ve had great weather lately (I''m in So Cal) so I''m trying to enjoy the outdoors as much as I can too.

I am sooo big these days. seriously can''t believe I have another 9 weeks to grow... I''m kinda hoping she comes early since I can''t imagine how uncomfortable it''s gonna get.

Still haven''t purchased much in terms of baby stuff but a friend of mine offered me her gently used peg perego infant car seat so I plan to use that at first at least and we got a mini co-sleeper on craigslist which should work well for us. I also got one of those "my breast friend" pillows on craigslist. I was so annoyed to find that the foam was kinda broken in half in one spot when I took off the cover to clean it but it seems like the cover will keep it together as needed so hopefully it still works. We''ll see.

dh and I interviewed our first childcare option last week - the woman we met with cares for up to 6 infants and toddlers each day in her home. She''s certified and seemed very well informed and kind. It was so strange to be meeting with her talking about caring for our baby when it wont be for another 5 or 6 months at the earliest. I know we''re wise to begin learning about our options now but it''s so hard to know the right questions to ask and to even think about having to leave my child with someone... oh well, I know we''ll figure it out.

question for those of you who travel for work, do you plan to work until the end and if so, do you anticipate having to curtail your travel at all? I travel down to San Diego and up to north LA by car for work on a regular basis and wonder if I need to consider amending my travel as my due date nears. I plan to speak to my dr about it but would love your thoughts as well.

spbd, congratulations!! thanks for sharing your birth story!

DD, you look great!! Thanks for posting the pics and congrats on completing all your interviews! I hope you they all make you an offer! Hunter Anthony and Fiona Marie are wonderful names! Congrats on picking them! Also, thanks for recommending Ina May''s book. I got it last week and have read through a number of the birth stories and they are certainly empowering.

Sabine, I hope your cervix has stopped being so sensitive! Like you, dh and I do not live near family at all but it doesn''t worry me at all. WIth that being said though, my mom is planning to come help for a month and a half when the baby comes so that may be why I''m not focused on not being near family. I''m sure when she leaves I''ll find it very daunting not to have relatives nearby to help out.

Mela, it sounds like we''re approaching L&D in a similar fashion - hoping to go natural but open to the idea of an epi if absolutely necessary. Let us know if you decide to try the hypno birthing class. Has your charlie horse gotten better? leg cramps are no fun.

Pandora, I''m sorry you''ve had to deal with so much stress for your work. I''m glad you''re getting the support you need and that you''ll be well positioned to have help if needed once the little one is here. congrats on the deals you found out shopping the other day!

nyc, you looked great in the MOH dress! What a beautiful momma you are! Thanks for posting. Your bling is beautiful as well!

China, thanks for the heads up about Babycenter - I''m glad we have such a great group here!

Blen, I''m so glad you''re okay and so sorry you had to experience such a scare! I hope you''re feeling well now and that the baby is stying put (though turning around!)! I''m so glad your doula was such a help in the hospital. Mary Augusta or George Everett are great names - they sound very distinguished. Also, Thanks for the tinyprints link - what a cool site.

Courtney, I haven''t registered yet either. And I feel like you do about how little time seems to be left. crazy!

fiery, I''m glad ladypirate was able to put you at ease a bit about your concerns about getting married before or after the baby comes. I think you should do whatever your gut tells you. WHatever you decide will be fine! I hope you have a great appointment tomorrow hearing the heart beat!

Lindsay, Natalie Claire is a BEAUTIFUL name! And you look wonderful! I wish I were carrying lower like you seem to be.

littlelysser, glad you''re joining us here officially! congrats on finding a dr/practice you like.

So Cal, congrats on your pregnancy and welcome to the club!! We''re sending you sticky vibrations!

 

[neatfreak]

Date: 1/18/2009 10:11:34 PM
Author: Blenheim
Thanks so much - that''s really helpful. How many bibs would be appropriate?

Depends on how often you want to do laundry and if your baby is a spitter or not.

 

[nycbkgirl]

Mrs- so lucky to be spending time outdoors..please enjoy it for all of us and u aren''t crazy for interviewing ppl in advance...I would do the same thing! But I don''t travel so can''t help ya there. Sounds like everything is going well otherwise

Neat- ? For ya....did u read any raising twins books..the ones for after they are born? My mom is looking to read...she was grilling me yesterday..about what to do when they both want things at the same time..like eating,and holding and crying etc. So I would like her to read so she won''t be so worried. (Wouldn''t mind reading it myself )...so what do u do when they cry at the same time??

 

[neatfreak]

Date: 1/19/2009 7:02:22 AM
Author: nycbkgirl
Mrs- so lucky to be spending time outdoors..please enjoy it for all of us and u aren't crazy for interviewing ppl in advance...I would do the same thing! But I don't travel so can't help ya there. Sounds like everything is going well otherwise


Neat- ? For ya....did u read any raising twins books..the ones for after they are born? My mom is looking to read...she was grilling me yesterday..about what to do when they both want things at the same time..like eating,and holding and crying etc. So I would like her to read so she won't be so worried. (Wouldn't mind reading it myself )...so what do u do when they cry at the same time??

Honestly, the "after twins are born" books are a waste of money IMO. Really you just do whatever you have to do to survive when they are both crying! The suggestions are no different than with a singleton, you just have to have someone else to help you or you throw one in a sling and one in your arms or you comfort the one with the more urgent cry first or you pick both up at the same time if you can...it really just depends on the situation. No book can prepare you IMO.

 

[nycbkgirl]

Thanks neat- I did tel u the same thing..that its just like a singletonx2 but she doesn''t want to hear that lol..she swears there is a doctor who writes books about the proper way to raise newborns etc..so I told her to go find it lol..so lets see what the outcome will be. I can''t say dealing with 2 at a time doesn''t worry me but again I agree u just deal and do what u have to.

 

[neatfreak]

Date: 1/19/2009 10:22:26 AM
Author: nycbkgirl
Thanks neat- I did tel u the same thing..that its just like a singletonx2 but she doesn''t want to hear that lol..she swears there is a doctor who writes books about the proper way to raise newborns etc..so I told her to go find it lol..so lets see what the outcome will be. I can''t say dealing with 2 at a time doesn''t worry me but again I agree u just deal and do what u have to.

Everyone and their mother has a book on how to "properly" raise a newborn. And most of them spend half the book telling you why other books suck and how theirs is better.

 

[Blenheim]

I know DD - the moms are such a great resource! I''m not sure how I didn''t think of drool and spit.

NF, we generally do 2-3 loads of laundry a week, but of course that''s going to increase somewhat with a baby in the house. Plus 2-3 loads of diapers a week, and I suppose I could always throw a few bibs in with those. So, laundry at least every other day. How many a day would I need if baby''s not too drooly/spitty? And how many if baby is?

Nycbk, my mom''s going to school in social work, and evidentally a teacher in one of her classes mentioned that one good thing to do in terms of parenting books is to look through a bunch, figure out what resonates best with you, and then have all the grandparents read that one to get everyone on board with the same ideas. Then if you want them to do X instead of Y, it doesn''t come across as you thinking that they didn''t know what they were doing, but as responding to updates/evolutions in parenting ideas since they had newborns. Plus having an "authority" to back you up can help. And yes, authorities will say completely conflicting things - hence getting everyone to read a book that resonates with you.

DH and I were both in the bathroom last night, and he looked into the toilet between me peeing and me flushing and said, "Oh good, no blood." So I suppose that our poor husbands have their own version of TP watching.

 

[nycbkgirl]

Thanks blen- that does sound like a good idea..me finding a book I can agree with and them reading it so we are al on the same page. Even though I know parenting is a hands on thing and u can''t get that from a book. At least she can feel at ease somewhat..she is just overwhelmed with the idea of 2 at a time as well as there being a boy in the picture (we have nooo experience with boys at all )..so she asks don''t they pee on u when u go to change diapers etc..lol..I know she is just scared and it will all come natural to her once they are here bc she''s a great mom and grandma. But I will try to look into a book to ease her worries...

That''s a lot of laundry woman..for just the 2 of u?? Wow...I just finished folding the laundry dh did at 630am..needless to say everything was wrinkled bc he didn''t fold but I got so tired afterwards. I can''t imagine doin 2-3 loads a week!

That''s sweet of dh to be checking toilet lol...I find those things nice bc they really care and show it in their own way

 

[Blenheim]

Really, is that a lot? 1 load of dark clothes, 1 load of whites, 1 load of dark sheets and towels. How many loads do normal people do?

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 1/19/2009 11:26:35 AM
Author: Blenheim
Really, is that a lot? 1 load of dark clothes, 1 load of whites, 1 load of dark sheets and towels. How many loads do normal people do?

I do about the same, but we do it all in one day. I think when you have a baby you may end up doing it even more, maybe every day, depending on how much mess there was that time around!

Bibs: the books say 10. They come in packs so it isn''t much of a hardship to get that many, really.

 

[nycbkgirl]

Date: 1/19/2009 11:26:35 AM
Author: Blenheim
Really, is that a lot? 1 load of dark clothes, 1 load of whites, 1 load of dark sheets and towels. How many loads do normal people do?

maybe it is normal.,..maybe im the odd one out lol...we do laundry usually 1x every 2 weeks..sometimes 1x a week...but its a lot at that time..maybe u just do it more with less loads while we let it accumulate...last time our laundry weighed at 65lbs! lol..so maybe u are normal afterall

 

[Blenheim]

Holy moly, 65 lbs!? We often do 2 loads on the weekend and one mid-week, or sometimes three all at once, but CDs will need to be washed every 2-3 days (meant to say 3-4 loads of diapers a week up there, not 2-3) so altogether after babe''s here laundry will be at least every other day. Maybe more, if messes come up.

I''ll go ahead and add 10 bibs to our list. Thanks!

 

[neatfreak]

Blen How many diapers do you have? Because right now we are going through more than 100 diapers a week. So with a single expect to do 50 diapers a week or so, and you'll want a few extras, so you'll need probably 10 diapers a day for the newborn stage (or maybe more since I have heard you use more with cloth), just something to consider if you are doing cloth.

As for bibs, we probably use 2-3 per baby per day, but my boys are not spitters.

I think your laundry will go up a lot more than a few extra loads though!

 

[neatfreak]

Date: 1/19/2009 11:11:03 AM
Author: nycbkgirl

That''s a lot of laundry woman..for just the 2 of u?? Wow...I just finished folding the laundry dh did at 630am..needless to say everything was wrinkled bc he didn''t fold but I got so tired afterwards. I can''t imagine doin 2-3 loads a week!

Get ready to potentially do 2 loads a day girl...

 

[Blenheim]

Date: 1/19/2009 11:57:27 AM
Author: neatfreak
Blen How many diapers do you have? Because right now we are going through more than 100 diapers a week. So with a single expect to do 50 diapers a week or so, and you''ll want a few extras, so you''ll need probably 10 diapers a day for the newborn stage (or maybe more since I have heard you use more with cloth), just something to consider if you are doing cloth.

As for bibs, we probably use 2-3 per baby per day, but my boys are not spitters.

I think your laundry will go up a lot more than a few extra loads though!

36 infant prefolds and maybe something like 6 covers, plus 24 flats... We plan on using the flats mostly as burp clothes and as emergency "OMG where did all the clean prefolds go"-type diapers, which is exactly what my mom used these particular flats as. Yep, I''ve worn them before.

The prefolds she used with me have since disintegrated, since they make such good dust cloths that I remember cleaning with them as late as middle school or high school. I''m not sure why she saved the flats, but I''ll take ''em.

I''m expecting a lot of laundry coming up here pretty soon. Thankfully, it''s not something that I really mind doing.

I''ll go ahead and get 10 bibs (or rather, make hubby) - it seems like that''ll probably be enough. If not, we can always run out for more.

 

[nycbkgirl]

Date: 1/19/2009 11:59:15 AM
Author: neatfreak

Date: 1/19/2009 11:11:03 AM
Author: nycbkgirl

That''s a lot of laundry woman..for just the 2 of u?? Wow...I just finished folding the laundry dh did at 630am..needless to say everything was wrinkled bc he didn''t fold but I got so tired afterwards. I can''t imagine doin 2-3 loads a week!

Get ready to potentially do 2 loads a day girl...

LOL..i hear ya ...100 diapers a week

wow i didnt even think of it being that much!

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 1/19/2009 12:10:17 PM
Author: Blenheim

Date: 1/19/2009 11:57:27 AM
Author: neatfreak
Blen How many diapers do you have? Because right now we are going through more than 100 diapers a week. So with a single expect to do 50 diapers a week or so, and you''ll want a few extras, so you''ll need probably 10 diapers a day for the newborn stage (or maybe more since I have heard you use more with cloth), just something to consider if you are doing cloth.

As for bibs, we probably use 2-3 per baby per day, but my boys are not spitters.

I think your laundry will go up a lot more than a few extra loads though!

36 infant prefolds and maybe something like 6 covers, plus 24 flats... We plan on using the flats mostly as burp clothes and as emergency ''OMG where did all the clean prefolds go''-type diapers, which is exactly what my mom used these particular flats as. Yep, I''ve worn them before.

The prefolds she used with me have since disintegrated, since they make such good dust cloths that I remember cleaning with them as late as middle school or high school. I''m not sure why she saved the flats, but I''ll take ''em.

I''m expecting a lot of laundry coming up here pretty soon. Thankfully, it''s not something that I really mind doing.

I''ll go ahead and get 10 bibs (or rather, make hubby) - it seems like that''ll probably be enough. If not, we can always run out for more.

Be sure to wash them in cold water and hang them dry if you can! I was talking to an environmentalist scholar I know, and he mentioned that if cloth diapers are washed in hot and dried in a dryer, then the benefits for the environment are totally lost. I suppose the cost may not be lost if one uses hot water and the dryer (though I don''t know how much those utilities would run), but if the environment is part of your reason for using cloth then keep this in mind! I hadn''t really thought about it too much and had assumed that cloth would be greener no matter what.

BTW our friends who used cloth said you need about 30: 10 clean to use that day, 10 dirty and soaking in the storage bin, and 10 being washed! They do laundry every day.

 

[radiantgirl]

Can I join you ladies? You have room for one more? I am finally ready to come back. I have been MIA on here for a while because being on the forums stressed me out too much. Here is a little background on me in case no one remembers:

I got my second BFP on November 4th at 3w2d, super early at only 9 dpo. It was my 4th month of charting after my D & C which happened on 3/17/08. It took my body 105 days or 3.5 months to get my first period back after my missed miscarriage. The HCG level took such a long time to leave my body, thus not letting me ovulate to get a regular period.

I can''t believe I finally made it to the 2nd trimester. Never thought I would ever get here. So far so good. We purchased a fetal doppler to use at home after we first heard the heartbeat at the doctor''s office at 9w3d. I have been very lucky to find it each and every single time since. It''s kept me sane so far.

We had our NT Scan on December 30th, which I was super scared about because it was during my first NT scan last pregnancy that I found out about my missed miscarriage. I had the same tech as last time too, but everything turned out okay. I saw the baby moving around, punching and kicking. It was the coolest thing to me.

We just scheduled our big U/S at my last appointment last Wednesday, and we are definitely finding out the sex. It''s scheduled on 2/18/09. I can''t wait!!! I will be 18w3d then.

Sorry so long, but I am looking forward to this journey again with all of you ladies!

14w1d

 

[Dreamer_D]

Welcome back radiantgirl! I remember your story well and I''m really happy that you are now in the "safe zone". Hopefully now you can relax and enjoy your pregnancy!

 

[nycbkgirl]

Congrats radiantgirl! So happy everything is looking good

 

[neatfreak]

Date: 1/19/2009 12:13:50 PM
Author: nycbkgirl

Date: 1/19/2009 11:59:15 AM

Author: neatfreak

Date: 1/19/2009 11:11:03 AM

Author: nycbkgirl


That''s a lot of laundry woman..for just the 2 of u?? Wow...I just finished folding the laundry dh did at 630am..needless to say everything was wrinkled bc he didn''t fold but I got so tired afterwards. I can''t imagine doin 2-3 loads a week!

Get ready to potentially do 2 loads a day girl...

LOL..i hear ya ...100 diapers a week

wow i didnt even think of it being that much!

Yeah, it might even be more than that. I haven''t counted, but I know we went through more than 1 huge box of diapers this week and I think it had around 100 in it. I''ve heard that their output drastically decreases around 6 weeks...I cannot wait.

 

[lili]

radiantgirl
glad to see you back on here

many congrats and hope you have a smooth and uneventful pregnancy.

 

[neatfreak]

Radiantgirl Glad to see you back! Please come back and tell us all about your 20 week scan!!

 

[Blenheim]

Welcome back, Radiant Girl! It''s awesome that you''re already in the 2nd tri.

DD, that''s surprising to me too. I haven''t looked into details lately, but I thought I remembered that cloth is basically just greener. Even if washing cloth vs manufacturing new disposables would come out to be a wash, you don''t have the landfill issues. I can only think of one time in the past year that we''ve used hot water when washing clothes, and we have environment-friendly detergent, so I think we''re good on those two things. But we''re really lazy about using our clotheslines - there''s just something about folding laundry straight from the dryer, especially in the winter. I''ll keep that in mind though - thanks!

 

[neatfreak]

Date: 1/19/2009 2:35:34 PM
Author: Blenheim
Welcome back, Radiant Girl! It''s awesome that you''re already in the 2nd tri.


DD, that''s surprising to me too. I haven''t looked into details lately, but I thought I remembered that cloth is basically just greener. Even if washing cloth vs manufacturing new disposables would come out to be a wash, you don''t have the landfill issues. I can only think of one time in the past year that we''ve used hot water when washing clothes, and we have environment-friendly detergent, so I think we''re good on those two things. But we''re really lazy about using our clotheslines - there''s just something about folding laundry straight from the dryer, especially in the winter. I''ll keep that in mind though - thanks!

I''ve actually read the same thing as DD, that it''s basically a wash (hehe) if you use hot water and a dryer. Just depends on whether you''d rather fill a landfill or use a lot of water and energy. I''ll have to see if I can find some of the articles...

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 1/19/2009 2:57:58 PM
Author: neatfreak

Date: 1/19/2009 2:35:34 PM
Author: Blenheim
Welcome back, Radiant Girl! It''s awesome that you''re already in the 2nd tri.


DD, that''s surprising to me too. I haven''t looked into details lately, but I thought I remembered that cloth is basically just greener. Even if washing cloth vs manufacturing new disposables would come out to be a wash, you don''t have the landfill issues. I can only think of one time in the past year that we''ve used hot water when washing clothes, and we have environment-friendly detergent, so I think we''re good on those two things. But we''re really lazy about using our clotheslines - there''s just something about folding laundry straight from the dryer, especially in the winter. I''ll keep that in mind though - thanks!

I''ve actually read the same thing as DD, that it''s basically a wash (hehe) if you use hot water and a dryer. Just depends on whether you''d rather fill a landfill or use a lot of water and energy. I''ll have to see if I can find some of the articles...

Yeah, my environmentalist colleague pointed out that often, energy waste (he had a technical name for it) gets ignored and overlooked in the green movement and often it is much more complex to be truly green than we think. I tend to believe this guy, he is a world expert on Green stuff. Surprised the heck out of me!

 

[Blenheim]

I''m finding a bunch of articles that basically said what DD said. However, I''m not finding anything that I''m really happy with. A lot of the studies on the environmental impact were sponsored by Proctor and Gamble, who obviously has a financial stake in the findings. One of the major independent studies sited in a lot of articles used such a small sample size for the cloth diapering folks that I''m not sure how completely representative it is. And even among those who are washing cloth diapers, there are a lot of differences in laundering techniques and in types of diapers. If you''re putting things through a dryer, flats take much less energy to dry than do pockets, which take a lot less energy than do all-in-ones. Hot water vs cold makes a difference. Diaper services wash things more efficiently than individuals do but take energy getting stuff to your house. There are just so many factors going into it. Hmmm.

My belly''s been very lopsided for the past two days. I don''t know why baby likes the right side of my uterus that much more than my left.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 1/19/2009 5:22:45 PM
Author: Blenheim
I''m finding a bunch of articles that basically said what DD said. However, I''m not finding anything that I''m really happy with. A lot of the studies on the environmental impact were sponsored by Proctor and Gamble, who obviously has a financial stake in the findings. One of the major independent studies sited in a lot of articles used such a small sample size for the cloth diapering folks that I''m not sure how completely representative it is. And even among those who are washing cloth diapers, there are a lot of differences in laundering techniques and in types of diapers. If you''re putting things through a dryer, flats take much less energy to dry than do pockets, which take a lot less energy than do all-in-ones. Hot water vs cold makes a difference. Diaper services wash things more efficiently than individuals do but take energy getting stuff to your house. There are just so many factors going into it. Hmmm.

My belly''s been very lopsided for the past two days. I don''t know why baby likes the right side of my uterus that much more than my left.

LOL! I love the randomness of these two topics! I am tempted to write to my "source" and ask him if he has any reputable references for us, but he is a prof at a place I interviewed so I am not sure I want to bug him right now (they will likely be making a hiring decision this week). Maybe if they make me an offer I will ask!

My baby is slightly off center as well. The bum is lodged... and I mean lodged... up under my righthand side rib bage, which puts the head sort of just off to the left of my crotch. Why??? That doesn''t seem comfortable! I am going to ask my m/w next time I see her. My best guess is that it has to do with where my organs puch on the uterus. Maybe my stomach is too close to the upper left so the baby stays to the left?