Hellobee Boards

@skinnycow: @SupernovaJ: This just occurred to me after a convo with a friend, but for fun: What's something you're super excited for with your new LO? I'm looking forward to meeting this new person and seeing their personality blossom, keeping my fingers crossed for BFing to go okay, and really looking forward to watching DH become a dad.

@SupernovaJ: I'm so curious about wireless pumps! A friend gave me her gently used Medela, but I'm nervous it's going to be loud in our open office environment. There is a pumping room (so thankful for this), but it's not too far from the desks and I'm concerned the sound is going to carry.

@skinnycow: So glad you've had such a restorative experience this pregnancy! DH feels similarly to you in that he said he just wants the baby to be here, safe and healthy, then he'll be able to rejoice.

Does everyone already have an idea of what they want their labor/delivery/birth experience to be like?

@SupernovaJ: So interesting how both of your births went so differently. I'm planning to try for an unmedicated birth, mainly because I've heard so many stories of recovery being easier that way and I had so many drugs in my system for IVF, I don't relish the idea of more. I'm aware though that I've never done this before and can't predict how my labor will unfold, so we shall see. Mainly I'm concentrating on not putting pressure on myself to imagine this unfolding in a certain way and to be open to the fact that I can't predict anything. Healthy and safe baby and mama is the ultimate goal!

Unrelated, DH recently learned about PPD signs in a class he took. We're pretty convinced I had prenatal depression when I was on the PIO shots. About a week into getting a positive test, I started having these anxiety attacks at night. Every evening, I'd have a complete breakdown--sobbing without being able to stop, not understanding what was making me so upset, but being really afraid and unable to control it. DH was panicked about it, but we both just thought I was having a hard time adjusting to the pregnancy (infertility is a B). Then about an hour later, I'd get my PIO shot and fall asleep within 15 minutes. We noticed the pattern quickly. It was like clockwork for 9 weeks. Then the day after we stopped PIO, it completely vanished. We know because we had plans that evening and we were afraid of me having a meltdown, but it didn't happen, so it's etched into our brains. When DH learned about how things can be worse with PPD once the sun goes down, he immediately thought of our experience. I'm going to mention it to my OB during my apt. this week. I'm not sure if I'll be more prone to PPD because of this or if it was exacerbated because of the PIO, but it's on both of our radars now...

@foodiebee: It's great you both are aware of PPD signs going into the labor and beyond. I'm just glad women are talking about it so much more now that everyone can share and get ahead of it should it arise.

This pregnancy was very humbling for me in that I struggled immensely with depressive thoughts and moods pretty much since I got my positive test. I was in euphoria with both of my previous pregnancies and motherhood overall so even though I knew PPD was a very real, common occurrence, I couldn't relate. This pregnancy has been completely different though--it's been hard to feel joy. I think it's the combo of the tough physical symptoms, being tired in general, and the stresses of life with work and two littles--all with the underlying hormones. It's all happening at once (new house, new baby, probably new job later this year too). I constantly feel a tremendous amount of pressure to keep it all together, be present with our kids, and figure out the answers to everything with all the changes coming in the next several weeks that I've had little patience and always felt on edge. It's funny because DH has been so, so amazing throughout all this (my highs and lows), being the greatest companion and supporter, yet the moods are still a roller coaster and the generally negative emotions and thoughts don't go away.

It's gotten slowly better as pregnancy has progressed though--the hormones aren't as up and down luckily, but I am totally on guard for possible PPD after this one.

@foodiebee: I'm small-chested also - my normal size is 32B but bigger during pregnancy and nursing. I'm up to about 32C right now but I was a full D while nursing with my daughter. I've never really found a great one that I love. I really like the Kindred Bravely sleep nursing bra but it's really only good for at-home use because it's not supportive enough for me to wear out of the house.

I've been reading along, but work has been busy and DH moved across the country, so I mostly solo parent. He'll be in this weekend and again for Memorial day weekend.

Last appointment was Tuesday. Everything looks good. I asked about an elective induction. I was told I could schedule one starting at 39 weeks. Next appointment is May 3rd.

@skinnycow: Yes, induced with both. I had a water leak at 40+1 with DS. As I was past my due date, they induced with pitocin. I was 3cm dilated. I tried to go into labor with DD, but a non-stress test at 41+3 was not good enough. I was 5cm dilated when I arrived. I had been having back pain in the evenings, but never actually went into labor.

Part of the reason I want an induction is so I don't have to find a person to watch the kids. My hospital induces starting in the evening. I have no close family here. My in-laws are more than willing to come up and watch my older two. I would like DH here as well.

@Mrs. Toad: I completely understand wanting your husband with you and, with his travel, being able to ensure that he's able to do that. All the props for solo parenting while pregnant, mama!

@SupernovaJ: Thanks for the links! I'll definitely check them out. I'm looking forward to our growth ultrasound; it'll be nice to see the babe again! @skinnycow: Going to check out the Kindred Bravely sleeping bra you mentioned too. Thanks!

Happy Friday! How's everyone doing?

I had my 34 week appointment today with a growth ultrasound. Everything ended up being fine/normal, though I am measuring small on the outside. They think it's because baby's head is already so low. I finally saw the baby's face today for the first time, as we had elected not to do 3D/4D imaging earlier in the pregnancy, and skipped over any scans of the face during our anatomy scan. Not knowing the sex or having seen the baby at all, I was super curious. The face was so visible today and I was surprised by the cheeks and lips! It's starting to hit me that there's an actual baby in there.

I go back in two weeks and it'll be weekly appointments from there on out. They'll do the standard swabbing for GBS at that appointment. This weekend, we are taking maternity photos. It's the first time I'll be getting them done which I'm excited about.

How is everyone feeling? Do you feel you'll go into labor early, pretty much around EDD or go past? I have no clue. I'm having all these contractions but I know it could just mean 6 more weeks of it until due date (great!).

@Mrs. Toad: That's great baby is measuring on track. A couple weeks ago, I had such a difficult time eating because I felt constantly stuffed, as if food literally couldn't go down. It got better once my belly dropped. Been eating a lot more, lol.

@SupernovaJ: Thank you for the links!

So enjoy reading everyone's updates! @SupernovaJ: We haven't had an u/s since the 20 week scan and I've been wondering more and more what this kiddo looks like. So glad you got to see your LO!

I've been having BH some but not frequently. I'd be okay delivering before my due date, as like @skinnycow I'm so uncomfortable. Even eating a normal amount can make me feel awfully full. And baby has been kicking the heck out of my ribs, way far north, almost to my chest! Ugh, hurts so much. I can't imagine going past my due date and how uncomfortable I'd feel!

I'd gained around 17 lb. at my last check-in, but my belly feels like it's really grown since then, so I'm kind of afraid for my next apt. I'm 33 weeks like @Mrs. Toad.

I just realized I’m the only one who’s not team green - so exciting that you’re all waiting to find out!

I’ve told my husband that if (big if) we have another I want to be team green.

@foodiebee: I never had an ultrasound after the 20 week one with my first. I had one at 41 weeks with my second, which was a non-stress test as I was trying to avoid an induction at the time. I don't expect an ultrasound, but will talk to my doctor on Friday. I'll be almost 34 weeks.

DH and I have been looking at dates and I will probably ask for an induction at 40+5. If I go into labor earlier, that will be ok. I'm not in any pain right now and not in a hurry to see this little one. I'm enjoying the time with our first two.

As for weight, DS was born a week earlier than DD, yet weighed 1.5 lbs more.

@foodiebee: I don’t think I’ll have another ultrasound either, unless doctors are concerned about size. But we had one last week that ruled out any issues regarding growth so I think that will be the last one.

I have no idea what side my baby is facing. I know the head is way down open, and I feel (kinda icky) little movements—perhaps fingers?—wedged way down on the sides of my pelvis. And then hard feet (?) that poke out right at the front/top of my bump. I can tell the baby is starting to run out of room in there.

@foodiebee: My stomach gets very tight anytime I barely overexert myself. It's silly because I feel like I can't be very active anymore or I end up paying for it, so I definitely feel you! We had a busy weekend packing and other activities and while not strenuous, I was on my feet a lot. This morning my back is definitely hurting a bit. I've been bouncing on my yoga ball and sometimes when I'm in bed at night, I feel nerve pain on my cervix--maybe baby's head? I remember having "lightening crotch" in the last two weeks during my previous pregnancies.

I feel like I'm back in that lull period now that we are in the final four weeks, and time is slowing down again. While I'm physically SO ready to have this baby, for some reason, mentally I feel so unprepared! Not much to look forward to except this week I start my weekly prenatal appointments. At home, we are busy preparing for the big move and I probably have to start wrapping things up at work soon and think about transitioning projects over to my team.

My last two kiddos were both born at 39.5 weeks. I am just so darn curious when this one will decide to make his/her entrance!

In other exciting news (if you follow them at all), the Royal Baby has been born! A boy. It seemed Meghan went over her due date which Harry confirmed in his address to media this morning. People are now taking bets on baby name and Harry mentioned they will probably introduce the baby to the media in a couple of days time. Congrats to the overjoyed couple.

@skinnycow: Good luck with the move! That is so exciting. My last day of work is Friday 5/31 unless baby is born before then. EDD is four days later on 6/4. I will probably work remotely that last week of work as we close on the house and also have contractors coming in. I really don't know what will happen first, baby or house. I was on mat leave already when I went into labor with DD, and I was a SAHM when I went into labor with DS. I am also nervous about going into labor at work. My waters broke with both and definitely do not want that to happen at work.

Happy Monday Hope everyone had a great Mother's Day!

I was in full on nesting mode over the weekend packing and purging, and then DH and I went to Target for a late night "date" and walked for a couple of hours buying basic household supplies for the move and some newborn diapers. It brought back memories of when we were expecting our first--we had nightly walks around Target the last couple of weeks trying to "walk baby out". I get tired a lot more easily now though!

I got results of my GBS test and shockingly, it was negative this time around (tested positive in my previous two pregnancies). This is a relief as I didn't want to head into the hospital too early for the mandatory antibiotics they require if you're in labor and GBS positive. Aside from that, not much else going on. 37 weeks and officially wanting to countdown to baby!

How are you all doing?

@skinnycow: Ahh, that's so exciting. Good luck with the move! Hope everything goes smoothly. Nesting mode can be intense when you're moving around due date, isn't it? Try not to over exert yourself!

@SupernovaJ: Congrats on the GBS. I'll test next week. I was negative the last 2 times, hopefully it'll be negative again.

I'm wondering about the position of baby. In the last week, I have been feeling more movement on the left side. It was only the right side. I'm enjoying the end of this pregnancy as it is probably my last.

I'm not sure when I'll schedule my induction. It'll probably be for 40+5. Doctor already said that would be fine.