https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sun, 10 May 2026 20:16:11 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/just-a-fun-due-date-poll#post-2918143 Tue, 11 Aug 2020 14:43:59 +0000 MoonMoon 2918143@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Just curious! For those who have given birth 2+ times, did your second come earlier, same time, later, or something completely different? My first was born at 39+2 and I want to know :happy: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/birth-in-the-time-of-covid-19#post-2913090 Mon, 30 Mar 2020 08:59:47 +0000 Becky 2913090@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I thought it might be helpful to start a thread about birth experiences/planning during COVID-19. I know there are a number of people on the April due date thread who will be delivering soon, and many of us all over the country who are due in May-July. Here are some questions to get it started (one set for already delivered; one for due later):</p> <p>Already delivered:<br /> 1. Your delivery date<br /> 2. Your state/location<br /> 3. Did you prepare differently for this hospital visit? Ex. Did you pack anything different?<br /> 4. Your delivery experience in relation to COVID (pre-screening, number of support persons allowed, how long you stayed in the hospital, etc.)<br /> 5. Have you been advised to isolate for 14 days (or other amount of time) after the birth? How are you managing this if you have other children?<br /> 6. Are your pediatric visits different than they typically would be (fewer, telehealth, etc.)?</p> <p>Delivering later:<br /> 1. Your due date<br /> 2. Your location/state<br /> 3. How have your OB visits changed?<br /> 4. Have you changed how you are preparing for birth (online childbirth classes, doulas, etc)?<br /> 5. How is your hospital handling birth/labor and delivery right now?<br /> 6. Have you talked to your pediatrician about what visits will look like?<br /> 7. Anything else! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/some-nynj-hospitals-banning-support-persons-for-lampd#post-2912856 Wed, 25 Mar 2020 17:59:58 +0000 DesertDreams88 2912856@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p><a href="https://www.change.org/p/andrew-m-cuomo-safeguard-the-right-of-all-laboring-people-during-covid-19-crisis/u/26073184" rel="nofollow">https://www.change.org/p/andrew-m-cuomo-safeguard-the-right-of-all-laboring-people-during-covid-19-crisis/u/26073184</a></p> <p>horrifying... I'm pretty sure I would have passed out without my husband the first time and would have had an emergency CS under general anesthesia. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/homebirth#post-2909145 Tue, 28 Jan 2020 01:25:02 +0000 Becky 2909145@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I’ve recently started considering homebirth. I am a very low risk pregnancy (3rd baby, two previous uncomplicated deliveries), and the practice we would be working with employers Certified Nurse Midwives. I live in NY state, and am 15 minutes from a hospital. </p> <p>I have several reasons for considering homebirth:<br /> 1. Very quick, unmedicated second labor (first was uncomplicated induction)<br /> 2. While I’m confident advocating for myself, I just don’t feel comfortable in a hospital setting.<br /> 3. My current midwife (who delivers at hospital) is leaving my OB practice. There are 3 others, 2 of whom I do not feel are experienced or knowledgeable.<br /> 4. If I deliver at the hospital after 10pm, my midwife wouldn’t be present so I’d have someone I don’t know. </p> <p>We’ve gotten very mixed reactions. We actually found out that several people we know had homebirths so the perspective of women who have delivered in our geographic area is helpful. But then there are others who point to the reality that many studies indicate increased neonatal mortality. The rates cited are low, but as much as 2-3 fold hospital rates. They’re difficult to generalize though as they can’t distinguish all planned, low-risk homebirths from total home births. </p> <p>Any helpful perspectives for or against on here? I know these obviously arent medical opinions, and I’m actually going to talk to my regular midwife next week (if I do a hospital delivery I will likely switch to the practice she is going to). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-did-you-get-to-the-hospital-when-you-went-into-labor#post-2907100 Fri, 27 Dec 2019 21:30:42 +0000 greencraftycello 2907100@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>How did you get to the hospital when you went into labor?</p> <p>With our first baby, I started having contractions in the middle of the night, and they weren't close enough together to leave until 6 AM, so my husband was home and drove me to the hospital.</p> <p>I am having a little anxiety this time around, because we moved and my husband's job is 55 minutes away from our house instead of 5, and we also live an hour from the hospital I am supposed to deliver at. I am worried I will go into labor during the day when he is at work. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-did-you-wish-you-knew#post-2905011 Mon, 09 Dec 2019 00:37:35 +0000 bees_knees 2905011@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>What do you wish you knew, or what are you glad someone told you, about pregnancy/childbirth/parenthood?</p> <p>I am SO glad that our nurse mentioned that baby girls can have vaginal discharge in the first few days as your hormones are passing through them. I will be mentioning this to any friends pregnant with girls, because I would have straight panicked had I not known 😂</p> <p>I have a friend who had her first baby fairly young and packed her pre-pregnancy clothes to the hospital, thinking she’d be able to wear them home. (She now tells every pregnant friend that yes, you will still look 6 months pregnant when you leave the hospital!)</p> <p>Another friend said the biggest surprise of motherhood was the pain of breastfeeding and engorgement. And when her milk came in, she had no idea that’s what was happening! </p> <p>Any others?! What do you “warn” moms about? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tell-me-about-your-second-birth-after-c-section#post-2898910 Tue, 08 Oct 2019 11:24:15 +0000 skiierchck99 2898910@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had a c-section after being induced at 39 weeks because I tripped and fell while walking g the dog. 3 days of labor, I dialated to 9.5 and then got stuck and ended up with a c-section. I’m starting to think about it the second time around and I’m curious what others did and how you made that decision? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-youve-had-both-a-a-cesarean-and-a-vaginal-delivery#post-2891862 Sun, 21 Jul 2019 18:30:43 +0000 DillonLion 2891862@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Which is better/worse? If you could pick between the two for a 3rd baby, what would you pick? Why do you prefer one over the other? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-would-you-do-in-my-situation-induction-vs-c-section-and-when#post-2890657 Thu, 11 Jul 2019 11:56:50 +0000 DillonLion 2890657@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm currently 35 weeks pregnant with my 2nd. </p> <p>First baby was an induced vaginal delivery at 41 weeks for suspected pre eclampsia. No major complications except a post partum hemmorage. Milk took 5 days to come in. She was 7 lb, 10 oz</p> <p>In this pregnancy, I have had high blood pressure on and off since about 20 weeks. I take my BPs at home 2x a day and they are always normal at home. At the doc office, they are almost always elevated. No other signs of pre eclampsia thus far.</p> <p>Baby has been measuring very large on U/S and fundal height (which i know can be way off) At 32 weeks they were projecting he'd be 11.5 lbs at 40 weeks. I have another scan next week at 36 weeks to check growth.</p> <p>Since 32 weeks ive had weekly sonos to check fluids and non stress tests to check fetal heart rate with movements. All normal.</p> <p>The discussions have been to most likely induce at 37 weeks because of the high blood pressure (which is the current ACOG recommendation) and to consider a scheduled c-section due to his size. </p> <p>If you are in my shoes, what do you do? Induce? Ask to wait a little longer? Go for the c section or try to deliver vaginally? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-spontaneous-labor-occur-earlier-or-later-in-your-second-pregnancy#post-2887156 Fri, 07 Jun 2019 11:13:28 +0000 skinnycow 2887156@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My labor spontaneously began at 38+5 with my daughter and I'm currently impatiently waiting for baby #2 at 38+2. I don't feel like this baby is coming out anytime soon so I'm afraid I might be waiting awhile...</p> <p>How did your delivery dates compare? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/induction-after-successful-spontaneous-first-labordelivery#post-2873289 Thu, 21 Feb 2019 10:05:09 +0000 BadgerMom 2873289@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Has anyone had to be induced with their second (or subsequent kiddo) after successful spontaneous previous labor/delivery?</p> <p>DS came out of no where at 38 weeks, 2 days (4.5 years ago). It was a pretty “easy/fast” first labor/delivery they tell me. I started contracting in the evening. Contractions ramped up steadily overnight and DS was born 20 mins after arriving at the hospital at 9am. </p> <p>Now here I am at 39 weeks 5 days with lots of Braxton Hicks and not much else. DD seems to be rather comfy in there. I don’t think anyone thought I’d make it this far including me. I am a gestational diabetic but my numbers have been perfect so I think my OB will let me go to 41.5/42, I’m just not sure if I want to and am starting to think about possibly inducing next week. </p> <p>There don’t seem to be many stories out there about people needing inductions after spontaneous labors. Google actually automatically turns the question around lol. So, anyone else on HB been through this? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/membrane-stripping-experiences#post-2861640 Wed, 12 Dec 2018 09:57:35 +0000 LindsayInNY 2861640@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Talk to me about your experience. When did you have it done, did it help/work, etc. </p> <p>I’m 40+5 today (DD came at 39+6). Have a doctors appointment tomorrow. I think she’ll talk induction for next Tuesday at 41+4, her next hospital day. I wanted an unmedicated birth and would like to avoid true induction if possible. Wondering if having my membranes stripped is a good option beforehand?</p> <p>ETA: At last check, I was 1cm, 70-80% effaced and head down and in place. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/break-between-contractions#post-2857571 Mon, 19 Nov 2018 20:54:52 +0000 annem1990 2857571@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>LO is 14 months and we are thinking of starting to try for #2. I know I'm getting ahead of myself, but this has always confused me about DS's birth and wanted to know what others experience.</p> <p>My water broke at 5am (no contractions prior) and the pain immediately started. I could time them 2-3minutes apart. They were super painful and would scream through them. But then I'd have a minute or so break in between. During those times I was able to eat, pack, laugh at a TV show etc. It was super painful during the contraction, but there was a clear break.</p> <p>By the time we got to the hospital at 6:30am, there were absolutely no breaks. I could sort of tell when one was "peaking," but the pain was constant. I literally screamed non-stop like a crazy person. It was not what I had been told about labor. Where was my 30-second break?!? :shocked: </p> <p>I planned on getting an epidural from before labor started and by 9:30am I was pain-free. Then I went back to my happy self and was even online shopping while the Dr checked me to say I was at 10cm. But it's always bugged me...was what I experienced for those few hours like most? I really was under the impression you got a short break between contractions even while pushing... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/who-watched-your-older-kids-when-you-went-into-labor#post-2856542 Wed, 14 Nov 2018 09:31:51 +0000 mediagirl 2856542@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>A couple of follow-up questions to that:<br /> -When did you go into labor?<br /> -What did you do with your kid(s)? Did the person watching come to you or did you take your kids to them?<br /> -If they came to your house, when did they arrive?</p> <p>I'm dreading going into labor spontaneously. I do have an induction scheduled but if I go into labor, I need to figure out a plan. </p> <p>My inlaws live nearby but don't drive at night. Last time, we went to the hospital at 4am. </p> <p>We want to keep our daughter at our house or close by (like at a friend's house that also has kids at her school) b/c I want her to go to school. </p> <p>The last thing I want is for someone to be in my house while I am in labor, moaning and groaning. And possibly in my way, too if I'm walking around and they're around. I just don't want anyone around except my husband and daughter!!</p> <p>I'm probably over-thinking this....but isn't that what hellobee is for? :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/labor-amp-delivery-contacts-or-glasses#post-2856346 Tue, 13 Nov 2018 11:33:41 +0000 LindsayInNY 2856346@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Trying to decide what to do when the time comes... With DD, I think I wore my glasses to the hospital since I didn't know what to expect. BUT I'm nearly blind without them and it was annoying having to ask DH to get them, take them off, etc. I want to wear my contacts this time but worry I'll need to take them out at some point and not be able to. Clearly I'm overthinking this ;) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/1st-child-vs-second-weeks-pregnant-at-birth#post-2855368 Tue, 06 Nov 2018 17:45:56 +0000 MamaBear87 2855368@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The other post got me thinking....did your second come earlier or later than your first? </p> <p>My mom is flying in to stay with us and while we have backups in place I'd love to have her already here so we don't have to rush around. I know it's baby and there's no guarantee just trying to decide when to buy her ticket 😂 </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-these-early-labor-signs-going-crazy#post-2850455 Wed, 10 Oct 2018 15:29:28 +0000 lioneyes 2850455@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I am 34w4d today (DS came at 35,2 but I have been on progesterone shots since 17w this time).<br /> Sunday I went to OB triage because I lost a lot of fluid, came back negative as amniotic fluid, they sent me home. Lost a lot more late Sunday night and started bleeding (pinkish) so went back Monday am. Same deal. Also cervix is closed, baby looks fine, tons of fluid in sac.<br /> I’m still losing fluid in gushes, not a slow leak and not enough to wet the floor but it soaks my pants multiple times a day. If it’s pee, is this a sign baby dropped? I look exactly the same and can’t control the gushes which suuucks.<br /> Also I lost 3-4 lbs since the hospital Sunday and my doc appointment yesterday which happened last time.<br /> I’m not really having contractions (1 or 2 an hour since last night but could be BH).</p> <p>Any thoughts? Would like baby to hang out for another 2 weeks at least! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bestworst-part-of-your-labordelivery#post-2847447 Wed, 26 Sep 2018 13:58:42 +0000 snowjewelz 2847447@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Please try to think of something else other than "seeing your baby" because that's a given, haha! </p> <p>DD1<br /> Best part - Was induced so I got to take my time to pack, got a mani, and ate a good meal before going in!<br /> Worst part - Her heart rate was so low at one point I was wheeled into an OR about to get an emergency c-section</p> <p>DD2<br /> Best part - I didn't push for 2 hours like I did with my 1st. 20 min was fast to me<br /> Worst part - I had a fever going in so she had to stay in NICU </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hospital-nursery#post-2825815 Fri, 01 Jun 2018 15:46:51 +0000 Sams Mom 2825815@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>This is stemming from another post. </p> <p>How many of your hospitals have a nursery still?</p> <p>How many of you used it?</p> <p>Neither hospital in my town has a nursery anymore (for around 4 years now). There is a small nursery your baby goes to if it needs extra care for jaundice or body temp or blood sugar or anything else minor not requiring the NICU; but there just isn't a nursery to send your baby to to get a break. The nurses will come check every couple hours overnight, they're in and out during the day, and they can watch your baby at the nurses station or maybe the nursery if no one is there to watch it while you shower. I'm just surprised because my hospital made it sound like everyone was getting away from nurseries as an added protection to avoid mixups, and for security reasons in general. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/dr-away-for-my-delivery#post-2823197 Thu, 17 May 2018 13:12:14 +0000 Lindsay05 2823197@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It’s been forever since I posted on these boards. I need some reassurance right now. I am expecting our third and my due date is on Sunday. My Dr who has delivered both of my girls will be away as of tonight until the 28th. There’s a very good chance I will have a different doctor delivering this baby. I am heartbroken and nervous because my doctor has seen me at every appointment for all of my pregnancies. I don’t know why this has me so incredibly sad and upset. I realize that all doctors are trained to deliver and the most important thing is that we are safe. However, there is that relationship between my doctor and I that makes the delivery process so much easier. Not sure what I’m looking for but I guess more of a place to vent. Thanks :bummed: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anything-your-hospital-did-above-and-beyond-after-delivery#post-2818695 Thu, 26 Apr 2018 15:00:49 +0000 josina 2818695@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Just curious as to what is the norm, and what is extra.</p> <p>When I delivered both my LO's, the hospital provided a snack basket - Gatorade, crackers, cookies, fresh fruit, granola bars; as well as a take-home meal - frozen lasagna and garlic bread. Both were sooo appreciated.<br /> We also got the standard newborn stocking hat, and were told to take home any extra diapers, pads, disposable undies, or anything else like that that had been supplied. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/can-you-bring-kids-to-lampd-until-someone-else-can-get-them#post-2807814 Mon, 05 Mar 2018 14:36:34 +0000 HappyBaker 2807814@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm trying to figure out our contact list for when I go into labor for #3, and wondering if anyone knows if you can bring your kids to L&amp;D? My parents live 1-2 hours away depending on traffic and in the super marginal case that I can't get any local friends to watch the kids do you think I can bring them with us and just set them up with a movie until my parents can come pick them up? Or would it be better to just have DH drop me at the hospital and wait at home / in the parking lot with them? </p> <p>Has anyone done this? It sounds insane but I'm nervous that now all my parent friends have their own babies and toddlers and its not quite as easy for people to drop everything as it was a few years ago! </p> <p>I'm really hoping to just be induced so I can actually have a real plan as this causes me anxiety! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-helpful-things-did-your-spouse-do-while-you-were-in-labor#post-2815595 Wed, 11 Apr 2018 09:15:25 +0000 oldschooolmama 2815595@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We can't afford a doula so I'm hoping to give my husband a list of tips/ tricks to help him be a great birth coach. We are signed up for birth classes but they don't start until the end of the month. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-coldflu-symptoms-mean-labor-is-close#post-592314 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 15:09:25 +0000 tororojo 592314@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I assume I'm just getting sick. But I googled and there are all kinds of posts/articles on how cold or flu-like symptoms could mean labor is near. Or maybe they're just hopeful inquiries from full-term women who are coming down with something. Did you experience sinus stuff/sore throat/that type of thing before going into labor? What symptoms did you have? Did it turn out to be due to labor or did you just happen to get sick at the right time?</p> <p>(I reeeeeally want to believe I'm not getting sick the week of my EDD...seems like it would make for a potentially miserable birth experience) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-were-induced-in-your-first-pregnancywhat-happened-in-your-second#post-2782886 Mon, 30 Oct 2017 07:29:25 +0000 Bea 2782886@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Exactly what the title says. If you were induced with LO1, what happened with LO2?</p> <p>LO1 was induced at 40+2. All was fine, no medical reason. We were just given the option of that day or 41 weeks. I had had no dilation progress for 3 weeks.<br /> I’m 37+3 with LO2 and would love it if it happened on its own but know there’s no way to predict what will happen. Doctor couldn’t find my cervix at 37 weeks but said it was very soft. </p> <p>What’s been your experience? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-find-hospital-childbirth-classes-useful#post-2781498 Mon, 23 Oct 2017 15:45:35 +0000 periwinklebee 2781498@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm referring here mostly to the generic hospital style one day course, but also interested to know about other experiences. I'd also be super interested to hear whether people found nursing classes helpful...at my hospital, different topics (i.e. childbirth, nursing, infant care) have separate signups and fees. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/timing-of-second-or-later-delivery-compared-to-first#post-2775812 Wed, 27 Sep 2017 08:33:30 +0000 skinnycow 2775812@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>How early/late did you deliver your second (or later) child in comparison with your first? Anecdotally, it seems like second children come earlier than first. I’m very newly pregnant with #2 and DD came fast and furious at 38w5d. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/labor-prep-boot-camp#post-2771719 Tue, 05 Sep 2017 16:16:03 +0000 mrsbubbletea 2771719@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>What do you think is the best way to prep your body for labor with approximately 11 weeks to go? I feel like I am really out of shape, and having so much pelvic pain, that worries me for the "marathon" of delivery! I wasn't exactly overweight before this pregnancy, but I had wanted to be healthier and I don't do regular exercise (cardio or strength training). Moderately active with a toddler and a job where I usually spend my shift on my feet. </p> <p>My only ideas are make an effort to walk as much as possible, every day, and look into some prenatal yoga youtube videos? Any suggestions? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/inability-to-dilate#post-1160394 Sat, 19 Oct 2013 08:40:45 +0000 Becksabee 1160394@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Has anyone had a problem with dilating during labor? </p> <p>I was induced at 40w4d and I ended up with contractions every 2 minutes, but I never dilated at all. They also had to keep turning the Pitocin off because it was affecting our little guy - he was having problems breathing. After a day and a half, my doctor did a c-section. </p> <p>I'm asking because we're planning on TTC'ing in January, and my doctor has told me he is recommending a c-section with my future pregnancies. He had said this kind of issue tends to repeat itself and it would save a lot of frustration to just do a planned c-section. Just wondering if anyone has had this problem and when on to have a vaginal delivery. </p> <p>We are a little concerned with cost on this one. With my insurance at the time, everything was paid off. With what I have now, I would have to pay 80% of hospital bill and I can imagine a c-section is quite a bit more expensive. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/dcmdva-bees-where-did-you-deliver#post-1208270 Mon, 11 Nov 2013 10:46:05 +0000 Weagle 1208270@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Or where do you plan to? LO was born at Virginia Hospital Center, and it was awesome! I love my doctor there. The next LO will probably be born at Anne Arundel Medical Center because it's closer. </p>