https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Tue, 28 Apr 2026 18:49:29 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/postpartum-periods-2#post-2926236 Sun, 30 Jan 2022 21:26:01 +0000 Clementine12 2926236@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Tell me about your experiences- I'm most interested in what signs you experienced that indicated your cycle wasr returning.</p> <p>I got my cycle back around 6 months PP with my oldest 2. I also went back to work and was pumping instead of feeding on demand...</p> <p>Here I am nearly 8 months PP with my last kid and no cycle in sight. I stayed home this time - feeding on demand, generally 5 times a day and baby sleeps through the night. I keep thinking its around the corner! Ugh. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-should-i-ask-for-for-christmas#post-2925509 Tue, 16 Nov 2021 22:41:53 +0000 lady baltimore 2925509@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Let me preface this by saying that I HATE asking for specific presents, my love language is whatever one covers the gift giver figuring out something that I would like.</p> <p>That said, my DH is not great at coming up with gift ideas (ask me how many times I have gotten a jumbo pack of fine tipped Sharpies :silly: ). He wants some guidance about Christmas, and since I will be giving birth in February, I am thinking that I may steer him toward something indulgent for postpartum/breast feeding, like a really nice robe or . . . this is not an area where I usually splurge, so I am at a bit of a loss. Any suggestions of something useful, but also a bit fancy or luxurious for the third &amp; fourth trimester? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/umbilical-hernia-during-pregnancy#post-2923864 Tue, 25 May 2021 18:21:22 +0000 cake2017 2923864@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hello! I have an umbilical hernia. Planning to get it fixed after baby since this is our last one. Anyone experience the surgery or procedure? I assume laparoscopic would be the route I go... wondering if it would help the wrinkles on my tummy too? Anyone have this during and after baby? Thanks! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/loose-belly-skin-and-diastasis-recti#post-2920048 Tue, 27 Oct 2020 10:53:36 +0000 Jessiemuller88 2920048@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had twins 10 months ago, and I am back to my pre-pregnancy weight, but I have loose skin around my belly button. I know it’s probably here to stay, but I was wondering if anyone had any results with skin firming lotion or cream. There are a ton on the market, and I am curious to see if anyone has something they recommend. I know there is no miracle cream out there, but any little bit of change would help. </p> <p>I am having a really hard time accepting my new tummy. I also have pretty bad diastasis recti. My gap was originally 6 fingers, and I have gotten it down to 3. I feel like it’s not going to close all the way, even though I do 10 minutes a day, of PT, to help it. Anyone else successfully close such a large gap without surgery? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/postpartum-loungewear-recommendations-please#post-2913670 Thu, 09 Apr 2020 15:14:31 +0000 ttcgirl 2913670@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Please recommend your favorite postpartum loungewear! I will be giving birth via c-section at the end of May and looking to treat myself to a comfortable lightweight robe (bonus points if it has a cute pattern), pjs etc. What items did you live in at the hospital/first weeks home? I will most likely be in the hospital by myself and then continuing to quarantine at home so I know I have no one to impress, but would still like to have a little fun with it during these strange times. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/rant-weaker-immune-system-postpartum#post-2911263 Fri, 06 Mar 2020 14:16:32 +0000 karenbme 2911263@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Ugh, need to vent. I'm four months out from having my first LO, and it feels like I'm constantly sick. I got a cold/fever the first day I went back to work, got over that after ~2 weeks and was fine for maybe 5 days before developing a beast of a sinus infection that sent my temperature up to 102.8 weekend before last. I went to the doctor who tested me for everything under the sun, everything came back negative, and it was labelled a seasonal virus. The sinus infection gave me a bad enough sore throat from all the post nasal drip that I thought I had strep, so I went back to the doctor, negative. And now it's spread to my left eye, giving me viral pink eye. PINK EYE!! I feel like my immune system has totally left the building. I don't know if it's just lack of sleep making me more susceptible to diseases or what, but this is totally ridiculous, and I don't have time for it. /rant</p> <p>Has anyone else felt like they got sicker postpartum? How long did it last? I'm EPing, so I wonder if all my antibodies are just going to the baby (I hope)? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/postpartum-welcome-home-kit-c-section#post-2910513 Thu, 20 Feb 2020 12:43:39 +0000 Becky 2910513@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My SIL is having a C-section in April and I'd like to put together a postpartum recovery/welcome home kit, from myself and some friends/family. This is her second girl, and she has all of the baby things she needs. </p> <p>We will definitely include an Instacart Express membership as she would use this weekly and really appreciate it. I'm also going to ask our friend who's a professional baker to do a batch of lactation cookies (she sells them occasionally). She already has a lot of freezer meals planned out so won't need any of that.</p> <p>Are there any specific things that made your C-section recovery easier/more comfortable? Like OTC meds, creams, teas, etc? Any specific clothes that were really nice to have (it's still usually pretty chilly here in April-early May)? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hospitalnursing-nightgowns#post-2910392 Mon, 17 Feb 2020 22:43:07 +0000 Sams Mom 2910392@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Nothing like waiting until the last minute, but I'm looking for comfy good quality dresses/nightgowns (knee length @ 6' tall) i can order so I'm not in those stinking hospital gowns forever. I'll take pajamas recommendations too if they're c section friendly. </p> <p>Bonus points if they're prime eligible 😬 </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/exclusive-pumping-nipple-pain#post-2909322 Thu, 30 Jan 2020 18:30:01 +0000 Jessiemuller88 2909322@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hey ladies! I’m looking for advice or tips. I have been exclusively pumping for my 5 week old twins and my nipples are so incredibly sore. I have been using lanolin for lubrication and it doesn’t help. My shields are the correct size. I breastfed my son, so I never had this issue before. Any tips to make pumping more bearable? I’m pumping every 3-4 hours and dread it every time because of the soreness. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/smart-moves-to-make-postpartum-easier#post-2908173 Sun, 12 Jan 2020 15:07:09 +0000 SweetCaroline 2908173@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Expecting baby #2 in May (#1 will be 5) and I'm thinking ahead to what I can be doing in the next few months to make postpartum easier.</p> <p>What were you thankful you did and what do you wish you had done? I'll brain dump what I have in mind so far below! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/postpartum-pads#post-2902791 Mon, 18 Nov 2019 22:03:36 +0000 bees_knees 2902791@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>You guys, this is my FOURTH BABY. So why do I not remember what kind of postpartum pads I like? I remember always infinity...but now it looks like they come in sizes? I’m so confused 🤣 What have you used that doesn’t feel like a diaper but actually works?! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/apno-experiences#post-2903589 Mon, 25 Nov 2019 14:58:17 +0000 MLE81 2903589@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Has anyone ever used APNO (All Purpose Nipple Ointment) to help with sore/cracked nipples while breastfeeding?</p> <p>I am 8 days postpartum with #2 and in a lot of pain. I was never able to EBF my daughter due to a poor latch and low supply, and after four months of nursing/pumping/formula supplements, I finally gave up and switched to formula full time (which ended up being a huge relief once I was able to let go of the guilt).</p> <p>Things *seemed* to be going better with my DS this time around, although we are still supplementing due to mild jaundice and slow weight gain. But now I am in a lot of pain, and worried this will jeopardize my hopes for a better breastfeeding experience this time. My midwife prescribed APNO which I’m supposed to pick up later today. Is it likely to make a huge difference in the pain or should I not get my hopes up? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/best-foodsdrinks-to-bring-to-hospital-for-labour-andor-post-delivery#post-2900446 Thu, 24 Oct 2019 09:13:59 +0000 MLE81 2900446@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Did a quick search and couldn’t find a thread about this, but feel free to direct me if I’ve missed it ;)</p> <p>Looking for suggestions for your favourite foods/beverages for before/during/after labour and delivery in a hospital. Our midwife team didn’t think what I brought last time was adequate (although I thought we brought a decent selection), so looking to “up my game” this time :). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/house-cleaner-after-baby-2#post-2897461 Sat, 21 Sep 2019 10:53:03 +0000 MLE81 2897461@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hi everyone! I’m back seeking more advice, since I always get such great feedback here :)</p> <p>I am expecting my second in November, and will be off on mat leave for at least a year. We also have a 3.5 year old DD. Shortly after I returned to work after having DD (so over 2 years ago), we began having a lovely woman come to clean our home once every other week. We LOVE her, LOVE how clean our home is when she leaves, and she LOVES our DD, too. </p> <p>Here’s the thing....once I go on mat leave, our budget doesn’t really have room to afford her services, at least not bi-weekly. We can probably make it work, but haven’t crunched all the numbers yet. But, budget aside, I’m concerned about it not really being feasible/convenient to have her come to our home for 3-4 hours every other Friday to clean while I’m there with baby and possibly DD. Currently the house is empty when she comes, as DH and I are working and DD is at daycare.</p> <p>We need to talk to her soon, and are leaning towards basically saying that we will have to let our current time slot go, at least for now, and although we would love to have her back one day, we certainly don’t expect her to hold a spot for us. </p> <p>Has anyone had a similar experience? What, if anything, did you change about have a cleaner/cleaning service after the arrival of a new baby? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/dh-stay-in-hospital-visitors#post-2894411 Tue, 13 Aug 2019 12:02:57 +0000 cake2017 2894411@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Just curious to hear if your DH stayed with you?</p> <p>Did your DH say they were tired and needed sleep so prefer to sleep at home?</p> <p>Did people show up to visit you without notifying you?</p> <p>Did you get any help during the first few nights with newborn from spouse?</p> <p>Adjusting with more than one child in the beginning? How did it go.</p> <p>How did you cope with your body after baby?</p> <p>TIA </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/birth-control-wboth-estrogen-amp-progesterone-while-bf#post-2893370 Fri, 02 Aug 2019 14:18:34 +0000 cake2017 2893370@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hi!</p> <p>Just wanted to see if anyone used the combination Birth control and didn’t have issues with milk supply. I will BF but also supplement with formula at times like I did w/ LO1. I prefer to take a pill after this pregnancy. Any experiences or thoughts would be helpful! Thank you! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/light-postpartum-period-question#post-2890204 Sat, 06 Jul 2019 22:33:46 +0000 bhbee 2890204@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don’t really remember the first pp period with my first, but with my second, and after my d&amp;c for a missed miscarriage, it was (sorry tmi) like a murder scene for months. </p> <p>Last baby is almost 11m and AF just showed her face. I noted ewcm so I was expecting her (can’t turn that ttc brain off!) but it was so light, like could have just used liners for about 4 days. But definitely some red and at the right time post Ewcm. </p> <p>I know pp af can be all over the place - but if yours started light did it stay that way? Or what came next? I would so love to skip the super heavy months, regular period are bad enough!! I’m basically ready for menopause now that we’re done :silly: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/post-partum-girdle-or-band#post-2866857 Tue, 15 Jan 2019 22:11:03 +0000 sunstar 2866857@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Looking for recommendations for a post partum support band or girdle. I have diastasis recti from #2 and will soon be giving birth to #3. I think my tummy will need all the support possible! I’m also considering some PP leggings, if anyone has recommendations for those... thanks!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/favorite-easy-to-eat-postpartum-foods#post-2859868 Mon, 03 Dec 2018 20:09:33 +0000 mediagirl 2859868@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>What should I stock the fridge with?</p> <p>So far I'm thinking<br /> Sliced Colby jack cheese<br /> Sliced peppers and carrots<br /> Hummus<br /> Apples<br /> Grapes </p> <p>What else do you have on hand to eat after the baby is born? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-items-were-most-helpful-in-the-first-month-post-birth#post-2857879 Wed, 21 Nov 2018 10:02:09 +0000 mediagirl 2857879@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm using my completion discount from my registry and want to make sure I have everything covered. I know I can use it twice so this time I want to start with things I will need right away. What did you use the first month after baby was born?</p> <p>On my list so far are: changing pad covers (extras), baby shampoo/lotion, lanolin cream, nosefrida, diaper bag. </p> <p>I have a swing, bouncer, crib, bassinet, pnp, changing table, baby carrier, carseat, clothes, diapers.... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-experiences-using-adult-diapersdepends-after-delivery#post-2837669 Thu, 02 Aug 2018 20:24:31 +0000 crazydoglady 2837669@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I found that after birth, the pads and mesh undies were alright, but they left quite a bit to be desired in terms of coverage. I still bled through and had to ask for those "puppy pads" (sorry-- that's what they remind me of) frequently.<br /> Anyone try adult diapers or Depends? Pros/cons? Recommendations? I am all ears. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/postpartum-snacks#post-2836298 Thu, 26 Jul 2018 18:47:45 +0000 Sushi0917 2836298@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My best friend just had her first baby and I want to stock her kitchen with easy snacks and meal fixings. I was thinking along the lines of bagels, cream cheese, sandwich fixings, but that's about the extent of my ideas. What were things you really liked for postpartum snacks and meals? Bonus points if it happens to be vegetarian! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/best-postpartum-items#post-2834932 Thu, 19 Jul 2018 10:54:39 +0000 castilrm 2834932@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hi all! So one of my best friends is due with her first at the end of the summer. I’ve had two babies in the last 3 years so you’d think I’d be able to offer decent advice on labor and postpartum items but I swear I’ve blocked it all from my mind. I could remember the basics of what I had with me in the hospital (clothes for baby and mom’s return home, night gown for hospital stay, flip flops, chapsticks, chargers, toiletries, any comfort items) and for immediate postpartum (numbing spray, sitz bath, types of pads, nipple cream, Tucks), but I was trying to think of other items that a new mom might enjoy receiving in the initial days home from the hospital or something that you found comforting during labor. Any suggestions? I’d love to send her a gift and while flowers are always nice to receive, I was trying to think of something more geared to postpartum needs. Thanks!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ovarian-cyst-painful-for-months#post-2829941 Thu, 21 Jun 2018 11:03:11 +0000 coddergirl 2829941@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hey all!<br /> I have had abdominal pain for 2 months and found out via ultrasound I have an ovarian cyst on the left. It hurst *all the time*. Doc says it will go away on its own and prescribed BC pills. It feels like the pain is getting worse and more constant than before. </p> <p>Anyone experienced this? Did it just take months of pain before it went away? I have read they usually don't hurt so I guess I'm slightly worried it's something more serious. 10 months pp. Have been cycling again for last 2 months. </p> <p>S </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/weight-after-baby-2#post-2828047 Wed, 13 Jun 2018 00:52:18 +0000 CatchAFallingStar 2828047@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The weight fell off so easily and quickly with my first daughter 3 years ago. This time around, not so much. I've only lost about 20 pounds of the 45-50-ish that I gained. With my first, I went from 212lb to 135 within a year, which was actually a little too thin (I'm 5'9") -- without even trying. I'm not doing anything different this time (besides being older) and I'm currently stuck at about 195lb and wearing a size 14 pants. What gives? Anyone else? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/gift-for-new-mom#post-2818606 Thu, 26 Apr 2018 11:35:07 +0000 Mamaof2 2818606@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My friend was due Tuesday - her c/s date is next Tuesday</p> <p>When the time comes and I go see her and the new baby at the hospital what should I bring? Food? Balloons? Flowers? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/first-period-and-breastfeeding#post-2814657 Thu, 05 Apr 2018 21:15:03 +0000 cake2017 2814657@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hi all,</p> <p>I am curious to know your experience....</p> <p>How long were you on your period if you were breastfeeding, supplemented,introducing solids etc?????</p> <p>Did your periods start to regulate after a few months????</p> <p>Thanks! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/out-of-town-visitors-right-after-baby-is-born#post-2811831 Mon, 26 Mar 2018 08:52:31 +0000 PurplePumps 2811831@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My in laws are a 4 hour flight away and have expressed that they want to visit (stay with us) in October right after the baby is born (due date Sept 30). At first, I was like ok, whenever, that's fine and maybe it's best during the first 3 weeks while my husband is out on parental leave too so that they wont be too bored if I'm totally occupied or sleeping.... But then my husband asks if maybe we just want it to be the 3 of us so early on? Or would we be happy with having them around for the extra hands?<br /> This will be our first so I have no idea how I will end up feeling. My family is 40 minutes away, so help is nearby if needed, and can go home if it feels "crowded" and we want time to ourselves.<br /> How did you feel after your first? Do you think immediately after would be a reasonable time to host out of town guests? When would the "best" time for you to have had out of town visitors be after baby was born? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/postpartum-tummy#post-2800155 Sat, 27 Jan 2018 02:51:28 +0000 cake2017 2800155@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hi all,</p> <p>It’s been alittle over 7 months! Just wondering how long it may take to get the tummy back?! I’ve worked on getting back to where I want/need to be but just not happy with my tummy. </p> <p>Any tips or suggestions?! </p> <p>Thanks! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/postpartum-sex#post-2784129 Sat, 04 Nov 2017 02:02:25 +0000 cake2017 2784129@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>When did you return to being intimate with your DH or SO? I have been to my PP appt 4 months ago and still dread intimacy. I am afraid of what it will be like after baby! I want to but feel insecure. I am EBF as well and DH is ready etc. We have had sex once and I was nervous worrying about what he thought. Please share your feelings and when you returned to being intimate... any suggestions?!!!! </p>