Hellobee Boards

July 24: Thismustbetheplace (#2) - 37 w, 2 d
July 25: APRILFOOL (#2) - 37 w, 1 d
July 26: Umberto (#1 ) - 37 w, 0 d
July 28: TeawithPaloma (#2) - 36 w, 5 d
July 30: dcw6411 (#3 ) - 36 w, 3 d
July 30: pregnantbee (#2 ) - 36 w, 3 d
July 30: mossyslane (#2 ) - 36 w, 3 d
July 31: AANDMKLOVER (#3 ) - 36 w, 2 d
August 1: MrsBeluga (#2 ) - 36 w, 1 d
August 2: coffeemom (#2 ) - 36 w, 0 d
August 8: mrschickpea (#1 ) - 35 w, 1 d
August 11: silva (#2 ) - 34 w, 5 d
August 11: coopsmama (#3 ) - 34 w, 5 d
August 13: glitter (#2 ) - 34 w, 3 d
August 16: oldpuebloJenn (#2 ) - 34 w, 0 d
August 16: MrsSCB (#1 ) - 34 w, 0 d
August 16: T.H.O.U. (#3 ) - 34 w, 0 d
August 17: KOALAHUGZ (#2 ) - 33 w, 6 d
August 18: pwnstar (#2 ) - 33 w, 5 d
August 19: stratosphere (#2 C/S 8/16) - 33 w, 4 d
August 20: jojogirl (#2 ) - 33 w, 5 d
August 22: shootingstar (#2 C/S 8/16) - 33 w, 1 d
August 24: agold (#1 ) - 32 w, 6 d
August 25: LCTBQE (#1 ) - 32 w, 5 d
August 28: mrskerch (#1 ) - 32 w, 2 d
August 29: clairhuxtable (#2 ) - 32 w, 1 d
August 30: pirouette (#2 ) - 32 w, 0 d

Hope everyone had a great holiday weekend!

@Aandmklover: Wow! How were your other two? I know with my second I was progressing more (although still maybe 1cm and 50%) compared to no progress with my first. I'm hoping this third one is even more prepared.

@Aandmklover: Wow! When did you deliver your others? Progress is great!

@T.H.O.U.:

1) Have you discussed what your parenting style will be like (particularly for newborns)? Anything you swear you won't
do? Sleep routines, feeding, etc?

Well, two kids deep, and we've just done what has worked best for each particular child. My son needed more scheduled feedings (literally to the 3 hour mark, it was crazy) and did better sleeping in his own bed in our room. My daughter needed bed-sharing from day one and was definitely not about scheduled feedings - the boob was out a lot with that one! So I'm just going to go with the flow with baby 3. It worked out with both. Even though we bed shared exclusively with my daughter, she was in her own crib by 6 months and both are excellent sleepers and nappers now as toddlers so I don't think there is a better way to do things - just different ways and it depends on each child!

2) Anyone have plans for their maternity leave? How do you think you'll spend your days?

I won't have any sort of maternity leave as a SAH mom, obviously.

3) Does your doctor do internal checks and will you get them? Starting in what week?

My midwife does if you want - I think starting about 38 weeks. I will decline them all this time I think. I had them the last two times and, frankly, they meant absolutely nothing. I was 3cm dilated and 80% effaced at 40 weeks and still made it to my induction at 42 weeks. I was completely closed at 40 weeks with my first and went into labor 4 days later. I will only pursue a check if I am still pregnant at 41 weeks just to get a game plan for induction going.

1) Have you discussed what your parenting style will be like (particularly for newborns)? Anything you swear you won't do? Sleep routines, feeding, etc?

I guess I most closely go to attachment parenting. I plan to breastfeed like I did with the other two and I love baby wearing. So helpful when you have other children.

2) Anyone have plans for their maternity leave? How do you think you'll spend your days?

I'm a stay at home mom. I know there will be an adjustment period for a little while but I'm happy my husband is taking 2 weeks off. I'm interested to see what the new daily routine is going to look like. I know my days will but busy with 3 kids 3.5 and younger.

3) Does your doctor do internal checks and will you get them? Starting in what week?

My Drs start early with me because I've always gone early and personally I like to know where my body is at. I know it could mean nothing but its just nice knowing my body is doing what it's supposed to at this point. My first check was with my group b strep test last week at 35 weeks and she checked again today (36w) and I've already progressed since a week ago.

@Aandmklover: Wow! I can't believe you are getting so close!

@T.H.O.U.: Gees! Tough questions!

1) Have you discussed what your parenting style will be like (particularly for newborns)? No, we really haven't discussed it in any specifics. But we are on the same page with just about everything so I think we will be okay in that department. I just pray we can keep her safe, warm and sufficiently fed!

2) Anyone have plans for their maternity leave? How do you think you'll spend your days? I am really looking forward to maternity leave. I'm working so hard right now so that I don't have any unfinished work lingering over my head while I'm out. I plan to take the baby for daily walks to the park in her stroller. My niece will be starting TK about a week after my baby is born so I would like to meet her and my sister as they walk her to class. I have two photography sessions planned. And otherwise, I just plan to try to survive! What else should I be doing??

3) Does your doctor do internal checks and will you get them? Starting in what week? No clue! How would I find this out? Do I just ask her? And are internal checks something that i should want to get or something I should refuse?

@agold: yes I would just ask. My OB said we will check at 36w when he's doing the Step swab. After that I'll go to weekly appointments and may decline checks for a week or two. It really doesn't mean much so some moms don't want to know so they don't get discouraged or get their hopes up.

@OldpuebloJenn: That sounds like a great class!

@mossyslane: So many eyerolls to the peanut gallery . . . but super glad you are enjoying your coffee! I wonder if she ever makes that comment to people ordering donuts . . . ?!

1) Have you discussed what your parenting style will be like (particularly for newborns)?

I have a rough idea/memory of how things went with my LO, but honestly, I am trying to be as flexible as possible with making plans . . . babies can be so different! I really hope BFing is easier this time, but if not, I am going to do as much as I can, supplement when/if i need to, and just be good with it. I put so much pressure on myself to do everything *perfectly* (whatever that means!) the first time . . . I don't want to do that to myself again.

2) Anyone have plans for their maternity leave? How do you think you'll spend your days?

I am definitely looking forward to maternity leave. I just want to hang out with my little guy and get to know him! My only big plans are to get him out of the house for walks and to take good care of myself (not to over do it) while I am out so that by the time I have to go back to work, I feel as mentally/physically prepared as possible. I am still working out (although I struggle to kick myself out of bed in the mornings, but I do *win* most days!), and hope to not be as physically devastated after this delivery. Also, my DH will be in Europe when this little guy is about 5-6 weeks old, so I need to be prepared to solo for a week, and will work toward that goal!

3) Does your doctor do internal checks and will you get them? Starting in what week?

I am at a different practice for this pregnancy, and I haven't asked about internal checks yet. I had LO at 38 weeks (unplanned induction), and I can't remember if I had checks then or not. I start this week (34 weeks today!) going for a growth scan and NST every week, so two doc appointments each week from here on out . . . I will ask my OB this Friday about checks.

I guess I can answer my own questions!

1) Have you discussed what your parenting style will be like (particularly for newborns)? Anything you swear you won't do? Sleep routines, feeding, etc?

I want to go back and review the "good" times to sleep train. We wont be big in sleep training, but I think pushing them to fuss a little more in the good windows was helpful for my second baby. I also am considering following the wonder weeks app. I've heard its pretty accurate.

2) Anyone have plans for their maternity leave? How do you think you'll spend your days?

I want to get some exercise and not spend too much money! Target is tempting though! And indoor walking at the mall. Last time I really focused on revamping my wardrobe versus buying more baby crap and it was nice when I went back to work to have some clothes that I liked.

3) Does your doctor do internal checks and will you get them? Starting in what week?
Next time at 36 weeks I'll get a quick check when he does the Strep test.

@mossyslane: that's rude! I've wondered if people would ever comment on me ordering coffee but so far so good.

I got rear-ended on my way to work this morning. Super minor, I was stopped waiting to turn right on a busy street and the person behind me wasn't paying attention and just started driving and bumped into me. I called my OB to be on the safe side, thinking she'd tell me what to look out for. But they said any time you get in an accident while pregnant, no matter how minor, they want to check you. So here I am being monitored for a bit. I'm sure everything is fine, but I guess it will be good for peace of mind!

@mossyslane: Oh, come on. PEOPLE. I'd kill for some DD now!

@T.H.O.U.: Great questions!

@MrsSCB: Oh no! I hope everything is ok -- sounds like it should be if it was that minor. Ugh.

1) Have you discussed what your parenting style will be like (particularly for newborns)? Anything you swear you won't do? Sleep routines, feeding, etc?

Well, this is our second time around, so we haven't discussed parenting style again. In general, though, I'm truly hoping to be more relaxed this time around - in every aspect.

I was a stress ball the first time, and it drove me crazy. I hope to fit baby better into what WE want to do rather than drop everything constantly for baby. I EBF (and pumped) last time, and there were days when I was really pumping bottle to bottle. I was also so stressed by that and hope I can relax and introduce formula so as not to worry as much. I also hope for a good sleeper as I didn't get that the first time around. And I hope I can figure out her sleep/wake/eat pattern faster than I was able the first time. All fingers crossed.

2) Anyone have plans for their maternity leave? How do you think you'll spend your days?

My last day before leave is this Friday! Woo! Following from my answer to the last question, I really just want to be more relaxed about my expectations this time. I remember being discouraged when I couldn't do the things I wanted to, so I'm going to give myself permission to play it by ear and consider the day a "win" as long as she is fed, dry, and happy. And maybe if I can fit in a shower Otherwise, I'd like to leave the house once a day, whether it's to Starbucks, Target, or even just walking outside. I'd also like to visit friends who will also be on leave with tiny babies. Having friends going through the same thing is key to my sanity. I also do want to focus on eating healthier and exercising without compromising my milk supply. Maybe we'll try to travel to grandparents about an hour flight away, but we'll see.

3) Does your doctor do internal checks and will you get them? Starting in what week?

My dr does internal checks, though I'm not sure when they start. I plan to decline them because, like others mentioned above, I really don't think the answer or amount dilated makes any difference regarding when I will go into labor. I'm hoping that based on how my body did a good job last time, it will give a repeat performance. I may consider getting a check if I'm still pregnant at my 39-w checkup.

This week's good news: I'm GBS-!! I was + last time, so I'm really excited to skip the IV antibiotics this time.

@coopsmama: All fingers crossed! My goal is to avoid an IV completely b/c it caused such horrible swelling last time.

@coopsmama: I remember being worried the whole time about getting to the hospital soon enough for enough time for 2 doses of antibiotics. I also hate the feeling of the IV in my hand. I'm willing to chug water if it means I don't have to be hooked up. I'm also trying for another unmedicated birth, so I'm hoping to achieve that. I'm guessing they will want to hook me up to deliver pitocin after delivery to help the uterus contract back to normal again, though.

@coopsmama: See PM that I'll write in a min.

@MrsSCB: I'm glad you're getting checked out!

@pregnantbee: Fyi - I hate the feeling of an IV as well but my OB and the nurses at the hospital said there really isn't much way around it because they need to have access quickly. So even if you aren't getting fluids and such they want a line in. The second time around they were able to do the IV in my forearm so when I was laboring and wanting to grab onto things I didn't feel it nearly as much as when it was in the back of my hand. So ask about other locations they can put it that may be more comfortable.

@T.H.O.U.: Good point. Will think about all that.

@ShootingStar: Mine was in my wrist but the nurse epically messed up when she put it in and had to call in a second, more experienced, nurse. Blood shot everywhere, my hospital gown needed to be changed, and I had a big bruise. So my discomfort may have been more due to that than location but I will ask about going higher next time. Good tip!

@ShootingStar: Thanks for the rec!

@OldpuebloJenn: Oh, good to know. Thanks!

@ShootingStar: I did have an IV placed on the side of my wrist in line with my thumb when I was in the ER several months ago, but that was still really uncomfortable.