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Hey ladies! I'm a pretty new member here but have really enjoyed reading and learning from you all and finding some like-minded women. I've noticed that there seem to be a quite few pregnant and new mamas, and thought maybe we could have a general discussion/ideas and advice sharing thread. New mamas, feel free to tell your stories and ask questions, and for us more experienced ones, I'm sure we'd be happy to relate our experiences in the hopes that someone might find it helpful or encouraging. I can't wait to hear your stories!


[–]StingrayVC10 points11 points  (2 children) | Copy Link

My kids are older now, but here are two tricks I learned after my kids were out of their cribs but wish I had known a lot earlier.

  1. Buy extra crib sheets and an extra waterproof crib pad. Put one crib pad down, then a sheet then put the extra pad down with a sheet over that. Then, one your baby had a blow out in the middle of the night, you don't have to change any sheets. You just have to pull the top ones off.

  2. Put toddles/littles extra fitted sheet and regular sheet inside one of their pillow cases for storage. That way, when there is puke or an accident in the middle of the night, you are not searching, half asleep in the closet for clean sheets. All you have to do is grab that filled pillow case and it has everything you need in it to fix up the bed.

I'm sure I have more, but those are the two that I can think of right now.

[–]Kittenkajira1 point2 points  (1 child) | Copy Link

I've been eyeing this bedside co-sleeper thing, and the reviewers of it say the mattress pad will fit a king size pillowcase. I think that's so cool - no need to buy expensive sheets, I can just use pillowcases.

[–]JessJaggeryMid-30s | Married | 16 years2 points3 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

Loved our co-sleeper! Yes, the pillowcases work!

[–]blushinglillyMarried 5 ys, Early 30s8 points9 points  (2 children) | Copy Link

Accept that every baby is different and what worked for the people around them with their children might not work for you.

[–]Katiescarlett5Late 20's, married, 10 years9 points10 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

And what worked for your first baby might not (ok...likely won't) work for your second...

[–]dottydarling01Late 20s, Married, 8 years2 points3 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

Nonsense sentence

[–]Steigertochter8 points9 points  (6 children) | Copy Link

Wearing your Baby in a sling, is the best way to run errands. Pushing the stroller or other vehicles around is no fun. Especially if you are just browsing through

[–][deleted] 4 points5 points  (1 child) | Copy Link

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy Link

That is such a cute /r/!

[–]dottydarling01Late 20s, Married, 8 years2 points3 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

Nonsense sentence

[–]SouthernPetite31, Married, Together 9 years1 point2 points  (1 child) | Copy Link

I had planned to do that, but so far it has been a bust. All my daughter wants to do is eat, I can't fathom how you can nurse with a Baby Ktan (doesn't seem safe base on instructions, and my Ktan doesn't fit because their sizing instructions are stupidly based on weight/height rather than measurements.

[–]Katiescarlett5Late 20's, married, 10 years0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy Link

Yes! I love using the Moby wrap for newborns and small babies, and the 7 sling for when they are big enough to hold their head up and want to look around. It usually makes for a much more contented baby as well.

[–][deleted] 8 points9 points  (2 children) | Copy Link

Paging /u/Kittenkajira Where are we on that fancy survey you create?

[–]Kittenkajira5 points6 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

Results should be up this weekend. :)

[–]Katiescarlett5Late 20's, married, 10 years2 points3 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

Yes! I've been wondering about that.

[–]Kittenkajira7 points8 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

The best advice I can give on pregnancy (so far), is to eat really healthily. So far my only case of smell aversion was a few hours after I stuffed my face with bbq Fritos. I seriously don't think I'll ever eat Fritos again. I've noticed my energy going up after a large salad or some freshly squeezed juice. I worked hard to be a healthy eater (our version of "healthy", at least) prior to having children, so my pregnancy has been fairly easy so far.

[–]yetieaterHusband (9yrs), mid-30s,4 points5 points  (2 children) | Copy Link

Stay active until birth, but take it easier on some exercises post-birth. The relaxin your body releases can mean you aren't wise to do certain types of activity until it subsides. Ask a class instructor or health visitor before accidentally hurting yourself!

[–]Gravida1 point2 points  (1 child) | Copy Link

Remaining active while pregnant is also a great way to encourage an easier deliver and helps the recovery go smoother.

[–]yetieaterHusband (9yrs), mid-30s,0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy Link

Aye, keeping up stamina and muscle tone is a good idea, labour is so named because it is work, and the better your condition, the better things are likely to go.

Also, pelvic floor exercises are important, do 'em.

[–]Gravida4 points5 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

On Scheduling: Your newborn baby will run the schedule for the first 4 months at least. Babies don't need a schedule so don't try to force one. They are little biological machines that require their own schedule for proper eating and development. Trying to get your newborn to sleep through the night (or allowing them to do so) is a great way to encourage increased jaundice levels, delayed mental development, and weight loss. This is especially important to keep in mind if you are breastfeeding as it is directly a supply and demand thing.

On Breastfeeding: Your baby will nurse even if they are not hungry. This does not mean you don't have enough breastmilk. This means that they are encouraging you to produce more milk so that your body is prepared to meet baby's demands when their growth spurt happens. And no, pumping milk is not an effective way of knowing how much milk you are producing. It isn't the same as putting baby to the breast.

On Relationships: Your husband shouldn't play second fiddle. Baby will be demanding, but that's no reason not to continue to show your husband respect. No matter how exhausted you are, make an effort to greet him with a smile when he returns home from working.

On Sex: This is different for each mom. If you had a c-section or a bad tear during a vaginal delivery, it will likely take more than 6 weeks for your body to be ready to engage in sexual relations again. You will be nervous. He will need to be gentle with you. It will feel different, but that feeling won't last long. No, you won't be ahem loose forever. It will settle back into place, but it can take a few months for this to happen. Remember to do your pelvic floor exercises during pregnancy and after child birth. This is true for both c-sections and vaginal deliveries. Pregnancy weakens the muscles in both situations.

You will be exhausted. You will be overstimulated by being touched constantly. Get your mindset into the right place to have intimacy with your husband. Continue to flirt and get back into that saddle as soon as your doctor gives you the okay.

On Keeping the Home: Wraps, slings, baby carriers. Get something to wear your baby with. There are many benefits to baby wearing. It actually creates independence in your child later on in life. The more baby knows that mom is there for them, the more willing they are to explore the world knowing that you are there if they fail. Babies that aren't "catered to" or "coddled" are less independent than babies who are coddled in the first year of life. Interesting factoid! Baby wearing is also a great way to get household chores done.

On Keeping Healthy: Get a bouncy chair or a swing that will fit in your bathroom. Shower, mom. Baby can cry for a few minutes while you take care of yourself. And get rid of your maternity clothes or pack them away as soon as you don't fit into them. Get back into your normal wardrobe as soon as you can. Your husband married a woman, not a frumpy mom ;)

You can always sleep later. This, too, shall pass. Your husband was with you before children, during children, and he will be there after children, so treat him well. Babies and children are no excuse to let your relationship take the back seat.

[–]dottydarling01Late 20s, Married, 8 years2 points3 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

Nonsense sentence

[–]plumgemEarly 20s/Single1 point2 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

I love making baby books and enjoy making collages and creating art that reflects the joy of being pregnant with my baby. Part of me feels frustrated however because I'd like her to grow up with traditional values but I feel insecure about my situation. I am an unwed 21 year old pregnant woman and the father and I plan on co-parenting. Any advice would be appreciated. :D

[–]SouthernPetite31, Married, Together 9 years0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy Link

If you intend to breastfeed and have insurance, you can typically get a good quality electric pump at no cost. I suggest getting one even if you don't really intend to pump regularly to help establish your supply and create a stash for emergencies and/or transition periods.

You can kill a man, but you can't kill an idea.

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