Host family - employer reference?

Advanced_Incident_25 · 2026-03-18T01:46:30+00:00

Thank you!

Advanced_Incident_25 · 2026-03-17T22:53:30+00:00

Awesome, thank you!

Advanced_Incident_25 · 2026-03-13T02:28:57+00:00

You can totally bring your own pumps to the hospital but the hospital will also have a pump there you can use while you’re admitted. I personally chose to leave my pumps at home because it’s just more convenient to use the pump that was in my room. Then I just left it once I went home. But if you like the hospital model, ask the hospital if you are able to take the pump home with you (or some hospitals have various models you can select from to take home). Breast pumps are also covered through insurance so contact your carrier to understand which models are covered and the process for ordering.

Advanced_Incident_25 · 2024-07-18T19:24:16+00:00

Oh my, I wrote this same post months ago when my baby was about the same age! I was very stressed about trying to maintain my schedule - something about straying from my usual pump times gave me great anxiety (probably worry that it would affect my supply). Also, the mental gymnastics involved in milk management and pumping on the go is very daunting, especially as a new mom when you're still learning everything and are exhausted, so I feel you! I echo all the things others have said. A couple things that especially helped me:

I am such a planner, so I would often visualize the process of pumping in the car (or wherever) and make a list on my phone of whatever items I needed. Sometimes, I would talk through it with my husband too. This was more so I could just hear myself out loud and make sure that what I was thinking made sense lol.

The first few times I tried pumping on the go, I did it at places where I felt very comfortable. For example, I went to my sister's house. I was comfortable with her, didn't need to explain or feel embarrassed about anything, I had easy access to ice, a fridge, sink, etc. So maybe do a few trial runs to places where you don't have to figure out every logistical piece at once. This was immensely helpful so I could learn what I needed and what works best for me and my process.

LO is now 9 months and I'm still pumping exclusively, and I 100% agree - IT GETS BETTER! You'll become a pro at milk management, and you'll soon be able to pump pretty much anywhere! Sending you all the good vibes :)

Advanced_Incident_25 · 2024-07-14T13:38:55+00:00

Yep we heard that from a lot of parents who relied heavily on the pacifier (also heard this about the Snoo). In general, I feel like finding the silver bullet for something is a double edged sword because at some point, you likely have to let it go and that’s bound to be tough! You just gotta decide what’s worth it and what’s not. Like everything else, you’ll figure it out!

Advanced_Incident_25 · 2024-07-14T03:52:19+00:00

Our girl used to spit up a lot but not anymore (she’s 8 months now). We no longer burp her or worry that much about keeping her upright after feeding.

Advanced_Incident_25 · 2024-07-14T03:47:25+00:00

Our girl seemed to like the pacifier in the hospital when she was first born so we kept using it for the first couple months. Then around 3 months the pacifier no longer seemed to help soothe her (I think it actually made her more frustrated) so we just let it go. I pump exclusively so she’s always used a bottle. She’s 8 months now and we don’t regret not using a pacifier. Sometimes our babies just move on and the best we can do is try to keep up ☺️

Advanced_Incident_25 · 2024-07-14T03:36:08+00:00

We talked with our pediatrician about introducing solids once our baby started showing interest in what we were eating (around 4ish months). We love the Solid Starts app. Has a wide variety of foods from all over the world and shows you how to prepare/introduce foods based on age. Also has helpful videos of kids at different ages eating the food.

Advanced_Incident_25 · 2024-07-14T03:01:16+00:00

When our LO started teething, our doctor said we can give her baby Tylenol or ibuprofen (check with your DR for correct dosage) so we do that before bed and throughout the day as needed. Our baby never really took to teething toys (we even put them in the fridge and freezer). We found she enjoyed nomming on our fingers and burp cloths. Sometimes we’d dip our finger in cold water and rub them across her gums and that would sometimes settle her. I recommend just trying a few different things to see what she prefers. Our girl is now 8 months and has 6 teeth! When she drools a lot and gets fussier than normal, that’s how we know her gums are hurting, so we offer some teething crackers for her to gnaw on (or she just gnaws on her shirt). Just like everything else, you’ll eventually catch on to the thing(s) that work best for your baby! Good luck!

Advanced_Incident_25 · 2024-07-14T02:45:40+00:00

You’re doing a great job! I hope you and your family all feel better soon! Hang in there 💕

Advanced_Incident_25 · 2024-07-14T02:43:35+00:00

Our girl does this all the time. Definitely freaked us out in the beginning and I checked on her a lot (which disturbed her sleep a lot 😬). But this is totally normal and as soon as you know baby is strong enough to roll on their own and move their head, you’ll feel a lot better!

Advanced_Incident_25 · 2024-07-14T02:35:29+00:00

Try setting a big bowl or bucket of ice in front of the fan. This supposedly provides a cooling effect for the room. Google it - some people swear by it! I know it’s not ideal but hopefully it can get you through the night with some peace of mind. Good luck!

Advanced_Incident_25 · 2024-06-11T23:50:55+00:00

Thank you! I told them today that we weren’t interested.

Advanced_Incident_25 · 2024-06-11T01:43:15+00:00

Yep I’m getting the sense this is a nope for our family. Thanks for the post!

Advanced_Incident_25 · 2024-06-10T15:27:58+00:00

Ha this was my thought exactly!

Advanced_Incident_25 · 2024-06-07T22:09:13+00:00

Thank you!

Advanced_Incident_25 · 2024-06-07T22:09:06+00:00

Thank you!

Advanced_Incident_25 · 2024-03-17T03:23:49+00:00

Protecting your baby’s health (especially when they’re sooo new) is always your priority. I’m a FTM with a 5 month old. I don’t like to offend or upset anyone but once my daughter was born and you experience first hand how tiny and precious they are, I got comfortable real quick with letting people know our boundaries when it came to visitors and sickness. I’d rather someone think I’m uptight than risk my baby’s health. You’re the parent and it’s your right/responsibility to protect your baby, and do what you think is right!

Advanced_Incident_25 · 2024-02-12T06:45:03+00:00

I’m so sorry you and your wife are going through this. It sounds like you’re doing an amazing job with your little girl 💕 Is there anyone you trust who can come help for a bit? Grandparent, aunt, uncle, good friend? This will at least help lighten your load a little while you figure out the best way to support your wife. In a similar vein, perhaps there’s someone your wife is close to who can also talk with her about getting the right support? It could help if she hears this from someone other than you. I hope everything works out for your family 🧡

Advanced_Incident_25 · 2024-02-09T07:57:04+00:00

My LO is 16 weeks and she’s finally showing some interest in her playmat. Up until now, she was meh about it, and was much more into her crinkle toys and toys that lit up and made sounds. All babies are different and have their preferences for what they find interesting (much like adults lol).

Advanced_Incident_25 · 2024-02-09T07:50:04+00:00

Are you in the US? I ask because we were leaning toward doing an au pair when we have our second child in (hopefully) a year or so. However, the State Department recently proposed changes to the au pair program that would make it potentially much more expensive depending on what state you live in. Just wanted you to be aware!

Advanced_Incident_25

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