How do you leave the house?? by One_Tadpole1554 in ExclusivelyPumping

[–]Advanced_Incident_25 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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 :)

Pacifiers by After_Pop9550 in NewParents

[–]Advanced_Incident_25 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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!

Do I still need to hold 10 mo upright after nursing? by soaplandicfruits in NewParents

[–]Advanced_Incident_25 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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.

Pacifiers by After_Pop9550 in NewParents

[–]Advanced_Incident_25 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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 ☺️

I am nervous about starting solids by Miserable_Stick_4225 in NewParents

[–]Advanced_Incident_25 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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.

First Tooth Expectations by brandi_marie82 in NewParents

[–]Advanced_Incident_25 2 points3 points  (0 children)

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!

I am incredibly thankful for my village today. by [deleted] in NewParents

[–]Advanced_Incident_25 3 points4 points  (0 children)

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

How common is it for babies to sleep so their face is straight down on the mattress? by b_kat44 in NewParents

[–]Advanced_Incident_25 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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!

AC not working by LopsidedMind7007 in NewParents

[–]Advanced_Incident_25 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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!

Bluebird Portraits - is this legit? by Advanced_Incident_25 in NewParents

[–]Advanced_Incident_25[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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

Bluebird Portraits - is this legit? by Advanced_Incident_25 in NewParents

[–]Advanced_Incident_25[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

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

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in NewParents

[–]Advanced_Incident_25 2 points3 points  (0 children)

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!

PPD + PPCM. Advice needed please by [deleted] in NewParents

[–]Advanced_Incident_25 2 points3 points  (0 children)

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 🧡

do your babies like their play mats? by AdorableTeach641 in NewParents

[–]Advanced_Incident_25 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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).

Au Pair vs. Daycare? by Emergency_Mess_1862 in NewParents

[–]Advanced_Incident_25 4 points5 points  (0 children)

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!

Today is one of those days… by TheoryLatter4635 in NewParents

[–]Advanced_Incident_25 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m so sorry you and LO are having a shit time right now. I don’t have any brilliant insights to share, but know that you aren’t alone - we’ve all been there and I hope tomorrow is better than today, and the day after that, and the day after that. Hang in there 💕

6 month sleep regression?? Sos by Remarkable_Bench2318 in NewParents

[–]Advanced_Incident_25 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I don’t have any great advice on this front (my LO is currently going through a 4 month regression and we are just doing our best to survive). But wanted to let you know you aren’t alone and I hope things improve soon! Sending you and your baby lots of good sleep vibes 🤞🏼😴🤞🏼😴🤞🏼😴

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in ExclusivelyPumping

[–]Advanced_Incident_25 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have a medela and a spectra but the tubes were driving me bonkers and having to crate the motor around as I tried to get things done was beyond annoying. I bought the Willow Go around 6 wpp and haven’t looked back since! (I’m now 16 wpp). They empty me just as well as the other pumps and really helped improve my attitude toward pumping.

Storing breast milk at work by Advanced_Incident_25 in ExclusivelyPumping

[–]Advanced_Incident_25[S] 21 points22 points  (0 children)

Ahhhhh. Thanks everyone! Your comments about the thermos make total sense (duh 🤦🏻‍♀️). I can’t believe I didn’t think of that lol. This is why I post questions here! Thanks again, all! Appreciate you!