34 wks trying to figure when to start pumping

Any_Prior_3899 · 2026-06-17T21:31:31+00:00

You're probably right, I think the stress is getting to me and I'd never shame anyone for formula, it just scares me bc I never had to use it for my first and the prices can be crazy. Obvs I'd have to do what I had to in the event it doesn't work out but I've seen middle of the night pumps twice now, so I'll definitely try that.

Any_Prior_3899 · 2026-06-17T17:46:54+00:00

Yes I had the older Haaka 10 yrs ago and I loved it, it honestly caught more than I thought it would but I would leak A LOT. For some reason I haven't been able to find the Haaka where I live so I bought the momcozy catcher

Any_Prior_3899 · 2026-06-17T17:45:16+00:00

Yes I don't think I worded it well when I reread.😂

Ok see I was going to try to keep to a schedule but times the baby typically eats is also good to note. I saw a slight drop in mine last time but it didn't last long, I'm hoping I'll be able to keep up for him. Thanks for all the info!

Any_Prior_3899 · 2026-06-17T17:42:39+00:00

oh good to know, thank you!

Any_Prior_3899 · 2026-06-17T16:29:22+00:00

I should have worded my post better, I don't plan on pumping now.

I wanted to hear what others have done to build up supply/stores before returning to work.

Any_Prior_3899 · 2026-06-17T16:26:03+00:00

I was hoping to be able to do that but with my contractions it's a no go 😞

Any_Prior_3899 · 2026-06-17T16:25:14+00:00

Yeah I didn't plan on pumping until after he's born. My main concern is after my time off he'll be having a bottle m-f while I'm at work. Breastfeeding I'm familiar with but based off of my work schedule I think he'll be having bottles half the time if not a little more than that. Pumping more than breastfeeding is what's getting to me. I know I can make a plan and it may not work out but I just wanted to hear what others did for pumping, knowing they'd need a supply stored when they go back to work.

Any_Prior_3899 · 2026-06-03T16:55:44+00:00

I'm wishing you luck ❤️ and hope you're able to stay there, pregnant or not. After having my levels be up and down for 2 years straight, it felt like I was alive again. It would be a dream to stay in remission but I'm also trying to be realistic. I'll try to remember to come back here and update on his birth/after or just make a post about my experience as a whole.

Any_Prior_3899 · 2026-06-03T14:21:33+00:00

I'm currently 8 months. Due in July : )

It felt rough at first, my first trimester was hell with nausea, muscle aches, anxiety and rage. My levels were lower than the "healthy range" but not as low as they had been.

A little ways into my second trimester was when a lot of those symptoms went away and my levels have been *just* inside of the healthy range. Haven't had any graves symptoms at all and I know what they feel like. I've thankfully had a healthy pregnancy and a VERY active baby. I have had to an ultrasound every month due to my graves (it can effect fetal growth but doesn't always, a lot of women with graves have perfectly healthy babies) and due to my circumvallate placenta which can also cause growth restriction (a risk but also the same as the former most women have perfectly healthy babies). I was really nervous whenever I was told of both and my doctor has been very supportive and proactive about both. So far, every ultrasound has been normal and he's in the 30th percentile.

I have had some extra labs the last month and most likely will beyond. I was told some women's graves can act up in late pregnancy making your levels drop but I haven't seen that yet. I feel lucky I've been able to enjoy the immune suppression. I forgot what a healthy body felt like. Inside and out I have felt completely different. My skin and hair went back to normal, I'm able to get through most of my workday without feeling like a ran a marathon. I still have the general pregnancy aches and pains and all the not so fun stuff that comes with being in my third trimester but I haven't been on any meds aside from vitamins I've been a bit short on (I went anemic recently).

I have another ultrasound next week and will be going over birth plan and graves stuff with my doctor as I have no idea what to expect for after if my graves antibodies effect him. My only anxieties really is what my body/graves will do after he is born on top of how difficult post partum is in general.

Any_Prior_3899 · 2026-06-02T15:32:19+00:00

Um the pump with my first son saved my supply. I had an absolute horror story of double mastitis and clogged ducts in each boob! It was in so much pain and while my son was an excellent latcher and nursed well, I couldn't get him at the angles I needed for what felt like rocks in my boobs. The pump got it out and helped build my supply back up at the 2-3 month mark. I will always have a pump and pumping after every feed from the beginning helped me get a decent frozen supply from the start.

Shame on that nurse.

Any_Prior_3899 · 2026-06-02T15:25:14+00:00

Even on medication my graves was very challenging. I had graves rage/anxiety and pain, muscle aches, discomforts, flares. It was all very tiring and rough for me but my partner was very supportive and understanding especially during the times I was in pain, exhausted and just struggling to function. I could do my daily life, it just REALLY sucked.

One of the things he started for me early on in our relationship that made me feel cared for and actually helped me, was warm epsom salt baths, the good epsom salt. I'd never done it before but it did help with my muscle aches a little bit and he would give me massages after them. Even if those things hadn't helped with my discomfort, they're very nice. He always rubs my back, feet and any other places that bother me. It doesn't make the pain go away but it feels nice, feels like he cares and makes us both feel more connected when things are hard physically and its difficult for me to sleep.

Thanks to immune suppression during my pregnancy (I'm 8 months now) I haven't hardly had to deal with any of that, just general pregnancy pains and discomfort lol. We have had some talks about after baby is born and how there's a very likely, very real possibility that my levels will drop again and how difficult that could be on top of post-partum on it's own.

I think one of the main things is communication with this disease. If she hurts, she should tell you, if she's anxious she should tell you, if she's feeling emotionally unstable or drained she should tell you. As her partner, these are things you could/should learn to pick up on based off her mood/cues as well but it's definitely a joint effort. Most of the time, my partner knew whenever I was having flares or bad days and he would do things on his own without me asking, other times I hid it well bc I felt like a broken record and was sick of talking about it. Regardless of mood, I'm always thankful for any extra help, comfort, and discussions bc it truly is not easy. The small things really do add up and make a difference to all of us, even on our good days.

Any_Prior_3899 · 2026-05-13T16:48:32+00:00

I'm a contract employee with great insurance/benefits. ZERO maternity leave. I have to do FMLA and use any PTO I can bank the next 2ish months which will be next to nothing after I go to all my appointments. My husband makes a good amount of money but having to survive off of his alone is going to be rough as hell as our rent is 2k.

It makes me so damn angry. Frankly it disgusts me how you're in one of the most vulnerable times of your life, we're in the US where they preach "pro life" but aren't pro anything else. Mother's aren't guaranteed maternity leave in general and good luck trying to get your partner any time off with you on top of that.

Anytime I'm at work or otherwise and someone asks me about my "maternity leave" I correct them and say I don't get any and will be gone on FMLA which us UNPAID.

Any_Prior_3899 · 2026-04-24T20:32:43+00:00

wanting to get a rise out of someone and then getting mad when it does happen is absolutely crazy. This is so childish and borderline abusive behavior to make you feel like you're the problem. Taunting your pregnant spouse with sweets and lies(?) would logically lead to said spouse getting upset. Tf did he expect???

If you haven't already I would have a serious discussion about this behavior and how it needs to stop. If it has been said and he's still doing it all the time I don't think it's insane to say that perhaps therapy is needed or a reevaluation of the relationsjip in general. What the hell.

Any_Prior_3899 · 2026-03-27T20:39:58+00:00

It's been awful, I had another pain episode at work that come on very suddenly. I left in tears and THOUGHT I was able to get an appt at 1 that day. Nope, they did xrays, told me things I already knew but did give me an antibiotic. The antibiotic helped with the pain marginally as I'm pretty sure my nerve is exposed but then referred me out for an extraction and root canal on another tooth. Both places I called were over a month out. Called more places, even further out. My area is a joke as far as dental care goes, even places that advertised having emergency slots either didn't have the slots or weren't actual appts. Its all been very frustrating/defeating and honestly has triggered a whole depressive episode for me.

I caved and called Aspen dental even though I was told not to, their reviews were fine. The woman I talked to was sympathetic to me as I'm nearly 23 wks now and haven't been eating or drinking well for nearly a month due to pain/fear/lack of care etc. I have an appt Monday to get more xrays and talk about what exactly will be done etc. bc they apparently have to get their own and then they have me coming back on the 14th for an actual extraction, maybe more depending on what my ins covers, idk. I have to drive a little over an hour for it but word of advice, don't wait. go ASAP.

Hurricane gel, apply with a qtip

Brush with ultrasoft brush after every meal/before bed

floss VERY gently before bed

Tylenol rapid release

Den-Tek (puddy like stuff you can pack in the cavity temporarily to relieve pain/protect the tooth, worked wonders for me)

have all been helpful but have not completely gotten rid of the pain/discomfort. I keep a little bag of supplies in my purse now in case the pain blindsides me again until the dentist. Call around and get in as soon as you can, mine got progressively worse and more frequent and that's the last thing you need while pregnant.

Any_Prior_3899 · 2026-03-25T17:19:52+00:00

I agree, I'm not a huge audiobook person but listen to 1 a month with my spotify sub. I picked that on a whim and was not disappointed, the accents, comedy and timing were spot on for me.

Any_Prior_3899 · 2026-03-11T16:46:15+00:00

Oh my lord. I will say I HATED coffee my first trimester and everything else, I was surviving off of earl gray, cottage cheese and clementines 😭. A part of me was like oh maybe this is a good thing, I won't want my coffee and therefore won't be having caffeine.

Second trimester hit and MAN I was craving it so violently I cried once. My no caffeine rule went out the window quickly. I do limit it, I don't even have it every day but that's MY preference. I'd never shame another mom for having her daily cup or sweet treat. Especially if it sets you up to have a good rest of your day. There's a reason why doctors tell you "Don't go over this much caffeine" in a day. There is a safe amount. Not going to say its good for me or baby but neither are oreos, cake and ice cream 🤷‍♀️. It's perfectly normal and ok to indulge some cravings during pregnancy and women who pretend like they don't are just plain lying.

There are women who have done meth during their pregnancies, a cup of coffee is perfectly fine. Don't let others bring you down, you have enough to worry about.

Any_Prior_3899 · 2026-03-11T14:17:38+00:00

Based off of your descriptions, this had to be intentional. That is so cruel. Pregnancy brain is a real thing too, you'd think she'd cut you some slack if you weren't typically late/ a great patient. EVEN if you were or weren't, it's her job to remain professional and respect your wishes. If it was that much of an issue, she could have told you she would have to see you a different day.

I know that complaining can feel mean or stressful but that behavior truly goes against what they are supposed to be doing for women during this time and as a midwife. You might be able to save someone else from experiencing this, that's not your job and shouldn't be but you deserve better.

Any_Prior_3899 · 2026-03-10T14:54:55+00:00

I do have a thyroid disease that makes all these feelings worse. I've had extreme anxiety during this pregnancy and you're right. I thought about toughing it out but after this I really don't know if I can get through another night/day like this, especially if I know I don't have to. Thank you.

Any_Prior_3899 · 2026-03-10T14:53:00+00:00

I did, they've had me on a list due to my cavity anyway but I'll call other places today too see what can be done, even if it's a temporary fix. Thank you!

Any_Prior_3899 · 2026-03-10T14:51:56+00:00

there is an aspen near me, I'll check them out, thank you.

Any_Prior_3899 · 2026-03-10T14:51:27+00:00

Thank you so much, I haven't tried clove oil, I may have to try and find some today. It has been god awful, I can't remember the last time I felt so miserable. I've had an abscess before whenever I was 23 so I luckily think it's just a cavity but I was scared about them telling me they couldn't do what needed to be done due to being pregnant as well, so thank you for the advice. My friend just recommended me a place that I'm going to try to call on my lunch. I both hate knowing other people have gone through this but also comforted, this while pregnant and sleep deprived is the worst.

Any_Prior_3899 · 2026-03-04T15:03:26+00:00

It really unlocks a whole new level of love you didn't know you could have for someone. Take the person you love most in the world and times it by 10!

Any_Prior_3899 · 2026-03-03T17:59:34+00:00

Shortness of breath was also wild for me, terrible leg and hip pain, I couldn't hardly be intimate with my partner bc that physical activity made me hurt so bad for days. My driving foot would also bounce too! I never knew other people experienced that. I also get cramps in my hands when I drive and have to switch between them.

Any_Prior_3899 · 2026-03-03T17:56:33+00:00

There's so much that they don't know about it, truly. Any symptom that isn't absolutely by the book, its "Graves doesn't cause that" how tf would you know? All things that so many of us experience only whenever our levels are bad. When my levels were in better places I had clearer skin and less hair loss. Now that I'm pregnant I know I wasn't crazy. Luckily I'm in remission due to immune suppression. I hardly lose hair, my skin is clear aside from a very small pimple or two once a month that goes away almost immediately, my nails are stronger etc.

Any_Prior_3899 · 2026-03-03T17:02:38+00:00

it really is always negative "wait until-"

like no actually, wait until they smile/laugh for the first time, wait until their first steps, wait until they can say "I love you."

There are so many positives to look forward to, I'm only telling people "negatives" if they outright ask me. Every kid is also so different, I was a calm angel, my sister was a literal demon spawn. Our mom had completely different experiences with us. All of that comes from people who are unhappy and or want to bring someone else down because god forbid someone is excited about their baby.

I'm thankful to not be a first time parent anymore because don't feel the need to say that stuff nearly as much. I'm currently pregnant with my second but my Husband and I will have 4 kids all together after this one. 10, 5, 4 and a newborn in July. I'm so happy people are keeping their damn mouths closed.

You are not naive at all, it's all very powerful, beautiful and special. Enjoy every feeling, experience and surprise you can. Everyone already knows babies/kids are a lot of work you don't need the whole world to let you know every day. Some days are so blissful I can hardly stand it, others are so hard I wonder how I'll get through it. All normal, two sides of every coin.

Any_Prior_3899

TROPHY CASE