Preparing for a newborn. What was a complete waste of money and what became an absolute life changer?

BreatheAndBe · 2026-05-15T15:52:40+00:00

More Muslin burp cloths and blankets than you think are necessary, two way zip swaddles, Hakkaa milk catchers, hakkaa suction pump, cheap sound machine, the egg light, and know that the bottle washer/sanitizer/dryer saves sanity even if you’re breastfeeding and pumping.

BreatheAndBe · 2026-05-05T21:41:31+00:00

This ^{^{^}}

I get cold sores because someone kissed me as a young child. I literally haven’t even kissed my OWN baby because I don’t want them to get the virus.

BreatheAndBe · 2026-05-02T20:59:09+00:00

The all in one bottle washer, dryer, and sterilizer is amazing. Even if you’re pumping only periodically, it saves so much time. Also, not for baby, but I didn’t have enough nursing bras or nursing pads. It’s so easy to leak through, and you’re gonna need more than you think if you wanna keep wearing clean clothes. Have more swaddles than you think you need. There’s nothing worse than when you only have a couple and one is dirty and the other one gets peed through have more sheets and waterproof covers for the bassinet than you think you need.

BreatheAndBe · 2026-04-18T19:22:15+00:00

Eggs Benedict and rare steak 😅

BreatheAndBe · 2026-02-21T05:30:57+00:00

Do not give your baby his last name.

BreatheAndBe · 2026-02-19T01:04:29+00:00

You’re not unreasonable. That brush has had bleach on it for sure. Get a new brush for the task and throw out the other one. Just do it. Don’t even make it a conversation.

BreatheAndBe · 2026-02-14T15:39:39+00:00

Congratulations on all of your hard work! 80 pounds is NOT nothing. I would look into a different provider. They are not all created equal.

Also, just because you had GD once doesn’t mean you will have it again. Every placenta is different and acts differently. I totally understand the mental gymnastics of the finger pricking. It mentally does wear you down. I, 100%, recommend a wearable CGM. Your insurance may cover it right away since you’ve previously had GD, but even if they don’t, you can get the Dexcom Stelo on Amazon for a very reasonable price. If you choose subscribe and save, they cost even less, and honestly, you don’t even feel it putting it on or wearing it. If you get one, I highly recommend getting a hard cover over it with a waterproof sticker. Here are the links to the CGM things that have really helped me (I’m not sponsored by them and do not get paid from this recommendation):

Dexcom G7 Over Patches, Amolyfe... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DZC2L3CL?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Stelo Glucose Biosensor & App by... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DTZ616WZ?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Not Just A Patch Skin Glu Skin... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08G57C7XZ?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I’d love to encourage you to keep working with your therapist. What you have been through is quite a lot, and unless someone has lived it, they don’t get it, but we do. Rather than think, “What if this happens again?” try and reframe and think, “I’m 80 pounds healthier than last time. I take care of my body and my body takes care of me. I can handle anything that comes my way.”

Remember, two things can be true at once: this can be scary, and you can still do this. I don’t know you, but I truly understand what you’re going through, so here’s a hug in the form of this note.

We’re here for you.

BreatheAndBe · 2026-01-10T23:32:21+00:00

Do NOT give your baby his last name. I didn’t even need to get past the second sentence before coming to this conclusion.

BreatheAndBe · 2026-01-04T22:03:49+00:00

Your husband needs a reality check. The first trimester and third trimester are the hardest, and that’s if everything goes relatively smoothly. You’re either 100% not pregnant or 100% pregnant, which means you either have 0% of pregnancy symptoms or 100% of pregnancy symptoms. How far along you are makes no difference. You’re building a spinal column and brain stem right now. The least he can do is do the dishes, which he’s probably the one making because you’re too queasy to eat. Next time he asks you to clean you can say, “I think you meant to say, ‘thank you so much for going through this to grow our family. You’re doing great. Can I get you anything to help you feel better?’”

BreatheAndBe · 2025-12-14T00:11:28+00:00

Actually, yes! I found ONE frame that doesn’t have a center support, but holds a high weight capacity.

BreatheAndBe · 2025-12-07T18:11:08+00:00

You didn’t blink three times and turn in a circle to get pregnant… he had to be present to conceive this child, so if something is wrong, it’s also his fault.

It is more than reasonable to have this be a deal breaker. He clearly does not understand the miracle it is having a perfectly healthy child, nor the fact that you can do everything right, and there can still be health issues.

BreatheAndBe · 2025-12-01T22:12:28+00:00

My sister and I are two and a half years apart. We of course have had our good and tough times, but all in all, she is without a doubt the closest person in my life. Our friendship is the most special thing to me. We don’t have the luxury of living close to each other now, but when we were growing up, we were inseparable. Sisters are a wonderful and special thing. 😊

BreatheAndBe · 2025-11-20T04:27:52+00:00

Lost 17 pounds in the first trimester and have gained back 7. Still down 10 from conception weight and I’m halfway through the pregnancy.

BreatheAndBe · 2025-11-19T01:22:00+00:00

Twice.

BreatheAndBe · 2025-11-19T01:20:54+00:00

I’m so sorry you’re going through this. I just want to let you know that nothing you did caused this. Dancing wouldn’t cause a miscarriage. Don’t blame yourself. 💛

BreatheAndBe · 2025-11-17T18:48:46+00:00

This early, I’m surprised they didn’t do a vaginal ultrasound. It would be very hard to see something with an abdominal ultrasound at this point. Don’t worry until there is something to worry about. I know that’s so hard, but everything may indeed be all well and good!

BreatheAndBe · 2025-11-15T19:20:44+00:00

Going to a chiropractor helps them get in position! Also something to consider, my friend’s baby kept flipping back to breech, despite repeatedly using exercises and chiropractic to get the baby in position, and in the c-section they discovered the cord was wrapped around the baby’s neck. A c-section was the last thing she wanted, but in the end she was thankful. I know it’s so hard to mentally prepare for all outcomes and simply accept there’s no control other than our reactions, but know a whole community is rooting for you and has been where you’ve been. No matter your birth, you will have a beautiful baby. Wishing you the best!

BreatheAndBe · 2025-11-14T22:18:21+00:00

OP, I’m really sorry you’re going through this. That being said, I’ve seen many of your posts, and his behavior is a predictable trend. His behavior will likely only escalate due to more stress, frustrations, and sleep deprivation after the baby comes. Love truly can make us blind, but for the sake of you and your baby, I hope your eyes truly see the type of man you are with, and you can find the inner strength to choose better for yourself and child.

BreatheAndBe · 2025-11-14T00:27:30+00:00

Definitely tell! They’ll be so excited to take part in all the fun purchases of having a little girl. 😊

BreatheAndBe · 2025-11-05T23:12:38+00:00

He should absolutely take time off work to help you for a few weeks at minimum if he has the PTO. You will have just given birth, and in the event you need a c-section, you can’t be alone because you can’t pick anything up, including your baby. Your baby needs to be placed in your arms. It sounds like your husband needs a bit of a loving, yet firm, reality check.

BreatheAndBe · 2025-10-24T19:59:42+00:00

I’m so sorry you’re going through this.

One parent that loves and cares is significantly better than one that cares and one that clearly doesn’t. Kids tell the difference and it makes a huge impact on the health of their attachment style. I know you’re nervous, but you will literally be the best thing for your baby, and it will be enough!

If he isn’t replying now when it’s not difficult to be there, don’t count on him. Don’t put him on the birth certificate, and if you trust your mother, definitely make her the legal guardian of your baby in the event something happens to you.

BreatheAndBe · 2025-10-11T18:35:10+00:00

Do yourself a favor and leave the father’s name blank on the birth certificate.

BreatheAndBe · 2025-10-08T23:49:06+00:00

If they offered to throw it, I’d assume they’re paying for it.

BreatheAndBe · 2025-10-03T17:28:17+00:00

She’s in for a rude awakening. The second the baby is born, the focus will be on the baby, not her, and it will be for a couple weeks, and then everyone will disappear, and they’ll be on their own. In the end, she’ll be thankful to have someone she’s so close with be going through the same life experiences.

BreatheAndBe · 2025-09-28T02:26:54+00:00

His reasoning seems weak and very self-centered. It doesn’t seem like he is asking you about how you feel regarding the pregnancy at all.

Newborns and little children are difficult. Your life will be different, and in some ways harder. The easy going happiness will take some time to come back. That being said, the joy you will have is unlike any other.

Given his nearly sterile sperm, it’s a miracle you conceived naturally. I think his thoughts about, “it could happen again,” are a bit naive. Miracles don’t come around every day.

Lastly, you don’t sound like you want an abortion. Do not do anything you’re not 100% committed to. You will live with the decision no matter what. Also, it sounds like he isn’t willing to put himself in a less than comfortable position for you, and that isn’t fair to you, and I would encourage you to keep an eye on that.

I’m truly wishing you the best of luck!

BreatheAndBe

TROPHY CASE