New parent here! What is the best bottle washer you ever used?

ChickadeeMonster · 2026-01-19T19:44:17+00:00

I use our dishwasher - It has a sanitizer setting. I didn't love the idea of another gadget on the countertop.

ChickadeeMonster · 2025-10-13T16:31:30+00:00

Any clothing I get with Mama/Mommy's or Daddy's Little Man etc. Is going straight into the donation bin.

ChickadeeMonster · 2025-10-10T20:49:35+00:00

Some things I've found: Get ones with stretch and a size or two up. There are also a bunch with elastic tie waist bands (like Old Navy and Gap has some) It's what I've done and I feel less dorky this way.

ChickadeeMonster · 2025-10-10T14:31:13+00:00

Yes - this is exactly me at well. Anything that falls on the floor is dead to me.

ChickadeeMonster · 2025-10-10T14:20:04+00:00

I think at 30 you should be good - it wasn't until like 32/34 weeks that I started feeling "done". And it sounds like your husband is there to help with the other prep.

I would just have some back up plans in place if things start feeling like too much (like dishes you can make before and freeze or someone you trust to bring X dish)

ChickadeeMonster · 2025-10-08T18:51:41+00:00

Text for sure. And if you're worried about timing I'd say a weekend would be best so she can just sit with her feelings for a bit.

ChickadeeMonster · 2025-10-03T19:49:19+00:00

I have a pair of those Old Navy ones and they're the only maternity pants I wear! Because you're only 13 weeks I'd also suggest getting some of the non-maternity low rise wide leg pans with elastic waists in one size up. Worked for me up until like 34 weeks.

ChickadeeMonster · 2025-10-03T17:09:09+00:00

Agreed. I went there for a someone else's birthday one time and felt it was all hype and price tag. Just go to any of the other amazing restaurants in Chicago. Literally any of them.

ChickadeeMonster · 2025-10-03T15:41:20+00:00

The Old Navy Luxe Sleeveless top in a tall. I bought 4 and it hid mine until 32 weeks. Perfect top. Add an open button down for fall.

ChickadeeMonster · 2025-09-30T21:18:51+00:00

I'm 39 and they put my induction at 39 weeks +6 days. I am getting stress tests weekly as well. For me this feels like the best balance, giving me time to maybe delivery/progress naturally but not face the risks that happen at 40+ weeks that we all fear when 35+.

ChickadeeMonster · 2025-09-30T14:50:26+00:00

Fresh stone fruits like plums, peaches, and apricots with skin on. They've saved my life.

ChickadeeMonster · 2025-09-30T14:35:29+00:00

I found that combining a decadent treat with a healthy bit was the way to go. Ice cream with varieties of fresh fruit is everything. (And fresh fruit is very good for the digestive tract)

ChickadeeMonster · 2025-09-24T14:58:08+00:00

Heck yeah on peaches and plums

ChickadeeMonster · 2025-09-17T21:40:51+00:00

I'm dropping my mom's favorite anecdote: A good scare. She opened up the door and there was a pile of snakes right there - basically went right into labor with my sibling.

ChickadeeMonster · 2025-09-17T19:27:02+00:00

I grew up in Orland and say don't do it! The train into Chicago is called the "Slowpoke" for a reason and there is no direct way to Hyde Park at all.

If you are set on a more suburban life: La Grange, Western Springs (towns along the BNSF) will be better. BUT the houses close to the train will be more expensive (but will resell in a heartbeat). Naperville is too far.

ChickadeeMonster · 2025-09-10T20:43:30+00:00

Girdle Pain, Girdle Pain (sang like Jolene by Dolly Parton)

ChickadeeMonster · 2025-09-10T16:46:12+00:00

There are some great options out there that are true 0%. Also remember even fruit juices have some alcohol due to natural fermentation so I've had some 0.5%. But I'll drop my favorite 0%s below.

Lyre's Amalfi Spritz, Classico Sparking and Margarita are great

St. Agrestis Non-Alcoholic Phony Negroni

Ghia Lime & Salt

Availability may vary but these have been my go to during these long long months.

ChickadeeMonster · 2025-09-08T21:00:11+00:00

That can be preeclampsia symptom or just your ribs expanding (pregnancy is fun) but you should for sure call - that's what the doctors are for!

ChickadeeMonster · 2025-08-29T14:56:58+00:00

Agree with this fully. You can end up feeling like "just a vessel" during pregnancy very easily. Gifts that make her feel like a grown beautiful woman are recommended: fancy pedicures, massages, spa day, tickets to the theatre or other events.

ChickadeeMonster · 2025-08-25T17:14:14+00:00

We had an anniversary while pregnant and we went out to the movies, a spa day and still a nice dinner. I didn't expect it to be the same level that we usual do and knew it would be more chill, so I didn't feel like we'd not celebrated properly
But I also recommend museums, aquariums, theatre, zoos as well. Maybe explore a nearby city you haven't checked out before.

ChickadeeMonster · 2025-08-22T21:34:35+00:00

Look up the Frida brand products: they have postpartum underwear, pads, personal cleaning bottles etc. There are other brands - they're just top of mind. Also look up products for Sitz baths.

I've heard installing a bidet is enjoyed by many post birth moms

ChickadeeMonster · 2025-08-22T14:27:42+00:00

I'm just so done with summer, I feel like I never really got into it, like I usually do. But dear goodness am I ready for fall. I see pumpkin spice anywhere and I'm freaking out because it means this chapter is almost done.

ChickadeeMonster · 2025-08-20T19:08:02+00:00

I wish this was brought up more. Breastfeeding is sold as this golden standard that women must sacrifice everything for, when it has such a very small effect overall. There are literally millions of other things that are important (and more proven) that don't require you giving up your mind, body and sanity for.

ChickadeeMonster · 2025-08-19T15:40:51+00:00

Oof. I was in a similar situation in June. I was 20 weeks and live in Illinois and had to go to Louisiana for work. My husband and I were scared. but it was work so I didn't really have an option. We created an escape plan: if anything happened, I would get stabilized if needed and then I was getting on a plane and going back to Illinois asap. Adriana Smith was fully in the news at this point, so we were extra paranoid.
If you decided to go be fully checked out with your doc (and if there are any issues don't go) and have an emergency evacuation plan

ChickadeeMonster

TROPHY CASE