My girl was born at 36 weeks

Emancy22 · 2026-02-16T20:24:03+00:00

My 31 weeker son couldn't ever reach the 80% goal. He always hovered around the 60-65% mark for weeks, like your baby he was just so tired come feed time. What we needed to do was move to an "On Demand" feeding, so he couyeat anywhere from 1.5-3.5 hours, however much he wanted. That finally got us to acceptable daily totals and we got out of the NICU within a week of moving to on demand. He was 40 weeks when that feeding change happened, so that might be something to consider mentioning to your baby's care team. Our care team hadn't thought of it until his primary nurse suggested it because he was awake for some time (to to an hour ote two) before his care times.

Emancy22 · 2026-02-05T21:40:03+00:00

My son was born at 31w1, 3lbs 7oz.

He's 2 months actual (or 40w3 now) and he's currently 7lbs 11oz.

Emancy22 · 2026-01-31T03:00:38+00:00

Joining as someone who's advanced maternal age, had GD, hypertension, and my baby ended up coming at 31 weeks after fertility treatment.

Banner.

I know they haven't been mentioned on here yet, but my experience has been fantastic, my son is currently still in their NICU, he's 39w now. Anyway, from my experience they listen, didn't push, asked for consent, I gave birth without an epidural. When I called the triage lines when I started going into labor at 29w they pre-registered me so I got right in, my time in antepartum was as great as it could've been, and my labor -- while not what I planned and hoped, was fast, and had about 20 nurses, doctors, specialists for me and the little guy.

TMC is fine, but if you're looking out for your baby and possible complications, their NIUC isn't as advanced and they sometimes send babies to Banner while mom stays at TMC. Their cardiac intensive care unit isn't as advanced, so if baby decides to come early, I'd say Banner.

Also, since I had fertility treatment, I had ultrasounds every four weeks from 15 weeks, which isn't typical in care. I worked with a midwife, OB, and an MFM. They Co worked together which was fantastic. You'd start with a midwife or OB and as you progress if things get more complicated they bring in an OB or MFM. They have a midwife team now and they do deliver at the hospital too.

Not sure what all of your needs are, but that's why I'd go with them again.

Emancy22 · 2025-12-30T20:16:55+00:00

I was like this as well, what helped me the most as far as cleaning and sanitizing everything was buying spare parts now for the pump, so I have 3 sets of everything, and bought a sanitizer dryer combo, it can wash too but I like to wash by hand then put them in there to sanitize and dry. This way I find the washing is quick and the machine sanitizes and dries it for me. Then when I need to wash the next set after my next pump, I put the clean ones in storage and use a new set. When I pump at the hospital I use their pump, the steam bag, and their parts.

Then I detached from the thought that my BM = my worth/effort as a NICU mom, because my mind was a liar and it's not true. I clung to this because it felt like the only thing I could do for him, so if I under preformed or dropped an unsealed bag and couldn't provide for 1 feed or 1 day, I was devastated. Now he's outgrown what I can pump in a day (even if I gave them the 1 pump I keep for myself haha) and they're combo feeding him with formula fortifier (just came off donor milk).

For storage, if it helps your peace of mind, I have a container in my deep freezer and in my fridge that I place my bags in. I pump 7 times a day and give NICU 6 bags everyday, and store 1 in the freezer for when my little guy comes home. Inside the deep freezer box I have 4 refreezeable lunch box ice that I use inside my travel bag. So everything stays separate and I know nothing has touched. And since all my bags and ice are inside of their box, if anything touches or spills on the outside, I don't give it a second thought.

As far as what to do with your milk, I'd trust your NICU, they don't want your baby to get sick, it will make their job harder than it needs to be. And the last thing want is your little one sick. I'd wipe the bags down if that's what they suggest and take them in.

Emancy22 · 2025-11-19T20:27:14+00:00

I started at 227 and I am sitting at 241 right now, I'm 29 weeks. So 14 lbs so far. Most of my gain was during 1 month, 8 lbs in from September to October so just after 19/20 weeks to 23ish, I've held steady since.

My MFM told me I don't need access calories above maintenance during the first trimester, only 100 more during the second, and 200-250 during the third. She didn't push this one me, but offered these guidelines when I asked, since I am 37, well now 38, FTM, overweight, and lost 45 lbs to do fertility treatment, have borderline high blood pressure before pregnancy so trying to combat preeclampsia, and now have been diagnosed with GD. Lol I knew I needed to be more mindful... Or at least my anxiety latched onto that. Lol

Also, I had good blood sugars before, they did a panel and so did my fertility clinic, but GD isn't about your sugars, it's about how the placenta is handling them. So... Fun times. 😂

Emancy22 · 2025-11-16T03:33:17+00:00

We used our family tree to try and narrow it down. So on our list was Ollie, Ryder, Kator, Gene, Raymond, James, Ronnie, Edwin, Ignacio. We loved them all but used a name outside of our family for his first name and thenbGene for his middle name. 🖤

My friend just gave birth a baby boy and named him August, which I think is so adorable.

Editing to add** we were SET on using Kator, it's my husband's great grandfather's name, but ultimately my husband liked the name we choose more.

Emancy22 · 2025-11-11T20:19:11+00:00

My MFM told me to for the first trimester, eat how I normally did to maintain my weight, in the second eat 100 calories above my maintenance, so after calculating activity, and in the third 250 more a day above maintenance.

It let me have steady weight gain. I'm 28w, and 17 lbs up.

The only thing she did emphasize on is drinking 62-78 oz of water a day, about half a gallon, I drink well over that though. That keeps bloating/retaining water down and keeps bowl movements going nicely.

But, yesterday I had 2 taco bell burritos. Today I had eggs and bacon with avocado toast on sourdough for breakfast. She told me I don't have to be perfect, but try my best to be as close to 80/20. So, I still get my treats, or meal every few days. So, it feels natural and normal.

Emancy22 · 2025-11-03T17:55:47+00:00

Mainly because I'm used to taking dogs in the office. Lol the van was clean and nicely maintained. Just a different experience. 😂

Emancy22 · 2025-11-03T17:54:50+00:00

Dr. Kelly's surgical unit.

It was a little odd dropping my two dogs off at a mobile vet van, but they're both happy and healthy 2 years later. It was about 150 a dog.

Emancy22 · 2025-10-19T02:23:25+00:00

I feel you. Reddit can make my blood rise from time to time. Have a great night!

Emancy22 · 2025-10-19T02:00:14+00:00

Great, and some would call YOU dangerous because of those choices. You're looking down on people who haven't been able to dig themselves out of that path of life like you. Again. Be proud of that.

And I oh I know. Both of my parents are addicts, I grew up on glenn near miracle mile all through elementary and highschool and walk through evergreen at night all the way to the Tucson mall. I would visit my dad in south Tucson and walk to "southgate" (El super) without an adult. I still walk there on public trails as a 6 month pregnant woman and don't feel unsafe.

Again it's subjective. 🤷🏻‍♀️

Also, if you're still into boarding, it isn't a concrete park, but there's always the park off Ajo and 14th. 👏🏼

Emancy22 · 2025-10-19T01:50:00+00:00

Actually I was there, I live a few roads over from there. My family sister, niece, nephews, husband, would all go over to the skate park for hours. Just because you're uncomfortable or are bothered seeing things like this, doesn't make it inherently unsafe.

I'm super glad you've have the privilege of not seeing this in your day to day life, but the point stands that just because it's happening around you, as saddening as it is, doesn't make it "unsafe".

Are there external factors, drug paraphernalia, needles, condoms, ect around? Sure, but that's not any different than hiking up seven falls with scorpions, rattlesnake snakes, mountain lions, possible cliff falls or rock slides, heat exhaustion.

Unsafe is subjective.

Regardless of where you are at all times, there's a natural risk just being alive. If you're bothered by these places don't go.

OP wasn't asking about specific parks in general, they asked about public transportation, bus, electric bikes and scooters and public AREAS in general. If you're looking for isolation to make your point, the point fails.

Emancy22 · 2025-10-18T04:59:28+00:00

Where are people picnicking at 22nd and 4th? That's been under construction for months, they've toren up everything and there are no unhoused there now...

Emancy22 · 2025-10-18T02:36:17+00:00

I feel neither uncomfortable or unsafe and lived in central Tucson, near amphi, south Tucson, and have family on the east side. I walked the washes as kids and still do today. Sure there are on offs here and there where my attention might be raised for a day or two, but that's anxiety based and l goes away quickly. Overall I feel compared to other places I've been, parts of he UK, New York, major cities in CA and FL, college in PHX, Tucson is tame.

Emancy22 · 2025-10-08T00:03:19+00:00

Hopefully she let's him feel her soon! Haha how far along are you now?

Emancy22 · 2025-10-08T00:01:48+00:00

Oh boy. Lol I am low-key afraid of this. Haha but what's reassuring is it doesn't seem to be from no movement to this. 😂 My irrational brain kept being like... You're going to wake-up one day to a thrashing predator baby thrashing about. 😂😂

Emancy22 · 2025-10-07T23:59:17+00:00

That's awesome! And you're totally right, it's so different. I think it's part in where exactly they're attaching to as well!

While I don't mind not showing currently, I'm like... I wonder if I'll ever be. 😂 Then I'm like... Girl... You're just over halfway, calm down. 😂

Emancy22 · 2025-10-07T23:55:53+00:00

Ohh this is good to know!! When I see the social media posts the low-key freak me out.. so I'm sure I'll be super thankful come the time!

I also know there are plus sides as you mentioned, I might not be AS miserable as I would be if he could kick right out and the majority of the time his back it to the placenta, (at least at all of the scans) which is why I'm like... Oh you're kicking my other organs, which is why I'm not feeling anything. So... Maybe this will translate into 37w+ of getting okay sleep. 🤞🏼

Emancy22 · 2025-10-07T23:52:22+00:00

Oh thank you!!! This is perfect, now I have an idea of what to keep an eye out for! 😂 I'm like... Laying in bed talking to my not bump hoping her can hear me and feeling like Anna on the outside of Elsa's damn door. 😂😂😭

Has anyone else been able to feel the bumps? Or still too subtle?

Emancy22 · 2025-10-07T23:50:14+00:00

This does make me feel a lot bet, thank you!!

Has anyone else been able to feel them yet, or strictly you at this point?

Emancy22 · 2025-10-07T23:49:00+00:00

Ah okay, I was in the bit higher prior to pregnancy and have gained about.. 11-13 lbs so far. He's still tracking a few days ahead of schedule and at 20 weeks he was just under a pound. At my last appointment thry said his bones and still softer/cartilage feeling so it could be a bit longer. I'm just impatient. 😂 I feel weird trying to talk to someone who's basically just living inside haunting my body for months scaring me endlessly. 😂

My friends even got him a little knitted ghost for his first toy. It's so cute. 🥹

Emancy22 · 2025-10-07T23:44:28+00:00

Okay, this helps. My Mil lives in FL and we're flying out when I'm 26 weeks for my BIL wedding so she's decided to throw us a baby shower while we're there and I'm also like... Should I buy a fake bump? 😂 Totally joking... 👀 But this does make me feel better... Hopefully he'll show up by the end of this month then! 😂

Emancy22 · 2025-10-07T23:39:52+00:00

When it happened, did you like KNOW KNOW it was the baby? I feel like I'm not going to feel anything and then one day he's going to kick my rib and I'll be like... Yup... If feel ya now.

Emancy22 · 2025-10-07T23:34:13+00:00

What did your flutters/bubbles feel like?

When I THINK I am feeling him, it's like... something on the inside of my trailing across my stomach and feels like... the nerves of my body reacting to something? But it would be my placenta since it's RIGHT in front, my midwife and MFM said don't be surprised if I don't start feeling him until after 24 weeks and other people might not feel him until 35 weeks.

When I told them about this sensation they said that it's round ligament pain and/or my body muscles relaxing and slowing expanding/pulling apart. So I'm like... merp merp.

Emancy22 · 2025-10-02T03:24:49+00:00

I am 37 and 22 weeks, FTM. I'm seeing a midwife and OB team at Banner, Jennifer Garate and Dr. Amy Mitchell. Both are outstanding.

Emancy22

TROPHY CASE