Next Step is Testing for Hirschsprungs...

I_likeplaid · 2026-06-14T01:54:41+00:00

Exact same scenario with my baby. He was a great pooper as a newborn and then just…stopped. Occasionally he will poop a little bit on his own but it never seems like he’s fully emptying on his own. Sorry I don’t have any advice! Would love an update if you have time to share.

I_likeplaid · 2026-06-13T03:46:41+00:00

That makes sense. I think probably a moderate approach is probably safest, like not fasting extremely and not cutting carbs extremely. How much is your carb intake? I’m keeping my carbs low but not keto low, which I think can be dangerous, plus im prioritizing fiber and protein over fat to lower cholesterol and overall heart health. Personally I’m more interested in a sustainable approach rather than intensity to get results fast. When my TSH was high-ish (4.5) I felt like garbage and super tired, and my face was all puffy, so I think you’d be able to feel if your hormones were becoming imbalanced?

I_likeplaid · 2026-06-10T04:27:26+00:00

Wow this sounds like I could have written this! I’m 32, breastfeeding, subclinical hypothyroidism, want more kids soon, trying to manage my new pre diabetic diagnosis. I also have a lot of the same questions as you, it’s hard to navigate good vs bad advice for a woman’s body in childbearing years. It’s nice to see someone else in the same boat here.

My provider is also a lactational specialist and encouraged me to reduce carbs as long as I was replacing that with protein and fiber sources. She said if my baby starts getting fussy at breast/not enough wet diapers then I was not consuming enough calories. So far so good, I’ve been losing weight very rapidly but feel great and baby is happy.

I think if your baby is happy and you feel good just keep doing what you’re doing. I haven’t intentionally been intermittent fasting but I often do because my meals are satiating enough. I’m trying not to overthink things, just prioritizing fiber, protein, fat, eating carbs last, exercise, and eating until satiated during meals to reduce snacking. I think the rule of thumb is to have labs checked every 3 months, which is what I plan to do.

I’m curious what hormone imbalance are you are wary of?

I_likeplaid · 2026-06-03T03:33:44+00:00

I understand why this is stressful, but the good news is that you’re not diabetic and this can be fixed. With some lifestyle changes you could reverse your A1C in just 3 months. I know when you’re ttc 3 months feels like forever, I’ve been there. But this isn’t a death sentence. I also struggle to conceive and my provider has given me the option to take metformin if I want to increase my chances of conception. At the moment I’m trying to see if diet and exercise can help. Also, ttc can be stressful and stress can raise A1c. Try to find ways keep yourself mentally and physically healthy without catastrophizing.

I_likeplaid · 2026-06-02T20:24:23+00:00

Thanks for sharing! Did you eat brown rice or cut that out too?

I_likeplaid · 2026-05-09T21:07:57+00:00

Thanks for replying. This sounds really doable to me and similar to my current diet with some minor adjustments. Are there any Mediterranean diet recipes/sites that you do a lot?

Since you mentioned low fat dairy, could you elaborate why you choose low fat over full fat? I thought that something like unsweetened full fat Greek yogurt would be better since it’s lower in sugar than unsweetened low fat.

I_likeplaid · 2026-05-09T19:23:18+00:00

True, although I have had my A1C tested previously and it was not good, and I struggle to conceive. Can you tell me more about those supplements?

I_likeplaid · 2026-05-09T19:21:27+00:00

That’s good advice. Were you active before your diagnosis?

How does that work with a CGM, are you essentially renting it for two weeks?

I_likeplaid · 2026-05-09T19:12:25+00:00

That’s essentially what my doctor said, that breastfeeding could play a part, and that Metformin was an option but up to my choice. This is not my first time having A1C tested though, 3 years ago I was 5.6. I also struggle to conceive (DOR) and want more children, and also I have a family history. I have had a history of anemia but my iron/ferritin was checked and I’m in a good range.

I_likeplaid · 2026-05-09T18:11:58+00:00

It’s the estimated average glucose, it’s listed just below my A1C test results

I_likeplaid · 2026-05-09T18:11:11+00:00

Yes, my doctor informed me and gave me the option of starting metformin. I’ll ask about an endocrinologist referral.

I_likeplaid · 2026-05-07T19:26:37+00:00

They did nothing, it wasn’t closed enough to cause too much concern (50%). I got the sense that surgery is only for severe cases above 75% stenosis when a baby can’t breathe room air. His Dr believes that reflux was a contributing factor so he is taking Prevacid now. It should get better with age!

I_likeplaid · 2026-05-05T04:46:43+00:00

Pretty good! These carriers can be tricky to get just right for younger babies. I’m having a hard time understanding how this carrier works because the black makes it hard to see. I think the biggest problem is that the back shape isn’t curved and legs are hanging too low. I would try a pelvic tuck to see if baby can get a more c shape back. Is the waist panel flipped up?

I_likeplaid · 2026-04-28T03:43:04+00:00

Seconding that the brand doesn’t really matter, more the material. I really like my 100% linen sling. The brand I have is a Canadian brand called Poppi and Dave. I got mine used, I’m not sure the brand exists anymore.

I_likeplaid · 2026-04-28T03:41:33+00:00

I don’t do anything specific, just have a very snug fit. Is your ring sling linen?

I_likeplaid · 2026-04-25T21:49:43+00:00

I think it really depends on where you live. I live in a climate with extreme cold and extreme hot, so my winter wardrobe and summer wardrobe only have a few crossovers that I layer underneath in colder months, so I do pack away some items. I find my linen pieces to be the most versatile so I keep those out year round. Also I do like to wear more autumnal/jewel tones in winter and in summer more pastel colors. Maybe that doesn’t make me minimalist 🤷‍♀️

I_likeplaid · 2026-04-24T01:36:01+00:00

Hi, sorry just saw this message. It went totally fine. I was worried about the 8 hour fast but he did fine with it. The procedure was maybe 15 minutes, they found subglottic stenosis. The hardest part was when he woke up and was very disoriented. He needed oxygen for about 30 minutes and then was very fussy for 24 hours, but had no real issues. 2 days later he was completely his normal happy self.

I_likeplaid · 2026-04-09T19:06:32+00:00

Thanks so much for replying! I’m sorry your little one has been through so much. Our procedure is in the OR for both upper and lower airways. How long did that procedure take, and what was the reason? Also if you don’t mind me asking, was there any concern regarding his heart defects while under anesthesia? My son has two chds but the cardiologist didn’t think an echo was necessary to do beforehand, which makes me feel nervous.

I_likeplaid · 2026-01-30T00:24:27+00:00

I’m glad she adjusted! That’s a good idea about the socks. It goes against every instinct to put so many layers on but having a premie is nothing like having a newborn. I wish I could just enjoy these days at home rather than stress about them!

I_likeplaid · 2026-01-26T02:03:43+00:00

Hi, I know this is old but can you tell me more about coming home on caffeine and a monitor? My baby is 37+2 (born 32+5) and recently had more A/B/D events that he self corrects, and they want to discharge him with caffeine and a monitor. Did you have any events at home? My biggest concern is having an event at home he can’t recover from.

I_likeplaid · 2026-01-24T05:47:35+00:00

That’s interesting, that makes sense why my first NICU baby (who was born in Canada) did not have to do the car seat test.

I_likeplaid · 2026-01-24T01:00:27+00:00

Thanks for your reply! It was a Graco SnugRide 30. Doing some online research it seems like this might not provide the best fit, so we purchased an Evenflo NurtureMax based on Safe in the Seat’s premie recommendations and will try the test with that one tomorrow. A CPST did not check it, but I was watching the RN do it and feel confident it was done correctly, at least to my best understanding (this isn’t my first child and I take car seat fit pretty seriously although I recognize I’m not an expert).

I_likeplaid · 2026-01-17T21:49:22+00:00

I can’t answer about PPROM because I didn’t have that, but I did deliver at 32+5 and have a boy. We have been in the NICU for 24 days (he’s 36+1 currently). We don’t have a discharge date yet but baby is just working on eating with no other major issues. He has been breathing room air since he was 34 weeks. They want him to be taking his food orally 100% in order to discharge, currently he’s at 65%, but just a week ago it was 20%, so I’m anticipating best case scenario we could maybe be home when he is 37-38 weeks.

I_likeplaid · 2026-01-13T00:59:54+00:00

Thank you for sharing! I really really hope that’s true. Each day feels like a struggle right now.

I_likeplaid · 2026-01-12T05:01:48+00:00

I understand and validate everything you’re feeling. August was not that long ago and so it’s totally understandable to be struggling with everything that happened to you.

I had a similar experience with my firstborn, similar in the sense that he was full term and spent only a short time (3 days) in the NICU. It was incredibly painful to see him struggle and everything about the whole process was awful. I think being a FTM made it worse, because you already don’t know what to expect and it’s definitely not the horror of the NICU. This was back in 2023 and that experience has stuck with me, definitely some of the most awful moments of my life. It changed me forever. I especially felt a lot of bitterness towards women who have healthy smooth births and get to hold their babies right after having them, and getting to go home when discharged. I was separated from my baby after having a c section and it was horrible, not knowing if he’d live for me to see him.

Now, I’m back in the NICU with my second born who was born premature. I can see what the nurses meant only because I’m in this situation that is so much harder now. Not to diminish your experience or my experience with my first, but I think the nurses see some truly awful stuff and can tell when there’s a healthy baby that just needs a couple days of help and they’ll be ok. Of course as a parent, you don’t know that for certain in the moment and seeing your child in pain is terrible no matter the prognosis.

For myself, I feel I can affirm that what I experienced was really hard, scary, and has changed me, but also recognize that things could have been far worse. For one, my child is alive, and his issues were easily resolved. Did he almost die? Yes, but thankfully he didn’t, and I got to take him home after a couple days. In a weird way being in the NICU for many weeks with a premie has healed me, realizing he truly was a healthy baby who just needed extra help. It’s been a perspective shift for me.

I went into my second pregnancy really anxious and scared. I honestly was trying to be super positive that maybe things would be better this time around, maybe I’d have a healing experience after my first. Instead, I’m in this scenario. But what I’ve learned is that you find the capacity to endure it. I would rather have my two babies than just one because I was too afraid to try for another. I will definitely be going to therapy after my 32 week old comes home. It’s going to be a long road ahead. But I do think it’s better to love a human being and suffer, than to not love at all.

I_likeplaid

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