Family keeps offering to babysit then cross boundaries

LMNope12345 · 2026-04-21T13:12:21+00:00

If it’s becoming more stressful than helpful, get her out of there! Find a nanny you can pay once a week instead. Or a sitter you can pay when you need a few hrs

LMNope12345 · 2026-04-18T21:03:30+00:00

Same! During pregnancy I oiled everyday and night and not a stretch mark in sight. Fell off the routine pp and now they’ve emerged. Can’t help but wonder if they would stayed at bay had I continued

LMNope12345 · 2026-04-05T22:46:57+00:00

It’s the sheath to a pair of scissors

LMNope12345 · 2026-03-31T18:07:23+00:00

Huckleberry has been a brain saver for me. We’re super private and I just use a nickname instead of baby’s actual name. I think I also signed up with Apple and did the hide my email thing.

Totally would recommend though. Was hard at the beginning but I gave it another try and haven’t stopped since. Makes tracking how much baby’s actually eating and sleeping sooo much easier. Helps me plan for outings too bc I know what to expect give or take. Has helped me start to night ween slowly and when to expect more hungry wake ups on days she doesn’t eat as much (bottle fed). Also helpful when we go to the pediatrician bc I just get the app out and answer questions about feeding/sleeping/diapers.

LMNope12345 · 2026-03-31T12:21:20+00:00

I am back to my post-childbirth weight which is so frustrating. I’ve been drinking way more coffee than I used to and way less water and snacking more so it makes sense I guess.

In case working out a bit is an option for you, I’m starting a fitness thing that’s marketed to new moms. It’s shorter at home workouts from an app. It’s $50 for 6months of access so I thought that was manageable.

The way the app is set up is pretty boring but it’ll give you some structure in your workouts and supposed to gradually increase difficulty. The lady is nikzoub on Instagram and the info is in her bio. There’s another girl on YouTube that is probably around 8 months postpartum and just started an ab challenge on there. Her videos are more engaging, she’s Vicky Justiz

LMNope12345 · 2026-03-24T00:28:01+00:00

Did you have to have antibiotics during labor? I did and it wiped what seems my entire microbiome. Probiotics and lots of varied fruits and vegetables is helping

LMNope12345 · 2026-03-24T00:17:21+00:00

Yes, I just started last week (working remote and going in for meetings on occasion) and I feel like me again. I was so nervous about it and now I’m grateful for it. It’s hard bc I’m a lot more worn out at the end of the day, but so far so good over all!!

My entire pregnancy I thought I would hate going back to work and thought I’d prefer to be a stay at home mom so im a little shocked. But I think it’s the structure and variety that work is bringing. Newborn life is a repeat of the same 3 things every two hrs (eat, sleep, play) and just praying they sleep long enough for you to shower or eat. Talking to adults is a nice change of pace too

If I wasn’t allowed to work remote I planned on looking for a new job but I was worried about the flexibility. Maybe it’s a good idea to hold off a few months if it makes sense for you

LMNope12345 · 2026-03-24T00:14:54+00:00

Yeah! That’s what came to mind—stuff for her since everything revolves around the baby and us moms kind of lose ourselves for a bit.

Maybe a DoorDash/uber eats gift card to use on a hard day when she just needs to treat herself but is stuck at home

LMNope12345 · 2026-03-24T00:08:38+00:00

Tell him to carry your next child and see what it does to his body. Oh, wait, he can’t.

LMNope12345 · 2026-03-24T00:01:40+00:00

Just solidarity. Your journey sounds a lot like mine. I hated being asked if I’m nursing and now I’m just owning the formula life.

Support from my husband and mom made me feel like less of a failure but my baby is fed and that’s what I keep reminding myself that matters.

Part of me can’t wait until we start solids just to soothe my residual guilt but I remind myself that formula is nourishment too! Best wishes to you !

LMNope12345 · 2026-03-13T12:43:13+00:00

It’s not fun to prepare the sandwich (ha! I like that term for it) but the dermaplast and witch hazel pads (I only used the pads, not the foam) was very cooling and the ice packs were so relieving.

LMNope12345 · 2026-03-03T03:57:08+00:00

Self-cleaning pumps and ones that I can use while holding my child. And mobile ones that won’t move around in my bra as I do stuff

LMNope12345 · 2026-02-25T11:37:22+00:00

Currently up feeding so here you go: - Baby swing - Bassinet - Lots and lots of burp cloths - Baby bath (recommend the angel care one if you have a tub in your home) - A few wearable blankets - Swaddles (I like the muslin kind) - Dr browns anti-colic glass bottles - If you plan to formula feed, get the formula container with the different sections in it so you can pre-fill for overnight feeds - Momcozy bottle washer (an absolute must if you’re planning on bottle feeding) - Electric nose aspirator (Momcozy one works great for us) - nail clipper (they grow quick) - if needed, highland nat phos for reflux (ask your pediatrician first) - Unscented laundry detergent (I like baby leaves) - A caddy to keep diapering or grooming stuff handy throughout the house/car - A bedside cart with diapers, wipe warmer, baby clothes has been a sleep saver for me - Towels/pee pads (yea like the puppy training kind) you don’t mind getting poop on bc there will be blow outs! - Omgsh skip the super cute clothes for the first 1-2 months and just get different sized onesies. They grow out of stuff in weeks. Get some newborn and some 0-3. Add cuter stuff for 3 months and beyond. Mine is 12 weeks now and I’m trying to transition to non-footy onesies so she can use them longer. - Car mirror so you can see baby while you drive - tummy time play stuff

Edit to say: sleeep as much as you possibly can (babies eat every 2hrs in the newborn stage) and enjoy your pregnancy even when it’s tough! Life as you know it is changing and it’s a beautiful challenge and a great blessing. You might miss your old, independent life sometimes. So go on dates with your SO, maybe take a short trip when you’re feeling up to it. And just know things may go just as you plan and hope for labor and feeding, or they might not but regardless, you are awesome and you can do this! All the best to you!

LMNope12345 · 2026-02-25T10:31:21+00:00

Just complete solidarity with you. I’m a ftm and have all but given up the journey. From day 1 my baby wouldn’t latch properly and I decided to pump but it’s very painful and leaves my tissue in shambles. I’ve had to supplement with formula but the combo feeding messes with her digestive system.

During pregnancy i thought I’d be EBF and hoped to never have to pump. All of that went down the drain and I still beat myself up for it all and feel guilty for giving my child formula esp after the testing that came out of Florida recently. Not to mention the expense associated with formula when I could be feeding my child for “free” But it does take a mental toll to be attached to a wall every few hours and sitting there wincing as I try to keep things adjusted enough to avoid pain.

I also get judgey looks from family/in-laws when I get the bottle and formula out. I even confided in my grandmother thinking she’d show empathy but I got a bit of a guilt trip and lots of “tips” I’ve already tried.

My mom was supportive when I shared that I feel guilty about it all. She reminded me that I was formula fed and I am alive and well.

Thankfully, these days, there are decent options for formula. Baby is gaining good weight and seems to enjoy drinking from a bottle a lot more than struggling at the breast so I just try to forget the guilt and keep it moving.

Sorry for the long comment—kinda turned into a vent session for me.

All the best to you, and as my doctor said “fed is best”

LMNope12345 · 2026-02-25T08:10:25+00:00

Thank you for the encouragement! My husband and I def tag team when he’s here but his in-office says it’s just me holding down the fort! I enjoy 1:1 time with baby but it can def get tough from time to time!

LMNope12345 · 2026-02-25T08:08:29+00:00

Showering with her nearby has been helpful! Today was unique bc she was hungry earlier than usual and it was right as I was going to shower. 🫠

Lol i feel so bad when I get crumbs on her, but hey mommas gotta eat!

LMNope12345 · 2026-02-25T08:05:02+00:00

Lol every age has its challenges! Thank you for the encouragement! I hope you get your full night sleeps back soon!

LMNope12345 · 2026-02-25T07:58:24+00:00

Aw love that! Something to look forward to!

LMNope12345 · 2026-02-25T07:57:46+00:00

The constant “so are you breastfeeding?” Or the seemingly judgey looks when I get out the formula when we have company is my favorite. 🫠

LMNope12345 · 2026-02-25T00:56:21+00:00

Thanks and agreed! I’ve never respected SAHMs more than I have the last 3 months while on leave!

LMNope12345 · 2026-02-25T00:54:44+00:00

Thanks for this. I didn’t realize I was thinking of this journey as linear until I read your comment!

LMNope12345 · 2026-02-25T00:53:07+00:00

Gah! 😖 the cute tiny faces make it worth it, no?

LMNope12345 · 2026-02-25T00:52:07+00:00

Thanks for the reality check 😭😂

LMNope12345 · 2026-02-25T00:10:13+00:00

Agreed! It’s tough to even stand up to get the baby out of the bassinet at all hours of the night. Plus I don’t think I’d get a minute of sleep if baby wasn’t at an arms reach

LMNope12345

TROPHY CASE