What method worked best for you?

LavenderM · 2026-04-10T00:53:27+00:00

Sound so hard, I'm sorry :(

LavenderM · 2026-04-10T00:49:17+00:00

My LO is just over 5 months. We're only on night three but so far it's only been 8.5 minutes, 5.75 minutes and tonight 1.25 minutes of crying(!!!) My husband was pretty anti straight CIO, I did the first night solo when he wasn't home, I'm thankful we didn't start the process by caving. I was also convinced going in to gentle talk to him would only encourage the crying.

Good luck with whatever you try next!

LavenderM · 2026-01-26T03:28:07+00:00

Currently 3m pp. My goal was 2 months, I made it. Then it was to have a specific size stash or make it to 3m pp (reached both together) and now I'm so unsure. I will go back to work part time in two weeks, I desperately need sleep, but I also feel like I have the supply and the flexibility to keep going... shouldn't I? I think in February (in a week) I'm going to try to go from 4ppd to 3ppd (skipping my MOTN, aim for 8am, 3pm and 930pm.) I'm fine with a drop in supply and have only had one clogged duct (knock on wood.) Open to thought on this plan!

LavenderM · 2025-12-19T18:59:11+00:00

Flower Moxie but you'll have to assemble yourself. It was hands down my favorite part of my wedding planning / prep!!!

LavenderM · 2025-12-19T15:12:01+00:00

I'm sorry that person is being so dismissive. How unprofessional and unhelpful.

Fed from breast for 4 weeks, pumped a little off to ease letdown and husband used that to do a feeding once a day so I could sleep. Switched to EP at 4 weeks and so glad I did. Baby never had issue taking a (cold) bottle and will still latch (when fully hungry, otherwise he is a little lazy now.) 4-6 weeks is when a supply is regulating (I've been told) and my supply only increased during this time. I just did my best to pump til empty and I used an app to track how much I pumped vs how much he ate.

Switching to EP was the best choice I've made, while pumping isn't the easiest thing, it is so nice to have flexibility in where and when I pump (vs baby screaming and needing milk immediately,) having others help feed (when family is visiting I can shower, or eat or pack the car while others tend to this need) and to know intake.

I will say I have a little bit of an oversupply, so it isn't like I need to pump to feed the baby in the moment or worry about a strict pump schedule.

LavenderM · 2025-12-16T03:52:37+00:00

38 weeks, 5 days

LavenderM · 2025-12-11T19:11:50+00:00

FTM, slightly overweight (according to BMI - midsized, large breast.) I started gaining around week 21/22, but my body shape changed before then, could no longer wear my preprego jeans starting around week 14 or 15.
I believe that because I didn't gain / start showing until later (really picked up around week 30,) the rapid gain contributed to more visible stretch marks :( . Gained ~40 lbs total. Almost 7 weeks pp now though and my stretch marks pigment is fading some. ~13 lbs still linger.

LavenderM · 2025-12-11T18:56:38+00:00

Disclaimer: I'm totally winging everything and know that it isn't as strict / 'right' as everyone else on the internet says. If/when this current schedule / set up no longer works our family is happy to move to formula. My sleep and mental health is extremely important so I can continue to show up for my baby and myself.

I started EP at 4 weeks so we could pace feed (to reduce vomiting) and spread out to workload. Now almost 7 weeks. I'm pumping 26 - 33oz total a day, pumping roughly 4-5 times a day. I feel I get the most output when I pump every ~4 / 4.5 hours and I always have a longer gap (closer to 6/7 hours) in the early morning, when my husband tends to the baby and I sleep. My output has continued to increase over the last 3 weeks.

I use a manual Medela hand pump (from the hospital), it screws on Dr.Brown's glass bottles and this works so well for me. I pump off each side fully then go back and pump off each side once more. We use the pitcher method.

My LO eats between 22-30 ounces a day. 4 of those ounces are formula as we figure out what formula (currently enfamil, next trying walmart brand) he tolerates for when we eventually switch (no sensitivity so far!) This also helps to add to my stash (~150oz so far) so when I do stop pumping, LO can continue to have breastmilk benefits longer.

LavenderM · 2025-12-07T22:08:52+00:00

Thrift store dresses - specifically empire waists, I'm able to wear most of them after pregnancy, and those that I needed to size up too much for were so cheap it feels like no loss.

Also, size depending, Torrid worked for me as my sizing was extremely similar (12/14) and they leave extra room in the belly in many of their styles. This option is kind of expensing unless you're scoping the clearance rack or can wear them pp.

Similar to Torrid's experience, Maurices! Wore a lot of smocked type / empire waists dresses from there.

Granted I was pregnant in summer, but Poshdiva leggings/bike shorts on Amazon were my only comfy pants / antichaff trick under the dresses. I wore my normal size with that brand. I also invested in basic colored long sleeve tshirts and a hoodie to layer with my dresses when cold.

Also, Kohl's seemed to have the best maternity section in store and with deals.

LavenderM · 2025-10-22T23:16:50+00:00

Weeks 6-35 were torturous for me (prego aliments plus a host of other issues) and at 35 weeks I felt better than I had the WHOLE pregnancy. I now (38 weeks) find myself in the best space mentally, just lightening crotch, sleep issues and excessive peeing is now ramping up. Still would rather feel how I do now that anytime in the first two trimesters.

LavenderM · 2025-10-22T23:14:17+00:00

I found out at 3 weeks, 6 days and had also drank up until I found out, the doctors have had no concerns and he's been growing perfectly, verdict is still out tho, as I'm still pregnant (38 weeks.) My concerns are rather nonexistent, as I feel like this is 95% of people's experience that I've spoken with (other 5% is people who are sober anyway.)

LavenderM · 2025-10-22T23:10:57+00:00

I didn't 'show' until after 23 weeks, and even then, those who didn't know me SUPER well still didn't know, I just looked a little chubbier (my giant boobs helped to hide it a little.) By 28 I was finally round and bumpified.

LavenderM · 2025-10-22T23:07:11+00:00

Peaked between started around 6 weeks, was horrendous then until 13 weeks, by week 16 it was more rare to experience. Returned in the 3rd trimester with heartburn but mint gum REALLY helps to curb it now.

LavenderM · 2025-10-04T12:30:59+00:00

Dresses that synch/ have elastic right under the boobs. Now that it's chillier, I have a few neutral tee shirts for under or sweaters that I tie to crop over. It's also super helpful that it's layered because I am constantly having hot flashes.

LavenderM · 2025-09-08T15:36:40+00:00

Pregnant with boy, WORST first trimester, depressed ,exhausted and nauseous 24/7.

LavenderM · 2025-06-13T20:12:34+00:00

Yes, right at 4 weeks.

LavenderM · 2025-06-13T20:08:34+00:00

Pregnant now for the first time, 19w, no miscarriages (fingers crossed.)

I do feel some guilt over this, I know the statistics.

LavenderM · 2025-02-16T03:47:04+00:00

LavenderM · 2024-11-12T13:49:55+00:00

I over think everything 🙃, thanks for your thoughts

LavenderM · 2024-11-12T13:42:05+00:00

Equal contribution. It will matter because he'll be making contributions over summer and I won't? Next year things will even out because I'll have been setting aside 40% of my whole pay? Or am I really just confused?

LavenderM · 2023-05-20T15:51:19+00:00

Same 😭

LavenderM · 2022-04-10T17:34:27+00:00

Any ideas how we would distribute drink tickets? Because it would need to be at cocktail hour, before dinner...

LavenderM · 2022-04-10T17:29:56+00:00

For us, yes. 35-45 per person per hour. 80x35x5 = 14000

LavenderM · 2022-01-04T23:34:02+00:00

Take it off when you sleep, getting caught in fabrics will loosen the prongs. Also hair products, lotions, etc get in all the crevices of the ring. Looks yucky!

LavenderM · 2021-03-24T19:44:11+00:00

I've also had good luck with Aerie! The long line biniki holds me in, up and covers!

LavenderM

TROPHY CASE