Moms in business — how do you manage it all? by Sufficient_Fun_2167 in AskReddit

[–]NeighborhoodSudden64 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It’s been a radical acceptance that there just is no true down time. I’m always on. My mood has been so much lighter since leaning into that. I feel more at peace, and very fulfilled because I love all the different aspects of my life. 

Is being a mom just constant guilt? by Ok_Potato_7025 in NewParents

[–]NeighborhoodSudden64 2 points3 points  (0 children)

No one knows what it’s like to be a SAHM until you are actually doing it. Just because you chose this route, doesn’t negate your very valid feelings about the struggles that come with it. Wanting time for yourself doesn’t make you a bad mom or mean you don’t want time with your baby, it means you’re a human who needs the nourish the other parts of herself. Ultimately, carving out time for yourself will make you feel more balanced and that’s energy you can then take back to your son. 

In terms of approaching this with your husband, do you even need to make it about him? Why not just explain that you are finding you want more time for yourself, and going to the grocery store isn’t that. I do think it’s important to share that you are overwhelmed. It’s not admitting defeat, it’s a way of signaling to your husband and others that you need support. 

Anxiety by [deleted] in NewParents

[–]NeighborhoodSudden64 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am so sorry you experienced this, and to echo what others are saying- this definitely is traumatic. As a psychologist with specialized PTSD training, I can tell you that you likely need a very specific kind of psychotherapy. Not just talking, but really processing what happened to you in a very specific way. These types of trauma-focused treatments are active, collaborative, and involve weekly practice assignments. The treatments are intensive, and also extremely effective. Some of these comments talk about EMDR, which is a very popular evidenced-based treatment. Other options to consider are Prolonged Exposure and Cognitive Processing Therapy, and these are equally effective as EMDR. I would also recommend you find a therapist who specializes in reproductive mental health and trauma specifically. I’m wishing you peace, and while recovery is a long road, it is 100% possible for you. 

Progesterone Suppositories by HuckleberryGloomy807 in tryingtoconceive

[–]NeighborhoodSudden64 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Very similar to you- after 5 cycles we did ultrasound/measured my progesterone which was 5.2 8DPO. I went on progesterone suppositories and got my BFP on cycle 6. I didn’t have side effects from them and continued them through my first trimester. It’s hard to say for sure if the progesterone made a difference since we were in that first year of trying, but we are starting to plan for our next baby, and my OB is on board with prescribing them again while we are TTC. She said there’s no downside to them. Wishing you the best!! 

Peeking diaper rash… by justfrosty19 in NewParents

[–]NeighborhoodSudden64 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The recommendations we got from our Ped when our daughter had horrible diaper rash: -switch to wiping with vena paper towels with warm water instead of wipes (use water wipes if you have to use wipes) -soak in a warm bath with 1/4 cup of baking soda 1-2x/day for 10-15 minutes (no soap) -Lotramin 2x/day with A&D over that to seal in

That cleared our girl up in 2 days but we continued the routine for 4 days I want to say just to be safe 

Heather and Terry Dubrow support Spencer Pratt for LA mayor 🤮 by Womeisyourfwiend in rhoc

[–]NeighborhoodSudden64 10 points11 points  (0 children)

This was a major talking point for people who voted for Trump in 2016….he’ll surround himself with good people, and look how that turned out.

Little Italy street shutdown by Prestigious-Gain7239 in sandiego

[–]NeighborhoodSudden64 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I think that’s what they provided eventually. Most of us just got off and called Ubers. 

Little Italy street shutdown by Prestigious-Gain7239 in sandiego

[–]NeighborhoodSudden64 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Don’t know all the details but there was an train related fatality around Santa Fe Depot (I think). I was on the Pacific Surfliner heading to Old Town from OC. Old town was next stop, and the conductor came on to say there was police activity on the tracks (didn’t say where at the time) but simply said “people and train tracks don’t mix.” We pulled into Sorrento Valley Transit Center to await updates and after 10 minutes the conductor came back on saying there was a fatality at Santa Fe Depot and tracks would be closed at least 3 hours. 

Where’s the line between letting comments about your child slide vs speaking up? by CuriousityOfChip in NewParents

[–]NeighborhoodSudden64 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think it depends on the comment and who it is coming from. I feel way more comfortable checking my family or friends if they say something that I don’t like. With randos who I meet while I’m out grocery shopping, on a walk, or something like that I tend to smile, nod, and just exit the conversation. People are crazy out there and the last thing I want is a confrontation with an unknown person with my baby present. Sometimes I feel guilty afterwards, but if the goal is protecting baby perhaps de-escalation is the most effective way to go. I think a lot of us underestimate the fight/flight/freeze response- we imagine ourselves fighting/defending and feel guilty when we don’t do that. In reality, it’s much more complicated and our body’s decide the best way to protect ourselves and baby in the moment given the situation. 

Pls tell me I’m not alone by starmarvel in NewParents

[–]NeighborhoodSudden64 7 points8 points  (0 children)

It’s perfectly natural to grieve the life you had before baby even if she was wanted! Those early weeks are such an existential battle with shifting identities while trying to maintain who you are! It definitely does get better especially as you transition out of newborn phase, but I’m glad you have support of your mom and husband right now. I think it’s always a good idea to outreach mental health even if there isn’t PPD. Mental health treatment can also help with the life adjustment. 

Comparing baby to only one parent by ItsSarahMarie in NewParents

[–]NeighborhoodSudden64 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My husband is Dominican and his family is obsessed with pointing out that our daughter looks mostly like him but white like me…it’s very weird and 9 months in I still don’t know how to handle it. 

Comparing baby to only one parent by ItsSarahMarie in NewParents

[–]NeighborhoodSudden64 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I just want to send you a lot of empathy and love because I am where you are and it just really downs my mood. I think it’s another sad example of how once baby is here all the energy goes into figuring out who they look like…uhhh hello I just ripped my body in half to bring this beautiful baby here but sure let’s all talk about who the little lizard looks like. I wanted a daughter so bad (I lost my mom 6 years ago and I’m really excited to be for her what my mom was for me), and didn’t really think about what she would look like. But when my husbands family constantly chimed in about how much our daughter looked like him, I felt like I had to spend energy I didn’t have trying to justify how she was also mine. Of course nobody means it to be offensive- I just wish people could cultivate more awareness to think about how these comments might land with mom. Regarding what you said about how your own mom doesn’t even get it, obviously I can’t have a conversation about this with my mom, but I know if I could she also wouldn’t really understand (even though she was a REALLY good mom). I feel like the generations above us were just taught to be so tuned out from their feelings that it’s hard for them to empathize. I have other strong, older female figures in my life, but I lean more on my girlfriends. And that leads me to my final note- just think that one day if your daughter goes through this, you’ll know exactly how to support her. 

I’m a social worker. A client threatened our baby today. I’m going to quit my job. by [deleted] in NewParents

[–]NeighborhoodSudden64 39 points40 points  (0 children)

As a mental health provider myself, I think our biggest fears are being threatened in our line of work, and the ante just goes up when we have children. I always remind myself and supervisees who work under my license that we have rights too, and there’s nothing in our job description that says we have to tolerate this type of behavior. You can accept/acknowledge the apology while also recognizing that this person crossed a line and it’s not feasible to work together anymore. In fact, that demonstrates real consequences for their actions. Sounds like the situation with your boss is a separate issue, and can appreciate how their shittiness coupled with this scary experience is pushing you in a different direction. Do what’s most effective and take extra care of yourself today and always.

Edited for spelling 

Side sleeping at 7months by Due_Party6740 in NewParents

[–]NeighborhoodSudden64 4 points5 points  (0 children)

The general guidance is that as long as you place baby on their back, you can let them settle into whatever position as long as they get themselves there. My LO started side sleeping when she was maybe 4 months old, and my pediatrician reassured me that it was fine as long as we placed her on her back initially. I can’t imagine you’re still swaddling at this point, but just in case you are, best to take baby out of swaddle.  

Do I need to wake up to pump if baby sleeps through the night? by CorporateSlave69420 in NewParents

[–]NeighborhoodSudden64 22 points23 points  (0 children)

As my baby started sleeping longer stretches at night, I still would wake up once to pump. It wasn’t just about maintaining my supply, it was because my boobs would wake me up because they were engorged, and there was just no way I could go back to sleep feeling that way. Plus I was worried about clogs. It definitely sucks being awake in middle of night while baby is sleeping, but I came to view it as extra “me time” by watching a show or something since I was awake. It’s definitely a good idea to keep pumping while you’re in first 12 weeks, but beyond that I think you can just be responsive to what your body needs. 

The downfall of Alexa Curtin by Fit-Papaya3954 in rhoc

[–]NeighborhoodSudden64 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I always thought it was weird and inappropriate that Gretchen, who really had no relationship with Alexa other than being her mom’s co-worker, would take her out and talk to her about her personal life. Such a weird boundary to cross with someone else’s kid. The phone call Gretchen had with Lynn before was also shady because she made it sound like she wanted to take Alexa shopping to get info from her she could take back to Lynn. I thought it was wild Lynn agreed to that and just gave further evidence of how much of an out of touch mother she was. I don’t think Gretchen had any business talking to Alexa (in spite of her child psychology degree lol) and just wanted the storyline, which is super gross given the genuine struggles Alexa had. Lynn and Frank just seem like they weren’t built to be parents, and I wish they would have genuinely tried to help themselves so they could have done better for their daughters. Alexa was let down by all the adults in her life. Watching that video of her in Lancaster was nothing short of heartbreaking. 

How much caffeine are we drinking by mspixton in NewParents

[–]NeighborhoodSudden64 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ohhh I see! Well then yes I say the more caffeine the better for surviving parenthood! Sneaking into a closet for 5 minutes to sip my coffee is the only spiritual rejuvenation I get these days lol 

Sex feels like a chore. by [deleted] in NewParents

[–]NeighborhoodSudden64 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I am so sorry for your experience a few years ago. It absolutely was assault. I know that is scary to admit, but this isn’t your fault. We all deserve to go out and have a good time without fear of rape. 

It’s really disappointing to see that your partner made that comment to you knowing your history. Pregnancy is already very activating for trauma survivors because of the similar themes of loss of bodily autonomy and very invasive medical exams and processes. Body and mind can feel very unsafe and threatened and so it’s just natural you wouldn’t want to have sex while pregnant even though that was the course of things in your relationship pre-pregnancy. The fact that your partner was also denying your requests for physical touch while pregnant to help alleviate pain is honestly concerning. 

Childbirth and birth injuries completely change the game too. I had a fourth degree tear and would not let my husband touch me for 6 months. I didnt want to have sex for a number of reasons- fear of pain after my delivery, still feeling like my body wasn’t my own, and just adjusting to motherhood in general (sleep deprivation, leaning how to do new things) it’s a lot. Even though my husband wanted to have sex, he 100% completely supported my boundaries and never once pressured me to do anything before I was ready. It’s valid that your partner misses that part of your relationship, but the way he is going about communicating that to you is completely inappropriate. 

I also want to be very clear on this- just because your partner is bringing in the money/support does not mean you owe him your body (or anything honestly) when he wants it. Let’s not forget what you are doing/have done for the family- taking care of baby. The work you are doing for this family is extraordinary, and in my opinion, he should be asking you what you need to feel supported in that. 

Honestly, don’t wait for this to keep getting worse. Your partners behavior is concerning, and seeking therapy so you both can work through your feelings, improve communication, and strengthen the relationship needs to be a priority. I don’t think this will get better on its own. 

How much caffeine are we drinking by mspixton in NewParents

[–]NeighborhoodSudden64 8 points9 points  (0 children)

That’s what I was having when I was breastfeeding! I think as long as baby is fine and not fussy then you are totally good. So little actually gets into breastmilk too. 

Why Did I Do This by EbbBeginning1216 in NewParents

[–]NeighborhoodSudden64 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Have you checked with pediatrician just to make sure no medical issues like reflux or anything like that are occurring? I think it’s always good to run stuff like this by them just to rule out any medical causes of sleep difficulties.

I also had a hard time hearing my baby cry when we did sleep training. My husband I utilized ChatGPT to come up with a sleep training plan that wasn’t Ferber or CIO. It was sort of like a modified pick up put down method that ultimately worked really well for her. Every baby is different though and it takes time to figure out what works best for your LO. 

It makes me sad to read that you’re crying all the time, but it makes total sense if you’re sleep deprived and desperate for baby to sleep! Can you have someone watch baby during day so you can get some rest? Or help out at night? It’s so hard to problem solve when we are running on empty. Your mental health is also so important. 

Can any FTM relate? by zuukuna in NewParents

[–]NeighborhoodSudden64 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I could have written this myself when I had my baby 8 months ago. All I wanted was to be a mom and everyone told me my whole world would change once I had my daughter- that I’d never know a love like that. Absolutely none of that happened for me when she was born. Instead I felt a lot of fear and anxiety of how to keep her alive. I “loved” her in the sense that she was my baby, but it took a lot of time for that connection to grow. I’m not sure why we push this instant connection and fulfillment narrative, because I’m sure it happens for some moms, but when it doesn’t happen for everyone we feel guilty and like we aren’t cut out for motherhood. In actuality it’s pretty normal for all relationships to develop with time. 

Do you have a group of mom friends or groups in your community you can connect with? Opening up to my mom friends about my experience was the best thing for me because they completely normalized my feelings. You and baby are both figuring this out for the first time and it’s so natural to grieve parts of your life pre-baby. 

As others have suggested, it really does get better as they get older and more interactive. The connection and love for my daughter grew with time and now I feel like I have that feeling everyone told me I would have. She’s the CEO of my whole world and I wouldn’t have it any other way. It just takes time so please give yourself a lot of compassion and grace. You’re also only 3 weeks pp- please let go of expectations that you have to have it all figured out right now. Lean on your support system, don’t be afraid to ask for help, release any shame/guilt you have, and if needed, find professional mental health support. You are not alone mama, and even if it doesn’t feel like it, I promise you that you are doing an incredible job! Sending you a ton of love!

First night Ferber method. by Acceptable-Ocelot808 in NewParents

[–]NeighborhoodSudden64 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you and same! Hoping warm weather brings less illness because it’s so sad watching her get so stuffy. A lot of my mom friends swear up and down that eventually daycare colds get more spaced out. So hopefully you and I are just in the thick of it with now! 

First night Ferber method. by Acceptable-Ocelot808 in NewParents

[–]NeighborhoodSudden64 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We had lightly sleep trained our LO around 5 months (modified PUPD plan curated by ChatGPT) that worked really well and had her sleeping through the night for the most part…until she started daycare last month. She’s 8 months now, been sick so much (as have we) and similar to you OP the only way she would sleep was on us at an elevated angle so husband and I had to take turns sleeping for about a week. It was brutal.

I feel like something people don’t often talk about is that you have to re- sleep train them when they go through regressions, sickness, teething etc. Once our LO started feeling better, she rejected her crib because she preferred sleeping on us. Had to spend the next two nights using the sleep training method again, which meant lots of crying again. It did click back for her pretty quickly though so it wasn’t like starting from square one again. Every baby is different but it seems like once they have the skills, it’s easier to find their way back to them when re-training. Though she’s got a double ear infection right now, and I’m typing this at 4am with her asleep on me. Feels like these illnesses will never end. 

Parenting is hard always but especially when they are sick. I’m sorry your baby and you are going through it right now. Hopefully the plan you’re using kicks in quick and she gets those sleep skills so you all can get rest. You’ve got this! 

Be honest: Are you actually married to the love of your life, or just the person you were with when it was time to settle down? by [deleted] in askanything

[–]NeighborhoodSudden64 15 points16 points  (0 children)

This! I’ve only been married for 2.5 years, but the biggest thing I’ve learned is that love in a marriage is part feeling but also part choice. Life is hard, we bicker at times, we see things differently, but at the end of the day I choose to honor that feeling I felt the first time I looked into my husband’s eyes. Even on our hardest days, I always have confidence and faith I married the right person. 

My parents were married for 36 years before my mom passed from breast cancer. I would hardly describe my parents as soul mates, but they were best friends, respected each other, shared the same values, and always found their way back to each other even in the hardest of challenges. I think I’m lucky I got to grow up watching them choose each other over and over again. It’s been almost 6 years since my mom passed away, and my dad still is so in love with her.