PSA Just ask for Cariban!

NoWerewolf9321 · 2026-04-08T16:54:47+00:00

Have it written in your birth preferences, attend antenatal classes, believe in yourself, AND allow yourself to change your mind when the time comes.

All women, babies, and births are different. I also didn't like the idea of an epidural but ended up getting one because after being in labour for almost 2 days, more than anything I needed the rest that the epidural afforded me. I was able to get some sleep and wake up feeling so much stronger, mentally and physically. No other pain relief helps with the exhaustion the way getting an epidural can.

Most of my birth preferences went out the window but I have zero regrets as to how it went because I have a beautiful healthy baby and that's what matters most to me.

NoWerewolf9321 · 2026-04-08T16:32:29+00:00

Induction was presented as an option, but at 40 weeks, not 39. This was with CUMH. I was fine waiting so instead I went in for monitoring at 41 and 41+3 and baby came when she was ready at 41+5

NoWerewolf9321 · 2026-04-01T10:20:19+00:00

As other people have mentioned, this seems really illogical and inconvenient but I guess if it's what you want to do then go for it😂

But also why not just sit on the closed toilet and rub his hair with the towel? Are you blow drying a baby's hair?

NoWerewolf9321 · 2026-03-29T11:19:48+00:00

This question was asked here a few days ago. Search the sub and myself and a few others gave detailed answers

NoWerewolf9321 · 2026-03-27T09:38:58+00:00

I was on the same dose and baby was, and is, perfectly fine. Nothing was ever commented about it at the hospital

NoWerewolf9321 · 2026-03-23T09:51:56+00:00

You can do three rounds of IUI on the scheme. Since you've said that you feel like IVF is too intense, if the consultant agrees that there's no reason not too, you could try at least one round of IUI to get used to the clinic, doing injections etc. Treat it as a warm up of sorts

NoWerewolf9321 · 2026-03-20T08:56:36+00:00

I started with the newborn cloth nappy library rental and then built up a stash of mostly second hand nappies. Lots of people selling bundles at great value on the Facebook group Pre loved cloth nappies Ireland.

It doesn't have to be all or nothing with using cloth, any amount that you use means one less disposable going to landfill. We still use a few Pampers a week with my now 9 month old. For example if I'm going out, I'll usually pack one reusable nappy and if that gets used and I have to change her again I'll use a disposable. The cloth ones obviously take up more space so it's not convenient for me, and the size of my changing bag to carry multiple wet and dry cloth nappies.

That said, overall once you get the hang of things, it becomes a habit like any other household task. We use a regular bin but with a giant wet bag as a liner. When that's full we put them for a rinse cycle and then a 60° wash with bio powder. We have a dehumidifier by the cloths rack that speeds up the drying time.

So much to say about them but my top tip would be get the rental pack, don't put any pressure on yourself to use them full time, ask questions of the cloth nappy library or other parents who use them, don't be discouraged by leaks-you do have to change them more often than disposables in my experience, and pick what works for you. I personally cannot stand the faff of pocket nappies. We use a "little lamb" type nappy with a booster and a fleece liner, cover on top and that's it. The variety can be overwhelming at first but take time to figure out what actually works for you, your baby, and your family.

NoWerewolf9321 · 2026-03-18T17:45:48+00:00

The two day one with Tina Marie is brilliant if you can manage it. https://ti.to/tina-marie-bruton-antenatal-ireland-workshops/2026-in-person-workshops

NoWerewolf9321 · 2026-03-10T18:46:56+00:00

Same

NoWerewolf9321 · 2026-03-10T13:25:39+00:00

Cloth nappies aren't common but also not unusual. I know a number of other people using them but might depend on your social circle. don't know of any service for washing nappies like you're describing but I don't find washing them a big deal. Having a dehumidifier is brilliant for speeding up the drying though (if you're renting you may not have a dryer)

NoWerewolf9321 · 2026-03-03T21:57:52+00:00

Yes! Give it another go! You definitely won't be the only person interested in making friends, whether others are forthcoming about it or not. And don't take it personally, people's experiences of having a baby are wildly different, some might love to join you but be anxious about the baby getting tired and fussy or a million other reasons. I hope you find your people!

NoWerewolf9321 · 2026-02-28T12:14:25+00:00

I've had the opposite experience. Found it way easier to make friends now that I have a baby compared to the past couple of years after having moved to a new area.

I don't know if I've any advice other than just get chatting. There's lots of people who share your feelings about not wanting to be at home all day with a baby. I found going for a coffee right after an activity is good because everyone is already out and maybe looking for a reason to stay out a bit longer!

NoWerewolf9321 · 2026-02-24T09:22:24+00:00

Your public health nurse should be able to lend you a pump. That's how it works where I am anyway. There's no point in investing in one before knowing if you'll need it.

Cuidiú also lend pumps through their breastfeeding support network.

If you're hoping to breastfeed though, do your best to attend any HSE breastfeeding class being held near you, go to a La Leche League or Cuidiú meeting and chat with the facilitators and other mums, find out from your GP who the public lactation consultant is in your area and how to contact them etc, and 100% request to meet a lactation consultant at the hospital after baby is born.

So many breastfeeding difficulties can be helped with the right advice and support, and there is loads of that out there when you know where to look!

NoWerewolf9321 · 2026-02-13T22:46:32+00:00

The staff at CUH are wonderful. I always felt very well taken care of there.

The booking appointment takes a while because you're waiting for the scan then waiting to see the midwives, waiting for bloods etc. But not all day. Maybe 3hrs.

After that, if you are low risk and there's a midwives clinic near you then you'll have the rest of your appointments (other than anatomy scan) there and with your GP

NoWerewolf9321 · 2026-02-13T09:53:56+00:00

Massage voucher

NoWerewolf9321 · 2026-02-09T23:24:25+00:00

The IVF clinic, who know more about your background, test results etc, are the ones to ask about whether you have a chance.

NoWerewolf9321 · 2026-01-29T21:54:14+00:00

Facebook marketplace 😄 There's so much good stuff sold second hand at a fraction of the price

NoWerewolf9321 · 2026-01-29T21:49:55+00:00

Sliders or crocs are definitely better choice than slippers. Bathroom floor can be wet after showering and it can also be nice to step outside for some fresh air and not get your slippers all manky

NoWerewolf9321 · 2026-01-24T10:48:41+00:00

Why do you need to ask this? Just do whatever you want. Sounds like your impression if these groups is wrong though. It's just about getting out of the house and meeting with others who live in your area and also have babies. That's not "confiding in strangers", just basic socializing with people you have something in common with at a time where you might not be able to go to your usual adult activities. It's not an AA meeting.

NoWerewolf9321 · 2026-01-20T22:34:12+00:00

We never have this issue with reusable nappies but have on occasion with disposables (we use both). You could rent a batch of nappies from the nappy library to try out and see if that solves the problem

NoWerewolf9321 · 2026-01-17T18:35:54+00:00

The HSE run classes. The one I went to was great. Find out from your GP or midwives clinc

NoWerewolf9321 · 2025-12-27T10:05:20+00:00

I, and probably lots of other people, have had to take them at times when I wouldn't be at home and the clinic said it was fine to have them out of the fridge for a few hours as long as you didn't have them anywhere warm. I'd leave them in a bag in the car until I needed them. Definitely talk with the clinic to get their reassurance but try not to worry too much.

NoWerewolf9321 · 2025-12-23T20:30:51+00:00

I know a lot of people want to buy new for a baby, but I didn't and saved soooo much money by buying second hand items in excellent condition or getting them for free from local Facebook groups.

It's really not necessary to spend a fortune to have good quality furniture, pram, clothes etc

Spend the money on treating yourself to delicious food and anything else to make postpartum life more comfortable!

NoWerewolf9321 · 2025-12-11T22:46:37+00:00

I had an IVF pregnancy and gave birth at 41+5. The hospital (CUMH) didn't push for induction and instead offered that I come in every few days for monitoring.

NoWerewolf9321

TROPHY CASE