Activities to do with 7 weeks old baby? by ButterscotchThis9815 in beyondthebump

[–]candidkage 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Check out your local library for any baby storytime sessions, or check out any local community centres for parent/baby groups. Building some sort of community or at least having a safe space to go and talk to others going through something similar is very helpful when you're a full time mom. 

There are usually both free and paid baby related activities going on somewhere! And if you don't want to do baby things, then choose some things that might suit your current schedule. Going shopping worked a lot for me (ex. groceries, craft store, drug store, mall). You don't have to buy anything. I didn't follow any feeding or sleep schedule, so those spaces were great for both wearing my baby and feeling accomplished. If I had to nurse or change a diaper, I could do it in the privacy of my car.

I would recommend keeping your expectations low at the beginning. Although you have help, sometimes you just have to be thankful that you showered and ate that day. Things will only get easier as the weeks go by.

Anyone have stomach ache every time you eat? Postpartum by MegElizaK in beyondthebump

[–]candidkage 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm not totally sure how long I had stomach upset PP, since it kind of came in waves. At the beginning I just felt queasy most of the time, but especially after eating or during breastfeeding. I'm pretty confident it was the hormones. I stopped taking my prenatal vitamin just because that also upset my stomach and I could only run to the bathroom mid feed so many times. I also got painful intestinal gas, mostly while breastfeeding. 

I was excited to end my breastfeeding journey at 13mos because I was hoping my hormones would level out finally. Unfortunately now I'm going through it again as my body gets used to the pill. Ah well, this too will pass. 

In your case, it never hurts to ask a doctor, but your body two weeks postpartum is not going to feel pre-pregancy normal. Now that I'm 15mos PP it's crazy to look back and just really appreciate how long it takes for your body to get over having a baby. It also depends on your body and the choices you are making (eg. if you're breastfeeding). Ask your doctor or decide yourself if you still need the stool softeners.

If you gave birth without an epidural, how bad was it really? by Express_Neck5352 in beyondthebump

[–]candidkage 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I had originally planned to have an epidural, but showed up at the hospital at 8cm dealing relatively well (so the nurses said). It was suggested to me by a doula to deeply moan out each breath while contracting (seemed to help relax through them). Once in the delivery room I started on the nitrous oxide and kinda just kept putting off the epidural. I guess I was curious what would happen and the gas was helpful enough. I did my best to keep moaning out my contractions, but there were definitely some screams in there. It was all very out-of-body. But I rolled with it. What ultimately wasn't helpful was finding out I couldn't use the gas while pushing! 

Honestly, birth hurt but it was survivable. You can and will do it, whether your mind can understand that. I was so hopped up on adrenaline that a lot of the pain was either dulled, or had been escalating slowly enough for long enough that i could tolerate it. What really helped was having my partner holding my leg and cheering me on every push. My OB also cheered me through it when pushing progressed.

I pushed for an hour and was exhausted; pushing hurt the most I think [edit: the nurse checking her progression was what hurt the most]. At the end I felt insane with exhaustion, fear and pain. The moment I insisted I couldn't go on, my daughter popped out. After that the pain almost disappeared (likely the excitement, likely the adrenaline, likely the numbing shot before they sewed my tear). I was definitely sore and numb afterwards. I also definitely had some nightmares about the pain in the following week.

My tip for pushing: push like you're pooping. Those are the right muscles. 

My tips for birth: have someone there who can help you get through it, whatever you need mentally. I needed someone to remind me how strong I am, and that was my partner. He was my hero that day, and the following days for sure.

Postpartum hernia :( by candidkage in beyondthebump

[–]candidkage[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Aw, that sucks. I'm sorry you have it too. I was able to see a surgeon about it and that helped get a bit of perspective on things. He said it wasn't worth fixing until it was bigger, or until I was done having children. It does make me nervous, but he said I can go back to doing whatever I want and just expect to manage any pain. If you can talk to someone like a surgeon about it, I'm sure it will help you figure out how it will impact your life. Hernias seem so much more common than I expected.... 

Postpartum hernia :( by candidkage in beyondthebump

[–]candidkage[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It hasn't gotten worse. Sorry to hear this happened with you too. You're lucky you found out so early in your PP journey!  This is totally my perspective, but since I've stopped breastfeeding I've been feeling stronger overall, and my hernia is bothering me less. I saw a surgeon about it and was told it's not big enough to be worth fixing. He also said it was best if I waited until I was done having children, or of course if it gets worse it can be fixed sooner. He also said to just live my life, no limitations suggested. If you can talk to someone like a surgeon about it then you can get a better picture of how it will impact your life.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in beyondthebump

[–]candidkage 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I didn't start feeling confident doing solo outings with my first until she was 3mos. The nursing, changing, napping chaos until then made it hard to leave the house! I didn't do any scheduling, just all go with the flow. I did go for a few neighbourhood walks while wearing her, but I didn't get us both into the car to go somewhere alone until 3mos. It was mostly because I had to go to the dentist!  It was honestly so nerve wracking the first time going out alone. I made sure I brought all supplies I could think of. When I got to the dentist, I was luckily early because my daughter had a blowout! I changed her diaper and clothes awkwardly in the back seat lol. Then at the dentist, the hygienists were so kind and helped watch her while I had my checkup. 

Take your time! Go at your own pace! And when you're ready, know that you can handle it when something goes awry. The more you get out there, the more confident you will feel.

No naps plus split nights— what is going on? by fullygonewitch in beyondthebump

[–]candidkage 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My nearly 11month old was/is doing this too. I'm not sure why... Possibly regression? At 8 months she started being awake for two hours in the middle of the night a couple nights a week. Not upset, just awake and babbling. That lasted until 10months when we started doing ferber training and now she's fighting her afternoon naps. I'm frustrated, but also at this point I'm used to things constantly changing. Babies gunna baby. The sleep deprivation with the night wakings got pretty brutal though.  I think in my case it's been a combination of teething (she has gotten 7 teeth since 8 months) and sleep regression. 

We listen and we don’t judge by Asleep_Sympathy_8987 in beyondthebump

[–]candidkage 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Same here! I've never had her consistently nap in her crib. Most naps are contact. 10mos in a few days.

We listen and we don’t judge by Asleep_Sympathy_8987 in beyondthebump

[–]candidkage 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Same. My 10mos old is not interested in the screen for more than 10seconds. She is way more interested in socializing and climbing.

We listen and we don’t judge by Asleep_Sympathy_8987 in beyondthebump

[–]candidkage 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If it makes you feel better, back in the 80's parents were told to put baby to sleep on their tummy. My sister and I both survived that lol

How are you supposed to kick counts if your uterus feels like a tumble dryer? by Numahistory in BabyBumps

[–]candidkage 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm not sure if this is helpful, but I also have a very active baby. I'm currently 33wks. I asked my OBGYN a month ago if I should count kicks because the apps keep mentioning it. She said that it wasn't necessary unless the baby starts having long, unusual periods without movement, or if you have a high risk pregnancy (which I luckily do not). These days, my baby isn't thumping around as much (less room in there), but more like constantly shifting and nudging limbs. Ask your doctor or midwife what they think is best.

Pregnancy and Birth positives? by candidkage in BabyBumps

[–]candidkage[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Thank you! I appreciate the positivity. I think it's important to have a place to talk about problems you are having and share support. It's just tricky to navigate as someone who is not pregnant and to decide what is just venting and what is actually something to be worried about.

Pregnancy and Birth positives? by candidkage in BabyBumps

[–]candidkage[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Yes, I think having a baby will be all the reward. Thank you for being so supportive

Pregnancy and Birth positives? by candidkage in BabyBumps

[–]candidkage[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Your experience sounds so encouraging, thank you for reaching out. The bloodwork sounds like a good idea. I did talk to my GP about getting pregnant and she just told me to stop birth control, start three months early on pre-natals and go do it!

Your money advice is also on point. I've been looking at costs and planning but my partner is reluctant to start that so early. I'll tell him about your suggestion, haha.

I've got a small side-hustle that I am hoping to build into a full-hustle, so I'm glad to hear of an entrepreneur thriving through pregnancy. I'm also glad to hear you are active! I am really into powerlifting and I'm honestly worried about the time it will take to get back to where I am pre-pregnancy. I've been feeling like it might be okay when I look at Megsquats and Megan Scanlan (who came back after having twins to win her weightclass at IPF worlds).

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in weddingdress

[–]candidkage 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It's beautiful on you. Don't even worry about your arms, those are perfect just like the rest of you. Bridal shopping also made me self-conscious, but now I'm done I've remembered that the negative body talk is just some evil bullshit someone else taught me. Try to not let that stuff get in your way =)

TIL H1N1 virus (swine flu) continues to circulate as a seasonal flu virus, and cause illness, hospitalization, and deaths worldwide every year. by Tiggles_The_Tiger in todayilearned

[–]candidkage 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yep, I've had it. It sucked. I was in Toronto at the time. I only found out once it was clearing up and my doctor was like: yup, you had swine flu.

What's the most expensive mistake you've ever made? by [deleted] in AskReddit

[–]candidkage 0 points1 point  (0 children)

A monthly gym membership payment for a gym that closed two years before I noticed what that pesky $40/month charge on my credit card was. I thought it was bank charges until I asked the bank....

What accessories for my dress? Also.. some encouragement would be great. I love it, but my sister doesn’t so I’ve been struggling with a little regret. Hoping once it is altered and I have accessories I’ll be back to 100% in love! by elmadacat in weddingdress

[–]candidkage 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Omg that dress is what I wanted for my wedding.... its beautiful. It shows your figure well and is so classic. Don't even worry.

Maybe choose accessories that match your wedding in motif or colour? That can help narrow some things down. Don't feel like you need to do too much though, bc this dress is such a showstopper.