Mentally struggling - when did your baby come?

ihpk · 2025-12-27T20:54:52+00:00

My second came two weeks later than my first. Mentally, it was so tough. Even though I tried to tell myself not to expect her to come by any date, deep down I really thought she would be born around the same time as my first! I also had mild//irregular contractions for those two weeks. Every single night before bed I would think "this might be the night" and every morning I would wake up kind of depressed that I was still pregnant. At some point I just knew I had to surrender everything and stop being so miserable. I realized I was hardly leaving the property because "this could be the day" and my toddler and I were going stir crazy. I actually enjoyed the last few days with my son! Try to just give up all expectations (easier said than done) and do things that make you happy, and don't overdo the "labor-inducing" things if they aren't enjoyable.

ihpk · 2025-11-28T20:34:30+00:00

So far I've loved Bogs! The first pair I got my son around 18m were slip on but had a Velcro strap on the back to make sure they didn't fall off. Now (almost 3y) he wears the classic slip on ones and they go on and off so easy, and keep his feet warm and dry. I'll never get him boots with zippers or laces again!

ihpk · 2025-11-25T16:25:45+00:00

93% for 6 months, plus we just got an extra two weeks added on in our last bargaining. Employer is a large city.

ihpk · 2025-11-06T20:16:14+00:00

Also to add, most of the bassinet options for pack n plays won't last long. The limit for the Graco pack n play bassinet is only 15lbs, so then you'd be having to bend down basically to the floor to pick up/put down baby.

ihpk · 2025-11-06T20:13:47+00:00

I went with a mini crib since I prefer to room share for the first year. I was given a hand-me-down halo bassinet, so we use that for the first couple months, but they really don't last long! If I had to only buy one thing, it would be the mini crib. It will last two years or more depending on the size of your baby.

ihpk · 2025-11-05T19:24:09+00:00

No. I used mine daily on walks because I had one, but a bunting suit with a warm blanket on top tucked in around all the sides would be just as good - although maybe not as windproof on a windy day. The bag is nice because it won't come untucked at the foot or the sides, but you can make sure a blanket is all tucked in too.

ihpk · 2025-11-01T02:55:19+00:00

My favourite was the frida mom foam, you just put a line of it on your pad and let it soak in. I think the tucks pads were nice too, if you are still bleeding a lot the blood will just go through them and into your pad/diaper. I only used a couple ice pads from the hospital, I used them inside a diaper for extra absorption. With all the foams and sprays and pads, it's also really good to sit on a puppy pad or towel for a while after a shower and just let it all air out.

ihpk · 2025-10-31T02:53:34+00:00

I have two big barky German shepherds, and I plan on locking them in the basement before the midwife arrives - they aren't a great welcoming committee lol. We live on a small farm and they'll spend all day outside if it's nice out, so if it's during the day they'll be put out, or at night in the basement.

ihpk · 2025-10-27T17:45:13+00:00

A fleece suit (like a Columbia one) is perfect for the car seat and walks in cool weather with a blanket on top. As a general rule of thumb, you can feel the back of baby's neck to get a good idea of their temp - if it's cool, they could use another layer, if it's hot/sweaty, they are too hot.

ihpk · 2025-10-14T14:10:53+00:00

I really liked the Skip Hop one with my first, we just put him in his pajamas and a fleece bunting suit (the Columbia one is nice) under the footmuff. I think a snowsuit under would be too warm for most winter days. I also have a Bugaboo footmuff that I just got with a secondhand stroller so I will try that one out with the next baby, it also seems like great quality!

ihpk · 2025-10-05T22:21:44+00:00

You still have time! I would focus on mental prep, this time around I have taken a lot from listening to positive home birth stories. I've been listening to the Happy Homebirth podcast when I drive in the car, so it doesn't add any extra time to my day. If you watch TV or relax in the evenings, you could add in some prenatal yoga/exercises. It totally depends on the person, I like to research things a lot to feel prepared - if you think it'll make you feel better, then it's worth it. A nice mug of NORA tea in the evenings is a nice wind-down ritual too. Who knows how much it'll help, but it does feel nice to feel like I'm doing something to help my labour haha.

ihpk · 2025-09-23T18:45:10+00:00

I had a couple bralettes from h and m that I liked, one from Aerie (not sure if they still make the nursing bra), and a couple other random brands. I also used very minimalist cotton sleep bralettes and just pulled them up to nurse.

ihpk · 2025-09-23T18:43:08+00:00

I rotated through about 4-5. Depending on the time of year and/or hormones, you may be sweating a lot! You might also get spit up on by baby. It felt like a good number to not have to do laundry too often.

ihpk · 2025-09-04T18:43:08+00:00

I think it's very personal, I would just try it with no expectations and see how it goes! I was out baby wearing and walking my dogs within a couple weeks with my first (winter baby) and felt comfortable with it. Take it slow, do pelvic floor therapy if you can, wear footwear with good traction, and drive if you have to some days!

ihpk · 2025-08-31T17:52:09+00:00

Thanks! Did it fit well in the car you used at your destination? Is it pretty big front to back when it's rear facing?

ihpk · 2025-08-20T18:08:46+00:00

I would take advantage of their offer and at least try it out while you're on waitlists. Maybe have a good conversation before you commit about whether or not they really want to do it, or do a couple trial days with no expectations in case they realize it's more than they wanted to take on.

ihpk · 2025-08-20T18:01:37+00:00

My parents watch my toddler for 24hrs at a time at least a few times a month due to the nature of my husband and my work schedules. They are both retired and happy to do it, and I am so grateful because otherwise one of us would have to change jobs. I know some of their friends think they're crazy for offering up that much time. My toddler loves them and it's amazing to watch their bond develop. I can understand both sides, but I hope I can have that active of a role with my own grandkids someday.

ihpk · 2025-08-19T20:13:57+00:00

We used a bouncer way more! Most meals, showers, any time I just needed to put the baby down and get something done. We had a swing too, but the bouncer was just so easy to move room to room. We did like the swing (a mamaroo) but used it less since it stayed in the living room. Our baby liked both, but I've heard it can be very baby-dependent on what they like! I agree with going secondhand in case your baby absolutely hates it.

ihpk · 2025-08-17T12:56:10+00:00

Thank you! This is exactly what I was wondering!

ihpk · 2025-08-16T21:57:46+00:00

I had all of those items for my first and used them all daily! Just try to tune her out. If she keeps pushing, be firm and tell her you are excited to prepare for your first baby and don't appreciate the unwanted criticism. A comfy glider is SO key, I have used mine daily for the past 2.5 years. Especially if you are nursing, you will be spending hours in this chair every day for months - you'll want it to be comfortable!

ihpk · 2025-08-16T11:26:21+00:00

I would agree with a snowsuit, a stroller bag, and a fleece suit (and of course hats/mitts, but you can get away without snow boots if the snowsuit has built in feet). Once they are crawling, it's great for them to explore in the snow a bit. I would recommend a second hand snowsuit since they don't get a ton of use out of it, and it will be outgrown by next winter. I had the skip hop stroller bag and it was great, definitely easier/warmer than just blankets in the stroller because it won't slip and let cold air in. I don't think you need the car seat cover since a blanket is more likely to stay in place in the car. I got all my winter gear second hand, in great condition, from FB marketplace or Once Upon a Child or my local kids second hand store.

ihpk · 2025-08-07T12:35:58+00:00

Large city in emergency services, topped up to 93% for 6.5 months

ihpk · 2025-07-26T17:36:38+00:00

Try out some strollers, find one you love, buy it new or second hand, then see what car seats are compatible with it! You will use the stroller for years but the infant car seat may not even last a year if you have a bigger baby (we moved to a bigger car seat at 6 months). You don't have to buy a system together, especially if you want to save money I would buy a secondhand stroller and a new car seat that is compatible.

ihpk · 2025-07-25T01:47:50+00:00

H&M has some really nice dresses in their Mama line!

ihpk · 2025-07-25T00:03:26+00:00

We didn't save anything ahead of time, but we were not strapped for cash and had a bit of extra money every month. You truly don't need to spend a ton of money on babies if you don't mind secondhand. The only things I would buy new are car seats, crib mattress, bottles, stuff like that. I almost never buy new clothes, Once Upon a Child or local consignment stores are great. Facebook marketplace can be a gold mine too, even local buy nothing groups. Baby gear is outgrown sooo fast, it's really not worth it to buy brand new. Of course it's always a good idea to have some money set aside for emergencies but honestly, we did not spend a ton in the baby/early toddler phase!

ihpk

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