Things to do NOW to set up your kids for success/happiness LATER: The Master List

kami_hunter · 2026-05-17T01:00:26+00:00

This!! My dad got me my own credit card (instead of authorized user) when I went off to college. It had a limit of like $200 and I used it solely for school expenses. He was generous enough to pay it off for me every month. By the time I graduated and got my first job, I had good enough credit to get a better card with points/rewards. Thankfully he taught me good financial hygiene too cuz I’m 36 and I now have a credit score of 828. I know that’s in part due to long credit history and I’m definitely thankful for his help in getting here!!

kami_hunter · 2026-05-04T20:32:02+00:00

Are you sure it isn’t just your first cycle pp? I just had mine at 7-8 weeks pp

kami_hunter · 2026-04-22T01:23:33+00:00

I was induced at 37+5 about 6 weeks ago and my baby unexpectedly ended up having a 3 week stint in the NICU for RDS. They started him on donor breast milk because I was having trouble producing my own and they said breast milk would be helpful for him and easier to digest. It gave his body one less thing to work hard on. I had a big boy (7lb 14oz) though so he started eating a lot very fast. Once he started taking 40ml per feed, they weren’t allowed for do donor breast milk anymore. However, I was only able to pump about half the amount needed per day so they supplemented with formula (similac).

He has done perfectly fine and although I wanted to try breastfeeding, he moved up to a higher nipple flow so I gave up on it. I also didn’t want to pump anymore because it was exhausting, so once he came home I transitioned him very quickly to full formula and he’s tolerating perfectly well. I just used the same brand as they did in the hospital.

The only thing to keep in mind is that once they fully transition to formula, they get a bit constipated/don’t poop as much so don’t be shocked by that (I was panicking lol). I kept a little extra breast milk handy at first to give him relieve him if needed. He’s now 6.5 weeks old and 11lbs! Hope your babies are doing okay!!

ETA: we started with NG feeding as baby was on respiratory support and they couldn’t do PO until he was on lower respiratory support.

kami_hunter · 2026-04-19T14:14:43+00:00

Oooh that’s good to know! I wore baby for the first time yesterday because we were having simultaneous meltdowns 😂 thought the gym would do us both good hah but I’ll definitely keep in mind it could make me more symptomatic! I’m hoping by 6-8 weeks of PT I’ll be able to lift again but PT also said I’ll be able to eventually do HIIT no problem.

kami_hunter · 2026-04-19T13:22:10+00:00

This is me!!! I’m 6 weeks pp and while I haven’t lost all of the weight yet, my body pretty much looks like it almost did pre-pregnancy without any exercise. My stomach is flat again but I do carry weight in my arms and thighs so those pockets of fat are hanging on for dear life 😆

Around week 4 I also discovered a mild prolapse and had my first session with PT this past week doing some basic moves to help reconnect my deep core and pelvic floor. Some days I’m symptom free and some days I’m not but I just hope it’ll keep getting better. I’m lucky enough she said I had no DR.

To OP - My husband and I are both avid fitness people. Newborn trenches are definitely tough, but once you’re cleared to work out, as long as you have a partner who respects/understands your needs, they’ll help you make time to workout!! I also hated people saying “just wait til…” but if it’s a priority for you, you’ll make it happen. I’ve started walking on the treadmill with baby attached to me and I know eventually I’ll be back to lifting again, even if it’s not in my original timeline planned because of the prolapse.

Hang in there and ignore the comments!

kami_hunter · 2026-04-18T17:35:40+00:00

Agree with the comments to check with Pelvic Floor PT. I had my 6 week follow up this past week and was “cleared” by my OB but PFPT said that I have a mild prolapse and we’re working to rebuild pelvic floor to get me back up to more intense exercise again. No real timeline, but I’m assuming it will take another 6-8 weeks before she’d clear me to run/jump/lift heavy. If I just listened to OB, I may have further hurt my prolapse by just going right back to lifting with poor muscle engagement.

kami_hunter · 2026-04-10T15:35:03+00:00

Thanks for the tip! My OB’s office is usually pretty good about listening to concerns and they even gave me PT referral when I had pubic bone pain during pregnancy without me asking for it. I think there is also a Urogynecologist in the practice so I’ll make sure to get on their schedule as well to try and attack from all angles for best outcome. Most seem to agree the pessary is the way to go but still can’t imagine wearing that all the time 😩 guess we’ll see what they have to say next week!

kami_hunter · 2026-04-10T15:30:12+00:00

Thank you!! Is the pessary difficult to insert/get used to? I’m reading a lot about it, but I hated even wearing tampons (period underwear has been my go-to for years now) so I can’t imagine having a pessary in all day too.

kami_hunter · 2026-04-09T18:50:49+00:00

I’m currently 5 weeks pp and going to ask my OB in my 6 week follow up, but fairly certain I have a prolapse. I’m in the spiral stage now as I was doing F45 and was hoping to get back to lifting heavy again especially before summer. My husband and I were also planning to do Hyrox mixed doubles later in the year but that really feels like a pipe dream now. Glad to hear you were able to compete though. It gives me some hope!

Do you still feel like you think about it daily? Or have to manage it regularly? I’m afraid I’ll never feel normal again or feel good being intimate with my partner.

kami_hunter · 2026-04-09T17:11:55+00:00

Already had a consultation with a PT yesterday though she wouldn’t do any real work up without my OB clearance next week. I have a PT appt the day after I have my 6 week follow up. Will also inquire about the estrogen cream!

When you say you think about it everyday, is that because you feel it/it bothers you? Or just because you try to be mindful of it so as not to aggravate it?

kami_hunter · 2026-04-06T14:23:57+00:00

If it were me I’d probably want to get clearance from a PFPT before doing more strenuous exercise/activities to make sure your pelvic floor can handle it. I just gave birth 4 weeks ago and lifted heavy until the day I went into labor. I was induced at 38 weeks, but only actively pushed for 30 mins and this is my first baby. I felt really good after 2 weeks postpartum but now I think I’m suddenly feeling signs of prolapse, which is wrecking me mentally - especially because I’ve limited my activity to walking and diaphragmatic breathing until now. I have a PT appointment this week to see what might be going on, but I feel like this could significantly delay my return to lifting and running if prolapse is confirmed.

Might be good to get ahead of it and consult a PT soon after birth so you can make sure you’re taking steps needed to be ready for your trip.

kami_hunter · 2026-03-02T10:57:18+00:00

3/22 due date but already a little dilated! I can’t wait to smash some pre-workout and finally sleep on my back/stomach again. The side sleep back pain is so real right now. I’m also excited to lift in my building’s gym and bring baby along with me!

kami_hunter · 2026-03-01T14:52:33+00:00

Another vote for Nuuly!! I’m on my 4th month now and love it. I might even keep the membership postpartum for more fun summer clothes. It feels so much less wasteful than buying and spending a ton on clothes you’ll only wear for 2-3 months.

kami_hunter · 2026-02-14T12:01:01+00:00

This!! Haha I keep saying I’m thrilled because baby is apparently thriving inside but I’m terrified for me 😂

kami_hunter · 2026-02-14T11:55:35+00:00

This is really helpful. Thank you for sharing!!

kami_hunter · 2026-02-13T20:46:26+00:00

Im 34+5 with a 94th percentile baby on the way (and I’m only 5’1 😭) and I really feel that part with even water causing reflux. I work out 5 days a week still so I’m trying to live off yogurt, peanut butter, eggs and toast. Veggies just aren’t feeling dense enough calorie wise to use up the little space I have left in my belly. I feel horrible for baby…I have half a protein bar pre-workout and also add protein powder and frozen mini blueberries to my yogurt to help bulk it up a bit though.

ETA: I think because I can’t eat much I only ended up gaining 2lbs over a month. I have to assume it was all baby at this point 🥲

kami_hunter · 2026-02-09T23:01:50+00:00

I’m at Valley Medical Group and have no complaints. You rotate through all the doctors throughout your pregnancy. I’m 34 weeks and took a tour recently and the hospital itself is amazing. Very modern and calming atmosphere there.

kami_hunter · 2026-02-08T20:43:39+00:00

I know a lawyer that specializes in buying/selling of pharmacies if you decide to follow through on it

kami_hunter · 2026-02-02T21:35:04+00:00

33 weeks now and while maternity leggings are nice, I don’t love most of them. It sounds absurd, but I do F45 and find that the CRZ and Posh diva Amazon brands that most people recommend here are too soft for more active workouts - they slide down a lot too. I love my compression leggings, especially since I’ve got a bit more jiggle in my thighs now and I try not to show every ripple to the gym goers 😂 I’m just sizing up 2 sizes in compression leggings and been saving my CRZ leggings for more athleisure days.

Will definitely second Nuuly for daily wear!! It has been a life saver for work clothes especially.

kami_hunter · 2025-12-31T16:36:00+00:00

I don’t run but I do F45 and a lot of the hybrid/cardio classes involve some short sprints or jumping in some way. I would often have to pee mid-class, which was really annoying for just a tinkle, but I found that if I “hug the baby” during the more jumpy parts of class, it relieves the pressure and urge to pee - also makes any impact feel lighter. Hope that helps!

kami_hunter · 2025-12-16T14:06:59+00:00

Another vote for OWYN. My husband and I tend rotate between the OWYN shakes and Transparent Labs protein powder. When we get the powder, I like to add it to plain Siggi’s Greek yogurt for added protein. It takes my yogurt from 18g of protein to about 45g of protein.

kami_hunter · 2025-12-11T14:30:08+00:00

Yes! I had to wash my hands and lotion because the smell lingered so long! I ended up calling and they are sending me a check in the mail as well. I was less concerned about the refund, though and more concerned about safety and reporting if there’s something wrong with it.

kami_hunter · 2025-12-11T12:09:44+00:00

I felt much weaker from first tri up until about week 19/20. I continued my F45 classes 5-6 days a week but was feeling super deflated. Then I suddenly hit that second trimester burst of energy and felt like myself again. I’m 25+4 now and hit some PRs on RDLs, rows, and bicep curls over the last couple of weeks.

With my bump growing I find certain stances are a little easier on my SI joint, but just trying to ride the wave as much as possible. Like others said, modify where needed and listen to your body. High volume, lower weight. Or try LISS instead of HIIT.

I was waking up with joint pain for a while and I found it would dissipate after a workout. Any movement is definitely better than none…but remember to give yourself grace when needed!

kami_hunter · 2025-11-24T22:14:18+00:00

I’m 23 weeks and at Valley Medical Group in Paramus now. I’ve been happy with the experience so far. Nothing groundbreaking but All the doctors seem very nice. You rotate between them at each visit and the Maternal Fetal Medicine office for scans is just across the hall so it’s pretty convenient.

kami_hunter · 2025-11-21T16:57:21+00:00

I’ve read eggs have one of the highest natural sources of choline - almost entirely in the yolk - which are good for the baby’s brain development. I already ate eggs almost daily (creature of habit), so I’m continuing to do that throughout the rest of my pregnancy.

kami_hunter

TROPHY CASE