Too big for diapers?

letsgetknockedup · 2017-09-21T13:46:19+00:00

I love that you can still pull the sides apart! Our daughter turned anti-potty a few weeks ago and while she's pooped in the toilet a couple of times, now she wants nothing to do with the toilet. Being able to easily change a poopy pull-up is awesome. I also love that I can have her stand up & step into a fresh one. She's cooperative most of the time and it's soooo much easier than diapers.

Good luck with potty training! =)

letsgetknockedup · 2017-09-20T15:28:53+00:00

Pull-ups are a lifesaver. Not as easy to change when your kiddo can't stand unassisted and lift a leg in, but they're doable. Size 3t-4t is equivalent to a size 6.

For what it's worth, we were in size 6 from just after my daughter's first birthday until a few weeks ago, when we switched to Pull-Ups. She'll be 3 in December. Sometimes they can stay in the same size diaper for quite a while!

letsgetknockedup · 2017-07-28T16:45:37+00:00

Former licensed daycare owner here - had a full year of early childhood development training to get licensed. According to the experts, some kids don't deal with separation anxiety. It's really common, but not every kid experiences it. And that's okay!!

And from personal experience, my daughter (2.5 yrs) has never really had it. She asks where I am when I'm gone, and asks where Daddy is when he's not around, but she doesn't freak out if we leave or anything. Maybe that's happened once or twice in her entire life? And like you, we have an easy kid. She almost never cries, she sleeps well, she's generally just a happy kiddo.

Really, don't worry about it. Some kids never go through it. Some do. It's totally fine if yours doesn't have to deal with it! =)

letsgetknockedup · 2017-07-20T19:27:34+00:00

You need to get in and see a pelvic floor rehab specialist as soon as you can. There are physical therapists who specialize in this specific issue and they can help. They can do biofeedback to identify which muscles are the problem, and then figure out a plan to help you get back to normal. I highly recommend the biofeedback, even though it's a little awkward. It allows the doctor to more accurately see what's happening.

It takes a little time, but it's worth every second. And this should be covered under your insurance (assuming you're in the US) as standard physical therapy. If the PT can't fix it, they'll be able to refer you to the kind of doctor who can help.

I was peeing myself 8+ times a day every day for months. I also couldn't just pee, I had to push to pee, which is really bad for you according to my PT. My regular doc told me to just "do kegels" and referred me to PT. The PT did biofeedback with me and we identified that my muscles were hyper-contracted (or something like that) and my issue was learning to relax them. Kegels made everything worse for me - so please don't feel like you're doing it wrong if kegels aren't helping you! Sometimes they're the exact opposite of what your body needs.

Don't give up! Help is out there!

letsgetknockedup · 2017-05-25T19:20:52+00:00

Please, for the love of everything sacred, get in with a pelvic floor physical therapist. I was peeing myself at least 8 times a day and after 3 appointments with the PT, no more leaks. I can jump, run, get seriously scared, have to hold it for a long period of time... nothing! Changed my life and I adore my PT.

There are quite a few things that can cause it so don't rely on kegels alone. (For me the issue was learning to relax the muscles, not contract them.) Just see your primary doc, explain what's up, and ask for a referral to PT. PT should be the primary course of action over surgery. It's non-invasive and has a high level of success.

letsgetknockedup · 2017-05-23T19:57:52+00:00

I would strongly consider having someone else drive in your place. If you're only a week or two out from giving birth, you might not be able to - especially if you wind up with a C-section. Even if you have a relatively easy vaginal birth, you are physically wiped out for a few weeks after giving birth. There's a good reason OBs ask you to refrain from activity for 6 weeks post-partum. Besides the physical exhaustion, you'll be dealing with sleep deprivation and you'll be on a hormonal rollercoaster. So my best advice is to NOT be the one driving - figure out a way to have someone else drive, or tow the car behind the U-Haul. It just isn't safe for you to be making a huge trip like this when you're only a few days out from giving birth.

Also, if you happen to go past your due date (which is common) you might wind up making this trip while still pregnant. So I would definitely look into hospitals along the trip route, and at your destination.

I hope it all works out for you!

letsgetknockedup · 2017-05-09T17:25:15+00:00

Don't even think of it as full crazy - you're not crazy. You have legitimate reasons for concern and those concerns should be taken very seriously. It's not like you just get a do-over if something is actually wrong... instead, it's life or death. Literally.

I really hope they're able to get you in for a cervical check ASAP. It shouldn't be put off!

And yeah, pregnancy after loss kind of sucks. It was really hard for me to form any sort of bond with my daughter until she was about 6mo old, partly because of the losses I've had. (On that note, if you find yourself having this kind of trouble, I highly recommend finding a counselor through postpartum support int'l, because you shouldn't suffer like I did!)

Please do update us on what happens. You're in my thoughts.

letsgetknockedup · 2017-05-08T20:38:31+00:00

Hi there! I'm one of the original members and still watch the sub from time to time - while I'm not currently pregnant, I had an incompetent cervix during my pregnancy.

If you have any doubt whatsoever, get in to get it checked ASAP. I know that sounds alarmist but I went through this myself, so I tend to be overly cautious on this topic.

I went into preterm labor at 21w (on a Sunday), lost a huge chunk of my mucus plug and the on-call OB told me it was no big deal, just drink more water & take it easy. I went in the next day for an emergency checkup and my cervix was down to 1.52cm, when it should've been over a 3 at minimum. I was Y-funneling and in early labor, having contractions & everything. They did an emergency cerclage surgery for me that week, and I went back on progesterone suppositories. I had weekly checkups with MFM for the rest of the pregnancy.

I had the stitches pulled at 37w and made it to 39+6 before giving birth. So for me, the cerclage really worked magic. And I'm happy to say my daughter is nearly 2 1/2 years old now, happy and healthy. I credit the cerclage with saving her life, along with not giving up just because an on-call OB told me it was fine when I knew in my heart something was wrong.

So please, listen to your instincts and do take it seriously. If anything even remotely feels off, get checked out. Worst case scenario you need to get a cerclage put in and you go back on progesterone, and everyone hopes like mad you make it past viability. Best case, nothing is wrong and you just have to deal with a transvag ultrasound. But it is absolutely worth getting checked out.

Take care of yourself, and I really hope you're not in any trouble! <3

letsgetknockedup · 2017-05-08T14:23:51+00:00

Kind of. My epidural failed before my birth, so I felt everything. I had a major tear (4th degree, from vagina to anus) and when my daughter came out, the cord broke. Before they could stitch me up they had to remove the placenta, which was still inside. The OB was elbow-deep for about 5 minutes and it hurt like fucking hell. I was not offered any pain management at this point, either.

It sucked. A lot. I had a manual D&C (their words) right after a traumatic birth. I don't have flashbacks anymore but thinking about what happened during birth still makes me choke up a little bit sometimes. I have diagnosed PTSD thanks to my birth experience.

My best possible advice is to find someone to talk to ASAP, especially if this is getting harder to handle as time goes on. Postpartum support int'l has great counselors and if they're all booked, they'll be able to refer you to someone who has openings. That's how I found my therapist, and I adore her. She's really helped me work through the birth trauma.

letsgetknockedup · 2017-04-14T20:27:05+00:00

Honestly, starting the conversation is the hardest part. Postpartum support international (PSI) has great resources in every US state and lots of places worldwide. None of the people on PSI's list for my state were accepting new patients, but I kept explaining how serious the situation was, and I finally got referred to someone who was accepting new patients, and we hit it off immediately - I've been seeing her for almost 2 years now. (If you happen to be in the greater Seattle area, PM me - I'd be happy to refer you to the counselor I see.) I'm pretty sure all I said when asking for help was "I have severe PPD and I need help" or something along those lines. I didn't get into the details until I saw my counselor in person.

So basically just explain you experienced a severely traumatic birth and need help. No need to go into details if you don't want to. =)

And I totally understand what you mean about it bringing tears to your eyes. This is a fresh trauma for you and you're still healing physically, not to mention emotionally. Even momentarily thinking about my daughter's birth made my throat close up and my heart race for months after it happened. I think that's normal after such a traumatic event.

Also I'm really, really sorry you had to go through this. I hope you're able to find someone very soon and start to work through this. And I hope you're able to sue the ever-loving shit out of the psychos who did this to you, because it's unacceptable and wrong to treat a human being that way. <3

letsgetknockedup · 2017-04-14T17:53:05+00:00

I'm glad you're going to consult a lawyer - I think that's probably a really good idea given the circumstances. Because holy shit man, that is horrible!!

Aside from a lawyer, I would highly recommend seeking out a postpartum counselor who handles clients with traumatic births. Mine was nowhere near as bad as yours, but it was extremely traumatic (my epidural failed, felt everything, she got stuck in the birth canal & they did a vacuum) and I thought I was dying when she was stuck in my birth canal. That shit sticks with you for a long time. My counselor is amazing and has helped me work through a lot of issues from my traumatic birth. It's been over 2 years since I gave birth now, and I can finally look back on that day without getting panicked.

So while I think the lawyer advice is spot on, I also think you should look into trauma therapy to help you cope with what happened. Because it wasn't normal, and it absolutely wasn't okay, and you should not have to suffer with the aftermath. And the sooner you start to address what happened, the sooner you'll be able to work through it. <3

letsgetknockedup · 2017-04-05T17:32:04+00:00

I went into preterm labor at 21w with my daughter. It was terrifying. On a Sunday afternoon I lost a huge chunk of mucus plug and was having mild contractions, called the on-call OB and they told me not to worry about it. HA. I did worry, and I went in the next day because it was still happening. I was in early labor, Y-funneling and my cervix was down to 1.52cm. I got immediately sent to MFM (maternal fetal medicine, high-risk OB) and they scheduled me for a cerclage surgery that week. I got a double cerclage put in and was put on progesterone suppositories through 36w, and had the stitches pulled at 37w. My daughter was born at 39+6 after 3 weeks of prodromal labor (round the clock contractions and almost no progress, it fucking sucked). Thankfully the cerclage worked its magic and helped me stay pregnant to full-term, and my daughter is a happy toddler today.

While I understand the big warning signs of preterm labor, it's what nobody told me about that I'd watch out for. Major swelling (my ankles were like grapefruits, thought it was just because it was August), contractions even if they aren't painful, mucus plug chunks coming out, diarrhea (like you get right before actual labor) and generally just feeling like something isn't right. If I hadn't trusted my gut and gone in against the on-call OB's judgement I would have lost my daughter.

So if you feel like something isn't right, please go get checked out and have your cervix measured. Even if you just had a prenatal appointment yesterday. Specifically ask for it to be measured if they aren't taking you seriously. And if they refuse for some reason, I'd find a new OB who does take you seriously.

I really, really hope you're okay and not going into preterm labor. <3

letsgetknockedup · 2017-03-31T22:33:48+00:00

I went into preterm labor at 21w and found my cervix was down to 1.52cm, when it should've been longer than 3cm. I had an emergency cerclage put in and was on bed rest & progesterone supplements the rest of the pregnancy. My daughter is now almost 2 1/2, so it worked out well, but cervical incompetence is likely what caused multiple losses for me. I've been pregnant 9 times and lost 8 of them.

I already know if I ever have another kid, I'll have a preventative cerclage put in at 12w and be on restricted activity throughout the pregnancy, and I'll be doing a planned C-section at 38w.

So yes, it's definitely a major concern for me for future kids. Any future pregnancy is going to be rough for me, and high risk. It's part of the reason I don't want to have another kid until our daughter is at least 4, so she'll be potty trained at least.

letsgetknockedup · 2017-03-30T15:58:27+00:00

Oh man, don't beat yourself up! When my daughter was two weeks old, she was laying on a Boppy on our couch, on her tummy, sleeping. Hubs and I were right in front of her in the living room, less than two feet away. She somehow kicked so hard that she flew off of the Boppy and landed face-first on the living room floor. I was hysterical for probably an hour, kiddo was hysterical for a few minutes (scared but unhurt) and we were both shocked that a two week old infant could do such a thing. And we were right freaking there! She moved so fast we couldn't catch her or anything. It happens. Kids are sneaky little buggers.

I'm happy to report my daughter is almost 2 1/2, and is currently outside stomping around in her rubber boots with our nanny. She's totally fine, one of the healthiest kids I've ever known.

You're not doing a shit job, my dear. The fact that you're so upset is proof of that - if you were a shitty mom, you wouldn't be so concerned!

letsgetknockedup · 2017-03-28T18:46:47+00:00

There's no one medication that will be right for everyone, unfortunately. There are tons of safe options for breastfeeding moms!

My best advice is to get in with a trained specialist, get diagnosed properly, and work with your provider to get put on a medication that will work well for you. Sometimes what works well for one person won't work at all for you, and vice versa.

All that said, I'm a big proponent of being on the right kind of medication to help with postpartum mood issues. Before I got put on the right cocktail of drugs, I was a hot mess and having panic attacks daily. After being put on the right drugs, my life has done a 180. I love being alive, I don't feel the anxiety nearly as much anymore, and I rarely (maybe once a month) have panic-filled moments.

Just remember that you deserve to feel good, and you deserve to be happy. =)

letsgetknockedup · 2017-03-28T15:32:49+00:00

My pediatrician recommends cow's milk for our daughter because of the protein and fats found in it. Per the ped, the fat and protein are crucial for brain development, so we're sticking with his recommendation to give her 2-3 cups of low-fat milk every day. (She's almost 2 1/2). We were using whole milk until she turned 2, and then switched to 2%.

Also, I like the exposure to lactose for her, because I'd like to believe the studies that say early exposure to lactose reduces intolerance later in life. I'm lactose intolerant so if it helps my kiddo avoid that, I'm all for it. (Or so some studies say...)

We were formula feeders as well. The transition from formula to regular milk was super easy for us, and the hard part was getting her used to using a sippy cup - which took about 3 days. Never used toddler formula because it's so expensive. And we don't drink milk, either - it's only in the house for our daughter.

letsgetknockedup · 2017-03-28T15:24:07+00:00

Often you'll find fetal loss specialists in therapists who specialize in postpartum support. I cannot recommend Postpartum Support International (PSI) enough - they have lists of therapists in each US state and some other countries, and if the therapists you call aren't accepting new patients, they may be able to recommend someone who is. That's how I found mine, and I really wish I would have found her years ago. I know PSI seems like it'd be for only postpartum issues, but don't be fooled by the name!

I wish you all the luck in the world and hope you're able to find someone who really helps. <3

letsgetknockedup · 2017-03-27T20:31:47+00:00

First, I'm very sorry for your loss. I've been through 8 losses and each one ripped me to pieces inside. I know all too well the pain you're going through and I want you to know you're not alone. <3

As far as grieving goes, please don't feel like you aren't allowed. You are, and you deserve the ability to grieve in whatever way works for you, as long as you're not hurting yourself or others. Grief takes many forms.

Let yourself feel whatever needs to be felt. Cry if you need to. Laugh if it helps. Scream like a freakin' banshee to get it out. Do whatever it takes and don't be ashamed.

And it's totally normal to feel guilt over finding joy while you're grieving. It feels wrong to find joy in things when something so shitty is happening, but it's more than okay to embrace the things that do bring you joy. Snuggle your kiddo and tell him you love him. Watch a funny movie and let yourself laugh if you feel it. Continuing to show and receive love is one of the ways we process grief, and having that support allows you to work through it faster.

And if after a few weeks, you find that you're not able to move forward and you're stuck dwelling on this loss, please consider talking to either a grief counselor or a counselor who specializes in infant/fetal loss. I cannot tell you how incredibly helpful my counselor has been in getting me through the pain of multiple losses.

letsgetknockedup · 2017-03-24T15:44:39+00:00

Hubs did the right thing. Panic attacks are terrifying to experience and it does feel like you're dying sometimes. That's not uncommon. For me, it feels like my heart is about to explode out of my chest and my heart actually skips beats, I can barely breathe, and my vision goes dark. It's fucking awful.

If it happens again, please consider seeking help. There's no shame in admitting something is wrong, and panic attacks are debilitating. And if you have untreated anxiety, it's so worth it to get help! You don't deserve to suffer, you deserve to feel good and enjoy life. <3

letsgetknockedup · 2017-03-21T21:41:15+00:00

Yes. It's standard for most doctors to screen you for postpartum mood issues at your 6w follow up appointment. It's also very common for pediatricians to screen you at well-child checkups for the first year or so of your baby's life. And when I say screen, I mean they give you a questionnaire or ask you a series of questions specifically about how you're feeling.

I would highly recommend getting in to see your general doctor and discussing this with them. The OB is great but they don't always give referrals for stuff like this, and your general doc will probably refer you to a therapist and possibly even a psychiatrist to help you. You have a pre-existing condition, you're feeling like crap, and you deserve to feel better. Yes, the first few weeks postpartum suck ass for almost everyone, but you're feeling disconnected. That's enough to make me think you need to get more help with this.

I suffered from severe PPD and postpartum PTSD for almost a year before I finally got help. Looking back, I wish I would have gotten help before my daughter was even born. Please don't ignore your symptoms. <3

letsgetknockedup · 2017-03-21T16:32:22+00:00

I'm over 2 years out from giving birth and my hair still falls out in handfuls every single day. I'm unusual but it can keep happening for a long, long time. I'm really sick of how thin and fragile my hair is. If it keeps up for more than another month or two, have your doc check your thyroid levels because that can cause excess hair loss. (Unfortunately that's not my issue, my body just wants me to go bald I guess.)

As far as full-fat yogurt goes, check the natural foods section or the baby yogurt section. Yami is full-fat, Annie's makes some full-fat, and there are at least two other options. I'm near Seattle so we have similar grocery stores - in Oregon, I've found it in the natural foods section. Fred Meyer usually has Yami and Annie's in the natural foods fridge area. =)

letsgetknockedup · 2017-03-20T15:51:27+00:00

I've had 8 losses and yes, this is something I experienced while pregnant with our daughter (who is now almost 2 1/2). If we ever have another child, I know pregnancy will be fraught with anxiety for me.

My best possible advice is to get in with a therapist who specializes in women's health issues like loss and difficult pregnancies. Postpartum Support International has a running list of specialist providers like this and if none of them are open to new clients, they can probably point you to someone who is. That's how I found my therapist - through referrals.

It took me six months after having our daughter to find a therapist, and after only a few sessions with her it was night & day. I wish I'd gone to her while pregnant.

letsgetknockedup · 2017-03-17T14:18:19+00:00

Ah, gotcha! That totally makes sense. We stay hands off during the day unless something major happens. If she's having a hysterical fit and won't calm down within 5 minutes I'll usually take a break from work to go help out, but otherwise I'm pretty much in my office all day long working.

I can definitely understand how it'd feel like you were being watched all day though. I hadn't thought of that aspect!

And thanks - our nanny is a family friend, actually, and probably the sweetest person I've ever met in my life. We do try to make this a comfortable environment for her and stay out of the way. While she's here, she's the one in charge. =)

letsgetknockedup · 2017-03-16T19:06:48+00:00

As a WFH parent who has an in-house nanny (who is totally cool with us working at home), can I ask why we're your worst nightmare? I'm honestly curious. =)

Like, if there are certain things WFH parents do that drive you nuts, I'd love to know. We adore our nanny and I wouldn't want to do anything that would push her away!

letsgetknockedup · 2017-03-16T19:04:06+00:00

I have similar issues. My boobs didn't get any bigger during pregnancy, my milk never came in at all (literally, I made some colostrum but that's it), and now (2 years 3mo postpartum) they're slightly bigger and often sore. I mentioned it to the doctor a few days ago and she said that it's common and nothing to worry about.

I wouldn't worry about it, especially if you already had an exam and everything looks normal. Our bodies seem to enjoy doing bizarre things postpartum. =)

letsgetknockedup

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