Guest guest Posted May 27, 2009 Report Share Posted May 27, 2009 I am due in 4 & 1/2 weeks and am fully into my nesting period. Since this is my first child I was hoping that some of you may be able to pass on advice about things you found to be important to stock up on, or that you wished you had. Any good recipes that are easy or that you can make in bulk and freeze would be great too! Thanks in advance. Amity Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 27, 2009 Report Share Posted May 27, 2009 Any pasta and rice casseroles freeze well. make a few batches of vegan granola bars, fruit bars. for a few days you'll will just want to grab a quick bar or smoothie. the 1st few days you won't even want to microwave something out of the freezer. make up pre-measured smoothie baggies. so all you do is dump them, add liquid, and push the button. make muffins, and healthy cookies, pancakes, and waffles. for nursing purposes have some fresh cabbage leaves for soreness or mastitis. plenty of sigg bottles full of iced green tea , water, or healthy things to keep you hydrated for marathon nursing. also nuts are a good protien to snack on for your milk supply. Unita Walburn Mulberry Island Station Homestead Berefoot Books Stall Holder visit my site @ www.mybarefootbooks.com/UnitaWalburn ________________________________ havingagreatfulday <havingagreatfulday Tuesday, May 26, 2009 10:29:03 PM Stocking up for postpartum I am due in 4 & 1/2 weeks and am fully into my nesting period. Since this is my first child I was hoping that some of you may be able to pass on advice about things you found to be important to stock up on, or that you wished you had. Any good recipes that are easy or that you can make in bulk and freeze would be great too! Thanks in advance. Amity Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 27, 2009 Report Share Posted May 27, 2009 Keep a stock of clean sheets for your bed and a few hand towels near the bed, too. When I was just too tired to change the sheets I would lie on a towel to keep dry from the breastmilk. Pad didn't really work for me. Make a little basket up by the bed with diapers, wipes, ointment, lanolin for you, a bottle of water, and a few onsies incase of " poop-up-the-back " It happened a bunch in our house. The first foods I thought of would be baked ziti and beans and rice. I loved cream cheese on apples or peanut butter sandwiches. Oatmeal is " supposed " to increase milk supply, so I ate my weight in oatmeal cookies! LOL Mother's Milk tea is good to keep in the house, too. I bought 3 or 4 different types of nursing bras to test them out. Only liked the ones that were made for sleeping, so I wore them all the time. And, bring a few pairs of clothes, in different sizes to the hospital to wear home. I thought all that weight was going to disappear, so I brought clothes from pre-pregnancy that were tooooooo tight. My mom told me stories about how the nurses had to get some rope to hold her clothes on! I was not prepared. Have at least 1 package of Premie diapers at home, as the smallest size are too big for an average sized baby (7-9lbs), even at 5 days old. They helped keep the " poop-up-the-back " under control for a little bit Best of luck. If I think of anything more, I will post again. We are in the talking stages of having a 2nd baby and I am starting to come around to the idea (but don't tell my husband) LOL. Good memories. Cassie --- On Wed, 5/27/09, unita walburn <uwalburn wrote: unita walburn <uwalburn Re: Stocking up for postpartum Wednesday, May 27, 2009, 9:11 AM Any pasta and rice casseroles freeze well. make a few batches of vegan granola bars, fruit bars. for a few days you'll will just want to grab a quick bar or smoothie. the 1st few days you won't even want to microwave something out of the freezer. make up pre-measured smoothie baggies. so all you do is dump them, add liquid, and push the button. make muffins, and healthy cookies, pancakes, and waffles. for nursing purposes have some fresh cabbage leaves for soreness or mastitis. plenty of sigg bottles full of iced green tea , water, or healthy things to keep you hydrated for marathon nursing. also nuts are a good protien to snack on for your milk supply. Unita Walburn Mulberry Island Station Homestead Berefoot Books Stall Holder visit my site @ www.mybarefootbooks .com/UnitaWalbur n ____________ _________ _________ __ havingagreatfulday <havingagreatfulday@ > @gro ups.com Tuesday, May 26, 2009 10:29:03 PM Stocking up for postpartum I am due in 4 & 1/2 weeks and am fully into my nesting period. Since this is my first child I was hoping that some of you may be able to pass on advice about things you found to be important to stock up on, or that you wished you had. Any good recipes that are easy or that you can make in bulk and freeze would be great too! Thanks in advance. Amity Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 27, 2009 Report Share Posted May 27, 2009 I apologize if this is too disgusting, but buy more maxi pads than you ever think you could possibly use- and then buy some more. Also stock up on those things you HAVE to have- laundry detergent, toilet paper, etc. There's nothing more annoying than having been up half the night and realizing you have to run out in the morning to get some necessity you didn't realize you were running low on. If you're using disposable diapers, those pampers swaddlers are nice- they have a little cutout for the umbilical cord. If you're using cloth, make sure you have them all washed and ready to go (you've probably already done this if you're in nesting mode!). With my 3rd baby, I collected a stack of books and and magazines and forced myself not to read them. That way, while nursing, or relaxing holding baby while she slept, I had something to do. I wish I had figured this out the first time around! I totally agree with the others about having a supply basket full of the basics by your bed- diapers, wipes, etc. And don't forget the water for you!!! Same goes for if you have a 2 story house- have a basket for downstairs if baby's room is upstairs, etc. At night when I would go to bed, I would get 1 glass of water (by 'glass', I mean one of those really huge ones made for poolside) and one I just filled with ice for later in the night. You will sweat and leak milk all over the place and the towel idea for the bed is a fab one. I also kept a couple of comfy shirts by the bed for quick changes. Food is a tough one, and one I've never managed at all well once my husband goes back to work. With my first, I could go all day without eating and not even realize it- not good. Nuts,dried fruit, cereal, any other convenience food you like, I say stock up on. You will not cook a single meal for several weeks is my guess. Vicky Iovine (who writes the 'Girlfriend's Guide to...Pregnancy, among others) suggests having the crockpot on constant simmer with beans, veggies, etc. in it. Sort of a constant stew. The only thing she cautioned against was pasta- it gets too soggy. I haven't tried this, but it sounds like a good idea. Here's what I finally discovered on the bra front: I tried every nursing, etc. bra known to woman. Hated how they worked; hated how they looked (like you don't feel frumpy enough on your own postpartum, without having these huge bulky white/beige cotton bras with the big flaps). Regular old front hook bras really work the best for me- and you can get reasonable fascimiles of the bras you would normally wear. The other thing I discovered is the two-pack of stretchy 'support' camisole tank tops ('Lady Hathaway' is the brand, I think) at Costco. I'm not a normally go-without-a-bra in public type person, but these offer some good support. I also wear a sling or baby bjorn 90% of the time, so I'm covered, anyway. My trick is to wear the tank top and then another shirt on the outside. That way, you can lift the outside shirt up and your stomach/sides are still covered by the tank top underneath. The tank tops are stretchy enough that you can just lift your breast right out of the top of them in total comfort. One of the thorns in my side about nursing in front of others is the 'shirt arrangement', and I've never had babies who appreciated a blanket over their heads, especially in the summer. And the stretchiness is really great because it shrinks with you- and dare I say, grows with you the next time you're pregnant! This brings me to slings. I've tried all of those, too. I have kept two types- the baby bjorn, which is just constructed fabulously and takes the pressure off of your back and shoulders, and the Ultimate Wrap, which also goes by other names but is basically a big strip of jersey fabric you can configure in different ways. The other ones I've found just don't work for me. They're either too deep and a newborn baby is sort of buried (which mine did not like at all), uncomfortable, etc. I figure there's a reason why the baby bjorn has won all those design awards. My suggestion is if you have any friends with wraps/slings, ask to borrow them for a week or so and figure out which ones you like (and will use!) before you drop the money on them. Well, I've rambled on and on- apologies all around. I probably have more. I'm having baby #4 in 6-8 weeks (depending on whose due date you want to listen to) and, like you, 100% in nesting mode. So all of this is fresh in my mind. So that's it for now. I'll repost if I think of more. Oops! One more thing! Everyone who tells you to 'nap when the baby does' is 100% right. and you have that luxury since this is your first child . Do it, and don't feel guilty about it for one second. I always say I haven't had a full night's sleep in 6 years since my oldest was born, and I STILL nap totally unapologetically every afternoon with the kids who still nap. Best of luck to you. Try not to listen to the birth horror stories everyone want to 'bless' you with. I've loved giving birth; there's nothing more empowering and nothing makes you feel like more of a woman. It's awesome. jenni ________________________________ havingagreatfulday <havingagreatfulday Tuesday, May 26, 2009 7:29:03 PM Stocking up for postpartum I am due in 4 & 1/2 weeks and am fully into my nesting period. Since this is my first child I was hoping that some of you may be able to pass on advice about things you found to be important to stock up on, or that you wished you had. Any good recipes that are easy or that you can make in bulk and freeze would be great too! Thanks in advance. Amity Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 27, 2009 Report Share Posted May 27, 2009 These are all really great ideas. I wish I knew about them when we had our son. As for nursing bras, there was one that I liked - the front criss crossed, it was all stretchy material and you just pull the fabric to the side to nurse. I also made some of my own nursing tops from this pattern : http://www.sleepingbaby.net/jan/Baby/shirt.html They were incredibly easy to sew (I used XL shirts, though I would guess 2 of any kind of pull over type of shirt would work this pattern. I never did get to try it out, but I did manage to save a dress that I loved and would never fit into again - it ended up being my favorite nursing top as well). My son never liked to be covered, and with these shirts you are never really 'exposed' since you can just latch him on, and his head would cover anything that was exposed. I still kept a hand on the drape fabric once he was older and liked to lift it up way more than really necessary. LOL. Congratulations, it's such an exciting time! Missie On Wed, May 27, 2009 at 12:58 PM, jenni claire garverick <jennigarverick wrote: > > > I apologize if this is too disgusting, but buy more maxi pads than you ever > think you could possibly use- and then buy some more. Also stock up on those > things you HAVE to have- laundry detergent, toilet paper, etc. There's > nothing more annoying than having been up half the night and realizing you > have to run out in the morning to get some necessity you didn't realize you > were running low on. > If you're using disposable diapers, those pampers swaddlers are nice- they > have a little cutout for the umbilical cord. If you're using cloth, make > sure you have them all washed and ready to go (you've probably already done > this if you're in nesting mode!). > With my 3rd baby, I collected a stack of books and and magazines and forced > myself not to read them. That way, while nursing, or relaxing holding baby > while she slept, I had something to do. I wish I had figured this out the > first time around! > I totally agree with the others about having a supply basket full of the > basics by your bed- diapers, wipes, etc. And don't forget the water for > you!!! Same goes for if you have a 2 story house- have a basket for > downstairs if baby's room is upstairs, etc. At night when I would go to bed, > I would get 1 glass of water (by 'glass', I mean one of those really huge > ones made for poolside) and one I just filled with ice for later in the > night. You will sweat and leak milk all over the place and the towel idea > for the bed is a fab one. I also kept a couple of comfy shirts by the bed > for quick changes. > Food is a tough one, and one I've never managed at all well once my husband > goes back to work. With my first, I could go all day without eating and not > even realize it- not good. Nuts,dried fruit, cereal, any other convenience > food you like, I say stock up on. You will not cook a single meal for > several weeks is my guess. Vicky Iovine (who writes the 'Girlfriend's Guide > to...Pregnancy, among others) suggests having the crockpot on constant > simmer with beans, veggies, etc. in it. Sort of a constant stew. The only > thing she cautioned against was pasta- it gets too soggy. I haven't tried > this, but it sounds like a good idea. > Here's what I finally discovered on the bra front: I tried every nursing, > etc. bra known to woman. Hated how they worked; hated how they looked (like > you don't feel frumpy enough on your own postpartum, without having these > huge bulky white/beige cotton bras with the big flaps). Regular old front > hook bras really work the best for me- and you can get reasonable fascimiles > of the bras you would normally wear. The other thing I discovered is the > two-pack of stretchy 'support' camisole tank tops ('Lady Hathaway' is the > brand, I think) at Costco. I'm not a normally go-without-a-bra in public > type person, but these offer some good support. I also wear a sling or baby > bjorn 90% of the time, so I'm covered, anyway. My trick is to wear the tank > top and then another shirt on the outside. That way, you can lift the > outside shirt up and your stomach/sides are still covered by the tank top > underneath. The tank tops are stretchy enough that you can just lift your > breast right out of the top of them in total comfort. One of the thorns in > my side about nursing in front of others is the 'shirt arrangement', and > I've never had babies who appreciated a blanket over their heads, especially > in the summer. And the stretchiness is really great because it shrinks with > you- and dare I say, grows with you the next time you're pregnant! > This brings me to slings. I've tried all of those, too. I have kept two > types- the baby bjorn, which is just constructed fabulously and takes the > pressure off of your back and shoulders, and the Ultimate Wrap, which also > goes by other names but is basically a big strip of jersey fabric you can > configure in different ways. The other ones I've found just don't work for > me. They're either too deep and a newborn baby is sort of buried (which mine > did not like at all), uncomfortable, etc. I figure there's a reason why the > baby bjorn has won all those design awards. My suggestion is if you have any > friends with wraps/slings, ask to borrow them for a week or so and figure > out which ones you like (and will use!) before you drop the money on them. > Well, I've rambled on and on- apologies all around. I probably have more. > I'm having baby #4 in 6-8 weeks (depending on whose due date you want to > listen to) and, like you, 100% in nesting mode. So all of this is fresh in > my mind. So that's it for now. I'll repost if I think of more. > > Oops! One more thing! Everyone who tells you to 'nap when the baby does' is > 100% right. and you have that luxury since this is your first child . Do it, > and don't feel guilty about it for one second. I always say I haven't had a > full night's sleep in 6 years since my oldest was born, and I STILL nap > totally unapologetically every afternoon with the kids who still nap. > > Best of luck to you. Try not to listen to the birth horror stories everyone > want to 'bless' you with. I've loved giving birth; there's nothing more > empowering and nothing makes you feel like more of a woman. It's awesome. > jenni > > ________________________________ > > havingagreatfulday <havingagreatfulday > > Tuesday, May 26, 2009 7:29:03 PM > Stocking up for postpartum > > I am due in 4 & 1/2 weeks and am fully into my nesting period. Since this is > my first child I was hoping that some of you may be able to pass on advice > about things you found to be important to stock up on, or that you wished > you had. Any good recipes that are easy or that you can make in bulk and > freeze would be great too! Thanks in advance. > > Amity > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 27, 2009 Report Share Posted May 27, 2009 You have gotten some really great advice. I have two more thoughts to plant in your head. Don't turn down offers of help (especially if it involves holding a screaming, colicky baby) and remember that no one was ever killed by a dust bunny. Enjoy your new family member, and let us know how you are doing! ________________________________ jenni claire garverick <jennigarverick Wednesday, May 27, 2009 12:58:34 PM Re: Stocking up for postpartum I apologize if this is too disgusting, but buy more maxi pads than you ever think you could possibly use- and then buy some more. Also stock up on those things you HAVE to have- laundry detergent, toilet paper, etc. There's nothing more annoying than having been up half the night and realizing you have to run out in the morning to get some necessity you didn't realize you were running low on. If you're using disposable diapers, those pampers swaddlers are nice- they have a little cutout for the umbilical cord. If you're using cloth, make sure you have them all washed and ready to go (you've probably already done this if you're in nesting mode!). With my 3rd baby, I collected a stack of books and and magazines and forced myself not to read them. That way, while nursing, or relaxing holding baby while she slept, I had something to do. I wish I had figured this out the first time around! I totally agree with the others about having a supply basket full of the basics by your bed- diapers, wipes, etc. And don't forget the water for you!!! Same goes for if you have a 2 story house- have a basket for downstairs if baby's room is upstairs, etc. At night when I would go to bed, I would get 1 glass of water (by 'glass', I mean one of those really huge ones made for poolside) and one I just filled with ice for later in the night. You will sweat and leak milk all over the place and the towel idea for the bed is a fab one. I also kept a couple of comfy shirts by the bed for quick changes. Food is a tough one, and one I've never managed at all well once my husband goes back to work. With my first, I could go all day without eating and not even realize it- not good. Nuts,dried fruit, cereal, any other convenience food you like, I say stock up on. You will not cook a single meal for several weeks is my guess. Vicky Iovine (who writes the 'Girlfriend' s Guide to...Pregnancy, among others) suggests having the crockpot on constant simmer with beans, veggies, etc. in it. Sort of a constant stew. The only thing she cautioned against was pasta- it gets too soggy. I haven't tried this, but it sounds like a good idea. Here's what I finally discovered on the bra front: I tried every nursing, etc. bra known to woman. Hated how they worked; hated how they looked (like you don't feel frumpy enough on your own postpartum, without having these huge bulky white/beige cotton bras with the big flaps). Regular old front hook bras really work the best for me- and you can get reasonable fascimiles of the bras you would normally wear. The other thing I discovered is the two-pack of stretchy 'support' camisole tank tops ('Lady Hathaway' is the brand, I think) at Costco. I'm not a normally go-without-a- bra in public type person, but these offer some good support. I also wear a sling or baby bjorn 90% of the time, so I'm covered, anyway. My trick is to wear the tank top and then another shirt on the outside. That way, you can lift the outside shirt up and your stomach/sides are still covered by the tank top underneath. The tank tops are stretchy enough that you can just lift your breast right out of the top of them in total comfort. One of the thorns in my side about nursing in front of others is the 'shirt arrangement' , and I've never had babies who appreciated a blanket over their heads, especially in the summer. And the stretchiness is really great because it shrinks with you- and dare I say, grows with you the next time you're pregnant! This brings me to slings. I've tried all of those, too. I have kept two types- the baby bjorn, which is just constructed fabulously and takes the pressure off of your back and shoulders, and the Ultimate Wrap, which also goes by other names but is basically a big strip of jersey fabric you can configure in different ways. The other ones I've found just don't work for me. They're either too deep and a newborn baby is sort of buried (which mine did not like at all), uncomfortable, etc. I figure there's a reason why the baby bjorn has won all those design awards. My suggestion is if you have any friends with wraps/slings, ask to borrow them for a week or so and figure out which ones you like (and will use!) before you drop the money on them. Well, I've rambled on and on- apologies all around. I probably have more. I'm having baby #4 in 6-8 weeks (depending on whose due date you want to listen to) and, like you, 100% in nesting mode. So all of this is fresh in my mind. So that's it for now. I'll repost if I think of more. Oops! One more thing! Everyone who tells you to 'nap when the baby does' is 100% right. and you have that luxury since this is your first child . Do it, and don't feel guilty about it for one second. I always say I haven't had a full night's sleep in 6 years since my oldest was born, and I STILL nap totally unapologetically every afternoon with the kids who still nap. Best of luck to you. Try not to listen to the birth horror stories everyone want to 'bless' you with. I've loved giving birth; there's nothing more empowering and nothing makes you feel like more of a woman. It's awesome. jenni ____________ _________ _________ __ havingagreatfulday <havingagreatfulday@ > @gro ups.com Tuesday, May 26, 2009 7:29:03 PM Stocking up for postpartum I am due in 4 & 1/2 weeks and am fully into my nesting period. Since this is my first child I was hoping that some of you may be able to pass on advice about things you found to be important to stock up on, or that you wished you had. Any good recipes that are easy or that you can make in bulk and freeze would be great too! Thanks in advance. Amity Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 28, 2009 Report Share Posted May 28, 2009 One thing I found a great comfort postpartum was using adult diapers (e.g., Depends) after delivery. I have never liked using maxi pads (I was always a tampon girl!) and found the extra-absorbent Depends to be as good as a maxi pad, leak proof, comfortable, and you can rip the sides to get them off instead of having to push them down. No ruining your own underwear and nothing gross to have to clean up, I just ripped them off and threw them away. I took a pack into the hospital with me for post-delivery and the nurses loved the idea so much one of them submitted it in their suggestion box and won the 'idea of the month' prize. Sarah Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 28, 2009 Report Share Posted May 28, 2009 wow, that is an excellent idea! ) ________________________________ Sarah <sarah.moore1 Thursday, May 28, 2009 7:11:15 AM Re:Stocking up for postpartum One thing I found a great comfort postpartum was using adult diapers (e.g., Depends) after delivery. I have never liked using maxi pads (I was always a tampon girl!) and found the extra-absorbent Depends to be as good as a maxi pad, leak proof, comfortable, and you can rip the sides to get them off instead of having to push them down. No ruining your own underwear and nothing gross to have to clean up, I just ripped them off and threw them away. I took a pack into the hospital with me for post-delivery and the nurses loved the idea so much one of them submitted it in their suggestion box and won the 'idea of the month' prize. Sarah Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 28, 2009 Report Share Posted May 28, 2009 Congratulations and good luck with your last month or so. I am currently 5 days overdue (based on ultrasound) or 4 days until the due date I calculated (with my third). I don't have too much to add to the other suggestions. Just remember that it is okay to just sit for as long as the baby requires. It is okay to stay on the couch for hours. Don't feel guilty if the house is messy or needs to be cleaned. If the baby needs to nurse or you need to rest just do it. I think some of us (myself included) try to be Superwoman and do everything. You need time to bond and recover so take it. Have healthy snacks around so you are not tempted by any " junk " and drink lots of water. Put your feet up. When you are ready (i.e., you have healed) get out for a walk. Join a mother's group. I did some baby and me fitness and made some great friends (it's nice to talk to people who are all going through the same things). Take help when it is offered and don't be afraid to ask for help. Above all, enjoy your baby! Paula Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 28, 2009 Report Share Posted May 28, 2009 You've gotten lots of great advice so far, but wanted to add on the food front that one great option is burritos. They freeze very nicely and can easily be reheated in a microwave or toaster oven. We make ours with beans and rice, and also sometimes vegetables, flavored meat replacer, veg cheese. Another good option, see if you can find a soup mix you like that comes dry where you just add boiling water. Our co-op has a curried lentil one that is very delicious and healthy. Also oatmeal, since it's similarly easy to prepare and good for milk supply. On the postpartum care front, witch hazel pads are great too. I know some people even keep them in the fridge. I hope you have a fantastic L & D! Heather , " havingagreatfulday " <havingagreatfulday wrote: > > I am due in 4 & 1/2 weeks and am fully into my nesting period. Since this is my first child I was hoping that some of you may be able to pass on advice about things you found to be important to stock up on, or that you wished you had. Any good recipes that are easy or that you can make in bulk and freeze would be great too! Thanks in advance. > > Amity > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 29, 2009 Report Share Posted May 29, 2009 There are tons of great ideas in everyone's posts. (I only ate toast, pretzels, and apple juice after I had my daughter.) I'm just getting really nervous reading them! I have a 19 month old and am only about 10 weeks into #2 but... how do you get rest and tend to a newborn when you have a very active toddler running around?!?!? HELP!! , " peej2e2 " <johnsontew wrote: > > Congratulations and good luck with your last month or so. I am currently 5 days overdue (based on ultrasound) or 4 days until the due date I calculated (with my third). > > I don't have too much to add to the other suggestions. Just remember that it is okay to just sit for as long as the baby requires. It is okay to stay on the couch for hours. Don't feel guilty if the house is messy or needs to be cleaned. If the baby needs to nurse or you need to rest just do it. I think some of us (myself included) try to be Superwoman and do everything. You need time to bond and recover so take it. > > Have healthy snacks around so you are not tempted by any " junk " and drink lots of water. > > Put your feet up. > > When you are ready (i.e., you have healed) get out for a walk. > > Join a mother's group. I did some baby and me fitness and made some great friends (it's nice to talk to people who are all going through the same things). > > Take help when it is offered and don't be afraid to ask for help. > > Above all, enjoy your baby! > > Paula > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 29, 2009 Report Share Posted May 29, 2009 yes, that's what makes the second one very difficult too. try to have someone plan and help take the older one out on adventures or anything. also seems like everyone is so excited to see the new baby, they want to hold the baby and sit there, but really you need help with the older one. this was very difficult for me, as well. my children are 2 yrs apart, and it was tough. on the bright side, they are now 6 and 8 yrs old, and it's very nice that they do things together. hang in there. the better you can plan to entertain the older one, will give you a chance to bond with the baby. i actually enjoyed nursing my daughter when she woke up in the middle of the night, because it felt like the only special time i had to give only to her. Best to you! janeen ________________________________ food4u1575 <dana.sommers Friday, May 29, 2009 7:27:21 AM Re: Stocking up for postpartum There are tons of great ideas in everyone's posts. (I only ate toast, pretzels, and apple juice after I had my daughter.) I'm just getting really nervous reading them! I have a 19 month old and am only about 10 weeks into #2 but... how do you get rest and tend to a newborn when you have a very active toddler running around?!?!? HELP!! @gro ups.com, " peej2e2 " <johnsontew@ ...> wrote: > > Congratulations and good luck with your last month or so. I am currently 5 days overdue (based on ultrasound) or 4 days until the due date I calculated (with my third). > > I don't have too much to add to the other suggestions. Just remember that it is okay to just sit for as long as the baby requires. It is okay to stay on the couch for hours. Don't feel guilty if the house is messy or needs to be cleaned. If the baby needs to nurse or you need to rest just do it. I think some of us (myself included) try to be Superwoman and do everything. You need time to bond and recover so take it. > > Have healthy snacks around so you are not tempted by any " junk " and drink lots of water. > > Put your feet up. > > When you are ready (i.e., you have healed) get out for a walk. > > Join a mother's group. I did some baby and me fitness and made some great friends (it's nice to talk to people who are all going through the same things). > > Take help when it is offered and don't be afraid to ask for help. > > Above all, enjoy your baby! > > Paula > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 29, 2009 Report Share Posted May 29, 2009 I think that with #2, the afternoon nap ( for me and them) became absolutely essential- and thank goodness- I'm assuming your 19 month old still takes afternoon naps. It may take several weeks to ease them both into the same 'nap schedule'. Now I have an almost 6 year old (birthday tomorrow), 2.5 y/o, and a 13 month old; pregnant with #4, as I mentioned before. I still nap with the littlest two- albeit for a shorter time and more with one-eye-open. I am able to do this because I've trained the oldest one to a)do her independent-type homework at that time,and then b) do some activities that we have decided are okay during naptime,. The downside of this is that I don't get any work done like my friends do at naptime because I'm sleeping. But it's well worth the trade-off, I think. I normally don't get more than 3-5 hours of sleep at night because of the good old pregnancy insomnia and still getting up with my 13 month old at least twice a night. I think the important thing for me to remember in terms of managing #2 was that all problems have a workable solution (and I just had to figure out what it was) and sometimes 'just getting by' is enough- even if it means your oldest has to watch a bit more tv than you'd like one day, etc. I'm not going to lie to you; the multi-tasking required for two is a whole different level than what you're used to (by comparison, going to three kids is a snap). But it will all work out fine. Go easy on yourself. It'll all get done. jenni ________________________________ food4u1575 <dana.sommers Friday, May 29, 2009 4:27:21 AM Re: Stocking up for postpartum There are tons of great ideas in everyone's posts. (I only ate toast, pretzels, and apple juice after I had my daughter.) I'm just getting really nervous reading them! I have a 19 month old and am only about 10 weeks into #2 but... how do you get rest and tend to a newborn when you have a very active toddler running around?!?!? HELP!! @gro ups.com, " peej2e2 " <johnsontew@ ...> wrote: > > Congratulations and good luck with your last month or so. I am currently 5 days overdue (based on ultrasound) or 4 days until the due date I calculated (with my third). > > I don't have too much to add to the other suggestions. Just remember that it is okay to just sit for as long as the baby requires. It is okay to stay on the couch for hours. Don't feel guilty if the house is messy or needs to be cleaned. If the baby needs to nurse or you need to rest just do it. I think some of us (myself included) try to be Superwoman and do everything. You need time to bond and recover so take it. > > Have healthy snacks around so you are not tempted by any " junk " and drink lots of water. > > Put your feet up. > > When you are ready (i.e., you have healed) get out for a walk. > > Join a mother's group. I did some baby and me fitness and made some great friends (it's nice to talk to people who are all going through the same things). > > Take help when it is offered and don't be afraid to ask for help. > > Above all, enjoy your baby! > > Paula > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 30, 2009 Report Share Posted May 30, 2009 These are all great ideas and advice... get some kind of breast pads for leakiing milk if you plan to bf, I have to wear these all day or I leak at times......I just had a baby last week ( via c section) and have a very active 2 year old at home. So I know how hard it can be with 2, my advice ( to the person expecting #2) is to get as much help as you can to help with and entertain your older child. IT has been especially hard for me since I had the c section since I can't pick the older child up or care for him like I am used to. Good luck to the new moms! ~Danielle , janeen minguillo <jminshan wrote: > > yes, that's what makes the second one very difficult too. try to have someone plan and help take the older one out on adventures or anything. also seems like everyone is so excited to see the new baby, they want to hold the baby and sit there, but really you need help with the older one. this was very difficult for me, as well. my children are 2 yrs apart, and it was tough. on the bright side, they are now 6 and 8 yrs old, and it's very nice that they do things together. hang in there. the better you can plan to entertain the older one, will give you a chance to bond with the baby. i actually enjoyed nursing my daughter when she woke up in the middle of the night, because it felt like the only special time i had to give only to her. > Best to you! > janeen > > > > > ________________________________ > food4u1575 <dana.sommers > > Friday, May 29, 2009 7:27:21 AM > Re: Stocking up for postpartum > > > > > > There are tons of great ideas in everyone's posts. (I only ate toast, pretzels, and apple juice after I had my daughter.) I'm just getting really nervous reading them! I have a 19 month old and am only about 10 weeks into #2 but... how do you get rest and tend to a newborn when you have a very active toddler running around?!?!? HELP!! > > @gro ups.com, " peej2e2 " <johnsontew@ ...> wrote: > > > > Congratulations and good luck with your last month or so. I am currently 5 days overdue (based on ultrasound) or 4 days until the due date I calculated (with my third). > > > > I don't have too much to add to the other suggestions. Just remember that it is okay to just sit for as long as the baby requires. It is okay to stay on the couch for hours. Don't feel guilty if the house is messy or needs to be cleaned. If the baby needs to nurse or you need to rest just do it. I think some of us (myself included) try to be Superwoman and do everything. You need time to bond and recover so take it. > > > > Have healthy snacks around so you are not tempted by any " junk " and drink lots of water. > > > > Put your feet up. > > > > When you are ready (i.e., you have healed) get out for a walk. > > > > Join a mother's group. I did some baby and me fitness and made some great friends (it's nice to talk to people who are all going through the same things). > > > > Take help when it is offered and don't be afraid to ask for help. > > > > Above all, enjoy your baby! > > > > Paula > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 1, 2009 Report Share Posted June 1, 2009 Sorry, I've been meaning to get to this for days now. I think whoever said 'consider Depends' had a fab idea. I've thought about this, too, but haven't ever used them- although haven't had the level of disgusting goop as I did with the first birth, either. But if the mess seems overwhelming, get thee to the store to get some Depends- or buy a pack beforehand just in case. At the very least you can wear them at night when you won't want to be out of bed as much. I also like the 'get out for a walk' idea. Myself, I'm ready to go for a walk about 20 minutes after delivery. Some people sit around feeling 'tender' for weeks. I think it's just dependent on the person. My point here is do what feels right to you and don't let anyone else tell you should be out and about- or at home 'resting'. Personally, that would make me batty. With labor, delivery, recovery, and child rearing in general, everyone's an expert (as you can tell with all of our responses!), and a lot has changed in the last 50 years. My MIL INSISTED after the birth of my first that I should not be driving a car. WHAT?!? Smile sweetly, then ignore. Even though this is your first time, you'll know what feels right- for you and for baby- and you certainly don't owe anyone else an explanation. I'm sure I've got more. After all, I'm an expert, too! j. ________________________________ peej2e2 <johnsontew Thursday, May 28, 2009 6:58:07 AM Re: Stocking up for postpartum Congratulations and good luck with your last month or so. I am currently 5 days overdue (based on ultrasound) or 4 days until the due date I calculated (with my third). I don't have too much to add to the other suggestions. Just remember that it is okay to just sit for as long as the baby requires. It is okay to stay on the couch for hours. Don't feel guilty if the house is messy or needs to be cleaned. If the baby needs to nurse or you need to rest just do it. I think some of us (myself included) try to be Superwoman and do everything. You need time to bond and recover so take it. Have healthy snacks around so you are not tempted by any " junk " and drink lots of water. Put your feet up. When you are ready (i.e., you have healed) get out for a walk. Join a mother's group. I did some baby and me fitness and made some great friends (it's nice to talk to people who are all going through the same things). Take help when it is offered and don't be afraid to ask for help. Above all, enjoy your baby! Paula Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 1, 2009 Report Share Posted June 1, 2009 My two youngest are 19 months apart and it is tough, but somehow our bodies are amazingly resiliant and we somehow survive! My best suggestion is to find a quiet activity that your toddler will sit still for when you need a few minutes of rest. Even if you can't sleep, you will feel better with some quiet. Give the toddler a book and ask her to read it to you while you lay beside her and close you eyes. She should get a kick out of " reading " and you will get a chance to relax. When you find the energy, and the baby is sleeping, remember to do something quiet with her as well. She needs to know that mommy still loves her just as much and will always find some time for her. Involve her with the baby, too. Ask her to get you a diaper or pick out an outfit. Involving her will help her not feel left out and not resent the baby. If you need rest and can't stay awake, let your husband, friend, relative know that you need some help. We can't do it all and there will probably be days where you need to shut your eyes for a few minutes. I would suggest cooking a few times a week and making a double batch and freezing. I make double lasagna, tortellini, chilli...there are all sorts of foods. You can even make extra pizzas and freeze them. After a few days to weeks, you will get the hang of things and in a year you will look back and wonder how you did it. My youngest is almost 2 and I still can't remember how I made it through those first few months. I am still sleep deprived (he won't sleep through the night) but I am at the point where I am used to it. I haven't had a full nights sleep in nearly 4 years! But, like I said, we are resiliant. I think women's bodies are made for this sort of thing. Try to enjoy what you can because they do grow up fast, but don't forget to take care of yourself. A happy mommy makes a happy family and a rested mommy is a happy mommy! Good luck and congrats! , " food4u1575 " <dana.sommers wrote: > > There are tons of great ideas in everyone's posts. (I only ate toast, pretzels, and apple juice after I had my daughter.) I'm just getting really nervous reading them! I have a 19 month old and am only about 10 weeks into #2 but... how do you get rest and tend to a newborn when you have a very active toddler running around?!?!? HELP!! > > , " peej2e2 " <johnsontew@> wrote: > > > > Congratulations and good luck with your last month or so. I am currently 5 days overdue (based on ultrasound) or 4 days until the due date I calculated (with my third). > > > > I don't have too much to add to the other suggestions. Just remember that it is okay to just sit for as long as the baby requires. It is okay to stay on the couch for hours. Don't feel guilty if the house is messy or needs to be cleaned. If the baby needs to nurse or you need to rest just do it. I think some of us (myself included) try to be Superwoman and do everything. You need time to bond and recover so take it. > > > > Have healthy snacks around so you are not tempted by any " junk " and drink lots of water. > > > > Put your feet up. > > > > When you are ready (i.e., you have healed) get out for a walk. > > > > Join a mother's group. I did some baby and me fitness and made some great friends (it's nice to talk to people who are all going through the same things). > > > > Take help when it is offered and don't be afraid to ask for help. > > > > Above all, enjoy your baby! > > > > Paula > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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