I’m hitting 28 weeks today and the weeks truly seem to be flying by. 83 days until due date!
28 WEEKS PREGNANCY UPDATE
Baby milestones:
- Baby can now open his eyes but his vision is blurry. Eyes have color but that might change in first 6 months of life, especially if they’re blue or gray.
- Baby is sleeping and waking on a regular schedule but it’s a little weird. Baby sleeps only sleeps for 20 to 30 minutes at a time.
- Putting on fat and gaining about .5 pounds a week until birth.
- Brain continuing to expand and develop rapidly.
HOW I’M FEELING AT 28 WEEKS PREGNANT
Weight Gain/Body Changes: still in the range of 13-15 pounds…even with all the carbs in my diet (haha). I’m going to ask my doctor about it this week and make sure everything is on track.
Workouts/Workout Modifications: although the doctor from my practice that was on call at the hospital didn’t send me home with any restrictions after last week’s hospital visit, I still wanted to take it easy. For the first few days I stuck to walking before starting to add in short runs and strength training again. I haven’t practiced yoga since before the scare. Here’s what I’ve done since last Tuesday…
- Almost daily walks with the dogs for about 45-60 minutes
- One FlyWheel class
- Taught two strength classes
- Two runs – one 3 miles and one 4 miles
Symptoms: I’ve tried to keep a running list of these in my head to share with you. Here are a few…
- Lots of Braxton-Hicks contractions. I’m going to discuss this with my doctor again when I see him this week. The good thing is that there is no pain with them and I mostly only get them at night.
- Less hair loss. My hairdresser was commenting at my last appointment about how healthy and thick hair is during pregnancy and also warned me that I’d lose a lot of it after! Since then I’ve realized how little I’m shedding in the shower. It really is crazy how much less hair I’m losing when I wash my hair!
- My belly button is starting to turn into an outie. When I wake up in the morning it looks normal for a few minutes and then stretches out as my belly does.
- My skin is breaking out but only on the sides of my cheeks.
Sleep: overall TERRIBLE. It’s not a comfort thing as much as a slowing down my brain/insomnia kind of thing.
Food Aversions/Cravings: see yesterday’s post!
Watching/Reading/Listening: I watched The Business of Being Born last week and I feel like it pretty much fell in line with most of what I’ve read/learned/heard about the medical model of childbirth and the commonality of birth interventions.
I chose a hospital delivery because I know myself and my tendency towards anxiety so I just thought it would be the best fit for me to know that advanced care and the NICU were right there should I need it. I am attempting to bring a little more “intervention-free” to that through hiring my doula. We’ll see how that all plays out. 😉
I’m still listening to and enjoying episodes of The Birth Hour podcast.
I also finished listening to Bringing Up Bebe on Audible and got some good takeaways from it.
Next up: more reading on breastfeeding and little babies! 🙂
Accomplishments:
- finished both registries (Amazon and Target)
- had baby’s room painted
- ordered nursery furniture
- hired my cleaning friend to organize the attic and closets (I’m all about creating efficiency and calling in help where needed!) 😛
To Dos:
- choose a pediatrician
- schedule classes and hospital tour (like ASAP)…I might also do some online courses/learning options
- meet with my doula to discuss birth preferences
- nursery closet organization strategy…what is a cheap but efficient way to organize with hanging and shelving? I don’t want to sink a ton of money into a closet organizing system
- name the child 😉 still working on that
- doctor’s appt this week for GD screen and US to check echogenic focus of left ventricle
QUESTIONS
Dogs and babies. Talk to me about this. How did it go for you? Anything I should do to prepare them?
Has anyone taken online classes or courses for childbirth or breastfeeding or infant care that you found helpful?
What happened with your hair pre- and post-baby?
Any cheap solutions for nursery closet organization that doesn’t involve having a whole closet system installed?
Introducing dogs with my son was a big fear (they had been my spoiled rotten babies for 6 years!). My vet recommended: having baby stuff out as soon as we got it, so the dogs would have time for swing/bassinet/etc to become routine “furniture,” we brought home the receiving blanket for them to smell and left it on their bed (some folks thought that was disgusting…and maybe it was, but they weren’t dragging it all over the house), and we played YouTube clips of babies crying for a few mins each day. They both pouted for a couple of months, and they rejected me and the baby, but after a few months they adjusted, would follow me from room to room like usual. They do well with my son now, drinking his tub water, waiting patiently under the high chair, etc. your girls will do great!
I echo so many of these recommendations as we did it with my dog when my daughter was born in September. I also recommend sitting in the nursery (I read to baby in womb a ton) once your nursery is set up so the dogs can get used to you sitting in there (you’ll spend a lot of time in that rocking chair/glider once he arrives!). I would reward my pup with training treats each time she came into the nursery and laid quietly on the rug while I rocked. Now, she lays in the nursery even when I’m not there, always protecting her baby sister 🙂 I also recommend planning ahead with care for your pups when you go to the hospital. We had my sister-in-law take our dog, and when she came to meet our baby for the first time, we sent her home with one of our daughter’s blankets and newborn hats; she gave it to our dog to smell/get used to, and I swear it helped her recognize baby smell when we came home with our daughter. After 4 1/2 months with a little one at home, I can honestly say that my dog has adjusted great and she is a wonderful big sister! I know Sullie and Zoey will do great; it’s such a special bond!
Thank you so much for these insights. They are so helpful. I would never think about sitting in the nursery and having them come in there. HOW SWEET about your pup loving the nursery now. That’s awesome.
Yes, I’ll definitely have a plan for the dogs when at the hospital. I can’t wait to see how they do with everything!
Okay. I definitely hadn’t thought about the baby stuff so that is a great point.
My gut tells me they’ll do great but we might have an adjustment period, especially with Zoey!
I did not take on-line courses. I did take a class trough my OB practice that covered some delivery, breastfeeding and infant care basics. There might be something similar offered through the hospital. I also read a lot of books, but in all honest nothing really prepares you for breastfeeding. It’s really a learn as you go sort of thing. My best advice is to take full advantage of the lactation specialist at the hospital. Request that one stop by your room ASAP after delivery, even if you think you are doing it right, have them come double check because even a few bad latches can leave you in a lot of pain.
As for hair. My hair didn’t change during or after pregnant, but everyone is so different. I feel like most women have thicker hair in pregnancy and lose a lot postpartum.
I totally agree with the comment about having a lactation specialist come as soon as possible at the hospital. It can make a huge difference. Also, if you don’t connect with the lactation specialist speak up to your nurses and ask for a different one if possible.
yes yes yes. I read so much about breastfeeding, and BF all three of mine for 2 years each. EVERY TIME I had issues. Latching, thrush, etc. Having an LC see you at the hospital soon after delivery or very soon after leaving is just a great way to make sure you are getting the support you need.
I am DEFINITELY planning on utilizing lactation consultants both at the hospital and having one come to the house!
I am 100% going to take advantage of this and I’m also going to use a referral from some friends on someone who will come to the house after you get home from the hospital to make sure all is good.
I just started looking at LCs in Charlotte that come to the house. If you have been getting multiple referrals for one do you mind sharing? It’s hard not having any friends with babies in CLT! I could use all the help I can get! 🙂
Yes, our hospital has some great options for classes. I can imagine that nothing does really prepare you for breastfeeding. That makes a lot of sense to me.
I will DEFINITELY take advantage of the LCs. Any and all help I can get is welcome on all levels!
My parents brought home one of the baby swaddles while we were still in the hospital for my dog to smell. And then when we came home from the hospital, I came in first to greet the dog and then my husband came in holding the baby. I was told whoever is closer to the dog(s) should NOT come in holding the baby to avoid jealousy. I was so nervous about the transition in general but it went really smoothly.
I second the lactation consultant at the hospital! My pediatrician has lactation consultants too and I made an appointment with them as well post-hospital. Nursing is HARD and takes time for you and baby to adjust. I thought I was a “pro” for the second baby but it was still just as hard.
And for me the four month postpartum mark is when the extra hair falls out.
Oh this is interesting and makes a lot of sense. Thank you for sharing that about who should be holding the baby.
I will definitely take advantage of the lactation consultants at the hospital! I will take all the help I can.
And everyone has said it’s that 3-4 month mark with the hair. Oh well!
I was so nervous about my dogs when I brought my baby home 6 weeks ago because my shepherd mix hates kids and has even growled at them in passing (horrifying and embarrassing!!). But we did the whole receiving blankets thing and both dogs have been so sweet to her. They try to give her kisses when she cries! Also, my family helped make sure they still got their daily walk at first, and now I do it with the baby in a wrap. I think having people around to love on the dogs or hold the baby so you can is a huge help too. Your dogs are already the sweetest ever, so I’m sure they’ll adjust very well and love your babe!
Oh thank you so much for sharing your experience. I’m so glad to read that your pups ended up adjusting well. Yes, I think making sure they still get attention and walks will be super important. And hoping to baby wear and walk everyone once we are ready!
Hi! I had my daughter at 28 weeks 2 months ago. She is currently in the NICU going on 67 days. I practiced yoga and had a great pregnancy up until week 27. I’ve actually taken your classs before. Great teacher by the way!! A week before I had her I was told by my doctor that my cervix became dangerously thin. I had to stop all exercise, sex and traveling and was put on progesterone to prevent premature labor. My one piece of advice is to relax and take it easy, especially if you had a scare. I wish you the best of luck with the rest of your pregnancy! My baby girl is the best thing I’ve ever done! ?
As a preemie who was born at 28 weeks, I am sending you all the love! Things are a lot better these days than they were in the 80s – I spent 4 months in the NICU after my birth and my parents’ stories of going to visit my daily in the hospital are crazy for me to comprehend, even 32 years after the fact. Cheers to your SUPER strong daughter and to you, mama! <3
Thank you ❤️❤️
My heart goes out to you. Things will be OK, though I’m all too familiar with the NICU. My 3-year-old daughter was born at 31 weeks (reason unknown), and was in the NICU for 37 days. It was the most difficult time of my life. She is great now though, and you’d never know she was a preemie, but I’d never wish the experience on anyone.
I’m now 27 weeks and on bed rest due to shortened cervix and placenta previa. As horrible as bed rest is, I’d take it any day over another NICU stay.
I don’t like to tell people what to do, Jen, but after a bleeding scare, I’d definitely take it as easy as possible. Running, yoga, etc., will all be there waiting after your baby is born. You’re a grown woman, though, and I’m sure you are listening to what your doctor says.
I totally agree with you…running, yoga & exercising will all be there for you but right now…minimum activity to stop the contractions.
Hey Sabrina – I am 100% planning to talk to my doctor about it tomorrow and will follow whatever guidance he provides. <3 So far he’s told me that the Braxton-Hicks are fine as long as I’m not having pain with them.
Hi Susan, I’m so sorry to hear that you also had a preemie and went through that NICU experience. I can only imagine how scary that must have been. And now to be dealing with a shortened cervix and placenta previa? My heart is 100% with you and I’m sending you my love and prayers.
I see my doctor tomorrow and I am planning on discussing everything with him in detail. I’ll definitely adhere to whatever his recommendation is for how to proceed with pregnancy and activity. I also think a lot of my issues right now are also directly related to stress and exercise is one of the ways that I best cope with it so it’s a double-edged sword. 🙁
Fellow NICU/premie mom here. Hugs Colleen. The nicu day’s were some of the hardest times. I just wanted to chime in and say it gets better and my daughter is now a thriving 2 yr old!
Cat – it’s so great to hear that your daughter is thriving. THANK YOU for taking a moment to leave this comment for Colleen. <3
Hi Colleen, I am so very sorry to hear that you had the complication with your cervix and ultimately ended up delivering at 28 weeks. I cannot even imagine what that has been like for you. How is your daughter doing now? Please give me an update? Also, are you here in Charlotte?
I’m planning on having a very honest dialogue with my doctor tomorrow and getting his take on everything. I will adhere to whatever he recommends. <3
I highly recommend a childbirth class! I took that plus infant CPR. I don’t think you need a breastfeeding class, personally. I didn’t take one and my hospital / pediatrician offered Lactation Specialists/Consultants that provided all the info I needed. We are still going strong breastfeeding at 15 months old!
I just re-upped my CPR last night in a recertification I had to take for the Y so that is covered off! 🙂
Good to know on breastfeeding. Thank you!
For both of my sons, we had someone bring a receiving blanket home the first night for the dogs to smell, and then my husband brought the dogs out to the driveway to meet the baby when we brought him home. We had been really concerned about one of our dogs because she was never really comfortable around other kids, but she has done fantastically well. She initially mostly ignored the babies, but over 3 years later (after my first son was born), now she’ll let them hug her and pull on her ears without complaint. When she’s had enough, she goes in another room. The other dog loved lying next to the boys in the bassinet or in the nursery as I fed them.
We took infant care and infant CPR classes before my first son was born – highly recommend both. For breastfeeding, as someone else mentioned, the best help is having the lactation consultant come to your room within the first 24 hours to ensure good latch. I was in needless pain for the first 2 weeks with my first son because he wasn’t latching properly. I thought that was normal and braced myself for the same with my second son, but after multiple LC visits in the hospital, he latched like a champ and I had zero pain.
My hair is already super thick but it really did get even thicker during pregnancy, but all the excess started falling out (CLUMPS in the shower) about 3-4 months postpartum.
Hey Laura – great idea on the blanket. I think the girls will do okay but you never know. I’m praying that we all adjust well.
So, I just renewed my CPR last night in a training course! I have to do it yearly for the YMCA so that is done! We always cover off on infant and child stuff too. Definitely a comfort to have refreshed that.
I am going to take advantage of the lactation consultants at the hospital and probably at home too.
I’m so sorry about your hair 🙁 that 3-4 month mark seems to be the common time.
I took a breastfeeding class from one of the lactation consultants at the hospital. So I knew when I had questions during our stay after the baby was born she would be there and it didn’t feel as weird for me since I knew her already. Our pediatrician also has a lactation consultant in the office so that is also super helpful. both of them take calls any time I have questions and they are both amazingly helpful. Breastfeeding was much more involved than the class covered, but it was nice having at least some information going into it.
I am definitely planning to take advantage of the lactation consultants at the hospital and my friends have recommended some good ones who will come to your home once you’re settled in to help you.
This is going by so so quickly! You look awesome Jen! (I have zero input here as I do not have children, but one day!)
Gosh, I know. It seems to be flying by. I can’t believe he will be here so soon.
Ugh! Dogs and kids lol! Get some gates so baby has a room free to roll around and keep toys dog hair free. As for your hair, if you stop taking prenatal vitamins abruptly your body goes into shock because you’re no longer taking the super vitamins and that’s when hair loss occurs and fatigue. at least that’s what my doc told me!
Oh god, I can’t even imagine how much dog hair is going to be on baby boy. I’ll keep taking the vitamins for a while! 😉
Ahhh so excited for you! My sleep situation while I was pregnant was the exact same as yours! Terrible due to a racing mind. I’m not kidding, I felt more rested during the newborn phase than I did while pregnant! Fingers crossed your sleep improves though!
You are the second person who has said that about the newborn phase and sleep! Glad I’m not alone. Apparently insomnia is really common in the third trimester.
I suspect your pups will do great – they remind me a lot of my yellow lab (who poor thing, is so neglected with a 2.5 yr old and 4 mo old in the mix!) and all she was when we brought our oldest home was soooo happy and excited. And scared when she cried 🙂 and with #2, she could have literally cared less. Like, “oh, another one of these baby things”. 🙂 S&Z will be the best big sisters ever.
I think they will be too! I do think Zoey will be a little extra needy for attention but I think she’ll love the baby. <3 And Sullie is just an angel and so go with the flow about life.
We introduced our dogs seperately, one stayed with my family and the ILs looked after the other. Our older dog didn’t really care, and the yonger dog only really cared when the baby cried. I think we played a crying baby sound in the cradle before she was born and the dog ran around trying to find the distressed baby before we turned it off. I also used to walk them with the empty stroller, so we would get used to it together, before I would be worried about cargo. Turns out my first daughter didnt like the stroller until she was about 5 months so I would take both dogs to the dog park and walk with baby in a wrap.
I took a class put on by a public health nurse, the only thing I remember from the class was that the breathing seemed reduculous. As a yoga instructor breathing during labor wont be a problem for you.
It’s already been said, but seek lactating support right away. I am sure you’re doula will be helpful in this regard. Even if you think all is fine they always have helpful tidbits that us new moms don’t know. I really recommend the leLeche league breastfeeding book, it was pretty much the only one I used after my daughter arrived.
I have a narrow 5 drawer dresser that I used for both Girls. And small (Kleenex sized) baskets for wash cloths and odd and ends.
I still don’t think my hair has recovered from pregnancy, and my youngest is 2. Everyone is different, but everyone I know has lost hair pp.
I hope you can get some good sleep. Take care
I have a feeling that Sullie won’t mind much but Zoey will be a little jealous. I think when it comes to walking that I’ll mostly stick to the wrap so that I can hold both of the leashes and not have to juggle that with a stroller, at least in the early days.
I really hope that my yoga breathing skills come through for me in child birth. haha
Enjoy your hair now…. the post baby hair loss is unreal. I legit had a receding hairline. And now the “baby” hairs growing back are just crazy. My hair was everywhere! Just another part of motherhood, SO WORTH IT!!! Xoxo
WOW! I’ve heard so much about it, guess it really is unavoidable! 🙁
I’ve had 3 babies, and lots of trouble sleeping while pregnant!! I discovered tart cherry juice during my last pregnancy and it was great. Not sure if you’ve given it a try, but if not check it out. I did take unisom during my 2nd pregnancy (baby had a sever birth defect and I was super stressed). My dr said it was safe for pregnancy, but I prefer the tart cherry juice. Good luck!!
I’ve never even heard of that so thank you for the tart cherry recommendation. I have taken unisom some and it’s a lifesaver.
First time Mom of a 3-month old girl here… I definitely noticed that I stopped shedding hair… I loved it! I actually thought I was going to get away with keeping it, as it wasn’t until a couple weeks ago that I started losing it. Drats… it was nice while it lasted. We have a little dog who was/is our baby and were so worried about how she’d react to the baby. We brought one of the babies hats home for her to sniff before we arrived. We let her come to/discover the baby rather than forcing an introduction. It has gone great! Our dog is definitely jealous of the attention the baby gets (she has become quite the photo-bomber, ? as she hates being left out), but she is very curious, sweet, and (maybe too) affectionate towards the baby… Toys are another story. The dog does not like that there are toys that aren’t hers.
Oh no! Someone else commented that it also happened to them right around the three month PP timeline.
SO WONDERFUL to hear about your pup and I think we’ll have some jealously issues too, especially with little Zoey! 🙂
I love the photo bombing comment. That’s awesome.
My baby just started noticing and smiling at the dog…makes my heart explode!!
Hi Jen. Regarding hospital delivery- if you are at CMC, I recently had a natural birth there so wanted to share my experience. My advice is to write down your preferences and provide the nurses a copy when you arrive at triage. For example not every delivery room at CMC has a bathtub but if you ask for one they will try to accommodate you. I thought they might kind of roll their eyes at me or push interventions, but I felt like they honored my preferences. (And of course I know every birth is so different!)
I’m going to be at Presby but apparently it is similar there in making your preferences known and asking for certain rooms/things. My doula is going to help me with all of that! 🙂
I love your updates! My hair was beautiful while I was pregnant and as soon as I stopped taking the prenatal vitamins, it lost hat full luxurious look.
I see you are really getting ready for the baby. How is Tanner handling becoming a father? I am sure he is super excited.
He is 100% super excited, we are just working through some things between the two of us right now so it’s been a tough start to 2018. Thank you for asking. <3
Nothing drove me more crazy than people telling me to “sleep while I can” when I was sleeping TERRIBLY at the end of my pregnancy. Well, 12 weeks into having a baby and I can tell you that what little sleep I do get right now is 1000x better than it was weeks 38 – 41 of my pregnancy! I would rather get 5 hours of good sleep than spend 8 hours in bed tossing and turning and being uncomfortable!
Apparently insomnia is REALLY common in the third trimester! And yes to a solid 5 over 8 of tossing and turning.
We taught our dog to “wait”. To let us/the baby go down the stairs /through a door/ in a room first. That way we didn’t have to worry about him accidentally knocking our legs a bit, or getting into something while we are holding the baby. Now, our toddler is the one who is (almost!) saying “wait!”. It’s a good one !
This is a great idea! Thank you!
You are looking great! It’s sad that you aren’t getting good sleep, but I guess it’s also preparing you for what’s to come. Haha
As far as the dogs, I don’t think you will have much to worry about! As far as preparing, what I saw everyone voice seems to be in line…I would also turn the baby’s things on. Any kind of electronics you may have, a swing, bouncer, sound machine, etc, just so they can see it in action and check it out before an infant is using it. Haha I would assume that you might feel up to walking them for at least a short walk shortly after baby, but if not, maybe have your fiancé, friend or family member bring them for a short walk so they at least get a walk like they are used to, or if you are feeling up to it, they would enjoy a short walk with you, if someone else would volunteer to watch the baby for a short time. That will show them that you still see them as family, although there is a crying alien in their house! Haha Bringing a baby worn blanket from the hospital would be helpful as well. I really think the girls will do great! I can’t wait to see them as big sisters to the sweet baby coming soon!!
Hey Virginia, thank you! 🙂
I hadn’t thought of turning baby things on so that’s a great point. I think the girls will do well with baby but yes, they will absolutely still need their time, attention and walks and I’ll try to make sure that they get that!
I can’t wait to see how they interact with him! 🙂
My weight gain in my first pregnancy was really similar to yours – I gained early, but really tapered off and stayed the same weight for awhile, and my doctor always said it was perfectly fine, so don’t worry!
I have a golden retriever, and she has always been really great and gentle with our son (even when he’s not so gentle with her!). We really did not do much to prep her, other than to make sure to bring her around kids/babies when she was younger so it wasn’t totally foreign to her. And when I came home, I purposely had someone else bring in the baby so I could give our dog my full attention at first. Goldens are seriously the best with babies and kids.
Also, I know some people are kind of judgey and opinionated about birth choices, but I would really, really encourage you to not focus on any one way of doing it and go with what you and your baby need at that time. Without getting into too much detail, I was undecided but ended up getting an epidural and was so glad I did – not just for the pain relief, but because it actually helped avoid an emergency C-section. Regardless of how you deliver, it is such an amazing experience!
My instinct tells me the girls will be great with baby. They’ve always been good around kids. I do think Zoey will be high needs when it comes to needing her own attention! 🙂
I am 100% trying to stay OPEN MINDED about birth and the whole infant thing. I feel like I want to do research and have options but at the end of the day, I’ve never done this before and I have nothing to prove. I will do what feels like the best and right thing for me and baby when the time comes. <3
You look beautiful! So for braxton hicks, I had them A TON right around that time as well. My MIL was a L&D nurse for forever and she always encouraged me that they’re a GOOD thing and that they’re helping to prepare your uterus for labor, and to be thankful that you’re having them 🙂 if that helps 🙂 even though sometimes they’re super uncomfortable and it feels like you’re belly is a ROCK!
Thank you so much Sarah! <3
My doctor hasn’t had a problem with the Braxton-Hicks as long as I’m feeling good otherwise and not having any pain. Yes, they are such a weird feeling! Rock is right!
Even if it is less sport than your normal, it is like 12 hours of physical activity in a week… if you can reduce, with your work, maybe it will add less stress to your body, sometimes sport helps the sleeping situation, but pregnant, it is different, it is a lot of “stimulation” for the body. Maybe this is why you have all these braxton…
And I had a small weight gain (23 total), and a biiig baby boy hahah. Sometimes, there isn’t a big correlation.
Hey Anne – that is a great point to take into account. It’s definitely something I’m going to discuss with my doctor when I see him tomorrow. <3 And AHHH to the weight gain and baby size!!!!!
We had 3 labs in our house when we brought our first babe home. We made sure to have my hubs bring the first few onesies and blankets home for them to smell and get used to baby’s smell before we actually brought him home.
As for classes, we did the hospital class, but I know you’re wanting to keep things more natural and I really feel that my Hypnobabies recordings were HUGE in being able to get through my 2 homebirths (after our first hospital birth). I’m a huge believer/encourager of them and they just remind me so much of mediation in a way that I think they’d resonate with you. I even listened to them each night while going to bed…usually fell asleep, but didn’t find that it was an issue.
Hair loss..similar to you. But I’ll only add that at 42 and 3 kids (5 years ago) I’m still losing hair by the handful. I do have a LOT of hair though.
Closets – we installed a Lowe’s/Home Depot type thing ourselves over a weekend. Easy!
Sherri – thank you! I am DEFINITELY going to check out the Hypnobabies recordings. I’m loving listening to stuff like that at night before bed.
I will look at the closet options at HD! Thank you!
Our first child was born this past November so it’s so fun to read about others who are experiencing the same things I just sent through!
For introducing dogs — we have 3 German Shepherds and tried to prepare them the best we could before she was born. We played videos of babies crying, and let them sniff a baby blanket before we brought the baby inside. However, as soon as they first heard her cry, they all were extremely curious and trying to jump up. So I will warn you, there will definitely be an adjustment period. After about 2 to 3 weeks, they got used to it, and stopped running to her every time she cried, and stopped standing over her during the night staring at her. LOL. It was a little nerve-racking!
As for classes, I had a daughter at a birth center. They required six weeks of classes starting at the end of the second trimester. I went to them with my husband ( my birth partner) and the topics covered everything from childbirth, caring for an infant, and breast-feeding. We really got a lot out of them, and we ended up hiring the doula who taught the class to be our doula. Doors are awesome, I could not have made it through and in a pension Doors are awesome, I could not have made it through and in an intervention free birth without her!
I am three months postpartum, and I’m starting to experience the great shed of hair. I was told that it is common around three months postpartum, because there is a big horomone swing around this time. It’s a little alarming, but it’s good to know it’s normal, and it should stop (hopefully soon!).
Thank you so much for sharing your experience and I’m glad to hear that you feel that a doula was a good investment for you. I am praying it’s the same for me! And yes, I fully expect that it will take a few weeks for the girls to get used to the change but hopefully they will embrace it and love being big sisters.
And my voice to text messed up that comment haha! DOULAS are awesome but I guess doors are too.
Long time reader here! My son is 3 months old and I have to pipe in about the breastfeeding topic. I thought I was super prepared (took the classes, had the equipment,etc). Long story short, it just didn’t work out & I was SO STRESSED about it. A stressed mama isn’t good for ANYONE! I’ve heard ‘breast is best’ a billion times, but you know what? FED IS BEST! PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE don’t stress if breastfeeding doesn’t work out! My son is growing beautifully & has (so far) not gotten sick.
Honestly, if it isn’t going well & you need to talk about, I am here!! I don’t want anyone to go through the stress that I did! It’s not worth it!
Thank you for sharing honestly. I am trying to REALLY keep an open mind about everything and to have ideas and preferences but not to get too attached to any one thing. It seems the best way to self-preserve and give yourself grace in a new world that seems to be full of surprises and things you didn’t expect. <3
My best advice? Try to find a group of new moms to join before you give birth! For me, it was two weeks after our baby boy was born and I was losing my mind with stress & lack of sleep. My husband found a local breastfeeding resource center that had weekly support groups. I am not exaggerating when I say that those women and that place saved me. You need support, beyond one or two visits with an LC when the baby’s born. Being able to chat about all the little things & the big things of having a baby with other mothers was invaluable for me. Four of the moms & I still have a Facebook message thread going, almost a year later, and we chat literally every day 🙂 You’re going to be a wonderful mom!!!
I would like to order something for you and baby boy from your Amazon registry. Can you please send me the link?
For the nursery we had/have one small dresser with 4 drawers. We also have a changing table with two open shelves. I put a laundry basket on one shelf and then I a have 2-3 baskets for diapers/supplies. I use baby hangers in the closet for clothing that is larger and not currently in use.
Dogs and babies. I might have commented on this before? We did not do any specific training but as I got more tired at the end of pregnancy I walked our dog less. She sort of slowly adjusted with me. After the baby was born she did act up… jumped on furniture when she had been trained not to… I think a few poops and she also ate a nipple shield and took baby clothes from said laundry basket and chewed them up (dogs are attracted to the milk smell!!!).
It was a little crazy with all of that at first and I did not get to walk her much. Eventually we settled into a new routine and I would babywear and walk outside. Then I would babywear and walk the dog. When the baby was older I would use the stroller and walk the dog. It’s been a slow progression but we all get along good now. If your dogs pull on the leash I would get some training so they do not pull.
Hey Jen!
We just finished painting the baby’s room this weekend. I got a closet organizer from Lowe’s for around $200 that has center shelves and double rods on each side. It extends from 4-8ft. Let me know if you want more details on it! I’m looking at hospital classes too – have you found any good online resources?? I can’t decide which hospital ones are worth the time. And I loved Bringing up Bebe – so many good thoughts of things to incorporate!!
I am also so on the fence about the hospital classes. I haven’t found anything online yet but haven’t done a ton of research.
I also thought Bringing Up Bebe had some really great things to consider!
We have a golden who is three and brought home our baby last February. My inlaws brought home a worn baby hat for him to smell…and he ate it! Oops! Then they brought home a blanket to smell. He is a cautious nervous golden and kept his distance from the baby after some initial sniffs. Every time the baby would make a squeak he would go check with rocker, etc. It is so sweet. Now they play together and he is so gentle with the baby. We never dealt with issues other than some jealousy. Take time alone or separate with your dogs so they still have some special time with mom and dad.
OMG to your pup eating the hat!
I’m SO happy to hear that baby and pup are friends now. <3 I will definitely make sure my first fur children still get their love and attention. <3