35 weeks and just 35 days to go.
I have so much to share with you today from symptoms to my prenatal fitness plan for the rest of pregnancy to a nursery sneak peek and more so let’s dive in.
35 WEEKS PREGNANCY UPDATE
Baby boy is the size of a pineapple which is PERFECT as pineapple has been my #1 pregnancy craving since the beginning! 🙂
- He’s somewhere between 17.2 and 18.7 inches and between 4.2 and 5.8 pounds.
- Testes have probably fully descended.
- Hearing is fully developed and baby responds best to high-pitched noises.
- Fingernails and toenails have likely grown to reach their tips.
- Kidneys are fully developed.
HOW I’M FEELING AT 35 WEEKS PREGNANT
Weight gain/body changes: I’ve gained about 24-25 pounds at this point. I feel like I hung around 15 forever but then once I hit close to 20 it’s been super steady of a pound or two a week ever since.
I just read on my Bump App that my uterus has grown 1,000 times bigger than its original size and I believe it! Baby boy is taking up a lot of room in my belly! I also just read that at its peak, I’ll be carrying about a quart of amniotic fluid in my womb and I feel that too!
No swelling of my hands or feet, for which I am grateful. My blood pressure is staying low, for which I am also very grateful. I’ve heard scary preeclampsia stories.
Symptoms: really trying not to complain but the struggle is getting real…
- Heartburn, luckily only intermittent and not all the time but it is terrible when it strikes. Everyone keeps telling me they feel like baby has dropped but I don’t believe it because I still have heartburn and feel his feet all up in my ribs on the regular!
- Low back pain. I tweaked my back a few weeks ago rolling over in bed. And then I re-tweaked it last week bending over to reach for soap in the shower. Oh pregnancy.
- Pelvic and vaginal pain, I often spend the first 60 seconds or so after standing up from a seated position hobbling around because it literally feels like my bones down low are splitting in two. My Mayo Clinic Guide to a Health Pregnancy book says, “vaginal pain late in pregnancy usually isn’t anything to be concerned about” so I guess it’s just one of those things.
- Body fatigue at the end of the day, especially in my legs. By the time I make it to the couch at night, my legs are so fatigued they ache. It’s the craziest thing. It’s not ache like sore muscles, just a general heaviness/ache.
- Lots of trips to the bathroom, some sudden. I occasionally feel like he’s head-butting me in the bladder and getting to the bathroom becomes an emergency because it is so uncomfortable!
- Lots of grunting to do things like sit up, bend over and roller over! I’m overall much slower at everything!
- I am emotionally all over the place.
(Scott Broome Photography)
Workouts/Prenatal Fitness Update: I wanted to spend some time on this update today. In the last week or so I feel like my body has been sending me clear signs that it’s time to slow down to prepare for birth and all that comes with bringing a new baby home.
My doctor told me that if I made it to 34 weeks I was in the clear to move however I wanted again (of course while listening to my body) so I thought last week that I’d try a FlyWheel class. I was missing that cardio burn and I had heard so many others share that they were able to spin up until their due date. To be honest, the class really didn’t feel great. I couldn’t get comfortable in the saddle, felt a lot of pressure down below and felt like every time I brought my knees up when I was in a seated position that they were jamming into my belly. I decided I won’t be doing that again. This is such a great reminder that when it comes to prenatal fitness, just because something works for one woman, it doesn’t mean it will work for you.
Everything that I’ve been reading and educating myself on about birth focuses on how important it is to be able to soften/relax your body and surrender into the labor/birth process.
I’ve also heard/read a lot of things about having a pelvic floor that is “too strong” for the baby to make its way out easily. A friend of mine who is a former Iron Man triathlete shared that this was something she really struggled with in her home birth. It seems like a good time to stop doing more intense things that require strong engagement of the pelvic floor like running, spinning, jumping, heavy lifting, etc.
When I logically think about this, coupled with what I learned in prenatal yoga teacher training about encouraging the motion of things down and out during the final weeks of pregnancy, it leads me to believe that now is the time to start focusing on activity that is gentler and more intuitive about moving things downward and softening the pelvic floor.
My primary focus is to do a ton of walking. Walking still feels better for my body than anything else and actually helps to make my back and pelvis feel better. It’s supposed to really help with getting baby into position and keeping your pelvis nice and even/stable.
I’m also going to try to practice a little more yoga but lean more to home practices that focus on slow diaphragmatic breathing, long holds, hip openers, shoulder openers, squats, etc. I’ll also be incorporating more meditation into my practice.
I’m teaching one strength class right now at the Y and it’s a low-impact, dumbbell and resistance band only class. I’m hoping/planning to teach that for a few more weeks but I’m going to go ahead and let my supervisor know that I’m ready to seek a replacement for maternity leave.
So that’s kind of where I am with prenatal fitness. It’s a little wild because for so long I felt pretty normal in my body working out while pregnant but these last few weeks have really shown me a different experience. I’d be lying if I said that it wasn’t mentally challenging to change my workouts and activity levels but I also 100% know that my body is asking me to and this is such a short and special time of life.
Food aversions/cravings: I want all the Easter candy! I have been loving Reese’s Eggs and I bought a bag of Peanut M&Ms yesterday that are quite delicious. I’m still loving grilled cheese and carb goodness but I’m also able to eat salads and veggies regularly too. Still have no interest in red meat or shellfish.
Nursery sneak peek: here’s a sneak peek at the nursery! I’m not going over the top with a theme but I kind of went with wild animals and adventure. I’m trying to keep everything super clean and neutral with a few pops of color. The last few things to do are to finish organizing the closet, mount some floating shelves on the walls, set up a diaper organizer/caddy and find an accent/side table for next to the glider.
I’ll give you a full nursery tour once it’s done!
Fun shares:
- EVERYONE keeps telling me they think I’m going to have him early which in my mind cements the fact that I’ll be 41 weeks pregnant and ready for this baby to come out! Haha.
- I have an appointment next Tuesday for an ultrasound to check fluid levels, size and position as well as to have a group B strep swab and a cervical check to see if any action has happened yet. Definitely want to get the hospital bag packed before that appointment because my ultrasound tech has told me that they will send you straight to the hospital if you’re fluid is low. At my anatomy scan she told me they had sent three girls the week before!
- We’ve put together a few things like the Rock n’ Play, an infant lounging seat and the bassinet so it’s fun to have some baby things out around the house.
- Comments on the size of my belly range from “you’re so big and he’s dropped” to “you’re so small, I looked like that at XX weeks.”
QUESTIONS
Can you guys please recommend labor timing apps and helpful apps for breastfeeding and newborn care?
How did your prenatal fitness change in the final weeks leading up to birth?
What were your top symptoms late in pregnancy?
Anything you wish you’d done to prepare for breastfeeding? I’m starting on The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding now.
I read the moms on call book and really liked their philosophy on the schedule that they have examples of as your baby gets older for sleeping/breastfeeding/etc.
I’ve heard great things about this book.
I used whatever labour timing app was free and my nursing app was just called “Nursing Log”. I liked that it remembered what side I had last nursed on and kept track of the total time spent nursing each day (it made it easy to see when he was going through growth spurts). When my son was first born I thought, OF COURSE I will remember what side he last fed from – turns out, it was nearly impossible to remember!
Free is always good, especially for something you will only use once! 🙂
And haha, I can totally see everything being one huge blur in those early days!
I used the BabyConnect app with both my boys for nursing tracking, sleep, diaper tracking, weight, feeding, medicine, doctor appts, pictures, etc. and loved it. They are now 4 yrs old and 20 months and i still use it and i love that i have all this documented information on their childhood. These apps help so much in the early weeks when all the days blend together and you think you will remember things and 2 hrs later you have no idea. ☺️
I’ve heard great things about this app. Thank you so much! I think I’ll download it this weekend. 🙂
I have an 11 week old boy and am loving the Wonder Weeks App. It tells you when your baby is going through developmental leaps based on their due date. The app will explain fussy phases which has helped me understand what he is going through and why I can’t simply console him by changing his diaper or feeding him.
This app is totally great too! I bought the book as well, but in the beginning I was not doing much reading. 🙂 The app was perfect!
You got it on the pelvic floor thing – soften, soften, soften! I just finished a prenatal yoga teacher training (in San Francisco). A large section of time was focused on the pelvic floor – so many women don’t know that it can be too taught or too weak, and either can cause problems! Keep it juicy and loose 🙂
Yes, we need so much more information in this country on our pelvic floor health as women, especially when it comes to childbirth and the postpartum period!
I remember being pregnant with my daughter and having terrible insomnia and not being able to run or walk much because of hip and groin pain at the point you’re at. I was about 35-36 weeks and up all night once. I decided to go to the gym when it opened and head to the pool where I could float and swim some casual laps. I saw that it was “Masters Swim” and I felt confident to go and swim with all the elderly people (which is what I assumed Masters meant!) Oh buddy, I walked into that indoor pool at 5:15 am in a too-small non-maternity tankini to the sound of yelling and watches buzzing and splashes! Little did I know Masters meant the practically professional athletes. Yeah. Learned my lesson. But I still found a lane I could share with a nice older lady and practically bobbed for 30 minutes, blushing all the while :). You gotta listen to your body and I am not at all surprised you’re doing such an awesome job being in tune to what you need! You look awesome – praying for the upcoming appointment and the weeks ahead of you!
Omg this is funny thanks for sharing
Oh Melissa! Haha! This is a great story! I might need to head over to the pool this weekend for some laps. Sounds pretty nice right about now!
Moms on Call was great for scheduling, BabyNursing app was super helpful for breastfeeding and other tracking, and BabyCenter app was good for daily/weekly updates on baby’s development/milestones/etc.
Walking was my go-to exercise towards the end too and I swear it helped with an easy labor – although it did nothing to make baby come 🙂 I also highly recommend a peanut ball – I brought my own with me to the hospital like a crazy lady but was glad I did b/c my hospital didn’t have one and it really helped.
Only breastfeeding prep/tips I have are to go into it knowing it will be challenging (even if it comes easily) so you are mentally prepared to stick with it even when it feels difficult. And to ask for advice and help in the hospital when it’s easily accessible and free! Also don’t put too much pressure on yourself – easier said than done but something I hope I’m better about next time 🙂
I’ve heard great things about Moms on Call.
RE: peanut ball, our hospital does have them! 🙂
And y’all have given me such great insight on the mental preparation for breastfeeding. <3
I am at 37 weeks and just dropped weight training from my exercise schedule! I am still doing prenatal yoga and aqua aerobics. I am trying to walk, as well, but baby puts a TON of pressure on my bladder when I’m walking! Wishing it felt better since I know it’s such a good exercise for me to do right now. This is my first baby and while I would be totally fine with an early arrival I am also pretty sure it’ll be on the later side!
Happy 37 weeks Allison! I’m glad to hear that you are still moving but sorry that walking isn’t feeling great. I can relate to the bladder pressure but luckily mine isn’t so bad. I agree with you on the later side…not getting my hopes up on him coming early. I’ve heard way too many first time moms going well past their due dates!
You look amazing!! I used the Sprout app and loved it! It allowed me to track both babies’ sleep and feeds which was great. I also loved the health tracker and the memory diary was fun.
I was terrible at breastfeeding but I wish you the best of luck. It really is worth it if you can do it. I didn’t make enough milk for one baby no matter how hard I tried – and to be honest, as natural as BF is, I hated it.
Best piece of advice – after baby boy arrives, ALWAYS make time for yourself each day. I would take a good book and stroll to the park nearby to read for an hour on pretty days. And sometimes I would just wander aimlessly around Target. ?
Thank you so much for that advice to take a moment for myself each day. <3
Also, I can only imagine how difficult breastfeeding would be on a whole new level with twins. <3
Wonderful post! I completely agree with your point about being able to soften and lengthen the pelvic floor. I work as a physical therapist, but I specialize in women’s/ men’s health physical therapy (bowel, bladder, pregnancy, postpartum, etc.), and the ability to lengthen and properly relax the pelvic floor muscles has actually been shown to decrease trauma and injury to the pelvic floor during delivery. We work a lot with women to teach them how to properly coordinate the muscles, and my colleagues and I just presented at the Lamaze conference and my colleague gave a presentation on how to protect the pelvic floor during the second stage of labor and taught participants how to push/ bear down but also lengthen their pelvic floor at the same time. Diaphragmatic breathing and yoga are great things to incorporate to help relax, lengthen the muscles. Everyone is different, but being able to relax those muscles during delivery is pretty much essential for everyone. Sorry for the long comment, but I feel like I could talk about this stuff forever! Good Luck!!
Hi Kristina – thank you so much for chiming in from a PTs take! I’m glad to hear that you’re on board with my mindset. 😉 I found your comment to be so interesting! I’ve read a few things lately that have REALLY resonated with me about how important it is to breathe and really relax those muscles during labor to help with getting the baby down and out.
Breastfeeding is one of those things you can read everything about but you won’t get it until you’re actually doing it – and at that point, good luck remembering anything you read before the sleep-deprived newborn haze. It’s most helpful to have someone who’s done it (mom, friend, etc.), a location consultant, or breastfeeding support group who can coach and support you in the first weeks. Like a few people mentioned, the beginning sucks, but once you get past the learning curve of the first 2-3 weeks, breastfeeding is really enjoyable and beneficial for both you and baby. The biggest things to know are, supply requires demand (ie nurse on demand, especially in the beginning), a good latch is nonnegotiable, and just relax! Baby can feel your worries and nerves and letdown is harder/impossible if you’re tense. Also, have tons of water and one-handed snacks ready because the breastfeeding hunger and thirst is REAL. I hope you and baby boy love it all as much as we do!
As a postpartum nurse, you hit the nail on the head here… I couldn’t have said it better myself 🙂
YES to everything above! Once you get the hang of it, it’s the greatest thing. Do not stress about a schedule for the first 8 weeks or so in my opinion, or even later. The schedule will come naturally. I feel like so many books (like Moms on Call) try to push the schedule so early, and often don’t take into account a breastfed baby and the nursing relationship. Breastfeed that child on demand, as that is what will help your supply. Making sure you eat/drink enough too is so important for your supply, and continue to take your pre-natal vitamins. Nursing hunger is real. My hunger while nursing is way more than it ever was in pregnancy.
I’m on baby #2, and the breast friend nursing pillow helped a lot in the early weeks with this one to force/teach a good latch and position. If breastfeeding hurts, it’s because something isn’t right. It’s not supposed to be painful, and isn’t if done correctly. Definitely visit an LC for help on the latch if needed.
As a working mom, I needed to build a ‘stash’ of milk for my return to work. I started to pump after the first feeding of the morning at 3 weeks old. I would not pump any earlier than you have to.
Hey Monica – this is SUCH a great point. I will really plan on leaning on support from others and LCs during those first few weeks. My plan is to nurse on demand, for sure. Thank you so much for the reminder to RELAX and that the baby can feel those emotions.
I just can’t wait to experience life and learning all of these new things with him. <3
Breastfeeding: A newborn baby is always hungry. Baby’s eyes are open? Hungry baby. Baby yawned? Hungry baby. A newborn cannot eat too often. It’s also the best way to ensure a good supply and to practice latch before your milk comes in. Don’t try to schedule a newborn. The answer is always “nurse the baby” for at least the first couple weeks. Also, consider attending a La Leche League meeting while your still pregnant. You can have fun seeing all the sweet babies and get some good breastfeeding mojo from the moms. I always think it’s good to talk to the people that are successful at doing what you’d like to do (breastfeeding, natural birth) rather than those that weren’t. Just like getting exercise advice/information from you rather than my couch potato father. 🙂
I second nursing on demand to establish a good milk supply. Also let a lactation consultant at the hospital help with baby’s latch, so that you are establishing a comfortable, effective latch from the beginning. And La Leche League meetings are very special and it’s great to attend while you are still pregnant, if possible. Here are the details for the Midtown Charlotte meeting:
Midtown Meeting: 3rd Wednesday at 10:30 am
Location: Baby+Company 131 Providence Rd Charlotte NC 28207
Leader: Erin 704-333-3805
Elisha! Thank you so very much for this information!
I’m a lactation consultant and I agree with everything she said! Seek out breastfeeding support groups and maybe even a home visit lactation consultant if you’re having issues. The sooner, the better! Also, order your pump now if you haven’t yet! Spectra S1 or S2 and Medellin Pump n Style are the best home pumps. Contraction app: the Full Term contraction app is phenomenal and easy to use. Feedings and diapers: I’m old school and find it easier to track those on paper.
I also had lots of heaviness in my legs and pelvis the last few weeks of pregnancy. With my first, I also had vaginal muscles that were way too tense. If the pin persists after delivery, definitely seek out a pelvic floor physical therapist. I wish I’d done that during pregnancy with my first. I’m so thankful I was able to do it during pregnancy with my second!
Also, apps and tracking are only a tool. It’s easy for Type A kind of people to focus on the tracking on not on the nursing. If you feed the baby at every possible opportunity in the first few weeks, you really don’t need to track nursing sessions and it’s really more important to track output than input anyway. An old trick is to put a stack of 12 diapers on the changing table every morning and as long as they are gone by the next morning, a new baby is peeing and pooping enough. Make things easy on yourself and focus on that cuddly baby and lots of skin to skin time and all those nursing sessions will happen (baby sucks hand, baby turns head, you’ll see all those hunger signs when you are with baby).
Sorry, I can’t seem to keep quiet. That dilation can be deceiving too. I was 3-4 cm dilated for weeks before finally going into labor. Stripping membranes did nothing. I wish I would have never even had them check because the expectation was that I would go into labor early and baby ended up late. Baby comes when he’s ready.
Hey Bridget – I am most definitely planning to feed on demand. Everything I’ve read that has resonated with me has said to feed as much as they want to for the first few months before worrying about a schedule. I can only imagine what the transition into the world must be like for them. It’s wild.
Great idea on attending a La Leche League meeting while pregnant!!! And love your analogy 😉
My vagina hurt so bad during both pregnancies- the more I walked it would hurt. I craved that cardio burn and found the stair mill the best machine – no impact and no wobbly back and forth movement, just up and down on the stairs. Though, you are far along and there is risk of falling. Keep it slow!! Let that baby finish cooking in your belly – he’s still got growing to do and that’s the best place for him
Sorry you experienced this too but glad I’m not alone! Interesting about the stair stepper! Stairs are supposed to be good for balancing your pelvis so maybe a good thing!?
And yes, hoping he keeps cooking as long as he wants to in there. No rush for him to come! 🙂
I love the BabyConnect app. It tracks your nursing/pumping/feeding/diapers/medicine. You can gives others access to input information on it. When you’re sleep deprived you can’t remember anything and this is a wonderful app and definitely pays for itself.
Thank you! Definitely downloading!
My son is 3 months old and I was really hoping we would be able to breastfeed for the long haul, but sadly it did not work for us past the first month. My advice is if you have concerns about latching or supply to bring in a lactation consultant as soon as possible (like within the first couple days). My son lost 10% of his birth weight at our first pediatrician appointment so we were supplementing with formula within the first week and I think it caused me to have low supply. I firmly believe that “fed is best”, but I was disappointed that breastfeeding didn’t work for us. I hope that you don’t have any of these issues, but I wish I’d been more prepared going into it. I took a very basic breastfeeding class while pregnant but as others have said, there is only so much you can do before the baby arrives. I wish you all the best and am glad that we all get to follow along on your journey. Parenthood is truly the best thing that has ever happened to me, but it is also the hardest.
I agree! The same situation happened to a friend of mine and unfortunately her supply dwindled and she had to supplement with formula. This led to a lot of spitting up due to allergies and/or digestive issues with formula. My mom has been an LC for many, many years and would wholeheartedly advise: If breastfeeding is a priority for you, make sure you have an on-demand support system from the very beginning b/c “too late” can happen too quickly.
Hey Caitlin – thank you for sharing this. It’s really helpful to read stories of all different birth and breastfeeding experiences.
I will definitely lean on LCs for support and have received a few recommendations for women who will come to your house to help you.
I really appreciate your encouraging and honest words. <3
Our hospital had a nursing app- if yours doesn’t get another one! You are so tired those first couple months you will blur through life.
I was able to run all the way up until my due date. It was more like a waddle but I did it!
As far as breastfeeding, my only recommendation is to read the stories of women who struggled. A friend of mine who knew the author of the book “The milk diaries” gave me a copy with more real life stories. Nursing is HARD. I also had raynauds which took almost 6wks to diagnose. Just like anything baby related don’t beat yourself up if it doesn’t work or if you have to supplement. It is more common to supplement then people think. I really really struggled with my first child with nursing and I beat myself up for it ( I think for many women you don’t realize how much it means to you until the time comes) my second child was easy breezy because I knew so much more. Also if you are having trouble see if a lactation consultant can help or come to your home I did that with my first and that made a world of difference.
Goodluck in these next couple weeks! Cant wait to hear about life with your little man!
Oh very interesting that your hospital had an app! I will see if mine does!
So jealous you were able to keep running. Even towards the end of my pregnancy running I started having some shin splint discomfort on the right side, I think from the added weight in the front. I miss it for sure but walking has been a great substitute.
I’m so glad I know about the Raynauds thing now. I’m glad you shared that since it’s something I’ve had for so long before pregnancy. Great to know to lookout for it.
I am planning to have grace with myself when it comes to breastfeeding. Hoping for the best and committed to the process but there are so many unknowns. I’m sure the second is a little easier knowing more what to expect.
And finally, I have some great recommendations for in-home lactation consultants so I will utilize them for sure!
This is such a special (albeit uncomfortable) time! Treat yourself to as much rest as you can..surrender to these last few weeks. It won’t be long before you’re back into a routine of sorts. It was a lot easier the second time around..I knew everything would fallback into place 🙂
I would have a local lactation specialist available! I read all the books, but having someone in person to help was golden. So reassuring during an emotional time.Totally worth it!
I am really trying to do just that Jessica. I am so shocked by how tired I am at the end of the day and definitely needing the rest. I can see where it would be easier the second time through with less unknowns. <3
my workout routine changed fairly immediately after becoming pregnant. walking and even swimming were more than enough for me! I also didn’t return to a regular fitness routine until my son was almost 3 – nursing and raising a baby (and then a toddler) was enough fitness for me for sure, if not more strenuous! The gym and running were there for me when I was ready to pick it all back up on a regular basis. Do what feels right. xoxox
Totally my game plan…doing what feels right! BTW, excited about your new book you have coming out!
Hello!
I used an app called “Baby Nursing”. It’s free and you can track when your baby feeds, how long and which breast. It was awesome. Just don’t fall asleep with it running like I did in the beginning. 🙂
Also, I bought a pillow called My BreastFriend. I used that instead of a boppy for breastfeeding. I felt like the boppy wasn’t giving me the support I needed and the lactation women suggested the breast friend pillow. I fell in love IMMEDIATELY. I needed back support and needed the baby need to be higher, if that makes sense.
Symptoms for me were hip aches. I would jam all the pillows between my legs and I would sleep on the couch so I could lean against something. I also felt like my baby was, like, falling out! That is when I knew that my body was prepping for birth. As for heartburn, I would take a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar when I had it and it worked wonders. I had to choke it down but I powered through knowing it did the job!
And you didn’t ask about this but I wanted to say, when this baby comes, follow your instincts. People will give you so much advice and take what you want from it. You’re going to be a great Mom. Also, I wish I would have answered more when people asked, “Is there anything I can do?” It’s like, yes, can you do a load of laundry? Can you pick up a coffee for me? Anything to make it a little less stressful. And trust me, people will want to do these things for you!
I registered for the My Breast Friend pillow after hearing so many great things about it. Makes total sense to have the baby higher…and I’m imagining that as someone with small breasts, that will come in extra handy in my case.
So interesting that you felt like the baby was “falling out.” I guess baby had really dropped! I love the shots of ACV! I’m weird like that.
I really appreciate the sentiment on following my instincts and accepting help. Both will be important for me to keep in mind.
Late in both of my pregnancies, I really liked swimming. I could get my heart rate up a little by swimming some laps but honestly, the best part was just being in a pool. Something about taking the weight of my back and hips. I highly recommend. I also tried some water aerobics classes…I was underwhelmed but it could have also been the class.
To get ready for breastfeeding, I suggest a good pillow (I used the My Brest Friend) and see if the hospital or your doctors office engages a Lactation Consultant. I’m sure they do. These ladies are the best. After he’s here, I hope you take every offer for help in this area! Finally, I’d take a few moments to sit with yourself to think about what will you do if it gets really hard, or if it doesn’t work out with BF-ing. Not saying it will be this way but it helps to be mentally prepared. I wish I would have done that.
I might head over to the Y and hop in this weekend! 🙂 I used to love swimming.
I registered for that breastfeeding pillow! The hospital does have LCs so I will definitely take advantage of that…and any offer for help.
I absolutely love your last note on mental preparation. <3
I used “Full Term” to track contractions before going to the hospital. I had contractions for weeks before it was the real deal, plus tons of heartburn and pelvic pain. In my experience, Moms on Call doesn’t work for breastfeeding because it makes you feel like you shouldn’t feed your baby more frequently than every 3 hours past the first 2 weeks. That’s terrible advice for breastfeeding! I don’t use an app but just feed every 2 to 3.5 hours during the day (whenever she is hungry). It’s tough at first, but you’ll fall into a rhythm and routine that works for you!
Thank you for the insight Valerie! Definitely planning to feed on demand, at least for the first 3-4 months!
Holy crap too funny. My daughter is 12 and I don’t even think I had a smartphone when she was born (or that smartphones were even really a big thing yet? Maybe sort of newish?) Anyway. I never used any apps for nursing or pregnancy or whatever else and suddenly I feel realllly old! I bet there are many that would come in handy, though! I should have another kid just for that very reason! 😉
Haha, love having another for the technology experience 🙂
I asked everyone when they gave birth and I have a friend that went a full TWO WEEKS over her due date so I kept that in mind the whole time.
I did not use any apps. I did keep a notebook for breastfeeding, when I fed the baby, diapers, sleep schedules. I just kept it on an end table next to where I did most of the nursing and I would use one line for each hour of the day.
Yes, definitely slow down. I was only walking, swimming and doing prenatal yoga at the end.
Good luck over the next few weeks. Weeks 36-40 are seriously brutal in terms of aches and pains and the baby is gaining half a pound of week at that point. It’s crazy. I would just embrace eating the ice cream LOL
Yes, I am definitely trying to stay grounded in how many first time moms go well past their due dates! 🙂
I am totally embracing eating all the carbs and ice cream and just getting as much walking and stretching in as I can!
Baby Feeding Log app… so easy to use!
I did spin classes, weight training and ran (3 miles the day i delivered) throughout both of my pregnancies. I delivered both of my kids naturally and with short labors (4 and 6 hours). I think everyone has different labor and birth stories… usually you take after your mom. Hopefully your mom’s labors and births were easy! fingers crossed!
So amazing that you were able to maintain that activity level through the day you delivered! I’m hoping to at least be able to keep up my walking, yoga and some light strength training but I think my spin and running days are done! 🙂
My mom had Cs with both of us so fingers crossed that I’m able to deliver vaginally.
This is such an exciting and anticipatory time. Sending you all the good vibes!
I have an 18 month old and I would HIGHLY recommend getting the BabyConnect app up and running. It’s so, so helpful (we still use it a year and a half in) for tracking diapers, sleep, breastfeeding (right side and left), medication and even transitions you through solids when the time is right. It’s amazing. But I tried to figure it out on Day 3 post partum and like my brain just wouldn’t work for reading instructions and following directions after giving birth and basically not sleeping for a few days. LOL If I could go back I’d get a feel for the app before. 🙂 It will be so helpful. The visuals are so great to see trends over time and it’s just so so helpful. And all in one! You don’t need a million separate tracking apps, you get it all right there. (And now I sound like an ad for BabyConnect, but seriously — It’s in my Top 5 newborn needs — right up there with the Rock n Play so look at you already ahead of the game! haha)
Best of luck! I’m a long LONG time blog reader and I think this may be my first time commenting. But I’m rooting you on out here.
Hey Holly – yes, it’s a crazy time in life right now! So many emotions.
Thank you so much for the app suggestion. And such a great point to get familiar with it before you get all tired and frazzled! 🙂 I will download it this weekend. Thank you for reading and for the amazing suggestion!
The best advice I can give, that I wish I had had at the time I needed it, was do NOT beat yourself up if breastfeeding doesn’t work for you. I ended up pumping exclusively for 8 months and it made me irritable and depressed. Looking back, I should have gone to formula a lot sooner. Those first months would have been. Lot more pleasant for her and for me. Be gentle with yourself.
This is amazing advice and I think so important for new moms to hear. I’m sorry this was your experience. <3
I’m wondering if you ended up using/enjoying the Baby Connect app? TBH, it looks overwhelming! Currently 35 weeks pregnant and I love going back over your old posts to see what you were going through!