New week New randoms 2/15

[blackbird]

So here's a handy tip....never use someone who was fired from a job/company as your reference/person of interest when inquiring if same said company is hiring.

I'm surrounded by geniuses I tell you.

[paloslee]

@almachs0786 oh my... they are so sweet!

[paloslee]

DanaScullyX she is a cutie!

[blackbird]

Feb 16, 2016 12:49:25 GMT -5 @pugsandwine said:

Did any of you guys get (or are you planning to get) a Sids Monitor? I wasn't planning on getting one - but then someone brought it up to Mr. Pugs at our shower last weekend and now I think he really wants one. Interested in thoughts and/or reviews if you've used one before.

I do want one. I registered for the Snuza at BRU, but no one got it for us. I will be ordering either it or the Owlet. I'm leaning more towards the Owlet. As PP have pointed out the Angelcare (under the mattress) isn't portable; I've also heard other TCF ladies say that more than once they picked LO up in the MOTN and set off the Angelcare bc they forgot to turn it off.

I know alot of AL mommas said they couldn't sleep or were constantly checking to make sure LO was breathing until they got one of these monitors. It gave them the peace of mind to be able to sleep when LO was sleeping.

Personal choice I guess. But I'll take a false alarm here & there if it could be what possibly saves my baby's life.

[paloslee]

Last nite DH and I went to a free childbirth class that the hospital offers. It was a 3hr class. It was helpful and the nurse was really nice. At first DH was kinda resistant but overall I think it was beneficial. They talked about the process of labor, breathing techniques and relaxation techniques. They showed a few videos. The nurse talked about how safety is the primary goal, this was comforting to know. She also made it a point not to have a birthing plan because that causes a lot of stress for everyone. I told DH, "I will take drugs if I need them" so we are on the same page. So no true birth plan for me.

[blackbird]

I ordered a baby book. I never thought I would do one, but something about the nurse at the hospital mentioning bringing anything else we want baby's footprints on made me suddenly want a baby book.

And now I'm almost crying just thinking about it.

[blackbird]

Feb 17, 2016 13:54:01 GMT -5 paloslee said:

Last nite DH and I went to a free childbirth class that the hospital offers. It was a 3hr class. It was helpful and the nurse was really nice. At first DH was kinda resistant but overall I think it was beneficial. They talked about the process of labor, breathing techniques and relaxation techniques. They showed a few videos. The nurse talked about how safety is the primary goal, this was comforting to know. She also made it a point not to have a birthing plan because that causes a lot of stress for everyone. I told DH, "I will take drugs if I need them" so we are on the same page. So no true birth plan for me.

When our admission/tour liaison asked me if I had a birth plan, I felt like a total slacker when I said "uhhh not really". She said "GOOD that's the best way to be". lol ok if you say so

[Deleted]

Feb 17, 2016 14:04:25 GMT -5 blackbird said:

Feb 17, 2016 13:54:01 GMT -5 paloslee said:

Last nite DH and I went to a free childbirth class that the hospital offers. It was a 3hr class. It was helpful and the nurse was really nice. At first DH was kinda resistant but overall I think it was beneficial. They talked about the process of labor, breathing techniques and relaxation techniques. They showed a few videos. The nurse talked about how safety is the primary goal, this was comforting to know. She also made it a point not to have a birthing plan because that causes a lot of stress for everyone. I told DH, "I will take drugs if I need them" so we are on the same page. So no true birth plan for me.

When our admission/tour liaison asked me if I had a birth plan, I felt like a total slacker when I said "uhhh not really". She said "GOOD that's the best way to be". lol ok if you say so

Can I be honest and just say... I don't even know what you DO with a birth plan. Like do you just hand it to the nurses when you check in and be like "this is how this is gonna roll, kthx"? Mr. Pugs and I both have a clear idea of preferences and stuff, but the idea of a printed, notarized, sealed with blood Birth Plan seems strange to me.

[arbe]

How to have fun at work when people keep making rude comments about your pregnant body.... tell them you were due yesterday!

That face of horror just made my day

[peachesncream]

Feb 17, 2016 14:09:54 GMT -5 @pugsandwine said:

Feb 17, 2016 14:04:25 GMT -5 blackbird said:

When our admission/tour liaison asked me if I had a birth plan, I felt like a total slacker when I said "uhhh not really". She said "GOOD that's the best way to be". lol ok if you say so

Can I be honest and just say... I don't even know what you DO with a birth plan. Like do you just hand it to the nurses when you check in and be like "this is how this is gonna roll, kthx"? Mr. Pugs and I both have a clear idea of preferences and stuff, but the idea of a printed, notarized, sealed with blood Birth Plan seems strange to me.

Crumple into ball.  Find nearest window.  Throw birth plan out.

At least that is what I would have done with mine if I had one.

I don't judge or flame anyone who has one, it just wasn't for me and there aren't a lot of things I was dead set on.

[Deleted]

Feb 17, 2016 15:36:10 GMT -5 peachesncream said:

Feb 17, 2016 14:09:54 GMT -5 @pugsandwine said:

Can I be honest and just say... I don't even know what you DO with a birth plan. Like do you just hand it to the nurses when you check in and be like "this is how this is gonna roll, kthx"? Mr. Pugs and I both have a clear idea of preferences and stuff, but the idea of a printed, notarized, sealed with blood Birth Plan seems strange to me.

Crumple into ball.  Find nearest window.  Throw birth plan out.

At least that is what I would have done with mine if I had one.

I don't judge or flame anyone who has one, it just wasn't for me and there aren't a lot of things I was dead set on.

Same. More power to ya... I just.. don't get them personally.

[nexttonormal]

My birth plan consisted of one word. Epidural.

[DanaScullyX]

I kind of had a birth plan. I had specific things I wanted to avoid, and those I really, really wanted.

Guess what. I got almost exclusively what I wanted to avoid and none of the things I wanted. I didn't even get to see my baby for 12 hours. Baby and our bodies decide and can be assholes.

I'm taking my healthy baby home right now, and that is what matters.

[sunshineshades]

I had a birth plan in my head. Most of it went out the window because of the circumstances. No labouring at home, no midwives, no interventions, bf asap (24 hours before I was allowed) all gone.
But I was firm when I walked in letting my nurse know I did not want an epidural or pain meds. Really that was the only thing on there I really wanted anyhow when it came down to it. This time will likely be the same, though hopefully it'll all go more as planned and I'll get to hold lo as much as I want when she arrives this time.

[cinnamonsmiles]

Feb 17, 2016 14:09:54 GMT -5 @pugsandwine said:

Feb 17, 2016 14:04:25 GMT -5 blackbird said:

When our admission/tour liaison asked me if I had a birth plan, I felt like a total slacker when I said "uhhh not really". She said "GOOD that's the best way to be". lol ok if you say so

Can I be honest and just say... I don't even know what you DO with a birth plan. Like do you just hand it to the nurses when you check in and be like "this is how this is gonna roll, kthx"? Mr. Pugs and I both have a clear idea of preferences and stuff, but the idea of a printed, notarized, sealed with blood Birth Plan seems strange to me.

To me, a birth plan sets you up to understand the pros and cons of all choices that might be presented during labor. Everything may not go according to "plan", but it at least sets up the mom/dad/support person to know what decision to make if one is offered or needs to be decided. With DS, we arrived at the hospital too late for them to even bother with reading a birth plan, so it didn't matter. But I have had many a friend who regrets decisions that were made for them because they did not understand the possible outcomes. 

[Deleted]

Feb 17, 2016 15:57:02 GMT -5 cinnamonsmiles said:

Feb 17, 2016 14:09:54 GMT -5 @pugsandwine said:

Can I be honest and just say... I don't even know what you DO with a birth plan. Like do you just hand it to the nurses when you check in and be like "this is how this is gonna roll, kthx"? Mr. Pugs and I both have a clear idea of preferences and stuff, but the idea of a printed, notarized, sealed with blood Birth Plan seems strange to me.

To me, a birth plan sets you up to understand the pros and cons of all choices that might be presented during labor. Everything may not go according to "plan", but it at least sets up the mom/dad/support person to know what decision to make if one is offered or needs to be decided. With DS, we arrived at the hospital too late for them to even bother with reading a birth plan, so it didn't matter. But I have had many a friend who regrets decisions that were made for them because they did not understand the possible outcomes. 

For sure... And we've researched and have a "plan" in mind...

I guess what I don't understand is the need and implementation of one of those fancy, printed documents that I keep seeing suggested to me all over the web. Do I think you should be educated on options and have an idea of what you want so you can be your own advocate within the crazy paramaters of labor? Absolutely.

Do I understand the need and use something like this:





No. I genuinely don't know what I'd even do with it once I got to the hospital...  Do you just hand it to a nurse and expect them to honor it? I honestly don't know. I guess that's what I'm trying to say.

I also think most of this is and/or should be discussed verbally within the moment, taking all considerations and circumstances into mind.

[peachesncream]

Feb 17, 2016 16:05:43 GMT -5 @pugsandwine said:

Feb 17, 2016 15:57:02 GMT -5 cinnamonsmiles said:

To me, a birth plan sets you up to understand the pros and cons of all choices that might be presented during labor. Everything may not go according to "plan", but it at least sets up the mom/dad/support person to know what decision to make if one is offered or needs to be decided. With DS, we arrived at the hospital too late for them to even bother with reading a birth plan, so it didn't matter. But I have had many a friend who regrets decisions that were made for them because they did not understand the possible outcomes. 

For sure... And we've researched and have a "plan" in mind...

I guess what I don't understand is the need and implementation of one of those fancy, printed documents that I keep seeing suggested to me all over the web. Do I think you should be educated on options and have an idea of what you want so you can be your own advocate within the crazy paramaters of labor? Absolutely.

Do I understand the need and use something like this:

*snip*

No. I genuinely don't know what I'd even do with it once I got to the hospital...  Do you just hand it to a nurse and expect them to honor it? I honestly don't know. I guess that's what I'm trying to say.

I also think most of this is and/or should be discussed verbally within the moment, taking all considerations and circumstances into mind.

Sometimes that is just not possible.  I was on magnesium sulfate for my labor and the 24 hours that followed.  Because of that I was not present mentally and was definitely not capable of weighing any outcomes or making any decisions.  Thankfully the medical staff was amazing as was DH and no decisions were made for me or on my behalf that I was uncomfortable with.  I also am a very "go with the flow" person though.

The bolded might be true of people who had more normal labor experiences too though.  I am not confident that while in that much pain I will be capable of discussing or considering anything.  So I guess I can see the point of a birth plan... I don't understand being married to it as I think that can be dangerous... but again it is just not my thing.

[arbe]

There's an old quote that's something like Man makes plans and god laughs...

Plan: Have baby exit body

[jewel441]

Feb 17, 2016 16:05:43 GMT -5 @pugsandwine said:

Feb 17, 2016 15:57:02 GMT -5 cinnamonsmiles said:

To me, a birth plan sets you up to understand the pros and cons of all choices that might be presented during labor. Everything may not go according to "plan", but it at least sets up the mom/dad/support person to know what decision to make if one is offered or needs to be decided. With DS, we arrived at the hospital too late for them to even bother with reading a birth plan, so it didn't matter. But I have had many a friend who regrets decisions that were made for them because they did not understand the possible outcomes. 

For sure... And we've researched and have a "plan" in mind...

I guess what I don't understand is the need and implementation of one of those fancy, printed documents that I keep seeing suggested to me all over the web. Do I think you should be educated on options and have an idea of what you want so you can be your own advocate within the crazy paramaters of labor? Absolutely.

Do I understand the need and use something like this:





No. I genuinely don't know what I'd even do with it once I got to the hospital...  Do you just hand it to a nurse and expect them to honor it? I honestly don't know. I guess that's what I'm trying to say.

I also think most of this is and/or should be discussed verbally within the moment, taking all considerations and circumstances into mind.

I think it's more to remind you and the people advocating for you to actually do that. Mine is pretty straight forward but it says really specific things, where they are different than the hospital's standard procedures...like I don't want a hep lock put in unless I actually need an IV for something... Don't just put one in "jic". I don't know who will deliver my baby but it's extremely likely I have never met this person, so even though my MW knows these things she is on call at the hospital like once a week and idk how much they communicate with each other.

I also don't expect the doula to have memorized everything I want, or H for that matter. I feel like the plan more helps them advocate for me in case there comes a time when I can't do it myself.

Edit: the other thing I liked about doing it is it reminds me that if 1 thing doesn't go according to plan doesn't mean you throw in the towel on everything. An induction doesn't have to mean an epidural. A c section doesn't mean I can't do skin to skin, etc.

[Deleted]

This all makes sense and is stuff I hadn't considered. I'm probably being super naive in a lot of my "planning." I openly admit that. Maybe I should do more research. LOL.

It's genuinely a part of the pregnancy I've just never grasped onto or understood - I'm a lot like Arbe... My birth plan is to have the baby - whatever they have to do to get it to me is fine by me. I'm also a lot like peaches in that I'm super "go with the flow," so I don't know how that I'd have a lot of preferences that would go against the grain.

[blackbird]

I legit almost cried bc I went back to order a newborn session outfit on etsy and it's GONE. I emailed the woman, but I'm trying to accept the idea that I won't be able to get it.

SO SAD!!!!!! I looked for months to find what I wanted!

[blackbird]

Feb 17, 2016 18:06:15 GMT -5 @shakeyjakey said:

Feb 17, 2016 17:53:01 GMT -5 blackbird said:

I legit almost cried bc I went back to order a newborn session outfit on etsy and it's GONE. I emailed the woman, but I'm trying to accept the idea that I won't be able to get it.

SO SAD!!!!!! I looked for months to find what I wanted!

What kind of outfit is it? My friend makes some stuff and sells on etsy

Leggings & a coordinating headband. The woman responded back to me immediately. Turns out the listing had very recently sold & she hadn't relisted it yet. She has all the materials and got it back up for me. So crisis/total meltdown averted and it's already ordered!! #happymomma

[sctiger]

My only plan is to move and walk around as much as possible. They strapped the monitor on me last time and I think I could have managed the pain better if I had been able to move around. My OB said to just let the nurses know that's what I want. I want to try for med free this time but if I can't it's okay.

[isolemnlyswear]

Feb 17, 2016 16:20:26 GMT -5 arbe said:

There's an old quote that's something like Man makes plans and god laughs...

Plan: Have baby exit body

Haha totally was my plan with DD and is again for DS

I'll add by safest way necessary

[paloslee]

Feb 17, 2016 14:09:54 GMT -5 @pugsandwine said:

Feb 17, 2016 14:04:25 GMT -5 blackbird said:

When our admission/tour liaison asked me if I had a birth plan, I felt like a total slacker when I said "uhhh not really". She said "GOOD that's the best way to be". lol ok if you say so

Can I be honest and just say... I don't even know what you DO with a birth plan. Like do you just hand it to the nurses when you check in and be like "this is how this is gonna roll, kthx"? Mr. Pugs and I both have a clear idea of preferences and stuff, but the idea of a printed, notarized, sealed with blood Birth Plan seems strange to me.

Apparently some people do create pages and pages of instructions. I mean that's great and all if it works for certain individuals. I personally would be overwhelmed if I had to follow an actual plan.

[paloslee]

Feb 17, 2016 15:45:19 GMT -5 nexttonormal said:

My birth plan consisted of one word. Epidural.

I had one with my first. I don't regret it!

[paloslee]

Feb 17, 2016 16:20:26 GMT -5 arbe said:

There's an old quote that's something like Man makes plans and god laughs...

Plan: Have baby exit body

I agree! Baby will come out at their terms.

[paloslee]

The nurse just had to remind everyone that every woman is different. Every pregnancy is different. You can have a plan but most of the time a plan will never be followed 100%.

She also mentioned that you have the right to refuse/say no to certain procedures but just know that doctor has to make a decision that is best for baby.

[daydreamsam]

I told my OB thay I wasn't going to do a birth plan and he recommended that I do a bulleted list for reference. He said its helpful for the nurses and on call OB. Earth momma has a free birth plan that's just a checklist and they email you the plan after you check off boxes so I did that. I gave it to my OB and he said to bring a copy to L&D.

[carissa325]

Feb 18, 2016 4:37:31 GMT -5 @shakeyjakey said:

Anyone awake? I feel like I can't take a full breath all of a sudden tonight. Been trying to go back to sleep since 1, and the fact I can't breathe normal is keeping me up and freaking me out. I'm trying to avoid a panic attack because this is how I feel when I get one, but I'm pretty sure it's just the pressure on my lungs, right?

I get this feeling a lot. Did you try changing positions to see if baby would move?