Friday, April 13, 2007

CALLING ALL MOMS

Late at night like this my mind wanders...especially with labor possible at any moment now!
So a few questions for moms willing to answer:
1.) Nursing pads-any suggestions for washable ones? I've only used disposable. I've grown to like the Lansinoh best. Heard great things about Lily Padz, but the suction thingy throws me off.
2.) Diva Cup-Yes or no? Again, never tried it, but heard great things about it. I know they say not to use tampons right away postpartum. Would you say the same about the diva cup?
3.) Slings-Should I really expect not to use my baby in it the 1st 2 weeks or so?
4.) Weight loss-any tips in advance? I don't want to be huge for long. :(
5.) 7th Generation diapers- Never tried them but very interested. Are they as soft as Pampers Cruisers? I've heard their wipes are really rough. Is that true?
6.) Prayers- I had some PPD issues after my first was born. I don't expect it this time around, but it makes me nervous at the possibility of going through that again. What's better than prayer? (and thanks in advance!)

I know I wanted mom-opinions on something else, but can't remember! Don't you hate that?
Well, thanks for taking a minute to share your opinions with me. :)
Sleep tight!

8 comments:

Haley said...

Well the only question I think I can answer for you is the last one about the possible PPD.

Prayer of course is a great option, but I would also say if you confortable with it, don't be afraid to ask for antidepressants from your doctor. I was on Cymbalta before I got pregnant and I really liked it.

Hope this helps you out.

God bless you and your family! Wishing you all the best with the birth of this new little one!

momwats8 said...

I will pray for you for your PPD and that all goes well.

For nursing pads Motherhood has washable ones and they work great once your milk is established. In the beginning when you are leaking a lot I wouldn't use them, but after that they are wonderful.

As for all the rest i hope people have helpful advice for you:)

Stephanie Wilson she/her @babysteph said...

1. I don't usually end up using nursing pads, but the ones I always used were the thin cloth/washable ones. I think I might have gotten them from Motherhood in the mall? You could probably make your own in a pinch.

2. Diva cup- yes, but not sure how soon you should use it. I have the Moon Cup and do use it. It's much better than tampons if you give it a couple cycle's try.

3. Slings- I wore Gray in mine when he was a day old. The ring sling and pouch is great for a new baby. You will find it is a Godsend!

4. Weight loss- don't worry about it until AFTER baby is here! Remember while you're nursing to eat wisely. Maybe eliminating dairy will help a bit, and is probably best while nursing.

5. I don't think Seventh Generation wipes are rough. Maybe not as soft as the Sensitive wipes. Their diapers work great for us.

6. Prayers- yes. It's hard for all moms after baby. Not many moms are so open about this. Just be open and honest if you can, and know we are praying!

Steph

Stephanie Wilson she/her @babysteph said...

P.S. 900mg of St. John's Wort is a therapeutic dose to help with the blues... hopefully you won't need it, but it's what I take!

Steph

Aldara said...

About the PPD, make sure your iron levels are good...especially since you will be bleeding a while post partum. My MIL had horrible PPD and when they were doing blood work she was SEVRELY anemic. After her iron was corrected and other medication she got better.
You should just use pads post partum. I am pretty sure that nothing should be up there during those six weeks while you heal including tampons and well hubbyLOL I know pads are a pain but it is what you should use!
Hugs
P.S. I never used nursing pads....for some reason I leaked VERY rarely!

Leticia said...

I always used the baby sling from the very beginning. . .though the tiny ones do tend to get lost in it!! They love the closeness, to mommy, and it keeps them calm and cuddly.

Stacey said...

I just looked up the Diva Cup out of curiosity and I'm totally grossed out. What if you spill it? Man, yuck.

Um, now for some constructive commentary... sorry...

Weight loss? Girl, you're gonna be breastfeeding. That's over 600 calories a day! Between that and running after Aidan you'll have the body of a supermodel in no time at all.

You can use burp cloths for nursing pads if you don't want to use disposables.

If you sincerely have PPD that you can't shake, TALK TO A DOCTOR. It's a medical condition that can't be cured by prayer any easier than a broken leg can. I had a little PPD after Ace was born and used Dr. Chocolate as my treatment, but if it had persisted, I would have absolutely spoken to a doctor. There's no shame in taking anti-depressants any more than there's shame in taking insulin for diabetes.

Kim said...

As for the sling in the beginning, I found that the greatest challenge was proper positioning...her chin always seemed pressed against her chest which can cause breathing difficulties, so I was always paranoid about that and didn't use the sling as much as I had planned to in the begining. But I heard, after the fact, that you can use a rolled up recieving blanket underneath their back to help position them better...I never tried it so I can't tell you exactly how.

I use the 7th Generation diapers on and off, alternating between them and Huggies supreme (which are my personal favorite, even though they suck for the environment). I do like the 7th Gen. ones, although they aren't as soft as the conventional diapers...which is why I tend to go back and forth...I want to use them but then feel like she's more comfy in the Huggies. But definately try them for yourself...theyre not bad at all.

As for PPD, I can't speak from experience...although I did have some baby blues in the first few weeks of both babies, but I think that was more being tired and overwhelmed! I've heard that there are some natural ways of heading it off, though, like frequent breastfeedng (it releases feel-good hormones every time you nurse) and getting enough sleep (haha, yeah right, not likely with a newborn, but co-sleeping definitely helps in that department...at least you don't have to get out of bed, and both you and baby will sleep better). And if your husband rocks, he'll take on Aiden-Duty which will give you the chance to rest and bond which is good for preventing PPD. I thnink every woman goes through some blues to a point...all those hormones bouncing around after birth can drive anyone bonkers! But the second time around is easier in that you're more relaxed about baby-care stuff...youve been there, done that!

And you didn't ask for advice about this, but being a new mom of 2 I can say to make sure that Aiden gets lots of attention and time with you alone when baby is sleeping or in someone elses arms can make all the difference.

Good Luck!! I can't wait to hear the news!