What I REALLY Wish I Would Have Known After Delivery (For The Prego's)

*Mommy2Camden* · #1 February 19th, 2010, 07:09 AM

Obviously I'm far from an expert, but I wanted to write down a few things I REALLY wish I would have known before we brought Camden home. It's the kind of stuff that most people don't tell you. So here's my

1. Ask the hospital for stool softners, or get some at the pharmacy!! Especially if you have a vaginal delivery, your "pushing" muscles will be extremely sore for a few weeks. You probably won't have a bowel movement for the first couple days after you deliver, but when you do you will definetely want those stool softners TRUST ME! I actually started taking the softners while I was still in the hospital and took them everyday until I had my 1st post delivery BM.

2. Be prepared to bleed A LOT. And when you think it's stopped, it will start again. (I'm still spotting 6 weeks later) Buy LOTS of heavy duty maxi pads with wings. I mean LOTS. I probably went through 4 large packs atleast, and they told me at the hospital that I was a "light bleeder." (haha whatever that means) I took home the mesh "underwear" things they give you at the hospital. I actually asked for extras and would hand wash them whenever I took a shower, and would always have a clean pair. There's no point in ruining your underwear.

3. Take whatever you can from the hospital. Take the diapers, & wipes for your LO, but most importantly take the stuff they give YOU. The water bottle to clean "down there" the witch hazel wipes, the medicated spray, stool softners, pads, mesh panties. You WILL be glad you did!

4. When your milk comes in, be prepared to leak all over the place. Make sure you have PLENTY of breast pads. I was shocked at how much milk I was leaking. It was frustrating because I felt like it was getting wasted, and it was getting all over everything. I was soaking through the breast pads like there was no tomorrow. Now that I'm pumping I've solved the leaking problem, but it sucked for the 1st few weeks.

5. My #1 bit of advice would be this: GET IN A SCHEDULE WITH YOUR HUSBAND!!!!! The first few weeks were SO hard. I have NEVER been so tired in my life. Finally, Bo and I came up with a routine and have lived by it ever since. He goes to work from 8-6 (I'm a stay at home mommy) I go upstairs and sleep from 8pm-1am, then take over from there. I pump enough milk to last and get the best sleep ever! Those 5-6 hours are MINE to do whatever I want. (usually sleep is the #1 priority) but sometimes I take a nice hot bath, get caught up on my e-mail or JM, or just take some ME time. That 5-6 hours everynight sure has saved me! During the day I catch naps when Camden sleeps, and have time for a shower and keep up on the pumping, and housework.

MommaLee · #2 February 19th, 2010, 07:14 AM

Thanks for the advice! I will make sure I have plenty of everything you mentioned.

CandaceDianne · #3 February 19th, 2010, 07:24 AM

I dont know if I should thank you for the advice or thank you for scaring me!

just kidding!
I have heard about some of those, but not enough to force into my mind. Thanks for mentioning all of those. I am so worried about the whole BM thing, the bledding, and leaking. Oh the joys! haha

LindsLuvsSi · #4 February 19th, 2010, 07:32 AM

there's a stickie above with tons more info like this

http://www.justmommies.com/forums/f4...-included.html (Preggo Ladies, informative links included!!)

Etph007 · #5 February 19th, 2010, 07:37 AM

I actually didn't leak or bleed much! So everyone is different. I also wasn't full term, had a c/s and had mag- so that does effect those things.

But I agree- GET ON A SCHEDULE!! The first time we came home from the hospital I was SO unprepared. Then we got sent right back and stayed 10 days. When I came home the second time, the hospital nurses has really gotten us on a schedule and I was SO much more prepared to come home with him and not so overwhelmed.

Don't get discouraged if the ideals you had in mind don't work. Some of them just won't. IE: cloth diapering, breastfeeding, using/not using pacis, loosing your weight fast, etc. Some of the things you wished to happen just won't and realize that it's OK! You'll be in survival mode and do what works.

Another word of advice- do things to make yourself feel better. Get up and shower/make up, whatever your routine is that makes you feel put together. You'll be amazed at how much it will really help you feel half way normal!

Last but NOT least- take all the help you can get.. but don't let visitors overwhelm you. If you don't feel up to company, say no! It's ok! People will understand.

~* Liss *~ · #6 February 19th, 2010, 08:07 AM

Thanks so much for this again ladies!! Thanks for the reminder about the sticky too!

KCMomma · #7 February 19th, 2010, 08:28 AM

I would have to agree with all of your points and thanks Lindsey for adding that link for the stickies we made already! It's great advice for those getting ready to have their babies. Like Erin, I didn't leak much at all but did have to use the breast pads if I went out somewhere in the beginning. I would have to second and third the DO SOMETHING FOR YOURSELF EVERY SINGLE DAY comment. Take a shower, get dressed in clothes (instead of pj's) and put on makeup if that makes you feel better. It's soooo important. In the beginning you just feel like your entire world has been taken over and you dont have YOU anymore so doing those little things will truly help!!!

Sam914 · #8 February 19th, 2010, 08:31 AM

Very helpful! Also i didnt bleed much after birth (maybe because i had a c section? IDK)... but i'm not bf-ing and have gotten AF back and im bleeding SO MUCH MORE then i did right after birth!! I thought i was going to be lucky since i didnt bleed that bad PP. Sigh

amazing_love · #9 February 19th, 2010, 08:36 AM

Thanks for the advice!

Lyz · #10 February 19th, 2010, 08:56 AM

I had a vag birth and bled alot so it definitely depends on how you delivered. Also, remember to get out of the house! Even if it's for DH to watch your LO while you run to the pharmacy to pick up stuff, you have to do it. Your days and nights will run together and even to get away for those 20 minutes will defnitely make a difference.

I struggled with visitors...dont' hesitate to say no or carve our special time in your day and stick to it. I had visitors at 7pm at night. Now, to a normal person (someone who didn't just give birth) that doesn't seem late. But when you are exhausted, it could send you over the edge.

karenwalter · #11 February 19th, 2010, 09:03 AM

Best advice I got from my OB: Whenever you feel up to it, get out of the house. It really helps with your mental health. Even if it's just for a walk around the block.

I second the breast pads. I like the Lansinoh ones because I haven't leaked through them like all the other brands. Also, I slept on a towel for the first week or two so I wouldn't have to keep washing the sheets.

I'm still bleeding but it never has been heavy so I didn't need the thick pads.

If you have alot of tearing like I did be sure to take your antiinflammatory meds around the clock. I didn't think I needed them until I didn't take them. Also I second the stool softeners.

But maybe one of the most important things is to know your resourses. Where can you go to get BF help. Is there a friends or family members house you can go to if your LO's been fussy and you just need a short break. I go hang out at my mom's sometimes and that helps because she can hold him if he's fussy and I can go in the other room for a while

Who can you call for advice, etc.

Jodi0804 · #12 February 19th, 2010, 09:13 AM

sleep when you can, dont worry about cleaning, etc. Once you are on your own make sure you eat and drink. I try to make an egg for the next morning when I'm cooking dinner. I always try to have leftovers for lunch the next day. Cook and freeze meals, they will be lifesavers the 1st 2 weeks.

banksamee · #13 February 19th, 2010, 09:32 AM

Watch out for a bb infection if you are BFing. I had one for days before I realized what it was. I thought the dizziness and chills from my high fever were just part of being tire...but nope, I was really sick. (your entire bb gets red/pink if you have an infection)
Use disposable nursing pads. I was using the reusable/washable kind and I think that contributed to my infection.

Jarheadwed · #14 February 19th, 2010, 02:51 PM

Here's my best advice- remember that your DH is going through a major change, and try to focus on what he is doing right, when he is being helpful, and make sure he knows you appreciate it. Remember he isn't a mind reader and to ASK FOR HELP when you need something!!

And also- its okay and normal to feel overwhelmed, and to occasionally be mad at the baby for causing so many changes. Its normal and it passes.

pthree · #15 February 19th, 2010, 04:57 PM

I know this might be a really stupid question, but everyone always talks about what "carseat" they'll buy - singular. Do you all just buy one carseat and switch it back and forth between vehicles, or did you all buy two and keep one in both vehicles at all times?

Sam914 · #16 February 19th, 2010, 05:04 PM

Well we only have one car that we use (dh's car is more of a show car and spends most of the time in the garage) so its sort of a non issue for us right now. We have one infant seat so far, and have two extra... so three total bases for it. We'll probably only have one of each kind in the future also

jamipeach · #17 February 19th, 2010, 05:29 PM

We have one carseat, and 2 bases. A bas in my car and dh's car. so you just snap the carseat on the base in which ever car you want to take

1. If you are having a girl know that they can have a light period! and they may have hard boobies for awhile! My little girl didn't have the period but she had the hard boobs and it freaked me out. Turns out it is completely normal

2. If you had a c section the stoll softeneres are still going to be VERY VERY VERY important! I learned the HARD way, pun intended! I was miserable. I thought I was delivering a baby that way after all! hahaha..... the pains meds with slow you down so keep on taking those softeners!

3. I know it is cliche, but sleep when they sleep. I didn't do this, and I was soooooory for it!!

4. Follow babys lead

We kinda fell into a very nice routine that our daughter led us to and it has been wonderful... she sleeps thru the night, eats on a schedule, naps on one and even poo's on one!! haha... just take their cues

5. Your first period may be very very heavy!!! Mine was and I was not prepared! I also had baaad cramps which is odd for me. But I guess this is common.

6. Take care of you! I missed that memo.. I was on iron pills when they discharged me and eventually felt better and stopped taking them. Mistake! I am now getting all my symptoms back and need to start them up again!

::MummyToTwo:: · #18 February 19th, 2010, 08:34 PM

ditto to everything said.

I was SOOOOO scared to poop and I was taking the stool softners, they were given to me in the hospital and they gave me a prescription to pick some up when I was being discharged.

I didn't bleed much at all... less than a week and it wasn't heavy at all. I was hemoraging after I had Summer (VAG delivery) so I probably didn't have much left.

The laniosh breast pads were the best ones I found! I LOVED them!! I still carry some in my diaper bag and I haven't had any milk since July LOL

It was suggested to me by a friend that I purchase Depends to sleep in at night, I did but I never used them they are still sitting in my closet!

Forget the house sleep when the baby sleeps! accept help, even if you are not one who usually accepts it (like me)

Keep a stash of microwave meals in the freezer, something is better than nothing! I kept forgetting to eat and then I couldn't be bothered to make a sandwich so my DH bought a stash of frozen meals for me to pick at for lunch.

I still have all the stuff from the hospital in my closet! infact Summer uses the tub to give her dolly a bath in!

KCMomma · #19 February 19th, 2010, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pthree

I know this might be a really stupid question, but everyone always talks about what "carseat" they'll buy - singular. Do you all just buy one carseat and switch it back and forth between vehicles, or did you all buy two and keep one in both vehicles at all times?

Paula, we bought one infant seat (that was a travel system with the stroller) and then another base so you just have to install the base and clip in the infant seat. Now when they get bigger and you switch to the convertible seat we actually had to buy 3, yes 3!!! They are NOT easy to take in and out at ALL and since my MIL watches her while we are at work (for free) we bought her one too. And the other two are in my car and DH's car. Hope that helps some...

PS always feel free to pm me with any questions!

*Mommy2Camden* · #20 February 20th, 2010, 05:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pthree

I know this might be a really stupid question, but everyone always talks about what "carseat" they'll buy - singular. Do you all just buy one carseat and switch it back and forth between vehicles, or did you all buy two and keep one in both vehicles at all times?

We bought a travel system for my car, and the "My Ride 65" for my husbands vehicle. I guess it depends on what is most convenient for you.