Hi to all our members.

Have you got some tips on Pregnancy that you could share with other Mum's? How did you cope with the changes to your body and relationship, and how did you prepare for the arrival of your baby?

Books and magazines are great but you can't beat the first hand experience of the Huggies Mums.

Cheers
Lauraine

hey guyz
the only advise i was given while been and i would tell anyone who expecting a baby is to relax, even if ur feeling fine....no books told me to take things easy and look after ur self with plenty of rest....

Warn your partner and friends that your emotional fragility is due to haywire hormones and not to take anything you say or do too personally smile

Hi kids,

Here are my tips-

* Make sure you read about looking after a baby whilst you are pregnant. Don't just read about the pregnancy and the birth like i did. Don't assume you can leave reading about babies until after the birth- you may not have the time. And by the time you do have the time, it will be too late to implement some of the advice you read about;

* Have your bags packed about five weeks before your expected due date- it can happen anytime (yes, even you might go in early);

* Eat well, take supplements with folic acid and other vitamins. Make sure you take in at least 400mcg a day- especially in those crucial first months;

* Rest as much as you can. Enjoy some sleep ins with your partner, you'll rarely get those again. Go out with your partner as much as possible;

* Be prepared for perhaps not being able to breastfeed. You may have a low milk supply, or perhaps your nipples may hurt. You are vulnerable after a first child- some nurses can be abrupt, don't let them be. And don't not let anyone throw your baby onto your breast- ask for step by step guidance, it's the best way for you to learn. If your nipples hurt in the beginning and you really want to breastfeed then use nipple shields or express- just remember to try and stop using nipple shields once your nipples have healed;

* Once your baby is born, you'll get lots of people trying to give you advice. You may have your mind made up as to what you want to do with your baby and feel that you don't want the advice. Don't get frustrated, simply nod your head and be grateful and pretend you will follow through with this adivice. At the same time, try and keep an open mind, you never know, someone might come up with some useful information;

* It's easy to say you won't use drugs. But it's better not to set this idea in concrete. If you suddenly feel the pain is too much, use them without feeling guilty;

* Remember that you are not alone and it can be difficult at times. Don't feel like a failure. Log onto huggies for any questions- we are all here to help each other.

Just one more thing- having a child is a wonderful experience- i would like to wish all first time mums the best of luck.

Super.

Hi Super,

Thanks for all those great, useful tips.

I'm 33 weeks pregnant with my first baby. You mentioned nipple shields. What are they and where can i get them? I really want to breastfeed but have a blood condition which will prevent me from breastfeeding if i have cracked or bleeding nipples. Will the shields help with this?
Any advice or information from anyone would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

Hi Jenni-lea,

You are very welcome and a big congratulations to you!! It's a very exciting time for you and the weeks are fast approaching, 33 weeks, you'll be there before you know it.

You can purchase nipple shields from Target or any chemists and they come in a small or large size. I personally used them to begin with after my nipple got really sore but noticed my supply running low so i now express every feed. This might be a good idea for you if the outcome will be cracked or bleeding nipples (tiring but worth it). Naturally, i'd suggest giving the straight breastfeeding a go first- most people get it right, i'm one of the few who didn't thanks to the nurses. You can hire breastpumps from your chemist which is what i did to begin with. Then i went and purchased a double pump from Target (not cheap but the best $250 i've ever spent). For some reason this one worked heaps better than the one i'd hired from the chemist and i can express lots of milk fairly quickly. Well, sorry to give my life story but it might give you an idea of what to do.

Remember, drink lots of water and if you get sick of that, lots of herbal tea. Look after yourself and if you ever need anything else just let me know.

Super.

Hi Super,

Thanks for getting back to me and for your great tips and advice. I'm starting to get very nervous now as i have 6 weeks to go. Found out today she is smaller than average so i'm anxious to find out if she is ok. Hopefully she will be.

Thanks again and take care.

Jenni.

hey i was wondering if its normal to have leaky breasts at this stage on(im 26 weeks) its a real pain. does anyone have any suggestions as what to do at night time other then let them leak everywhere. i cant sleep in a bra so using breast pads wont work.i was also told by my partners sis inlaw not to take advice from anyone who doesnt have children of their own, is that true?

Hello Holz,

Perfectly normal to have leaky breasts at this stage. You might want to at least try getting used to sleeping in a bra otherwise be ready to have the saggiest breasts ever after you have the baby (congratulations by the way).

I never knew how much i would leak when the 'milk came in'. Be prepared- my breasts were so huge and sore that i couldn't wear a bra, then they started dripping like mad onto my feet. It's crazy. Baby won't be having much milk those first few days, use this time to express the excess milk (which will relieve your aching breasts, should they feel that way) and freeze for bottle feeding. Bottle feeding can be done by your partner for when you are really tired and need a break or can be used for somebody else to takeover while you go out on your own for a change. The hospital should have a breast pump you can use, i'm not sure if all hospitals do so check just in case.

It's funny, i asked the very same question you have asked in regards to the leaking breasts whilst pregnant.

As for taking advice only from people with children, well, it does make sense. Just don't totally rule out advice from people without children, listen and decide whether what they are saying makes sense or not.

Hope i've helped a little.

Super.

I would invest in a crop-top maternity bra and use breast pads. These have the support of a bra, without the tightness. Otherwise I have heard of some women wearing a singlet with a built-in bra support - not maternity, just a Bonds one or something. Sorry to say, but pregnancy conributes far more to saggy breasts than breastfeeding does. I'm sure some bottle-feeding mums will tell you they still have 'sag' issues! Super is right about needing good support, though. LOL about the milk dripping on feet. I say rub it in and think of it as a foot treatment. As far as accepting advice from people without children - while a person without children may have great advice and some experience with kids, personal experience rates pretty highly in this situation. But people will have varying ideas even if they do have children - it may not suit your way of parenting. Even mothers who have had children 30 years ago (like our mothers) will have ideas and experiences that we will not agree with these days. Some ideas have stood the test of time and will always be valuable. With all advice - wherever it comes from - weigh it up, say "thanks for that, I'll think about it" and remember the bits that ring true to you and bin the rest! Your most valuable resource is your own instinct to raise your children and make decisions. Look for advice, but ultimately trust your gut.

hey thanks for the advice guys. im always open for ideas.there isnt really that much information in my town library as i live in a small little town.ill try the crop top idea and maybe when i get used to wearing that too bed ill try a bra.

Hi holz. I went to the warehouse today and saw some Maternity Bras. they were $10. I'm planning to buy a couple and see how they go, afterall, $10, if I don't like them, I'll throw them out.

which warehouse was that? i just been shopping and i couldnt find any! but then i wasnt shopping very well i got to tired and decided that sitting down was a really good idea.

I went to the one in Palmerston North. Ask at the counter as the girl told me they restock everynight. Sometimes if they don't have the stuff there, they'll either get it from another warehouse or from the stockroom

ok thanks. i live in the lower waikato so i just need to look a bit harder next time

So sorry Jenni-lea, i just noticed this post today (must be losing the plot). My baby was born a little early and weighed a little less than your average new born. Now, it's a different story, he is absolutely thriving in the weight department. I asked my health nurse when it would be ok to start him on a diet (ti hi). Lots of babies start off smaller than average and thrive and so too will yours. Nerves are normal, enjoy the rest of your pregnancy, you'll be in labour before you know it.

Super.

Hi Lauraine,

I think there is quite a lot of facts and information about the whole pregnancy/labour/birth experience that you don't find out till it happens to you. I had a 3rd degree tear, internal piles, dialate and curette, and a long recovery period. This is no way near as bad as some peoples experiences but I still was no way near prepared for it. I think Parents Exchange is awsome for new mothers who are looking for information.

Even though I have had a child....I am still feeling like a first time mum. I have a question for all the second time around mums out there. I know with your second child you can feel the kicking sometimes a little earlier, and I did, as I'm sure some of you have experienced. Although, rather than a kick, it is more like a squirm. I started feeling this maybe about a month ago (I am in my 19th week of pregnancy). But sometimes I won't feel it for a couple of days. I'm having one of those times now. Haven't felt a movement in a couple of days and I kind of get a little worried. Have an appointment with gyno next week, so I will tell him then, but am open for some advice right now.

Kris

Hi krissy,

I'm in my 33rd week with my second child and I also went through the same thing. Felt definate squirms rather than kicks early on and then would sometimes go for a week without feeling anything. Happy to say the little one is now kicking like a trooper all the time. My midwife advised that maybe he had turned around and was kicking me internally which is why I wasn't feeling it. Of course you should always get things checked out if you have any doubts. Let us know what he says.

sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep and then more sleep and plenty of water and then sleep

I've got a tip:
Don't let anyone but your support people know you're in labour. There's nothing worse than having your entire family waiting for hours outside the room. They mean well but it puts unnecessary pressure on you. Get your support person to call/sms everyone as soon as the baby is born and let them know when is a good time to pop in.
Its too overwhelming to have everyone visit at once straight away and its really draining when you're so tired.
P.S yes I learned this the hard way.

The sleep tip is one of the best tips... i am just over 30 weeks and have been diagnosed with exhaustion... don't let it happen to you cause it really isn't good. I recommend that whenever you can sit on your lounge with your feet up or go for a nap... your body with truely thank you.

besides all the physical tips like eating well and resting, i found reading to be a great thing, i read up a lot to prepare myself for what afterwards was going to be like beacause i new it was going to scare me, so being prepared help me not freak out

the best book i recommend is Baby love by robin parker its a bible for babies

I wish I'd ask my partner to be more assertive (on my behalf!) to lingering visitors at the hospital. DH side of the family came to our room straight after the birth and didn't leave until visiting hours were finished - over 5 hours. I didn't get to hold my son the entire time! This continued over the 3 days...

My case was a bit extreme, but my advice would be to enjoy your baby for a couple of hours as a new family before letting the extended family and friends know about the arrival. It's only a few hours, but I think it would make the world of difference.

Hi there

My advice for pregnancy is DON’T CONCENTRATE ON THE PREGNANCY or BIRTH!! The pregnancy and birth, occupy only a miniscule amount of time and effort, compared to the rest of your life with the baby!
CONCENTRATE ON LEARNING HOW TO CARE FOR THE BABY!

Read as much as you can! Funny how I am now giving advice, because I found some of the WORST advice came from other mothers!! I found that ‘researching’ for myself, reading as many good books as I could get my hands on - re’ breastfeeding, sleep & crying, attachment parenting and baby growth and development - was the best thing I ever did.

For immediately after the birth, I agree with jen, definitely keep everyone else OUT! until you feel ready. It is a good idea to not allow anyone other than yourself to cuddle the baby for 24 hours - that means not grandma, not aunty not even dad!! he can cuddle you both on the bed together]. Make sure everyone knows your plans - and make sure dad is going to make everyone stick to it ... after all, you may be a little exhausted !!!] and out of it, and not in the right state of mind to fend them all off!!

Insist on having the baby placed straight onto your chest - bare skin to bare skin and a cover over both of you. This is better for the baby’s breathing and temperature regulation, breastfeeding and heaps more things].

Don’t allow him be bathed, at LEAST, for 24 hours.

Don’t let your baby be weighed until after the first breastfeed - even if that is hours later - and insist that he be weighed on his tummy on a warm cloth.

Any medical interventions [injections, suction, oxygen, even artificial ventilation] can be done with the baby on your chest.

Don’t let the staff take your baby away for ANYTHING that is not absolutely necessary to be tended to elsewhere. Don’t let the nursing staff ‘con’ you into letting them look after the baby in the nursery while you ‘get some rest’. Your rest will actually be more fretful and disturbed without your baby beside/on you, AND you have no idea by whom, or how, your precious little bundle is being cared for while he is out of your sight.

Take this time to bond - with your baby and as a family.

Make sure everyone - relatives AND medical and nursing staff!- knows YOU are the mother , therefore YOU are in charge here!

Hope this can help someone out there!! even just a little!

jm

jm- I love that advice good on you. this is what being the best mum is all about, putting baby's needs above everyone elses. only thing I would change is I think dad should have a cuddle and if baby needs artificial ventilation then give the doctors space to insert the tube quickly and efficiently- you don't want them to have to do it twice and a lack of oxygen to the brain is dangerous. Everything else I agree with completely.

Hi all

I suffered terribly with lower leg and foot cramps at night time with both my first two pregnancies. With this preganancy I have a new midwife who suggested a Magnesium supplement with some calcium to aid absorption.

A miracle - one tablet just after dinner and I have a cramp free sleep.

My midwife suggested calcium as well , but after discussion we decided I did not need the calcium supplement due to my passion for drinking a couple of litres of milk everyday.

Just a quick tip that I would like to share on the issue of pregnancy clothing. Bonds have some really great 'yoga' type pants that you can pick up from chain stores (not maternity). I got a pair of pants for $15! One of the cheapest and most lived in pants for my pregnancy. They also come in 3/4, so I brought a pair of these when the weather warmed up. The 3/4 ended up costing a little more but are also great because they strech and the waist band is soft. (LOL- more for less material!!) My tip- keep comfy! I also brought maternity clothes from Pumpkin Patch at around 14 weeks, but they have not really gone the distance throughout the whole pregnancy (now 34 weeks) and were pricy (about $70).

This is my second pregnancy, I think back to my first and can't believe the feeling of excitement I get every time my mind wonders back to those days.

The most important thing really is to enjoy your pregnancy, it is a beautiful thing to go through and the end result makes any problems you've faced all worth while.

As others have said make sure you are taking some sort of folic acid supplement, at the moment I am taking the Blackmores Folic Acid tablets, but once they have finished I will be changing over to the Elevit(sp?) ones.
Last pregnancy I used the Blackmores Pregnancy & Breast Feeding Formular but when I tried it with this pregnancy they made me feel very will whenever I took them.

A good diet is always essential but sometimes through the first trimester it can be so hard. I have been living on whatever I can stomach, usually cereal, soups, coffee and dry biscuits. Most of the time I can't even eat dinner, the thought of it makes me very queasy. Don't be afraid to ask the Dr for something to take to help ease the vomiting/nausea.

I have read in the little pamphlets that the Mater Hospital gave me that you shouldn't eat:

Soft Cheeses
Anything with raw egg in it
Anything with raw/uncooked meats

As these can give you Lysteria(sp?)

Sleep is so very important, once baby comes you really start to wonder if you will ever get a decent nights sleep again!!
Another thing I was told - don't stand if you can sit & don't sit if you can lye down! Very good piece of information I found.

Excerise is a good one too. Try and walk every day. I am due any day and walking the dog up to 3 times a day. Just little walks around the block, it clears the mind and gets you physically ready for labour.

Also I found putting your feet up whenever you can its so beneficial, especially on DP's lap for a rub..... joy.....