baby maybe....soon?

Question

ok, so i am planned to have a baby boy in march, and i wanted to ask all the new mothers some questions


1) what does it feel like to not have kicking anymore??? ive become so accustomed to it, that im afraid to not have it anymore....or are you so busy that you dont even notice?

2) breastfeeding: does it really hurt that bad??? how many of ya'll had colustrum leaking at 28 weeks? i do and its so emabarassing that i cant stand the thought of milk leaking after the baby!

3) were you scared to hold your baby? for some reason i am! its like its soooo fragile that im afraid to hold it, which is bad cuz i only have ~~about 10 weeks left

thanks for answers

oh...and is the epiderial really nessacery??? i dont want it, but everyone tells me if i dont want it stay at home for as long as possiable, arent there other forms of pain control????

Answer 1

Trust me, you don't miss the kicking only because oyu don't have a single free minute to realizing that it has stopped lol. It is normal to have colustrum leaking this soon....mine started even earlier and most do. If you do not breastfeed your baby you will not have leaking milk after 2-4 days after giving birth. However, if you choose to breastfeed you have to get used to it because it goes with the breastfeeding territory but you can use nursing pads....actually you have to use nursing pads even if you don't want to. The first hour or two I was afraid to hold my son, but remember feeling afraid when I was pregnant that I would also be scared about holding and taking care of him. But trust me hun, your maternal instincts kick in pretty much right away and you get the hang of it right away. Hope that helped...good luck on your little one!

Answer 2

1) I noticed the lack of kicking. But you have the baby to take care of so it's not too bad. I found I miss the kicking more once they're grown up more. I have three kids and probly won't have any more so I find I really miss it now more than I did just after I had them.

2) I wore nursing pads all the time cuz I would leak a lot too. I always made sure I had extras when I went out. I had an easy time nursing my first, didn't hurt and he was really good. I had twins the second time and one nursed well, the other had some problems latching so it could really hurt sometimes. Find a lactation specialist, your dr or the nurses at the hospital should be able to hook you up with someone.

3) It's so much easier when it's your own baby. you may still be a little cautious at first cuz they're so little, but you'll get over really quick and be a pro at doing 10 things at once in no time!

As for the epidural. I held out long as I could. I tried other pain methods. they gave me morphine and it didn't help at all, so I got the epidural as soon as I could. There's nothing wrong with trying not to have it, but you do reach a point in your labour where it's too late to get it, so if you're thinking you might want it consider that.

Good luck!! Have fun!!

Answer 3

1) Do you mean did I miss it toward the end of pregnancy, or after birth? After birth no, cause I was so busy admiring my beautiful son! At the end of pregnancy no, cause the kicks were replaced by stretches!

2) breastfeeding doesn't have to hurt- it might be uncomfortable at first, it might even hurt for awhile if the latch isn't goo, or you get mastitis, thrush etc. but those problems are all totally worth it. It is so convenient to breastfeed, not to mention the health benefits for both you and baby- but it is also a really nice time to spend with the new baby... even more so when he gets a bit older and is crawling around and interested in everything- he always comes back to cuddle up to you and nurse. Very sweet! Make sure that you have the contact information for a lactation consultant before the birth. It sounds like you are planning a hospital birth, most of them have staff lactation consultants. They are a great help! Also don't let the nurses give a pacifier or bottle for any reason while you are there. They can seriously impede breastfeeding and there are other ways of feeding baby if absolutely neccisary. I also strongly encourage you to go to a La Leche League meeting before the baby comes, and again after. It was great for me to meet other moms who were breastfeeding and could understand the challenges I had. And I did have a lot of challenges. I can understand why people give up, cause sometimes it is very hard in the beginning. But you can do it! It is worth it. Oh, and I didn't leak much after the baby was born, but I know people do. Get some good hemp breastpads, or nice cotton ones.

3) I wasn't scared. I can understand the feeling, though! It all happened so naturally, I didn't really think about it when I was holding him.

4) An epidural is absolutely not necissary, and can increase your chances of more intervention, including c-section. There are other natural pain killers- your body makes them while you labor! epidurals can actually block that chemical and make it harder to bond with the baby, and harder to breastfeed as well. I would highly suggest taking a Bradley birth class in addition (or instead of) the one your hospital offers. Bradley method emphasizes having a natural birth in a hospital. You work with your husband (or partner) together on natural pain relief. Also, hypnobirthing can help, too. I didn't take a class or anything, but I did buy the affirmation CD and listened to it a lot. The positive sayings really helped during labor, and I heard my brain telling my to relax and let my body bring my baby into the world, etc. that the baby is just the right size for my body, that each surge (contraction) is just one step closer to holding my baby. Those are great things to think about during labor.

Congratulations, mama! It sounds like you are doing so many good things. Just being prepared and thinking about things before the fact is huge. I wish you a wonderful birth!

Answer 4

Oh, Sweetie! I am a mom of three, and the kicking would be your least concern once the precious bundle arrives. You'll get so busy that you won't even have time to think about it.

Milk leaking at the last trimester is quite normal. You can buy breast pads(disposable or non-) at stores like Target or WalMart. Breast-feeding or not? It's a very personal choice. Don't feel guilty if you can't. But it is definitely a good thing for the baby. Plus, it's a great way to lose weight for mom. I breast fed all my three kids and lost most of the pounds about three to four months after each delivery. This is because breast milk contains a lot of fat and protein, which is essential for baby's brain growth. (The nerve system needs a lot of fat to grow.) You'll have less chances of breast cancer later on in life if you breast feed.

Scared to hold your own baby? Maybe for a little while. But it's YOUR baby. You'll work hard for it and you'll probably have a hard time putting it down. I did.

There is a great variety of pain killing method. Talk to your doctor about it in advance since the ways of applying it are time-sensitive. It's very personal and there is nothing wrong if you need it.

Since you have about ten weeks left, it's good to start to get the baby's room ready. The crib, changing table, a rocking chair, maybe. I used to wash all the baby's bedding and clothing with warm water, dry them, and store them in the dresser so they are ready to go before the last month comes. You'll also need a backpack for things that you'll bring to the hospital with you. It should have things that you'll need during the delivery and an outfit for you to go home with after the delivery. Plus an outfit for the baby.

Sorry if I start to sound like a mom who always gives too many reminders! Congrats and wish you a smooth delivery!

Answer 5

1.) You get used to the kicking, but it usually stops around 32 to 34 weeks when the baby moves into position. Usually by then, there isn't much room to kick anyways. Also, you never get so busy that you don't notice the baby. Another thing is to be careful...you should still feel baby move. If it has been more than four hours since you felt baby move, eat something very sugary and call your doctor.
2.) As long as baby is properly latched onto the nipple, breastfeeding shouldn't hurt. If you plan to breastfeed, ask a lactation consultant to show you how to get baby properly latched on. If after you get home baby developes a white coat on his tongue or your nipples sting or burn, see your doctor as you might have gotten thrush. Something else that really helps is a breast cream called lansinoh that you don't have to wash off before feeding and keeps your nipples from getting dried out. As far as the leaking colostrum, the best thing to do is buy some good breast pads such as gerber or lanisnoh.
3.) Most new moms are cared to hold a new baby, but most likely the moment you see your baby you will want to hold him for a very long time. I have two kids and one thing I can tell you is that babies are fragile, but holding baby is nothing but good and the feeling will come to you naturally.

As for epidurals, I had them with both of my labors and if I have another child, I will not get one. In my second labor I had an epidural very late and if I had known that the contractions weren't going to get any worse, I would have skipped it. After a awhile, your body produces its own endorphins to cope with the pain. If you are in labor and still contemplating an epidural, ask for a shot of narcotics first to see if you can stand it. Your vagina will beocme somewhat numb on its own during labor when the baby's head gets closer to coming out.

Answer 6

1) The first week or so after having each of my babies I would panic - just for a split second- because I hadn't felt them kick. It's crazy, but I did miss them living inside me.

2) With my first pregnancy I did not get colostrum until right before I gave birth. With my second it seemed I had it from day one! I breastfed both of my children for a year each. The first child did hurt in the beginning. I worked on getting the latch right and used lanolin to ease some of the pain. After about 2 weeks it was completely pain free. With my second child it never hurt at all. I know everyone has a different experience with breastfeeding. Some women have it worse, some easier. If it is something you would like to do, don't give up on day 3 because of the pain. Become educated and push through it. It is so rewarding!
As far as leaking, your boobs will become pretty predictable(at least mine did). You'll be able to feel when the baby needs to eat because your breasts will become full feeling. Right before you leak you'll usually feel your breasts "let down". It is an unmistakable feeling, mine was a prickly feeling. I quit wearing nursing pads altogether at about 6 months. My breasts just regulated themselves and never leaked.

3) I was very nervous about holding my baby, dressing him, feeding him, just about everything! You just love them so much, its a little scary that you are actually in charge of them:) Soon you will be a pro though.

Answer 7

I still miss the baby kicking, and my baby is now 2 years old! I always got a thrill when it happened, and still felt it a little after she was born, but found out later it was just regular gas bubbles.

I absolutely positively refused to breastfeed, as I have the most sensitive breasts in the world! However, after having my baby at 30 weeks, and coming home when she was still in the NICU, my milk began to dry up. After quite a few days, I began to have second thoughts thinking that if this is my only baby, I'd never get to do it again ever. It changed my mind, and although it was kinda sore, it never really hurt like I thought it would. My milk didn't leak before, since I was very early, but boy did it after. I got used to it, and pretty much was a stay-at-home mom after the birth, so it wasn't much to worry about.

I was terrified to hold my daughter, as 1. she was preemie and like a little coke can with arms, legs and a head, and 2. it was the only baby I'd ever really been around that I'd have to take care of. When they let her come home I was scared to death, and did everything wrong. After 2 or 3 days, I had it down pact, and you would have never known it was my first. When it's yours and you get to spend all your time with it learning without someone else telling you what not to do, it makes a difference how quickly you pick it all up. The hardest for me wasn't holding, but putting on clothes, as I was scared I'd break her. Feeding was scary as well, as she choked lots on her milk.

You don't have to have an epidural, but you'll probably wish you got one when the pain starts. My sister was in labor for over 24 hours, and even though they gave her one, it wore off, and it was too late to give another when the baby came. She said it was the worst thing ever. I didn't have a choice, as mine was c-section. Hurt like hell going in, and the medicine made me sick as a dog after...and itch like crazy. I also hated the feeling of not being able to move my legs...very creepy. If you think you can handle it under the stress and nonstop action, maybe Lamaze breathing or even hypnosis would be a route for you to take. Maybe keep the epidural on standby, just incase...

Best of luck to you and yours, and Congrats!

Answer 8

1.) With my 1st I remember feeling my tummy a few times because it wasnt big or no movement anymore & with my second I never even thought of it. You are conected to the baby that is kicking, you will be able to hold that baby, so you really dont fell sad or anything
2.)It can hurt, especially if they dont latch on properly! Ask for the lactation consultant to come to your room after giving birth they help so much! I was making my daughetr try to nurse with her head turned, they cant eat that way, so they showed me proper & all was easy. Get LANOLIN cream or gel I like Medella. it is 12 dollars at Target or Babies R US. You put it on after you nurse & it take the discomfort away & it is totally safe for baby to ingest. After about 4 to 6 days you should not need it any more. The pain comes from you nipples streaching, they have never had to do that prior. Nursing is great & worth the little pain.
3.) As soon as you give birth you wont be scared you will be clammering to hold your baby. Congrats on the baby

I had a epidural with my first I had a gruelling 30 hour labor would not have made it w/o it. With my son I delivered 10 mins after arriving in my birthing suite, my water broke 1 hour earlier.

Answer 9

1) Not having the baby inside kicking me any more was very sad for me--I really missed it. I can't tell you how many nights I awoke to the baby crying at 2:00 a.m. for his bottle and I thought, "Oh, if only you were back inside me again...at least then you were quite!" LOL Seriously--I did miss it for several weeks. Then you start to realize, "Hey, I'm not running to the bathroom to pee every 5 minutes anymore--this is great!" and the sadness of having the baby out isn't so sad anymore. :)

2) Don't know, sorry. :(

3) No, not at all. The first time you hold your baby, you'll be lying down in bed with the bed rails up, and there's no chance of dropping him really. They'll have him all swaddled up into a snug little bundle. Honestly, it's very similar to holding a football. :) They may lay him on your stomach while they cut the cord, but there'll be plenty of nurses and your doctor/midwife there that the baby will be fine and won't be in any danger of falling. Trust me--as soon as they get him cleaned up, calmed down, etc. you'll be scrambling to hold him!

4) Epidural--YES. I thought I had a pretty high tolerance for pain (several broken bones as a kid, several surgeries, etc.) but there is no pain that can be even remotely compared to a full-blown contraction. They told me at my childbirth class, "Oh, you'll knwo it's a real contraction when you can't breathe or talk through it." Hah! Who stops breathing because of a contraction? Let me tell you missy, I soon found out. Go for the epidural--the chances of something bad happening from it are so tiny, so miniscule, that you and your baby really aren't in any danger. Plus, it makes your labor MUCH more enjoyable. I labored through until I got to 5 cm then got mine. After that, I was actually breathing and relaxing through my contractions that my body did what it had been trying to do all night (I would tense up and not allow myself to relax and contract through my contractions) and I went from 5 to 10 cm in less than an hour and a half.

Answer 10

Its wierd after birth. I felt empty inside. I kept putting my hands on my stomach, only to realize my child was down the hall. I kept her in the room with me alot, just so she'd be close again. Later pregnancies it didn't bother me as much as the first one.

Breastfeeding will hurt some, especially if the baby doesn't latch on properly. If that happens, stick your finger in the corner of baby's mouth to break the seal and try again. Cracked nipples, engorgement, blocked ducts are all a part of breastfeeding. But even going through all that, I'd still breastfeed my next child. It was worth the pain to me. Yes the leaking is annoying, its just another part of breastfeeding. Keep pads in your bras and don't go anywhere without a spare set. Leaking is why I only breastfed a year. I'm just glad I stuck with it that long.

I was a little scared, especially that first time dressing my eldest and making her arms fit into those tiny sleeves! I thought she was my own little china doll. By the time we left the hospital I had overcome most of my fear (my eldest was in NICU). The more you are around your child, the more comfortable you'll get.

Epidurals work great for some people. For me it was horrible. I hate needles. I hated trying to be so still while they put the needle in, even through painful contractions. I was terrified they'ld miss and hit a nerve or screw up my back. I hated the numb feeling in my legs. I had natural birth for my 2nd and 3rd children and much preferred it. So it just depends on you. My labors were 8 hours or less (from the time I was admitted into the hospital). They say epidurals slow labor down and I didn't want that slowing down!