What are /r/BabyBumps' favorite Products & Services?

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You cannot over react in this situation. Your safety and the safety of both your children are on the line. You HAVE to leave.

The NUMBER ONE cause of death in pregnant women is <strong>murder.</strong>

I’m so sorry for your loss. I feel like I could’ve written this exact post.

My dad died when I was 9 weeks pregnant (I’m 34 weeks now). He was the funniest and most positive person I ever knew, and I am pretty much the opposite of that most of the time. He was the person I went to when I needed to be calmed down or helped to see the positives in what felt like never-ending negative situations.

I didn’t speak to anyone except my husband and the funeral home director in the first few weeks after it happened. Talking just...didn’t feel helpful. I didn’t cry unless I was alone, being comforted by other people wasn’t actually comforting.

What did help me, in that time, was reading books on grief. I felt like I needed to focus the pain on SOMETHING, and like I needed help getting control of my emotions. These are the two books I devoured, and I was honestly a bit more prepared to speak to people and at least try to be a person again after I finished them.

On Grief and Grieving

It’s Ok That You’re Not Ok

I downloaded them as e-books to my phone, so I always had access to them and could read them in the middle of the night when I couldn’t sleep.

Breathe, and let yourself grieve in your own time. No one can tell you how or when to do that. Just take things one day at a time, and trust that the day will come when you don’t feel useless and cry all the time. No matter how long it takes, you will get there.

I bought a new pregnancy pillow last night and the way it held me and my belly last night.. I only got up two times to pee!!! I could cry it was so good.

Edit: i just took a 2 hour nap with it. First pregnancy i used a mini pillow pal to support my tummy. Second pregnancy i used a body pillow from target. This pregnancy i grabbed this little guy so I'd stop rolling on my back and so it can support my tummy. I've never bought one of those giant ones.

Chilling Home Pregnancy Wedge Pillow, Velvet Maternity Wedge Pillow For Side Sleeping, Newborn Lounger Pregnancy Side Sleeper Pillow for Belly Support, Grey https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07X45Y443/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_d1N7Db5WVPR01

I don't know if this was your hangup, but for me, I thought it was weird how those types of shelves tend to be hung relatively high up on the wall. Eventually the kid can see a book and recognize it, but they aren't grabbing a book five feet off the floor. So I got this book sling rack from Amazon, and it's really great quality! It sits on the floor, so when she's big enough, she can grab books out. It's not in a place where she'd have access alone, so I'm not worried about her escaping the crib and pulling the whole rack down. Not sure if others worry about that type of thing, anyway, but I tend to overthink thing sitting at toddler level. Anyway, here's an alternative if you're thinking that the height of wall-mounted shelves is an issue: Morimoe Sling Bookshelf Kids Book Rack Storage, Natural Beige (W:60cm) https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B08J2TSD33/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_DD9K8ZGXPQ6MSH3VV7FQ?_encoding=UTF8&amp;psc=1

My babies 6 months and she finally has a nursery now that we moved into our own place.

I’m so lucky to have had so many people offer hand me downs and gifts to help fill her nursery! We’re a young couple just starting off and to see how many people wanted to pitch in was really incredible.

Changing table and diaper pail were both given to me by my moms neighbor.

Crib/mattress and bedskirt were shower gifts. The sheets were hand me downs.

Some of the stuff is my own baby stuff my mom saved. The music boxes were mine, some of the books and the Madeline dolls as well as a couple stuffed animals.

Things I bought:

Dresser I found free on FB marketplace! I’m thinking of painting it light blue but still haven’t gotten to it ����‍♀️

Twin bed frame I also found on FB marketplace for $25. I sometimes sleep in there with her if she’s having a tough night. This room also doubles as a guest bedroom for. The mattress and comforter were somethings my mom had saved.

The rainbow polka dot wall decals were an amazon find! $7 Love how they brighten up the room in our all white apartment.

The rug I found at home goods on sale for $40!

The “r” above her bed was another homegoods find for $8

The tassel dream catcher $10 on amazon

I like to keep it Simple. We live in a Two bedroom apartment, and we used this same set up for Big sister. I was given a beautiful Bassinet with my First child and I actually didn’t even use it because this little travel Crib similar to this worked better. I didn’t have to get up and down all night, I could simply sit up/reach down and get to her, once she was asleep it made it less tempting to co-sleep (just not a safe option for me and my husband)

I’ve used a diaper genie in the past, but I’ve found a paper bag with plastic bag worked just fine, just swap it out every few days.

With my first child we where in a 1 bedroom so a changing table was a luxury that we passed on and just decided to change her where ever, the couch, the floor, the bed, we managed just fine.

The swing we Choose again, in mind for small living is a version of This swing

The clothes organizer works just fine for all her small clothes

Don’t feel bad for going super simple! Once she’s to big or unsafe for the little crib, we do have big sisters crib waiting for her. ��

Absolutely! Plus, plastic waste & microplastics are such a drag.

I bought this wonderful bidet for under $30 on Amazon. We've had it a year. It's great.

I sterilized (boiled) everything just before my son was born (pump parts, bottles, pacifiers). He ended up being term with no health issues, so it may have not been 100% necessary, but I've seen How It's Made and the factories these things are made in and... that was enough for me to give it all one good clean. After that I hand washed in hot soapy water and then eventually in the dishwasher. For preterm babies, or babies with health issues, I'd sterilize as much as possible, I think. Otherwise the extent of sterilization is kind of a personal preference, but one that generally means at least one good sterilization. I really liked these easy microwave bags - 2 minutes and you're good to go. When kiddo's pacifiers or whatever got well loved looking I'd use these and they were good to go again.

Take it from someone who has a lot of chronic pain due to a genetic disorder - one injury can cause so many others.

My SI Joint frequently upslips and sends my hips into a weird offset rotation. I don't always notice - and then my muscles start to spasm and change, which causes me to have a slight S-curve scoliosis.

This in turn causes my neck to get out of whack - which pinches a nerve that leads down into my arm.

When my elbow and hand start giving me nerve pain - I know my hips are out of alignment.

Soooo - long story short - that fracture has probably been making you walk, sit, move, and function oddly - which in turn has been throwing off your body enough that the muscles are reacting - which lead to awful miserable spasms that can be more painful that any break.

So yeah, it probably does explain all of your pain.

A few rules about the hips (if no one has bother to help you - which wouldn't surprise me).

No twisting at the waist until your muscles chill. Meaning if you have to get out of your car, twist your whole body legs and torso together and stand up - rather than side stepping in or out.

No crossing your legs - even at the feet. Exacerbates things heavily.

If you sleep on your side - make sure you have a pillow between your legs, and one behind your hips/lower back to keep you stabilized.

Consider taking elemental magnesium (not the magnesium oxide you buy at a grocery store) - but something like this (I take 2 a day when I am feeling good - 4 a day when I am feeling like shit). It also motivates the bowels, so...score? It helps reduce muscle spasms that I am sure you are having after 7 weeks of compensating for such a miserable injury. It also reduces the need for pain medication (which I try to avoid as chronic pain leads to dependency).

Good luck. :) Hope you heal up soon.

There's about 50+/- meals in there, excluding the make ahead school lunches I made for my two older kids. I used recipes from this book as well as random ones I found online/Pinterest. I made half around June 15 and finished it up on July 17/18. All but 6 I put together myself (my aunt gave me the last 6). These were a lifesaver during the early days and made life so much easier. With school starting next week, I wanted to make things as easy as possible, so I may have been a touch overboard with the amount of food prepared lol.

EDIT: Seriously, folks. I got two replies (one deleted) concerned about the contents of my freezer based off of one photo. I packed this thing from the flattest/easily stacked items and packed it up with the bulkiest sitting on top. I do appreciate the concern (I REALLY do! Healthy eating is important postpartum!), but assuming there's nothing else in there but ravioli and pizza items is a bit much lol. :)

We have the Chicco Bravo Trio Travel System. Love it. No complaints. It's at the top of your price range though at $380. It comes with the bucket carseat, the base, and the stroller. If you have another car that baby will go in and out of a lot you might want to purchase another base (they're about $85, so that'll put you at your max max budget) - though you can use the bucket carseat without the base (you just use the seatbelt to restrain it).

All in with carseat, 2 bases, and stroller = $465 + tax

This is very sweet! I would definitely put together the box yourself instead of doing a subscription. It will be cheaper AND more thoughtful. Some ideas for stuff to put in it:

- a big water bottle (32 or 64 oz), because you wouldn't believe how much water we're supposed to drink

- preggy pops, seabands and ginger candies for nausea

- saltines

- something indulgent, like a candle, lotion or skincare product: I love these masks

- a pregnancy journal

So, doctors actually don't set their own individual fees in the way you're suggesting. That's why the procedures are coded-there are suggestions from medical insurers and Medicare about what the fee should be, and charging too far over or under can result in serious charges for the doctor.

I'm graced to live in a country where I wouldn't pay these fees, but they are still coded and the country health system still reconciles them the same way.

Here's some more info if you're interested https://lifehacker.com/how-to-figure-out-the-cost-of-a-medical-procedure-befor-1348059616

Considering the complexity of the care you're receiving, I'm not surprised with the price you were charged, personally.

Mini Halo

For science of course.

Plans for this room:

• toss out oversized computer desk

• empty bookshelf and replace with baby-appropriate books and decor.

• remove all existing wall decorations, including DH’s deer heads, and paint walls a nice grey color.

• move recliner from big sister’s room to here

• add lamp

• find dresser and move keekaroo changer our of sister’s room into here

• clean out the closet and sort / put away the baby clothes

• buy blackout curtains to make a nice, dark nap space

https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B07SKL25ZR/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1

Perinatal personal trainer here, specializing is DR repair.

As mentioned, coning is an indicator. Also an outtie belly button can be an indicator, though not always. In certain clothes, you may even be able to see the linea Alba widening. Avoid the crunch test for now, as it's better for post partum. Basically. There's not much point in stressing about it now. You are either going to get or not, but focus on the following to minimize impact and severity:

Deep diaphragmatic breathing where you hug the baby with your abs on the exhale.

Pelvic tilts, standing or on the ball (my fave)..make sure you feel the core pulling the pelvis on the forward tilt

Avoid bending over to pick things up: SQUAT!!! Putting load on the low back and belly makes it worse

Make sure your posture is as good as can be and avoid shifting from hip to hip (like when carrying a toddler on one hip)

Foam Roll your hips and stretch the hips and psoas as much as you can. These muscles can tighten and possibly pull the gap wider.

If you can still do some side plank lifts without your belly coming or pushing out, do it. Dont do them if you cant control your core anymore.

Minimize twisting as much as possible . (Russian twists are a big no no)

No forward planking, crunching or pullups now - gentle core work only for the time being esp in 3rd trimester.

There are a ton of books on the subject. Here is one of my faves:

Diastasis Recti: The Whole Body Solution to Abdominal Weakness and Separation https://www.amazon.com/dp/098965396X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_hZv0Ab2WG2BWT

Mayo Clinic page on fundal height for clarity.

It's a fairly inexact metric for measuring fetal growth. A two week disparity probably is something to get a peek at to make sure there are no problems but as you've (presumably) recently had your anatomy scan, I wouldn't think there's anything to worry about.

One of my best pregnant purchases has been these underwear. They are super comfy, sit right below the bump in front, don't bunch down in the back, and they even have various cute patterns which is often lacking in good maternity clothes. Due tomorrow and I've been wearing them exclusively for 2 months now. I started with a 5 pack and my pervert dog chewed 2 pairs so bought a 3 pack in a different style.

Normally I like to try clothes on so these were the only maternity clothes purchase from Amazon for me but I've been recommending them every time the topic comes up. Love them!!

Alternatively, you can use a wet bag in your non-plastic hamper. We actually used a bamboo hamper with one of those for cloth diapers. It was fine with the wet bag liner. A plastic one is still probably better but it’s doable with one of these:

Planet Wise Reusable Diaper Pail Liner, Navy https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00384YJ66/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_iMCyCbSPE3VMH

Thanks for sharing your experience! Less than 2 weeks out and I've moved to the EP route. Dude's latch is fine, but he's very inefficient on the boob (sometimes 90 minutes- 3 hours in one session), and the exhaustion was starting to affect bonding. Now I can pump more milk and feed him in way less time than I could when nursing. One thing I really recommend is the Kiinde feeding system. It has adaptors for all the major pumps, so you can pump straight into a bag (with a screw top!), and then pop the bag straight into the holder. All you have to wash is the nipple. Only downside is the cost of the bags, but I find the convenience to be worth it.

This one! I have it and love it.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BJYPQVW/ref=s9_acsd_newrz_hd_bw_bPtsmJ_c_x_w?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&amp;pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-8&amp;pf_rd_r=JY9RPVA4CS1VTKKJ1HT2&amp;pf_rd_t=101&amp;pf_rd_p=b3863518-d653-593c-93bc-2dc8f354ca7b&amp;pf_rd_i=382727011

I have this applicator and it is amazing! Reusable and super soft. Thanks for the tip too! We had a similar problem with my 2 year old when she ate too many blueberries �� https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LYQ53JW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_d1Y5AbSNFYCVW

Simple Houseware Over Door/Wall Mount 6 Clear Window Pocket Organizer, Gray https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07SKL25ZR/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_YmfbGbFCNBN0Q

American link also! Thank you for the suggestion!

Legs go on the raised cushion, head in the little indent. Helps with flat head, and the cushion gets pushed against baby butt to help with gas.

https://www.amazon.ca/Babymoov-Cosydream-Ultra-Comfortable-Osteopath-CO-SLEEPER/dp/B07FDQFBRJ

Australia says thanks! (I've read we would vote approx 20:1 for Obama)

Also, Posts like these are cracking me up so hard right now. You don't like Obamacare? Come to Australia, you will LOVE medicare. And our gun control. And empty church attendance. And abortions for those who need them. And an unmarried female atheist in charge of the country! And 10% Goods and Services tax. And no tipping, high minimum wage (currently $15.96 per hour or $606.40 per 38 hour week, and we're at parity) and the metric system :)

I'll come from the opposite side here. I think it's weird he didn't tell you about any of this, but aside from that, none of this behavior is necessarily a red flag to me. If I am discussing music with someone, I often offer to burn them a CD of some stuff they are interested in. It can just be a casual acquaintance at work, no problem! I enjoy doing small favors for people. It's also not unheard of for me to include messages. "I think you will really like track 4 - it reminds me of you!" for a silly song, perhaps. None of this is condemning. Coupled with the band set, he really does sound like it was just a silly friend matter and he is committed to you. Why waste his money on a ring if he was cheating? Another good thing is that he dropped off the CDs at her work. Not her house, which would be worrisome. Last, flirting is usually harmless. It shows interest in someone, but not always in a romantic way. It's widely to show general interest in someone as a friend between all combinations of sexes. Provided it wasn't over-the-top, maybe a few extra smilies thrown in, I wouldn't be overly concerned. Make sure he knows this makes you feel crummy, though.

But like I said, there are a couple things I would need explanations for. One, why has he never mentioned the CDs or friend to you? Maybe it's because my SO and I are rarely apart, but I would mention I am making a CD for someone and might get his input on which songs to include. Two, Where did he meet her?

Sleep on it tonight. Talk to him tomorrow, or in a week, but don't write him off yet.

It’s never too late! I’d recommend doing squats (and focus on keeping your tummy pulled in), prenatal yoga (follow the modifications for 3rd trimester), and walk walk walk.

My fave prenatal DVD is from amazon. It has 15, 30, 45 and 75 minute workouts. I usually stuck to the 30 during my first pregnancy but only manage to do the 15 min now that I’m pregnant with #2. Prenatal Vinyasa Yoga & Short Forms https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0032ZOXYO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_CWIwAbXXB617B

Also, from what I understand, your core doesn’t do much of the work, your uterus does (at least for the actual pushing), and there’s not much you can do to strengthen your uterus that I know of. But, I like to do activities that bring on BH contractions (for me, walking). Also, eat dates starting around week 34 (6 deglets or 3 medjools per day). And drink pregnancy tea (follow directions on box).

There was a sale, so I bought some maternity underwear on Amazon. Wow. They are amazing. Highly recommend. No more elastic squeezing my bladder. No underwear stretching. And they're really cute! I wouldn't mind wearing them after pregnancy is over! I liked them so much, I had to buy another pack because I can't stand my normal underwear anymore!

Giftpocket Women's Under the Bump Maternity Panties Underwear, Pack of 5, Assorted Random Designs and Colors, XL https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GCA3N82/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_aMr4NYebwx9iJ (If anyone ends up buying these, listen to the sizing suggestion!!! I'm normally a medium, sizing told me to get XL. They fit like a dream)

No - the PnP mattress toppers are not safe to use before kiddo is 2 years old. The thin "board" that comes with it is what you should use prior to 2 years to comply with AAP. You can, however, get a fitted quilted sheet made for PnPs - usually waterproof and add just a bit of fluff. Just check to make sure the dimensions match your model.

Most apps are only guessing at when you are ovulating based on a 28 day cycle. If you’re not adding personalized info into the app such as your Basal Body Temp or positive OPK strips, you’re only receiving a very generic guess from the app. You might be missing your fertile window completely. The two most commonly used apps are Fertility Friend and Kindara. Like others suggested. Head on over to r/TryingForABaby for tons of great info. Read through their side bar and FAQ page. Another helpful resource is a book called Taking Charge of Your Fertility . Super helpful in terms of breaking down everything you need to know.

Best of luck to you.

Ditto. Could give a SHIT less about unsexy OR ridiculous.

In fact, in the ridiculous department, I bought these, because IDGAF.

Read this. There's a lot of misinformation and over-hyped risk for pregnant women. Everything is a risk, but you're more likely to get hit by a car than get listeria, for example, and you're more likely to get listeria from vegetables and fruit than deli meat. Women in Japan still eat sushi when pregnant, and women in Europe still have a glass of wine. You can decide for yourself what kind of risks you want to take. (Personally, I ate a ton of sushi when I was pregnant and gave no fucks.)

So you're actually further along than me (32+4) but I've been in maternity underwear for two weeks now and it's probably the best purchase I've made so far during pregnancy!! I bought these on Amazon! ok well actually my giant body pillow is keeping me alive BUT these undies are pretty awesome too.

They sit right under my bump in the front but still cover my whole butt which is so comfy. Pre-preg I wore thongs like 90% of the time and those stopped being comfortable around 26 weeks. I had the same dilemma as you about whether or not to just give in and buy the underwear but I'm so glad I did. I got a 5 pack so I wear them at work and do laundry on weekends while wearing granny panties. I can't officially comment on whether or not I'll wear them postpartum but I'd imagine they will be comfy at least until my belly deflates.

I’ve been using these for about 10 months and still love them. I’m about a 34 DD right now and use the size L. I figured they were cheap enough that it was worth the risk, but they ended up being much more supportive than I expected (there’s a removable pad) and very comfortable.

Lataly Womens Sleeping Nursing Bra Wirefree Breastfeeding Maternity Bralette https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MSVJBDD/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Fp1KAbMQVVYWT

I would not use it. There's no way of knowing if it was in an accident or just generally abused. I bought a new infant car seat for $100 and it will work for both my babies. Pretty much EVERYTHING I have bought for my baby was used except a car seat. Money well spent in my opinion. If your MIL is offended show her this (or a similar) article.

http://www.consumerreports.org/car-seats/are-secondhand-car-seats-safe/

Congrats!

First, the best part of not having any babies yet is that you won't know any different. People ask me how I'm able to work and live life with twins and my answer is "I don't know any alternative"

Second, talk to your HR when you feel ready to make the news public, but I've in general found that people/employers are willing to help out a lot for a twin mom. Everyone knows that you're about to do something really hard and they may be willing to help you out with the leave situation even if you don't technically qualify

Third, check /r/parentsofmultiples and look around the internet/facebook to see if you have a local Moms of Multiples chapter. My local group has been so critical, from offering advice to gifting us things. And my local group does a big yard sale twice a year where pregnant moms of multiples get to shop first

Once the dust has settled on the surprising news, pick up this book https://www.amazon.com/Youre-Expecting-Twins-Triplets-Quads/dp/0062379488 It's very science based and a favorite of perinatologists (side note: you're going to see a perinatologist aka a maternal fetal medicine doc in addition to your OB because a multiple pregnancy is a high risk pregnancy even if nothing else is going on)

Feel free to PM with any other questions that pop up along the way but the main message is congratulations, twins are freaking awesome

As others have said, it's common but definitely something to talk with your doctor about. So many people experience depression or anxiety in pregnancy or postpartum. You are part of a big sisterhood. Speak up and seek help. It will take strength, and you can do this.

The book Strong as a Mother is wonderful, helpful, and judgment-free. It's like the "What to Expect" (or "Expecting Better") of mental health. It will help you see you're not alone. Your local library might have a free ebook or audiobook version available through Overdrive or Libby.

It might also help you to read about matrescence. Pregnancy and early parenting, like adolescence, involve huge hormonal and physical changes. Becoming a mother for the first time is a major identity shift. In adolescence you wondered, "Who am I as an adult, and what happened to the child I used to be?" In matrescence you wonder, "Who am I as a mother, and what happened to that care-free, independent woman I used to be?" People recognize that adolescence is a rocky time and that teens are likely to be cranky and emotional. But they expect new mothers to be radiantly happy all the time. Let's all set more realistic expectations for pregnancy and early parenthood.

I have the same pack and play; my daughter slept in hers for 10 months. The changer is a life saver; so convenient.

We never used the napper thing because it didn’t seem like a safe sleep option, so we just used the bassinet portion until she reached the weight limit, then removed the bassinet harness and lowered the mattress.

ETA: if want to save some space, I recommend something like this organizer; we had something similar attached to the front of our pack and play, and it was nice having everything easily within reach while changing the baby.

Sounds like you all have some communication issues. I had some similar issues with my first pregnancy and a therapist recommended the book dance of anger which I really liked and found really, really helpful.

Basically, you alone are responsible for your happiness and you cannot force your husband to change, especially through talking....or nagging. Instead, change your reaction. It will give you power and help break you out of the victim mindset. What you're doing is not only not working, it's probably making things worse so the answer is to change the way you respond to his actions.

I also have a tendency to take passive aggressive comments really personally. Individual therapy helped me a ton and eventually (because my response to them changed) they stopped almost altogether. If you can afford it, I'd also recommend a few therapy sessions just for you so you can discuss strategies and sort out your feelings. Basically the therapist was like 'why do you care?' Over and over. Emphasizing that if I felt good about how things were being handled that was more than enough. The implied message to my husband was that passive comments don't change my behavior because idgaf. If he has a problem he can sit me down with me and discuss it like a reasonable adult.

A google scholar search yields a large number of studies on the impact of marijuana on birth outcomes. As mentioned above these are mostly self-reported studies but that doesn't mean the outcomes are not valid. They are published in international, peer-reviewed journals and most point to marijuana negatively impacting the health of the baby.

I did it with my first, hoping to do it again with my second. Honestly it’s a huge mental game. The birthing class I took mainly emphasized laboring at home as long as possible and to prepare yourself to feel like you’re running up hills and walking them back down over and over again (but way worse). Also Ina May’s book was also super helpful:

https://www.amazon.com/Ina-Mays-Guide-Childbirth-Gaskin/dp/0553381156

I do have to say, it’s awful that your pain management technique is being dictated by price. I wish this was a choice you were making because it is what you wanted, not because you feel financially pressured to :(

Good luck!

My OB said that listeria is just an odds thing and that according to the CDC the same year soft cheeses had a listeria outbreak there was one in ICE CREAM - and you don't hear a single pregnant woman being denied their precious ice cream haha. So basically the moral of the story is that people latch onto some of these more than others for no particular reason. There have also been recent outbreaks in other foods that pregnant women aren't advised to never touch ever again. All of that to say listeria is very serious and we have to be vigilant but it's also important to educate yourself on what should truly be avoided. I recommend the book Expecting Better by Emily Oster who does a great job outlining what you really should or shouldn't do according to science and data - but makes it crazy easy to understand and you'll feel 1000x better and more comfortable navigating the world as a pregnant person after reading it.

Some people don’t seem to do this but I definitely did. We don’t allow our dog on the couch/bed anymore because we live in NYC and her paws are gross from walking around outside. I don’t want to have to worry about germs even more than I already do. I want the furniture to be safe places for my LO. Also he seems to get covered in dog hair so much even without being on the same level as the dog so I can’t imagine if they shared furniture.

Introducing the dog and the baby was more challenging than I expected. For the first two weeks every time the baby cried the dog cried and I was ready to pull out my hair. The dog is big and friendly and the baby is just too small. There’s a good book called Please Don't Bite the Baby (and Please Don't Chase the Dogs): Keeping Our Kids and Our Dogs Safe and Happy Together https://www.amazon.com/dp/158005577X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_ijFGcV9mUXn3I I wish I had read BEFORE the baby came. By the time I got to it it was too late to enforce any of the rules.

Good luck!

Personally, I find that I feel like I look less "pregnant" when I wear loose, non-maternity tops (like this) than when I wear maternity tops with side gathers to accentuate the bump. Uniqlo also has some relaxed-fit sweater dresses (example) that look like they might look more shapeless and comfortable than actively bump-y. I'm currently 27 weeks and I'm obviously pregnant, but the looser clothes definitely feel less overt about it, especially if I'm sitting down.

I'm mentally on the opposite end of the spectrum about sexuality, but I feel you on struggling to find clothes that make me feel comfortable, emotionally. I thought I would be fine in loose, flowy stuff, and now I'm buying more fitted stuff because I completely misjudged how my body image issues would manifest in pregnancy.

>you need to drink 8-10 glasses of water a day

There isn't much evidence behind a recommendation like this. There are a lot of articles debunking it, including this one.

From a hydration perspective, all fluids count. This includes things like juice, milk, soda, tea and coffee. It also includes water that is in the food you eat, like the water in fruit, veggies, soups, icecream, etc.

The Mayo Clinic has a good article on this if you're still worried. Key take-away - there are many factors that effect how much water you need, but if you drink when you're thirsty and your pee is light-yellow, you are meeting your body's needs.

call me crazy but I'm not sanitizing anything. I'm going to wash in hot water anything that needs to be hand-washed, and then throw the rest in the dishwasher basket I got and run a cycle, but that's it

My top 5:

This 84 buck rug off amazon. It comes in grey too!

These wall mounted coat hooks at a reasonable price to hold diaper bags, toys, blankets/whatever you don’t feel like putting away out of laziness.

My pottery barn nursery swivel glider I got for free off the marketplace, saving us 1200 or so dollars to buy it new. I love the classic design that goes with everything. It’s deep enough to be comfortable but not too deep to get yourself out of.

The stuffed animal heads found on clearance in homegoods are adorable and add some whimsy to the room. Target has their own collection of them too.

And my target utility cart is perfect for organizing diapers and wipes that won’t quite fit on the dresser insert.

I bought some white ruffle curtains from Target pillowfort, and we’re waiting on the rod to be delivered.

We’ve decided against a traditional nursery bedding set. I find most of them a bit garish, so we’re going with a plain linen crib skirt and simple sheets. Still trying to decide on a mobile.

I think you are underestimating the amount of blood there is, at least the first couple days. Just regular panties (or even period panties) are not going to do it. It's way more than a regular period. That's why they give you extra large pads and some people wear adult diapers. Like when you stand up the blood will be running down your legs. If you are sitting for an hour or so you will be sitting in a puddle of blood.

Would something like the always discreet adult diapers be better for you? I have heard they are less bulky than a pad or a regular depends, so maybe it would be less uncomfortable for you.

I'm having a January baby and live in Alberta, so I have similar questions as you do.

So far, the only thing I've bought for baby is a car seat cover. It's important to get a cover that doesn't interfere with the straps of the seat, so one that goes over top, like this seems preferable to me. It's warmer and more secure than a blanket tossed over the seat, and won't blow off if a gust of wind hits you.

We don't plan to be outside much until the spring, but intend to get a variety of long sleeved onesies, fleecy pants, and hats. Don't forget little tiny hats.

https://www.amazon.com/Zak-Designs-HydraTrak-Calculator-Break-resistant/dp/B00YOK16R8?th=1&amp;psc=1

Here you go! I found it for about half that at the grocery store but it's double insulated, with a straw and bpa free. Only one band left for the day and I might drink an extra for baby.

The Mayo Clinic website says that external genitalia doesn’t develop until week 11 source Another website says that it’s nearly impossible to see at 10 weeks, although I guess that means there’s a tiny possibility they could tell? source

Based on these, I don’t think you’d be able to tell the baby’s sex at 10 weeks. But she has a 50% chance of being right!

Cradle cap - the only thing that worked for us was applying olive oil with a cotton ball, letting it soak in for a while, the gently scrubbing with the little scalp brush the hospital gave us (like this one. This loosened the flakies and kept her scalp moisturized.

Once you get out of survival mode, try and establish a bedtime and nap time routine. Even if it feels silly, everything you do now is building associations in their tiny brain. By the time we were working on independent sleep (around 4 months), we had already built up some associations that were really hard to break. I became a human pacifier for a few months, which kind of sucked, no pun intended.

If your kiddo has dry skin, or sensitive skin, or eczema it can be really helpful to layer aquaphor over their regular lotion.

Look up the 5 Ss and add them to your soothing routine. They may not help in every situation, but they helped us a lot when she was just fussy and it felt good to have more tools in our arsenal.

Also, babies can fart like full grown adults. It’s hilarious - so video tape yourself doing bicycle legs sometime for proof. Everyone thought I was blaming my own toots on my darling newborn until she did it while I was in the other room.

Standing in a steamy room can help unclog things when baby has a snotty nose. Also, buy an Oogie Bear. It seems gross now, but it’s so helpful and satisfying AF when you feel helpless to clear them out.

It’s still $123! You just have to go to “view all offers” which start at $120 for used, then new is $123. Here is the link after I clicked on the one for $123

4moms mamaRoo 4 Bluetooth-Enabled high-tech Baby Swing – Classic Nylon Fabric with... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073FS5FHM/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_i_gR0ZCbWV1WA9W

Mine bought me a massaging neck thing for my birthday. Now al he has to do is put it on my back where I say and exert a certain amount of pressure. No hurt thumbs!

ETA: link requested and provided:here it is! They also have actual back ones by the same brand; it is light years away from those old painful mechanical shiatsu things

I had the same realization/reaction. Ended up getting this paper mobile (bonus points for not adding to the plastic clutter of baby stuff)

https://www.amazon.com/Flensted-Mobiles-Swallow-Hanging-Mobile/dp/B0026S3ZFG

Get a pack of Gerber prefold diapers on amazon! Anything labeled as a burp cloth will be more expensive and less absorbent. You can use them as burp cloths / washcloths / etc. super cheap and absorbent!

Gerber Birdseye 3-Ply Prefold... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007VBYVWE

Just like any medical procedure, it carries risks of its own including increased risk of cesarean section, uterine rupture, and fetal distress (https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/labor-induction/about/pac-20385141). As long as mom and baby are healthy and pregnancy is progressing as normal, a spontaneous vaginal delivery is considered the least risky overall. But it's all about weighing the risks vs benefits, just like any medical procedure (or, really, most things in life).

Personally speaking, I've done both.

I had 2 children spontaneously, vaginally, and without pain medications. With my first, I ended up having an episiotomy and needing to have a piece of retained placenta removed manually (i.e. the OB shoved her arm up my vag to retrieve the leftover placenta piece). My second was easy peasy lemon squeezy; no interventions, no tears, no stitches, nada. Then I was induced at 37+4 with my 3rd baby without pain medications or any other interventions.

If I were to rate them from best to worst, it would go baby #2, #3, #1.

The induced contractions were definitely more intense and harder to cope with than natural ones. They came on very suddenly to a peak and lasted a moment until it just disappeared. Natural contractions came on gradually, worked up to a peak, then tapered off. At one point during my induction, baby's heart rate started spiking during contractions so my midwife turned the pitocin down a few notches as the OB was wanting to go straight to a cesarean at that point.

My induction went very smoothly overall and I see the appeal of having one electively (showing up and registering in the hospital while NOT in labor is much preferable) but I'd much prefer a natural labor over an induced one. However, I'd choose the induction over my first delivery with an episiotomy and retrieval of the placenta ANY DAY - that was THE WORST. To me, the risks outweigh the benefits for an elective induction.

There are a lot of things that can make breast feeding hard. When I had my first, we failed at breastfeeding and I felt horrible about it for years. Through this pregnancy I have been watching tons of breastfeeding tutorials and reading all I can about it. I definitely had DMER, a condition related to breastfeeding that, at the time "didn't exist".

Babies can have lip and tongue ties, making a good latch impossible. Having a poor latch can be painful, leading to cracks and blisters.

Mothers can be pressured not to feed on demand, reducing supply. Having uneducated support or negative support can really hurt the chances of succeeding at breastfeeding.

All that can be hard for SAHMs. Add in working, pumping, and the pressure that comes with it and it gets really hard. In a perfect world all jobs would meet standards and support pumping moms, but this world isn't perfect. At my job that I had with my second, I had to pump in a supply room which was a swing open door. There was a surveillance camera pointed right at me. Not to mention that I had no backup and would constantly get interrupted.

At this point you should build up your knowledge about your rights and how to succeed. Remember that as with any "women's issue" there is this expectation that if you're a real woman you have the information built into you, and if you fail, it's all about your inability to complete a simple lady task. While in reality there is a lot that can go wrong and good information is something you have to demand.

I suggest the womanly art of breastfeeding (Amazon link) and YouTube videos hosted by lactation consultants like oasis lactation

Yeah, I got these on amazon, and they're the best. I live in a warm climate, and with summer approaching, no way I was adding an extra layer of fabric over my belly. Low rise all the way.

When you go on your hospital tour (or any time before birth) ask your nurses what brand of formula they supply in the hospital. Hopefully you can use theirs the whole time but just in case you have to use yours I think it's a good idea to bring the same kind, just so you're not switching it up on baby so early (you can always change it later at home under the watch of your ped if you want). If you get the 2oz RTF like Similac, for example just know that there's usually 1 or 2 nipples for every 8 bottles. If you don't want to wash and reuse in the hospital (which I wouldn't recommend) then you'll want to bring extra disposable newborn nipples, too.

ETA - you might actually want to set up a chat with the lactation consultant for immediately postpartum. Get a feel for their agenda beforehand - if it seems like they're super militant then maybe try a different avenue, but if they seem to respect your choice to formula feed then they should actually be able to walk you through how to safely balance expressing colostrum/milk (so you don't end up engorged) with stopping production. I tried pumping every 2/3 hours for a month but never made any real amount of milk and was able to just stop cold turkey with zero evidence that I'd ever tried in the first place, but many women who actually DO produce milk will have to go slowly to "dry themselves up" - else they risk infection.

I'm a Scandinavian living in North America, I would recommend Swaddlers with velcro. I know it's not common to swaddle in Scandinavia, but it is here, and my daughter loved it when she was 0-3 months old. The nurses showed us how to do it with a receiving blanket, but it's way easier to use the ones with velcro.

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Link to the brand we bought on Amazon

Absolutely essential for us. I have a basset hound who LOVES to roll in poop and can smell the moment my mom opens a bag of licorice from two blocks away. There's no way we could dispose of a dirty diaper in a regular trash can - we'd have to take it straight outside after every change... and that's not going to happen 12 times a day or at all hours of the night. We have the Ubbi Steel Diaper Can and I 10/10 recommend. Been using it almost a year now and it damn near eliminates the stink while closed (formula fed baby, too!) - my hound doesn't even realize it's there, and he lays right next to it during diaper changes. Works much better than my brother's diaper genie or munchkin can. It also has a locking lid, which is a life saver now that my son is running around and getting into everything. I love that I can throw any bag I want into it, too, unlike other diaper cans - this alone about offsets the price difference over its lifetime. We empty it every three-ish days - easy as pie.

ETA - I purchased this pack of trash bags before my son was born and we're just now getting to the last maybe 5 bags on the third roll... so even if you do use the actual Ubbi bags you're looking at $20 for a years' worth.

I have this dress in two colors and am thinking of getting more because last week, my barre teacher told me I looked like "pregnant Audrey Hepburn" in it. I also have a maternity pencil skirt that I wear with loose, tunic-style tops and a cardigan (when I'm in my perpetually-freezing office).

Edit: I like these tunics because the design on the bottom makes it obvious that leaving it untucked is intentional and not sloppy.

They’re like spanx but not tight. Mine are all so stretchy that I haven’t had to size up or buy maternity ones, even with an abnormally large bump at 31 weeks. They are my favorite things in the world. They carry them for about $7 at Target and Walmart.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00827RTRU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ng1wBb5C25004

As an aside - my son was born in the Fall in SoCal, which means we had both hot and cold extremes. Footies were sometimes okay, but sometimes not. As such I preferred pants/socks during the day because we could take the socks off when it was warmer and put them on when it cooled. We had a number of different sock brands and none of them worked - EXCEPT these Simple Joys by Carters. I shit you not, these never once fell off of him, and he had very long, very slender feet. From Target trips to swaddles to daycare to being passed around at Thanksgiving and Christmas and younameit, these socks stayed on. I still have every single one of them and would be using them even now 8 months later if it wasn't in the triple digits and hot as balls. Plus, they're white and go with everything and are easy to match up.

Anyhow - that's my sock plug.

Ughhh, I am so sorry you have to put up with this b.s. They are idiots. You don't have to care about the opinions of idiots.

Have you read this book? It talks about how being a new mom is literally the most difficult, most rewarding, and most important job there is!!

https://www.amazon.com/Being-There-Prioritizing-Motherhood-Matters/dp/0143109294

If not, I'm sure you will have tons of time to read it while you are sitting by the pool on maternity leave... /s

Loss of insurance is considered a qualifying event under the ACA (source), so maybe you could switch to an ACA plan (I know this would work in my state, IL, but I don't know if or how it varies from state to state). Especially with the loss of income you may be able to qualify for assistance. Someone with more knowledge can correct me if I'm wrong.

Good luck. Insurance sucks.

I follow the microbiome research closely, and my understanding is that it's premature to opt for vaginal seeding in an attempt to counteract possible issues with c-section.

/r/BabyBumps/comments/4ilwfb/some_of_the_latest_science_on_the_microbiome_in/

Doctors warn against vaginal seeding due to known risks of infection: https://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/news/20171025/docs-warn-against-vaginal-seeding-for-newborns

Yes! They are super $$ and hard to find if you want to buy a genuine vintage one. I actually wanted reproductions because I was skeeved out about having old electrical wiring in the baby’s room. I found these on Amazon

Maybe Wish?

Whatever it is, I agree with /u/987654321mre

A book like this is okay for like... baby shower gift. Or after baby is born and you're coming to meet them for the first time.

Before then - nope. Not even a little.

I’ve purchased these little things that sense motion and spray air to keep mine from jumping on a table where he was constantly knocking down a lamp! He jumped up maybe twice, was sprayed with air, and has never jumped up on the table again since! link

I agree that you will want to hold off on nursing bras until you get a better idea of what size you’ll end up being. However, one thing that’ll be very helpful right out of the gate is a nursing nightgown or robe; I recommend bringing that to the hospital with you. Super comfy and practical and you’ll probably live in it during the fourth trimester. Many nursing nightgowns double as maternity gowns too so you can purchase some now and have something comfy to lounge in during your pregnancy.

I got these from amazon and love them:

iloveSIA 2pack Women's Seamless... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075668HG3?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Definitely w/d unit. You can get a countertop dishwasher if you really need one. There are some around $240 not too bad.

SPT SD-2202W Countertop Dishwasher with Delay Start, White https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KVP90BE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_XJwPDb9SCEFBF

With all the blowouts and spit up you’ll want to be able to do some quick laundry everyday and that would def be a pain if you had to go to a laundromat or built in facilities at a complex.

I would recommend getting a Haakaa from Amazon $12.99 I think. It uses suction and can relieve the pressure without emptying your breast, so your brain won’t get signaled to increase your supply.

Haakaa Manual Breast Pump 4oz/100ml,2019 New Style https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CWK4S5W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_iFWEDb5YHN16S

He's a piece of shit, not you. You're lucky he didn't propose, makes it just a bit easier to get out eventually. I know that's common advice, but it's always really really hard to actually leave. You should think about what you're getting out of the relationship... and unfortunately he sounds bitter and resentful for some reason, and changing people's minds is a very difficult task. You can sacrifice yourself so much, but they'll never change.

Don't worry about the sunk-cost fallacy of relationships, and even leaving after years isn't a waste. My biggest advice, in any case, is read this book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SVCMRCI/

Helps to organize your thoughts and feelings and blame yourself less, and give you more confidence. You don't deserve to feel like this and be put to tears by this man!

I bought these on a whim because my underwear was all getting too tight and I didn't feel like going to a store and trying to figure out what would last me through pregnancy etc. They are comfy and stay in place, so I like them. I'm not used to wearing full butt underwear, though, and they are which isn't exactly what I was expecting when I ordered them. I still find them comfy, though.

It's a good idea to have a waterproof mattress protector on your mattress under your sheets regardless, but I have been sleeping on this for the last week: Priva Ultra Plus Absorbent 300 Washes Waterproof Sheet Protector, 34"x52", White https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FOA7C2/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_LaqEub0ZYZPCC

You know, just in case! It's pretty rare for your water to break before your contractions start, though, so you should have some idea that it could happen before it usually would though. From what I hear. And even if you start active labor, your water may not break on its own at all.

https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/pre-existing-condition-job-based-coverage/

Pregnancy cannot be considered a PEC. Plus, I'd think a formal diagnosis would be in order and a pee stick doesn't count ;) I wouldn't put anything though since you haven't had a "diagnosis" yet. I would plan ahead and make an appt. for somewhere that will take your plan for when it will be effective. That should correspond to when you'd go for a first appt typically anyhow.

If anything else, a free/sliding scale clinic could be a option in the interim if you have concerns. Congrats!

Yes I agree 100%! My son was only in the 30th percentile when he was born for height and weight, and now at 3.5 years old he consistently measures in the 90's. It's really hard to get an accurate prediction when they are first born. Also, height is traditionally thought of as a more "blended" type of gene that combines the two parents, not so much as "one or the other." Check out this website for some context: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/childrens-health/expert-answers/child-growth/faq-20057990

If you're fast at typing, there's a lot of online transcription jobs. You can also sign up for this thing called amazon mechanical turk that pays you per job you complete. There's quite a few transcription jobs there, but there's other stuff too.

Do you want the cat able to get through or not to get through? Either way they make baby gates with cat doors that can be open or shut! https://www.amazon.com/Carlson-Extra-Wide-Through-Small/dp/B000JJDI0G/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?dchild=1&amp;keywords=baby+gate+with+cat+door&amp;qid=1627934981&amp;sr=8-3

I can't wear maternity jeans for some reason. They make my ass look saggy yet squeeze my hips. I'm not about to get jeans that I'm going to wear for a few months tailored, lol. I got a pair of over the bump, thick cottony leggings from Amazon and haven't looked back.

Edit: for anyone looking for some thick leggings (that you can easily wear without a skirt, they're really thick and will fit anyone because of the buttonable drawstring) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EB3YMD8/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_cVtVub0B690C8

I wish I would've gotten a few pair because I've been living in these things. You can fold them down or wear them over the bump. I was looking for ages for a pair of leggings that didn't have that weird crotch diamond on the outside, and didn't show what color underwear I was sporting.

It is cute! I may have to order me one. Merax Have- Fun Series Upholstered Ride-on Storage Ottoman Footrest Stool with Vivid Adorable Animal Shape (Brown Buffalo) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0719CCJM3/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_lwb-Db0ED6TS7

I got one of these after a similar incident. I used it a few times and liked it a lot, but now I mostly make my meatloaves in my instant pot.

Sorry for your ruined meatloaf, I probably would've cried.

The Baby Delight Beside Me Dreamer Bassinet & Bedside Sleeper https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FYN5FS9/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_fziqDbK1HVDG9

Windsor Glider and Ottoman-white with gray chevron https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017UHYOCK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_6ziqDbSYDJ5Q5

I hope I posted those correctly! So hard to do on mobile! Thankfully my father in law and step mother in law purchased the bassinet for me and the amazing doctors I work with all chipped in to get me this glider.

I really love that the bassinet attaches to the bed, it really holds itself in place! The glider is so comfortable, I'll be honest, I've fallen sleep in it a couple times while taking breaks from unpacking haha! I'm so excited it's finally done!

Thanks for this. That’s the scary thing about the counterfeit situation. This is the one we were looking at. It is USCG approved. Most reviews were fine, even glowing, and then there were a not tiny amount of one star reviews that said things like:

“This is NOT a life jacket. It is a buoyancy device. Do not purchase this as a life preserver for a young child that cannot flip onto their back, or their face will be submerged in water with their backs up. We bought this by mistake, and the inside label says buoyancy device. That wasn’t in the description so I just wanted to make the buyers aware.”

“Not a real Stearns vest! We got a knock off that says ‘not a life saving device’.... the description says it is US coast guard approved which this is clearly not. If it is real... it has the safety details on the inside of the back and the Stearns tag near the lower buckle. I am shocked this is ‘Amazon’s Choice’”

It might be time to establish some of your own boundaries.

When people try to tell me their traumatic birth stories or any kind of pregnancy horror stories, I usually stop them and say "I know that birth can be traumatic and scary for some people and I'm sorry it was for you, but your story is not my story." Most people go to the horror stories because it's what the media perpetuates.

With regards to your fiance's family. I would tell them you're not comfortable discussing your weight or pregnancy related bodily functions with them. Tell you fiance that when they are face timing that is their time to talk and you will gladly share bump pictures with them when you are comfortable. I think I am fortunate in that my husband's family respects my boundaries.

If you're scared of birth, I highly recommend YouTube or googling "Positive Birth Stories". Ina May Gaskin is very much a natural and home birth advocate, but her book, Guide to Childbirth has some wonderful birth stories at the beginning of it.

Had terrible tears.. gifts that will save her time so she can rest and focus on doctoring up her injuries. The focus is always on the baby but when you have bad post birth injuries you need lots of private bathroom time to have sitz baths and apply witch hazel and tucks pads. I always suggest food and booze.

Is she nursing? - lactation energy bites (message me for recipe)

General: - alcohol of choice (Prosecco, craft beer, nice red wine) - pre-made food (lasagna, meat and cheese platter, fruit or veggie tray, casserole, a pizza, whatever she likes) - some nice post birth healing Epsom salts like these https://www.amazon.com/Sitz-Bath-Salt-Postpartum-Hemorrhoid/dp/B07HY7R9J4

Panty liners and change them often. You can buy more absorbent ones like these that soak things up a little faster.

It was for me, the elastic waists became superrrr uncomfortable early on just from bloating and it didn’t get any better as the bump grew.

I got these from amazon and have been very happy with them. Intimate Portal Women Under The Bump Maternity Panties Pregnancy Underwear 5-pk Plain Multicolor Medium https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LYUE444/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_IpVzCbHMGFQ6P

I opted for a Chicco travel system over the Graco because the carseat gets better reviews. It's under $400 on Amazon. Here's the Lucie's List review of the carseat and here's a link to the travel system I chose on Amazon.

Haven't used it yet, but it gets good reviews.

The love to dream swaddles! My daughter really hated the Velcro swaddle because she wanted her arms up, and these swaddles let her do that! They're also pretty easy to put on/take off during night time feedings and changings.

Bonus awesomeness that they can convert to sleep sacks later as well!

https://www.amazon.com/Love-Dream-Swaddle-Original-13-18-5/dp/B0081GIZ52

A Moses basket with a wooden stand might work for your bassinet. Green frog makes solid wood cradles as well.

I've never run across anything like a pack and play that wasn't at least partially plastic but there are a few that are certified non-toxic/free of chemical flame retardants if that's your main concern.

There are also a lot of green guard certified mini cribs, we just got the Davinci Alpha mini which is all wood and will serve as both a bassinet/by our bed sleeper and a crib for as long as we can.

Looks like this one which we have, although the warm water line isn't hooked up. Totally worth it though! This one also has a "female" setting for those gnarly period days. That said, even if you don't get one with warm water hookup (we couldn't hook up the hot line) you'll rarely feel the coldness of the water on your butt hole. Only drawback is feeling like a heathen if you poop anywhere that doesn't have a bidet lmao

How about something around Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's The Little Prince? While princesses so typically fall into the girl category, princes aren't normally used to pigeonhole boys. Maybe if you're having a cake, it could be decorated with one of the beautiful illustrations from the book and even include the title for those who aren't familiar with it?

This isn't a reveal idea, but if you're into literature, you may love these baby board books. - they're literature for babies! I've already picked up a few for my girl (Jane Eyre, Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility - I wanted to make sure I got the female authors represented first).

I felt the same way so I looked it up. Thirdhand smoke is a thing, and it’s effects are currently being researched (toxins clinging to walls, cloth, etc.). Source

Working in the medical field, you should know sterile gloves are paramount for certain situations. Cervical checks are absolutely one of those situations. Here, I even found it on WebMD for you.

More sources: http://www.sharinginhealth.ca/clinical_assessment/labour_assessment.html

And I disagree with you on the cleaning, there's no reason to have dirty bathroom floors for hours. Particularly the full biohazard trash is a safety concern.

I lived in my Lululemon Align leggings throughout my pregnancy, went to the hospital in them and are still wearing them 7 months pp.

Immediately after birth I lived in Amazon baggy yoga pants (link below). The bagginess hid the granny panty+giant pad situation I had going on down there.

Dibaolong Yoga Sweatpants.

Love In he Wild!! It's so incredibly pretty; the illustrator really pulls off a Lisa Frank color palette without making it headache-inducing. It's an "I love you" book, so just a simple poem about love paired with illustrations, and the LGBT elements are so natural that you could almost miss them if you weren't looking. Which I'm saying as a positive, because some books will almost put an awkward spotlight on the inclusivity, whereas this book? Those're two male lions on the cover. No fanfare, they're just there, happily making a heart with their manes. Later on there's two female penguins, and then two male rams. But there's also depictions of animal families where the focus is on love as a family unit, or love from parents to children. (Another reason I love this book is that love between parents is depicted too.)

The poem also weaves in some recognizable words; "spreading wings, bold, bright, and proud," and "love is love, wherever it's found." But those are very much a part of a larger whole. The concept of love includes LGBT families, rather than singling them out as a specific type of love.

Basically, this book doesn't try to do the work for you. On its own it's a pleasant, pretty board book, and you can choose to leave it at that, or you can use it as a template to bring things up and to discuss them with your children. The simplicity makes it applicable to a much wider array of messages.

I might be reading too much into this, but listen; we have a lot of books, and this is one of my favorites.