What are /r/CautiousBB's favorite Products & Services?

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I've used soley Nature Made brand for over a year now: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005G4YCHW/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_skjRub1BCN7NN. Prenatal and DHA in one pill with absolutely no fishy after taste. Pills are sizeable, but are coated so they go down easily enough with a big mouthful of liquid. Definitely recommend!

My husband just bought me a Snoogle as we laid down to bed! I am sooooo excited! I should have it Saturday. I'm a belly sleeper and have had a lot of issues falling asleep so this will be amazing!!! I love him soooo much!

I think you can ask the doc/midwife to run a test if you are very concerned.

I found this excerpt of Emily Oster's Expecting Better pretty useful on the subject. We have a cat, and i dealt with the litter box, so it was something i was curious about.

Disclaimer: I don't have a baby yet! But these are what several people enthusiastically recommended.

I was recently given some swaddling blankets made by aden + anais . So soft!!!! And versatile. Apparently they have a cult like following.

Also, gas drops, like mylicon. I was told to have them on hand.

Zip sheets for baby crib. Since crib mattresses fit pretty snugly in the crib, it can be hard to change a regular style sheet without essentially pulling the whole mattress out. The zippered ones make it easy to change after an accident at 3am.

Speaking of accidents, I just ordered myself a waterproof mattress cover for our bed. I no longer trust even my own bladder.

I use these as well (started while TTC). Buy mine at Costco, they're usually around $19 and every few months they seem to have a $4-6 off Costco coupon too. Actually, a quick search shows Costco online is having a promo for $5: http://www.costco.com/Nature-Made%C2%AE-Prenatal-Multi-%2B-DHA,-150-Softgels.product.11661893.html

ETA: I've had no problems with constipation FWIW but everyone is different!

Thank you! Haha! It is! It's a shirt designed for a Twitch channel I follow, DucksauceTV. Some of my DW TeeFury shirts still fit, but barely. Plus, I haven't been eating tshirts much lately either. Mostly stretchy ON tanks (mat and non-mat) at home and maternity sweaters when I actually leave the house.

A slightly better shot of the logo: https://instagram.com/p/whp-HHOrvs/

NIPT is your best bet. It screens for trisomies and gender if you want. However, this sounds weird, but there is a decent gender test you can order through Amazon. Apparently it's fairly accurate, especially the further you are past 10 weeks. SneakPeek - Early Gender Prediction DNA Test https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016201HCG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_rvDkybJDS3RMW Supposedly you get your money back if it's wrong. NIPT of course is best but this is a decent Plan B.

Congrats, glad to see you here!

A few book suggestions:

• The Lions of Al-Rassan by Guy Gavriel Kay

• The Sebastian St. Cyr series by C.S. Harris

• A Shadow in Summer by Daniel Abraham

• Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott - technically, it's a book for writers, but it is hilarious and wonderful.

• Sunshine by Robin McKinley

The list is a bit slanted to SFF, as you can see, but I have plenty of other suggestions if you have any particular genre requests :)

You can use a Choline supplement that has 3 forma of choline: Bitartrate (the cheapest and most common that most supplements use), Citicholine (CDP) and Fosfatidilcholine.

I use this supplement, it's cheap, vegan, vigurously quality checked and has all 3 forms of choline. 1 single capsule is enough per day.

I found this one on Amazon that I really like. There’s pages to put photos and also journal. $26 Pregnancy Journal, Black and White: A nine-month journal to document every important pregnancy milestone https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GSMK226/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_TJZP2VV445X178P7NKS7?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

I was freaked out about this too. I was happening to use something with retinol in it, so I had to figure something else out to use. Got a recommendation from a friend with gorgeous skin who recently had a couple cutie twins (seriously they're so friggin' cute). She swears by CeraVe so I switched up to that...and I'm never going back to my old stuff. I use their Hydrating Cream and Foaming Cleanser (because I have oily preggers skin, but if you're a dry skin type, the cream cleanser is really soothing.) If you want CeraVe, I find Target usually has decent prices on it and you often get a freebie attached. And let's be honest, who doesn't like free stuff?

If you're looking for something that offers some exfoliation and brightening, the way retinoids provide, I'd suggest Vasanti BrightenUP! . This stuff is AMAZING and a tiny bit goes a long way. I've been using the same travel sized container for a few months now.

Hope that's helpful to a fellow mommy to be (omg I love saying that, still hasn't lost its charm).

There isn't any in the multi, but I take this fish oil from Costco. It has 274mg and I'm happy with that amount; I pick up the other 26mg in food I'm sure. They are large but easy to swallow I think. Plus they're coated so you're not burping nasty fish all day.

I think the idea is that there shouldn't be any exposed hinges. This isn't from the same recall, but shows a similar (I think) problem and the super simple fix:

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/video-hub/babies--kids/equipment/stroller-safety-fix/16845883001/74731126001/

My condolences about your loss. Not trying to push anything. But this helped me to ovulate again. My PCOS was fierce and caused anovulation. This helped balance me out within a few months. Now I'm 8weeks along. Wishing you good news soon..check it out and read some reviews. myo inositol

I really like this one on Amazon. It is specifically for pregnancy. I like to mix it with a frozen banana, a spoon full of peanut butter, some almond milk and a few ice cubes.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RORCAIM/ref=cm_sw_r_apa_i_ou-QEbDP7F5CD

Yes! I've bought it at the Vitamin Shop and most recently online via Amazon (This one b/c I liked the dosage and need a lot since I go through ~6 a day...also a few other pregnant people left positive feedback about them: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MQ2MQPW/?th=1). My guess is that your best bet will be the nighttime combo, but research shows that they are BOTH more effective for controlling nausea when taken together.

Ugh, boob pain!! Would something like this help? I've got 2 sets. One in the freezer and one ready to be heated. That or maybe a cold or warm washcloth. :( I hope your nipple feels better! They're already super sensitive!!

I have had 4 miscarriages. The first 3 I got pregnant with 1 or 2 cycles immediately after the previous loss. I never learned the reason. The 4th was a D&c and did have a genetic issue.

From my personal experience, In retrospect, I wish I had spent some time to: 1. Properly heal from the loss both physically and mentally 2. Taken supplements and have a diet that supported optimum egg and uterine health before trying again. After reading "It starts with the egg" and "the woman code", I believe I could have done something to help my situation before trying again. It may not have made a difference, but what if it had?? It could have saved me much grief. 3. Did some accupunture treatment. I truly believe it helps with circulation to the uterus.

I want to be clear, MOST MCs are caused by genetic abnormalities and it is Not your fault!

I totally understand that you want to move forward by moving on to the next pregnancy. This is just one person's experience and you have to do what is right for you.

Here are the books I mentioned if you want to read them:

It Starts with the Egg: How the Science of Egg Quality Can Help You Get Pregnant Naturally, Prevent Miscarriage, and Improve Your Odds in IVF https://www.amazon.com/dp/0991126904/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_RlyjzbFS27J4J

WomanCode: Perfect Your Cycle, Amplify Your Fertility, Supercharge Your Sex Drive, and Become a Power Source https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009NFNBO0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_rmyjzbM8V81D0

I highly recommend reading Expecting Better, as the author looks at the actual scientific evidence behind most common pregnancy do's and don'ts.

I use a cross-body bag. I specifically picked one that has metal clips rather than plastic where the strap attaches to the bag. I've been using it for my 15-month-old daughter since the day she was born, and it's still in great shape. It's this one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CZE7RK0/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1.

I put a cheaper diaper bag in my registry. It's a messenger type bag. I also asked for a small, portable diaper changing station thing. Looks like this. That way, if I end up not finding a bag I like, I can always use a backpack or something.

Oh no!! I'm sorry. :( Just taking your dog out sounds like an entire outing. Will he not potty on concrete at all? And I totally wouldn't feel bad about that turd nugget... You didn't even know it was there. Besides, I feel like a normal person who saw a pregnant lady with a distracted toddler and a nervous dog would understand that some things get missed and poop happens!!

I don't know if something like this is feasible for you guys, but they make fake grass patches for apartment dogs to pee on if it gets to be too ridiculous. Not a long term solution but it may help. Something like this? Sorry for ugly link. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ICVHY5I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_Uh8CybWVARBSB. Or maybe pee pads if you get desperate? I'm not dog trainer though so if someone else knows better, please correct me!!

Either way, I hope your day goes better. :(

For the sore throat I'd suggest taking Tylenol. Tylenol is pregnancy safe so no problems there. You can also try drinking some hot tea since sometimes that's helpful. I find chamomile to be especially soothing but if that isn't your thing just try whatever warm drink you like and see if it helps at all.

For the nasal congestion: saline nose sprays and neti pots are perfectly safe. They help break up and flush out some of the mucous in the nasal passage which reduces congestion. I have pregnancy rhinitis and I wake up every single morning to a severely congested nose and saline nose sprays have been so incredibly nice to have. I've gone through an entire bottle in the past month. No regrets. 10/10 would recommend.

Although, like others have said, a minor cold won't hurt baby. If you can still breath (read: you're not turning blue and passing out or something) then it isn't going to hurt baby. And the sore throat? As long as you're able to eat and drink you're golden. I know it's super uncomfortable and I hope you feel better soon! But no need to worry about baby. Baby will be fine. :)

Exactly. It has a wide mouth which is good for adding ice too. In case you decide you need one!

So if you choose a methylfolate prenatal and get an additional methylated B supplement and eat amazing foods (sidebar: I love this cookbook for prenatal nutrition), you will be ahead of the game.

If you want to be a superhero, also check your pantry and throw out anything fortified with folic acid, like certain breads and noodles. If you want to be a super superhero, get your partner tested for MTHFR, because his genes will affect baby's genes, which will affect how well baby absorbs folate.

You need to decide whether or not you're comfortable deciding to take a baby aspirin without your doctor's approval. I decided to take it right away, and when I met with my midwife later, she told me to take it — but my GP didn't want me on it, because he didn't know enough about MTHFR. The reason for baby aspirin (or the shots) is because MTHFR can lead to clotting disorders, and if the clots clog up the placenta or cord, it can cause miscarriage. My midwife said to take it until 2 weeks before the due date.

Sidebar: If heaven forbid you ever have a miscarriage, please know that it's not your fault. Okay? Picture me shaking you by the shoulders until you internalize this. Miscarriages happen for a thousand reasons, and it's not the mother's fault. You specifically are doing a good job for your baby and you are handling this really early and you need to be kind to yourself.

There's no harm in calling other OBs/midwives, right? Might as well, you may find someone who's knowledgeable and a really good fit. But it's OK if this is the path you're on. Even if they don't want you on aspirin, no doctor is going to say "don't take high-quality OTC vitamins!", and as long as you avoid folic acid, you're a step ahead of the game. You are doing good things for your baby. The baby can wait a week for you to get more information. It's gonna be okay.

Hi! I also have an MTHFR variant, and my mother is a doctor who has gone to conferences about MTHFR recently. She shared some things with me, so I have a little bit of insight!

If I'm reading this correctly, you are compound heterozygous for two MTHFR variants: C677T and A1298C. It's okay, just switch your prenatal, and ask your doctor about taking a baby aspirin daily.

Do NOT take high doses of folic acid, newer research shows that it can be harmful for people with the MTHFR variant. DO immediately switch your prenatals to a different OTC one that includes l-methylfolate, like the Thorne prenatals or these. Do not keep taking your current prenatals if they have folic acid — seriously, it's better for you to go without.

The reason why: Folic acid is the artificial form of vitamin B6. It's cheaper, so it's really common, and 70% of people can convert it into normal B6. But for the 30% of us with an MTHFR variant, you need to avoid folic acid and use l-methylfolate instead. Folic acid takes up space on your receptors, but doesn't give you nutrients, so your body ends up even more deprived of B6 than if you hadn't taken folic acid at all.

As others have said, having the gene doesn't mean the gene is active. But by switching to a different over-the-counter prenatal, you'll be taking the conservative course of action.

Don't worry, you found out so early, just switch prenatals ASAP and talk to your doctor about next steps. My first doctor didn't know anything about it, but my new midwife knows quite a lot. So if you need to call a couple of offices to find someone who's familiar with it, just call around.

I hear you! Honestly, I had a massive freakout when I first read about it, because I had a miscarriage in March and it was awful.

It's hard for a family doctor to stay up-to-date on something like this, since the information we have is split between "out of date" and "cutting edge". So I get why most docs don't know what to do with MTHFR, I'm just lucky to have a couple on my team who really get it.

Many people with your specific MTHFR variant do get the shots. (You're "compound heterozygous", ie your body REALLY hates folic acid!) My midwife recommended baby aspirin, and that's another very normal, safe treatment.

But methylated vitamins are completely safe and over-the-counter. They're actually the best choice for everyone, even though not everyone needs them like you and I do. You may want to take an extra B vitamin on top of the prenatal; I switch between these two depending on whether I can handle swallowing pills or need a topical cream.

BTW, you'll want to get your thyroid checked. Just ask your doctor.

Hang in there! Don't feel guilty, okay? You're gonna be just fine.

Trying to remain calm - I'm sure stressing is not doing a lick of good at the moment.

I can give you some advice for what I bought for my trip, repellent-wise. I used this for my clothing and shoes, and regular old Off (lotion and spray) for the skin.

I got an $8 hanes bra with no underwire from Amazon. It's ok, I think it helps a tiny bit, but it could just be my imagination. I wear an underwire during the day, and they still hurt when I walk down stairs.

Hanes Women's Cozy Softcup Seamless Wire Free Bra, Nude, X-Large https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00L5YL68U/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_R94JxbJX8SHTC

This support belt was really helpful for me while running! I started using it at the beginning of the second trimester, and it took me all the way through to the beginning of the third.

I bought a support belt, which was very helpful and I highly recommend! I know that helped me tack some extra weeks on there. If I'd been more consistent with it I think I could've gone even longer, but I'm glad I kept it up at least a little bit.

I don't know if you like this kind of thing, but I enjoy listening to these pregnancy affirmations.

If you like cooking Malaysian food, I highly recommend James Oseland's excellent Cradle of Flavor. I haven't gone wrong yet with a recipe in that book. (The achar pickles are divine.) If I could get the ingredients out in rural New England, I bet you could find them in Bavaria!

Not at all! :) It's Peanut Butter & Co., looks like this - http://www.amazon.com/Peanut-Butter-Co-Chocolate-16-Ounce/dp/B001GQ3E3M (don't be scared by the price on this, it's for a pack of 6, lol).

LINK for the lazy =)

I picked up a pair of these not-quite-belly-bands at my local grocery store for about $5 and they got me through until about 10 weeks when I simple HAD to go with maternity pants. I also used the hair tie trick for extending your pants, and just pulled the fake-belly-band down over it.

This is the one I'm getting I think!. There are so many to choose from though, I ended up just choosing one that I thought would be good.

Keep in mind that there are very few studies done on medical effects and lactation because they're expensive and due to liability, anything that hasn't been expressly tested on human subjects, they're going to put that sticker on.

There's a good book Medications and Mother's Milk http://www.amazon.com/Medications-Mothers-Milk/dp/1939847389/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1433514830&sr=8-1&keywords=Medications+and+mother%27s+milk that might help alleviate some anxiety about breastfeeding and various medications. But dang I didn't realize it was that expensive! There might be cheaper editions out there.

Yep, that sounds about what you would expect for Diclegis without coverage, although if you google it you might be able to find manufacturers coupons that make it a lot cheaper. I'm planning on getting these two for my next batch instead:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002L4M4M0/

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00014D2PA

One of each pill taken together is the rough equivalent of two Diclegis pills. I'd definitely try the Unisom before shelling out for the Diclegis. My doctor said the Unisom was usually a lot more effective than the B6. Apparently Zofran can also be very effective for MS but carries a few more risks, so I'm avoiding it for now.

Take a liquid iron supplement! Ive been taking this one and have had NO side effects at all with any weird stomach issues, and some vitamins tend to make me nauseous. My doctor recommend liquid iron and mentioned you could get it at Whole Foods, but for like $40 - this is under $7 on amazon, and doesn't even taste terrible

Try a liquid iron supplement - my doctor recommended this and said there shouldn't be any tummy issues. I take this one and haven't had any issues so far!

I have been using something like this that I had brought back from Germany. I would always check w your provider first anyways to make sure that magnesium is safe to take for you, but I am sure there are also pills on the market. Good luck :)

That sounds awful! I hope they start to get better soon. Maybe you need some electric slippers. :D

This is the one that I've been using for 3 years: LinenSpa 100% Waterproof Mattress Protector

Our female cat likes to pee on our bed whenever something bothers her, and this has been an utter lifesaver. We went from pulling our hair out every time it happened (wtf do you do with a pee-soaked mattress twice a day because your male kitten grew into a big bully who terrorizes the female ?) to just being able to rip this sheet off and throwing it in the washing machine. We also like to put another fitted sheet on top of it for comfort. This thing is seriously amazing - 3 years of continuous use, and not even a hint of pee smell gets through (and I have a sharptastic nose).

I could be a salesmen for these waterproof sheets. So awesome :D