Mamas TTC with "more to love"... ;) - Page 3

[TheSlingMama]

Try a cosleeper!  By the time your munchkin outgrows the bassinet portion (it goes up to 30lbs) they'll probably be big enough for a toddler bed.  :)

[musicoholic]

I am definitely getting one of them!!  ^^

If I ever have need for it, that is. 

[femmeknitzi]

Really? I figured they'd outgrow the bassinets really quickly! Awesome. See, this thread rocks.

[TheSlingMama]

That's what rocks about the Arm's Reach co sleeper - the bars are steel and the bassinet weight limit is 30lbs instead of 15 like most bassinets.  The only thing you have to watch for is child specific.  My daughter is spirited so we had to remove anything within about 4 feet around the edges otherwise she'd pull it all in with her or flip out trying to get to it.  Lol, but I have a friend who's toddler sleeps in it just fine still.  When the time came, we bought a toddler bed and pushed it against our bed on one side and the wall on the other creating a crib like area.  By the time she figured out how to get out it didn't matter.  :)

[MeAndVee]

I thought I would just jump in on this group.  I'm not as rotund as I was a year ago!  My cycles are finally the normal 28 days apart.  Been taking prenatal vites and folic acid.  Didn't have trouble concieving DS so fingers crossed that this one is just as easy to make.  I did Brewer's Diet for the first pregnancy and ignored the midwife when she told me I am gaining too much and my baby is going to be huge and etc.  One week after DS was born I weighed 5 pounds less then what I weighed at my first prenatal visit!  Showed her I did.  The obssession about weight has really reached an unhealthy level.  I was healthy by every other measure just wasn't fittinging into a size 6...

We also used the Arm's Reach Co-sleeper.  It is greatest little invention ever!  DS didn't use it very long though.  He moved into our bed.

[Attached2Elijah]

Yeah, we co-slept with both of the kids... never had any trouble reaching them or anything. It was just easier to roll over and nurse them than to get out of bed and have to go get them. DH loves sleeping with them too. :) We had a crib for both kids... never once used it. Once they were too big for our bed, they just went into a toddler bed pushed up against our bed too. If we get pregnant again this time, I'm going to skip the crib all together. I only got it with DD because I felt like I was supposed to have one but knew it wouldn't get used. This time, I know it won't so I won't even bother. :) The only bed type of thing we used with the kids was my travel bassinet. I LOVED that thing for when a sling/carrier wasn't convenient (at home and on the go) but most of the times, the kids slept in my bed or on me... I think that bassinet will probably be the only "baby" thing we have besides slings and diapers, lol. We're a simple kind of folk and this time, I refuse to waste money on the things I know we won't use.

Honestly, being a bigger Mama has never hampered me in the slightest... except maybe breastfeeding because my breasts are large, I can't nurse on the go like I want. I have to actually sit down, get situated and nurse which kind of stinks but that's the only problem I have ever had. My pregnancy with my daughter was picture perfect. My son's, not so much... I had a lot of swelling with him so I was miserable despite actually being much closer to my "ideal" weight than I was with my daughter. I LOVED being pregnant with my daughter. I felt so beautiful and womanly. I loved my body more than I ever had before. I actually wore a BATHING SUIT in public without a cover up while big and pregnant with her. For once, I felt accepted and beautiful as a larger woman simply because my belly held life. I loved my body with my son as well... when I wasn't swollen up like a hot air balloon. I'm so hoping to have another pregnancy like I did with my daughter... and this time, I will be getting TONS of pregnancy photos done so I can look back at myself and know how beautiful I was. :)

[musicoholic]

Happy dance!!!  Got crosshairs this morning...  I knew I was right - I DID O on my birthday!!!  Now let's see if that's going to be my good luck charm.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Attached2Elijah 

Honestly, being a bigger Mama has never hampered me in the slightest... except maybe breastfeeding because my breasts are large, I can't nurse on the go like I want. I have to actually sit down, get situated and nurse which kind of stinks but that's the only problem I have ever had. My pregnancy with my daughter was picture perfect. My son's, not so much... I had a lot of swelling with him so I was miserable despite actually being much closer to my "ideal" weight than I was with my daughter. I LOVED being pregnant with my daughter. I felt so beautiful and womanly. I loved my body more than I ever had before. I actually wore a BATHING SUIT in public without a cover up while big and pregnant with her. For once, I felt accepted and beautiful as a larger woman simply because my belly held life. I loved my body with my son as well... when I wasn't swollen up like a hot air balloon. I'm so hoping to have another pregnancy like I did with my daughter... and this time, I will be getting TONS of pregnancy photos done so I can look back at myself and know how beautiful I was. :)

No, it's never bothered me either.  People (and especially my students) are amazed at how much I do (and I still beat them in mini dance "marathons" I make them do in class!!!  )  And Oh, I hear you about the big boobs!!!  Except mine stopped working properly after about 3 weeks and he went onto formula.  My heart broke that day. (I still get quite upset thinking about it, even though I know there's nothing I could have done.)

My pg was perfect too ... except the smell sensitivity and mild-med nausea until I was 8months - but it was tolerable!   I can only hope it happens again (this time maybe without the smell sensitivity and nausea...  but even then I'll take what I can get! )

I will absolutely be getting some nice pg pics done too...  we took a few last time - just so I could see how big my belly actually was (because it's probably the only time in my life I wasn't worried/didn't think about how big I actually was! lol)...  but I'd love to have had some "nice" ones done.  I've already planned to let DS paint my belly a few times too, when it gets nice and big and round (although I haven't told him that, because we haven't told him we're trying).

Now I just need to get my belly full of arms and legs....  that will stick around long enough for us to paint!  

[TheSlingMama]

Originally Posted by musicoholic 

Happy dance!!!  Got crosshairs this morning...  I knew I was right - I DID O on my birthday!!!  Now let's see if that's going to be my good luck charm.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Attached2Elijah 

Honestly, being a bigger Mama has never hampered me in the slightest... except maybe breastfeeding because my breasts are large, I can't nurse on the go like I want. I have to actually sit down, get situated and nurse which kind of stinks but that's the only problem I have ever had. My pregnancy with my daughter was picture perfect. My son's, not so much... I had a lot of swelling with him so I was miserable despite actually being much closer to my "ideal" weight than I was with my daughter. I LOVED being pregnant with my daughter. I felt so beautiful and womanly. I loved my body more than I ever had before. I actually wore a BATHING SUIT in public without a cover up while big and pregnant with her. For once, I felt accepted and beautiful as a larger woman simply because my belly held life. I loved my body with my son as well... when I wasn't swollen up like a hot air balloon. I'm so hoping to have another pregnancy like I did with my daughter... and this time, I will be getting TONS of pregnancy photos done so I can look back at myself and know how beautiful I was. :)

No, it's never bothered me either.  People (and especially my students) are amazed at how much I do (and I still beat them in mini dance "marathons" I make them do in class!!!  )  And Oh, I hear you about the big boobs!!!  Except mine stopped working properly after about 3 weeks and he went onto formula.  My heart broke that day. (I still get quite upset thinking about it, even though I know there's nothing I could have done.)

My pg was perfect too ... except the smell sensitivity and mild-med nausea until I was 8months - but it was tolerable!   I can only hope it happens again (this time maybe without the smell sensitivity and nausea...  but even then I'll take what I can get! )

I will absolutely be getting some nice pg pics done too...  we took a few last time - just so I could see how big my belly actually was (because it's probably the only time in my life I wasn't worried/didn't think about how big I actually was! lol)...  but I'd love to have had some "nice" ones done.  I've already planned to let DS paint my belly a few times too, when it gets nice and big and round (although I haven't told him that, because we haven't told him we're trying).

Now I just need to get my belly full of arms and legs....  that will stick around long enough for us to paint!  

 I understand 100%!  I have PPD and the meds that I was put on, though safe for nursing, apparently have a tiny side effect of drying up milk that wasn't listed in the paperwork and wasn't mentioned when I asked.  I didn't have the right info to try to fix it (supplements or relactation) but I will be prepared next time.  It breaks my heart every day to know that I didn't nurse DD as long as we wanted. 

I'm skipping the crib too and quite honestly, probably skipping the co-sleeper too.  The plan is that we'll put an adult full or queen bed in the play room for Mommy to sleep on with a toddler bed on one side surrounded by bed and walls (to protect new little rollers from falling out) and DD's toddler bed on the other.  This way we can have a family bed without Daddy - solely so that he can get sleep for work since he's the one that supports us - and everyone is happy! 

I'm an H cup while nursing so it was always a bit of a bummer that I couldn't sling and nurse while I did something else.  I'd have to stop whatever, sit down, get squished in comfy like and then start nursing.  We did find nursing laying down a TON easier and more enjoyable for both of us.
 

[femmeknitzi]

Music and A2E--as a woman who's never been pg before, I can't tell you how good it is to hear that. I think I've just resigned myself to being miserable for 9 months but it's so inspiring to hear from women who really enjoyed being pregnant. I hope I enjoy it, too!! Thanks for sharing.

[MeAndVee]

 I understand 100%!  I have PPD and the meds that I was put on, though safe for nursing, apparently have a tiny side effect of drying up milk that wasn't listed in the paperwork and wasn't mentioned when I asked.  I didn't have the right info to try to fix it (supplements or relactation) but I will be prepared next time.  It breaks my heart every day to know that I didn't nurse DD as long as we wanted. 

I'm skipping the crib too and quite honestly, probably skipping the co-sleeper too.  The plan is that we'll put an adult full or queen bed in the play room for Mommy to sleep on with a toddler bed on one side surrounded by bed and walls (to protect new little rollers from falling out) and DD's toddler bed on the other.  This way we can have a family bed without Daddy - solely so that he can get sleep for work since he's the one that supports us - and everyone is happy! 

I'm an H cup while nursing so it was always a bit of a bummer that I couldn't sling and nurse while I did something else.  I'd have to stop whatever, sit down, get squished in comfy like and then start nursing.  We did find nursing laying down a TON easier and more enjoyable for both of us.
 

I had PPD too.  I was put on Reglan for low supply and was not told that that can cause depression.  My family has a history of depression.  My baby blues went wild and crazy.  What were you put on if you don't mind sharing.  I was put on Zoloft to start.  Then when that didnt work they put me on Lithium, Resperdal & Lexapro.  Two books I recommend are Making More Milk and Mother Food.  They have suggest herbs that help lift and maintain your moods and are safe for both baby and milk supply.
 

[Attached2Elijah]

Well, girls I didn't explain all this in the prev post because it wasn't really about my nursing but... I actually didn't nurse DS EVER. I was unable to get him to latch (because of a spinal headache in the hospital and was unable to sit upright and the hospital giving him a bottle) and pumped for 6 long, painful weeks when I finally had to give up because I could never pump more then 2 ounces at a time and I couldn't keep up with him any longer.... it was THE single most heartbreaking thing I have experienced in my motherhood journey. However, I have since healed from that after having my wonderfully starving daughter who latched on and nursed for 15 beautiful months.

Just try again ... and hope for a better outcome. It's all we can do... and if you're able to, it's a beautiful experience. If not, well... that's not what makes a wonderful mother anyway. :)

[TheSlingMama]

Originally Posted by femmeknitzi 

Music and A2E--as a woman who's never been pg before, I can't tell you how good it is to hear that. I think I've just resigned myself to being miserable for 9 months but it's so inspiring to hear from women who really enjoyed being pregnant. I hope I enjoy it, too!! Thanks for sharing.

I lost 50 lbs being pregnant and spent the first 6 months puking my guts up 24/7 compounded with bedrest.  I didn't have a positive weight gain until about 3 weeks before birth.  I STILL loved every second of it and can't wait to do it again!  It's what you make of it - determine that you will love it and you will! 

[TheSlingMama]

Originally Posted by MeAndVee 

 I understand 100%!  I have PPD and the meds that I was put on, though safe for nursing, apparently have a tiny side effect of drying up milk that wasn't listed in the paperwork and wasn't mentioned when I asked.  I didn't have the right info to try to fix it (supplements or relactation) but I will be prepared next time.  It breaks my heart every day to know that I didn't nurse DD as long as we wanted. 

I'm skipping the crib too and quite honestly, probably skipping the co-sleeper too.  The plan is that we'll put an adult full or queen bed in the play room for Mommy to sleep on with a toddler bed on one side surrounded by bed and walls (to protect new little rollers from falling out) and DD's toddler bed on the other.  This way we can have a family bed without Daddy - solely so that he can get sleep for work since he's the one that supports us - and everyone is happy! 

I'm an H cup while nursing so it was always a bit of a bummer that I couldn't sling and nurse while I did something else.  I'd have to stop whatever, sit down, get squished in comfy like and then start nursing.  We did find nursing laying down a TON easier and more enjoyable for both of us.
 

I had PPD too.  I was put on Reglan for low supply and was not told that that can cause depression.  My family has a history of depression.  My baby blues went wild and crazy.  What were you put on if you don't mind sharing.  I was put on Zoloft to start.  Then when that didnt work they put me on Lithium, Resperdal & Lexapro.  Two books I recommend are Making More Milk and Mother Food.  They have suggest herbs that help lift and maintain your moods and are safe for both baby and milk supply.
 

They wanted to put me on Prozac but I wouldn't let them because it wasn't considered safe while nursing.  They put me on Zoloft and it's working well I suppose - I can't get off it is the problem.  I'm not sure I'm ready to get off it yet though.  If anything, I think I may need the dosage upped because I'm having days with severe outbreaks.  :(  Thanks for the recommendations - I'll definitely look into those when the time comes.  I plan on taking supplements from the get go next time around.  :)
 

[LunaLady]

Hi gals,

I'd like to join you all... I'm currently 200 pounds at 5'6" - I wear a size 16.

I was just at a doctor's appointment last week to get a pap and physical exam and I told her that DH and I are TTC. She told me usually she likes her patients to be at a lower BMI than I am, but she didn't want to come out and tell me that I need to lose weight because of my history with eating disorders (I spent all of my teen years and my early 20's underweight because of anorexia and bulimia). So... what she said was, "You're fat and I don't like that, but I don't want to freak you out!". 

Anyway, I am completely healthy. BP and heartrate are normal, sugar levels are normal (I routinely check at home to monitor), thyroid is normal, still have my spleen, gallbladder, apendix... etc! I'm very healthy. I eat a traditional diet and I make quite nearly everything we eat from scratch with whole, local and organic foods... I'm healthy AND fat. 

Only place I can see improvement is getting more exercise. As it is, I'm walking once or twice a week for 45-60 minutes at a time. But, being I'm a housewife I'm pretty active. Always doing something - cleaning, dishes, laundry, cooking, etc. I only sit at my computer in the afternoon or evening when everything's done! lol.

So, here I am! I'm currently in my first 2ww since starting TTC. I've got my fingers crossed I'll get a BFP on our first try!!!! 

[TheSlingMama]

Good luck and KUP!!

[bootsvalentine]

Lunalady, how do you feel about what the doc said to you?

I'm feeling a little down today, society in general is getting to me. I also had my best fat/fat acceptance advocate friend just lose a dramatic amount of weight. She's dealing with people telling her she is a "new person" and that she could be "the daughter of the old you."

So I'm browsing some of the HAES links feminknitzi posted, especially because I want to exercise right now today but I am wary of it because I am worried I am going to associate it with losing weight and hating myself and ugh. I have been in better shape than I am now physically (my endurance is low from several asthma flares) so I want to focus on getting stronger.

Found this web site that I think some of you might enjoy, although I will quote the Well-Rounded Mama

"
Beware, though, this is not a body-acceptance or fat-acceptance site at all.  These women have all the self-hate of their bodies (and especially their fat bodies) that is so typical of women in our society.  Add in the wrinkly, saggy belly that is universal immediately postpartum, and the body hate talk there can be really strong at times.  So while the pictures at Shape of a Mother are great to see, you should know that the self-hate talk may be triggering for some. "

http://theshapeofamother.com/

[musicoholic]

I thought you'd all like these cartoons I found...  (x-post)

    

     

     

     

[LunaLady]

I like the turn into a moody grouch and lose all your friends diet one! That was me trying to do low fat and only eat 700 calories a day! It's a wonder my husband (then just a boyfriend) still stayed with me!! LOL!

[Kewpie80]

I hope y'all don't mind if I join in here.  I've got PCOS and definitely have some extra fluff. :)  

[femmeknitzi]

Welcome Luna and Kewpie!!

Boots, I totally understand. Even being well versed in HAES, I've always found it so hard to make positive changes to my diet and exercise without letting all the negative body messages in, too. I started dieting around 8 years old so the entire concept of "being on a diet" is so ingrained in me. It's not like my lifestyle doesn't need improvement but I also know that even if I perfected my lifestyle, that won't change my basic body type long term. So, I've just tried to find fun ways to get up and move, just for the sake of moving. I try to think of health more in terms of longevity, too, rather than physical appearance. I walk the dogs with some neighbors and do Zumba on the XBox kinect we got for xmas (you can just get dvds of it, of course!). They're fun, keep me active but don't stress me out or include a lot of weight loss mumbo jumbo.

Music--those are great! I'm constantly nagging my husband about commenting on people's weight loss because he does it JUST LIKE THAT. He means well, but my feminist, body positive messages don't resonate so well with him. LOL

Luna--I can relate! I'm so grouchy when I get hungry, I'd turn into a total monster on those type of diets!