FTM and HB... What should I have on hand?

[jgracefrank]

Hello, ladies.

I'm a FTM, due in 2 weeks (eep!), and I'm having a HB. I've purchased and received the home birth kit my midwife recommended, and I still have to pick up rubbing alcohol, a fitted sheet for my bed, peroxide, and herbs for sitz baths. I'm wondering what else I need... any suggestions?

For after the birth, do you suggest any specific type of pad? I've read somewhere that using Depends is much easier/more effective than regular pads. Also, do any of you have a recommendation as to what I should birth in, clothes-wise. I'm assuming it makes more sense to just have a long shirt or a nightgown type thing, but the idea of walking around pant-less for hours makes me uncomfortable.

Any advice you can offer would be much appreciated!

Thanks,
Jillian (=

[pamamidwife]

Many clients like Depends for the first couple days at least. Pads are so iffy as far as getting all the blood -

I usually recommend shorter shirts in the first two days simply because anything that you can sit on will likely get bled on. (Unless you're doing the Depends, which means you can wear anything!)

For the birth, it should be about what you feel comfortable with. I'm assuming FTM means you're transitioning - is that right? I'm also assuming that you're not binding your breasts (are you planning on breastfeeding?), so I would say that birthing in a longer shirt (one that can be opened from the front, with buttons or snaps) might be preferable - even wearing a tank underneath would be fine for further coverage.

[jgracefrank]

I'm not sure what you mean by 'transitioning,' but by FTM, I mean I'm a first time mom.... in other words, I'm clueless. (=

Yes, planning on breastfeeding.

Thanks!

[pamamidwife]

lol, I totally thought FTM meant female transitioning to male. Oops~!

OK, in that case, you should wear what you want to wear (or not wear).

[momto l&a]

Also, do any of you have a recommendation as to what I should birth in, clothes-wise. I'm assuming it makes more sense to just have a long shirt or a nightgown type thing, but the idea of walking around pant-less for hours makes me uncomfortable.

Trust me, after the birth you wont be walking around for hours. Youll be laying in bed enjoying your new one or sitting someplace thats comfy for you.

I wore whatever was comfy and easy to bf in. As for getting blood on stuff dont worry about it. H2O2 gets blood out just fine.

Freezing meals up for after the birth is handy unless you have somebody you will cook for you after the birth.

Healthy snacks and plenty of water to drink at all times is also good.

[GinaRae]

I think you're saying that DURING labor, you are wondering what to wear because you don't treasure the idea of walking around naked.

Definitely get a tank top or something supportive but not binding. And perhaps a sarong would work for you -- easy in and out. Perhaps just some beach towels you can wear around your waist and change when and if they get messy? However, I would suggest NOT using nightgowns.

During labor and delivery you get hot and cold. You get moody. You move around a lot. You get messy with amniotic fluid, sweat, and possibly urine and poop. Being in a nightgown would possibly be messy and uncomfortable when it winds around you and binds or bunches up around you.

You may be surprised at how EASY it is to fling everything off you and go naked during labor and delivery

[eviesingleton]

Originally Posted by pamamidwife

lol, I totally thought FTM meant female transitioning to male. Oops~!

I'm glad I'm not the only one who thought this.

[dannic]

I second no nightgown. With my first, I just wore a shirt. My second, I had pants on (enroute) and by the time DH pulled over and got them off me, baby's head was already out! This time, I've got a super comfy sleep bra and a tank or tee. But I'm hoping I'll like the birthing pool and just stay there.

[pamamidwife]

Originally Posted by eviesingleton

I'm glad I'm not the only one who thought this.

lol! I know - guess my mind is permeated by other acronyms!

[georgia]

I've worn yoga pants and a tank top pretty much during labor with my two HBs. Pants came off only when it's time to go into the pool. Are you planning a waterbirth? If so, I always recommend lots of towels I also like to have a list of people to call handy within reach of my bed for afterwards....a big pitcher of water, phone and a camera and baby stuff (t-shirt, cloth dipes, blankie, what-have-you).

I don't like paper/plastic pads AT ALL, so I'm prob. not much help. I love cloth pads The boy-brief-style undies are pretty good at keeping pads in place. Those fishnet pants are : to me. I know some people love them

Prob. not much help here...but good luck and best wishes on a beautiful birth

[greenthumb3]

PP here have great ideas about the birth. I suggest a few things for post-partum, too:

1. A belly binder. You can find these at Motherhood Maternity stores and are well worth the purchase. It feels so good to have something hold your tummy up after everything has moved around (and it helps to slim you a bit, too, which can be nice to fit into some comfy post-partum clothing). I found it helped me be able to breath after the birth of my first baby.

2. Since you mentioned breastfeeding, have a number of your local LLL leader to ask questions of or to receive breastfeeding help after baby's birth, should you need it. Also, at least one or two names of reputable lactation consultants. If nursing hurts, get help immediately--having numbers ready can make it easier to call for help.

LLL's book, Breastfeeding Pure and Simple is cheap and a great resource for many mothers to have handy in the early days when breastfeeding questions pop up all the time. Two other "props" that come in handy: A sturdy breastfeeding pillow, like My Breast Friend, helps to position baby well and some moms like having a nipple ointment, like Medela or Lansinoh medical grade lanolin, to soothe sore nipples.

Look for places to talk with other nursing mothers in person after about 6 weeks after baby's birth, like LLL meetings or meetings held just for nursing mothers at your local hospital. You might be surprised at how much you have in common with other mothers, even with the simple commonality of breastfeeding and how much it can relieve some stress of becoming a mother by just talking with other mothers.

3. If you like to read, a book about the new mother, her feelings, what other mothers experience, how to recognize signs of baby blues vs. depression, how to prepare for the post-partum period, whhat partners can do to help in the transition *after* baby's birth, etc. Truly an invaluable resource for the new mother, and those who support her and baby. Sally Placksin's is a classic and a personal favorite of mine.

Best wishes for a joyful birth for your family and transition in the early weeks/months!

[LittleBrownDog]

Originally Posted by jgracefrank

Also, do any of you have a recommendation as to what I should birth in, clothes-wise. I'm assuming it makes more sense to just have a long shirt or a nightgown type thing, but the idea of walking around pant-less for hours makes me uncomfortable.

Congratulations on your upcoming birth! I just wanted to comment on this part, I was all worked up about what to wear with my first labor- I ended up being naked or wearing a hospital gown like a robe for most of the labor. I am majorly self-concious but in labor, I truly didn't care who was around, I was naked or big old open shirt the majority of the time! This time around I'm thinking tank top and I love the idea of a sarong!

[amygoforth]

Originally Posted by GinaRae

You may be surprised at how EASY it is to fling everything off you and go naked during labor and delivery

EXACTLY! Where what feels comfy, then shed as necessary.

As far as pads and such, I'd just advise against Always. That brand made me itch (sorry, TMI), and I've heard that isn't uncommon in that brand. The problem was solved after I switched brands.

[jgracefrank]

Thanks for all of the advice, ladies. I have to say, when I read that a few of you thought I was a "female transitioning to male," I laughed out loud. And when I read the posts to my husband... he laughed too. (= So much for common acronyms, eh?

My concern is what to wear during my birthing time. I agree... I'll probably be over my modesty by the time it occurs, but I just hate the thought of being pantless. And also, if I'm pantless and walking around my house, will I be leaking fluid on everything? Sorry... again, another dumb question from a first time mom.

A beach towel around my waist sounds like a good idea. I'll have to ask my midwife what her homebirthers usually do.

Thanks again!
~Jillian

[alegna]

I didn't use depends. Just overnight pads. They worked fine for me and though I was paranoid, I didn't bleed on anything but the pads

FOOD.... lots of food. Snacks, muffins, fruit, meals, etc. Everyone who wants to help- have them bring you food for the next two weeks.

-Angela

[jbobys]

I LOVE Depends! I wore them while I was in labor for #1~ so I wasnt leaking everywhere and then for a couple days after birth of #1 and 2. Plan on doing it again!

As far as what to wear? I think Ill start with a tank and t-shirt, and yoga pants or shorts (depends when needed). Mainly so i can walk around outside. ill be wearing only the tank into the tub, if i need to get out, ill use a towel for the bottom (im SUPER modest! LOL)

id recommend having ICE (chopped), water, gatorade as well as light snacks for labor, bigger meals ready to whip out of the freezer for afterwards