We bought all our nursery furniture from Ikea and I love it. Easy to dress up with custom drawer pulls from Etsy…
Oh man, I haven’t started the furniture shopping yet. Most of our house is ikea or consignment finds. Anyone got any feedback on ikea baby stuff? Too cheap/breakable? Somehow I can’t get my head around putting a baby in something that wasn’t solid wood… And I think most (though not all) of Ikea’s stuff is that compressed particle board stuff.
Side note - my gelding is confirmed sound and we just moved in to the showgrounds today! My last hurrah is a go!! Wish us luck tomorrow!
Eta: ah Heineken you read my mind! Which ikea pieces did you get?
I just went to a Just Between Friends consignment sale and I scored big time.
I got over 1K worth of baby stuff for about $400. All gently used and in great shape. You can’t tell the swing or the pac n play were ever even used. And the Thule Chariot bike child tag along with accessories I got for $200 in fantastic shape… that retails for well over $600. I called DH right when I saw it and said… we won’t be able to use this bike trailer until next summer, but dang that’s a steal of a deal. He agreed and told me to snatch it up!
I also got a cool wooden rocking horse. Can’t wait to take newborn pics of Little S and his first horse. 
Foaling announcement! Wee girl was born on August 16, at 12:50am, weighting a whopping 4lbs 10oz. Despite the tinyness (I’m only ~4’8" myself…) she is healthy and awesome. We’re both feeling and doing well.
Things I’ve discovered;
-Breast feeding hurts. Stock up on lanolin, nipple balm and those reusable gel pads you keep in the fridge. And don’t leave medical care without having someone help you out with your latch.
-Engourgement. When your milk comes in, it feels like your breasts are being ripped apart. Especially if 4lbs of baby is not drinking enough to relieve pressure OR if they’re not feeding well (ask me how I know…) Don’t be afraid to ask anyone/everyone for help, or engage the services of a lactation consultant. Also don’t be afraid to cry. Ice packs can be your friend.
-Hormones. 2-3 days postpartum, shit hits the fan. You love, you cry, you pity, you cry. I’m told this is short-lived. Will report back.
-Home extras - if your hospital doesn’t supply you with a squirt bottle, bring one, if they do, take to home. Stock up on saline solution. This will be your saving grace for your first few days of post partum pee.
-Lastly, it’s actually awesome. Your baby will be awesome. And I’m really not maternal at all.
I’ll keep track of more of the “nobody told me’s” as they come up! Good luck ladies!
mscho, Congratulations! Thanks for the tips. And keeps us all posted.
Congrats mscho!!!
Just the word engorgement makes me cringe…gulp.
IKEA: here’s what I know. My sister, who is a baby “stuff” consultant and does a ton of research (is a nurse/practitioner by degree) suggested not spending the big $$$ on the furniture. The Ikea stuff (all of it) is safety tested higher than most of the expensive brands. It is easily painted with non-toxic chalk paint and is solid wood. We bought one of the cribs in white, a nightstand, dresser (as changing table) and bookshelf because our kid won’t outgrow anything but the crib. White matched the rest of the decorating scheme too so no chalk paint needed but that was our choice.
Yay mscho!!! One more out, so many to go 
I feel like in 10-20 years our kids are going to need a “I’m a Product of the Pregnant Riders Support Group” thread!
[QUOTE=drmgncolor;8279546]
and those of us who are considered to be of an “advanced maternal age.”
I had the Maternit21 test done at 11 weeks and for some reason my insurance tried to deny. I don’t know if it was incorrect coding or what, but Sequenom was fabulous and took over because there should have been no question that I be covered. That’s a pretty expensive blood test if your insurance won’t cover it![/QUOTE]
Yes, also in pt’s with advanced maternal age…
Oh gosh, baby furniture… I better start thinking about that. And I need to start thinking about daycares… How long did you all take off for maternity leave or going to take off… So much to do, but I feel like I just told everyone I am pregnant that I want to enjoy it for a little… In 2 weeks I’ll start all the planning, just give me 2 weeks…
[QUOTE=JLC;8281298]
And I need to start thinking about daycares… How long did you all take off for maternity leave or going to take off… [/QUOTE]
Start looking at daycares yesterday. And when you find one you like, get your name on the waiting list last month. Not kidding.
I plan to take 6 weeks and then come back on a modified schedule until we can get into daycare (hopefully in January). But I work from home and have a very flexible schedule as does DH so we can tag team.
I’m taking 8 weeks with MIL babysitting after that, and we’re still on a waiting list for daycare…just in case 
And fortunately I live super super close to work so I can come home for lunch too, and winter is hubby’s off season so he’ll be home earlier too.
Hi Everyone, lots of topics!
Baby furniture - I bought from Babies R’ Us, and was very impressed with the composition/build of the options. Way cheaper than pottery barn or restoration hardware and fit my sense of style better than IKEA. Plus, remember 20% off with Bed Bath and Beyond coupons, plus 10% back on them when you put it in your registry! That said, I plan to have him in this
for the first few months in our room.
MSCHO - I AM SO JEALOUS. And lord if the hormones get worse than me wanting to claw my skin off because it was making me claustrophobic, I’ll be a mess.
I am taking of 8 weeks, then working part time for 16 more.
New moms-to-be - I concur this thread has been a lifesaver, good luck on your journey. One rec, head to your local child clothing consignment or re-sale store for maternity clothes. You’ll want to burn it all anyway in about 9 months, so spend as little as possible.
37 weeks and the baby dropped between yesterday and today. I felt like my boobs were up around my chin and then this morning…they weren’t. My friend and co-worker noticed right away too so I know I’m not crazy. Let’s move this along little guy!
Congrats, mscho and good luck Heineken!!
[QUOTE=Nickelodian;8281583]
New moms-to-be - I concur this thread has been a lifesaver, good luck on your journey. One rec, head to your local child clothing consignment or re-sale store for maternity clothes. You’ll want to burn it all anyway in about 9 months, so spend as little as possible.[/QUOTE]
oh yes! And there’s so many normal clothes that work too, my favorite (and still most comfortable) things to wear are all non maternity clothes. Yoga pants, maxi skirts, and dresses…after about 25 weeks dresses became my best friend! Being a seamstress I’m always looking for pieces that I can take in after the baby too.
Heineken are you having any change in pains now that he’s dropped? Been having some decently sharp pains in my lower abs/hips and directly around my belly button…dr said it’s most likely because she’s starting to drop (and she does seem a little lower).
[QUOTE=mscho;8280349]
Things I’ve discovered;
-Breast feeding hurts. Stock up on lanolin, nipple balm and those reusable gel pads you keep in the fridge. And don’t leave medical care without having someone help you out with your latch.
-Engourgement. When your milk comes in, it feels like your breasts are being ripped apart. Especially if 4lbs of baby is not drinking enough to relieve pressure OR if they’re not feeding well (ask me how I know…) Don’t be afraid to ask anyone/everyone for help, or engage the services of a lactation consultant. Also don’t be afraid to cry. Ice packs can be your friend.
-Lastly, it’s actually awesome. Your baby will be awesome. And I’m really not maternal at all.[/QUOTE]
Congratulations on the healthy, happy, tiny baby! Honestly, breastfeeding will get better. I think it’s tougher with the little guys, as they’re totally attached to nipple at first rather than breast. When I first started with my little girl, my toes would curl, my eyes would tear. It is honestly totally fine now! I was going through tubes of lanolin like crazy at first, but I don’t think I’ve touched one in a month or more now?
With regards to engorgement, use your pump or hand express until you’re comfortable, and freeze the milk for later use (good for two months in a fridge freezer or six in a deep freeze). Such a better problem to have than not enough milk! Just be cautious that mastitis doesn’t sneak up on you - it can be all to easy to mis-selfdiagnose early mastitis as engorgement or a blocked milk duct. If you start feeling flu-ish with sore breasts, get checked!
And a resounding YES, it really is awesome. I’ve never been a manic baby snuggler like some women I know, but I am just head-over-heels in love with my own little girl. It’s been a wonderful surprise to find out how content I am just being with her. I thought it would be a lot tougher, getting through these tiny baby days, but it is pretty amazing.
Best wishes to all the new moms on the thread, and to those expecting. Even through the crappy parts, don’t forget to enjoy and file away the little good memories.
Waiting lists!!! WHO KNEW, I’ll call today because there really is only 2 close to my house and convenient.
Mscho, congrats!!! Drmgncolor, interesting about the MaterniT test. My insurance tried to deny it as well, saying it was not indicated for twins. (I am also of ‘advanced maternal age’) I called my doc’s office and they said they would re- present to the insurance. That was back in Feb and I still haven’t gotten a bill so… I am just cringing to think what this all is going to look like once the bills start rolling in, since my little colts were in the NICU for 12 days $$$$$$
[QUOTE=EmJ628;8282694]
Mscho, congrats!!! Drmgncolor, interesting about the MaterniT test. My insurance tried to deny it as well, saying it was not indicated for twins. (I am also of ‘advanced maternal age’) I called my doc’s office and they said they would re- present to the insurance. That was back in Feb and I still haven’t gotten a bill so… I am just cringing to think what this all is going to look like once the bills start rolling in, since my little colts were in the NICU for 12 days $$$$$$[/QUOTE]
Oh I hope they are continuing to thrive!
Yeah, I got the insurance statement of denial and the charge from Sequenom was 3K. $3,000!! I almost fainted. After I finished freaking out, I called my insurance who confirmed the denial and emailed me a list of codes for approval. Then I called my Dr’s billing dept and forwarded them the list of codes. My Dr’s billing dept called the Sequenom rep and the next thing I knew, I got a note from my insurance approving the coverage and the charge had decreased to $800. Of that $800, I was only responsible for $100 of it, or something like that.
This was also back in February or March. Gotta love insurance. :rolleyes:
[QUOTE=drmgncolor;8282804]
Oh I hope they are continuing to thrive!
Yeah, I got the insurance statement of denial and the charge from Sequenom was 3K. $3,000!! I almost fainted. After I finished freaking out, I called my insurance who confirmed the denial and emailed me a list of codes for approval. Then I called my Dr’s billing dept and forwarded them the list of codes. My Dr’s billing dept called the Sequenom rep and the next thing I knew, I got a note from my insurance approving the coverage and the charge had decreased to $800. Of that $800, I was only responsible for $100 of it, or something like that.
This was also back in February or March. Gotta love insurance. :rolleyes:[/QUOTE]
Ask your doctor what the maximum amount the testing company will charge you if your insurance denies the claim. I did the Progenity test because I was not of advanced maternal age and so if my insurance denied the claim, the most I would be billed was $79. My doctor said every month or so, each companies change their policies and have “specials.” MaterniT21, Progenity, ect are all the same test just by different companies. So I would go for whichever is cheapest, heaven forbid if the claim is denied :).
[QUOTE=caballogurl;8282830]
Ask your doctor what the maximum amount the testing company will charge you if your insurance denies the claim. I did the Progenity test because I was not of advanced maternal age and so if my insurance denied the claim, the most I would be billed was $79. My doctor said every month or so, each companies change their policies and have “specials.” MaterniT21, Progenity, ect are all the same test just by different companies. So I would go for whichever is cheapest, heaven forbid if the claim is denied :).[/QUOTE]
My Dr doesn’t offer a choice. They use MaterniT21, but I should never have been denied in the first place, so it’s a moot point for me. I found blogs on the internet that suggested Sequenom would shake the charge down to like $250 out of pocket but honestly, I don’t know.
Good question for the younger mother to ask her Dr though if she still wants the test, but doesn’t fall within the insurance guidelines for coverage.
