Beautiful Babies Due in 2011 (Combined Group)

[annashope]

Good morning girls

Ashley with my son I was induced at 41 weeks after I spent 3 weeks at 3 cm and it was also very very easy and smooth and my son was born 6 hours later so don't worry if that is what you will have to have.

We have hope I am so sorry about what your are having to go through but please do not lose all hope yet sometimes beta fluctuates. I know from firsthand experience unfortunately how painful beta hell is but I am so happy to read how amazing of a relationship you and DH have and please don't let yourself lose heart...you will have a baby it just takes a few tries for many of us. You are in my thoughts today

Blair I just love your pic and you are truly all belly girl I cannot believe how tiny you are at 20 weeks...what ever you are doing must be right

Leora it was wonderful hearing from you please know you and David are in my thoughts and I understand why you cannot come on this board more often but please know I am here to listen and be here for you if you need anything at all...even just to vent. PS I agree with everyone on getting a second opinion. I was never diagnosed with IC I have a TAC just as a precaution because of cervical surgery but it gave me such a peace of mind this pregnancy.

Kat welcome to team blue

Ryan I am so sorry to hear about all the difficulty you are having with breastfeeding I hope you feel better soon. As for babies sleeping on the bellies my son who is now 11 would only fall asleep on his belly when he was a baby and not that I am advocating breaking the rules but he grew up fine. Up until 1995 doctors insisted on putting babies on their bellies and both my siblings grew up that way so I think you have to do what works for you

Rio I am so sorry about the sore nipples. Is the nipple cream not helping at all? what about the gel pads in between feedings? or nipple shells? How is the c-section scar?

had my OB appt today and I am now 70% effaced which for me is a lot (my cervix is now 5-6 mm) but no dilation yet so now we just sit and wait Yesterday was a very special anniversary for me I officially crossed 3 years without cancer (Praise God)...It is hard to believe that 3 years ago I was looking at a very real possibility of a hysterectomy and was told I would never have children and here we are 3 years later about to welcome our precious son into our family...oh brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it all. Anyways so all is calm here although I think I am very much nesting now. As for the last belly shots I will show a before and after pregnancy pics shortly and you can see just how huge I have become...lol

[lou71]

Ryann -- what did your doc say? Is it mastitis? HOpe you are at least a little bit better.

wehavehope -- Hoping your beta is good news today!

mamaboo -- Nice to hear from you. I'm sorry you have to be on bed rest for so long but glad your baby is doing well.

Ashley -- I don't know what my hgb/hct levels were exactly. The RN left a message and said "low". I will ask at my next appt on 8/10 though and will let you know. I want to know too but didn't feel like calling again and again. I just really wanted to know if I passed my GD test. I guess I don't agree with inducing you on 10/16 either and I'm glad you stuck up for yourself. I can see if maybe you went overdue or had issues. But isn't 10/16 even before your due date? My due date is 10/14 and you are a week behind me. Weird.

Annashope -- Paul is truly a miracle! He'll be here before the month is over. Oh, and I looooove your haircut!

AFM -- Anyone see those Mamaroo moving seats for babies? http://www.4moms.com/mamaroo Anyway... I bought one for $75 off craigslist last night. It's red. I've heard babies love it so I really hope mine does. It's in the original box with instructions and everything. DH and I were playing with it last night. I wish I could fit in it! I think it's good for up to around 20 lbs or so. The guy I bought it from said his baby was 10 months and 24 lbs and grew out of it in month 9. I guess at 10 months babies would rather move around and be mobile since they are close to walking. So for 8-9 months... I think it may be a good investment!

[to_have_fun08]

Lou - Yey for the mamaroo and that is an awesome price. I had a mamaroo on my list and decided against it. A friend of mine had twins and neither one like it. I know all kids are different but i also got a free swing from my sister so I am going to be the thrifty person and not get the mamaroo. Hope i don't regret it.

Anna - You look awesome.. Love the baby bump..

[WeHaveHope]

Beta down even further to 712
Nurse was the one who called so stl waiting for my RE to call with instructions. I am devastated but I've cried all my tears in the last two days. I have no more tears in me now.

[kjm1824]

Kat - Congrats on it being a little boy. How exciting. Glad all is well!!

RIo - I hope Lizzy starts gaining soon. Hopefully the c-section and nipple pain will start to improve but it must be hard feeding every 2 hours. It must be hard to get any sleep. I'm praying for things to get better. Thank you for all the advise and great tips on good sales.

Leora - I agree with all the others about 2nd opinion on getting a TAC. I am glad that you are able and are starting to think about "next" time. I was worried about insurance paying for you again - so glad they will!! I know it has to be a tough decision. You are a very strong person and have a great relationship. You are always in my prayers. I hope you realize that you truly have the whole world supporting and pulling for you.

Blair - You look great - all belly!! I know you don't think it but - I remember being that "little". You are doing great! Your comment about the Blizzard almost had me running out the door to get on. Gotta watch what food you talk about on this board!!

Barbara - Brooke is so cute and happy. I just know you are spoiling her a ton!!

Ryann - Hope you are on your way to feeling better. That sounds awfully painful -sorry. lets us know how you are doing.

Mamaboo - sorry that you have to be on such extended bedrest. Hang in there!!

Ashley - I'm glad you are sticking up for you and your baby. I don't understand why they want to induce so early. Hope you get some great pics with the 3d ultrasound. How's Texas?

Anna - I am so happy for you. Great pictures, you truly look wonderful pregnant. Sounds like Paul will be arriving pretty soon. You have done such an awesome job getting him to 37 weeks and beyond.

Wehavehope - I am so sorry about your latest beta. Let us know what the RE says. I still hope that this is still a viable pregnancy and the drop is from a vanishing twin. Take care of yourself.

AFM: I see OB Monday afternoon. I start 30 hours next week - 2 full days, 3 half. I think I am going to be glad. I feel great all morning but by afternoon the pressure on my bladder is so bad it is hard to get up and down from a chair, bend over or anything that puts more pressure. Then I am useless at home because all I want to do is lay down to get the pressure off. People have suggested getting one of those maternity belts to hold the belly up but I don't have back pain and most of the time I don't even want the added pressure of my pants or underwear on my bladder. What do you guys think?

[blairwh58]

Kjm- thanks for the encouragement. I just wanted to chime in on the maternity belt. I got one after my doctor recommended it because of the pressure on my low back. I'm not going to lie it does feel great without the added pressure, but there are some downfalls. First- the babies seem to hate it. As soon as the belt goes on they start moving around like crazy and usually don't stop until I give up and take the belt off. On top of that it can be added pressure on your bladder, and usually I only wear it a little at a time. I'm sure things would be different since your little ones are already bigger and have less space than mine. Good luck.

[lou71]

Beta down even further to 712
Nurse was the one who called so stl waiting for my RE to call with instructions. I am devastated but I've cried all my tears in the last two days. I have no more tears in me now.

I'm really sorry. I was hoping for a different outcome.

[margi26]

Lou: You look fabulous!! Enjoy your shower this weekend--I am sure it will be wonderful. Sorry about your GERD, though Sounds miserable....maybe some recliner-sleeping might help you out.

Rio: Hope little Lizzy gets rid of the “sleepies” and gets to gaining some weight. I am sure she will. And hope that you are healing and in less pain. And thanks for all the wonderful “tips” and sales you direct us to!!

Anna: So sorry that you are feeling so bad. No need to apologize!! You poor thing. Especially the heat. Yes, I hear you on the heartburn and sleeplessness. I have awoken to vomiting which then leads to a bloody nose 4 of the past 6 mornings. (sorry tmi here too). Not sure what to do...I am taking what I can. Have you tried sleeping up in a recliner? It doesn’t solve all my issues, but it does help. Nursery is coming slowly--but we got our cribs and bedding. Dear MIL also splurged and got us an expensive double stroller that we hadn’t really even considered because of the price. It is side by side, instead of face to face/back to face as the one I had looked at, but it weights half as much and has wonderful reviews so I am sure we will love it. And Annas? 13 days and counting for Paul’s entry into the world!!!

**Anna: **Just read your new post--you look gorgeous--both pre- and pregnant!! Indeed you are all belly. And I got teary myself reading about your 3 year cancer-free anniversary. It is indeed a wonderful blessing.

SD: How are you feeling? I see your posts helping others, but not much on how you are doing....

Blair: You are no where near chunky...you look fabulous and all belly!! It is great...be proud you are able to gain the weight--it is best for babies. Congratulations on hitting 20 weeks!!! More than half way there fellow-twinny-mom-to-be!!

Wehavehope: I posted on the other board for you...but hang in there. This is a difficult journey and “beta hell” is no fun. ((((HUGS)))) to you. I am still praying for a miracle for you.

Chris: Sorry that Jake was stubborn and they didn’t get pictures of the heart, but glad all else is good.

Kim: Sorry that your job is getting too much for you...it does indeed feel weird for me to be returning to work, when others in my “position” are heading out of work. We shall see how far it lasts. My back has been killing me the past couple days as I have made more efforts to be active. ASK for help....gotta remember!!!


Ryann: So sorry you are sick... Not what you need at this time. Hope the doctor had something that will help you feel better quickly.


Deftonesmo: I am ON IT with the amazon deal...great deal...I have started to have diapers sent to me and with the monthly automatic set up you save even more. I am “addicted” to Amazon as well.

Barbara: Brooke is beautiful!! Thanks for taking time to share a cute photo!

Kat: Congratulations on Team Blue!! And glad that all went well with your exam. Half a pound...it is indeed amazing when you think about how rapidly they are actually growing.

Leora: As others have said, it is really good to hear from you...and to hear that you are thinking ahead towards the future and that there won’t be any issues with coverage. I am sure that you will get yourself the best care needed. I know that cycling again will be extra painful, but we will all be cheering you on and holding your hand when needed. Take extra care of yourself as you heal, physically, mentally and emotionally. (HUGS)

Mamaboo: Sorry for all your stress....hang in there...bed rest can get very difficult: believe me, I know!!! But we have to do what is best for sweet LO. I hope that all went well with MFM today. Take care of yourself.

Ashley: Seems like all is going well--although sorry about the conflict with OB regarding your “induction”. I agree with you...no reason to just schedule one now without a reason. Stick to your convictions--it is your little girl!!

AFM: Well...my OB was a bit hesitant about it, but he did give me the go-ahead to return to work next week. If I have any bleeding or too much BH I am to call office immediately. His stipulation was that I only return half time--he really doesn't think I can do any more than that. DH and my mom are against my returning at all, but my thought is if I don't try now--in a few more weeks I definitely won't be up for it. So--for the past couple days I have made efforts to do more--run some errands, etc to try to push myself a bit to get ready. Unfortunately, my back has been killing me as a result. I have the cradle/belt thing--not the most comfortable, but I am giving it a try. OB says no topical things allowed, so just trying not to overdo it I guess is really all I can do. Wish me luck with next week (I go to work on Tuesday)!!

[WeHaveHope]

My dearest friends,
First of all I want to thank each and everyone of you ladies for being there for me through my darkest hours. The last 48 hours have been a rollercoaster unlike any other. I went from feeling at my highest thinking I was carrying twins to most likely loosing both. I will keep this a bit short as I am exhausted from these past few days. Not physically but emotionally and mentally exhausted. I went today for the repeat Beta and unfortunately it had gone down to the 700's. My RE and i discussed it and i will continue on my meds until Monday. This way we can feel comfertable that we did not stop the meds too early. Unfortunately, I know in my heart that the Beta will be lower on Monday meaning that I did in fact have a miscarriage of both.  My RE is certain that both embabies attached because of the elevated Beta levels. My RE is baffled as we are as we are. With a first Beta of 275 and then a second Beta of 1,513 we were sure that all was progressing. But we were wrong. My RE is not optimistic at this point. He does not believe that this is going to turn around and end in a viable pregnancy. And I agree. I felt pregnant the last two weeks. I know it's weird but I did. I no longer feel pregnant. And when I saw the two little clots I knew my pregnancy had come to an early end. I have cried nonstop the last two days. This felt like we were so close to bringing home that baby or babies we have longed for such a long time. We have decided to continue the meds until Monday. I will go in for one more Beta. If the result is what I know and feel in my heart it is going to be then we are at the end of this road. For the first time today I was able to ask questions and think about moving forward.  My RE explained that we will have to wait until my Hcg levels go back to zero and that nay take several weeks.  Then AF will presumably come and we can start the process all over again. We talked about progesterone and the vaginal suppositories and I have requested to increase to three or four suppositories per day instead of two. Maybe it was the progesterone levels. Maybe it was something else but we will never know. Hoping and praying that my babies stay with me for 9 months next time. We so much desire this. 
I don't know if any of you believe in spirits but I will share with you a story. I few years ago I woke up in the middle of the night to find a glowing white figure flying over my bed. You would think that I would have been terrified out of my mind but I was not. There was something very soothing and familiar about this light. The next day I received a phone call that a very good friend of mine had been killed the night before about the same time that I had my experience. My friend had been talking about leaving her husband for years and that night was like many nights were she was planning on leaving again. This time her husband became infuriated and shot her in the head twice from behind with her two small children in the house. I believe that she came to visit me that night. She was such a gentle sprit and that is exactly what I felt that night. I tell you this because my miscarriage was on Wednesday. On Tueday morning I told my husband that on Monday night I had felt someone kiss my cheek gently in the middle of the night. Again something that would ordinarily scare someone did not scare me. I felt like it was very gentle and loving. On Tuesday night or early Wednesay morning I woke up to a male and female figure in my bedroom. I was not frightened it was calming in every sense. They did not stay long and then visited me once more before the sun came up.  I tell you this because I believe that these were angles coming to take care of my two little angles. No one can tell me any different. I believe they visited me so that I would feel a sense of peace in my heart that my little ones were going to be taken care of. I never met them, never even felt them, but loved them with every fiber of my being and always will.

[riogirl71]

Well Lizzy only gained 1 oz in 2 days and they want to see 1 to 2 oz a day. So i am on the mommy torture plan, pedis words, i have to feed her every 2 hours for about 40 min, then pump right after she feeds every time and only get one 3 hr break. I am exhausted and frustrated, iam just so worried about her, not to mention sore as heck. I tried hydrogel, nipple balm but the friction is too much. If this doesnt work by monday then i need to supplement with formula and if that doesnt work then we need to test her for metabolic issues. I was sobbing last night from being so worried sick,and in so much pain and only getting 2 hrs of sleep. I am really worried so please send me all your good fattening thoughts and prayers!

Annas congrats on your anniversary! My dh and i celebrated his 10 yr cancer free one! I am so happy that you are about to meet paul after all you went through! You are a beautiful and strong woman!

Blair you look super adorable!

Wehave hope. I am really sorry

Margi take it easy hun even if you feel better!

Kjm sorry you are getting so sore, hopefully you can get some rest with part time!

Mamaboo glad all is well, i cant imagine how hard bed rest is with a toddler

Lou good luck and have fun at your shower!

Ashley good for you for speaking up!!

[gina55]

Rio: when the boys weren't gaining enough weight with breastmilk the neonatologist had me pump for 5 minutes and then breastfeed. The milk towards the end of the feeding (hind milk) is much more fatty and higher in calories. Within a day they both gained over an ounce. Be sure that her mouth is really wide open and over most of your nipple, my DD wasn't latching on properly and for 2 weeks I cried from the pain while I fed her. Also make sure shes not putting her tongue into the roof of her mouth as that can cause soreness too. If you do use a formula get the Neosure(Similac)its a higher calorie formula (22 vs. 20) and it comes in the 2 oz. ready to feed bottles or in a powder. They definitely carry it at Babies R Us. I know 2 calories doesn't seem like alot but it is for their tiny bodies. Maybe start sooner with one feeding a day to give her a little boost and your sore nipples a break. Wishing you lots of luck and I'll be praying that your little princess starts to gain weight.

[klinger13]

Well Lizzy only gained 1 oz in 2 days and they want to see 1 to 2 oz a day. So i am on the mommy torture plan, pedis words, i have to feed her every 2 hours for about 40 min, then pump right after she feeds every time and only get one 3 hr break. I am exhausted and frustrated, iam just so worried about her, not to mention sore as heck. I tried hydrogel, nipple balm but the friction is too much. If this doesnt work by monday then i need to supplement with formula and if that doesnt work then we need to test her for metabolic issues. I was sobbing last night from being so worried sick,and in so much pain and only getting 2 hrs of sleep. I am really worried so please send me all your good fattening thoughts and prayers!

Rio - Maribel went through the same thing. Once we started supplementing with formula, Maribel gained 10.5 oz in 8 days! This compared to 4 oz in her first 2 WEEKS. She was drinking lots of breastmilk from me (if we looked at # of dirty/wet diapers and good amounts I was pumping) but her doc was thinking that my breastmilk may just not have enough calories to help her get over that first gaining hurdle. I was hoping to discontinue the formula after she gained the weight but honestly, she's more satisfied and I'm less of a snack bar if we still use some formula. So I'm still breastfeeding but also supplementing. Please don't take the mommy torture plan so far that you get yourself sick or worn out - Lizzy will be fine if you do have to supplement and you'll be able to give her and DS more of your time & energy.

[BlissfulCS]

Wow! lots to catch up on.

Blair- you are adorable! Your bump is perfect and you have still stayed so slender. Just gorgeous. Glad things are going along well. Its just wild that you are already well over half way there. I am so happy for you.

Rio- I wanted to let you know that I finally ordered something from Zulily. I got a cute onsie that said iPood on it with the iPod logo and some designer sunglasses. Thanks for the link. Sorry little Lizzy isn't picking up weight and that you are in pain (nipples AND your c-sec scar). Hang in there mama.

Leora- it was so good to hear from you. I know you must still really be hurting from your loss and I believe you will be able to experience the joy of carrying your baby to full term. It was inspiring to hear the hope in your last message about your next visit to the RE. Please keep us posted if you are comfortable. We will stalk you either way though!

Anna- whoa mama! What a hottie! And of course I am talking about the "after" photo with the bump. Lol. You are gorgeous in both pics. It was cool to see the comparison. Congratulations on 3 years cancer free. I lost my father to cancer when he was only 41 and know how tough and scary the disease is. Glad you guys kicked its a$$!

WHH- so sorry about the beta hell you are going through. Try to stay positive. I know it is tough.

Lou- my friend's baby's heart stopped three days prior to her delivering (they estimate). Don't worry! I know you will be just fine. Sorry I scared you. Hope you are enjoying your shower!

Chris- yay for a great scan!

Margi- glad you are back to work...but take it super easy lady!

Ryann- sounds Soooooooo painful! Hope you get to feeling better soon.

Barbara- thanks for sharing the pick of your little princess. She is so cute!!!

Ashley- I think it is great you are pushing back on your OB. I think it is a little goofy to go so early and decide that so soon. Makes me wonder if there is a vacation or something being planned around...seriously. Seems strange. Good work advocating for yourself.

Kat- congratulations on a great visit and knowing with certainty that you have a little boy growing healthy and strong. Go blue!

Sorry if I missed anyone. What a week on the road! Spent every night in a different hotel and slept until 9 today! Trying to keep up but its tough. Of course I am pulling for you all!

AFM- Okay, I have been wanting to ask about this for a LONG time but its kind of an embarrassing subject and this board is just not that anonymous anymore

You may remember that I went to the doctor at 11 weeks because I had discharge and when he did the pelvic exam he found a couple of large wads of estrace pills that I had taken vaginally for the first 9 weeks of pregnancy per my RE's orders, but that the pills hadn't dissolved, they had just congealed. Because it had been so long and there was an ammonia like odor the OB went ahead and prescribed a topical cream for bacterial vaginosis (even though he didn't test for it). I asked him if I was at higher risk like I had read on the internet of PT labor and PROM because of the BV and he said no, the correlation between BV and adverse pregnancy outcomes had been disproven.

I did a little more research and found no such thing, in fact everything I found suggests that I am 3 to 6 times more likely to have PROM or PT labor because sometimes the bacteria get into the upper reproductive system and cause the membranes and amniotic sac to soften. Many studies state that as a result of the upper reproductive infection that topical creams are ineffective treatments and that an oral antibiotic is necessary to knock out the infection and change potential pregnancy outcomes.

Well at my next visit I told the OB that I still had itching and discharge and he then...with no testing...presribed a yeast infection pill assuming the topical cream for BV created a yeast infection. I took it and two weeks later had discharge, itching, and odor again. So I called to get an appointment and let them know that I wanted an oral prescription this time if it was BV. The OB called back and said they were very busy and that I didn't need to come in because he would just call the script in for me. So to this date I still haven't actually been tested for BV (although I am pretty confident that is what it is after having those pills there for so long and based on the symptoms).

I was okay with not coming in, because I wanted the oral antibiotic anyway not getting it the first time in case the infection was in the upper reproductive system. Here is the thing though...I am so worried that after nearly 15 weeks of potential infection the damage has already been done. One study I found had 17% of women with BV and recurrent BV with adverse pregnancy outcomes. I know that I can't undo the past, but of course I am still worried.

Wondering if any of you had BV during pregnancy (30% of women do and some don't even know it) and if you have any words of inspiration or advice? Please feel free to PM me as I know its kind of an personal topic.

I am so upset with my OB for not addressing it with oral meds sooner. But I am even more upset with my RE who I told TWICE that I thought something was wrong because I was occasionally passing small pieces of clumps of pills. He didn't even check and told me not to worry about it. That was at 6 weeks! Just think of all the damage that could have been done since then. Ugh!

Alisa

[leorira11]

I was going to label this *crashing* -- but I used to belong here... so I'm not sure if this is crashing or not -- but I have a few off-topic questions anyways -- y'all will forgive me!

As for the TAC -- I joined a group called AbbyLoopers (support group for TAC) and wrote about our whole story. So far, a lot of women and 2 well-known TAC doctors (Dr. Haney from Chicago and Dr. Summers) have responded to me. Everyone thinks that I must have a cervical insufficiency issue and that I probably can't carry to term without a cerclage of some kind. One woman is Israeli and we've been emailing about her specific experience and how the Israeli system works. She had to have a TAC (because of a previous cervical procedure, TAC was her only choice) and she even got the national health care system to PAY for her trip AND her surgery in the USA because her doctor wrote a letter that she needed to have the surgery and it couldn't be done here. I'm going to look into that. The other option is a TVC - which might have a higher failure rate (75-80% success as opposed to up to 90% success with TAC), but is a much more common procedure and easily done here in Israel (and there is no surgery).

I'm curious about why people chose to do their TAC or TVC during pregnancy vs pre-pregnancy. If I recall correctly, Karen and Anna did theirs pre-pregnancy (both TAC, right?) and Amanda did hers late in the first-trimester. From what I understand, the advantage of doing it pre-pregnancy is the surgery (either TVC or TAC) has a slight risk of causing a miscarrriage if done while pregnant. The disadvantage of doing it pre-pregnancy is that if you miscarry, the cerclage can interfere with passing the lost baby. Right? So how did you decide which to do?

My high risk OB (who I am SERIOUSLY doubting right now ) said that since I don't need a cerclage at all (which I think I do...) that it would be in the way and might cause other complications. What are the down sides to getting a cerclage? Even if I don't need it, how can it hurt? That's why I'm really leaning towards at least a TVC, but I'm seriously interested in a TAC.

I just feel like I don't know what I'm doing anymore... I feel like there is always another hurdle. First, the diagnosis of PCO and the rounds of Clomid. Then the diagnosis of MFI and the rounds of IVF. Now -- another medical issue that is preventing us from having babies.... how many obstacles can one couple have? (and of course, I keep questioning if this is a 'sign' that we shouldn't be doing this....)

[LYD10]

Oh Leora - that's really good news about the healthcare system covering the TAC expenses of the other woman! you are a go getter - you can totally get an OB to write a letter like that. i dont know about TVCs - i've heard a lot of people here say not to waste your time on it. maybe someone more knowlegeable on IC can chime in here. but i say - no more chances - go for the best and you'll be bringing the next baby home for sure!!!

as for signs - no way! dont even go down that road. doctors who make poor decisions - yes. those are everywhere. signs - no.

now, i am the one who should label this "crashing"