36 weeks is HERE! I am positive the first two trimesters were put on slow motion because they felt like they lasted a year but this third trimester is flying by luckily!
*She now weighs almost 6 lbs (Brooke was 7 lbs when she was born!). I have a doctor’s appointment in a few days and then I will have an appointment once a week after that!
*A picture I caught of Andrew talking to her… he likes to make plans and talk about the future with her.
*My mood has improved 500%. I am feeling like myself again mentally and that has been amazing. There were a few tough weeks there around 31ish weeks but things have bounced back for me. This part of pregnancy is making me think that I could definitely do this again (when for a while there Andrew wasn’t allowed to talk about having another baby after this one… now he is allowed to;).
*As far as running goes—> I’ve been doing about 3-6 miles a day (except on Sundays) and that is what feels best right now! Most of those miles also include walking portions too (i.e. run for .75 miles, walk for .25 miles). I’m either on the treadmill, running with Andrew or doing circles around our house right now because I don’t want to be 3 miles away from home and have my water break while I’m by myself or something.
*I had the most real dream (I swear all of my dreams feel like they are real and it takes me a while to remind myself that they aren’t) the other night that we had her and she was hanging out with us at home. I was SO BUMMED when I woke up from that dream. I woke up Andrew at 3 in the morning to tell him how sad I was about it ha.
*Another thing besides my mood improving, food is tasting much better again. Not as good as non-pregnant life but so much better than the previous months of pregnancy (where only 1-2 things sound good at a time). Salads have made a comeback (especially if the salads have fruit on them) and other foods I haven’t eaten much of while pregnant. I remember my first meal after having Brooke and how it tasted like gold so I’ve already prepared a list of what I want right after delivery because I am so excited.
*Oh and pie is tasting really good right now… just in time for Thanksgiving.
*I feel like I am carrying this baby lower than I did with Brooke. I remember my ribs hurting big time at this point when I was pregnant with Brooke because of how often she kicked me in the ribs all day… but this time, my ribs feel great because she hasn’t come near them with her kicking. I dropped with Brooke the day before I had her so either I’ve started dropping earlier or I just am carrying this baby lower.
*While I run, my breathing is pretty normal. BUT when I go up the stairs in our house, it sounds like I am on my last yasso of a workout running at my top speed. I get so out of breath. Turns out I have not included a lot of exercise during this pregnancy that involves going UP (hills, stairclimbers etc) and my body let’s me know of that every time I walk up the stairs.
*I watched a little clip on our local news channel the other day that included these tips to help women with postpartum problems! I’ll be doing my best to make these things below a part of my postpartum life!
*I cannot thank you enough for all of your tips/ideas about what to pack in my hospital bag. Those were such a huge help for me and because of you, I have my bag all packed and I feel so much more prepared this time around:) Now just to know exactly when she is going to come, how long I will be in labor for, how Brooke and Know will do while we are at the hospital and all of the other things that are outside of my control that I wish so badly I had control over ha.
*I have only had 4 Tums the entire week… my heartburn is a ton better too! I’m telling ya, this part of pregnancy has by far been my favorite.
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I have a random topic to ask you (it has been on my brain a lot)! We are having this baby right in the RSV/flu season and I am really nervous (but working on not worrying too much) about her getting sick. Who else has had a new little baby during this time of year? With Brooke I was in California and it was August and so we were at Target just a few days after she was born but with this baby we are going to be home A LOT. Our OBGYN, pediatrician (when our kids went to see him) and my ER brother doctor have told us to keep her home as much as possible the first few months but I want to hear of any tips or things that you did to help avoid your little one from getting sick—> especially with older siblings that go to school!
Brooke and I at the beach when she was 11 days old… I definitely won’t be doing that this time!
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I had a request for a list of the gear we have gotten so far for this baby! I’ll write reviews about everything as we use them but for now, here is the list (all of our nursery stuff is in this post):
*This is the car seat that we bought!
*This is the Pack ’n Play that we bought!
*We got this play gym for her!
*This multi-use cover (for the car seat and breastfeeding use mainly) and I think it is so cute!
*This diaper bag from Azaria!
*OUR STROLLER!! I will write a great review about this one but I am SO excited about the Mutsy Stroller and we will be using this all of the time (using my old running stroller for running but this stroller is for everything else).
*PS I have an older version of this jogging stroller but it still works great and I’ll use that for running with her later on.
*A lot of you recommended the Rock ’n Play so we bought this one! I can’t wait to test it out:)
*As far as carriers go—> we went with Boba!
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When did you drop with your pregnancies? How did you carry your baby/babies during your pregnancies?
Anyone else have a baby right during RSV/Flu season? Have any tips on things to do to keep these little ones as healthy as can be?
Tell me about food during your pregnancy… did it taste SO MUCH better after having your baby or did it taste good throughout your pregnancy?
83 comments
Regina parks
My 3rd babe was born in January. I was nervous with it being winter, flu season and 2 older brothers. But I kept him in for the first 2 months (our pediatrician recommends NO outside contact for the first 6 weeks regardless of the season). And me and the older 2 did have a wicked stomach bus 2 weeks after he was born but I just kept them separated as much as possible and nursed so he’d get antibodies from me. He never did get sick! Your flu shot will get to her too as well. All the hand washing. No kissing the baby on her face or touching her face. That helped a lot. Good luck!
Rochelle
Both my girls were winter babies and I didn’t stress at all. i ran errands still and went to public places especially with number two. I had to for my own sanity. I kept the baby in the car seat and had it covered the whole time – grocery shopping, church, mall, etc and neither of my kids got sick. I did keep hand sanitizer all over my house for visitors and then made sure no young kids came over for the first few weeks. Oh and if I was out and about and the baby needed changing or fed, I just did it in the car especially the first month or two.
Hope that helps. So excited for you. i have 14 weeks left until surprise baby number 3 gets here and I’m hoping the holidays make the time pass by fast because I’m so done being pregnant and ready to enjoy food again. Ha!
Katie
I had my twin boys last December we came home from the hospital the day before Christmas Eve and our first outing was to my moms house for Christmas Day! I also took them to Target about two weeks after they were born along with other outtings around town ? (and they came home at only 4.5 and 5 pounds!) Looking back it probably wasn’t the smartest but I was a new Mom trying to adjust to having twins and trying to keep my sanity! Luckily they never got sick!
We were extremely careful about everyone washing their hands AND using hand sanitizer before touching them! We never let any come to see them who was sick or had a cold! So In that respect we were very careful but I still went out on walks with them bundled up (luckily we had a mild winter) and took them out with me!
Kiersten
My baby was born in January this year. We tried to minimize trips out, but sometimes you need you get out for your sanity! I wore him in the carrier on my chest facing in and then I’d wear my husband’s coat and zip it around the carrier. People were much less likely to try and get up in his face and try and touch him. And when we were in public I’d compulsively sanitize my hands like every 2 minutes!
Polly
Definitely keep baby at home for the first couple months!!!!! A must!!!! If running errands and needing to take baby… recruit someone to come with and stay in car with baby. Be strict on hand washing …. especially for those wishing to hold her. Don’t let anyone come over if they have been sick. Yes, everyone wants to see the baby, but honesty not worth risking illness in the first couple of months. Sounds like overkill, but trust me, it isn’t not!!!!
Sara
Have you had your flu vaccine this year? If not, I recommend talking to your OBGYN about it at your next appointment. I work in the healthcare field and we recommend it to all pregnant women because it can help your body build antibodies that will protect you and your baby. Good luck wirh the rest of your pregnancy!
Kendra
My second and third were born in the end of October and beginning of November. My third is born in November and she ended up gets RSV when she was a baby. IT WAS A NIGHTMARE. I ended up in the hospital with her at 3 am one night(morning) because she was having trouble breathing and we spent the next month visiting the breathing clinic in American fork hospital twice a day and eventually once a day so they could suction her out. It was horrible. I did have two older kids, that went to school and church and life. But I keep the whole family home from church for a few weeks. I know it seems great to go and let them be social but they come home with so many germs. And I had a nursery goer at the time, thankfully your kids are older. I would take every precaution possible without losing your sanity to avoid getting RSV for that baby girl. It’s scary! But my baby girl just turned 3 and is thriving. And I’m due with my fourth in March and I’ll still be keeping us isolated ?
Jess Nelsen
Maybe this is super obvious, but I have my three kiddos wash their hands as soon as they get home from school/preschool. They’re not allowed to touch anything until they do. I also always wash my/our hands as soon as we get home from the store, or any other outing in public. We don’t get sick very often, either, so that might be a big part of why. Also, we all take a vitamin supplement with Vitamin D, which is supposed to help strengthen your immune system, among other things.
I think you also know everything you need to know about how to keep this baby safe during the winter. Don’t get caught up in fear. You are smart and observant of your kiddos, and you know to reach out to medical professionals whenever you have a concern. I’m sure that if anything happened, you’d catch it super early. That’s one of my favorite things about having three kiddos. By the third, I don’t feel like every thing I read or hear sends me into a panic or makes me doubt my parenting. Take what works for you, and discard the rest. You are a wonderful mama! Good luck with everything! :)
Dee
I had a December baby.
* I kept her out of public until April (I was sure to get out! Just not with the baby.)
*nursed her to pass on antibodies.
*her two toddler siblings could hold her, love her, etc, but I didn’t let them touch her face, mouth, nose.
*stayed away from family members until their colds or sickness were well over.
She was basically just cocooned in our house for months! She got her first cold at 18 months old so I don’t regret playing it really safe with her.
Megan
I agree with a lot of the previous comments. My second baby was born last December, and I had major anxiety about it being the height of cold/flu season as well. A huge thing was hand washing, especially for my (then) 4 year old. Anytime we came in the house from being out, everyone washed hands. I kept hand sanitizer everywhere, I like the Babyganics brand of foaming hand sanitizer, it doesn’t take long to rub in and it’s gentle for you and baby. If anyone was sick or had recently been sick or around someone sick, I told them they couldn’t visit. I even had to do this with my own mom once, when she had been around my brother’s family right before they came down with a stomach bug…I felt TERRIBLE but knew I would feel much worse with a sick baby. I also made her pediatrician appointments (the 2 week, 1 month, etc.) check ups first thing in the morning so we were there before the waiting room got crowded with sick kids.
Everything will be great, you just do the best you can and hope for the best!
Alyssa
Mine was born in Connecticut in March! He was in NICU for a week afterwards for low body temperature also :( we kept him inside for 2-3 weeks after we came home, but by mid April it was warm enough that we honestly just made sure he was well bundled outside and we started daily stroller walks and I took him to new mom groups. The only thing is, I took him all over town… but I did not let anyone else hold him except grandparents and my brother at our house.
Kelsey
Janae! You are rocking this pregnancy. So my 2nd child, Anderson, was born December 7th, 2 years ago so I feel your hesitation about exposing them. We took him to Montana for Christmas to be with my family. I was super anal about kids using hand sanitizer and I left him in his carseat alot of the time (if he was asleep). I took him to church with us after about 2 weeks but again just left him in his carseat or held him. I just really didn’t pass him around that much. I don’t think kbringing them out in public is the worst, it’s probably going to be harder for you to keep Brooke and Knox off her =). Just keep lots of hand sanitizer around the house. I am the type of person that tries not to stress or think about all the germs, but at the same time take proper precautions. You will do great- just follow your gut and don’t be afraid to set up boundaries with other people. Can’t wait to see her!
Jenny | Running On Life
Ill tell you what the nicu nurses told my sister after she had her January triplets. If someone coughs more than once (like you know for sure it wasn’t just dry air or something stuck in their throat) ask them to leave. They mean well but they sometimes don’t think about being sick.
For kids, I send hand sanitizer to school with them. It helps a lot in the winter with getting sick. Hand sanitizer when they walk in from school. Hand sanitizer every time they want to hold baby at least for the flu season.
I only had one of my 3 during flu season but I still was crazy about it. Also I had my husband take my older kids to church while I stayed home and then after they got dropped off in primary he would come home the third hour so I could go to the next wards Sacrament meeting. So if that’s an option that was a good way for me to get a little break/me time
Suzy
My little boy was born 5 weeks early last year in March then spent 4 months on oxygen. The nurses in the NICU recommended that we stay home as much as possible, avoid church for a few months, and make sure anyone who visited was up to date on their immunizations. I felt bad telling people they needed to get a shot before they could come see our baby but it kept him healthy.
I’m due with a little girl a few days after you and we plan on following the same guidelines again with her.
The Hungry Runner Girl
You gotta do what you gotta do and we plan on telling people the same thing… thank you Suzy! AHHHHH CONGRATS… we are getting so close. I hope you are feeling well!
Anna
Both my babies were winter babies. I was worried both times, but just reminded myself that breastfeeding was giving them alllllll my immunities. I also would make my son change his clothes when he got home from school and wash hands frequently of course. Little people carry so many germs on their clothing I just decided extra laubdry was worth my peace of mind! Luckily neither of my kids got sick. We definitely didn’t stay quarantined, I would’ve gone CRAZY! just tried to protect the little ones from too many touches :-)
Heidi
I am with you on being terrified of cold and flu season. We had awful experiences with RSV with my last two babies, who both got sick from their older siblings. (We have three right now.) Both times the older ones brought home sickness from preschool, and while it was no big deal for the older kids, the babies couldn’t breathe. Both babies ended up admitted to our local Children’s hospital for a week because they couldn’t breathe. The first time it happened, he was only three weeks old and stopped breathing while I was feeding him. He ended up having to be intubated. It was terrifying. I am now pregnant with our fourth, due in February. This one was not planned — I would have never planned a winter baby because I am scared of bronchiolitis. (What results from RSV, metapneumo virus, everything that clogs a baby’s airways.) I talked to my friend, who is in infectious disease research at our local Children’s hospital. She said that the biggest thing we can do is preventing the spread of germs from the older kids to the baby. That means stripping their clothes every day after preschool and scrubbing their hands with soap and water. (Which is apparently more effective than hand sanitizer.) Harsh as it sounds, don’t let the older kids touch the baby for the first few months. When you touch one of your older siblings, scrub your hands with soap and water before you touch the baby again. Make anyone taking care of the baby do the same. Limit who holds the baby — again, seems harsh, but you might consider limiting who can visit and hold the newborn in the beginning. I really don’t want to go through RSV nightmare again this year, so I’m going to try to do everything she recommended. (Which is not something that comes naturally to me, as I’ve never been someone who is paranoid about germs. But I’ve seen twice how awful respiratory illnesses are for babies.) I hope this helps!
Chrissy
I had a similar experience with a late January baby and we landed in the PICU when he was 6 weeks old for over 3 weeks with almost 2 weeks on the ventilator. Once we were home in early April we were quarantined for 6 weeks and he couldn’t leave the house and no one could come visit. But the biggest thing we learned from all that is to have masks and gloves at home for when you have guests over. It sounds like overkill but if you’ve been through the worst, it is nothing to ask your parents to put on masks when they’re holding her. We also taught our two year old that he could only kiss and touch the baby’s feet – no face, no hands, no nothing. Just feet.
The Hungry Runner Girl
Heidi and Chrissy…. I AM SO SO SORRY about what you two have been through with your little ones, this sounds so scary. Thank you so much for the tips, it means a lot to me. Thank you! And good luck Heidi, good luck with the rest of your pregnancy!
Erica
I had a December baby and she stayed in 6 weeks.
I had no other kids, but I had a mom friend who swore by hand washing routine after school and if her big kids went somewhere really germy like a play place it was bath right after.
She will get your antibodies!
Mollie
We had a December baby last year and moved three weeks later! It was terrible and we were basically not home the entire first month a half of his life. Plus we moved from somewhere hot to somewhere really cold. He did get sick right after he was born (my daughter was still in daycare…so many germs!) and they tested him for RSV. Luckily, he didn’t have that, but it was definitely nerve wracking! Our doc really encouraged breastfeeding through winter (if possible) because it helps their little immune systems!
Sharsti
My two oldest kids were born in August and my (almost) 1 year old was born November 29th. I was SO afraid of her getting sick but we made It through winter without her getting sick(she got a stuffy nose but nothing serious)! My son went to preschool, so when he got home i had him change his clothes and wash his hands. We stayed home most of winter, i did grocery pick up, and when we went to family things i kept her covered in the car seat, wrapped to me in a Happy Baby Wrap, or didn’t attend if It was too many kids. I also didnt have little kids visit till after winter(unless It was family) i know i know i was extreme, but It was worth It in my opinion.
Erin
I had a fall baby, and I think nursing was the BEST medicine for her to stay safe and healthy all winter! I made sure everyone close to her (family, babysitter, etc) was vaccinated but really that “magic milk” worked wonders!!!
Andrea
Hi Janae! Congratulations on the baby! I am so happy for you. I had my second baby right at the start of flu season and it was so stressful! He was born at 36 weeks exactly, so he was very small. My daughter had just started preschool and was sick CONSTANTLY. Here are a few tips:
1) have your older kids use a sanitizing hand wipe the second they walk out of school. Once they get home, change their clothes immediately and wash hands with soap and water.
2) if your older kids are sick, have a “sick” shirt and a “clean” shirt. Wear the sick shirt to care for the sick kid, then wash hands, change to the clean shirt, and wash hands again to hold the baby.
3) don’t let the sick kids touch or hold the baby.
4) buy a ton of Lysol sanitizing wipes and wipe surfaces, handles, and knobs as much as you can.
It’s a pain to do this, but it worked – my daughter had 8 colds from November – May (including two bouts of pneumonia) and my son didn’t get sick!
Good luck, you’ll be great!
Kristin
We’ve only had August babies and this fourth one is due any day. We’ve never dealt with RSV or any real serious illnesses, but all I️ can say is that I️ believe breastfeeding exclusively will do wonderful things for you and baby … more than anything else for sure. A girlfriend of mine gave birth to her fourth when all three of her older kids had terrible bouts of the flu – and the breastfeeding newborn never got sick! Of course we’ll be washing hands and changing grungy clothes, but there is absolutely no way we’d be a sane, functioning family if we stayed home all day for six weeks … or more! You’ll find what works for you and it will be fine.
The Hungry Runner Girl
REALLY!?!? That is so great that the newborn never got sick even though everyone else did… more motivation for me to make breastfeeding work this time around. Thank you Kristin, yeah… I don’t think we would be able to function with staying home for so long either. I hope you have a beautiful day!
Joy
-I would have my kindergartener come home and immediately change into play clothes. When my babies were first born (I’ve had two with an older sibling in school) I would sometimes even have him take a quick shower first (especially if I knew someone was sick in class).
-I didn’t go to church for 2 months. If you live close enough (which you probably do since you’re in Utah) you could go to sacrament and then swap and have Andrew go to Sunday school and relief society/priesthood (or vice versa). It was RSV season and we just switched back and forth so I still got some spiritual stuff in.
-For time alone- I would just go out for an hour or so here or there by myself when my babies were sleeping and my husband was home. I’d walk around target, meet a friend at a soda shop or lunch/dinner place for a chat, go to a friend’s house to say hello.
-Grocery pick up is amazing and well worth it so you don’t have to go in the store (Fry’s (Smith’s), Sam’s club, and Wal-mart all have grocery pick-up). If I absolutely had to take them out and about I would put them in my ergo or in a stroller with a cover. I know it’s challenging when you have older kids but to me it was worth the hassle for a couple months to stay in more than to risk them getting sick.
Becky
First of all, you’re a freaking rockstar for being able to run! Last time I ran was at like 24 weeks, and I was hobbling for days after. So crazy how pregnancy is different for everyone! I love reading your updates. We’re getting so close!!
Tonya Hancock
I don’t think I ever dropped during my pregnancy. In fact, if the doctor hadn’t ordered me to be induce, I kind of think he would still (almost 5 years later) be snuggling inside. Being kind of impatient, the 42 weeks I carried him felt like FOREVER.
My son was born January 10. I gave him fresh air (mostly on the front porch) every day, and started taking him on hikes at a week old. I think it was 10 days before I broke down and started taking him to stores and things (I was tired of relying on others to get things for me, and was not abou to be separated). He didn’t have a sick day until he was almost 4 years old, which I am convinced is because he breastfed until a little past 3 years old. Breast is best!
Food has tasted good for me throughout my life. That is why I run. I never had any pregnancy cravings, and though I did it as an excuse to have 3 Wendy’s frosty’s during my pregnancy. And almost daily frappacinos.
Good luck! This is going to be so much fun for you and your family!
Lindsay
My oldest was born Dec. 20 and my second on January 30. (I got a little smarter with my third, in April ?). It is hard having a winter baby. But just try to stay home as much as possible. Or when you are out, try to keep her covered and away from people as much as possible. Also, don’t be afraid to tell people “no” when they want to touch or hold her. Also, for your older kids – have them change their clothes when they get home from school. That way, all germs are gone. Some might call me paranoid for that… and I probably am ?.
The Hungry Runner Girl
Great idea to have them change clothes when they get home… we will definitely do that. Thanks for the tips Lindsay, I really appreciate it and if/when we have another… I’m planning one for the late spring like you:)
Carrie
Both my girls were born during that season. My oldest was 9/5 but still was not old enough during the season for a flu shot. My youngest was born 11/24 and I guess I never worried about it especially since I was lucky enough to be able to nurse her. That said she screamed 24/7 starting at two weeks. That sort of is a turn off to others touching her!!! Poor thing had very severe reflux and it was not under control until she was nearly 3! She had a few other conditions but that was her main pain source and an attitude.
Hillary
My daughter was born 12/23 last year. She was 5 weeks early, but didn’t require a stay in the NICU, just a little longer hospital stay to learn how to eat. Even with her being early we still went out and about with her. Like others have said, we either kept her in the car seat or I’d wear her with the wrap. I found that people really are more reapectful and keep their distance if you are wearing the baby. I don’t think I would have done things any differently and stayed in. It was good for me and her to get out and about and run errands, especially since long walks outside, in the winter, in VT weren’t really an option.
Dawn
That’s wonderful that you’re feeling do much better. It sounds like you are ready for this little girl to make an appearance! I would love to see a list of things you packed for the hospital!
Jenny
As long as you’re breastfeeding you have nothing to worry about. When my daughter was a baby, my son, husband and I all had the flu- but she never got it. She was born in December and I took her out everywhere. We never had a problem. Just take normal precautions (handwashing etc.) and she’ll be fine! Enjoy this time, it’s so precious and soon your family will be changed forever! : )
Taylor
My 3rd was a January baby. Honestly my normally laid back pediatrician scared the heck outta me with RSV. My good friend had a January baby and took her to a super bowl party at 3 weeks (!) she ended up with rsv and had to be Medi-vac (helicopter) lifted to Phx childrens hospital and it was awful. I have two older kids in school but we were militant about hand sanitizing and we truly did not take the baby inside anywhere public until end of April. I know that’s a lot and it took some juggling with my husband and I (oh and online grocery pickup! Ha!)
But I wouldn’t change it. She did not get sick once those first few months. I nursed her on demand so hopefully that did help too but I’m not sure. Good luck and hope everything goes great!
Taylor
Just to clarify above- we did take her out just not inside any stores or public places.
The Hungry Runner Girl
Oh that must have been terrifying for your good friend, I can’t even imagine! Thank goodness for online grocery pickup… now to just get Costco to do that too! Thank you so much for sharing, it sounds like breastfeeding is a huge way to help these little ones avoid getting sick. Enjoy your day Taylor!
Torrie
I had my daughter on January 4th and we live in Michigan! Other than going to the pediatrician we didn’t take her out of the house for the first 8 weeks. I definitely went stir crazy so my husband made sure that when he was home from work in the evenings I could get out of the house for an hour or so. She was my first so I didn’t have to worry about siblings bringing home germs. I would just suggest making sure Brooke and Knox get in the habit of washing their hands really well when they get home from school. Try no to worry – you guys will take such great care of her!
I dropped about 3-4 days before my water broke. And the day before my water broke I went on a crazy cleaning bender and cleaned my house like it had never been cleaned before!! Our bodies know :-)
Food was definitely weird during pregnancy and I had awful heartburn the last couple months. I was looking forward to eating tuna after I gave birth :-)
P.S. I’m so happy you bought a rock n play! I loved mine so much!
The Hungry Runner Girl
HAHAH yes to the cleaning… I feel myself constantly wanting to clean right now:) So good to hear about the rock n play, I can’t wait to get it all set up! THANK YOU for the tips and sharing what worked for you, I think the ‘getting out’ for an hour or so at night is going to be key for me too! Enjoy your day Torrie!
Kayde
I love reading your baby updates! Good luck to you in your final couple of weeks.
I saw this and thought of you — with all of your donut posts! ;-)
https://www.uncommongoods.com/product/donut-warming-mug
The Hungry Runner Girl
HAHAH that is amazing… I need that donut warming mug asap! Thank you Kayde and I Hope you have a beautiful day!
Krista T
My baby (now 15 months) was born in August but started daycare at the end of October-the start of cold, flu, RSV season. I live in Minnesota so it gets cold here in the winter. But, I think fresh air is so important. So I would bundle her up in the stroller (the carseat is so nice for this because you can snuggle her in with warm blankets) or put her in a baby carrier and I’d wear my husband’s coat around her and then go for a walk around the neighborhood. We were able to do this until the weather turned super cold (below 25 degrees). I do think that made a huge difference- the fresh air! Best wishes!
The Hungry Runner Girl
Oh Minnesota is SO cold in the winter! Thank you for the fresh air tip… I didn’t even think of that. That will be so good for all of us to get out (and bundle up) and enjoy some fresh air. Thanks Krista… I really appreciate it! Have a beautiful day!
Rachel
I might be in the minority here, but I don’t take too many extra precautions with my 5 month old. The things I DO do are: wear her when we’re out instead of putting her in the cart. That way no one is coughing towards her/touching her/she’s not touching anything and then sucking her fingers, etc. It’s MUCH easier. I also nurse her, which helps a ton with immunity and I know you’re planning to do as well. I wash my hands 85,000 times a day. I TAKE HER OUTSIDE. I’m not saying you need to bring her around crowded places with people if that’s not comfortable for you, but having her breathe fresh air for a little bit each day, (bundled up, obviously,) is sooooo good for little babies.
Also, I recommend New Chapter post natal vitamins to everyone I know having a baby. They were honestly a God send to me after having my daughter, and they will help get your baby some extra vitamins through your milk as well. Don’t stress too much over sickness, just use common sense and judgement and all will be well :)
Elizabeth
Both my kids were January babies and I was most concerned when my second was born and his brother might bring germs home from preschool. It was impossible to stay home with the baby but we minimized contact with others for the first two months, made visitors to the house wash their hands, and didn’t let my older son touch the baby’s face-either with his hands or kisses. It was easy to redirect him to kiss the baby’s feet instead. Thankfully no one got sick. I don’t think you can be too cautious. Take whatever precautions you feel necessary. Even if they feel crazy, if the baby (or you) don’t get sick, it’s worth it!
Also, the more you can breastfeed, the better. Your body is very adept at fighting off illness and the more you can pass along your immunities to the baby, the better.
Emily
I am a pediatric Emergency doctor in Michigan. I am working right now at The children’s hospital in Detroit. I see babies with RSV all day everyday, it’s just the season. And yes, many need to be admitted to stay in the hospital. After they get their two week shots we are less worried about scarier things infecting them, so you should feel more confident after that. I recommend getting out of the house to prevent yourself from going too stir crazy. RSV likely isn’t going to get her if she is in a stroller, blanket on top and you guys are walking around the neighborhood. Lots of people have already given advice about having the kids wash hands. Heck, maybe even bath time is right after school too?
And even worst case if she does get it, there are hospitals and trained professionals like your brother who are there to care for them. The majority of babies are not like the helicopter lifted one described above, that sounds severe.
Emily
I meant to say two month shots.
The Hungry Runner Girl
THANK YOU EMILY for sharing… you actually made me feel a lot better. You are so right about getting out to avoid being stir crazy… I think walks will be good for all of us:) THANK YOU Emily, I really appreciate you sharing this with me. Oh and the after school bath… sounds like a really good idea to me!
Sarah
Two of my boys were born in the middle December. Neither of them got sick in their first year of life. I took them out a lot ! I also breast fed them for almost a year. Breast feeding is the very best way to give them your antibodies. It truly helps them build the immune system they don’t have to all the germs out there.
The Hungry Runner Girl
Good to know Sarah, thank you SO MUCH and I am so glad both of your boys did not get sick. I really hope I am able to breastfeed well this time around:) Have an amazing day Sarah!
Mrs. B
My stomach dropped SO MUCH after my water broke. It was insane. My water broke at 36 weeks and 4 days… sooo I am just going to leave that here :)
NB – 2 MO, I kept the dude covered all the time if I did go anywhere. And I always had hand sanitizer handy. I just would get cabin fever and would NEED to go somewhere. Also, I never let people touch him out in public.
Elizabeth
So much good advice here! I’m so excited for you, Andrew and the kids! Praying that everything goes well for you these last few weeks :)
The Hungry Runner Girl
Thank you SO much Elizabeth! I hope you have a beautiful day:)
Susie B
HI Janae! So I just had a baby in January, and I’m sure I’m going to get all sorts of negative feedback for this, but that’s ok :). But I took our baby out a ton, mostly for my own sanity since I was going insane just sitting indoors all day while my husband was at work and the weather was awful (I live in Indiana). I would walk him in his stroller around the mall or the track at our local Y, or I would take him on mini errands to the grocery store or target or something. I had a car seat cover over his car seat and kept it unzipped just so I could see his face, and I obviously never let any strangers touch him or get too close. But at the age, they aren’t touching any surfaces or putting their mouths on anything, so I felt like it was actually easier to keep him from germs then than it is now! He’s constantly sick from day care now that he’s crawling and putting everything in his mouth! Haha, but I say all of that to say that while I definitely think it’s important to keep newborns in a healthy environment, I also think it’s important to get out with them not only for your own sanity, but to get in the habit of getting out of the house and resuming some normalcy! But no matter what you do, it’ll be the right thing for you and your family :).
Abby
My 2nd got RSV when she was just 14 days old. We were admitted into the hospital when she was 17 days old. Best advice is really to make older children wash hands before holding or touching the baby and right when they get home from school. I think its just important to remember that even a small cold in an older child can lead to RSV in a baby. But, everyone ended up happy and healthy in my family! Its hard not to get out in the winter, I would just make sure to keep a cover over your car seat in public so no one touches and its less likely germs get on her.
Kristi
So excited for you!
My youngest was born in February, with a serious health condition. We had to stay in the NICU for 2 weeks, but before the surgeon would release us, he seriously warned us how dangerous RSV could be for our baby. He advised not being indoors around groups of people with him until flu season was over (MAY that year!). With our first son we had been out and about all of the time, so it was a big change for us. But I actually LOVED it. We got so much sweet, special time together, and it really did fly by. My husband and I would trade off taking our older one out to gatherings, church, friends’ houses, etc, while the other stayed home with the baby.
Wishing you all of the best!
Michelle P.
So I had a November baby 13 years ago—my only Utah baby. The pediatrician told me before I had him (when I was in the office for another kid), “Absolutely NO church for at least 3 months. It’s nothing but a Petri dish of germs. Also, your husband gets to do the grocery shopping for the first 6 weeks.) Haha! But nowadays, they have those great car seat covers (had to use blankets in my day) and I think that is a great barrier and “no fly zone” cue to other people. ;) With the older kids, we washed hands a lot and I taught them to touch his feet or the top of his head, instead of grabbing his hands. We lucked out. Hand sanitizer is a great thing to have by the door or on hand for family and friends. And, as much as I know your sweet YW will want to cuddle her, keep her away. Sometimes teens are even worse because they kiss and snuggle the baby’s face and they carry much bigger germs than the little ones (menegitis, mono, flu, etc).
Sarah
Salads. I miss salads. I’m in the first trimester (8.5 weeks!) and the last salad I ate was the day I found out I was pregnant. It was so disgusting it makes my stomach turn just thinking about it. I’m hoping things turn around later on – I don’t think I can live on carbs alone for the next 32 weeks!
I had my first in January (in Utah). Luckily we didn’t have to deal with older siblings/school/daycare germs at that point, but we had hand sanitizer all over the house and made sure to ask anyone who came to visit to use it as soon as they walked in the door. We tried to do the same – hand sanitizer any time we came home. We also made sure we were up to date on all our vaccinations/flu shots and asked anyone spending a lot of time with us to do the same. Other than that, we limited the number of people who held her right away, but our families live out of state, so it was really not as big of a problem as if our families lived locally.
Erin
I had my youngest daughter on December 17th and she was born with a heart defect (it went away when she was about 6 weeks) and a low immune system. We didn’t take her out for about 2 weeks, but we did have our family over for Christmas, and we just made sure everyone washed their hands very good before holding her and we did our best to make sure our older daughter didn’t get up in her face (good luck on that lol). On the day of her baptism which was about 4 weeks after she was born, my husband, daughter and many of our family members came down with the Norovirus! I was so scared of her getting it but she and I slept in the living room and the others were quarantined. I seriously wore rubber gloves to handle the laundry, dishes, or anything they had touched. Luckily we got through it without either of us getting it but it was stressful! I also got one of those car seat covers that zips up and kept her zipped when I took her in and out of drop off for my other daughter. That way no one was tempted to touch her :)
Pam
My baby was born in January and we left the house almost everyday to go on a walk even in the snow (live in the Midwest). The fresh air helped us both so much: he didn’t get sick at all over the winter and it was so restorative to get out every single day. The walks would allow me to get (somewhat) dressed for the day and interact with people while he got to sleep and be outside. Almost a year later, we still go on walks almost everyday. It’s nice to have that time together before I have to go to work. Hope you all have a wonderful & healthy & happy winter!!!!
Brooke D
I had micro-preemies who were released from the NICU in October, the start of RSV season. Given their preemie status we did total lockdown (other than for doctor’s visits) until spring. But I was also very strict with visitor. All family members had to have had a flu shot or they couldn’t come over. Everyone had to wash their hands and hand sanitize before touching the baby. My husband is a teacher and he used to shower and change clothes as soon as he got home from school – I probably recommend that with Brooke and Knox, or at least having them change clothes and do a very thorough hand/arm scrubbing!
Michele at Everyday Snapshot
Oh my gosh – you are the teeny tiniest pregnant lady I’ve ever seen. Beautiful. I swear I looked like a whale, or felt that way. Either way, you look fantastic. I had my daughter right at RSV/Flu season. We also were instructed to stay home as much as possible. I even had to miss my Grandparents 60th wedding anniversary. I missed a funeral. But…my baby stayed healthy during that period. We had to ask everyone to wash their hands well when they came over, and had to ask no sick children (or adults) visit. We had a few people get offended by asking them to wash their hands. But mostly it all went very well. The worst part was taking her in for her checkups, the waiting room is filled with sick people. I’d check in, then walk around with her as if she were fussing so no one would want to touch her. The Dr always said, “She’s a healthy little girl, now get her out of here before she gets sick”. lol Good luck when the big moment comes !! I hope everything goes smoothly for you and that sweet baby girl.
Nicole
Did tou know that in Sweden babies sleep outside, in extra warm sleeping bags of course, from a very young age? Spending a lot of time outdoors is good for babies I think. But, as others have said, it’s the visitors and siblings carrying the germs in. Lots of helpful advice in the comments already! My youngest had RVS at 2 months, which was awful, spent three days in hospital but has been happy and healthy ever since.
Christina
Had our first baby during flu season and are preparing for the next one to be born very soon (I think I’m just 4 or 5 days “ahead of you”).
From last time, what really helped the most were three things – that have already been mentioned – hunker down, sanitize, and not let people touch (or kiss ?) the baby’s face or hands.
We didn’t really leave the house until March or April (went for walks, yes, but I’d wear him or only let people look from afar) and I had hand sanitizer with me at all times and in every room of the house.
I’ve already stockpiled it and bought “kid safe” hand sanitizing towels and babyganics sanitizing foam for our toddler.
Every doctor told me, you can tell people to wash their hands, but most don’t do a good enough job. Plus, sanitizer is quicker.
Fingers crossed you’ll make it through the first months without even a stuffy nose!
Shelley
My best friend and I have been reading your blogs for years and love you! She and I talk about your blog to each other like we know each other. We’re so excited for you!
My twins were born last February. One was in the NICU for 11 days and one came home with us when I was discharged. We didn’t go out of the house with them except for doctor’s appointments. I was ultra careful because they were tiny and one spent time in the NICU. The NICU didn’t allow any visitors except for baby’s parents because of RSV and flu season. So when we went home we decided we would just keep the babies there ( I don’t even really want to go out in the winter in Ohio so I figured the babies would be okay not getting much time in the public:)). The NICU nurses gave us similar advice to what everyone else was posting. Make sure all visitors wash hands, all visitors are healthy and no face/mouth/hand kissing. Can’t wait til your little girl arrives and we find out her name!
Allison
I had a baby last December and I didn’t do anything special regarding going/not going out. I get very depressed being shut inside so I figured my mental health was more important than the possible risk of sickness. Also, as I have a preschooler, germs were going to be entering my house either way, whether the baby left or not! My husband, daughter, and mother (who came to help!) all got the stomach flu when the baby was 3 weeks – somehow both the me and baby came out unaffected. I don’t think there is much sense worrying about it, as it will happen or it won’t. I think many precautions cause more stress than actually prevent illness.
Lee
I guess after trips to Target and date nights, you’ll put the clothes in the laundry and take showers/ baths too (long hair)! Then again, you have support for Target runs, so others could accomplish those for you. You could have freshly baked goods for payments. It’ll be harder to outsource date nights!! Date nights + baths.
What about Beretta? Showers post walk? How much RSV would get on her? Does anyone touch her? She’s so fast. Lock down?
Hmmm.
April
2nd December baby will be here soon. With the first, I wore her or kept the carseat covered out in public. The dr suggested we let young nieces/nephews/friend’s kids know baby prefers tickles and kisses on her feet and the top of her head. While we tried limiting exposure to the public and others as much as possible, we knew curious/excited nieces & nephews would be over and this advice seemed to go over well with the kiddos or at least reduced everyone touching baby’s face and hands.
Tiffany O
My guy was born November 11 so I understand what you’re saying! My ped said to keep him home the first few months and I did and he didn’t get sick! Also when we absolutely had to get out, because sometimes it just can’t be avoided, we used a milk snob car seat cover so no one could touch/breathe on him and that was amazing and discouraged anyone from approaching or touching. I also had a sign that said “please don’t touch your germs are too big for me” that I found on Etsy. Be insistent that people not touch her or get too close. I was less worried about hurt feelings and more worried about him getting sick. Also anytime we had to get out we did it as early as possible when the least amount of people were out. I did the same with dr appointments, I usually tried to schedule the first appt of he day to minimize contact with sick people and kiddos. And I think that getting the flu shot while I was pregnant helped too :) Good luck!
Brittney
I had a baby during flu season. Doctor recommended we wash our hands AS SOON AS we came home. No one got to come over unless they had a flu shot! We did go out and about some, but were just conscious of washing our hands before we handled her. Like if we had to run to Target (she had reflux and I had to fill her prescriptions), she would stay in the car seat and I would wash my hands before taking her out at home. Breastfeeding helps boost immunity too, if you’re gonna do that.
Ashley
Hah-I thought you were carrying super high before I read your post-maybe I just always carried low!
My November baby just turned 1, and honestly didn’t do anything special about staying home or not letting people hold him and he hasn’t been sick at all (knock on wood!) I have two older ones and my husband works full-time, so it wasn’t really feasible to stay home for any length of time. I did/do breastfeed, and I really do believe that helps. My doc also really recommends supplementing vitamin D for the whole family, baby included, as a great way to avoid the little bugs/colds that come around.
Sarah
Dear Janae, don’t worry too much (I know, we Moms always do!!! I freaked out last sommer during the heat season because I worried about my baby girl getting hot)
Focus on breastfeeding and enjoy the benefits, use a baby carrier when it’s cold (but no icy roads/ sidewalks) so you control the temperature of your little girl. There are nice winter jackets for baby carrier…I’ m still using it with my one year old!
Love, Sarah
Karen
I agree with all of the great advice here. Just to add… my kids got into the habit of taking their showers and getting into their pajamas right after school each day. This way they are washing the germs off, especially during the cold and flu season, and also was their way of unwinding after school. Then the evening rush of dinner, baths, bedtime routine etc. was not as intense especially when you have a newborn. When it’s cold out and we’re in for the rest of the day after school, there is always something cozy about pajama time all afternoon and evening (as you know!). Enjoy the last few weeks of your pregnancy and all the best with the birth and your new little girl! Your instincts are already so spot on and you will do great!!
Nicole @ Bento Momentos
These were great questions and I enjoyed reading through others’ experiences — thank you!!
Lew
Glad you are feeling good and that everyone is enjoying the last few weeks of the pregnancy.
My sister’s first baby was born in December. She says the flu/cold germs were a good excuse to hunker down and take it easy and reduce the number of visitors. My other sister had a sign hanging from the baby’s car seat/carrier that said “Are your hands clean?” to reduce random people and even family from constantly touching the newborn when they ventured out to church or the grocery store.
It was something like these:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/258544830/girl-preemie-sign-newborn-baby-car-seat?ref=pla_similar_listing_bot-11
https://www.mytinyhands.com/collections/all
http://healthylittleones.com/OnTheGo.html
Corrinne W
My daughter was born in December right before Christmas. We opted out of the family gatherings because they included school age kids and our pediatrician recommended keeping her home since she was so small. We did take her out still to run errands but tried to do it at times that would not be super busy and we rarely let other people hold her until she was a bit older. Luckily she didn’t come down with anything.
Also I remember all I wanted was sushi after I had my daughter. And it did taste amazing when I finally got it. I also had a Coke right after my delivery and it was pretty amazing too….. reminded me of the coke I had right after my half ironman. Must be my go to recovery drink even though I rarely drink soda.
Stacey
I just had a baby two weeks ago :) I’m also a NICU RN and the tips we give our new parents are to have everyone WASH THEIR HANDS before touching the baby. If anyone gets the sniffles, have them wear a mask (even your kids!). Limit visitors, and when visitors come, try not to “pass the baby around.” And, definitely no going out to busy stores, etc. And, if you’re able, breastfeeding is fantastic to build that immune system!
The only “food” I noticed a huge difference in was gum. I love gum, but could not chew it while pregnant. Now, it tastes great again. Other than that, my aversions were confined to my first trimester, and basically all food tasted delicious after that.
I’m so proud that you cut down your running and are taking walk breaks. Now is the time to take it easy and exercise for health and just to move your body a bit.
RMR
My girls were October & November babies in Minnesota. My 2nd was premature so we needed to be extra cautious. My recommendation is Flu shots for everyone in your house. My 2nd rec is to be extra careful with hand washing. Whenever anyone came home from being out (work, school, target, whatever), first stop was to wash hands.Immediately. I know it seems uber obvious but we were careful not to touch anything in the house until our hands were washed. Its hard with Brooke and Knox bc they will bring home lots of goodies (germs) from school. Third, hand sanitizer follows the baby. Good luck, you look amazing.
RMR
Also our doctor advised us to be careful with babies and coffee. Weird right? But fall/winter babies spend a lot of time during the holidays held at the table where everyone is eating and apparently hot coffee with dessert represents a serious burn risk for newborns. I would have never thought of it.
Jen
I had my son in January last year and no one told us to stay in. After about a week I was going stir crazy and started going out. He was fine and i made sure it helped speed up my c-section recovery. I’m due with number 2 in March and don’t plan to stay in then either.
Nina
I am having a january baby and I am panicking about her getting sick as well. Specially with her brother going to kindergarten and also I am developing a fear of stores and other crowded public spaces since the percentage of vaccinated people has gotten so low around here lately :(
Jackie
My second baby was just born in Oct, my oldest is a summer baby too! What we did is have my husband and sister get TDAP boosters (my parents got them 2 years ago with my son), be strict about hand washing, I change her in the car and I wear her whenever possible. People don’t seem to try and touch her when I’m wearing her. My favorite carrier is the Lillebaby. We have been out and about but keep it limited to during the week when it’s less crowded. I’ll also leave her home with dad when I go Christmas shopping etc.