If I have any advice for a first time mom, it would be to thoroughly educate yourself on breastfeeding if that’s something you want to do. With my first, I thought breastfeeding was straightforward and didn’t realize how much effort and knowledge it actually takes to successfully breastfeed a baby. Highly recommend getting a lactation consultant even before baby arrives!
As a mother baby nurse there's a lot of sites and great info on breastfeeding if you look up things on RU-vid by certified lactation consultants... also there's something on stanford. I can't remember the site but can Google keywords Stanford, breastfeeding, teaching....
1:03 top food craving 1:41 favourite maternity jeans 3:25 what gender do you think the baby is? are you hoping for a certain gender? 5:06 workout routine and diet 8:22 what type of birth are you hoping to have? 10:27 HAVE YOU LIKED OR SUBSCRIBED YET????!!! 10:33 have you started thinking about names? 11:00 have you had to do any blood drawing, tips on how to stay relaxed 11:57 what vitamins should you be taking when you're pregnant? 12:34 favourite things to help with pain/ morning sickness? 13:59 what is the best thing about being pregnant? 16:16 how does it feel having your stomach stretched out? 17:28 are you going to try and buy a house before baby is born? if so, any nursery theme plans? 18:33 weirdest symptom of 2nd trimester? 19:32 have you felt the little dude move yet? 20:09 what is something ya'll are super excited to do with your kid? 20:42 do you plan on breastfeeding or formula feeding/ bottle feeding 20:59 what are names you love but probably won't use? 21:23 is the no-alcohol hard for you? 22:07 are you scared of labour? 22:40 when are you announcing the gender??? if anyone is particularly interested in any of these questions then there you go :) hope i didn't miss anything out
Do kegels!! That'll helped the leaking of urine. So important during pregnancy and after. If you're unsure of how to, you can see a pelvic floor physio. You're glowing💗
I’m only 2 weeks ahead of Abby in my first pregnancy, and it’s been so much fun walking through pregnancy with her. I’m so excited for you guys! I was so happy when I found out you were expecting!
Pelvic floor exercises will literally save your undies Abby!! Look some up to do while your pregnant and just throw it into the end of your workout! it’s basically a cool down type of workout
I love when Abby gets emotional 😭 seriously how sincere Matt consoled her ...shows how in touch with each of your emotions ...I love watching all these back now that griffin is here and how much you truly loved babyboy even before meeting him. .you both are such amazing parents ..
Birth is beautiful! I had a natural birth with no pain relief and yes it was very painful but wow afterwards and recovery was very easy! I pray you have a beautiful birth because it is just magical, don’t be scared!
Apple juice was wonders for my morning sickness or pregnancy pops from target. Think they have ginger in them. And also once the baby is here you will forget all about the pain. So don't go into thinking about the pain think about the reward at the end. It's a very magical moment and I hope you both enjoy it. You guys are adorable and I'm very happy for you.
Like Abby said, your body knows what it’s doing, woman’s body is just made that way that when a baby is being created it just knows what to do. As a medical student, I’m learning so much about pregnancy and it’s just amazing sometimes to learn about it too. ❤️ you guys are going to be amazing parents.
With the birth question I have an amazing midwife at a hospital and got an epidural (only worked on half my body). I have one baby and was so driven about just getting her out asap I pushed for 15 minutes and only labored for 2 hours. It’s not like the movies represent it at all! I went in with a completely open mind and watched so many positive birth videos. As long as you keep the open mind I think you’ll do amazing!
Abby you are SOOO beautiful. You guys are the cutest couple on Utube!! I love watching you go through this pregnancy. I am 54 and was never blessed with children of my own, I have 2 grown step sons. I love watching each trimester as you are going through them. Can not wait to see the baby! I love you guys!💞❤️🙏
I’m 11weeks pregnant and happy to hear i’m not alone in the weird evening sickness! Feel like it’s easier to handle though since you can just go to bed early. Hope it gets better for me as well during 2nd trimester 😊 Excited to follow your journey!
Hey Matt &Abby and anyone really, I just have a tip for stretch marks, dryness, and itchiness: try applying lotion to any area that feels dry or itchy. Also, applying lotion to areas that already have stretch marks can help make them less visible or can prevent them from appearing or staying. I am so excited for your new little family. I pray God will continue to help you through this wonderful journey. All good things come from Him and a child is the most beautiful thing of all. God bless all three of you!!
There are lots of meditative exercises to do to get your head right for labor, and your breathing. Fear makes you tense up and slows labor down. Knowing what’s happening in the various stages of labor can help calm you as well. Don’t panic!
Mama of 4 here, and I recommend researching and preparing for postpartum care for yourself! Nobody tells you what to expect after giving birth. You’ll be focusing on what you need for the baby but you too will also be wearing a giant diaper. There’s lots of products to help ease the aches and pains!
I intentionally had two natural births and they were such amazing experiences that I would never trade for anything. I’m not a “crunchy” person by any means but I wanted control over my labor and birth experiences- the most vulnerable and powerful time for a woman. The absolute key for successful low intervention birth is PREPARATION!!! Labor is a mind game. If you are scared of the sensations you’ll tense and it will hurt. If you prepare extensively you can remain calm and ride the waves of contractions and genuinely enjoy the experience. This also means choosing a provider and setting that is conducive to staying calm and in control in labor. Bright lights, tons of people coming in and out, being strapped to a bed, etc genuinely lead to intervention because labor can’t naturally progress in such environments. Midwifery care or more holistic gynecologists are generally the way to go for peaceful births. Best of luck to you on your parenting journey!
I am planning a natural water birth in a birth center instead of hospital! I highly recommend looking into it!!!! And if you choose something, you don’t HAVE to stick with it, if you decide you want the epidural, you can get the epidural, you would just have to be on a bed since you can’t move around once the epidural is in. But I think you should look into it since epidural drastically changes and narrows your options. Also, tearing naturally is so much better than an episiotomy!
I am 13 weeks pregnant with my third and I have had epidurals with both of my prior pregnancy. I will mention you are forced to stay in bed and you need a catheter which is quite uncomfortable after removal. But compared to the pain of contracting I would still pick an epidural. But if you can handle pain well and use good amount of mediation women give birth like this all the time without an epidural! It's all personal choice! Also in my experience, contractions are a lot like VERY strong period cramps that will cover your whole abodomen and back down to the exit!!! When your contractions are around 60-90 seconds long you are almost ready, even if you haven't broken your water. You two are such a beautiful couple. You both are so lucky and blessed! Congratulations!!!!!
I love watching these videos!!!! As someone who plans on trying to get pregnant next year, these videos have been so helpful in deciding that I’m ready to have kids sooner then what I had originally thought!
Pelvic floor physical therapy saved me after I had my baby! My bladder control is better than before baby! Also, get some good belly oil or lotion because your skin goes through a lot third tri. Love you guys!
Hey Abby ! You’re doing great !! So proud ! I do have a little advice, take extra calcium, because growing the baby’s teeth and bone it pumps a lot of calcium, my mother actually lost a tooth at each pregnancy ( x3 ) so just to give a little recommendation, love you guys !!!!! ❤️❤️❤️
It's literally like 2:03am and I just can't for this one..!! I love you guys sooo muchhh! You gonna gain many more millions of followers one day soon!!! May God bless you both abundantly and the baby with lots of love!! ❤🍫🥰
Just remember that even though the pain is no joke-in that moment you are only thinking about making sure your baby is ok. As soon as you are holding the baby ANY pain you have leaves your mind. It’s literally the best moment of having a child.
I’ve also had extremely high pain tolerance but in labor, I lost it due to the stress and phsycixal lack of control .. but if you breathe and gracefully handle each contraction (the pain)!) you’ll last long but after 10 hours I just couldn’t for sure support the epidural . BEST decision I made that day. Idk why I suffered so long trying to act thought when in reality, it’s better to be calm and get through it faster haha but everyone is different and come in different physical states .
Can I give u some advice? Rent until bubs is 6mnths old. You are about to go thru the most challenging time, don’t add the difficulty and dramas of buying a home. If bubs comes early or any other issues you will wish you only had one thing to worry about. Of course you will make your own decisions but that’s just my advice. Love watching you guys and wish you nothing but happiness ❤️
I had a section with my first baby as she was breach, I then had 5 natural births , get your breathing right, stay calm and listen to your body, woman are amazing
Y'all are doing amazing. Throw any expectations out the window, it's the most overwhelming, stressful, happiest & most emotional experience of your life becoming a parent. The best advice I ever got was "Just get through that first month & that's sorta when you start to feel like your head is above water with it all" it'll be hard at first, it just gets easier as you learn your baby boy or girl. TIK TOK WAS AMAZING HONESTLY for advice, tips & tricks, infor, etc :) love you guys, it's crazy how fast it all goes, I feel like we just had our son (10/10/21) Parker's ALREADY 4 months :)
Hey, I love you guys! Abbey put oil on your ta tas stomach, hips and thighs to prevent stretch marks or lessen them. It will help the itching too. Peeing is normal and kegal exercises after birth will do great! It will get a bit more intense during pregnancy but the moment lil baby is born it will be so worth it. I love that Abbey is so open minded. You guys will be wonderful parents and I'm so proud of Matt for being a supportive partner and respecting Abbey so much!!! Great examples for young married couples! Sending love and health for ya'll and precious lil baby!!!
When you said what you’re excited about doing with your kid, everything you said is what I would love to do. I love that you said Disney World right off the bat. You guys are such great people, and you’re gonna be great parents. Thanks for your videos.
You are young healthy and in good shape. Don’t risk an epidural. The pain is such a brief part of life. When you finally get to hold your baby it is all worth it. I had 3 natural home births and am so grateful for the experience.
I just had a little boy earlier this month and I’ve been using HerSource for online classes for a variety of different information relating baby, postpartum, baby, etc. I would highly suggest it!
I heard from a good friend that had her first child to be sure you pee and fully empty your bladder before you start doing any pushing. This will apparently help preventing peeing when you sneeze/cough/laugh after the baby is born.
Abby and Matt, you are already great parents. :) From what I have researched, if you do a water birth, you can do it at the hospital just for safety concerns of the baby. Like you said, you can have an open mind, and see how things go in labor of how you're feeling with or not getting an epidural. They say to use primrose oil down there to help with tearing which matt can help with it. lol. but talk to the doctor about it
Hey Abby! This is not meant to scare you in any way, just to be informative and give you an idea. So yes, labor was as painful as everyone said it to be BUT it's different. The pain you feel with labor isnt a pain that can really be compared to something, it's not a pain felt any other time, the pain is different than what you've ever felt before. It DOES hurt but in a way it doesn't feel like pain, not sure if that makes sense. It hurts but it's not really a pain, more like a sudden breath taking and nauseating pressure. Take the birthing class and know what breathing exercises to do. It will be hard to remember in the moment, trust me, but breathing correctly helps the pain so much. Make sure your taking in enough oxygen and breath. Love you Edit: Also, you are completely right! Your body was made to do this. Something important to remember though is that though your body will know what it's doing, your psychi/subconsciousness will not know what the heck is going on. You will of course know you are in labor but it will be hard for your brain to comprehend the pain and shock of what is happening. This causing a lot of first time moms to go into a panic when they feel the pain of labor for the first time, and sometimes they feel like they are dying. Again just remember to breath and remind your consciousness that this process is natural! It will be very hard, but more you breath and the calmer you try to remain the less it will hurt! This is my second pregnancy so we are going through this together girl!
Abby you will do great I love your roll with it type personality that will serve you well when babies about to come because when you start planning you leave so much room for disappointment things always happen that don't go according to planned especially when it comes down to having a baby 🎉🥰 Praying God continues to give you peace
Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if she ends up getting a c section. Her frame is very small. Also, everything your experiencing is completely normal. When it comes down to the moment all your fears will dissappear. Congrats you guys!!! Can't wait to see him.
I know you’re a stylish girl Abby but when I was pregnant I bought some maternity shorts and capris for like $9 from SHEIN. For me it was all about the comfort. Love y’all!
Your dr or midwife can give you pelvic floor exercises to help with bladder leaking during pregnancy. Your baby is so lucky to have parents like you two, matt will be the greatest support during your labour. Love your videos ❤
You should totally consider a water birth! You can definitely do it and shouldn't be afraid of birth it can be really a beautiful thing so try not to think about "all the pain" you got this! But every birth is beautiful! Praying for y'all❤️
Def make a house hunting video! That would be awesome! Also I would recommend getting a doula. My sister didn't have one and she regrets it as they are so experienced and will advocate for you if there are any issues or birth decisions that need to be made. You are both adorable btw :)
Don’t be afraid for birth Abby, I am an interpreter and I assist with labor and delivery each woman goes through such a unique journey that you shouldn’t compare it to others or think that because it Happened to someone else it’ll happen to you I’ve seen ladies with no epidural not even known and I’ve seen ladies who had epidurals who still felt some sort of pain really ranges don’t worry
Abby, with my first baby I didn't fully mentally grasp I was having a baby until a few months after she was born. After I had her I loved her so so much but my brain didn't comprehend that I had her. It hit me months later.
Cocoa butter and bio oil... Lots and lots and lots of it... You are doing it right if you start to hate the smell of cocoa butter... For itching and stretch marks. And kegel excercise for bladder control, VERY IMPORTANT!
I am proud of how you two support each other❤ 💙 Keep doing the awesome job that you're doing Matt during the challenging times of maternity Abby's facing.😊🥰🥰
I've had 3 natural births; 2 water births and 1 with no water. The water makes ALL the difference! Almost all of my doula clients love the water, too! The tub is often referred to as "nature's epidural" because it is so helpful. Do your research and try it out. You have to make sure your care provider is ok with a water birth, too. A pelvic floor therapist can help with the peeing and help you prepare your pelvic floor for birth. Definitely worth looking into in my opinion. You 2 are so sweet! Do your research and try your best. You guys are already great parents!
Water births are AMAZING and took 80-90% of the pain away for me in my second pregnancy. I had epidural with first pregnancy and I’d say I felt better and more in control in the second one. Worth a try before going to epidural. You’ll have to get out the water for epidural but I’d definitely say give it a thought but go with whatever works for you and makes YOU feel better
Abby you are one week ahead of me! I love seeing your belly grow as mine is growing and it’s just fun to see the similarities in emotions and everything else! Hoping you have a wonderful pregnancy and a healthy angel baby!❤️
I’m 31 weeks and just decided to give birth at a birthing center via water birth. It’s never too late to do what you want to do. Whatever makes you the most comfortable is what is going to make birth more peaceful no matter where you are/what you do💞
No judgment for whatever birth you choose, Abby. I will say that I had a natural birth with no pain relief and even though it is painful, it’s bearable. And I will 100% do it again with every kid I have in the future. Labor at home for as long as you can and when you get to wherever you’re birthing, walk around and be moving in different positions. Laying on your back in bed usually intensifies the pain. Do some research on labor, the transition phase and ring of fire so you know what is happening as you’re feeling it and you have some sort of idea as to how long it should last. Try to avoid induction unless it’s medically necessary for you or baby. Baby will come on it’s own time. Inductions can lead to longer, more painful labors, higher chance of tearing and a higher chance of emergency c section. Doing research on things you might not have thought about yet may be helpful, like delayed cord clamping, delayed first bath, circumcision if it a boy, skin to skin, shots etc. are all decisions that are nice to have already in the back of your mind. There is no right or wrong way. Don’t overthink your labor or the pain. The pain is so short lived and almost immediately gone. You are strong. God made us for this 💪🏼 Lots of love
YOU CANT NOT MAKE US WAIT ANOTHER MONTH!!!! I know I don't know you all from Adam but I do want you to know that you were added to my prayer list along with my daughter n law. I actually have my first grandbaby on the way. We find out on the 22nd what she is having annnnnnnd I can not wait. Father God please let my Sydney and Abby have a healthy pregnancy and labor and delivery without complications. Let these babies be created in your image. I promise to dedicated my grandbaby to you from the first day he/she is born. Thank you father for these little blessings. Amen.
I definitely recommend to breast feed or use maternal milk, obviously if possible. The amount of benefits for the person that is fed breast milk vs formula milk is INSANE. There are just so many things that are so uniquely and exclusively found in maternal milk that you won't get otherwise. Wishing you the best outcome in regards to that and everything 🙇♀️. Also, making sure to manage stress, some women aren't able to breast feed ultimately because of too much stress, so the milk won't go down, so stress management is important. Either way, can't wait for lil dude to arrive ❤
Look into hypnobirthing. I loved it. It helped me relax so much. Worked for 2 natural births for me👍🏻👍🏻 no shame getting epidural, but yes, less likely to tear and also more awake and alert after birth and baby more awake and alert too. And you're able to get up and move around, which is very helpful for birth, changing positions can be a game changer, and epidurals dont let you do that
Completely realte to the nausea. I have it all day but at night it's the worst and makes it so hard to sleep. I can't wait to get past this portion & be able to celebrate!
I just announced my gender yesterday! The day before Valentine’s Day. My husband and I found out 2 days before Christmas when I was still in my 13th week. We kept it secret from family this whole time and have only really told them. It was so fun to have our little secret. 🥰
I’ve heard that if you take a good cod liver oil it can help with the stretching of your skin and how many stretch marks you get. In combination of the oils, I really like something called Tender Tush, that young living makes. I rub it all over my stomach for helping to heal the stretch marks and it’s worked amazing!
Honestly, I have three children and I felt like having my first child was the easiest because I have a high pain tolerance and not knowing the pain, just experiencing it as it comes…helped oddly. Also, oddly enough my first time in labor I had 3 stitches, my other two I had none (It was also fast labors and no meds labors but, always had the meds on standby!!!) you’ll know what your body needs in that moment but, being active will help you immensely with labor! It will make it easier so, you’re doing so great!!!! You have a great support system and you’re going to do great fr ! These experiences are always beautiful with the guidance, love, trust, and support of your partner, friends, family, and doctors ❤️ I would say buy breast pads and breastfeeding bras (the leakage!), extra pads ofc, make sure you get the water bottle/squirter when you have to use the restroom after giving labor, and YES don’t scratch, it will get worse. Moisturize! I wasn’t sore afterwards for my first time but, definitely the other times and the diaper ice packs help, ask for those right away if you feel sore! Also, I breastfed all 3 of my babies, some parents are worried if baby isn’t getting enough and honestly, as long as baby is having bowel movements/urinating throughout the day, he/or she is! You can also buy cookies/snacks to help with milk supply and pump (you’ll see a difference within a few weeks) basically, it takes patience, time, and decision making to see and know what works for you and baby and it will be a lot all at once so, Please, talk to family, doctor, friends, and/or your partner about your feelings and needs. It’s a big change once baby comes and you will always matter too! 💕 Remember, nothing will be as planned so, don’t get too discouraged! Go with the flow And I’m pretty sure there’s other mommas with great advice so, I think that’s all I got, wishing you and baby a safe, happy, and healthy pregnancy and labor ❤️❤️❤️
To help with peeing your pants, look up pelvic floor exercises!! Strengthening your pelvic floor will help with that, but it’ll also strengthen your body SO MUCH before birth which will help so much during labor + delivery! Also, I’m not sure if many hospitals do water births in the regular labor + delivery rooms. But some hospitals have birthing centers that do water births! But many birthing centers do not offer epidurals. Just something to keep in mind as you think through that decision!!
Also, I always thought I would for sure get an epidural but during my pregnancy ended up deciding to go natural. I had my daughter in a birthing center and honestly my experience was amazing!! Natural birth is hard but I loved that my baby and I were both fully experiencing birth together. And it does reduce tearing because you can feel what’s happening down there!! If you end up deciding to go natural, I HIGHLY recommend the Bradley Method birth classes. They’re extensive but so informative, my husband and I both felt fully prepared for the birth experience. It’s focused on teaching your husband to “coach” you through childbirth (help you relax, encourage you, etc), so he can be actively involved in the labor process and it’s a very bonding experience!
I love watching Abby talk about the baby, she’s such a beautiful person and isn’t it great to be a woman. I’m so glad I was the woman that got to experience it and not my husband lol but Matt’s great. But if your stomach is itching more than likely stretch marks are on their way to your stomach but you’ll always be beautiful . I had three kids a boy a girl 3 years later then a little boy 11 years later when I was 37. He was our little surprise.
You can get a basic pregnancy support belt for a few dollars from Walmart. I used those occasionally during both my pregnancies. I also hear that sports tape on the belly is great for support. I haven’t tried it, but if I have a third, I plan to try it.
Make sure you go to birthing classes…if you need medicine intervention don’t feel like it’s a failure, if it’s for you then do it….what works for you, works for you. I had two natural births with no drugs but that’s not for everyone
I cleaned houses for a while, and one of the families had a baby. They did a toy story themed nursery and they went all out on the wall with clouds and it was PERFECT. You should try it and leave it for a week or two and see how you feel about it. It was super cute!!
