so here it is, a new home for us newly updiffed ladies or still seeking that golden egg after a mc part 3

It's as we'll as - the acidophilus is basically a probiotic supplement, so the anti biotics work on the infection but also get rid of your 'good' bacteria (which can lead to thrush) and the acidophilus puts it back. I'm not medically qualified tho! But I had to have a hefty dose of anti biotics last year after the removal of an ovarian cyst, so took it then and didn't have any problems

Thanks kool, is that as well as the anti biotics or instead of ?

Really quick one for worm - so sorry to hear your cs wound is infected. I'd strongly suggest taking some acidophillus lactobacillus supplement (from holland and Barrett or any health food shop) as more antibiotics might lead to thrush which is prob about the last thing you need right now. It's just a friendly bacteria type supplement but lots stronger than the type you'd find in a Yakult type drink. xxx

We are on day 12 and looking forward to our first visitor free day tomorrow. I don't like to sound ungrateful or anything its just every time I think I could cram a nap in, someone turns up.
Dh who is a real real real dear, visa back to work on Thursday, think we will cope ok. He is so great. So far in the last 2 weeks he has held my sick bowl, driven himself there and back twice a day to hospital an hour each way , dealt with my tired meltdowns, done every bit of housework, all the cooking, fetched my medication, smelt my wound! As well as look after the older dcs. Love him greatly.

We are doing fine, latch issues are on the way to being under control, I've had to give one boob a rest and just express from it as it was very sore. Feeling better now, but just can't quite perfect our technique on that side.

My cs wound is infected and I'm now on second lot of anti biotics which I agonised over taking, but Dr Google said it was ok.......

Waves to sparkly if you are lurking.

Hi ladies (again) great news about the continuity of midwife kool that is great, and that all apps organised.

I have no advise on the getting jack to sleep at a more sociable time. My dd was a terrible sleeper but if its any consolation she was a breeze as a toddler, ds on the other hand was a good sleeper yet king of the tantrums later on . On phone so sending in bits .....

Morning all, it's busy in here today. Yes, toasted fruit loaf sounds like just the thing, thank you!

yellow congrats on your mat leave, I can imagine it's all feeling a bit surreal right now! I think that staring at a cot sounds perfectly normal btw! How to be a good mother made for interesting viewing. Not a must see in terms of how to be a perfect mother (!) as it was full of extreme variations of parenting - picture a mum with 6 kids and one on the way who home schools and had the body of a supermodel, a mum who makes things out of placentas, and a mum who has never put her baby in a nappy and you get the picture!!

worm I loved your advice on as long as you have boobs, a comfy place etc etc - I keep reading threads about bfing and sometimes I feel more bamboozled than ever. I keep reading recommendations for a book called something like The food of love so I might get that and stop reading anything and everything. I think I need to move away from geeky school days - I guess this isn't something I can revise for!!

wombat I'm so glad the 6 week bfing thing was true for you. I so, so want to get that far. I'm quite stubborn which I hope helps! I hope you start getting better sleep soon. Is Jack asleep lots during the day? My dsis has a 4 week old who favoured being awake 1-5am but she slept all day which might have been why. So now my dsis is feeding her then trying to keep her awake for longer stretches during the day and it's helping a lot. She still obviously wakes in the night for a feed but doesn't stay awake for as long. It doesn't work every night but she's definietly seen a difference.

My ante natal was fine, bump measuring as it should, heartbeat fine. I've scheduled all of my remaining appointments up to my due date now, which made it all seem quite close. I'm seeing the same midwife all the way now which I'm happy about.

Hope you all have a happy Monday

Morning Girls

yellow try not to stress too much about the whole sleep thing. You will cope! I have so far only had one sleep deprivation induced melt down and that was on day 3 to coincide with a hormone rush. I can't believe I am not a complete zombie. When I add up what I have per night it works out about 7 hours. Only 3 and a half of that in one spell. But I feel fine! and when she gives me those wide eyed grateful full tummy looks it makes it all worth it.

back in a mo Megs waking..............

Morning wombat I haven't liked to mention sleeping on here in case it is sen as a bit insensitive but as you ask I'm still on about 9 hours a night with a 2 hour nap at the weekend that I am now hoping to extend to week days too! how am I ever going to cope with the sleep depravation?

Am v excited not to be going to work anymore, have lots of lists of things to do so need at least 2 weeks to get through it. DP is v jealous I am not going to work anymore but someone has to bring home the bacon (choc mini rolls etc) It was so weird sleeping next to the cot last night, I know it's common to stare for hours at a new born baby but is it also normal to stare at an empty cot?

I'm gonna get stuck into the raspberry leaf tea today, had one cup yesterday, may go crazy and have 2 today.

I didn't see how to be a good mother, is it worth searching out?

How is everyone doing? I've just had toasted fruit loaf with butter for breakfast and I'm willing to share if you come and update me!

Loving your teamwork yellow! How are you sleeping these nights? Hopefully still packing in the zeds. Re: feeling surreal - I still feel like that sometimes when I look at Jack and think am I actually a mother? I think part of me thinks I'm still 18, not 38 and not old enough .

I don't think Jack's bored at night (they say babies don't get bored as there is so much for them to take in without even the stimulation of toys) just not sleepy.... needs to look at his mother a bit more and take some hints!

Chocolate mini rolls snaffled - thanks!

Hello all

wombat I don't have any advice but it must be hard. Is he awake cos he is hungry or is he just bored or not tired? I don't think 5 hours sleep is much to ask at all, it's certainly what I'll want!

We've been rearranging furniture all day and have put the cot up. I can't believe it really, still seems like make believe. We've really not got enough space so I have to spend some time sorting things out and throwing them away. Probably my least favorite thing to do. I had a lovely nap today whilst DP put the cot up, that's the kind of teamwork I like!

Water birth workshop tomorrow, quite excited!

Hope everyone is ok, how about chocolate mini rolls, lovely!

How did you get on through Thursday worm ? Hope you didn't feel too left out and things went as well as they can.

It is a strange feeling yellow - hope the jitters calm down- I'm sure once you've got a couple of lunches tucked under your belt, you'll feel a whole lot more normal

How's the babymoon gone sparkly? Hope you're feeling ok about DH being back at work tomorrow.

And kool - we still need to know how your appt went... hope all is well.

Not much to report from here other than I cannot wait til JAck sleeps through more of the night - he was wide awake from 2-4am this morning, having only slept for 2 and 1.5 hours prior to that and 1 hour afte that.... I know this isn't as bad as some babies, but I would just love a chunk of 5 solid hours - not that much to ask is it?! People say they turn a corner at 6 weeks and then when you get to 6 weeks, everyone says it's 3 months! However, I will grant them that 6 weeks does seem to be the b/feeding breakthrough - I feel as if I could do it anywhere in any position now - and that's just the breastfeeding - fnagh, fnagh

Just a quickie as on phone . Yellow as long as you have boobs, a comfy place to feed, nipple cream and someone to bring you tea and food you don't need anything else! Oh and lanisoh. Enjoy your maternity leave. :)

Wombat I did wstch that programme and if you can get hold of it its a really intersting watch!
Hope the hormones are being kinder today.

Sooo I'm now on mat leave, what a weird feeling. I feel a bit kind of jittery. I guess it's brought the whole having a baby thing into focus. So much to do, so little time. I've got the raspberry leaf tea but not drunk any yet. Perennial massage not attempted either. Bag not packed etc etc

How is everyone else? Would you like this fresh fruit salad or bacon sarnie?

M&S rocky road bites you say yellow? I'm there with bells on!

Thanks so much for your v kind and reassuring words - it's wonderful that I can let it all out with you all and not feel judged. I think the other thing that has surprised me is my up and down-ness - people used to comment on how consistent (perhaps boring?!) I was with my emotions, but that is sooooo not the case now - hormones too I expect.....

Anyway, a day and a half left! How exciting! YOu must tell us how it feels next week - I kept thinking that I was just on leave for a few days and would be going back to work....

Thinking of you today worm - hope that Megs is giving you some comforting cuddles.

Did anyone watch that "how to be a good mother"? - there's been quite a lot of discussion about it here on mn - I miss English tv!

ok, I'm back, will attempt my long post again

wombat I appreciate this is a bit too late but I think you are doing an amazing job adapting, really inspirational. I agree with what the other lovely ladies have said in that it is a big adjustment and many people are not that honest with the reality of the situation. I think it is partly because it is such a long journey from trying to get pg, worrying all through the pg, the birth and then when you finally have the baby you've been longing for it's hard to admit that there are times when it's v difficult or downright boring. I'm so glad to hear that you are feeling a bit better and I really do appreicate you sharing all this with us because it's kind of nice to know that you are up there ahead leading the way and gaining useful knowledge and experience for those of us coming up behind.

worm I saw your FB post, I'm sure it's a difficult day for you today so sending you lots of support and hugs.....hope that Megan is giving you something positive to focus on and provide actual cuddles. Also thank you for the b/f info.....you are doing so well too. Is it getting any easier? I am very concerned about my ability to cope with this. As I said before I am a monster without sleep so really cannot imagine a sleep deprived me trying to deal with a demanding baby and sore nipples.....

kool 3rd trimester, congrats! How did the appt go? Time will really fly by now.

Work has been crazy busy this week, not the kind of last week I had planned at all. But only a day and a half to go. I am feeling quite tired but it's managable but i am looking forward to all the lunches and waterbirth workshop etc that I have planned for next week. Def don't want her coming early.....People keep telling me I'l be early, why do random strangers all think it's fine to have an opinion? Tube has been particularly bad this week, didn't get offered a seat and had to ask......what is it with these people?

sparkly how are you? How's you week of pj wearing and snuggles going?

Not sure where everyone is so I'll just leave these rocky road mini bites from M and S to see if that tempts anyone out.

Just typed a long message that was eaten by mn. Too cross to do it again right now, will just leave this lemon drizzle cake

Thanks so much for your kind words ladies - I'm very touched. I think you're right kool that most mums won't admit to the boredom side of things and worm thanks for the advice, particularly as you must be super-tired right now. Great news on Megs weight - 6% is nothing.

Feeling much better today for 3 reasons - 1) your lovely messages, 2) a great meet-up with just a few of my ante-natal group yesterday afternoon (not the whole 20 odd which just makes me feel daunted) and 3) had my 6 week check-up with my ob/gyn today who was just so lovely - she said I looked amazing, that breastfeeding exclusively to this point is a massive achievement (and was v funny about his weight gain - he's gone from 3.9kg to 5.1kg - which I think is 8lb 8oz to 11lb 2oz and said I must have butter, not milk in my boobs!) and when she looked at my scar / tummy she was really impressed and said I had "a wonderful body" - I was tempted to ask her to write that down! - I think it gave me a real confidence boost! Or perhaps I'm just completely narcissistic! I had left DH here with a bottle of expressed milk and while I was geninuinely sad to be leaving Jack behind, it was amazing what a liberating experience it was - it can be done! I realised it is the first time I have been without him and it's made me appreciate him so much more and also realise that it can be done and it's incredibly beneficial for us both! So I think it's safe to say that wombat is back on track - for now anyway as I'm not under any illusions that life will continue to be this rosy! We're off to the docs for Jack's 6 week check-up soon so hopefully that will go as well as this morning.

Yay to kool for getting to 3rd trimester - how was your appt today?

You must be on an hourly count-down by now yellow. I hope your colleagues give you a good sending off.

How's the babymoon going sparkly? Hopefully you're too snuggled up and content to post!

Waves to all and leaves warm chocolate brownies xx

Hi girls
Well you are doing brilliantly wombat . Babies are pretty boring for the first 3 months to be honest. Once you are over the initial excitement you get little back until you can have some 2 way communication. I had a complete meltdown the other night when meg was cluster feeding in fact most nights I consider giving up breastfeeding .
She was weighed today and had lost 6% . Mist babies drop weight ( unless you are super norks sparkly ) and as meg had a whole day where she didn't feed I am chuffed it wasn't more.

My advise is to get yourself organised before you start. I have set up a nest of pillows with the footstool v pillow remotest, phones, drink snacks. It makes it less tedious.
Congrats on 3rd tri kool. 12 weeks will fly by.

Soz, meant to say, no excitement here, next ante natal is tomorrow, 28 weeks, so 3rd trimester begins, yay!

Just popping my head in to share a digestive with you wombat and to offer a hug if you need one? I think you're amazing, so honest about the ups and the inevitable downs. I'm sure most new mums feel the same, even if they don't say so. It's no wonder it's starting to take its toll, the initial excitement is probably wearing off and the reality of screaming, sleeplessness and boredom are hitting home. Oh no, my intention was to cheer you up but I fear I'm not doing too well!! All I can say is that by acknowledging it shows that you are dealing with it, I'm sure it doesn't feel like it in the middle of the night but you are. You're doing an amazing job. Please look after yourself...not good to be overdoing it and making things feel tender. Right I'm just digging deeper holes so how about I go and put the kettle on?! xx

So fab to hear your story worm and I loved the fact you managed a "normal" sat night in - that must have really rounded things off beautifully for you. Your DS and DD1 sound adorable and your DH too (gosh, feeling quite teary!) Cluster feedng at night and not sleeping during the day sounds tough - hope that passes soon. You're a superstar sharing all the deets -thanks for that and big smooches to Meg (and you!)

Yes, the nips do hurt sparkly but it does get easier, I promise. Very jealous of your babymoon with just the 3 of you - we never got that but I'd have loved it, I know. Enjoy every second. A tip on the lansinoh is to put it between your legs while you feed as it makes it sooooo much easier to apply afterwards - yellow - if you haven't squeezed some out of the tube already, you'll see what I mean when you do - it's quite solid when not warm.

How are you feeling kool? What are your next appts etc?

Sounds like you are in a very positive state of mind yellow - I know what you mean about handing over stuff - it's wonderfully refreshing n'est ce pas? And enjoy all your lunches - that was my favourite part of finishing work The cabbage leaves thing is good for engorged breasts - I did it in hospital and it did seem to work but the leaves wilted pretty quick as my boobs were so hot! I was worried about the latch thing etc but it sounds as if you've kept yourself well educated. As well as the workshop, I also bought the NCT Breastfeeding for Beginners which I'm continuing to find useful now. Best advice I can offer is to get help early and in person - as soon as you feel there is a problem. Even if by the time someone gets to you, you're sorted, at least you can get affirmation you're doing it right.

All ok here although the weeks of little sleep are definitely beginning to take their toll. I'm feeling pretty weary with the repetitive nature of looking after a newborn and his nightly screamathons are taking their toll - I pretty much shouted at Jack the other night .... All my other friends with newborns seem to coo and gurgle over theirs which I do in public (and genuinely so - I love showing him off), but find myself getting a bit bored and frustrated when it's just the 2 of us - I wish I didn't feel that way as the 2 of us time is so precious..... 6 week check is tomorrow which I think will be ok but I know I have been overdoing it with lugging stuff around etc. as stomach is quite tender. Hope I don't get a telling off although it would be quite deserved if I did - I probably haven't been cautious enough. Sorry for the down post - I put it down to lack of sleep.

Waves to all and snaffles several digestives

worm I just loved your story, thanks for sharing it. I'm mightily impressed about managing to get back for your spag bol! No, I'm not medical, I just know about anti sickness stuff because of DH, we're experts now! Sounds like it was quite a tricky procedure in the end, so I'm glad you didn't have to stay in for any longer than you had to endure. How's your actual physical recovery going? Sore or bearable? Your DH and 2 other DCs sound wonderful so i'm sure you're being well looked after. Cluster feeding sounds exhausting but as though you're managing with the feeding itself? All tips welcomed!

sparkly your plan for the week sounds like just the thing! I hope you get on well - yup, throw a digestive over this way please

yellow great news on your 3 fifths engagement! How's your heel now? Sounds like you're very chilled about work and your upcoming mat leave, and great idea to have planned fun stuff for next week.

Hi to wombat and wellie (and skitoo if you're still reading)

Wow worm what a story.......and such a lovely ending. Sounds like it all was a bit traumatic and the post natal stay sound horrid but look at you now.....a beautiful baby girl. So lovely to hear that everyone in your family is besotted with her and your other children especially. And your DH, sounds like a star.

I haven't got a bouncy chair yet sparkly but was thinking i'd need one. DP thought baby would either be in cot or feeding but i pointed out that there should be some other times in between when the baby needs stimulation or something.

Thanks for the nipple updates, I already have some of that cream. I've also been told cabbage in the fridge is good....not sure if that is true or not? So the feeding is going well worm apart from there being a lot of it through the night......you're milk came in ok and you've got the latch thing? I'm worried I won't get it right and the baby will starve/my nipples will fall of whilst i'm waiting for advice/help.

Yes, just 4 more working days!! Very busy week this week work wise so it'll fly by. I am feeling perfectly healthy and full of energy, it might not be the same by Friday but it's light at the end of the tunnel. It's actually quite fun to tell my mat cover what to do and what to expect and set up work and meetings and stuff to solve problems that I won't actually have to action/attend. I'm feeling v relaxed. I have set up lots of fun things/lunches for next week so that should be good fun. Although random strangers have looked at my bump and declared I will be early, but what do they know?

wombat you've been quiet, you ok? How did 6 week check go?

Yes I'll go for a digestive, better have some prunes on mine.... I'm hearing you on the sore nipples, that lanisoh stuff is good hey, and apparently is available on prescription sparkly time for the babymoon to start for you.

Anyway I continue....
The spinal block made my blood pressure very low, which I was expecting as it happened last time, so it wasnt that scary when they had to tip the bed on its side and pump 5 bags of fluidy stuff into me!! I felt pretty grotty all the way through I can tell you!
When they opened me up it took them 40 minutes to get to the ureterus because I was apparently full of addesions from the previous 2 cs's and every one of these had spread to make it like a spiders web all attatched to different parts of my body. DH was watching as they had to clamp each one suture? it and get past it. Kool your a medical girl arnt you does that sound right? so once in it was very quick before Megan was out and she screamed staraight away. I had asked to be shown what sex it was rather than be told and couldn't believe it was a girl. DH had known all along, and I swear he refered to bump as He on 2 seperate occasions...........clever thing!

So onto recovery and the surgeons came back to see us and said in no uncertain terms they would recommend I never had any more children as it would be very dangerous. I had to stay in recovery for 8 hours as I was very sick from the low blood pressure which took 10 hours to go back to normal. The dc's came and we got them to look at Meg and try to decide girl or boy, and they both said girl so thats good! DD had been so keen on us having a girl and DS wasn't fussed so it was great to see their faces.

I will gloss over the 2 days spent in post-natal as I want to forget it as soon as possible, 5 hours sleep over 2 days spent in pain, off to the very back of mind please to that memory.

So we got home at 8pm, the dc's were absolute stars, so excited to be taking home their new sister home they hardly moaned at all in the 6 hour wait for discharge bless them. We even managed our usual spag bol tea in front of saturday night telly before Meg awoke.

DH who if you remember I had to bringroundtotheidea is absolutely smitten and has been ever since the first scan thank god! He is so good and I love him dearly [hormones emocion]

I'm very knackered as Meg is cluster feeding all the way through the night and I find it vertually impossible to sleep during the day. Sleep is over-rated anyway.......

Hope you are all well yellow how many more working days? are we onto an hourly countdown yet?

Cuppa and a digestive anyone?
Gabes is asleep in his baby bjorn bouncer, he's a bit snuffly so think the slightly upright position is nicer for him. Can recommend it so far as a purchase, even though he's tiny and doesn't like his moses basket he seems happy in the bouncer (which doesn't bounce unless light pressure is applied, or like dh you yank it back like a catapult!)
Nipples hurt, this is my tmi fact. We have the latch ok, although he can get a little frantic and work his way free a few times before settling at the moment. I've been using the lansinoh religiously, and it does help, I think I'm just suffering general wear and tear. He does seem quite a bit heavier though, and more robust - already not quite a newborn!
PIL have now flown home and dh has a week's paternity left so we are just going to hunker down and chill out in pyjamas for the week. Oh, and sort out registering the birth, and child benefit, all the boring things!