"I'm a July baby.....GET ME OUTTA HERE!!!!"

[JimmyChoo17]

hi ladies fresh new thread in which hopefully we will ALL have our babies happy and healthy on the right side of our bellies by the time it comes round to a fresh new July new born thread :)

Selina - sorry you're having a slow early first stage - hope things get moving for you soon.

Well I finally have my baby! After all the stress, I gave in to the inevitable as was already too knackered to start a fight when I arrived in hospital. Luckily I didn't have CFM so was able to remain fairly active throughout which definitely helped. Managed on G&A but did have a shot of pethidine to have a bit of a break - slowed things down a bit and they had to break my waters (despite only being there because they'd apparently already broken!) and things really ramped up from there. Made lots and lots of noise - especially as it felt like my hips were being ripped apart and that she was coming out of the wrong hole but got there with lots of encouragement from the midwives and DP. Can now say I know what a natural birth feels like and it bloody hurts!! Me and Sorrel Lyla are both doing fine - we were discharged at midday today after she arrived at 17.22 yesterday so not too long in hospital really. Oh and she weighed in at a healthy 6lb15! So happy not to be pregnant anymore and finally cuddling my little one.

Lots of hugs to those of you still waiting and sorry if I jumped the queue a bit!

Congratulations Mini - love the name! And I'm with you on the natural birth, if I ever do it again I'm having an epidural for sure :)

Twit I was about to break out the fennel tea when DH called the dr to check if it was ok for us to feed her this. The gripe water we were told to get by them is ginger and fennel extract. Upon hearing that the OTC gripe water wasn't working so well the dr wrote a script for a stronger dose of gripe water. Surprisingly she isn't back up. The dr gave us a cardboard temperature reader to keep on the wall and told us to keep the room at a termperture between the two lines that she drew to prevent dehydration/constipation.

I can't believe how many of you have given birth with little to no pain medication. Mini love the name too and congrats! I am with spanner and hope to never have a natural birth. I think an epidural should be a right for anyone having a baby. It bloody hurts and I am sure if it were men giving birth they would have more in their arsenal of pain management than G&A! I asked about pethidine and my obn said they don't use it because it 'spaces you out'. They said an epidural had less side effects and was easier for them to control. Having had an epidural I would never considering not having one for delivering any other children we have in the future.

Congratulations! Enjoy those cuddles. Seth is only 18 days old today but already he's changed so much

Minicorrect Congratulations!! You'll forget about the pain...I've had two natural births, one with nothing and one with gas and air and I have pretty much forgotten the pain from five weeks ago!

Twit...6 week growth spurt must be round the corner here too. DS was at nursery and I thought I'd get loads done but no, spent ages feeding!

Anyone got any suggestions for a night-time feeding bra?

I love my M&S ones but at night, when lying on my side, the toppermost boob seems to succumb to gravity and slide sideways out of the cup leaving it uncovered by a pad (essential for my leaky boobs). So I end up very soggy and uncomfortable.

I asked about the Mothercare crop top style ones on the feeding topic and although someone's said they were good, they've got rubbish reviews online.

Any ideas anyone?

button having just figured out lying down (a life saver in the heat) I am very interested as I have this problem too. How are things going now? I saw Seth had put on weight so well done to you both. I might take BabyTwit to be weighed tomorrow as something to do with dd as everyone else is busy doing stuff.
cara it gets a bit much at times doesn't it - even though it's all normal etc etc? Am paranoid about a recurrence of mastitis now I'm off the anti-bios
want2be I hope she gets relief soon it's really hard when they start the crying I remember with DS1 feeling helpless with him in pain but it goes eventually. I found lying him across my knees with his tummy pressed into my leg and rubbing his back seemed to ease it a bit, and a bath - I don't know if it actually helped but it was a change and helped break the crying cycle up a bit, leaning his tummy into my shoulder as I rubbed, and tummy rubbing. Good luck

twit my Dad told me that my brother had awful colic and he would ditch the J&J soap and use baby castile soap on him. I found it on amazon and it arrived this morning. We are going to test it tonight. Today she finally accepted the bjorn thing. She slept the whole day in it. I tried to take her out of it and she started screaming again so I just kept her in it. My shoulders are killing me now and my bum hurts from my pelvis being out of alignment. DH gave me a break and I fell asleep instantly. He got her to sleep in the swing after he moved it right next to me and put my dirty laundry under her.

cara what is this about a wk 6 growth spurt? This is my first so I have no idea on when to expect growth spurts or how to accomodate them (ie is extra food needed).

Want2be, my DS was colicky in the early weeks. I didn't realise it at the time, but looking back, and compared to DD, he used to cry and cry. A sling worked for us as he just wanted to be held all the time. A dummy too from about four weeks, but he wouldn't have it after three months. It's horrible and I remember feeling helpless too, but it passes.

Who is still pregnant?

6 week growth spurt, people say babies have one. THey feed more and if breastfed may fuss at the breast. But all are different. with DS, it was four months that he had the biggest one and I felt like I was feeding all night. It went on for about three months!

want2b check out a moby or a kari-me. My sister has lent me one and I was really dubious as the baby bjorn type have always left me exactly as you described. But I wore S almost all day the other day with no nasty effects at all. And he was really calm (he's a bit windy and colicky too). You can pick them up for next to nothing here on ebay - not sure about where you are.

twit I've had some replies on the other thread. The problem is I can't really afford to buy expensive bras on the offchance they might work so I'm not sure how to tackle the problem. And yes, I'm so pleased S has put some weight on. Now he's got to sustain that and produce another increase for Tues!

We had a pretty good night last night. Went out for a curry with SiL and then fed S at about 11pm but then he slept til nearly 3.30! And then in with me where he had one side then and the other at about 4.45 so not bad all in all. Life seems so much easier if you're getting just a little sleep

Thanks guys!

Button I am part of a group here called Mothers and More. I found a couple of English mothers and one has a Kari-me that she is willing to lend me until we visit the UK in September.

Cara It scared me that I noticed myself tuning out her crying. She loves her hospital issued 'pacifier'. I call it her plug! Thanks for the info on the growth spurt.

Anna is quite long and is almost out of her 0-3 month outfits. I got her some petit bateau stuff from the 2nd hand store (love it that Americans go ape over carters but leave the good stuff) which is 6mths+. The 6mth stuff fits her now. I weighed her and she isn't 10lbs yet. Bit scared of a growth spurt!

I had my baby boy on wednesday at 17.26, at home in the pool, he weighed 8lb 1oz,as yet nameless, a \very quick labour (had tens machine on with contractions every 8 mins from 9am but only very short and very manageable, walked to gp at 1pm for mwappoitment, had sweep and to book +10 appointment, was 3cm dilated with bulging membranes, as soon as\I left there to alk back, contractions were every 4 mins, got home, phoned DP to drive the 3 hours but told him I thought he would miss the birth, could feel it was going to be quick, was filling the pool, phoning midwives etc and phoned a friend to come round, midwife arrived at 4pm, was 5cm, got in pool 4.30, started gas and air and contractions were then every 1-2 mins, very strong, massive urge to push, screaming my head off lol, my DD popped in to give me a kissand left again, he was born in one big push, resulting in a 3c (severe) third degree tear, had to go in by ambulance for a repair in theatre with a spinal and stay overnight, was sorry not to have my champagne! DP missed it- I'm kind of glad, think he would have been freaked out). My friend was a star and tidied up!)
All well and at home now, will post some pics!
S xxx

My life, attempted to watch one born every minute on sky plus catch up today and realise I'm officially traumatised! Found it really hard and had to fast forward the epidural and c sections!

I'm still having trouble following my spinal puncture with ears and occasional head trouble. Have still avoided blood patch. Am finding it tough still having to follow conservative management. I wonder if will affect normal life long term. Am awaiting call from hospital consultant to discuss again.

For those with c sections...are parts of your scar harder and sore but not in a painful way I'd that makes sense? Midwife thinks looks ok but wouldn't feel it. Like want2b I'm sat trying to let it air but my overhang (which I hate!) covers it if sat down. Anyone lose this or am I stuck with it?

I have stuck in the house since being home and feel to scared to leave on my own with baby does that sound stupid? If i could drive i would feel better as could feed at will in my car but have now realised how hard it is to breastfeed and wander out freely!? shops and venues just dont cater for breastfeeding at all.

hubby was brilliant around the birth and trauma but he has backed off a bit now too so I feel a little unsupported already...more my hormones really but scared of the effects on us as a couple already! I suppose it's hard for dads as all of a sudden they are not involved again. I'm Breast feeding but want to express at some point so he can do feeds too but have been told a month is the earliest I can do that. Suppose that's not far away.

I had a midwife visit too and she said she thinks I should be a blubbering mess which hasn't left me feeling great either. ITs good that I am coping better than they would expect I suppose but could have done with more encouragement rather than what I got. My mum keeps telling me about her bad experiences, lack of support and how I am going to crack....jeez thanks mum. She's not a supportive maternal type I should add! Also not interested in seeing her grandchild for months either! Midwives are not discharging me to the health visitor until the birth issues are written off.

So whilst I was feeling ok earlier I don't feel great now!?!?!!!!

Sorry for wingey post...it's great to moan it out!

All I want to do is walk to the shops now but don't feel brave enough stupid mare....anyone else get this or am I just being a prat?

Jimmy you are NOT being a prat! With DS1 I went to the washing line about 5 days after he was born, and I didn't have a traumatic birth.

You'll be up and down a lot.

The great this about BF is that you don't need to be catered for. You just need a chair and a bit of privacy if you're getting the hang of things. Honestly, you will feel about a squillion times more obvious than you actually are. If anyone is looking they are either admiring your baba or just thinking it's nice to see a BF mum.

Do you know someone locally with a young baby?

Yeah I've got a few friends with babies either within a couple of weeks difference to 3 months. Everyone else seems to be out so much tho! I want to go out but not over do it as still recovering from both c section and my epidural problems. I've managed the washing line tho :) I've just sent a message to a friend who had her girl 2 weeks before me but feel bad as will need to get her to come to me as I can't drive at the moment.

I'm also concerned my pram won't fit thru all shop doors! it's ok for big stores but the shops nearby seem smaller than my quinny! my baby carrier might be a better idea but won't be able to carry much.

I think the midwife visit today has left me feeling much more sorry for myself all of a sudden. I might treat myself to the best curry house curry if i do brave it and venture out as a prize! that's round the corner from where i live but definitely can't fit the pram in their door!

Selina Congratulations!!

Jimmy I could've written your post after my first was born! It does take a while to get out and about - don't put yourself under pressure to do stuff as the early days when you can sit cuddling your baby go so fast. I remember the first time I went to our local shops with a buggy and I couldn't work out how to get thru the doors! A couple of times I didn't go in a shop because the door was shut! I used to stand there looking hopeless til someone opened it for me. Catch up on films, encourage people to visit and get them to make you a cuppa. I'm still doing that now and Hannah is five weeks old!

Congrats Selina!

Jimmy it took me 2wks to recover to the point where I could care for Anna on my own. While my experience probably doesn't count as traumatic, it was traumatic to me. I didn't go on my own with Anna until this week. Anna is now 4wks old and I did her passport application which involved a 15min walk to the post office in town. Until now I have had DH with me or he has stayed home with Anna while I go out on my own.

The most important thing is to not overexert yourself. I am on strict instructions to not lift anything that is too heavy to lift with one hand (but to use both hands lifting, use legs not back etc).

I have not touched my scar yet and don't plan to. For someone who passed my 1st yr of medical school I am still incredible squeemish (wasn't squeemish before med school but have been since!). It is dark red with a tiny amount of yellow crust (which is plasma not infection). If you are unsure about your scar I would strongly suggest you ask your GP or obn to take a look.

I don't have an overhang with my scar. I have a bit of jelly belly (I lie, it is a lot!) but it doesn't interfere with my scar.

Don't let others piss on your parade. If you listen to negativity it will make you negative. If a midwife is being negative telling you should feel a certain way report her and ask for someone else to attend your next visit. I was in tears on day 3 and the nurses called in psych for me to be assessed for PND. The two psych drs did a great job of talking to me about the traumatic experience I had been through. Since then I have not had a problem. If someone was to tell me that I was supposed to be sad I would probably clock them! You are doing a great job. It isn't easy after a CS.

Anna is sleeping like a little angel today. She is in her little 'travel' swing. I have to figure a way to support her head as it looks like it is going to roll off her body. Any ideas?!?

Button I forgot to add a comment about nursing bras. I found my Anita nursing bra to be excellent. This is the one I had and it cost $50 with a coupon. Not cheap but really really good for my, now sadly deflated, 34F boobies. I only had one as it took about 25mins to dry. If the M&S bras work during the day how about only getting one like this for night use?

Jimmy you sound jolly sensible to me, good on you. It's much better to take things at the pace your comfortable with rather than try and do too much and then end up taking two steps back. If your pal is a good friend she won't mind driving to you.

I do think getting out will do you good. Why not take the pram out and just check out the doors and things. Find a shop or cafe which looks suitable and go for it. What's the worst that can happen?!

I did go back and read your birth experience. It sounds bloomin' awful and you've been really brave. Obviously someone who had an easier time is going to feel like getting out and about a bit more and that must be frustrating.

I think in the early days it's nice to have just one little task to tackle, whether that be just cooking dinner or going to the shop. Once you're more healed it will be much easier to get out.

You won't ever get this time again. It's often said that people wish they'd just sat and cuddled their 1st born because if you go on to have a second you won't be able to do that as much.

Catch up with some films and try and keep on top of having a shower or bath and getting dressed in something that makes you feel lovely. Hope that doesn't sound patronising.

Bonkers that sounded beautiful. To someone who hasn't had children it would sound patronising but to someone who's there it sounds like excellent advice. It's very easy to put yourself last and get so caught up in looking after baby that it's suddenly 4pm and you've forgotten to brush your teeth!

Jimmy don't stress about bf. I went out on Thursday night with my SiL who fed her 1st for 12m+, I though, v successfully. We were eating our curry and she said to me (the failed bfer) 'you look so comfortable there - I'd never have been able to do that, it used to take ds 40mins to latch on and we'd both be howling by that point'. I thought she was so together about bf and that I was just bumbling through and she was thinking the same about me! Go with the flow - it'll be fine.

As for doors, use your bum and back in. Much easier.

But do take your time - you've got a lot to get over. Take it easy on yourself. And if you feel like you need more support from your oh, tell him. He's probably thinking you've got it together and might need a reminder that you're still very, very newly post-traumatic-partum.

button Thank you. That means a lot to me.

Hello, I was wondering if I could join you? As I can't find a post natal group yet. I recognise a lot of you from my 'come moan with me if your near the end' thread in pregnancy.
I've read as much as ds2 will allow of this thread.
I had ds2 3 weeks ago and I am feeling all over the place. One minute I'm fine and can cope with both of them no problem. The next I've convinced myself of all sorts, and I will be stuck in the house with the 2 of them all day every day. I'm also feeling scared to go out jimmy and ds2 will be forever in a sling as he won't be put down- colicky, tried all sorts :(
Sorry to barge in and rant! Having 2 is daunting!
Hope everyone else is ok. I can't believe I never knew this thread was here. I wondered where all you ladies were hiding!

Hello everyone!
Sorry I've not been in touch for so long, but the only time I get a chance to go online is when DD1 is in bed and I don't have the energy to post after that!
I really haven't had an opportunity to read any messages, but have roughly scanned some. button I have the same issue with my m&s bra, but just put my pad towards the upper part. I can't remember who mentioned it, but it was about their mum retelling stories of their birth/children experience - mine does exactly the same, but I now realise it was approx 30 years ago and her memories are maybe a little askew...so I take them all with a pinch of salt.
Aimee is doing really well and put on a whole pound last week. I keep getting the "she's so tiny" comments, but am determined not to get paranoid about her weight (DD1 was smaller, but gained weight very steadily)(felt very para initially by comments from bottlefed mums boasting about their "bruisers").
We have a brilliant mw service here and attended each day for the first 2 weeks postnatally to check both baby and mother. Our health visitors also come out once a week for the first 6 to check baby.
Maybe not at the forefront of everyone's minds, but what contraception are you guys on? I took the mini pill last time, but we were planning to have another baby and I forgot to take it within the allocated time. Have you had experience of the coil? I think it is prob going to be the most reliable for us.
Hope you are all well and hope to be on more regularly than I have been xxx