Graduated Elderberry Pavlovas - Thread 7

[Cavort]

Newly diffed right through to new Mums. A thread for the over 30's expecting their first baby.

my little giant has been in size 3 for a while now. I have a competitive mum on my FB who was bragging that her baby is sooooo big, 63 cm and not even 4 months. Would be mean to comment there that Vic was 62 at his 2-month check-up, wouldn't it?

cavort Yes, we did mixed feeding for 3 days when I had the allergy issue. Not the best experience in my case, he was very windy and constipated, no pooping for 6 days and looked really uncomfortable until we used some laxative gel. One day should hopefully not cause such issues.

And also, expressing gets easier if you keep practicing. I usually feed from one side and then express from the other (can't do at the same time like is recommended, Vic likes to wriggle around while feeding), to build up the stash. If you need to increase the supply temporarily to express more then I've discovered that sauna works like magic - hot bath should probably have the same effect.

We received one bundle of our reusable nappies yesterday! They are very cute. DP got stuck in and practised putting one on a teddy. We are not putting any pressure on ourselves to use them, we will start out with disposables and see how we go.

Which reminds me - we are looking into a washer dryer to replace the shit washing machine and Cavort I wondered if you would mind Whiching this one for me: Hoover WDYNS654D-80 if you have a minute? Anyone got a good one that they'd recommend?

Ooh and we have also scored a very good breast pump from a friend, and our next door neighbours are passing on their Moses basket. Getting there with all the stuff!

Makes it feel so much more real I think quod when the house starts filling up with stuff...

Hats off to you worn disposable nappies. There's no way I could have coped for the first few weeks without disposables, although I am vaguely considering swapping now, given I'm no longer stuck to the sofa all day feeding I should be able to cope with the washing... Embarrassed to admit this, but I'm not sure how I'd cope with it without vomiting once they start doing proper poo once weaning starts - and it's scarily not that long away now...

Oh and think the plan to start with disposables is a good one. Hopefully after a few weeks you'll be able to swap over?

Argh not sure why I wrote worn. I meant re: .....

Yeah exactly - having cloth doesn't close down the disposable option and we can swap when we feel ready for it and may well still use disposables when we are out etc. Having changed a few of my niece's 'proper poo' disposables, I can't really see that there's be too much difference between dealing with that and flushing a disposable liner full of poo down the loo. Apparently you are supposed to flush the poo with disposables rather than binning it but nobody ever does!

DP is ordering the buggy today I think after I found it £70 off from an online retailer. Eeek!

Yes hats off to you quod and good idea to start with disposables and not be adamant about using the reusable. You'll have to let me know how you get on!

On washing machines, my mum has an LG washing machine and is always banging on about how good it is (my mum has cleaning OCD! We always leave her house with a box full of cleaning products she's passing on to us as a gift?!) It will prob be quite an expensive one though but I can find out if you like.

DH asked me when we're packing the baby bag for the hospital earlier. Thought it was sweet that he was thinking about it as it's normally me thinking about baby preparations

So do I need to be thinking about a breast pump? Need to get my head around how all of that works.

You might not need one Alex, it's probably one of those things you can leave and see if you need it or not or you can actually hire them from most children's centres...or see if Janey has for one you can pinch

Funnily enough my neighbour said something earlier in the pregnancy about me borrowing hers (she said you can get replacement bits for hygiene - maybe I had a grossed out look on my face?!) I feel a bit bad chasing up people on loan offers though for some reason so am just hoping she remembers! Great, I won't worry about breast pumps until the time comes!

I didn't get mine until after Miles was here. I think I decided it might be a waste if I didn't manage to breastfeed.

In terms of you borrowing your neighbours, all the key bits that touch things are sterilised so should be fine!

if you are breastfeeding and plan to be away from the baby for more than a few hours, you will need at least a manual pump - even if you're feeding with formula, boobs get uncomfortable soon. I got a used Ameda Lactaline, it's a closed system pump like hospital ones, so milk never gets where it's not supposed to, therefore totally hygienic to re-sell as well.

In other news, just picked up my new car, it's fabulous. And the magic parking works surprisingly well.

Which? don't seem to review that particular one Quod but this is what they say about Hoover's Dynamic Range...

If you’re looking for a Hoover washing machine with a few tricks up its sleeve, you're bound to encounter models from the Dynamic range during your shopping trick.

Which? has reviewed and rated five washing machines from Hoover’s Dynamic ranges. Below you will find the Which? verdict on these models overall, but if you want our in-depth reviews of individual Hoover washing machines, head to our Hoover washing machine reviews.

Hoover Dynamic features
Hoover’s Dynamic washing machines have drum capacities from 8-11kg, typically the bigger machines have the more advanced features. Models which have 8 and 9kg capacities typically cost between £300 and £400. Features on these machines include a time remaining display, delay start, quick washes and a duvet wash programme in the larger 9kg machines.

Splash out between £500 and £700 and you can get one of Hoover’s top range 10+ Dynamic washing machines. Fitting in plenty of laundry, some of the top models feature a steam function to refresh clothes. Hoover also has an 11+ Dynamic washing machine, it doesn't have a steam function, but does promise super silent running and is big enough to wash duvets and has a special duvet cleaning program. Both these features can be found on the 10+ washing machines.

Which? verdict on Hoover’s Dynamic washing machines
We’ve compiled our expert verdict on this range in the table below. Which? members can log in to unlock the results table below, but if you’re not already a member, try Which? for £1 to get instant access to this and all our other expert reviews.

Hoover Dynamic washing machine data
Number tested 5
Range of test scores 59-66%
Average test score 63%
Number of Best Buys 0
Number of Don't Buys 0
Brand reliability 70%

Pros
Dynamic machines tend not to add much to your annual bills
Pretty fast at washing your clothes
Fairly good at washing detergent out of laundry

Cons
The entry level Optima machines we've tested tend to be slightly better at actually cleaning clothes than these Dynamic models
8+ and 9+ tend to be quite noisy machines
The latest reliability survey reveals Hoover washing machines are not very reliable
Table notes
Table correct as of 01/03/2013

What to expect from Dynamic 8+, 9+ and 10+ machines
Though no two models are the same, you'll generally find the following features and specifications when shopping for a Hoover Dynamic washing machine.

Energy label A+, A++ and A+++
Freestanding models
1200, 1400 and 1600 spin speeds
Large 8kg, 9kg and 10kg capacity drums
3D Dynamic wash system – Hoover says the use of increased water pressure, curved paddles and a raised dome system will move the laundry in a three-dimensional way
Time manager and countdown display
Variable spin speed allowing you to limit the spin speed in case you have delicate items in the wash
Sensitive care option. This is similar to an extra rinse setting as it adds five extra rinses to remove more detergent
Delayed start – up to 23 hours, handy for running a wash overnight when electricity can be cheaper
14, 30 and 44 minute quick washes
Wool, silk and hand wash programmes
Duvet programme on the largest 9kg and 10kg models. This can save time and money as the machine can wash a duvet, saving you from having to take it to the launderette
Steam function on some 10kg models. This can be used to refresh clothes that may not need washing
KG mode – Hoover says this uses a sensor to weigh the laundry during the first minutes of the cycle, then adjusts the time, water and electricity to suit
Pulse technology - water is delivered into the drum via eight jets located around the drum, detergent solution direct into the load

Quod there aren't any Hoover machines in the Which? list of 25 best buys. Top of the list is the Samsung WF80F5E5U4W at £500ish. Others on the list under £500 are Bosch WAQ28461GB, Hotpoint BHWM129(/1), Siemens WM14Q390GB, Hotpoint AQ113L297E among others.

New car Hazle, how exciting! I can't wait until ours arrives

I have just taken Elodie for her 12 week jabs and got her weighed while we were there - 13lbs10oz now, which puts her on 75th centile. She was 60th centile at last weigh-in 4 weeks ago and 50th centile a few weeks before that. I thought babies who are BF on demand regulated their own weight? Elodie is going to go off the chart at the rate she's piling it on! HV at the baby clinic didn't seem too worried but I am starting to!

And in other news today is day 2 of attempt 2 of my 'teach Elodie to self-soothe' regime after attempt 2 was abandoned last week due to her cold/fussiness/refusal to sleep. Last night it took me from 3am until 6.45am to get her to go to sleep on her own (without DH or me holding and rocking her which is how she usually gets to sleep) in her cot, but we got there in the end and with no crying (well, no more than normal when she is over tired). She is now napping in her chair and it took her 5 minutes to get to sleep on her own with just a bit of head stroking. I don't want to speak too soon but it appears to be going better than I expected, even with last night's sleeplessness. Have any of you who have self soothing babies got any good tips? I wish I had started off putting her down awake from day 1 but hey ho.

I have the opposite problem, you always read how you should put baby to bed after a certain time etc so they won't get overtired - I could not, even if I tried. Vic cannot be held and rocked to sleep, he just won't fall asleep like that. No tips though I'm afraid, I think Elodie simply has to get used to it, so I would continue doing what you're doing, especially as it seems to be working.

Good work on the self-soothing cavort! And I was a really hefty baby from birth onwards but am now a normal weight (janey don't you dare say it!) so I wouldn't stress on the weight front!

Hazle what do you do when you know Vic is tired and needs to sleep? Do you just have to wait for him to nod off when he feels like it or can you put him down and he'll sleep?

Elodie starts to get grumpy 1.5-2 hours after each waking so we generally try to get her back off to sleep in order to avoid an overtired screaming episode.

That's reassuring to know Alex. I will put the Slim-Fast baby formula on hold.

Hello berries one and all!

Sorry I've been quiet... was having a few rough weeks and didn't want to bring anyone down or put off the preggers ones as I was a bit 'if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything!'

Horatio is doing fab I think- weighs 13lbs at 10 weeks now (gain has slowed a bit), breastfeeding is a bit more sensible now (tho we use ff once a fortnight or so if needed), I love his smiles and chuckles and chats :)

I'm not bad - waiting on second period to start (had one after 4weeks, gutted) but have had pmt for 10 days now! Only comfort is there's zero chance of being pregnant - we've not even been close to dtd yet. I thimk I have a small prolapse and my scarring seems to hurt more and more.

I am occasionally intrigued by the prospect but me and DP aren't exactly amazing at the moment so think it's a way off yet.

Nevermind all that... how is everyone? Pgs, mums, babies. .. what have I missed?

Ps we got a kitten as well 5 weeks ago. She's cute and all but I do worry about H's first words being 'fucking cat'...

Will try and upload pics later

Oh lovely to hear from you Bear. We have a FB group now too, so if you want to share some photos and don't mind losing the anonymity, PM Lol your name.

Cavort if Vic looks sleepy, usually I put him down and he'll fall sleep, sometimes needs a little bouncing in the hammock. But he's an odd kid from that perspective, can be happily awake for hours and hours sometimes, even though all baby books say he should not manage more than 1,5 -2. Elodie has apparently read those books

brave! We were missing you and wondering where you were! Absolutely moan away when you're having a rough time we all moan about bumps, babies and building work all the time

Glad Horatio is doing so well We've started a Facebook group (secret one) in case you want to join and share pics on there. It's fascinating seeing everyone as well!

Cute about the kitten - hope it isn't being too naughty!

Sorry about the pmt - hormones are meant to be a bit crazy after birth anyway aren't they so that doesn't sound like it's helping. Hope things are ok with your DP? Must be a lot to adjust to. Oh and sorry about the scarring too. I don't know what a prolapse is but am scared to google On and remind me what this dtd thing is again?

Hey Brave, great to hear from you and very glad to hear things are back on track and Horatio is doing well.

I too had a painful and very heavy AF when Elodie was 7 weeks. I thought another was on the way last week as felt quite PMTish but nothing so far. Have you seen anyone about possible prolapse and painful scar? I am still aware of my scar but it isn't painful and hasn't been for a month or more.

I hope you join the FB group, I need to see baby and kitten photos!

Hazle she appears to have read the manual on when to get tired but not on how to actually get to sleep. Good old Vic, he sounds like an angel.

cav I wouldnt worry too much, some babies do pile it on more than others.

Hi brave hope all is ok with you! Never worry about moaning seems to be all I do on here Glad you're feeling a bit more positive.

Oh and need to hear more about the kitten! My boys first words will probably be 'cleo no'!!

There you are Bear! You had me worried (sent you a pm and everything!) I know what you mean about 'if you haven't got anything nice to say' I stayed away for a couple of weeks as well when I was going through a rough patch but honestly, we're here to support you so I'm glad you're back x

I can't get over how big everyone else's babies are either, Lucy is tiny compared to the rest. Do you think if I eat biscuits she'll grow more that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it