The relaxed grads.

[lostindubai]

Joining from the relaxed TTC-ers. Hoping to see everyone here soon

My stats:
Age 36
DS 29 months old, still bf once a day at bedtime.
Currently 7 weeks pregnant.
History: had a mc at 9 weeks prior to DS - also had bleeding while pg with him but all was well.

Been feeling constantly ill for a week now! Last time I ate to feel better but it doesn't make any difference this time. Only actually been sick twice though. Had to fess up to the parents/PILs already as so off colour. Started taking spatone sachets today to try and increase my energy levels. Looking forward to speaking with a midwife to see what else I can do, if anything.

Lost that's scary for you. blocked tear ducts very common though, my DD1 had gammy eye a few times utnil she was 3 months, it sorted itself out. The dr here advised gently massaging it with clean cotton wool and sterile eye bath solution on the cotton wool. Obviously the lump must be worrying you a lot however, I am sending you good thoughts (and some French , hope evryone knows its saf to drink a wee bit of alcohol while breastfeeding (as long as it's only a nip if you're co-sleeping), sometimes we need it!
Apple that's really nice your little one is getting all smiley, it's magical.
best wishes to all you mamas here!

Hey ladies it's lovely to see all your updates

Sorry I haven't posted in a while I don't get much time to get online anymore.

lost I'm so sorry to hear about your DD having breathing issues and her eye problem hope she is all better soon x

reebok I'm sorry things are stil tough for you I know how you feel my DD won't sleep anywhere other than in my arms I have spent a fortune on side cots,co sleepers,travel cots etc she won't use any of them. I just tell myself she isn't always gonna want cuddles like this so I make the most of our special time together.

apple' how exciting enjoy the smiles and sounds xx

In my news me and DD are doing well she had her first lot of injections a few weeks back and she screamed but she was ok I gave her calpol and she didn't get a temperature at all but she screamed whenever I gave her the calpol so it seems she hates it what child hates calpol ??lol

Me and OH keep bickering especially at night the problem Is he is Very protective of his little girl and he keeps telling me I'm doing things wrong and shouting at me about how I need to do this and that I hate being critiqued so I end up snapping.im a first time mum and doing my best.

I am also enjoying the baby coos and gorgeous smiles it's just the best thing to hear and seex I can't believe my baby is 3 months old next week where does the time go?

Hope all you wonderful gorgeous mummy's are all doing ok remember you are all amazing x

Oops forgot to say I also think baby has reflux she brings up milk after every feed and has projectile vomited Quite a bit she gets so upset so we are off to see the doctor tomorrow [ sad]

Hi Sally that is a great attitude for the sleeping, it does go so fast. I love sleeping next to my daughter, seeing her little face light up when she opens her eyes and sees me.

Bickering is normal but always tough with your partner. Just remember you're both probably more tired than you've ever been, and try not to let things escalate.
She might not have problem reflux, it's very normal for babies to bring up milk and even vomit a lot sometimes. Hoping for your sake she's ok, don't feel you have to give medication if she seems happy in herself, it might cause a problem where there is none.

Good luck all!

Hi All hope you and babes are having a relaxing weekend?

We took the kids to a wildlife park yesterday and DD loved it, DS was good but mostly slept through it all.

Wanted to second Infrance's view regarding bring up milk, DS certainly does this pretty regularly ( esp when I have a new shirt on!) but wouldn't consider this reflux just normal baby pattern of regurgitating milk.

Can't believe DS will be 12 weeks soon ( more jabs..) but also no longer a newborn and will be talked about in terms of months and not weeks, it goes so quick!

Hope all well x

Hi ladies hope you're all keeping well? I'm less panicked now as dd's eye has improved loads. Still seeing a consultant tomorrow about it though.

Just think, this time last year we are all starting our ttc journey together! Or has gone so very quickly. What a special time.

I do feel sad that my first three months with dd have been plagued with problems. I'd really like to start over again as it feels like I had her just yesterday. But then I suppose with an older sibling it would be a bit like that anyway. Need to start making the most of her while she's still so little! I know what you mean about weeks turning to months Apple, and it's quite alarming!

InFrance I bought my first post-pregnancy bottle of at the weekend (not French though sadly!) as I felt like I really needed it. Rather enjoyed a small glass as I cooked dinner on Saturday evening.

How are the babies with reflux/posseting? My little lady is actually a lot better now although she still suffers a bit. I don't need to give her Infacol any more which is great.

Sally how are things with your OH? I hope he's been giving you a bit of a break? My partner and I have been having an awful time of it lately I really don't feel close to him at all and we argue loads. We're in such a stressful situation with the house and the kids and the health problems, and I keep telling myself it will get better. It has to get better!

Love to all x

Sorry, second paragraph should read:

Just think, this time last year we were all starting our ttc journey together! It has gone so very quickly. What a special time.

Must proof read properly!

Hey everyone hope you and your bubba's are all doing ok

I went to the doctors with DD about her being sick and she has reflux I have been given gaviscon to give her in boiled and then cooled water but I'm not comfortable with that.

Can't believe she is 4 months old in just 2 weeks time my newborn baby dissapeared in a blink!

You will be pleased to know me and OH get on much better now as we are all getting some more sleep as she sleeps in the baby nest inside the co sleeper crib for about 3-4 hours before waking for a feed sometimes longer

dubai so glad your DD's eye is better must be a relief. I also cannot believe this time last year we were all on the TTC board and now our babies are all coming out of or already out the newborn stage! It goes so quickly.

Well I'm off now before DD wakes from her nap take care x

Great to hear updates from the board,

Brill news that the eye has improved for your DD Lost and you are getting on better with your DP Sally, think that sleep deprivation has a lot to do with how you can function esp, within a relationship, snapping , patience or lack of it etc.. I know I am more snappy with my DP, he expects to much sometimes e.g. Look after baby & cook dinner so have to remind him I am not super woman, still be better if we didn't have to say it wouldn't it ladies?

DS is doing great although he is enormous, feeding loads, baby clinic say is very large for his age. But he is healthy so can't complain. My Dad has high expectations as keeps joking that he will make an excellent rugby player lol.

Had his 3 month jab, not too bad, but think he has more next month. Currently fallen asleep on my boob. Hope everyone else who hasn't posted for a while doing well, thinking of you guys esp, Infrance and Reebok

I hated the Gaviscon Sally, we gave up after a couple of days as it upset dd so much. Have you been managing OK? Glad things are better with your OH it makes the world of difference.

Dd's floppy larynx has been confirmed. The ENT consultant put a camera down her throat yesterday which was v traumatic for her and for me as I had to hold her still while she screamed but the good news is it's not too severe but will need monitoring.

The eye problem turned out to be a cyst in the tear duct and she's all back to normal now which is a huge relief. It dispersed within a couple of hours (wish I had known that was a possibility before hand!) but apparently won't have done any permanent damage and won't come back.

I'm finally starting to enjoy being a mummy properly again! Although ds is being a pain but I won't get into that now!

Apple. I bet your ds has amazing chubby thighs

Just thought I would share this article about breastfeeding from a different cultural perspective, liked the take on it.

www.naturalchild.org/guest/claire_niala.html

Sent from my iPad

Thanks Apple. I am feeding dd loads - it keeps her quiet/happy and allows me time to read to ds, rest etc. I just wish dp was a little more sensitive to my needs. If I need food or water, I generally have to ask for it and feel like I'm constantly making demands of him. Very rarely does it get offered. And yes I've mentioned it but it goes in one ear and out the other!

Great post lost they are very insensitive sometimes. I just don't think they get what it is actually like to be caring for a baby (&toddler) 24 hours a day. My DP think he is a great Dad because he doesn't get home from work late and reads DD a story. That's the nice bit of parenting! We just had an argument about who gets to water the flowers as that's a nice job...

Hi ladies hope you're all well? I'm utterly exhausted. I came off my iron supplements and I think I may still need them? Having a blood test next week to find out.

Dd had her third set of jabs the other day and one of them (the men B one) looked like it was getting infected but today it likes OK. Had a prescription for antibs if she needed it though. Apart from that it's all been fairly quiet with her lately which makes a pleasant change! (touches wood madly) We're actually looking into the men B jab for ds privately as he missed out.

Aww Apple I know what you mean about getting the nice jobs. Somehow I always end up emptying the bin and that's a shitty job if ever there is one! No one else ever seems to notice when it's getting full...

Anyway, hope to hear from you all again soon x

Hi Lost how are you doing? Did you get iron supplements and is it helping with the exhaustion?

Be great to hear how others are getting on too. .. We are doing fine but it's nursery holidays so both little ones all the time which is tiring...

DS had his 3rd lot of jabs today and seems to be doing OK. Gave him calpol as recommended. So relieved that is it now until he is one as I hate this part of parenting

Looking forward to going away on holiday with in laws next week should be a nice rest.

Hope everyone is enjoying the summer and the nice weather.

Hey everyone just thought I would pop on and see how everyone is doing
Can you believe how fast the time has gone! I can't believe in a few weeks My lg will be 5 months old! How's everyone getting on?
My lo has learnt how to hold her feet and keeps trying to sit up she makes the most wonderful excited squeals now as well its so exciting X how are your lo's doing?
Anyway I'm off now to try get some sleep take care everyone look forward to reading your updates X

Hello everyone...sorry I haven't been on. In all honesty it's been a hellish 4 months (yes dd2 is already 4 months)...the reflux for both children had gotten worse..dd1 is on far too many drugs for a 3 year old and dd2 has started ranitidine on top of the gaviscon. Sally sorry to see your LO has reflux too. I have also been diagnosed with pnd....took me a while to admit it and seek help but I finally have and am getting counselling. My Dr and hv weren't surprised I got it after that nightmare pregnancy. ...I just feel rubbish all the time. I really thought I would catch a break once she arrived but it's just been one thing after another. I'm not coping. DD2 still struggles to sleep. I'm exhausted and just in tears daily. Poor dd1 probably thinks her mother is a head case!

Hi all!
Sorry I fell off the messages for months, didn't think it was so long. It's just we've had unbelievable business and to be truthful I spend my very limited free time looking at woven wraps as a way to make myself feel better!
Sorry that so many of you have had reflux diagnosed, that's tough. What I thought might be reflux with our baby turned out to be a weird fortnight of coughing, vomiting and choking after a cold, but then it went away.
Thankfully breastfeeding is now totally sorted, it was really better after the first month. Baby is still very big (and I have a damaged wrist from holding her!) but trending down to 75% rather than 93% centile. She's wonderfully cheerful, smiles and laughing all the time, and now that the initial 'settling in' has happened with her sister, the two of them get on incredibly well, and are beginning to amuse each other which is very useful. /
Downsides for me are relationship with husband really suffering. Even though we are both home (I working, him childcare), which you'd think would mean we could work things out ok, seems to just result in both of us being unhappy and resentful and still exhausted. Not sure how to improve things but I do know we are in desperate need of a holiday, haven't had a proper one for over a year. Off on a very long journey tomorrow to the UK for a week (for work), not looking forward to the drive, even though I thought it wasn't possible to fit, I have to squeeze between the two car seats because the baby is not a good traveller!
Reebok sending hugs, its so shit that you've not had a let-up from tough times, really feel for you. I'm sure your children love you to bits.
Sally yes when they start to get mobile it is wonderful, mine is also obsessed with her feet!
apple hope you had a lovely holiday!
Lost yes I'm still feeding loads, in fact not actually trying to keep track of anything bar an eye on the clock for roughly 2 hour intervals for sleep/feeds, but she gets more often usually! Not good for focusing on work. I've been looking at chickenpox vaccine too for both my children, as they haven't had it yet, and apparently you can get it easily, I think it's worth protecting them from a nasty illness rather than just giving everyone else herd immunity from shingles as adults.

Sending to everyone! xx

Hi All just checking in to thread again after holiday...

Reebok so sorry it is still do tough for you, I really hope you turn a corner soon. The early stages of babyhood are so unrelenting and with colic and unsupportive partner I cannot imagine.

Infrance how did your work trip to the UK go? Did you take DD with you. And again sorry to hear your partner and you aren't getting on. Thing it is so common. You are so absorbed with child rearing the couple can get lost.

Sally yes discovering their feet is so cute. Our little one has just realised he can splash the water quite powerfully on the pool and delights in doing this repeatedly.

Lost also feeding lots he is a very greedy boy! Just starting to introduce new things to him as he is nearly 5 months old and very interested in good. Have given him a taste of plain yoghurt on tip off finger which he really like and ate half a small container of it. Also given him a spoonful of mashed banana and porridge and a rusk.

Be great to hear how everyone is doing. Sending my best to all.

Sorry for all typos writing on phone.. DS very interested in food

Hi guys, how is everyone?

I've had various blood tests and it's all showing fine, even though I'm permanently exhausted (although getting used to that now) and my hair is still falling out in droves (this also started when I came off the iron). The doctor recommended a bf multivitamin which I have started but I don't feel any better.

Dd is doing well now, although teething a lot - I forgot how much it hurts them. She spits out the calpol and ibuprofen I try to give her though. Also using teething powders and anbesol liquid, does anyone have any other suggestions?

She's a real little character now and her relentless curiosity and cheekiness is so endearing. I've started taking her to baby sensory classes and she's really enjoying them (and so am I!) She and her brother are getting so much from each other now, they make each other laugh and ds calls her 'his best friend in the world' Oh - and she's trying to crawl already

How was your holiday Apple? And how are you getting on with introducing solids now? I'll wait until six months probably, as I have no imagination! But dd does watch everything we eat with interest. Not long now, she was five months the other day.

Sally the squealing is amazing isn't it? My ds never reached the high pitches my dd does, it's hilarious!

Reebok it's lovely to hear from you. Sorry to hear you have pnd but I agree with the Dr it's hardly surprising. Your kiddies won't be on meds forever either, things will get easier eventually. Please don't be hard on yourself and take all the support you can get. Any time you feel like sounding off, you can come here and do it, one or other of us will be here to listen

InFrance lovely to hear from you also. Sorry to hear things aren't great with OH, I hope you'll be able to work through it. You should start planning a break, see if that helps? Me and DP are managing better than we were but still not particularly close. He's developed a new enjoyment for cycling which I think has helped. Great to hear your two also have a great sibling relationship going on and good to hear bf going well too. I'm still bf whenever she needs it tbh, and sometimes when I just want an excuse to sit down and rest!!

We're off on our first holiday as a family of four tomorrow and we were up A&E with ds last night, apparently he's got 'irritable hip'. He has to rest so that's rubbish timing, but we're just glad it's not more serious. We have hired a buckle carrier for dp to wear dd but looks like we'll need to take a buggy as well.

Take care everyone x

Hi Everyone,

Hope all is well the thread is going a bit quiet now it seems...

Good to hear from you Lost how did your holiday go? Hope the irritable hip is not causing your DS too much aggravation?

My DS also now 5 months and teething. Have been using teething powders, bonjela and calpol. The worst thing is he likes to use my nipple as a human teething aid which is pretty damn painful and has caused a lot of sleepless nights.

The weaning am taking slowly has had a bit of ready break, mashed up weetabix and banana. Very messy though forgot what it's like.

Similar to Lost and Infrance the sibling relationship is really developing and so sweet to witness. Almost makes the sleepless nights worth it

Be great to hear how you are doing everyone and esp Reebok am thinking of you and hoping it is getting easier for you. Second what Lost says vent on here if it helps but also get all the help you can from professionals too. Sending to you.

Hi Apple. Thanks for asking, our holiday was a rough ride actually. I think we should have left it a bit later as dd still needed holding lots (accommodation had no carpets) and ds is still adjusting. His irritable hip resolved within a couple of days but he still insisted on being carried a lot on our walks, more to do with the fact dd was being carried than anything else! He's regressed a bit bless him. (Having said that we finally potty trained him this weekend, yay!) All the same, it was nice to spend some time in the hot tub so not a complete waste of time

I'm going to start dd on solids sooner than planned. She's always after our food and still wakes up three times a night for a feed so I think she needs a little more than she's getting. I would love to get more sleep at night so hopefully it'll be win win!

Hey everyone hope you are all well nice to see some new messages

apple I'm with you on the teething we are using lots of teething toys and Ashton and parsons powders. I haven't started weaning yet she is 6 months in a few weeks am starting then. Glad to hear the sibling relationship is building must be lovely to see x

lost sorry to hear your holiday wasn't so good glad your Ds's irritable hip resolved itself and well done for the potty training!

reebok well done for realising you needed help and asking for it that was such a brave thing to do hope you are ok and getting the help you need x

In my news DD is almost 6 months! Where does the time go? I am loving being a new mum it's hard sometimes but then she smiles or laughs and I fall in love with her all over again x I am weaning her soon and I'm terrified she is going to choke to death! I wanted to do Baby led weaning but think I'm too scared so will probs do traditional weaning instead x

She sat up unaided a few days back I felt like my heart was gonna burst with pride but I got a little sad too she is growing up soo quickly it makes me sad at times .

Just out of curiosity do any of you think you will have any more children in the future or are you done now? After having DD I would love another In a few years but OH is saying no way x

Well I'm off hope all of you are doing ok here is a pic of my DD now growing up so fast

Hi Sally (and all other grads). Love the photo of your soon to be 6 month old! She's gorgeous and sounds like doing so well sitting up unaided. DS is sitting up with help and can flip him self over and roll so can't be left on changing table anymore

We are doing a mix of some baby led bits e.g. breadsticks, rice cakes, toast, banana avocado with some liquid e.g. yoghurt, cereal... He likes to feed himself and it's very messy. Guess you have to go with your gut feeling. Perhaps read a book on baby led weaning if you are interested but ultimately if baby led makes you anxious then it's not worth it.

Am not sure about another child.. Part of me would love a third but also mindful if how much hard work it all is. DP is on board with idea of 3 but will just have to see in a couple years. Do you know why your DP is against another?

Thinking of all other grads and babies too and hoping everyone is doing ok..