September 2020 3

[ChipsAreLife]

Just starting a new one so we don't get lost again 😅

I was googling local lactation coaches locally too as I'm really hoping BF will work for me. If they can't do home visits tho how will that work @Roxy8203

@ShiningStarz I found one which does a video call for sessions and advice. Not ideal but better than nothing. Also there are a lot of videos on latching etc on YouTube

Thanks @Roxy8203 I found a local support group that are doing zoom meetings now anytime during pregnancy. Think I'll give thats a go! Hope you are doing well

@ShiningStarz ah that sounds good. Yeah I'm good thanks, just plodding along. 🙄

@ShiningStarz @Roxy8203 Before you pay for anything, look if you have a local La Leche League group or breastfeeding support who will provide support for free.
When I had H, he fed really well - lost only 4oz after birth, but the latch was painful and I knew it wasn’t right. The midwife that came was useless - at one point she had every cushion in the house around me, while I reclined and fed... and then said ‘You look really comfortable there!’. I was like ‘Weeeeeell, how can I do this in Costa?’ When I said I just wanted to cradle hold to feed, she told me she didn’t like that hold and to think about the monkeys in nature, swinging from branch to branch, with baby just holding on their nipple. No thanks - I do not want my baby to dangle off my nipple.
I had a local breastfeeding peer support worker that came the next day, a young Mum, and she was amazing. She sat with me, and talked me through my worries, talked about me as a person, what I wanted from breastfeeding, I cried, and then she showed me how to get him to latch. I never had any problems after that.
I didn’t stick with breastfeeding as I had anxiety issues and that wasn’t helping, but I will certainly give it a go again this time.

Thanks for a look at the bag @Roxy8203 - I do really like it, and the pods inside. Food for thought!

Hi Ladies, ive had this niggling headache since Sunday and it wont shift. Its not horrific but driving me mad, should I call and speak to the hospital? Paracetamol hasnt really helped. Xx

@emma278 yes I would call your MW or maternity assessment ward (may be called something different there). Just to be on the safe side.

Yes re BF we also had a drop in cafe near me. I never had to go but worth it to get support. I got really good help in hospital with my latch so I was lucky. It's really hard to plan for but just read up on it. The biggest thing is cluster feeding and supply and demand. Everyone I know that stopped was because they felt they weren't producing enough milk, but that's normal and you have to keep the baby on your boob loads to get the supply up.

But honestly don't stress. Just see how it goes, formula feeding is great as dad can help and often keeps them fuller for longer! X

@ChipsAreLife So agree with this. I beat myself up so much over choosing to stop breastfeeding that making the decision made me feel 10 x worse. The midwives and post-natal clinic didn’t help, because there was insane pressure to breastfeed, and everyone kept telling me about the health benefits, and about how my baby would be healthier and smarter and I was failing him by not choosing breastfeeding (not in those words obviously - but intense pressure). For someone who is a perfectionist, who wants to always do their best, this was a really hard time for me because I felt I was letting him down.
At the end of the day, happy mum, happy baby. Do what is right for you and your baby. Fed is best. And I will happily be here to support any one of you in the decisions you make once baby is here.

@sianyflewog thanks for the heads up. I'll look into local advice when it gets a bit closer and hopefully we can have contact with people again.

I feel the same - I'm really keen to get on well with breastfeeding but trying not to put too much pressure on or stress about it as I know that won't help. I watched a really helpful video on it on the Positive Birth Company Youtube channel that helped me get my head around it, but obviously with latch etc, you kind of need a baby to see how it all works! I haven't watched them yet, but someone recommended these Unicef videos too: www.unicef.org.uk/babyfriendly/baby-friendly-resources/breastfeeding-resources/best-beginnings-videos/

@sianyflewog, we went for the BambinoMio changing bag, partly because it was reduced to be honest and my SiL said it was great if you're using reusable nappies, which we're hoping to. It came last week and I really like the look of it - plenty of space and handy pockets, including one 'dirty pocket' and one insulated one for snacks and drinks etc.

Is today your scan @ chanel05?

@looseygoosey I'm hoping to go with non disposable nappies too, though I'm having problems persuading my partner at the moment! When I mentioned it to his family they said "oh we knew you'd want to use those but honestly it will be a nightmare not worth the effort" which I found frustrating as it wasn't from experience they just dismissed the idea. I'm at least going to give it a go. Does anyone have any experience with them? I've got a couple of friends who have used them fine.

@MooseWL I'm using reusables. My brother has a 1 year old and is adamant that they are bad for the baby and stops them walking properly until my mum reminded him he was in terry's nappies and learnt to walk just fine. I don't think they are as easy but so much better for the environment and cheaper in the long run too (plus the designs are adorable!)

I would say don't put pressure on yourself across all aspects. Birth, breastfeeding, baby sleeping through. The most important thing is happy baby and happy mum. You'll always get some twats who think they're the bees knees for having a natural birth or breastfeeding but in the scheme of life it really isn't important, so ignore!!

Re useable nappies, I love the idea but my washing with four of us is insane already and I worry ill not keep on top of it! My DB and DSIL used with their twins but with disposable too. They really liked them!

Just spoke to my consultant. Will be having this baby at 39 weeks via c section. Get my date in the next few days eeeekkkkk!!! It's going to be very close to school starting though which I'm now worried about! Ah well!!!

Also consultant was not happy that I won't have been seen by a midwife for 20 weeks and told me to get an app for 25 weeks. So any second/third/fourth mums may be worth getting in touch if you're concerned x

Thanks @sianyflewog I actually messaged lalecheleague last night and they replied straightaway. They are doing zoom every Friday for BF support. They welcome ladies to join in pregnancy. Thanks for the tip!!

Spoke to midwive wasnt interested and sent me to GP, GP has asked me in later to check BP and full check over. X

Hope you are ok @emma278 💜

Hope you're okay @emma278 I've had a headache on and off for a few days now too. I've put it down to not being out and about enough. Hope your BP is okay.

Really interesting about your consultant @chipsarelife I wonder if the community teams will start picking up more appointments as the restrictions gradually change?

I e been going a bit of online window shopping this morning... car seats, monitors and baths of all things! I think I'm going to get a schnuggle bath after seeing it recommended on here & hope it fits in the kitchen sink to save my back post section!

Has anyone got a video monitor they'd recommend? There's so much choice!

Hope you're okay @emma278!

I had my scan today, all went well and baby didn't stop moving the whole time! I'd had the sneak peek at 10 weeks which told me I'm having a girl and that was confirmed today.

Congrats @Chanel05 !!!

Thanks ladies, just back from drs, BP and Urine fine so he thinks its likely sinus, literally all i can do is take paracetamol which havent helped. So ho hum i guess but glad bp is ok. Ive also bought a home BP machine to keep an eye if midwife appointments are going to be few and far between!!!

Xx

Glad all is well @Chanel05.

Good to hear everything’s ok @emma278 - it’s great if you’ve got a good GP!

That's great @emma278 I had headaches too and have had my BP done at gp's. It just gives you peace of mind. I get sinus pain real bad, thankfully none during pregnancy. Boots do a simple steamer, I'v used it and it's good, I put a drop if olbas oil or vicks in with the water: www.boots.com/boots-easy-breathing-steam-inhaler-10164668

@Chanel05 congrats and a little girl too 💜

I'm window shopping too!! Afraid to buy yet tho!!! I think I'm waiting until there's more buying from you ladies 🤣