Due August 2021 - Welcome to the World!

[PurplePansy05]

Welcome to the chattiest birth club on MN! Newcomers always welcome 💐

14 gorgeous new babies have joined us already, welcome to the world 💖💙🥳

@Smurf123 - Welcome to the world, baby Sophia 💖
@wimbler - Welcome to the world, baby boy 💙
@Jessicapebbles - Welcome to the world, baby Ebony💖
@Inmypjsagain - Welcome to the world, baby boy💙
@PurplePansy05 - Welcome to the world, baby Leo Alexander 💙
@WinterBabyof89 - Welcome to the world, baby Rosie 💖
@Winecoffeeteamum - Welcome to the world, baby Emily 💖
@Ready2020 - Welcome to the world, baby Rowan 💖
@Magik01 - Welcome to the world, baby Isaac 💙
@Hoares3 - Welcome to the world, baby Ellis 💙
@Daffodil21 - Welcome to the world, baby Elliot James 💙
@sarah13xx - Welcome to the world, baby Freddie 💙
@Biscuitcat - Welcome to the world, baby Rowan 💙
@Whatshouldbemyusername - Welcome to the world, baby Arya-Nyah 💖

Counting down until we welcome 20+ new arrivals:

@MrsB2019x - Induction w/c 9 August, Girl 💖
@Dia12 - EDD 8 August, Girl 💖
@Aaaaa1519 - EDD 13 August, Girl 💖
@Angelesque - C-section 16 August, surprise 💛
@lucyrp - EDD 16 August, surprise 💛
@livingwithbees - EDD 16 August, surprise 💛
@BertieBotts - EDD 16 August, Boy 💙
@WolfMother - EDD 17 August, Boy 💙
@Caz1226 - EDD 17 August, Boy 💙
@Millymay13 - C-section 17 August, surprise 💛
@RandomCatGenerator - C-section 19 August, surprise 💛
@Smallbean27 - EDD 19 August, surprise 💛
@Sheisfee - EDD 19 August, Girl 💖
@Alittlexmasmagic - EDD 22 August, surprise 💛
@LottSE20 - EDD 22 August, surprise 💛 @notinthestarsigns - EDD 23 August (but likely to be brought forward induction/C-section), surprise 💛
@Fran919 - EDD 25 August, surprise💛
@Ava50x - EDD 25 August, Boy 💙
@ame88 - EDD 28 August, Girl 💖
@HopefulB - EDD 29 August, surprise 💛

It's officially THE month! Watch this space! xx

@sarah13xx that’s happened to me as well! Thought I’d got lucky and got away with bleeding for a week, but it’s come back with force. 🤪

@Magik01 must be normal then 😂 I had absolutely nothing for about a week so thought I really don’t need to be wearing these pads now. Had gone down to just the normal sanitary pads by then anyway but of course I stopped wearing any then all of a sudden thought what’s going on here?! 🙈 even had to go back to the maternity ones for a day or two there 🙄 hoping it’s just the placenta scab thing, seems to have almost stopped again

@Daffodil21 that’s a great way of thinking about things. I am truly astounded how I’ve been able to create such a perfect human and that is definitely something I should focus on. In the meantime @PurplePansy05 know you’re not alone xx

@PurplePansy05 have you tried the hipp organic formula ? i used this with DS and he had eczema and when i had to feed formula the other day i used it with Evie and she was fine with that. xx

@HopefulB i too feel like you when i was "discharged" from the MLU i wish there had been more structure to the after care rather than leaving us too it. i know they are trying to get the family time aspect right after birth but i felt like it had gone far too much the other way with being left on my own to shower when i felt nauseous and dizzy, not being brought any food or making sure i had fed Evie either. i feel like because i missed those first few hours after birth that's why we're struggling with latching etc. i too am thinking of investing in a lactation consultant session as it would be very beneficial. something else the MW and HV have suggested to me is to have a bath and get OH to pass Evie to me while i'm in the bath and spend skin to skin in the bath and there's a high success rate in latching when doing this. i think its because of the water around the baby brings back memories of them being in the womb ??

also thanks for your response on the haakaa as that's what i was thinking too xxx

I'm just going for a nap but there is chat in this house about introducing a formula feed at night so I can get a rest. I think 3 weeks of no full nights sleep are really catching up with me today. My breastfeeding is going OK is with over supply being one issue as she just drowns in milk some feeds and gags. We need to sort out our routine of pumping, feeding and formula as it's all over the place just now.

Big hugs to everyone tonight! We're all doing fantastic.

Sorry to hear about your infection @PurplePansy05, hope you recover quickly!

@RandomCatGenerator @Daffodil21
For those who are combi feeding, what guidance have you been given about how much to give on formula and breast? I had to give a top up last night as I’m sooo bruised on one where she moved but I couldn’t budge her off and the other is just solely being used and hurting even with shields now so We’ve made the decision to combi feed (weight has been lifted massively!) but can’t get hold of anybody to know what I should be feeding as I know you can over feed with formula?

Thanks for any advice x

@Fran919 none to be honest. We're just going with the flow. Maybe we shouldn't be..! He gets 6-8px of breast milk per day and the rest is formula. We just feed him when he asks 🙈

@Fran919 there is guidance on the formula packaging though. We did check the other day and think we're not far off. He is a hungry bear though!

@Daffodil21 thank you! Sounds like my daughter, she’s constantly ravenous! I just wonder how much she’s having at the breast, I’ve tried to express but cant get much and I know she’s getting more as I can see she has a mouth full when she pulls off!

Today was a success though, the first day we’ve managed to get out for a walk for the whole week and gone more than 30 mins for a feed. I definitely believe the combi feeding is the right decision, might be a coincidence but she seems so much more content today and when she’s awake she’s more alert and not screaming to be fed.

@Fran919 he's just had 3oz of breast and he's now crying for more so he's on formula now!

Glad you managed to go out for a good walk x

Just coming on for a quick update. I'm trying to stay off the thread as it is making me depressed reading about all these lovely babies and feeling like there is no end in sight for me...

I've been to the GP yesterday and he tried to push my protruding haemorrhoids back in, but it was so painful I screamed and wouldn't let him do it. I've been in constant agony all weekend, barely able to move. I don't really know what to do about it.

@PurplePansy05 I'm sorry you are having such a difficult time with the breastfeeding. You are a rockstar for getting to this point and it is so difficult when things don't go well. I understand you for feeling so torn and I do hope that whatever happens, you are at peace with your decision. Also big hugs to you for the infection you're getting over, you've really not had an easy time of it! I hope you're well on the way to recovery now and taking it easy.

@Fran919 @Caz1226 congratulations on your babies!

@Ava50x You poor thing, haemorrhoids are so painful. I had one show up a week before I gave birth. I didn't notice it at all during labour/birth but it was agony afterwards. My midwife prescribed me some cream that made a huge difference (but it did take a few days). I don't know if you can use it while pregnant but worth asking? Surely there's something they can prescribe!

@PurplePansy05 Hope you get over your infection soon, it's so hard looking after a baby when you're feeling poorly.

@Ava50x you're doing so well honestly especially with the add problems of haemorrhoids. I was such an emotional wreck the last couple of weeks but the only way I got through it was telling myself the latest I'd be pregnant was such and such a day at 40+12, will that be the same for you ? Will you be offered any sweeps soon?

@Ava50x

Just coming on for a quick update. I'm trying to stay off the thread as it is making me depressed reading about all these lovely babies and feeling like there is no end in sight for me...

I've been to the GP yesterday and he tried to push my protruding haemorrhoids back in, but it was so painful I screamed and wouldn't let him do it. I've been in constant agony all weekend, barely able to move. I don't really know what to do about it.

@PurplePansy05 I'm sorry you are having such a difficult time with the breastfeeding. You are a rockstar for getting to this point and it is so difficult when things don't go well. I understand you for feeling so torn and I do hope that whatever happens, you are at peace with your decision. Also big hugs to you for the infection you're getting over, you've really not had an easy time of it! I hope you're well on the way to recovery now and taking it easy.

@Fran919 @Caz1226 congratulations on your babies!

Think positive Ava59, keep baby in until wednesday then they will the then oldest in their school year when they start school!

Decided to go for a family trip out yesterday to our local town to get the car washed, grab a few girly outfits and some other essentials I.e nipple cream and breast pads ... and our car broke down .. again. It cut out as we were driving along but managed to pull into the side and it's been in a field overnight so trying to figure out how to get it home. I was an emotional wreck and felt guilty for even suggesting we venture out 🥺😥

Those who are still left to deliver - would you feel better if we saved the rest of this thread for pregnancy related chat only, and set up a separate one for those with their babies, that you can join when you're ready?

@Daffodil21 you are very considerate for asking!! Its completely OK with me the way it is now. It keeps me sane, reminding me that at the end of all this, there will be a baby!!

@PurplePansy05 been thinking about your BF problem all night! I think you are right that you want to find the reason for baby's lack of weight gain. I would recommend you express a full feed and let it sit for a while. What should happen is that the fat separates (you will see a thick layer of cream at the top of the bottle). The more cream there is, the more rich, fat milk your baby would be getting. If there is only a small amount then that might be the reason for lack of weight gain. But if there is a good amount (and if I remember correctly, but don't quote me on this because I'm no professional!) this might be about a half oz in a 2-3 oz bottle, then clearly there is a different reason for lack of gain. I don't know if you'll find this helpful or confusing, but just something I thought I'd mention. Good luck!!

@afictionado I am using Scheriproct cream but can't say it is very effective... What did you use?

@Ava50x That's a great idea, thank you so much (and for thinking about it, I didn't want
my bf hassle to keep you awake at night )! My mum said the same as you, if only you could check how much fat is in it - so you've likely just given me a fab idea here!

I've tried the Bellababy electric pump at home on one breast and unfortunately didn't get much out, however it is definitely stimulating my breasts because my other breast was going crazy 🤣 I attached Haakaa on it and between the two breasts got 60ml this morning, and then another 20ml just using Haakaa during the next feed. I will definitely look at the fat separation next time I express.

I also leak a lot now despite feeding lots so doesn't this indicate the supply is definitely there?

I think I will write down every feed/bottle of expressed/formula top up and every time he vomits and has a wet/dirty nappy for the HV and lactation consultant to see. My instinct is that he's overall fine, but has bad reflux. He seems to have all the classic symptoms of reflux xx

@PurplePansy05 don't worry, your problems weren't keeping me up at night, my insane haemorrhoid pains were! Glad you found that info useful. Reflux can very well be a cause for failure to thrive so definitely do the charting.

I so hope you get some answers soon!

@Ava50x Any improvement at all for you or is it still just as painful for you? That must feel horrendous right at the end, I'm so sorry you're going through this xx

@PurplePansy05 was stuffing ice cubes up my knickers all night in an attempt to numb it and reduce swelling. Definitely helped a bit which is good- but i'm thoroughly exhausted now...

@Ava50x you poor thing, I had some come on post partum but thankfully they only lasted a few days. Im sure you are but try and get as much fibre as possible. I find prunes and figs and berries the best. And lots of water. Also tucks pads are supposed to be great for the pain. How many weeks are you now? Hopefully not too much longer to wait for you.

@PurplePansy05 with the expressed milk, it separates really well in the fridge and you get quite a clear fatty layer that almost solidifies. I find what I collect in the haakaa is much more watery that what I collect in my medela pump. My let down is very thin though and almost grey in colour but I have an awful lot of it so I use the haakaa before feeding at night as I’m so engorged. It relieves the pressure and helps him latch without choking and spluttering but also makes sure he’s not getting too much foremilk and get to the fatty milk before he gets full.

Been referred to the tongue tie assessment which I’m so happy about. Finally getting somewhere and hopefully they’ll let me know if there’s anything they can do.

@lucyrp I don't feel like I am coping well at all... I'm such a grouch:( But I guess I have my hands full so don't have time to be too bad!

I have a midwife appointment Tuesday and will discuss sweep/induction then- but honestly, hoping it'll all be over by then. I have another reflexology session booked for tonight, maybe that will help move things along...

@Ava50x have you tried acupuncture?

@Ava50x to speed things along, not for the haemorrhoids!!