Feb Babies - Come on Down!

[tyaca]

'ere we go, guys!

mymissus , all I can say is it happened to me with DS1 and I hated every feed, wept constantly, dreaded him crying for a feed etc, but I did persevere and am glad I did as I managed it for four months (3 months exclusively) although I did constantly think that it would be easier to express all feeds as it was so much less painful, but it DID get better after a couple of weeks, although for me never got entirely fabulous.

However, I am so so relieved that I am not going through it this time, I am more relaxed and I would never get any sleep if I was trying to bf these two. My personal opinion is that if it is making you so miserable that you can't enjoy little Digby then it is not worth it, but if you can hack it for another week and then reassess then things hopefully will have improved. See what Gill says as she had the same probs you are having I think and as far as I know things have got better now.

Sorry, rambling..........

Formula is not all bad though, it is saving me my sanity .

Good morning egg, glad your DS1 had a lovely day i love the opportunity to spoil them rotten

Well it's pissing down here and we were going to go to park and feed the ducks as Dp is off for his birthday, Ds1 and i decorated a cake yesterday for him (you should see the state of it) and Ds1 was in his element with all the chocolate! I've just bought him a nice bottle of wine and some yummy dark chocolate of the boys because i got him a wii for christmas so he's had enough money spent on him, actually i'm planning on using the wii myself as a form of exercise

Readytopop are you sure you don't want to change your name to Readytotoppleover!! you must struggle to find nice undies in that size ..lol

Sarah are you feeling any better today after your fall? you were lucky not to do any serious damage, take care x

loobyt we are feeding every 3 hours through through the night, but the feeds themselves are getting much quicker even though i have to stopp every now and them to get ds2's wind up. From what i gather this pattern of feeding can last for a few months yet.

Wow siree 13 days over, no wonder you're a bit fed up, hope your induction goes smoothly xx

mymissus sorry we crossed posts, i agree with egg this is a time when you should be enjoying your baby not getting upset and lo will pick up on that. If your latch is ok all i can suggest is getting some air to your nips it really does help.

Just do whatever you think is best, i had loads of problems bf ds1 and gave up after 2 weeks and i can't tell you the relief i felt, i too was dreading feeds, he gulped down formula when it was given and i have no regretts at all about doing it xxx

Hi ladies,

Just quickly logged on to let you know my waters have broken - and I'm going to hosp to get checked out. am having contractions but v mild every 10 mins or so.

speak to you later.

xx

OOOOHHHH bovril good luck and chillin' labour vibes for you, hope it all goes smoothly xxx

GOOD LUCK BOV!

Good luck bovrilsarnies!

Widgetsmummy - hope you're getting rest after your long labour - bethan is gorgeous.

leesmum, so impressed that you are 'back in the saddle' as it were - i've warned my dh he might be in for a bit of a wait!

I'm 8 days over today, but the midwife is coming round to do a stretch and sweep so fingers crossed.

I am def not back in saddle... still bleeding. It had almost finished then came back. I bled for 6 weeks last time so guess it is normal for me.

oh and good luck mitfordsis for today's sweep

Mymissus - I really sympathise with you. This happened to me with ds1 and like Leesmum I gave up after 2 weeks. I was dreading him waking up for a feed and it really was stopping me enjoying him. I did go through a period at around 4 months when I was sad that I hadn't kept going but I think part of that was due to having contact with bf mums who were saying if you can get past the painful period its worth it etc and I felt like a bit of a failure because I hadn't persevered. However, having bf 2 babies since, I realise that there are many different levels of pain with bf. With ds1 it really wasn't bearable, with ds2 they were quite sore but bearable, third time round they're sore again but so much better. Only you know how much pain you're in and what the right decision is for you.

If your latch is ok the only things I would recommend are lansinoh and getting the air to them. I found that expressing didn't allow my nipples to heal and when I tried to bf ds1 after a period of a few days expressing I was right back to square one again. My midwife suggested nipple shields which I didn't like but might work for you?

If you do decide to stop try not to feel guilty - having a happy mum is much more important for a lo. Also, I have to say that although ds1 had formula and ds2 was bf for 6 months there is no difference in intelligence/health. In fact it's ds2 who suffers from exzema.

Sorry for such a long post but I remember this period of time with ds1 was so hard and I really feel for anyone going through it now.

Congrats to widget and sally. Good luck to Bovril and sireedubs!

Sarah: how scary! Hope you are OK and not too sore after your fall.

mutha: Count me in on the boob job thing. I don't want to be bigger...just back to my pre children boobs (or some semblance of them). I'll pass on the tummy tuck...prefer tp try the excercise route and just accept that as my best effort. However, cant work out one's boobs..

mymissus: my sympathies. I was/am in a similar position. I was in agony immediately with DS1 He had a very small mouth and a suck like a hoover on full power. It wa difficult to get a good latch and the pain got so bad that I would mentally recoil each time I had to feed him. I topped up with formula, but would express at every formula feed to not diminish my supply. Eventually (after baby got bigger, and I had him established on a routine), I had him only only breast milk (about 8 weeks). I wouldn't have made it to that date if I hadn't had formula to-ups.

This time, I have also had problems (cracked nipples, pain, blocked duct) due to, again, small mouth and super-suck resulting in difficulty getting a good latch. It is a tiny bit easier this time, and I haven't had any formula top-ups, because I have started expressing early (and forked out for a good electric pump), so when I feel sore, I express a feed for DS2. Sometimes, I just want to give up. I'm taking it one feed at a time. I just want to give it a go, but I'm not going to beat myself up if i end up giving BF up. Having a 4 year old, I realize that whilst how I feed my baby is an important decision, it really is a small issue in the big picture of raising a child.

Wow! Things move quickly on this thread - am struggling to keep up with things since I first posted on Monday. Thanks for the welcome guys.

Big congrats to wotsits, sally and widget. Good luck to bovrilsarnies! Also to sireedubs if you end up having your induction today, and mitfordsisters for your sweep. Pobletsmum - hope things get moving for you soon and before your induction next week. Good luck for midwife visit today.

Well, my due date has been and gone, on Wednesday and no signs yet . Really think we should just have a due week/fortnight or something rather than a specific date as it doesn't seem to mean much! Yesterday was a funny day as we had an NCT class get-together at someone's house. They're all lovely, but they also all have their babies now! Interesting to hear all their stories, hold their babies and think about what's to come, but quite frustrating to be the lone bump. When I was driving back I had quite a strong backache and cramps and started getting excited thinking I was in labour, but when I got home it became clear it was just because I'd drunk too much tea and really needed the loo as afterwards it all disappeared completely!

I have to make an appointment with the midwife for a sweep next week, and if that doesn't start anything off am booked for an induction on 4th/5th March, depending on how the sweep goes. Ooer - really hope things get moving before then. Can't help wondering what I'll be like by next week if I'm already going spare at 40+2!

Sorry for long ramble...off to bounce on my ball some more

All the best, bovril, my last remaining due date buddy!

I am now officially overdue... Grrrr
Had lots of stomach cramps last night (always seem to come at night) and loads of bh but lo seems determined to hang on for a while yet... Today is my last appointment with the community m/w as I get passed over to the hospital now. I just hope she comes sooner rather than later now! Time for a curry, methinks, with pineapple for afters.

Sorry to all those having breastfeeding problems - it really does seem to hurt for most people, no?

Sorry have been neglecting this thread, even with the other children back at school I'm sooo tired and there are not enough hours in the day (4 loads of washing a day...!) DS4 is not the keenest feeder in the world so am spending quite a bit of time trying to persuade him to feed. Thankfully my nipples are as tough as old boots so I'm not in any pain, but it is frustrating...he doesn't want to feed much of the time at all, not sure he's getting enough milk, will have him weighed tomorrow at 2 weeks and see if he's anywhere near back at his birthweight. (Thanks for all the nice comments about his birth story/name/photos by the way )

Have bought 2 new slings (Close carrier and a ring sling) and have found that the smaller Bugaboo Gecko just about fits in the boot of my car with all 7 seats up, so might get one of them too. I seem to have bought pretty much the right amount of clothes and nappies beforehand so haven't had to send DH out for any emergency purchases! I haven't weighed myself but am back in non-maternity clothes, am a not-very-svelte size 14 though so it's not a great achievement

Congrats to everyone who's popped in the last week, and best of luck to those still waiting - remember to enjoy the last few days of pregnancy, you can enjoy the last bit of 'you' time you'll be getting for a while! Go for a haircut, massage, nice lunch...make the most of it!

I may be confined to bed for a skin to skin weekend with DS4 to get him feeding more, so will try and post more regularly Have a good day

xx

Hi all,

Slacker - a skin to skin weekend with your newborn.... you are obviously a true pro. From everything I've read it sounds like that seems like good advice, just encourage them to feed as much as possible. Someone told me that CS babies are also extremely sleepy and reluctant to feed in the first couple of weeks (I'm still waking DS2 up for each feed in the day and not letting him go longer than 3 hours) and that you really need to push them to feed to get the supply going which definitely makes sense.

Really feel for those of you who are still struggling with pain/latching and difficulty with BF. It's so unfair that there seems to be such huge variation from dyad to dyad with accomplishing this skill and I am sure the decision to throw in the towel must be tough to take. I know when I went cold turkey with DS1 (due to my postnatal problems) it tainted my whole view about BF for a long time afterwards and I carried around with me a sense of failure for a long time despite DS1's seamless transition onto the bottle. He's now a lithe 7 year old with not a shred of fat on him and has done extremely well at school so far - so yah boo sucks to all that hectoring about best for baby guff. The only thing that I have recently noticed is that his new two front teeth have come through a bit darker in colour than his milk teeth although I'm wondering if this is down to a condition I was recently reading about called fluoridosis caused by swallowing toothpaste. Have to confess that in the last couple of years I haven't supervised his toothbrushing as closely as I could have...

Anyway good luck to Bovril sarnies, sending you all the best for a great birth.

Hi. This may be my last post for a while as I am going into hospital tonight to be induced tomorrow am cos my BP is a bit high. Am now 39 weeks and Consultant has decided to get baby out rather than to keep getting me back to hospital every week.

I still can't believe i'm pregnant!

If i don't get a chance to log back today, i just want to wish everyone well and thank you all for your friendship over the past few months. It's been a lovely part of being pregnant, having people to talk to and also being able to support others when needed.

Much affection to you all. xx

It's really good to see all the wise words re b/feeding on here. I particularly liked Rozzy's comment about different pain levels - very much like childbirth I think, different people have different experiences.
I remember the feeling of dread when ds1 used to latch on and how my toes would curl with the pain. It did settle down but I can see how it might not, especially without the right support.

Am on my second day of looking after both boys by myself and I seem to be getting the hang of it .

Best of luck to Lovemymum and everyone else who is still pregnant/needing birthing vibes.

Slacker - I have also bought a Close thing and it's a wonderful thing (man), can't recommend it highly enough!!

Leesmum, no chance of me toppling over - the backside always balances out! Think hourglass with a beachball.....

I remember those toe curling moments of the first days, but I've always been lucky in that mine haven't had problems. Best of luck to everyone who is suffering...

Off to tescos JIC the beastie decides to be punctual...

GOOD LUCK LOVEMYMUM!!

Beany well done on coping by yourself. I know when I managed to get DS1 to nursery and took the other two along as was by myself for the first time I phoned my entire family and friends I was so proud of myself. Seems a piece of cake now I do it twice a week. Am alone with my 3 now until DH gets home in about 3.5hrs. One is in bed, one is dozing on and off in bouncy chair and one is crying on and off waiting for a feed. I am determined to finish my cup of tea first .

Hi everyone,

Am still sore from my fall yesterday, have got bruises in all sorts of places, but am ok!!! DD id perfectly fine so at least all is well!!!

We have been out to a soft play centre thismorning DS wanted mummy on the slide with him- was interesting with cuts to both knees!!!! no idea what people must have thought at me wincing with each movement!!!

Family life is pretty good, DH has gone back to work and my house looks how i want it at last!!!lol and the first week as me and 2 children has gone smoothly!!!!

As for bf- i chose to bottle feed so i cant help you out!! sorry to hear its painful for many of you i hope it settles down soon for you all,

good luck to everyone in labour, due to be induced and all those who are just fed up!!!

I'm still here. I'm having contractions but I know from experience that it might not build to anything, so I'm trying not to think about it too much. MW happy with eveything this morning, and head has moved down (now 2/5 engaged), but STILL not low enough for a sweep. Next appt is on sat at the hospital (40+11) for CTG monitoring, and another look to see if sweep possible.

Sarah - sorry to hear about your fall. It must have been very scary to be holding lo while you fell.

Best wishes to bovril and lovemymum - sounds like you'll both have your babies very soon.

To all those of you who have already popped, it sounds like you're all coping so well despite feeding problems etc. Sorry I can't really add any more advice.

To everyone else still waiting - I know how you feel...

today is the first of my due dates, i know i shouldnt moan cause loads of people overdue, but i still feel so far away from having a baby. i could be 7 months preg TBH. no braxton hicks, about three period type pains in the last fortnight but thats it.

i think partly it's cause DH goes back to work on monday, and i was convinced that LO would make an appearance before then.

i want to smoke and drink again. and i want to get on with losing weight. want to meet baby too, but right now all my moans are v v selfish ones.

right. enough me-ranting. going to go pace around flat angrily...

Hi ladies, as always haven't been able to catch up on all the news but congrats to widget and sally and good luck to all who are in labour or about to be induced.

Went out to lunch today with parents, LO slept through the whole lot, i guess he will make up for it when he's older! Am still pretty tired all the time, toby is 7 weeks old today, anyone else still knackered with 'older' babies? Perhaps i'm being over ambitious - don't remember being this tired last time (but i hadn't had a c-sect and it was 16 years ago!).

Have a good weekend

Thanks Egg I am telling my friends who already have 2 kids how hard it is and bless them for being patient and listening to/indulging me!
Tyaca, Poblet and everyone else who is still pregnant - hang on in there, time slows down to a virtual standstill by the end I think. It will happen

Ds2 is currently in my bedroom, being entertained by the Dyson. Ah, what did we do before we had white noise?!

Haha! I used to leave DS1 with the hoover, it was the only way to get him to sleep. I leave the DTs with the radio on quite a lot.

Ginger, I am still EXHAUSTED most of the time, and I have help most days of the week too so normally always get a lie down for an hour or so when DS1 goes to sleep.

Poblet, tyaca, anyone else peed off, IT WILL HAPPEN SOON!

Just cooking some meatballs and mash with broccoli for DS1, but Lazytown has just started and he will not take kindly to me turning the tv off when it is time to eat. Methinks he will get to watch tv at the same time (anything for an easy life...).