Due July 2008 - The thread where we either all have our babies or talk our way through another one LOL

[Kaz1967]

Starting again ladies? God we don't half talk LOL

I've just watched my cat spend 10 mins stalking and hunting down a stationary plastic bag She looked ever so miffed when she got close and realised it wasn't a giant white dinner creature.

Hi all,

I've tried to catch up but my brain is a fog at the moment.

If it's any use to anyone with the baby back to back, both Sam and Luke were and my labours were 5 hours 25 and 3 hours 12 respectively, so it isn't always long. Think positively!

Breastfeeding Luke is a nightmare! I've got bloody inverted nipples and he can't latch on properly. Am now trying nipple shields but am still awaiting my milk to come in properly so am having so give Luke some formula via a syringe.

Had the same problem with DS1 and he was readmitted to hospital at 4 days as he'd lost 1lb of his birth weight and was dehydrated and jaundiced. Really don't want to go down that route again. In the end my milk wasn't enough even after being prescribed domperidon (sp) so had no choice other than to FF. I really want to give it my best shit but it's hard work.

That was meant to say best shot! sorry!

OMG don't know what I have done to myself but I really cannot move tonight, under bump is in agony I really don't know if I can cope with another 4 weeks of this. DP had a little dig at me for revving the car at the traffic lights as I was pulling away and I snapped back "you know every sodding gear change hurts me don't you cut me some slack" then he started yawning (ie bored hearing about it) so I then snapped back "yes I'm bored of it too!" bloody men!

Aggiepanther - thanks for that link have checked it out and the discount code does work, only have it in red though and not for delivery until after the 9th. Will have to discuss it with the bank manager (DP) they have one of those beanbags for babies which look fab but they are £80 for a beanbag that they will crawl out of at 7 months not like I can justify it fo another one, I already have a muscial swing and a bouncy chair

Rumpel - hope you are everyone else with back to back babies gets them to turn soon but I wouldn't worry too much they can turn in labour especially with no 2+

minipink - wow big 40 fantastic you got your little present before your birthday

cass - I am definitely getting some hotmilk bras once my milk supply has settled, I am not spending another 6 months plus in saggy old grey M&S feeding bras that are so big and high up your neckline you can't even wear certain tops (oh they go grey and baggy within a week too)

libralady - if you have time have a look round here about BFing and inverted nips or ask for help in the Breastfeeding topic, you won't be alone and you will get some tips

DP not all bad he's upstairs bathing DDs

Lol at best 'shot' libralady - sorry to hear you're having a rough time with BF
Thanks for the positive info about your back to back labours - I guess it doesn't have to be long and painful then

Sweetkitty - I didn't notice about them only having the red - but that's probably because I want a red one. I think I might go for it even if they can't deliver till after the 9th - that's my EDD anyway and it's such a big saving I can't resist really

Who was it who had a P&T already ...I just measured DD2 today and she's 89 cms - will she fit okay?? I know I could go back and hunt for the answer but the thread is so loooooong - so if anyone can help it would be much appreciated

sk - forgot to say sorry to hear you're in agony and at your dp for the yawning thing ..grr

Thanks for that SK. I did have a quick look last night at around midnight.

No one had ever said to me beofre (MW or HV even tough I expressed concern myself).

Had a really fabulous MW visit today who took one look at my nips and said that was the problem and suggested the nipple shields. She did admit that she shouldn't advise that, but if my intention is to BF that would be the way to go. Thank goodness I have seen an honest MW.

Saw an NCT breastfeeding counsellor last night who saw me trying to latch Luke on and she said nothing. Did suggest though I may have a retained placenta and that's why I wasn't producing milk . Just what I needed to hear. Um he was only born 36 hours ago of course my milk hasn't come in properly yet

Sorry for the rant. Blame it on my hormones.

Hi all, not posted in ages, but have been keeping up to date with what's going on. Congrats to all who have delivered.
Today was my original due date, but it was changed after my scans to next wed, getting bit impatient as DD was early, so delivered and we were home from hospital by now!
Getting loads of tightening across back and stomach but have been for about 10 days now so have given up getting excited!
But . . was at the toilet this afternoon and straining a little (sorry TMI!!) and felt small gush, then when did same again I felt the same, not tonnes of liquid but it felt like it came from inside me (as opposed to peeing IYSWIM?) haven't leaked at all since but not syre whether it was maybe my hind waters? Maybe i should call the MW tomorrow?
So glad to read about smelly DHs - mine makes me cringe a little at the mo and i'm sure he's no smellier than normal!!
I got told at 34wk that baby was back to back and told to sit up straight and smend a lot of time on all 4s. Also sleep on left hand side (easier said than done i found!)

just seen some of my shocking typos - sorry!

Hiya beepbeep - hope it's starting for you Maybe you'll be next!

Libralady - sorry to hear about your problems with BF. Hope the shields help.

SK - sorry to hear you're in pain

Evening all,
Just to let you know im home but the boys are both still in NICU
Callum is doing well just in room air, tube fed, and i had my first cuddle today
Connor is not so good still ventilated and needing lots of support.
I hope you are all well, congrats to those with new bunddles
Love Twinkle

SweetKitty - glad it's not just me who feels thoroughly underwhelmed by M&S's bra offerings. Have bought a pair there to see me through the first few days (pure guestimation on size!). Why oh why oh why can there not be more choice and less blahness?? Feeling decidedly frumpybump today .
I renounce my plans to do a one bag trip to the hospital, having been advised to take lots of pillows to St Thomas'. Guess DH will be portering...
beepbeep - ditto the tightening. Must admit this week (wk 36) am willing the LO to stay put so I can enjoy my time off work. Boredom setting in though, so if she wants to be a week early...

Hi all, Just noticed Figleaves have some nursing bras in thier sale in anyones looking for some..

sale

Just got back from our last Antenatal class. One of our ladies had her baby on Monday..... wasnt due for a good few weeks after me!

DH and I both agreed on the way home, we feel happier now we have had the tour and all the classes. If baby came along now we wouldnt feel like we had missed out on anything IYKWIM.

Heffa- Silly cat! I was dozing off on the sofa yesterday when i suddenly jumped up and saw my neighbours cat that had come through the patio doors and was licking my toes!!!!!

Libralady- Hope things improve with the breast feeding.

SK- Hope things ease for you tonight...and Tut tut at your DP.

Beep Beep- Probably best to get checked.. they will tell you if it was your waters or not.

Twinkle,

Fingers crossed the boys will both be well enough to come home soon!

Hope your well.

Any pics?

Twinkle - lovely to hear from you. Hope the boys are able to come home soon

Fenlondon - I'm not a fan of M&S bras anymore either. They never seem to have anything in my size.

Pigley - lol at your neighbour's cat! Ours has a new catflap and she's currently refusing to use it. She sits next to it and miaows constantly. I think she's going to get such a shock when LO comes and her position of power is usurped.

Hi Twinkle great to hear from you. sending big hugs to you and big cuddles to the boys.

SK sorry to hear yor in pain Men can be so bloody insensitive at times. I wish they could go through 1 day of it, then they'd think twice!

Libra1975 DS was back to back and I had a water birth with him. Infact, because I was on all fours squatting in the pool, he turned again, so in the end he was born 'correctly' (And although 1st stage was long, 2nd stage was only 5 hours 45, so easy really)

beepbeep I'd let the Midwife know if I were you... Good to see you back.

libralady we don't usually recommend nipple shields because they can cause more problems than they solve but they certainly have a place and can help some Mums. First you fo not need the nipple pointing out to successfully breastfeed it is the darker area that is going in not just the nipple it's self but having the nipple there as a guide line is a helpful marker as to where you are heading when you first start. I have seen Mums with inverted nipples successfully breastfeed so it can happen please take heart if it does not you will have done your best and this dear child will be just as fantastic and wonderful as your previous child, at the need of the day as long as you and they are well how you feed them does not matter.

Not sure what you have tried but I will go through what we would normally recommend.

Skin to skin - sounds odd but if when he is just starting to look a little interested (no good if at screaming stage) strip him off down to nappy, get yourself somewhere comfy take off your bra and pop him down your front right next to your skin. This helps in 2 ways first it is good to increase your milk supply second it encourages the baby to naturally open their mouth as wide as they can. This will give you the best chance of getting a good fix.

Tweak your nipples before you feed. - It does depend on how inverted your nipples are but this can sometimes along with the cold bring the nipple out but I know it does not always work. If you have a hand pump this can also help to pull out the nipple just means you are tied to feeding for that much longer.

Can you cope with your nipple shields in your bra all the time? You may be able to encourage your nipples out by keeping them in all the time and the gentle pressure sometimes brings them out. Wish I had known you had a problem before would recommend anyone with inverted nipples did this for the last 3-4 months of pregnancy if they want to breastfeed but a bit late now it can help afterwards too but you still have the stress of getting things started. It's sad Midwives no longer check breasts it used to be something that could be picked up and helped before you got to the desperate Mum trying to feed stage

There may also be an easier way of getting milk down little one rather than a syringe Has any one mentioned cup feeding (strange thing to talk about with a baby I know) it's not as effective with a term baby and can be messy but it is easier to get a reasonable volume down than with a syringe and very slightly more natural. It is a technique we usually use with pre-termers who are ready to take oral feeds and Mum is not there for that feed. If you have bottles often the cap which covers the teat is the right size and shape if not try an egg cup (sterilise what ever you use)

reasonable youtube video of cup feeding

Other things about cup feeding
www.breastfeeding.asn.au/bfinfo/cupfeeding.html
www.breastfeeding.org/articles/cup.html
www.babyfriendly.org.uk/items/research_detail.asp?item=475

Just enjoying a Twister ice lolly, still in agony but at least I don't have to move much now, have DP at my beck and call too.

Aggiepanther - it was Rumpels DD that was 89cms and she fitted under the hood fine, mine is 90cms so should be OK too, red is my second choice after black anyway, have sold it to DP by saying they are going for £280 on ebay right now. I don't actually think I will have it that long as DD2 is 2 1/2 and already whinging about being in a pram. Not getting it to the 9th doesn't really bother me either, DP will be on 2 week paternity if she is born and we have a single and a sling.

libralady - sounds like you are getting typical BFing advice, I would put a "shout out" for tiktok as well she is great for advice. I never used nipple shields so have no advice. I don't know about the retained placenta but it took a good few days for my milk to come in even when I had DD2 attached to me and she had a suck like a Dyson. Another thing to consider is expressing 1) to build up your supply although it's not as good as the baby sucking but better than nothing to start your supply and 2) your little man would still be getting the benefit of breastmilk. I had to do this with DD1 as she was too sleepy to suck, it was EBM at first then, EBM then BF then exclusively BF.

beepbeep - hope it's the start for you too

twinkle - glad your home but your little boys aren't with you, won't be long until they are though.

beepbeep second what has been said contact delivery suite and have a chat or your midwife

Kaz, thanks for all that advice and SK too.

FYI, it's gone from one extreme to another.

Tried Luke with the nipple shields again and although he will attach on the left, I am struggling on the right. Have even tried to fool him by using the rugby ball method so he thinks he is still being fed from the left iyswim.

Anyway, although he was sucking away, nothing was coming out of them, so gave him 5ml of formula (don't want to fill him up so he doesn't want me). Then I placed him skin to skin (I have been doing this as a matter of course) whilst I got out my medula elctric breast pump and pumped each side for about 10 minutes each. Managed to get about a table spoon which is much much more than I'd been getting before. Put the milk in the fridge for later and the pump back in the steriliser and the next thing I knew, I had milk pouring from my right breast all down my front and on my trousers . Bloody typical

Hi Rumpel and everyone else. DW is doing fine, widget is banging about, I think she's headbanging in DW's uterus (hope its Iron Maiden). Lovely to see some new arrivals, hope everyone is coping with the final stretch (marks).

Sweetkitty - sorry your in pain.

Beepbeep - i agree with advice to contact midife.

Twinkle - hugs to the boys.

Dh forgiven me! I was sleeping and heard him come in from work and immediately spray deodourant (sp?) on his feet by the front door. Feel a bit gulty now!

Saw midwife today, all fine little on only 3/5ths engaged though. Does this have bearing on likelyhood of being late?

libralady - hang on in there the fact that milk is spurting from you is a good sign. Even getting 5 or 10 mls down him every few hours will really help at this stage.

SK - stupid SPD. Sorry to hear you're struggling with it and in pain.

Twinkle - So glad to hear you had your first cuddle today. It's so special. I remember mine with Charlie when he was in NICU. They gingerly lifted him out of his incubator with all the wires and NG tube everywhere and I felt like I would hurt him just by holding him. It's such a heart wrenching time seeing your babies in that environment, (even though they are getting the best ever care), and then having to leave them and go home without them. Well, I found it really hard. You are in my thoughts and I am here if you ever feel like some support from someone who recently went through a similar thing at the NICU.

x