December 08 - a few babies under the tree still need unwrapping!

[EffiePerine]

New thread ladies. I have a feeling I will be talking to myself a lot

Cat how awful but at least you have a proper diagnosis and can treat it with infant gaviscon maybe try CO.

Bad night here too Lachie has now got the lurgy that we had over christmas and the poor wee man is so snotty off tot he chemist later to get some saline dops for his nose he throwing up snit with is regular post feed sick. bluergh. So we were up and down all night with L then A woke at 4.20 and didnt go back to sleep till 6. I beg of you, they are sent to test us!

Have a good day all. Oh and on the positive thought Lachie sort of smiled at us last night I swear it wasnt wind. Also A went up to him yesterday and gave him a lovely big brother kiss.

CAt whereabouts are you, London based? Shall we try organise something where we can all get out and have a bit of a get together? I can do east London otherwise its a bit of a nightmare for me as I am Essex based. Or you could all jump on the train and visit our little hamlet we are 45mins from Stratford.

hello!

Cat i'm so sorry things are so tough - I agree you deserve a medal - colic is so upsetting for everyone - you are doing a fantastic job and please don't feel guilty for not oozing happy motherhood vibes - it really is tough and more people should be honest . I think you'd find very few people adore these first few weeks and months. And it's not selfish to want some unbroken sleep - your body needs it. What you've been asked to do is so tough and I really wish I could help you. Keep plodding xxx

lal - i'd love to meet up next week - i can do any of those days as long as it's within school hours! York is good for me but I drive so can also do northallerton or anywhere else near-ish. Anyone else free? how do meet-ups work? do you have to wear a pink carnation? or do a secret sign?!!

kayz - hope you managed to get a gp slot...

well i managed the school run with no DH and we were all dressed and had clean teeth (apart from the one of us who has no teeth yet). Perhaps i will survive after all!

Just a very quick one from me as I am in an internet cafe on the way home from nursery drop and it's COLD. Matthew asleep but due to feed soon and I need to do some work (!) before my hour expires.

Sympathies to all having crap nights. I am not doing brilliantly, watching a lot of crap TV on DVD (Jewel in the Crown and Fawlty Towers at the moment) and feeding for Britain. Was so tearful and pants yesterday that I am amazed we lef the house. My big 2 are surviving on a diet of choc money and DVDs (as bloody Cbeebies broke on Christmas day. Must buy a new digibox today) and I have to fight back the tears in front of them at times.

Arti, it is so hard not to see your big one as the "difficult" one but once you get into your stride and get a little more sleep, you get to be a bit more even between the 2 of them and enjoy time separately with both. in the early days, I used to ignore DD2 apart from feeding in the daytime and concentrate on DD1 but that wasn't ideal either. Could your DD1 have a baby of her own so that she can do things baby related with mummy? DD1 enjoyed pretending to feed, change nappies and rock a bit when I was sorting out DD2 and this helped when engaging with DD2 was unavoidable. I keep having to remind myself when DD1 is apain in the bum now that she is not even 4 and being painful would be normal even if she didn't have a new sibling! Big love, darling, you are doing a great job and DD1 will benefit in the long run from having a lovely sister, even though it is hard going at first.

Cat, I am so glad you have a diagnosis. Colic is extremely wearing for all concerned I think- I've not had it here but know friends who have and it's tough. Poor you and poor T. Have you got someone who can help out? A friend of mine whose baby had bad reflux said that her paed suggested he slept in his carseat as at least he would be sitting upright and it would mean less acid to spill out onto his oesophagus. WOuld this be worth trying?

Verso, my love, I am sorry you are feeling down. As I can't guarantee when I'll next be online and able to check emails, I am going to email you my mobile no and if you fancy a trip out with a pal who is in the same boat, I am your woman! I only have the baby on Mon and Wed, plus my motor so can easily drive to your neck of woods or to a convenient spot and we can eat cake and commiserate together. I think our DD1s are a similar age (mine's 4 in April) so even another day could be good if Mons and WEds don't work for you. Anyhoo, big love to you and hope you had a better night.

I am so sorry not to be able to reply to everyone personally but my time is so limited as no internet at the ranch at the moment. I'll try and come back later on today if I get all my jobs done. Love to everyone and sending a virtual spot of cheerfulness to you all.

XXXXX

Lal I think you might be right. I will still go and get my hair cut. It needs doing and I really want it doing.

Message withdrawn

quick update - went to the GP yesterday and there was some confusion over "appointment slots" as apparently the receptionist who made my appointment wasn't clear and only booked me in for one for myself - I got cleared to drive after a quick examination and feel around my tummy and then i went on to ask her to look at Ds's bum and ask a question about winding to which she flatly refused and said i didn't have a double appt booked! She then called the receptionist who confirmed remembering me calling and said it was her mistake and they would book me another in the morning (today) i couldn't believe that since the examination for myself took all of 2 mins that they wouldn't then go and look at ds for me since it was their error! The GP was WAY behind and I think she saw it as a good oportunity to catch up on her day- but still in Australia they would have def looked at ds since my own consultation had taken so little time.... however i left really annoyed and went back today to see a different (and really lovely) GP - in fact i saw the best GP in the world - what a great doc! Totally restored my faith in GP's! He had a thorough look at ds and said he was totally normal (his bum!) and said it was just 'him' and not abnormal at all and def not related to the dimple thing - also said the internet can be both a wonderful resource and a terrible one! Anyway he was asking a lot of q's about myself and I think he was 'eluding that I was possibly going through a stage (as many women do apparently, in early stages of having a newborn) of feeling very 'vulnerable' and also over anxious etc... I think (reading between the lines) he was touching on the fact that he was more concerned with me, and that since all my family had gone home it was more of an issue with me (mentally) if anything. He did do exceptionally well at not being condesending which was lovely. I do know I have a bit of an OCD thing and always have so i'm going to try not to worry and obsess now that he has told me DS is totally healthy! I will also continue to see the same GP rather than that awful one! Anyway, I am all cleared to drive, and also asked about time to wait before conceiving again after cesarian, and he said if scar healed all good and no complications during delivery, 3 months is 'ok' but 6 months is preferable, and 12 months optimal. However he said I should take some time to enjoy ds1 and get to know him etc! (reading between the lines i think he means enjoy him and relax etc!)
Kayz glad to hear not measles - you must have been so stressed...
lal yes leaving the house does help - just found that out myself -- the more i go out the easier it gets and i don't feel like i'm stuck in a rut!
I can meet up with anyone sort of SW or W of London? Mornings / noon are def preferable since the wind issue kicks in in the afternoon as i'm sure it does with most of us?
Cat i've got the same problem with red wine o'clock and wind issues! Pity you're not near me - we could have had a spot of cheerfulness together while dealing with the windy probs!! I LOVE that phrase - thanks LadyT's DP!! I'm going to hijack that phrase now!
What is everyone else's theory on a spot of cheerfulness and BF?

Great trace - shall we see if anyone else fancies it and then pick a day and a place? York is really easy for me to get to.

Glad you're getting your hair done kayz let us know what you decided on. My hair is distinctly boring at the moment. Also falling out which is a bit depressing.

DD really unsettled today but have just got her off with the help of the hairdryer (not that she needed drying - but loved the noise).

kmp am so pleased you had a better experience with second GP - grr at first one - he sounds great and hurrah for reassurance about dimple.

Cat ? I?m not too far from stokey ? bounds green ? we could meet?? so sorry to hear about reflux and colic ? at least it is an official diagnosis, albeit of the crazy undiagnosable colic.

kmp - great to hear you've found a good gp - stick with him and ignore the stupid otehr one. it does make life so much better to find someone with whom you can communicate.

i have a couple of questions: does anyone else have unusually dry skin now they have given birth? is it something to do with breastfeeding? i've got patches of dry skin (feels like eczema but has not changed colour) on my elbows, back and hands - any clues???

also... mentalist MIL has decided to ignore the names we have given dd (rosanna annelie or rosie) and has decided to call her... wait for it... "tuppence rosebud". i think it is supposed to be cute. it makes us both sick, but what can you do? however, a friend said that "tuppence" is used as a euphemism for a lady's bits - is this true? i haven't heard it used that way, but if people do recognise it as that, we might have an argument to say to MIL "For F*s Sake DON'T CALL HER THAT!".

let me know

Spot of cheerfulness and BF is fine in actual fact for breakfast on Christmas morning I had a couple of glasses of cheerfulness without the OJ and fed at the same time.

KMP - have to keep resisting urge to write the real names of people Ive met - I am cheerful most evenings and find that it improves my mood without really affecting M. So long as one is not plastered, I think the amount in milk is so low as not to be harmful. U can always do it at start of feed so you metabolise the booze in between feeds as it takes a while to get onto your blood / milk.

So glad DS@s bum thing is ok. Anviety all part of motherhood IME but worse with DC1 and when very tired as perspective goes. Think MN a valuab;e resoucre as lots of people to run things past.

Apologies for poor typing. Am BF (though not cheerfully alas - bit ealy for me)

WG - my hands are dry but thar's becuase I wash like lady macbeth after all the nappues! BF does dehydrate you though so perhaps up the water a little and put pots of handcream round house? Oilatum good too and free on prescrip but makes bath a bit treacherous.

Tuppence - have you seen the fanny threads on here?! I think it prob is used but not one I hace heard in real life. Your MIL souns priceless - you should hace her stuffed - I'd prob not say anything but add it to list of grievances in mind fir big blow up later.

How is your Dh doing ? Thiking of you xxx

Hello all,

Very quick post I'm afraid, one handed typing whilst I holh DD upright so she doesn't sick up too much of her milk. I just wanted to send my love to all those having a hard time. cat I hope some of those medications help. Poor you, it sounds so hard and you are coping so well. I'd be in bits.

trace Your DD1 is so very cute!

Hats off to all those who have managed trips out! Since DH returned to work on Monday the most we've done is a walk to the local papershop.

I thought the cap and the diaphram were one and the same too! When trying to get pregnant I read a great book called Taking Charge of Your Fertility which discusses the fertility awareness method for both conception and contraception. I'm thinking of giving that a go to avoid pregnancy for a while.

Oh and thanks to whoever posted the winding tips. The straight back thing and lifting under the arms works wonders! Sorry for forgetting who it was

Glad to hear i'm not the only one having regular spots of cheerfulness! I was very cheerful Christmas Day (not plastered cheerful but quite a spot!)I usually partake right after a feed if possible - however for not having many cheerful spots for the past 9 months, I can barely have more than a small glass at one time and it usually takes me all night to get through it!
yes so glad about my new GP and you're right chutney MN and all you lot have been fantastic for me! Especially in not having family around at all (except for 3 weeks after birth) but it does make sense that now they have gone home, my paranoia and anxiety have kicked in especially understandable being my 1st DC I spose. I also find it hard to not use real names of those I have met!

Morning girls

I am typing this from my office - ie bed. I am doing all the feeds in the night now as DP is back at work. I don't mind though, he needs to be on top of his game for court. And there is always the weekend One funny thing: DD dilly dallies when I feed her and wants to be coaxed and have breaks. DP can turn her around in half the time! He's probably better at it than me, bless him.

Cat, I am glad you have got a diagnosis but so v sorry for you. Just keep picturing the lovely sunny days when it's all behind you. And moan on here all you like, obviously. Hope one of the medicines offers some relief - I had heard there were some decent prescription ones nowadays. Oh, and re: 'a spot of cheerfulness' - red wine is good medicine. I am passionate about the restorative powers of alcohol. I am not talking about drinking turps at 9am, of course, but just ENJOYING a drink. Red wine is good for the heart anyway. I wish champagne was, but it is sunshine in a glass.

Summer - stretch marks - I missed out this time but I will swap them for the veins on my legs (which I do intend to get zapped as soon as I am able) - the stretch marks I have from puberty on my thighs are really faint now but I am not sure when they went like that (I don't think it took twenty years!)... I am sure you are using it but I do think Bio Oil helps a tiny bit. As to the coil, well, I feel a bit squeamish about it, and am worried about getting a perforated something or other (tiny risk I know) and don't like the idea that if you do get pregnant on it, the foetus gets spiked on the coil Or am I woefully misinformed? The final reason is that they are soused in progesterone, and progesterone only contraception doesn't suit me, with a capital Doesn't. I am probably the most cheerful person in the South East of Britain and fortunate enough not to be prone to depression, but I once had a course of progesterone tablets to stop a period and it made me feel bleak bordering on suicidal. Mind you, I don't know how common that is (although it is certainly not unknown).

Trace - sweet pics! Periods: I felt a bit twingy on Monday and my consultant said that periods can come back after 6 weeks (given that I am ff). Annoying really, as I have only just stopped bleeding/having that gungy stuff. Boy, I am glad THAT's gone. I kept calling to mind PD's remark about smelling like a butcher's window (or something) for several weeks and thinking it horribly apt.

My consultant obs gave me a big hug when she signed me off her books on Monday. I will miss her and I do actually feel sad that I won't see her again until the next one. I am going to send her a bottle of the perfume I wear because she was always going on about it.

Mibbes - the dreaded overhang...Mine had haunted me ever since DP thought it was still inflammation Well, brace yourself: I have been told that it doesn't go unless you diet and then do tons of tummy exercises to tone up the area. You can get it looking good again but said consultant (who has had two kids by cs and is a vision of loveliness as well as niceness) says it takes real dedication. It's that or a tummy tuck. I think I will try the dedication.

Veggie - a fascinator is a sort of a headpiece. Not really a hat, but an alternative - you tend to wear them on the side of your head and they are attached by a clip or a comb or a headband, and often have feathers in or flowers or things. They sort of splay out of your head in an exotic and hopefully glamorous way! Good for weddings. And Royal Ascot! So, you are off back to Australia next year? I love travelling but I have never made it that far as the flight time has always put me off. I have been waiting for being able to afford business class but quite frankly I could be waiting forever for that I would love to go to Sydney though, so when I do I shall see you and Bisou. KMP and Penny, I have forgotten which parts of Australia you are from. A dear friend who plays for my cricket team will move back eventually and I will definitely visit him when he does.

Lal - v good to hear from you. Are you getting the chance to read anything at the moment? Good tip about getting out - I took DD out yesterday for a walk, even though we weren't ready to go out until 4.30 and it was getting dark! Mind you, I saw the most beautiful blood red sunset across the frozen fields. It gave me a great boost to get some fresh air, and being out and about on Monday felt fantastic. I know what you mean about Westfield and shopping, though. Thank heavens they didn't have the fancy shoes I wanted in my size as the guilt could have been overwhelming. We are skint as I am on stat mat pay and DP isn't getting enough work and he was saying last night that we are in for some really lean times financially (ie, oi you, stop living like Louis XIV and raiding the savings). But I am unwilling to sell my London place so it's two mortgages for the forseeable. I am only going back to work for two hours a day so I had better hope one of my other projects comes off. I really fancy a holiday (somewhere with sun, it was -12 in Oxfordshire last night, the coldest area in Britain).

Well, I have really yammered on, haven't I? Sorry, but other than DP there is no one to talk to round here! Today's foray across the fields is to the farm shop, where I am going to buy some nice veggies to unite with some store cupboard ingredients to make something lovely. Er, got to pore over the recipe books for that. I am just fed up with spending a fortune in the supermarket. Sorry for the monologue

Afternoon gals.

KMP hugs to you. I did pick up on a little bit of anxiety from you - I recognised it as I was very like that with DC1 (and still to a lesser degree with DC2 and this little one). I am so glad you saw a good GP (eventually! - what an idiot that first one was!). I haven't got too into "spots of cheerfulness" (tm. Lady T ) just yet because ordinarilly I have a habit of being very fond of same (struggle to have one glass always want 3!). But check out Dr Jack Newman's website for very pro-reasonable amounts of alcohol!

Cat I am sending you lots of colic reduction vibes! We have no experience of colic, but do have of reflux. I am very hopeful for you that good treatment of the reflux may reduce the colic symptoms. I am sure you have been reading up but it will pass! I also know someone who found following Gina Ford's timings helpful in reducing the symptoms (prepares to get evicted by Mumsnet police...)

LaL can I just second everything you say about motherhood!! For me, the good totally outweighs the bad but there was a massive adjustment for me after no.1. And although I adore my older kids, sometimes I find the things they want to do endlessly quite boring (what with me not being a 5 year old n' all). I think it is so healthy to admit that parenthood isn't all a bed of roses. For me, getting a routine and reestablishing my social life are what get me through the early stages.

Trace I am so impressed that you got your pair up and out for school. Your DD looks so cute and lovely in her uniform. I am sure she will love it. I am also So sorry you have no teeth

LadyT we SOOO have same taste in TV. I am for you that there is no Skyplus in the boondocks. Party of Five is proving super and DS (aged 3, bless) sat and watched an episode with me today (rather bizarrely as he normally grizzles about "grown up telly!". I also adored Our Friends....Gina McKee used to loved round the corner from me in Crouch End and I used to stalk her regularly. Alas - she appers to have moved fled
I am so sorry you are in such pain sweetheart. You really suffered with that prenatally (and really didn't moan, to us at least!) so hoping it clears and that you and Matthew Perry don't need to go to rehab (no, no, no).

Kayz glad its not measles. My hands are all rashy from the hand washing associated with constant nappy changes - couldn't be that could it? Go and get your hair done girl (maybe you can snooze while they snip).

Shocking night chez Turnip last night. Babe didn't go off til just gone 5 and I pulled the whole night of feeding changing (three blimmin poos)settling on my tod.

Dh and I had an awful argument last night. My two closest friends came to visit (first visitors as have been feeling so shaky!) and I was recounting my birth story. At the point where I lost my nerve and was demanding epi in transition I said what I was thinking and Dh interupted me 3 times to say "no, that's not what you were thinking". I just snapped and said "stop telling me what I was f*cking thinking"! Cue - embarrassed silence, tumbleweed, slight mental sobbing from me...He was livid and when they left I got the whole "don't EVER speak to me like that again in front of people". he was right, I wouldn't normally do that. I apologised for being rude but said what he did was so patronising and rude - there is no way he knew what I was thinking when I was giving birth. Of course, he refused to apologies and stomped off to the spare rm for his SEVEN hours (count em) uniterrupted sleep. Nice! To be honest I am so tired (not having more than 3 hours, normally 2) sleep in any one night in the last week that I couldn't give a toss that he is cross. All par for the course really!

Verso Jam and Chutney and all others with very sleepless nights, I feel your pain...Chuts, apparently the WHO actively recommend choc money and TV for young children, Lord knows mine are on a similar regime. Verso, hope you get some extra help if you think PND is there even to a mild degree. I am keeping alert for it having had it (mild) with DC1. So far, just normal postpartum feelings, I think.

Has anyone ever looked into St John's Wort and breastfeeding?

Hello

Turnip - sorry to hear about your fight with DH and your terrible night. You poor thing. While I appreciate it was embarrassing for your DH to be shouted at, I beleive our men folk should be cutting all of us some serious slack at the mo. I mean we have just created whole functioning human beings for them, and then squeezed those beings out of our most delicate parts (or had our tummies sliced open for a quick exit). Our hormones are everywhere and our lives have been turned upside down. Does that not qualify us for some serious slack????

KMP - I am glad you found a lovely doctor and that the bum worries were unfounded .

Cat - You poor thing and your poor DS. A friend had two babies with reflux and gaviscon and ranitidine have helped. I hope they help you too. On the birght side at least you know it is a clinical problem and not your LO's nature. Whenever DD1 was grumpy I used to worry she might just be a grumpy person and that scared the hell out of me! I think it was my worst new-mum paranoia as I became a little obsessed. Thankfully she is a very cheerful little thing.

Trace - Your DDs are stunning.

LaL - thanks for your kind words. I know I will learn to handle the balance of DDs 1 and 2 better. I realise I am expecting a hugh amount of DD1. I hold DD2 the whole time and leave DH to do almost all DD1 care and that is not fair on her when I am also expecting her to act towards me in the same way she always has.

LadyT - You make rural life sound so idyllic (if a little cold). Do you miss London still or can you see yourself settling in the country for good? I grew up in a rural village and used to love the idea of returning, but DH has never lived further out than Zone 2 and he does not seem to understand that people actually live real lives outside London. I think we will be here forever, unless the fear of seeing his daughters go to a London secondary school finally persuade DH out.

DH and I have had a very pleasant morning taking DD2 to our fav place for brunch and then browsing in a few shops. I am so lucky that he is home for another 2 weeks. DD2 only woke once last night so we feel quite rested. She has also slept all morning. I will have to wake her in a minute as my boobs are fit to burst. Last night I slept without a top on and woke in the night realising I had turned into the Trevi Fountain. I was lying on my back and milk was spurting upwards, arcing gracefully and then sploshing back on my face .

On the subject of leaking boobs - does anyone know where you buy those things you put in your bra to collect the milk leaking from the side you are not feeding from? I leak alot when feeding so reckon I could collect quite alot of milk. Does anyone know what I am talking about and what they are called?

Right, thats me, I am off for coffee with some other mums and babies and I must be milked before I go...

Arti You have just made me laugh so much. I slept without a top on at the weekend and woke up in a pool of milk.

Trace and Lal I might be able to do Friday next week but not sue yet.

I love my hair!! It feels so light and I had so much cut off. It is now at my shoulders and I've had layers put in it. DS2 slept the entire time and DS1 got given some chocolate so all were happy. I'm thinking of dying it black but still not sure.

I don't think I could live in London. I think it would drive me mad. I really love it and wish we could go more often but I think it would be too busy for me.

All this talk of cheerfulness is making me feel like a glass of something sparkly I managed to avoid the demon booze after over indulging on Saturday night at the wedding, but I have now had to put a bottle of white wine in the fridge for tonight (I should just put it in the hall instead, as it's probably colder there!) I will tell DP what he has unleashed with the 'spot of cheerfulness'. He will be quite unreasonably thrilled I am sure. We were like little piggies when we went to the Champagne region in September, even though I was heavily pregnant

WG, tuppence is indeed slang for fanny. Also there is a popularish term for lesbians which incorporates it. Shame really. My Mum used to call me Tuppence, it was ok in the 1970s and personally I think it's dead cute but I think Tuppence Rosebud might raise a few eyebrows now, but only in very nefarious circles I finally sent your parcel off yesterday by the way! As to the dry skin, I had that for a few weeks - I'd assumed it was the central heating. I got some great gloves from Boots, their own make, which look like normal ones with fingers, 'cept they are rough and you rub yourself with them. They are so good and also inexpensive - best effect I have ever achieved - better than brushes or fancy exfoliators or anything really.

Turnip - oh dear, I am sorry about that incident last night. I know that frazzled feeling when your patience just gives way, but your DH should have known better of course...Gosh, this newborn lark is so hard on all concerned, as Lal says. I feel back to my jolly old self this week but it's probably a false dawn! I too saw Gina McKee in Crouch End - in the late 90s when I lived in Hornsey! Gosh, Our Friends in the North is still so apposite (interesting to watch it post-Blair, as it was made in 1995). But I heart Party of Five. Just what I need. Wonder if I can get it on dvd? I always fancied Neve Campbell's other boyfriend (the bit of rough one with the authoritarian father, not the poncy one). Thanks for the sympathy about this stoopid pn arthritis. It does hurt but as long as I can type and write still, I can manage it. It's hard picking up DD and my grip is chronic, but I do think it could be so much worse.

KMP - that first GP was so rubbish. Like she couldn't have spared a few minutes?

Arti, well it is idyllic in some ways - it's very pretty, and safe, and quiet. I love the air and the way it looks and seeing the changing seasons and all the lovely birds. And I LOVE my walks. But it is SO cut off - without being able to drive it is like being Robinson Crusoe - as the buses into Oxford (which takes an hour) are negligible. Also, I am such a townie. I love London passionately and could never give up my flat. But we can't live there as it would make DP so unhappy - he only likes London for eating out and anyway his work is mainly in Oxford and Reading. So we have to have two small places, which is very indulgent (but necessary for my sanity and happiness. Selfish perhaps, but I a pocket of selfishness to enable me to be jolly and generous with all other aspects of my life). Other thing is schools in London, as you rightly say...And I want DD to grow up being able to tell one tree from another and to see the deer and poppy fields and bluebell woods and all that. I grew up with the best of both worlds (near to fields, yet close enough to be able to go into a city sometimes) and it is ingrained in me.

Right, off to do the bottles.

hi all, we made it out today! Only to the soft play but ds1 was happy & ds2 slept which is a bonus.

turnip sorry to hear about your argument with dh & crap night. Hope its better tonight

lal you are so wise , what you said about motherhood is so true!

kmp I could meet in W London, I think arti is near us as well.

arti you need breast shells - you can get them from Mothercare (Avent make them). I have a pair but have been using the silverette things instead this time to prevent cracks coming back - also the breast shells look REALLY weird under your clothes!! (they do work for collecting leaks though).

I think my period is due . This must be because we're using a dummy this time and DD2 actually sleeps (sometimes) for more than an hour at a time. It explains (a) the weepiness and Rage (I get VERY bad PMT), (b) the cramps I had late last night/this morning and (c) DD2 feeding weirdly today (I think having your period makes your letdown slower or something or your milk tastes different...)

chutney have texted you

I haven't had many spots of cheerfulness - one glass of fizzy pinot grigio which I didn't finish (we have four bottles of champagne in the house but I haven't wanted to open them and then waste it!), a glass of mulled wine and a baileys - all on different days. Very unlike me though - like turnip I used to enjoy a glass or several. I've quite liked being teetotal during pregnancy (didn't fancy alcohol at all - the smell made me nauseous) and I'm not that fussed any more about wine etc - which is probably a good thing!

Thanks for all the concern about PND. You lot are SO supportive and I'm really grateful. I'm sorry I whinge on all the time. I had a MUCH better night last night and have been feeling amazing all day (apart from the suspected PMT). So I think it's purely tiredness really.

I also have the very very dry skin. I've started taking a vitamin supplement and oil capsule, and have been slathering on handcream, which I don't usually need. (I have dry skin but not THAT dry!)

I am sure there is much more I wanted to post but it's time for me to get dinner ready...

hey.
turnip you crack me up - your teeth comment!

am feeling a bit naff tonight. It's weird how I can have a good day then it comes to this time and I suddenly lose confidence and start to stress. Phoebe has been unsettled today and I don't know what's wrong with her. She's protesting during her feeds and I don't know why, messing around and crying but then not wanting to stop feeding, then when she looks sleepy (droopy eyes etc) she just won't give in and is squirming around and crying loads. Instead of 2 hourly feeds we've been doing hourly, coz it's all I can do to calm her down, but then it doesn't last and she's screaming again, but trying to eat her fist and won't take her dummy. We're currently having a 'who can cry the most' contest between me and her - it's a draw at the moment. In daylight hours I just get on with it, but now I just feel completely useless and like I can't read my baby's signals at all. Am so nervous about the night ahead. Also my lack of appetite is starting to bother me. I'm usually such a gannet and it's odd to have no desire to eat.
Sorry for the whinge. Not too good at this parenting lark.

ladyt - thx for the info re: tuppence. also spoke to a friend who said she thought it was quite sweet, and the only reason we hated it was because of our feelings about MIL. maybe we should just get a grip and not worry about it. also will let you know when the parcel arrives - thank you so much in advance.

traceface we feel EXACTLY the same, so hope that is at all helpful. dh and i sitting here, curtains closed, night drawing in, and the panic and gloom beginning to settle in. dh has also been very restless today - strange. we had (would you believe it) a really good night last night and we seem to have paid for it today during the day. a friend came round who hasn't had kids, but who has been aroudn them lots and she was brilliant at burping, at distinguishing cries etc - i feel like such a bad, inattentive mum for just hearing her cry and pannicking and wanting her to shut up.

my solution: red wine post next feed (what's LadyT's DP's phrase? spot of cheerfulness).

will no doubt be on for much of tonight, so post post post - we are all in this together.

Does anyone think I should change the order of DS's 2nd and 3rd name's? The first names initials would spell 'bat' and then the last name rhymes with that.... I'm probably just doing the paranoid anxious thing, but MIL mentioned it and I also saw it come up on the doc's calling system as they didn't put the dot's in between the letters, and now i'm worried that it might be a teasing point for ds1? or maybe it'll be 'cool' I've lost perspective I think! Thoughts anyone? I can do an amendment to the birth cert apparently but just wondering if I am over reacting (yet again) or if it's warranted? Oh Gosh I get myself into a state!
Rosmerta yes would love to meet up with you and poss ladyt and arti and anyone else if they wat to! I think I need to talk to some adults rather than always ds1 (with no reply) and DH (sometimes also with no reply since he's always tired!)