October 09 - Bing bong...this is the final call for October babies, the final call October babies

[twinklegreen]

Here's the list, have tried to update as much as I can. Apologies if I've missed anyone. (also added how late/early they were for you princessmel) Babies due

Cookiemonster1 - 2/10/09 Boy
dogstar - 4/10/09 Girl
Sparklytwinkletoes - 06/10/09 Don't Know
Heylottie - 09/10/09 Don't Know
Kowaikiwi - 10/10/09 Don't Know
SassJ - 12/10/09 Boy
Hackneybird - 15/10/09 Don't Know
HalfMumHalfBiscuit - 15/10/09 Don't Know
littleblessing - 19/10/09
Princessmel - 21/10/09 Boy
NewbeeMummy - 21/10/09 Girl
Jellytotz - 21/10/09 Girl
Dizzytrout - 21/10/09 Girl
MrsHappy - 23/10/09 Girl
Ronniemummy- 24/10/09
MeHimCatBlob - 25/10/09 Girl
Hattie05 - 30/10/09 Girl

Babies born
theboob - Madison Rose born 14/09/09...14 days early
Devilsadvocaat - Charlie born 25/09/09...14 days early
LittleMissBliss - Marley born 25/09/09...10 days early
Mrs Kitty - Eliza born 26/09/09...9 days early
CalypsoFLame - Annalise Francoise born 28/09/09...2 days early
Ohmani - Patrick David born 29/09/09
Wibblydibs - Louis Dashiell born 29/09/09...7 days early
KleineMaus - Magnus born 30/09/09...on due date
Twinklegreen - Amelie Eva born 30/09/09...2 days late
Fidelma - Connor Ben born 30/09/09...9 days early
Treats - Isabel Rose born 30/09/09...7 days early
HumphreysCorner - Matthew John born 01/10/09...2 days late
Willmouse - Henry John born 02/10/09...15 days early
Rubyslippers- Ruby Francesca born 02/10/09...3 days early
Patmum - Adam james born 03/10/09...3 days early
JamesDavidsMum - Alexander Ngawaka born 03/10/09...1 day late
Neon - Thomas (Thom) Laurence born 03/10/09...
Lix - Phoenix Tabitha born 05/10/09...5 days early
BellaCullen - Nathaniel Alexander born 05/10/09... 3 days late
HappyTangerine - Joseph Richard born 05/10/09...5 days late
Smallone - George Robert born 5/10/09...12 days early
KKKKaty - Hamish William born 06/10/09...4 days early
Sammysam- Girl born 06/10/09....9 days late
Littlepea72 - Faith Scarlett born 07/10/09...5 days early
Sugarkane - Aiden Riley 8/10/09...born on due date
Jules88 - Artemis Arte born 10/10/09
Fluffycats = Ella Rose born 10/10/09
Andrea75 - Benjamin born 12/10/09
Mossop - Merryn born 12 Oct...9 days early
Lal23 - Maia Jo born 13 Oct...12 days early
IDOB - Caitlin Abigail born 14/10/09 ... 17 days late
Peachespaige - Frederick William Patrick (Freddie) born 17 Oct...6 days early
saraheb - Robert James born 18/10/09... 10 days late
Flamesparrow - Carys Jean born 19/10/09...3 days late

hello all, congratulations on all recent births
Madison is now 8 weeks old and still no sign of any check or injection appointments, I had a bit of a paddy having Madison weighed at the lvel of care they are providing , I was supposed to have a follow up visit about jaundice which i never got, I have left so many messages which never get returned the care provided in Blackpool at the momnent it seems is very poor talking to other mums and it's just not good enough in my eye's (sorry rant over)
Madison is now 11lb 13oz and has beautiful chubby cheek's , I'm not surprised really as she never stop's feeding we bought a fisher pice swing last week and i can finally get things done as she loves it , best thing i have ever bought , hope everyone is well and it sounds as if things are getting better for everyone , apart from lack of sleep

Thanks for the links princessmel. Matthew screamed all day round town. If one more person says 'he's hungry' I will scream. Mothercare have some slings but unsure as to which type to go for as M likes to sit on my chest and look over my shoulder but I like the idea of being able to BF on the move.

Hope all OK.

HC
x

Oh, and got home to find an answerphone message from the HV's asking me to bring M in for his 6 week check this afternoon. Nothing like late notice eh? Didn't get home until 5-30pm and anyway, they told me the check is done at 8 weeks.

morning all

sounds like many of us are still going through the mill sleep wise/have unsettled babies

HC - haven't been through the whole thread but do you think Mathew has silent reflux?

a sling is a good idea - he will like being upright and on you

theboob - not surprised you had a moan about Madison's care... very poor

I need to do some housework today - Ruby fed most of yesterday so couldn't really get anything done

she went down at 9 pm after a 3.5 hour cluster feed - i managed to eat dinner by using the rugby ball hold for her to feed - didn't drop too much on her

Littlepea Ignore people who feel the need to pass judgement, you are doing great. Ironically, I have the opposite problem people see how wiped out I am and how unsettled Joseph is and keep telling me to switch to formula. Star comment so far has been from my mum "maybe your milk doesn't agree with him." Yeah, thanks for that. She really doesn't think before she speaks sometimes. Now he's put on 13oz in 2 weeks, she's abandoned that silly idea.

HC I wish you lived closer, we could wander round town together with our screaming babies. It does sound like Matthew has silent reflux, maybe a trip to thr gp is in order.

Treats How are you getting on with the Colief? Also, how much milk are you putting the drops in? Joseph won't sip from a cup so I'm using a 2ml syringe but "a few" tablespoons amounts to about 6 or 7 syringes

I didn't get out to the breastfeeding group yesterday or baby massage today. Am becoming almost agorophobic and know I need to get a handle on it. Am still v hormonal with a healthy helping of the baby blues but I'm failrly sure most of my problems are down to tiredness/hormones rather than postnatal depression. I'm downstairs until 3am each night as the only place Joseph seems to settle is on the big v shaped pillow on my lap. At 3am he feeds again and finally goes into a deep sleep-at this point I go to bed until he wakes again at 6am. If all these actvities were in the afternoon I might stand a better chance but they're at 10am when I'm in zombie state!

I did manage to get out on my own to post a letter this morning and DH and I are going to try Tesco again later, God help us.He's taking a few days off which is a great help.

Does anyone else's baby hate having their nappy changed and bath time? Joseph screams the house down. Am wondering about getting one of those baby bath buckets. I'm on day 4 of no dairy and Joseph seems a bit more settled but that could just be wishfu thinking on my part.

Love to everyone x

HT - poor you

Ruby doesn't mind the bath but i try to do it when she isn't tired - usually in the mornings at the moment so she is perky

she has only had about 5 baths - she isn't getting very dirty at the moment (excpet for a couple of hideous poo up the back moments)

she cries if she isn't warm enough when i get her out

i have been wrapping her in a towel and then a blanket over her to ensure she is cosy

HT totally with you on the nappy change - Robert hates it. I am wondering if it is because I always do it before he feeds but he often goes to sleep after and I don't want to wake him up to do it after.

dd always screamed herself purple during a bath so used to resort to top and tailing her rather than risk a bath. She loves baths now and loved it when she could go in the 'big' bath with dad when she could sit up by herself.

Robert doesn't mind baths but I do have to wrap him up quick when he comes out.

Hope you manage to get out soon but feel I am joining you in the recluse stakes - is just easier to stay in at the moment especially as I am getting so little done at home anyway.

Yesterday when I dared take dd to her swimming lesson after school he screamed the whole way home (15mins) - went just 2 hours between feed when I was hoping for 3 but just got home asap to feed him. Everyone else got their tea whilst I waited until I had fed and winded him - turning into a bit of a pattern at the moment. We will celebrate when all of us (except Robert) get our tea together.

What a revelation girls, my fab school mum friend who lends me and gives me things just so happened to have a sling she no longer needs. Well, it saved my sanity round Tescos and the school run. The minute he was put in it he stopped crying and fell asleep. Tonight he protested when taken out of his car seat but once in the sling he slept again. It is marvellous!!! It also helps his wind. The Dr said he has colic but like you say it is more than likely silent reflux as he is still sicking up, it is worse at night when he is laying in his crib.

HT-please ignore those with their annoying helpful comments. My mum still thinks Matthew needs a big bottle of formula and did I remember that my Grandma starved my dad while BF him as he wasn't getting enough milk. M is putting on lots of weight so I'm not worried. Good that your your DH is having some time off as you need to go out. It is a shame we don't all live closer.

Better feed M so he doesn't starve.

Big wave to all.

HC
x

HT it took me at least 6 weeks to get out and about with dd1 and even then it was very scarey.I also got exhausted beyond belief.I now know how important it was for me to eat really well and often.Rest when I could and ask for help.Your body has been through a huge event and then with sleep deprivation and feeding you will be feeling really different.Don't be too hard on yourself.It is really important that you look after yourself.You are very important.Speak to your HV to get support from her or try the NCT.Lots of us have felt like you do.I wish you were nearer (actually can't remember where you are I will look on your profile.)Big Hug to you and have a good feed yourself XXX

HC - what great news about the sling ...

how is everyone?

DD went from 9.30 - 12.30 am, then up at 3 am, 5 am and 6.15 am so not much sleep here

she is sooooo hungry

am up with DS watching Peppa Pig (the first of many episodes today i think!)

DS going to pre-school later so we will have a nice walk and some fresh air

what has everyone got planned?

Morning all. I know some of us are still struggling, but there does also sound like small break throughs. Sadie did really well last night, I've stopped putting her under the extractor fan downstairs to save my back from the couch & switched to having her sleep on me. Last night she slept from 11-2am then 3-6am & she's dropped off again now.
Went to an NCT postnatal class yest which was brilliant. Reassured me that what I decide is best for Sadie probably is, so I felt less guilty about her sleeping on me, especially if it means we both get more sleep & feel better.
HT please don't be too hard on yourself about how you're feeling. I've been through the same but am now having more good days. Please try & get to a class, they really do show you that you're not alone & you can talk it through with others in the same boat. It's the only place I feel fully comfortable going because I know no one will mind if she screams or if I have to feed/change her.
HC glad you've had a break through with the sling. We tried the Babasling but Sadie got lost in it! So I got a BabyBjorn which frees up my hands & lets her settle, I think it will get better when she can lift her head more too.
Today we are having morning tea with a friend from antenatal, I try to book one thing per day for my sanity.
I would really like to start walking so I can get back into exercise (wedding in July!) but the weather is soooo crap. Feels like I'll never get my body back :-(
Have a good day everyone
KK

Thanks everyone, good to know that I'm not alone! Things slowly improving.

fidelma Thanks, it's interesting to know that the exhaustion in normal. I'm in Merseyside, far far away from you I think! I have a massive extended family network back home in Wales and we live close to each other, always dropping into each other's houses. Its very different here, DH has one sister and 2 young nieces and everyone seems to congregate at MIL's house. I'm in close contact with family though, some of whom had babies a few months ago so they have good tips.

kowaikiwi Great news about the NCT classes

ruby Fingers crossed you get more sleep tonight.

saraheb yep, same here, nappy change before a feed. I do try and cover his tummy so he doesn't feel too cold but he still goes mad! hope he grows out of it.

HC Hooray for the sling! Glad its working well for you. Got to grips with my ring sling yesterday which was a revalation-hands free! Still need some practice but the dvd helps.

We braved the car and the screaming to hand deliver some cards, go to Tesco, visit MIL then pop round SIL to drop off present as it's my nieces birthday today.Joseph slept right through. MIL kept talking yesterday about someone she knew whose daugter had postnatal depression and never went out, meaning that the wider family missed out on the baby and isn't that a terible shame. She's in her seventies and lovely but not very subtle. DH also felt the need to tell me last night that she's old now with health problems and not sure how much longer we'll have her for so we should let her spend as much time as she wants with Joseph. My response was fine but I don't see why I should always go over there, she can come here. So a compromise of sorts. SIL and nieces are at MILs 6 days a week so this is v different and they'll just have to adjust.

DH has just left for work so I won't see him now until 10pm. He slept for 6 hours straight last night which was wonderful-he looks human now rather than the living dead state he's been in for the past few weeks. Joseph and I were downstairs (my choice)and he slept from 12 to 2.15am, 3am to 4.40am, 5.30 to 6am then decided he was wide awake and zingy. He wore himself out by 7.30 so I took him to bed and we both slept until 10am. I've been out on my own today just to get a paper. Taking it easy now as yesterday wiped me out a bit.

Love to all, have a good day

Not a great couple of days at Maison Treats. Isabel has been a Jekyll and Hyde baby for the last couple of days - periods of being a gorgeous baby (we had our first smile yesterday ) and an absolute dream to be with - and then literally hours of bloodcurdling screaming. Last night was horrific - DH had her for most of the evening (they watched the football together - his team had a televised FA Cup replay) and gave her a feed at 10pm. He tried to get her to go to sleep but after 2 hours of screaming he gave up and came to get me. I'd been catching up on sleep since 9.30 so took over from him. She continued to scream for another 2 and a half hours, despite everything I could think of. I am absolutely sure that she's suffering from reflux and it was just incredibly distressing to hear her cry with pain and not be able to do anything about it. Eventually she dropped off at 3am and slept until about 9.

And I've managed to get mastitis which hasn't helped. I wasn't even able to pick her up and cuddle her last night because it was too painful to hold her against my boobs. Went straight to the docs this morning and got Gaviscon for her and some antibiotics for me. Hopefully everything will be better now. I kept telling myself last night that if this is as bad as it gets, we'll have escaped quite lightly......

HC - great news about the sling. Isn't it wonderful when you find something that really works?! Like the sun breaking through heavy cloud.

HT - glad you at least got out to get a paper. Just take things slowly. I thought your post sounded quite positive though. There's plenty of time for classes, etc when you're feeling stronger. Grr at your MIL - it's not about her! And if she wants to see more of her grandson she should get herself round to yours and look after him for a couple of hours so that you can catch up on sleep......

Hi everyone

Im really sorry, ive not been able to look at everyones posts, everytime i try, Faith cries, yet again.

HC, im really glad that the sling is working, im going to try one too, just hope im as lucky! Ive started Faith on the infacol to see if it makes a difference. All she does is cry & is sick, so it cant hurt to try.

Cant believe people saying just put the little ones on a bottle with formula if you wanted to bottle feed you would have! Honestly i think people shouldnt say anything, helpful they may be trying to be, but its hurtful & it makes you mad! I can see why some people pump for nights, but really its up to the mother what she wants. At the end of the day, its not always what is better for the baby, its also what is better for the mother, you can see why so many get depressed, its hard enough without having to worry about which way to feed.

Better go again, she is again crying....DH is in Berlin for 4 days, so im doing it myself, im going to get everything sorted so i can get an early night (if she ever sleeps that is). God i must say, i take my hat off to all the single mothers out there, i really dont know how they do it!

Hi everyone

How is everyone doing?

Well I've started my xmas shopping today I'm quite pleased with myself. Had a dash round some shops this morning when dd1 was a nursery, had ds in the pushchair and dd2 in the sling, she loves the sling and sleeps the whole time she's in it. It's so much easier than attempting to negotiate the shops with a double buggy. I feel alot better now, I was starting to panic that I was leaving the shopping a bit late. I like to get it done before the shops get too busy, saying that I still always end up dashing round on xmas eve getting the last few bits and bobs. Has anyone else started with xmas shopping yet?

dd2 had her 6 week check with hv yesterday. She's now 11lb 3oz, which is bang on the 75th percentile so she's doing well. We have also been getting lots of smiles and she is really babbling away to her little self, she's so lovely . Amelie is also a bit of a cluster feeder, she tends to feed non stop from about 6-10pm which is pretty draining, but then she goes down for a 7 hour stretch so I suppose it's worth it!

Treats poor you, mastitis is horrible. Hopefully the anti-b's will take effect soon. Remember to feed from the affected side often and massage firmly towards the nipple while feeding to clear the blockage.

ht well done for getting out and about, don't feel you have to do too much too soon, build it up gradually. Before you know it your days will be full of yummy mummy social engagements

Anyway, better go. hope you all have a good night tonight with pleanty of sleep

morning all

not much sleep here Chez Ruby ... she went down at 9, up at 12, then at 3 ish, then 4.45 and she didn't settle again until 5 ish

She is still cluster feeding for 3 hours in the evening but i only get a 3 hour stretch of sleep from it so it feels exhausting for nothing IYSWIM

however, she is thriving!

Is anyone expressing yet? I am going to start - i have a girls night out soon and i really want to be able to go ...

have to go out and about later - weather is horrid tho -

hope everyone is doing "ok" - at least we know we aren't alone

Had to go to doctors with Faith this morning, after sitting up all night with her crying & screaming. She has thrust in her wee mouth, they think she has had it for about a month, but i have had her seen so many times, why only now has it been picked up? No wonder she has been crying so much, and also that is why she has been feeding so much, its been so sore drinking.

Going to try to get a sleep before picking up DS........

Oh, littlepea-bless her, that must be horrible for Faith. Soon be better now it has been diagnosed.

rubyslippers-your evenings sound the same as mine. Matthew was wide awake at 4am but I wasn't. We are going to see the Rocky Horror Picture Show on the 5th December so have bought some Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature bottles and need to start expressing some milk to freeze ready for then. Previous experience of expressing resulted in 1oz only so may take some time.

HT-how are you today?

Infact, how is everyone doing? Has everyone had their baby now?

Need to feed my ever hungry/screaming boy. The HV is coming this afternoon to do his 6 week check.

HC
x

Treats, Poor you, it sounds so painful. Hope the antibiotics kick in soon and you all get a better night's sleep.

Twinklegreen I am very impressed that you've got the Christmas shopping underway!

ruby I'm going to give expressing a go next week-have a day of OU tutorials next Saturday so not sure what to do-they're in Liverpool, 1hr from here. Am hoping Joseph will be ok with DH

Littlepea Poor you and poor Faith, you must be so annoyed it wasn't picked up sooner. Hopeully treatment will kick in soon.

We had a crazy night here last night. Joe woke up when DH came in and wouldn't go back to sleep for more than 10 mins at a time. Feeding constantly as well. In the end, DH took him out in the car at 4am-that didn't work either but I got 2 hours sleep. He finally dropped off at 7.10am for 2 hours. Poor thing looks so tired today but is really fighting sleep. Is anyone else in a routine with sleep yet? Am unsure what to do co-sleeping, normally he just falls asleep on me downstairs.

Am shattered and he's feeding again so am going to try and nap. Have a good day everyone - I suspect we'll be having a duvet day today...

HC (waves)Am tired but strangely chilled out about things today (lack of sleep effect?). I doubt I'll be so relaxed if we have a repeat of last night tonight though. DH left before I could get a shower so thats my quest for today. We should start at 4am insomniac mother's club, it would be v popular!Hope you get a better night tonight.

littlepea thats horrible, poor little Faith, I hope she recovers very fast, and how frustrating that it was missed so often.

HT Routine? Nope! Annalise was in a very handy 3hr feed - sleep pattern, but of late that's vanished and become completely ad-hoc. I'm sure DH thinks I'm just lounging about watching tv all day, can't understand how being a feeding maching is actually really mentally exhausting (and uncomfortable for me again). I was hoping for a panacea of calm come 6 weeks, when things are supposed to get easier! No such luck Have a good duvet day, if your weather is as horrible up north as it is in the big smoke, its best to get cozy! XX

treats oh no, I had mastitis too in the early days, the non-infected type though so at least I didn't feel fluey too... It did get better quite quickly when I clued into how to drain the breasts completely - do you remember the conversation we had in the park about being me being paranoid about not draining them, I think sometimes I'm not and I can feel a twinge of pain of the blocked ducts, so once you get over this (which I hope is VERY soon!) its worth keeping an eye on how much you are giving the boobs a good clear out, even if it means expressing too. Good luck!

gaviscon Dr prescribed it for Annalise too, as she is so sick and her weight gain is so slow - at 6.5wks she's still only 8lbs9oz but looks relatively healthy to me - chubby and alert. HV and Dr bit concerned but she's being weighed every week at baby massage by the midwife.

Anyway, gaviscon packet recommends 15ml of water with the powder mixed in. Last night tried to give it to her after her feed as Dr suggested, but she was full from the feed (15ml extra is a lot when you take c60ml per feed!) so DH nearly drowned her forcing it down her throat with the syringe! I was so horrified and predictably she had this enormous projectile vomit as she was so full, breastmilk everywhere So awful, but Annalise seemed to not mind too much 5 mins later smiling on her change-mat. Haven't had the strength to try it again - does anyone using the gaviscon use only the bottle?

The reason why I'm reluctant to use the bottle is Annalise's latch has deteriorated quite a bit lately; she's started making a clicking/tutting sound as she's feeding and my nipples are really sore again. Have tried La Leche League for help and they diagnosed that she has a strong clench coupled with nipple confusion (from giving her 1 bottle of expressed milk in the evening) with a bit of a forceful let-down from me. Called the breastfeeding cafe today but their 1-2-1 sessions are full, so will try again Monday. Desperate to get this resovled as its painful for me, and with her poor weight-gain and vomiting, I really want everything to be optimal to avoid the Dr suggesting formula top-ups which lead to bf rejection

As a baby-wearing evangelist, I'm delighted to hear some of you switching to the joys of slings!

Off to feed and watch recorded octomum programme - that must be tough! X

littlepea - wishing Faith a speedy recovery. At least you know why she has been so upset but how frustrating that it has been missed

i used gaviscon with DS - it only made him constipated so watch out for that. I hope you get her latch sorted as well

HC - hope M's 6 week check goes ok

HV came and Matthew is now 10lb 12oz so gaining loads, his head centile has dropped but DH has a small head. He did the sloppiest up his back poo just as she arrived so had to put him on his front to clean him and the HV commented how he was supporting himself with a mini press up. Must be all the feeding he does all day and night. Put M in his pram this morning, well, car seat on the chassis instead of using the sling and he screamed all the way into school. Shall use the sling at collection time. Have got appointment for M's jabs and 8 week review, my 8 week check and DD2's pre-school jabs. That will be a busy afternoon.

HT-hope your night is better too. M won't settle in the car so I don't bother. My HV said apart from the occasional exception little boys adore the boob and can't get enough of it and that is partly why M cries until he is attached to mine. DD1, my first baby was a screamer and difficult to settle and I clearly remember feeling just like you do as you can't see an end to it at the time but it will pass and get better and you will get your shower and get out and about. It is still early days and you are doing a great job. Oh, and I don't bother with routines until I have started weaning. As and when is the way forward for me. Too much routine in later life anyway so would rather M does his own thing at the moment.

Am waffling now so better go and drink some water, am a bit headachey and M is crying again.

Laters!

HC
x

Hi all

Hope the treatment works Littlepea, thrush is supposed to be very painful

All going well here, we had Freddie registered today and then I went to my friends for the afternoon with dd. I haven't been out much since he's been born, it's easier for people to come here so that's what we've been doing. I prefer that actually. Another recluse in the making here!

We are also feeding alot. He was feeding then sleeping every 3 hours, but is now feeding whenever he is awake. I am hoping I don't get blocked ducts. My boobs do feel tender/sore in parts, but are soft and not hard unless it's been ages since that side was fed from. I'm worried about missing a blocked duct and getting mastitis.

Right dh just got in with the older 2 dc's better go.

Hi everyone. Mastitis seems to have subsided - I haven't had any more fever symptoms but will carry on taking the ABs just in case. I gave my breast a really firm massage while Isabel was feeding this morning and it's a lot softer this evening, so I think it might be OK.

Unfortunately, Isabel's reflux isn't responding to the Gaviscon yet - she's still screaming the place down. Calypso - I've tried a number of things to give it to her - making it up in a bottle, using a syringe, using a cup. The syringe wasn't very effective as she just spat it all out again. She sucked quite well from the bottle this morning, but was happier taking it from a cup this afternoon. The cup is definitely quickest. I'm going to increase the dose to two sachets over the weekend to see if it's more effective. Two sachets are only meant to be taken by babies over 10lb, but she was weighed at 9lb 10oz on Tuesday, so I figure she's nearly there. I haven't had any nipple confusion issues with using a bottle, but that might change..... Hope all goes well with the breastfeeding support - I'm sure you'll be able to get back on track with a bit of help.

Sympathy to those suffering from sleepless nights. Hope you're getting some rest during the day.

Tried to watch the Octomum programme but Isabel was screaming. Might try to catch up when she's asleep later. IF she's asleep later........