DUE SEPTEMBER 2010: SECOND TRIMESTER ALREADY!

[Love2Dance]

Hellooooo? Anyone there? Night ZZZzzz.

Sassy I got a breast feeding pillow from toys r us think it was around £20-£25 and it was an essential buy when you spend so many hours feeding and have a dodgy back like me!!

Talking of BF I think I was incredibly lucky first time round, feeding clicked straight away DD had good latch and I never got sore or had any probs other than one very spirty boob which was solved by lying down feeding which slowed the speed of the milk coming out until my boobs settled into their supply and demand.

I keep trying to remind myself that it could be totally different this time round and just cause it all clicked last time doesn't mean it definitly will this time.

I have recommended ot before but will again the book Best feeding is the absolute best book I've come across on breast feeding and helped me no end.

Hope all is well with everyone, I'm getting heaps of kicks now, counting down the days until I don't have to go to work again and also counting the days until I have a kitchen again - been 7 weeks of camping out in the living room am fed up of it now!!

Swordfish and Stick - OMG - I was on Cromer beach on Saturday afternoon! Felbrigg is beautiful isn't it? I worked in the tea room there one summer when I was a student!

V jealous of those going to the Portland. That's where Posh Spice has her babies if I'm right.

My kicks seem to be moving round more now, not quite so low. Note sure whether to be happy about this or not. Thanks all for sharing where yours are too. Sounds like it's quite normal then.

bananastew my thoughts on feeding are distinctly different from the thoughts I had when pregnant with ds...

Debs funny that your dd has got like that too - my mum saying that ds has clearly 'smelt a rat' and has taken to walking around the house holding my hand (just in case a little rival baby springs out of nowhere to take me away I guess). I've got him a baby doll to try to get used to it, and he's been feeding her which is rather sweet.

ThomasLand was brilliant btw.

Hope you're all feeling well. Sorry for long post...

oosabeauta - Its obviously the place to be!

Forgot to comment earlier on breast feeding. Luckily I have fad my 2 DC with absolutely no problems.
When I had DC1 I stupidly had pethidine in labour and he was born 2 hours later... just when it was in his system. This meant that he was very sleepy and didn't want to feed at all for 2 days. The hospital didn't want to discharge me until he'd fed, but after 24 hours I'd had enough and left. Once at home where I was calmer he started to feed and was always a good feeder. DD fed straight after delivery and continued for 2 years, until she self weaned.
All i can say is that please seek help if you have any problems. Aswell as your midwives there are breastfeeding councillers (my sister is one), who work out of sure start centres etc.
Apparently most women can breast feed...they just arn't given adequate help and support and so give up.
Good luck! Hope I didn't go off on one there
27+4

Stick - so true on getting support! there wasnt any where I live - too remote for my first 2. With DS1 it was a nightmare. In the end I was crying before every feed so had to give up. With DS2 it was bit better but still not great. I found the lack of support awful and women can be quite militant about the subject so was getting earbashed by well meaning sorts rather than help. This time there is a breast feeding support group set up near here so hope to use it to full advantage.
Getting kicked loads too tho quite low down. The big swishy turn around movements are really funny.
DS1 asked my how is all of my food turning into a baby!
DS2 has had a nightmare few weeks of waking alot during the night and needing me to lie with him to get back sleep - a cot bed is not the place for a pregnant woman!

mellymooks Thanks, just looked it up and it looks just the job.

I breast fed for 4 months last time, but didn't find it easy and was not something i relished doing....putting it mildly. I think i didn't get her to latch on so good at first and this caused alot of pain for a few weeks.
Also i introduced a bottle at 6 weeks (just one a day) because i'd read that they won't be able to suck from one if you leave it too long. This had the affect of making me produce less milk, which meant i had to give her another bottle daily, which meant even less milk etc, etc. By the end i only had milk first feed in the morning.

Going to exclusively breast feed for 6 months this time, but wouldn't mind expressing. Tried last time but don't think my choice of pump was very good (either that or i was doing it wrong). It seemed that my pump didn't fit my boob!!! I have 34e boobs.

Anyone know a really good breast pump?

oosabeauta I was on Cromer beach on saturday afternoon too! I saw lots of other pregnant ladies so maybe one of them was you It was a bit breezy wasn't it?

stick - we were staying in West Runton so just the other side of Cromer.

As for feeding I have been really lucky so far. DD1 fed like a dream, but DD2 was very jaundiced and weak when she was born and even though I was told she had a good latch etc I KNEW she wasn't feeding well. She then went on to be ventilated in hospital with bronchiolitis when she was a week old and I had to use hospital breast pumps for a month, on and off. That was horrible but at least I'd already fed one baby so I think it must have been easier for me as a second timer. It meant I had a good supply for when she came out of hospital and needed feeding up!

The thing is that it can actually hurt quite a lot at first - I felt a pain like needles pricking my nipples which was the let down reflex. It got a lot better after a few weeks but it could be quite alarming if you didn't know what to expect. I did have to grit my teeth a few times, but I was lucky to never get mastitis, cracked nipples or anything like that.

sassy - I just used an Avent hand pump which was fine. The mechanical ones in hospital are really efficient but a bit fierce for me! I prefer having the control, but it can give you a bit of rsi in your wrist.

Breastfeeding pillows are nice, but don't do much more than a pile of cushions would really. They are useful (if you get the v shaped ones) for putting behind baby as s/he starts to sit up though to stop them falling backwards.

sassy - I didn't bf/express for long lst time, just a few weeks but I would really recommend the electric Avent Double pump for twins. I seem to remember you could pump manually with it so that it somehow remembered your preferred rhythm meaning that it was never too fierce. Being able to do both boobs at once was a godsend, saved so much time which will probably be your main issue, having 2 at once .

I lent mine to a friend - so thanks for the reminder, I need to get it back!!

I think I used the Avent hand pump and the Medula electric pump, both were good.

I had real trouble bf last time, it took me weeks to establish it properly but then I went on to feed dd till she was 15 months. It wasn't easy at all in the beginning but worked out with a lot of perseverence and struggle.

Is anyone else lactating already? I have colostrum coming out and have done for a few weeks. I didn't leak at all last time, very strange.

24+3

Just thought... those of you who are having your second have you been warned about after pains? I remember feeding DD over the first week or so and every time got pains similar to labour in my uterus as it contracted back to normal... they are much worse second time around, but strangely I think someone told me not so bad third! Or am I deluding myself! Anyway they are a good thing as its getting your body back to normal... I just remember thinking no one told me about this! Something to do with the hormones of breast feeding sets it all off.

sassy I also had an Avent hand pump- worked very well for me but bits of it snapped eventually - overuse? So I've had to get a new one this time round. I'm trying the Tommee Tippee one as it looks similar and hoping I won't break this one! Also the avent bottle teats are quite hard... I much prefer Tommee Tippee teats as softer and more breast shaped iyswim!

I've never brought a breastfeeding pillow, but have an ordanary v shaped one that I got years ago for reading in bed. I use this for feeding and popping behind newly sitting baby. Also currently wrap it around me while I sleep (much like a pregancy pillow I guess) - I seem to like to tuck it between my legs and hold the other end- kinda supports your belly a bit.
Anyway I'm sure its cheaper than an offical feeding pillow!
My sister did get one from an NCT sale though - so worth checking them out. I got my moses basket and stand at one for only about £10 and its lovely. Make sure you arrive before it starts though so you can grab the best bargains!

27+5

Thanks everyone. Mumsnet has a review of breast pumps and Ameda comes first, medela 2nd and advent third.

The ameda is a dual pump, so would probably be best for me with twins.

My mum has just told me i probably won't need it. I said if i'm breast feeding for 6 months i will, or i'll be completely stuck. She said no, i mean you might not be able to breast feed them both.

Nothing like positive encouragement is there! Told her that might be so, but there is no point thinking that way before i've even tried.

I'm i just delusional? I not working after the babies are born and my dd will be 10. My whole life will be revolving around these babies for at least the first 4 months (plan on starting training on news years day- triathlete) don't see why i can't do it. It hurts, i all ready know that, but it's not impossible.

I have a sleeping pillow which apparently will work as a breastfeeding pillow, its the v shaped one from here:

www.pregnancypillow.co.uk/V-Pillow-For-Sleeping-Resting-Baby-Feeding-FREE-Cover-Worth-695_p_ 11.html

First baby so no previous experience, but I really want to breastfeed. I know it can be very hard work but the benefits are so clear that I want to give it my best shot.

Hi all! I'm new here. Both to MN and to this whole baby lark. Not exactly loving it so far what with the 24 hour indigestion (gaviscon is my new best friend) and leaky boobs but apparently it's all worth it?! I'm due on 20/9/10. Hope you're all well! x

Hi all

RE: BF I did 6 months last time as DD was low birth weight/prem first 6 weeks were HELL I got thrust in my breast and it was SO painful, now know one tablet of canesten would have sorted it, however after that it was quite enjoyable & def helped with bonding. I used the avent manual which I didnt get on with but the medula electric was brill

Concerned rant alert so apologies, I had my 1st growth scan today c/o pre-eclampia last pg and been told babe is small so my monthly growth scans are now fortnightly!!! AARRGGH I'm only 27+2 so really early days for this to al kick off, have a horrible feeling deep down that will be having another early little one!! Off on hols on Friday for a week so must try and forget about it til then, however talking of hospital bags will be packing mine on return for sure, I was 36 weeks when unexpectedly induced last time only been on mat leave 2 days and hadnt packed NIGHTMARE my hosptial didn't even have a spare nappy let alone a tiny prem one, had to use a towel while DD ran to mothercare

Sorry for long post,!!

I meant DH not DD she was too small to make her own way to mothercare

sassy34264 I used the avent manual one with the flower rubbery bit inside which is supposed to stimulate flow and it was very comfortable was 36G when breastfeeding. I tried a tommee tippee one and it gave me bruises on both nipples the first time I used it. I used to work with a lady who had a lot of problems feeding her first but persisted and had twins second time around when DD was 2 and she had no problems at all! She chose to feed them separately so that she had individual time with both babies but no reason you shouldn't be able to do it.

Bessie123 I leaked from 20 weeks at night with my last pregnancy but nothing this time so was a bit worried, if I squeeze nipples then there is milk there so hoping its just better under control this time as it poured out of me last time and used breast pads every day for 10 months!

Stickhasgrownup I had after pains last time but didn't know they could be worse second time. I think you will be fine for a few hours after school, at least you get most of the day to yourself. I am still considering which children to keep to give myself the best chance of sanity! Breastfeeding is one main concern as I fed for 15months last time but the first 8 weeks were really hard and I don't want to have to give up because I'm too busy with other children.

PickleSarnie I too am suffering really badly with heartburn most of the day and it wakes me up at night too sometime. This is my second so I know that it really is worth it!

HI all

Haven´´t posted for ages, just been catching up. Im having loads of hits low down, but i think its punches as i also feel at lot of pressure in lower back and if I remeber right MW told me that is due to the weight of the head when baby has gone down (and that its the most boney part).

Sassy342664 last weekend I bumped into a girl I went to antenatal classes with DS1, she has a 2yr old old DD and now has 4 mth twins and she breast feeds all3. She does admit to being tired though!. But thought Id pass it on as it is possble.

I'm hoping to bf again but I am still bfing dc3(21 months) on a night. I would like to stop before the birth to give my boobs a rest but she is having none of it.
When I bf dc1 I gave myself little targets, 1 day, a week, a month, until she gets teeth, until she bites me. Which she did at 8 months. Take as much stress and pressure off yourself as you can, if you try at least you have tried.
Good luck to you trying with twins, it's been done before and a friend of mine bf with triplets she bought an electric pump which helped keep her supply up and managed 6 months.

Bought my 2nd double pram today. I already have a first wheels side by side but wanted a mamas and papas duette and managed to get one on Ebay for under £100. Even if I need to replace the frame I will of saved half the retail price.
I just hope my mum doesn't mind storing it for another 3 months

I'm hoping to bf but as this is my first I don't know how it'll all go - have heard lots of stories about how it can be tricky, but am aware of lots of help available here locally, so fingers crossed.

28 + 4

Is expressing less painful than feeding? Obviously, it's not going to give you anywhere near the contact with baby as natural feeding, but I was just wondering if anyone has just expressed if normal feeding has proved too painful. Or does your body know it's being expressed rather than feeding a baby directly and so milk production is reduced? Hopefully it won't be an issue, but I really want to give baby breastmilk for at least the first 3 months and thought this could be a good last resort if the discomfort is too much. Debs75 Ouch at being bitten!!!

Was in John Lewis yesterday investigating all the pumps and also noticed really really lovely nursing bras - hotmilk tinyurl.com/353gmro - which came as a nice surprise as all the ones I'd seen so far looked like instruments of underwear torture from the Victorian age.

I have the puffy feet now too, but only by the end of the day. My heels are really sore though - is anyone else getting that? Other than that, all good. Can't believe the third trimester is round the corner and some of us are already there!!

25+4

LadyRabbit those hotmilk undies look lovely but is it just me being a perve or can anyone else not able to stop conjuring up images of mucky preggo pron with the name "hotmilk"? It's just such a strange think to call a range of nursing bras!

LOL at 'mucky preggo porn'! I know what you mean by the name!

Just been for my 28 weeks bloods and I managed to avoid looking at the needle so it was all over in seconds. I'm not very good at having my blood taken - I almost faint if I see it leaving my body. It's not the 'scratch' I mind.

I had forgotten about afterpains. Those who are onto number 4 or more, were the pains worse after 3 or 2? They were awful after DD2 - how on earth have I blocked them from my memory? It's amazing what those hormones do.

As for expressing, I really was lucky to find neither feeding nor expressing particularly painful (apart from the initial let down at the beginning) but I just found expressing soulless and depressing. However, that could just be because DD2 was in hospital so it was depressing anyway. I have heard of several people (friends of friends) who didn't want to breastfeed for one reason or another so just fed their babies expressed bm. But every baby is different so think positive that it will be bettter this time round!

When does the third trimester officially start by the way?
28wks

swordfish - according to my mag the third trimester is from 26 weeks... so we're already there!
I know what you mean about expressing... didn't find it at all painful, but hated it! Not a very attractive activity to get up to with dh sat beside me! But with ds I used to express every evening so I think thats why it was so soul destroying... if you only do it as and when (eg if your off for a night out) its not too bad!

I know what you mean about "hotmilk"... I've always found the name off putting!

Managed to get squeezed in with the midwife this morning... just popped in to get my Hip grant form. So will post today. Countdown until the 22nd buget now! Will still go next week for official 28 week check (although I seem to be out of sink as will be 29 by then).

Just been shopping and got a couple of baby swaddling wraps. I've used a sheet previously but decided this way would be easier...especially as dh could never get to grips with swaddling in a sheet!
Only downside is that the unisex things are always far less attractive! And in some shops seem impossible to come by... at least it stops me from going overboard now!

28 wks.

Welcome pickle

Snap comix, really want to persevere with BF. Some advice from a new mum - a friend with a 8 week old baby emailed me to say "After a hellish start breastfeeding where I dreaded every feed it all fell into place at about 6 weeks, just as everyone said, and now it is the best thing ever and I am so glad we stuck through it, am seriously high on oxcytocin. I wish I had known to have a syringe in the house after [baby] was born as you can hand-express colostrum, collect it in said syringe and feed it to her (every single woman in my NCT class had to do this.)"

HotMilk bras are FAB, super-sexy and blissfully comfortable, wish I could afford more than 2!

I have ordered my buggy; its a lovely spotty Mamas & Papas number.

28 + 3

I found expressing about the same pain wise as breastfeeding. It is good when you are so engorged you look like Jordan, and definitely less painful then a baby rooting around.
It does all depend on the pump so be prepared to chop and change.

ladyrabbit She didn't bite too hard and it was nowhere near as painful as her sucking off a cracked nipple but it was enough to put me off. Oddly DC3 spent about 6 weeks chewing on me when her teeth came in and I still carried on. Mainly because she would not take bottles at all.

Ooooh, I wanted the spotty mamas and papas one SkaterGrrrl, but we ended up with the Sola instead. I wanted it in purple but my OH said it was pink (and we don't know what kind we're having yet). The man in Mamas and Papas had the deciding vote and the evil man backed up my OH by saying it was pink too. Surely he should have known better to upset a hormonal woman?!