TTC and still breastfeeding? Thread #4: Pull up a chair for some support from others on the journey!

[Augusthomotherium]

Yes, we know all about how emotional and hard it can be! All the pros and cons, all about missing Aunty Flo's and wtf cycles with no ovulation, all about children being cute and pointy. No matter if you are five months or twenty months down the breastfeeding timeline, if you're ttc again, this is the thread to join! Welcome!

Oh and btw I used my last smiley stick today so I didn't need that spare packet after all. Sod's law!!! That, the wine in the fridge and a massive stack of AF supplies surely has to be in my favour this month?!

Duchess, thanks for the Info - all advice is gratefully appreciated - Please do pop back again to let us know how you're getting on x

MiniLop, I was feeding more than that when AF returned for me, so don't despair. Some ladies have actually managed to conceive when they've been feeding more than that too

Oh Pear, sorry to hear about the nausea, I haven't experienced that around ov, the dizziness I can relate to, though. I wanted to dtd on all three of my peak days too, but you guys let me know that 2 of the 3 would suffice Hope DH has a lovely birthday, we have DHs birthday celebration tomorrow too

Right, this is sooo weird - I was in so much pain this evening due to the broken skin on my boob, the only boob DD has fed from since around 12months when she lost interest in the other one (they're both still symmetrical though, lol ) that I couldn't feed her from it before bed. She got really upset, which brought a tear to my eye too, as I want to feed her to sleep as long as she 'needs' me to, when suddenly she said through sobs 'other one, other boobie' AND ACTUALLY FED OFF IT FOR THE FIRST TIME IN OVER A YEAR!!! How crazy is that?! It was a bit painful, and the nipple us obviously smaller, but DD persevered (Needs must I guess) and it worked as she was asleep in no time, which I'm grateful and relieved about. But how on earth is there still enough milk in there after all this time?? Hope it won't interfere with my hormone levels now but, like I always say, DD's needs in the here and now come before a child we haven't even got yet that we're aware of and may not have for a while yet

Oh wow Ava that's awesome! Maybe the hormones keeping one side going were enough for the other side to produce even a little bit?
My DS only feeds off my left side for a couple of minutes each time, then feeding off my right side for about 10 minutes, I'm really really lop sided!!

Aww MiniLop the lopsided thing doesn't last long. I used to fill up unevenly too, but after a while your body just stops producing as much milk on the unused side. Now neither ever feel 'full' and DD has remarked how the unused one is 'empty' when she's tried to feed off it again, since stopping, ove the last year. It's done the job again though, since last night, and DD had another drink from it earlier

I googled this, and read that your boobs don't totally dry up for ages, if ever, and it's not unheard for a grandmother to start lactating again to feed her grandkids

My temps are still high ( for me ) for this point in my cycle - 97.90 over the last 3 days since my peak of 98.20 at 6 dpo. I usually get a big drop the day or 2 before AF is due...

I have a confession - I poas, I couldn't resist I know it's super early so I've just wasted a test, yet again, but at least its not a digi this time I know you guys will sympathise/empathise (oh, it was a bfn, obvs x)

Damn temping trying to get my hopes up, I'll probably just have AF show up late, which would be cruel, as I've not had cycles longer than 29 days in the 11 months since AF returned, and if AF doesn't arrive at some point on Thursday at the latest I'll be thinking I could actually be pg (unless my temps crash later than usual, that is)......

Ava - awww its only 9dpo. Still hope!

I'm totally grossed out by the thought of grandmothers bf

So, I'm interested to hear everyone's thoughts on how we will all bf dc2 when they arrive? I assume everyone on this thread is planning to? It's going to be quite a different journey to the 1st time round. Just been thinking about it because this week I tried to help a friend with a newborn but after 5 days she's turned around and says its too painful and she hasn't got the stamina to keep going with a toddler around. Now, she gave up the same time with dc1 so I know it's got nothing to do with the toddler (a lot of my friends don't like the pain, hassle of feeding in public and most of waking in the night so they give up after week 1). Anyway, back to feeding with dc2. Do you all think your determination will be even stronger next time? I had a lot of feeding problems with a tongue tie but next time I would be more experienced and know where to turn. I certainly wouldn't let dc1 put me off but I think I would have to prepare him and get him involved somehow...that's probably the key. Something I must remember!

Pear, gosh I hadn't really considered the practicalities! DD would love to play 'helper' and we could maybe sit down for story time (she loves books) whenever I'm feeding? hopefully and whenever we're out and I need to feed there'll probably be another pair of hands around with us to distract DD (and keep her safe!) while I'm feeding DC #2

I know I won't be able to be as 'indulgent' next time around, and take to our bedroom, for quite as long periods, both with my hg or bf'ing! but I'll try to do pretty much the same for DC #2 as we did for DD, it's only fair

Hello again, and congrats on your ov pear! So happy you finally got your smiley face :)

Thanks for the support on the nursery front everyone. I decided to give them one last shot today as the manager was extremely apologetic and said it was just an off day for a number of reasons, and reassured me they would do certain things today to make sure things were in order and DD got the attention she needs. I asked on a local mums group and some who had looked round recently were unsure about it for the reasons I said, but those with kids there were unanimously happy and just said it's a slight blip atm because of staffing. So I felt like I should give it a fair try just for today. When I got there today it was so, so much better and really organised and happy. DD hung up her coat and asked to do painting, so I left her and 5 mins later she had forgotten all about me and was painting with the others. I'll go back in a minute and pick her up.

But I also found an absolutely amazing sounding local CM, who has all kids DD's age atm, does really exciting outings and activities, a dog (which DD is already excited about and has bought a present!) and was recommended by 2 separate mums within 10 mins! We're meeting her later. I would never have considered a CM really, but I have a gut feeling that this lady and her dog might be good for DD. Just not sure how to extricate myself diplomatically from nursery if it's actually fine, and I just think this other option is better....such a dilemma

Anyway, Ava I slipped up and poas this morning too! Also 9dpo. Also BFN, obviously. DH bullied me into it because he has no patience and because I was so, so irrationally out of my mind crazy all day yesterday and couldnt stop sobbing. Which is exactly how I was first time round at this point....just that time it was in work!

Wax, so pleased you now have 2 options So relieved to hear DD settled in well today could you possibly split DDs care between the CM and nursery if DD is happier at the nursery today? Best of both worlds? Apols if this isn't practical/I don't know what I'm talking about go with your gut though x

Aww, so glad I'm not alone re poas stupid early lol I keep reminding myself that hgc will double every couple if days if pg so not to read too much into it just yet signs are looking good though, good luck x

Aw Ava and wax 9 dpo is still very early (completely understand giving in and testing anyway though - I get inpatient during tww too ).

I'm glad your dd had a better time at nursery wax. The childminder sounds great!

pear my plan for when dc2 arrives is to keep ds occupied with cbeebies and sticker books during the newborn cluster feeding days. Also lots of books I can read to him when cuddled up on the sofa. I will finally master bf in a sling. Also, practically, I'm planning on getting a cleaner in once a week to begin with and filling the freezer with --ready meals- lovely nutritious home cooked food, so I can just focus on the dcs. I've put a lot of thought into this!

Ooh yes, Trinpy! Forgot to mention my desire to try to use a sling this time too! I have a mamas and papas one ready after my failed attempt to use it with DD

Also, this time we'll be closer to my family for help and support (they were great last time too, but we lived so far away) - so glad we moved closer to home when we did, we'd have my DM here at some point every day with lovely food and to play with DD while I feed

Oh my gosh! At nap time today, at home, DD couldn't get any milk out of my 'good' boob and knew she still couldn't feed from my sore one, so she just rolled over and fell asleep by herself! Unless we're out and she falls asleep in her stroller/car seat she 'needs' to bed bf to sleep. Apparently not now though! Totally amazed! My sore boobies are actually a good thing right now

Thanks both! We've decided to go with the CM ???? DD was so happy there - she was laughing and running about helping herself to toys, and even happily sat on the CM's lap and followed her around chatting to her. She didn't want to leave at the end :) obviously I didnt leave her, but I felt much more confident that she'd be happy - at nursery she did join in activities but stuck much closer to me looking wary and wouldnt really speak to the adults much. It feels a bit of a risk as I'm so used to nurseries and have never used a CM, but I'm sure it'll be ok - plenty of people seem to prefer them overall.

So I should be feeling relieved, but I'm still feeling pretty crazy hormonally anxious and could honestly cry. Am taking it as a positive sign but dont want to get my hopes up!

Oh and my plan for managing 2 is to keep DD in childcare for her normal days, only leaving 2 week days where I'll be on my own. Then it'll be Cbeebies and bribing her to act as my helper! She's pretty good if she feels like she has important jobs

Wow Ava that's amazing!!!!!! Well done DD

Thanks Wax, no meltdown or anything and asleep no time at all really - I'm amazed!!!

Glad to hear you've settled on the CM - it sounds great - you've done really well and should feel proud I am weirdly happy (sorry!) that you're still feeling emotional though good luck for testing again tomorrow x

Tmi alert, again, sorry - my nipples are painfully sensitive today, even the one that hasn't been fed from in around 24 hours I'm doing my best (honest!) not to ss but it's so difficult not to

Sorry, I feel like I'm hogging the thread today just googled the dull intermittent pain I'm still getting in my hip area. I didn't really think it could be ov/pg related as it's on/beside the hip bone BUT some people have listed this type of pain in their symptoms pre-bfp and in the first trimester Gotta stop ss now, otherwise it'll just make the disappointment of a bfn even worse

Sensitive nipples are a sign of high progesterone .

Oh Ava, sounds so promising! I'm so jealous. I have literally no symptoms except being crazy nuts :( Not sure if I'll test tomorrow - don't want to face the disappointment of another BFN :(

Very excited for you both wax and Ava and slightly

I soooooo want a glass of wine tonight. Need a distraction!

I now have hideous bloating and cramps as of a couple of hours ago. Symptom?!

I bet you'd like to tell your self last year that this day really would come when dd would settle herself Ava. It really feels like it's never going to happen at times! How bizarre for you to bf from the other boob after all this time. I remember towards the end of bf ds1 only feeding from one side in a -failed- bid to even out my -hideously- lopsided boobs but the redundant one kept producing for months!

Glad you're feeling happier with the childcare situation Wax.

Good Luck for tomorrow ladies

Argghhhh why is my DH taking FOREVER to come to bed

Just wondering...do I have to dtd the day after my 2 peak days? I do don't I? I'm so done now. I'd like it all to be over. So close but yet so far!!!!

Hi Pear, yes to it the day after too - the egg can be fertilised up to 36 hours after, so I think we definitely stopped our dtd too early until recently

I'm so glad my over-used boob has got a much deserved break today. The skin is healed now and it's been a joy to feed DD to sleep with it tonight (I had to feed her! it was getting really full and hard, and it hasn't been like that since I went back to work last June )

DH's birthday celebration went really well this evening and I was super productive after all the guests left and prepared food as much as I could for our big picnic tomorrow too (on DHs actual birthday) Think I'm constantly trying to distract myself

Well, I really don't know what to make of the super sensitive/painful nipples - I'm hoping it's a sign if progesterone (as Trinpy said ) but it could also be from starting up the feeding after so long on the one side, and maybe from the broken skin on the other? But it's not painful to feed from, just to touch so odd???

Wax, I am soooo hopeful for you!!!!!! x

Ava - thanks...I don't think we will manage it though. We've dtd 12x and we've both seriously had enough. Going to call it a day I think...do feel like I'm giving up early though!!

Annoying that the possible feeding issues is confusing matters on the symptom spotting front. It's never straight forward is it FX it's a symptom. Will you test in the morning? Hope so...just for our entertainment purposes you have to