BFPs after IVF - part 3 (babies start arriving)

[HopefulllHolly]

Hi all,

SENSITIVE CONTENT - discusses pregnancy and birth after infertility

Continuation of previous threads for anyone with a BFP following IVF. This thread we should have some of us giving birth!

@anniestar12
@dippyduck19
@fluffyted
@leaf86
@loup87
@natty2
@thepeachgoose
@always28
@edf

Hi everyone - starting another thread! Will post the link in the other thread in case others still want to chat but for now have only added people who have posted more recently. 😊

Thank you @ThePeachGoose . That’s really helpful and it sounds like it defeats the purpose if it’s not handsfree. To be honest it’s one of those things I may not even need so will see when baby gets here.

@Faith2024 i think that’s best. Then you’ll know exactly what needs you’ll have, and you can buy something that caters to that. FYI I hated my spectra so much that I got a momcozy m5 too, on my lactation consultant’s recommendation, as she said I don’t need a hospital grade pump for where I’m at now. I think I hate pumping in general, but with the momcozy it seemed easier to just pop the shell on my breast / in the bra while I moved to the second breast, and before I knew it, I had the same amount of milk as I did with the spectra, but this way I could take advantage of the existent letdown. I’ve been using both on the lowest settings though, not fully taking advantage of the hospital grade capabilities anyway. Best of luck!

Helloooo, how is everyone getting on?

We had a bit of a hectic first month here. I mentioned before that baby had lost 11.2% of birth weight and was also dehydrated, so we ended up in hospital for a night and we started on a feeding programme every 3 hours with formula top-up. While tiring, that was going great and the baby was putting on weight like there was no tomorrow. So the midwives discharged us when she was just 20g off her birth weight. Next day we did the tongue tie procedure and went back to the feeding programme every 3 hours plus formula, this time just to make sure that the tongue is moving regularly and not healing back. But somehow the baby’s weight stagnated over the week, so she was still slightly under her birth weight at 4 weeks, which was so depressing! The lactation consultant argued it might be because of her thrush, thrush medicine or general post-procedure trauma so she asked to see us again in a week. The baby then hit some milestones we think and had a couple of days of cluster feeding, which we were thrilled about as she might finally put on weight again. But then we had a hectic couple of days where I was so tired that I missed 1-2 night feeds, basically slept through a gazillion alarms and baby didn’t wake up either. The same day, the feeding schedule and any responsive feeding got thrown out the window as we were out and about for some appointments and the whole day got messed up, so now we’re worried about potentially failing the weight “test” again this Saturday. We have 3 days at home where we’re trying a semi feeding programme with top-up formula again but more responsive, in the hope that our little baby will have put some weight on by Saturday. It’s all so tough, especially as we’re trying to work out whether we’re over feeding her or whether it’s reflux when she spits up / throws up, whether my milk supply has increased that much that the formula top-up is too much, or whether prioritising breastfeeding is resulting in a calorie deficit.

Has anyone else struggled with any of these issues? Are you out of the birth weight loop now @HopefulllHolly ?

Happy Mother’s Day everyone! Hope you’re all doing ok 💕💐

@Faith2024not long now!!! How are you feeling?

@WhiskeyInTheJar33 I am well thanks for checking in. My section is scheduled for tomorrow morning. Feeling calm and excited. Praying all will go well 🙏

I hope you are feeling settled with your little one?

@Faith2024wishing you all the best for today!!! Exciting you’ll meet your little one today! 💕

@Faith2024 good luck today! Hope you’ll get no delays, you get to meet your baby soon and all goes smoothly!

Hi @ThePeachGoose & @WhiskeyInTheJar33 . Baby girl arrived safely this morning via elective c/section. They said she was on 90th percentile during pregnancy so was expecting a 9 pounds + baby but weighed 7.9 pounds? We are both tall parents.

Everything went smoothly and it was such a peaceful and healing experience compared to my emergency c section during the pandemic..

She seems a natural with latching & feeding, which wasn’t the case last time. Early days but feeling good about things 🙏

@Faith2024congratulations on the arrival of your little girl!!! So happy for you and glad recovery and feeding seems to be going well so far. Hopefully it continues for you!

Reuben was predicted to be 9lb too but came out 7lb 8oz. We are both short so should have guessed I wouldn’t have a 9lber!!

@Faith2024 congratulations on the arrival of your baby girl! I’m so pleased you had such a peaceful and positive experience with the section and the first few days, and hope that everything will go as smoothly in life for this little girl.

Hi lovely ladies! How’s everyone doing? How are all your little ones doing?
i don’t know about you all but I’m still in my little baby bubble that the days are just passing by and I’m just totally obsessed with my little girly - I have no idea what’s going on in the world! Which is actually quite nice to be honest.

I hope you all are well, coping ok and managing to get some kind of sleep! And your little ones are thriving & bringing all the extra love & joys into your days xx

Hey :) lovely to hear an update and really glad you’re enjoying your new baby girl. How many weeks is she now?

We have a baby girl - Georgia, who is now 8 weeks old. It’s flying by but I do feel like we’re enjoying her and making the most of this newborn stage. It’s going really well and she’s doing what she should be!

Feeding guilt has probably been the most challenging thing! My milk too a while to come in due to c section at 37 weeks, and she had some jaundice so the paediatrician recommended giving her formula to help flush it out, so since then it’s been a challenge getting an adequate milk supply! We have ended up combination feeding but even that is hard work with expressing as well. It feels like there is so much pressure to make breastfeeding work and I feel like I have to explain myself if someone comments on me giving her a bottle!

Hope everyone is doing well.

Hey @Always28☺️ my little Arabella is 15 weeks old today!! It’s crazy how incredibly fast these weeks have gone. I just want time to slow down but at the same time I’m loving every new thing she does & stage she is in! Being a mummy is definitely the best feeling 🥰

Awww Georgia is a beautiful name! Congratulations on her arrival (I’m not sure if I’ve said that to you before - everyday is still a little blur 😅🤣) I’m so glad you are enjoying your little lady & making the most of newborn stage! It goes so fast doesn’t it.

aww I honestly wouldn’t try not to worry or feel guilty about the feeding! As long as she is thriving and gaining weight and drinking milk that’s all that matters - you are doing (and have been doing) an amazing job, especially with breastfeeding & expressing!
I’ve fully formula fed from the beginning but I still feel guilty at times for not breastfeeding. And I totally get you on the explaining part - the amount of times I’ve had to explain to family & friends and even random strangers at coffee shops! It’s crazy.

Arabella has dropped to the 2nd percentile - she’s only gained 2lb since birth (born at 7lb 11oz and now weighs 9lb 13oz) she’s really been struggling with reflux & a possible cows milk protein allergy so they’ve change us to a hypoallergenic formula milk - smells & taste absolutely gross but she seems to like it! Her poops 💩 are light green now though 🙈
we are on week 2 now so will be weighing her next week and hoping she’s gained some much needed weight. Her little legs are started to get rolls so I’m hoping the new milk is working 🤞🏻 she’s much happier too so I think it’s making her more comfortable.
So based on my experience I’d say if your baby is gaining weight like she should be then I’d try not to feel guilty - easier said than done, I know!

hey! I’ve lost track of how many weeks Reuben is (since 12 weeks) 🤦🏻‍♀️ I just now work in months lol. We are doing ok and loving watching him grow. He’s got the cutest smile and laugh!

@Fluffyted@Always28ive also fully formula fed from the beginning and like you have felt guilty and also felt I had to justify myself. I know it was the right thing to do for me and my mental health though. the only thing that matters is that baby is fed and happy. When they grow up you never know who’s been formula fed and who’s been breastfed!

@FluffytedReuben has also dropped to the 1st percentile and struggling with reflux but he’s putting on weight now and has gone from 7lb 8oz to 10lb 10oz. We also changed formula due to constipation issues but seem to have it sorted now. Fingers crossed the new milk is working for you!!

Hi everyone! I’ve been trying to log on for ages but lost my password somewhere in my brain and only just remembered it! Been thinking of you all and wondering how you’re doing so it’s good to hear you’re doing ok @WhiskeyInTheJar33 @Fluffyted @Always28

I can’t believe it’s already over 3 months since Goldie arrived! Time is a thief! I keep looking back at photos of her when she was born and crying. Not sure if it’s just bittersweet as I’ll only get to do it once or what but it’s just gone so much faster than I thought it would! I’ve also lost track of weeks @WhiskeyInTheJar33 🤣🤣

Goldie is doing really well - she’s just started babbling and chatting which is adorable. She was a bit behind other babies in our antenatal with that and I was getting worried but she was doing more physical stuff like using her hands and feet and rolling so she must have just done stuff in a different order. It’s lovely to see her really engaged in stuff now and makes going out with her awake easier. I dreaded her waking from a nap while we were out for ages because she would just cry, so I’m glad we’ve turned that corner. 🙂 She seems fairly chilled at the moment, is quite cross when she doesn’t get what she wants though (if I try and feed her when she doesn’t want it 🤣) and seems like she’s quite a determined little thing so she’s a bit like me in that respect. We’ve gotten through the sleep regression now I think but battling with shit naps - she only really naps in the day in her pram while it moves 😫 So trying to sort that currently! We’re off to Greece at the end of the month so Im apprehensive and excited about that!

Has anyone been away yet? I did mention doing a WhatsApp so drop me a private message if you want and I can set up a group if people are keen! Easier to chat than on here! ❤️ Sending all big hugs! Xx

@HopefulllHollyglad you and Goldie are doing well. It’s soo hard not to compare to other babies with milestones. Reuben is not rolling yet he gets onto his side and stops. He also hates tummy time. But is smiling, chatting and laughing for the last few weeks so he’s ahead on that side of things, and a little behind physically.

We’ve not been away yet, Greece will be nice! We’ve booked to go away in October to Spain. So would be nice you hear your tips when you’re back!

I would be up for a WhatsApp group as it’s easier to keep up with each other. I’ll message you.

@WhiskeyInTheJar33 Ive been asking those from my antenatal group the travel tips but I’ll report back! Yep send me numbers and I’ll add everyone who messages! Would be nice to see some pictures as we all shared so much but I wouldn’t add any on here! ❤️
Awww sounds like Reuben is coming along nicely! It’s hard not to compare but they definitely all tackle stuff in different ways. It’s nice knowing what to expect next from everyone for sure though!

Hi guys!
thought I’d reply now even though it’s late but I’m only going to forget in the morning … just getting ready to do my dream feed for Arabella (not really a dream feed as I have to wake her up to feed because of her reflux otherwise she chokes 🙈 poor girl) but it makes me feel better calling it that lol

@WhiskeyInTheJar33 I’ve just seen your reply from a few weeks ago, sorry!! Aww I’m so glad Reuben has put on weight! His new formula must be working wonders - well done! Arabella has managed to gain some weight too! She weighs 10lb 15oz now!! I’m going to get her weighed next week too and hoping she’s put on more.

The hypoallergenic formula smells horrendous! Especially when she is sick!! But the worst side effect was her sore bum!!! Omg the nappy rash was horrible, bless her and has lasted for 3 weeks!! She’s been on this steroid cream from the GP for 13 days which is helping, mind you they originally treated her for thrush which was mis-diagnosed so the rash was made much worse by the first cream we were given. The formula milk has changed her PH levels in her stools so it’s burning her skin bless her and because this formula is easy to digest she is pooing after every single feed!! I’ve been changing her as soon as she poos so I’ve also been pooed on multiple times where she hadn’t quite finished 🙈😂😂 her poo is also green and I mean like light green!! 🤢
but after all this and her going through weeks of pain from her nappy rash - we now have to come off the formula and go back onto cows milk formula for 2 weeks so they can confirm it’s an allergy 😐🙄😶 I wish they just did a blood test instead!

@HopefulllHollyaww that’s sooo annoying about your password. I’ve got no idea what mine is now 😂 so if I get logged out then I’m never getting back in lol. I’m glad you managed to get back on!!

time really is flying by!! Arabella is exactly 4 months old tomorrow!! (Friday 9th) like how this that happen!? Pregnancy didn’t go this fast I swear.
i only can remember / work out the weeks when she is due her vaccines, other than that I have no clue what week she is now.
also we had our final round of vaccines this week so im
so happy she doesn’t have to have anymore for a year.

awww so glad your little Goldie is doing so well!! And rolling over already!! That’s amazing. Arabella is a tiny bit lazy I think .. she’s only just found her feet so she grabs them all the time and tries to eat her tiny toes! She babbles & smiles and we have little chats too.

no I’ve not been away yet but would love to know some tips!

and a WhatsApp would be amazing! Much easier to chat to everyone on.

Arabella isn’t a people person at the moment!! She really really doesn’t like anyone holding her other than her daddy & me and even gets upset if people talk to her!
even her grandparents - her little bottom lip goes and she cries her little heart out. She’s now started to nestle her head into me as if she’s hiding when people talk to her or get too close.
she’s been like this since we left the hospital when she was 7 weeks old so I put it down to that and all the doctors & nurses prodding & poking her and causing her pain - but it’s getting worse so I don’t really know what to do about that - is anyone else’s little one struggling with other people?