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275 replies

lavent · 13/08/2015 11:49

Looking for advice / support on having 4 young DC.

I'm in a difficult situation, alone, no family/friends as recently moved to escape DV.

Money is tight as I'm not currently working but I would like to start thinking about part-time work at Easter if I can find a suitable childcare solution. Easier said than done though!

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Original poster
lavent · 14/08/2015 19:15

I've also noticed that this baby farts A LOT so he has wind issues both ends Grin any ideas?!
Could it be a cows milk intolerance that is causing him this discomfort?

I'm seeing the doctor again this week to discuss progress on anti depressants (don't feel any different yet?) so I will ask about the baby again.

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Original poster
lavent · 14/08/2015 19:20

I know AndNowItsSeven I'm just a bit funny with meds and breastfeeding and as I was only doing a couple of feeds I just think it's for the best.

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mummypig3 · 14/08/2015 19:36

Could be an intolerance. Wind is one of the symptoms. My youngest was like that and had to give the doctor a stool sample and his poo was always green. Came back negative though and he grew out of it. Sometimes it's just their immature digestive tract getting used to things. Best to get him checked though. Do you feel any different on the antidepressants?

Original poster
lavent · 14/08/2015 19:47

No I don't feel any different tbh Hmm

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mummypig3 · 14/08/2015 20:14

They made me sleepy at first. You might need to take them a few weeks to feel any effects. Have you got to go back for a check up and to increase the dose as they normally start you on a small dose?

Original poster
lavent · 14/08/2015 20:25

How will I know if they're working?

Yes I've got an appt for Wednesday morning - the dose is very low (10mg) so I imagine they will increase.

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AndNowItsSeven · 14/08/2015 20:30

Lavent glad you have all the facts, I hope you don't think I was criticising your choice.
It is worth asking for your GP to test you babies stool. They can prescribe lactose free milk.

Original poster
lavent · 14/08/2015 20:38

Oh no I didn't think that at all! Hope you didn't think I was short with you Blush
Yes I think I will ask him - what exactly are they testing for? Cows milk intolerance?

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AndNowItsSeven · 14/08/2015 21:00

No I didn't think you were short at all.
Three of my dc were lactose intolerant rather than cows milk intolerant. I think they will test for that first. They had green in their stools ,hard stomach and screamed in pain during feeds.
Depending on your GP you may have to insist on the stool test. Often doctors can initially be a bit dismissive when parents suspect intolerances.
If your ds is lactose intolerant the milk ( sma LF) should work wonders plus it's free on prescription.

mummypig3 · 14/08/2015 21:00

For me I felt calm and not really much else. Almost like a numb feeling. Wasn't able to get upset or even cry

Original poster
lavent · 14/08/2015 21:29

Hmm - poo was a bit green until I started the colief now back to yellow.
Stomach does seem hard to me
Some screaming during feeds but possibly trapped wind
A lot of uncomfortable grunting
A lot of straining / bringing knees up
A lot of wind

mummy I haven't cried today actually (rare) maybe they are working!

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Original poster
lavent · 14/08/2015 21:42

I have made a Blog Smile

here

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AndNowItsSeven · 14/08/2015 22:35

Yes I forgot the excess wind, it does sound like lactose intolerance. It's not uncommon and most babies grow out of it.

mummypig3 · 15/08/2015 09:13

Just read your blog! It got me welling up! I wouldn't have a clue how to start one. I shall try to work out how to comment on it lol

mummypig3 · 15/08/2015 09:30

Argh! It won't let me comment. I've got to change the settings. Will ask dh when he's finished work cause he set this phone up for me. I haven't got a clue Confused

fabuLou · 15/08/2015 10:50

Wow all really young. I have just read your blog, you are amazing.Flowers

Wisteria1979 · 15/08/2015 12:06

Well done for getting the blog set up. And for persevering. You have come a very long way in a short time. Summer will be tiring with all of them at home but when they are back at school / nursery hopefully the days will be more manageable. Are you sorted for uniforms etc for when school starts?

Original poster
lavent · 15/08/2015 12:11

Thanks Grin it's very cathartic to write things down.
Only 3 weeks of summer to go!
Thank god the sun has come out today we were running out of clothes! Currently in the middle of laundry marathon!

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Original poster
lavent · 15/08/2015 12:13

Sorry forgot to say yes I am sorted for school uniforms - just need to sort shoes for DS2 but will do that 1st week of Sept I think.

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fabuLou · 15/08/2015 12:14

At some point if possible get a tumbe drier.

foolonthehill · 15/08/2015 12:24

Love to you i have 4 dc all 18 months apart and escaped DV with them some years ago now.

I am a SE childminder...not great for company but good for funds. When I started DC4 was 6 months old and I just added one full time 2-3 year old to our house which was not much extra work. I added more children as mine went to school, initially just doing after school care for the first 2 years...it worked for me as they played with my dc, ate a meal (that I would have cooked anyway) and were gone by 6pm. If you only do after school care you won't need to do all the early years training and registration.

You will find your way through. Anti d's get you to the point where you can function and keep ploughing through.

Good luck.

AndNowItsSeven · 15/08/2015 13:04

I too read your blog. I fail to see how removing carpets and leaving exposed grippers is a positive health and safety measure!
I hope your house is beginning to feel like home.

ziggyziggy · 15/08/2015 17:41

how old is the youngest now, only a few weeks old still?

love the blog and it's a great way of getting it all out and making sense of what's going on in your head...also it will remind you what a long way you have come when you revisit old posts....

Also when you write it seems to solidify ideas somehow and give clarity about what you need and want, and gives you more impetus to achieve it. As well as helping you deal with what's going on at the time, cathartic as you say. Strange, but that's what I find anyway.

It will bring hope to other people!

Also eventually if you get enough readers you could try a few ads in the sidebar or header, you might get a few pennies from this (if you want to sell out just a tiny bit - I don't think there's any shame in this! Grin ).

Original poster
lavent · 15/08/2015 19:50

Yes tumble dryer is on my list Lou possibly October depending on funds Smile it will make life a lot easier!!!

foolonthehill that's really helpful thank you so much for posting. I had also had a thought about possibly doing before/after school care. Hope you're doing well Star

AndNowItsSeven I know it's crazy. Although judging by the mess the old tenants left behind I wouldn't have wanted their carpets tbf Shock

ziggy still only 3 weeks!
It really helps me to look back and see how far I've come - esp on bad days. I always said I should write a book, but I think a blog will have to do Grin

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ziggyziggy · 15/08/2015 21:02

omg time moves slowly! or at least when you have a newborn, days seem to last forever don't they (till kids bedtime - then it whizzes by and you're woken up again before you realise!!).

you should def write a book, the blog could make up parts of it or at least you have it as reference...

hope you're doing ok. how much sleep are you getting each night? can you rest in the day?