Support

[lavent]

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!

Do you think it could be side effects of your medication? When is your next doctor appointment? They might need to be increased if they're no longer helping x

Can also be anticipation for school / nursery start which is just around the corner? Whilst it will be a great help when they do go back I guess it's also another new thing to get used to. The rain is horrid. Running out of indoors things to do. Did soft play this morning which was a lot less horrid than I remembered, despite being absolutely jam packed. Probably because both of them were actually playing happily in the same area, so a lot less running after toddler with screaming baby under arm than usual.

Next doctors appt not for 3 weeks. I hadn't thought it could be the medication. I've not long had the dose increased though

It's nice when they get to that age when they can play by themselves at soft play and you can grab a drink!

how is the baby sleeping, could it also be a lack of sleep getting your anxiety up? I always find I am super anxious when my sleep has been poor...

hope you're doing ok lavent

Yes it could be lack of sleep. He feeds every 2 hours from midnight through to 7/8ish now he's just so hungry! I guess he's just growing but it's been like this for weeks!
I am getting used to little sleep now so it's not as hard going as before but it's still draining. I am going to ask the doctor to check my iron levels at my next appt. I have been taking some slow release tablets which don't upset my tummy so hopefully my levels are up now.

poor you, that sounds tough!! no wonder you are anxious.

def get iron levels checked...also vitamin D is one that most people are deficient in, particularly if you have recently been pregnant / breastfeeding. I was feeling drained and very anxious and diagnosed with a massive D deficiency. When I started taking it the anxiety disappeared overnight, it was really odd! the tiredness also was so much better. Also B complex vits help with energy levels. You can get both the B and D in a spray version which is easy to take and better absorbed (not very cheap but worth it).

baby should sleep better soon hopefully - sounds like you're doing ok considering how hard it must be.

What a hungry baby! You're doing really well on the lack of sleep. Does he feed much in the day? You can buy vitamin drops called dalivit or abidec which you can take yourself and give dc. They are A B C and D vitamins. We all take them now on doctors orders because the dc are fussy eaters and I'm breastfeeding still x

He goes 3 hours in the day but I often have to hold him or he cries - seems he likes being held.....

I can get free vitamins with the coupons I get with the healthy start so I'll organise that when they next send some. Was hoping I'd get a few extra backdated but nothing yet.

Can you try feeding every 2 hours during the day so he might be topped up a bit more for night time?

Good idea why didn't i think of that?! I'll give it a go today!

Does he feed a lot in the evening? If you can fill him up then it might help him go longer in the night

About 6.30pm then 9pm then again at 11/12 midnight but it's not always exactly the same times still a bit random....
Been busy out and about today but trying to feed more this evening to see if he can go a longer stretch at night.

Bought a wardrobe today

Ooh fab! Where did you get your wardrobe? Is it for you or dc? Or is everybody's clothes in there?

I got it from the hospice furniture shop. I only went in for a quick look as took the DC to the city today for haircuts and I went to Asda to get a few packs of DryNites as reduced to £3/pack. The hospice shop is round the corner so we went at the same time.
Wardrobe is ideal - think it's going to be in my room for now as more space but it will have everyone's stuff in for now they are delivering next Monday.

That's great! Did you have to pay for delivery?

Yes £10 but not too bad.... It's where I got my sofa and dining table it's a fab place!

Hi how did baby sleep last night? X

Hi
He fed at 11/2/5/8 so a bit longer between 2 & 5.
Spoke to HV today who suggested I try the hungry baby formula (tho I've just bought a new tub of normal so need to use that first) so I might try that if no change in another week.

He's 12.5lbs now (6 weeks)

Thats great! He's getting big. How long does a tub of formula last? I would get the hungry baby milk if he's still the same next week. If it's a growth spurt it shouldn't last more than a few days

A tub lasts less than a week at the moment!!!! He's a little piglet!

Hi did baby sleep better last night? Are you all ready for Monday? I'm counting down the days!

Much the same last night really. The others woke up at 6.45am so early start for us all!

Yes I am pretty much ready for Monday. Got everything we need - haven't labelled the clothes yet I think I'm going to get some iron on labels as only £5 at the uniform shop but they'd run out yday so I'll have to pop back on Monday.

Even the DC are counting down the days they are so ready to go back!

Pizza and salad for tea tonight - nice easy one as I really want to paint a couple of radiators tonight in preparation for "operation decorate" in a couple of weeks
I've chosen some wallpaper (I think - waiting for sample) and paint. Exciting!

Exciting! Is the paper for the living room? Have you got someone to help? Did you get the flooring sorted

Yes paper is for the alcoves in the living room. A friend/MNer and her DH are coming down to help

No still no flooring it's quite a big space so not cheap. Going to go for oak effect vinyl though as easy to keep clean. Maybe after Christmas....

Sounds like it's all coming together slowly but surely. Don't worry, you'll get there