April Babies

[MrsDoolittle]

Well there had to be one...
Thought I might as well start it at Fennels suggestion.
You have all read enough from me how about you?

Hi Peachypie - do you think it might be hunger and not just colic? I'm only wondering about this because ds was the same - v. colicky and screamy as a little baby, and it didn't seem to go when everyone said it would. Since weaning him he's a different baby - happy and sleeps more - turns out he was just a hungry baby! I know the current advice is 6 months, but they're all so different - a bit of food might help??

hi Peachypie.

I don't have a routine unless you count the ritual big glass of wine around 6pm!

Dolbear - mashed banana is really easy, you don't even have to cook it! other easy things are mashed potato and all the baby cereals.

HD - we've had the van for 7 years and it's gone all over the UK, but not abroad, it's 27 years old which seemed a bit old to go abroad with. it feels really sad to get rid of it, as though we're really saying that now we really are boring parents with a sensible volvo or people carrier even

dolbear - don't worry too much. I didn't ask the health visitor's advice either. I'm pretty much doing my own thing. My sister said she didn't bother with the pureeing and just used jars as she found it so frustrating when her lovingly prepared purees ended up on the floor!!! She said her two enjoyed the Heinz cans and that they are better value than some of the jars so I might investigate that at Asda tomorrow (can't believe some of the jars cost 55p!)

The passing of time, eh Fennel... actually you are making me feel sad now! You'll just have to make sure the van goes to a good home

Mrs D - I saw on another thread you're going back to work in 2 weeks. when is dd starting her nursery initiation? my dd3 is starting her 2 week induction process on Tuesday - we go every day for 2 weeks together.
am trying not to read any more media articles on how awful nurseries are for babies. it's scary these articles are worrying me even though I know this nursery so well and dd1 and dd2 have been very happy there. but they didn't go this young.

Hi Fennel - We start 'nursery practice' the Tuesday after the bank holiday weekend as the nursery is closed for the last two weeks of August and like you, we have been away for the first two. Dd is going to go every day for a few hours building up to a full day on Friday. I haven't been sleeping lately and eventhough I have been blaming it on the muggy weather I have the ghastly feeling that I am worrying about leaving dd. My friend, who is a MW, says that apparently one of the nurseries featured in Fiona Bruce's programme was only a couple of miles from here and she has been hearing awful things about another nursery I had been considering. I have chosen a small intimate nursery but I can't help the nagging worry despite all the advice given to me. I know I won't relax until we have things underway and sorted. I'm cross with myself because it's wishing away the last couple of weeks I have left
I too am making up this weaning lark as I go along. Heinz sent me a Farleys packet as a freebie and we tried that for breakfast - not too keen, I think! Anyway I added 6 oz of formula in an effort to avoid the thrashing about at the 2pm feed. It worked but now I think Dd is full to the brim (there are some very loud squealing noises going on downstairs).
Does anyone else get them? She's happy, seems like she is testing out her voice. She was doing this around Tescos yesterday, VERY loudly
Anyway, how does anyone manage to bf exclusively until 6 months? I would have loved to have managed longer but I don't know how that would be possible. Aren't you still bf exclusively Fennel?
Well, I will go now and stop warbling on. I have decided I analyse things too much.

So tell us Dot and Fennel - How does your meet up go?

Hi all. Hope some of you remember me - I used to be les ley. So sorry for the long absence ? the home Pc died after a lightening storm a few days after DS was born. Buying new Pc was not top of financial priority list after birth and I kidded myself that I could keep up to date by using the one at DHs work (he works near home and right by the shops so I often pop in to get free coffee/babysitting from kind office staff). Needless to say, this plan has only worked about twice and then he wants his computer back after about 10 mins So I?ve managed to log on a few times and read the VERY LONG April thread but have only managed to post once I think, on the breast-feeding thread.

It was LOVELY to read all your news and to hear how your wonderful babies are doing. My Ds is now 14 weeks old, so not even technically an April baby - born 2 weeks late in early May. He was a big baby & I had a long labour and assisted delivery, but I?ve recovered well.

Breast-feeding was a nightmare at the beginning as the baby has a problem with his reflex, so wasn?t gaining weight and I got terrible mastitis, even though I was feeding for HOURS. Anyway, as he has grown it has got better and I?m still feeding him. We also tried cranial osteopathy, which I feel has made a big difference to him.

I see that some of you have started weaning. It?s so useful to have you all 2-3 weeks ahead as I get the heads up on what?s to come. I?m hoping to last for a bit longer as although he?s about 15lbs he seems quite happy on breast milk with the occasional top up bottle of formula.

All the family seem to be adjusting to the new arrival. He really is a very good baby ? we are so fortunate!!

MrsD, the nurseries featured in the 'Real Story' prog were in Stoke-on-Trent, Teddington in Middlesex and Radcliffe in Greater Manchester - so I'm not sure which nursery your friend was talking about? I'm sure the place you have chosen will work out - trust your instincts...

I am still exclusively bf - although will only hold out for the 6 months if I think dd is happy enough to do so. I breastfeed dd pretty frequently during the day but this has always been the case so I don't think she is showing that she needs more at the moment. They're all different aren't they.

Ooh hi KristinaM! You were Lesley76? We were wondering where you'd got to...

Congratulations on the birth of your ds, by the way! - I should have said this in my previous post

Hurrah, Lesley76 has re-emerged! I wondered where you had got to. does your ds have a name?

I am still exclusively bf and still aiming for at least 5 months, maybe 6. I do feel a bit tired out so may cave, we'll see. I do have 30 bags in the freezer which is going to make it easier. have to say I was very glad to stop exclusive bf with dd1 at 4 months, this time I am finding it easier, I would not carry on now otherwise.

Dot comes tomorrow, and luckily my new cleaner comes tomorrow before Dot for the first time, so the house should be squeaky clean and tidy giving a false impression of order and control

Mrs D - dd3 also squeals, loudly and happily.
I am sure that you will feel happier after the induction week and getting used to the nursery. I know I will.

HD - I was led to believe that the (jigsaw, I think) nursery in Littlemore was featured in the programme because they gave a baby milk that was lactose intolerant and died as a result, but maybe that's not the case.

Well, HELLO Kristina aka Lesley!!! We have been wondering about you. It's nice to see you back and know that you are well. So your ds is 14 weeks and 15lbs! My Goodness!! Dd is 18 weeks and 11 1/2lbs. I think dolbear has a big boy too.

It was my birthday yesterday so reading Fennels post yesterday had me thirsting for that bottle (or two) of Rioja I was looking forward too. Dh and I got quietly drunk last night after putting dd down and went to bed thankful for our daughter, each other and in love....

Hi all. Found a spare minute to post!
Peachypie - like dot1 says could be hunger cos my dd spend her first month screaming and they thought it was colic/relfux but as soon as I put her on the bottle she was a different baby - obviously I was not producing enough milk.

If it is colic then what worked wonders with my ds was Colief. It's £10 for a tiny bottle (Boots sell it)and it breaks down the lactose in milk which seems to be something you are worried about. If you are bottle feeding you put it in the milk a few hours before or if breastfeeding on a spoon in baby's mouth before a feed. Miracle stuff so worth the money if you're still struggling.

Dot1 - I have to have the right half of my thyroid removed as it has two huge lumps it and they don't know what they are. Bit depressed about it all. Gonna have a scar too as it's not exactly keyhole surgery. Will have to develop a Nadia type line in neck scarves. Fed up!

Bluecow - not surprised you're down about the op - good luck with it - do you have a date for it yet? I'll keep fingers crossed that it's soon so at least you get it over with...

So, I met Fennel today!!! I can report back that a good time was had by all - I met two of her lovely dd's and my ds's weren't too badly behaved..! In fact ds1 was overjoyed to discover a pink (his favourite colour) bike outside and rode it - first time he's been on one - I nearly cried! Lovely chocolate cake was consumed and it was nice to chat about the babies!

So ds1 now wants a pink bike of course - all talk of trains gone - just when we've bought a wooden train set and millions of Thomas engines for his birthday...!

Dot1 - dunno yet when it will. It's been classed as urgent but that means within three months (seem to remember you work in the NHS so you'd know what!).
Thomas the Tank Engine - what would we do without him? DS (21 months) can name every single engine from even the smallest glimpse while I'm still trying to think which one it is from the colour or the number! Mind you Monsters Inc is his current obsession!

bluecow - hope the op goes OK, it doesn't sound very pleasant.

had a good time with Dot yesterday and her lovely boys - ds1 was sweet with his pink bike obsession.
But I was jealous that one 8oz formula bottle would keep her ds2 going for 4 hours when I am feeding dd3 more and more frequently during the day now. My bf resolve is weakening as I realise I'm getting more and more tired the more often I bf. maybe it's just a growth spurt (again)?

MrsD - happy birthday for yesterday!

That nursery that fed milk products to the dairy intolerant child was a Jigsaw one I think (although in Milton Keynes). The Real Story reporter didn't go undercover there, although there was an interview with the child's parents. That must be why I was confused.

Glad you had a nice time, dot (and Fennel? )! Have either of you met mumsnetters before?

Sorry you have to have the op bluecow - hope it sorts everything.

Ah Fennel, you've posted now - ignore me

HD - no this was my first time for meeting a stranger off the internet!

have just posted on the "who really makes it to 6 months exclusive bf?" thread. am expecting lots of extremely rigorous and bracing advice on sticking with it

Is your dd showing any signs of wanting solid food, do you think? If she is, and you're tired, you could always give her a taste of baby rice or fruit/veg and see how she goes? Or do you really want to stick it out?

Thank you - HD

I think it's great that Dot and Fennel met up. It's nice to know we are all real, if you see what I mean.

Bluecow - I hope things go all right for you.Have you have plenty of support for you and your baby?

I am feeling a bit blue myself to day. Dh may be changing jobs which could change everything. I haven't really got a good excuse - I keep reminding myself that we are really, really lucky. Maybe deep down it's anxiety about going back to work I thought I was laid back!

Fennel - baby is called Tom - we are very traditional name people as you know!

Bluecow - sorry to hear about your op. Good luck. I've just discovered i have post partum thyroiditis, which i had NEVER heard of. i have to see consultant soon and GP keeps taking blood tests & says i will have to stop BF. Dont know much about it

Mrs D - sorry to hear you are a bit down today. Its a bummer having to go back to work so soon.....or do you want to?

Philosophical question here - how do you know we are all real? Maybe Dot and Fennel are just making it up???

No I don't want to Kristina, although I try and tell myself I do!
As for the philosophical question - this could be true? Maybe Dot and Fennel are making it up. Infact maybe they are the same person?
It's nice to have you back Kristina aka Lesley, brings back all the posting we were all doing before we 'sprogged'!!

Thank you Mrs D - I did miss you all....who else can i ask all my stupid questions??? I've been saving them all up so as not to annoy you all

Go ahead Kristina, it would make a change from me asking them ALL the time