March 2011 - we made it!

[Muser]

The waiting is over, the babies are arriving. March 2011 mums, come on in your time is up.

aw. wish i was in London! would love a meet up :)

does anyone use formula as well as breast feeding? I have to go back to work in a few weeks so need DD on a bottle (will be expressing whilst at work) so at the moment trying to give her a bottle of expressed a day to make sure she keeps taking the bottle. The problem is that as she'll only nap on me it is reeeally hard to find the time to express and i manage every second or third day when DP gets back from work early and takes her out. does anyone know if it would be a problem on the days when i don't manage to express to give her a bottle of formula?? There is also the chance that whilst i'm at work if she is hungrier than the expressed milk i've left that she'll have to have a bottle of formula....

anyone know about this? thanks :)

does anyone use formula as well as breast feeding? I have to go back to work in a few weeks so need DD on a bottle (will be expressing whilst at work) so at the moment trying to give her a bottle of expressed a day to make sure she keeps taking the bottle. The problem is that as she'll only nap on me it is reeeally hard to find the time to express and i manage every second or third day when DP gets back from work early and takes her out. does anyone know if it would be a problem on the days when i don't manage to express to give her a bottle of formula?? There is also the chance that whilst i'm at work if she is hungrier than the expressed milk i've left that she'll have to have a bottle of formula....

anyone know about this? thanks :)

Nello, lovely poem which turned my face into Niagra Falls! I have been combo feeding since day 3, though can't advise b/c he takes more formula than BM. The hospital told me that BM tastes better, but I can't speak to supply, etc.

Muser and Lozario, I'm in West London and need to get out of the house and meet other mums instead of watching them walk by my flat with their buggies (am I the ONLY mum in London with poor time management skills?)!

Petty my LO screams bloody murder every 3rd day or so when he needs to poo, or when he has loads of wind (in all directions). It's terrible to watch, though holding him upright against my chest makes me feel as though he knows that I care...Good luck with your MW mission! :)

JoJo, I'm glad that your family is supportive, it seems like a good first step to helping you cope, as does posting here! :) Yes, it's a life change, but it's also so many hormonal changes, once again! I had a terrible week of antenatal depression so was referred to someone in case PND came about. Just getting everything out of my system then helped. However, what I never expected was the STRESS of having a newborn. My BP has risen so high that the GP is adamant about me getting it taken care of. When?!

Weight loss...a couple of friends said that I lost so much weight, but in fact, I think it's just that I look so tired and gaunt (which a million people whom I don't know have told me!:( ) that I may look thinner, and unhealthier. Don't look at the scales, but definitely try any sort of stretches or exercises that baby allows! It took me 3 weeks to convince my DH of the importance of me having 30 minutes on the weekends to do my Pilates, (in addition to my sleeping in until 10 and taking baths ) and we go on long walks when he's home. If LO sleeps for an hour-long stretch, then I do my routine. Unfortunately, I'm having no luck with getting into Baby Yoga or Swimming classes, either they are full or get cancelled! Ugh!:(

Sorry for epic post, Franz is 8 weeks today and celebrating with a long nap! :)

I am in NW London. Seems we are all spread out, but provided I can find a non-escalator way to get there I dont mind travelling particularly if it is a Tues or Fri as it is DH day off so wouldnt need to bring DS2. Perhaps as the weather seems to stay somewhere central like Hyde Park or something might work. Little picnic for us.

I dont know how any of you feel about this, but on my other postnatal thread (from DS2) someone set up a closed/private FB group that we could join (or not as the case may be) so we could put faces to names etc share pics of our babies etc. Many of us are now friends and have met many many times, but of course this is in no way obligatory. Just wondered if this might be a good idea for us. I could set something up and if anyone wants to joing they can and if not they dont have to. This way anyone who wants to meet up either London Lot or Cardiff Contingent or anyone else emails can be easily exchanged etc.

Halo ? well done on the public feeding.

KdPidgeon ? E has had a sticky eye since birth although much improved. I have been told the breastmilk thing from variius different sources. Lcukily I still can get some milk from them for this purpose.
Jojo ? Again was the same with DS1 just felt overwhelmed by him, by everyone else. A real roller coaster. Didnt tell anyone though so well done on bringing it to the HV attention.

Nello ? pleased you have found some things to pass the time in Mexico. It really is a lifesaver just having a purpose and somewhere to go. I am going to start trying to go out with E to 2 singing groups for under 1?s and under2?s on DH?s day off so he can look after DS2. It will be nice to do something just me and E, but also trying to establish something similar with DS1 and DS2 so everyone gets exclusive time.
Muser ? I do the putting in the cot and walking away thing just to regroup and approach the crying in a calmer way. I really fancy buggy fit but all the ones near me are on days when DH works so cant go with DS2, but might try and start in Sept when he will be at nursery. Will it be too late do you think, I wonder how E might feel maybe bored or something by then. I am though starting bollywood dance classes in the coming weeks and reinstating the Capital Ring walks with my cousin. Basically planned routes around London that take in waterways and greenery. Great for a gossip too.
Lozario ? I just have to ignore E a bit when putting DS1 and 2 to bed. TBH it doesn?t take that long as they help each other so having to is probably easier in this respect. I try to feed or time E?s feed so that he has it whilst the other DSs watch the bedtime story on Cbeebies, this is a lifesaver TV moment for me. Then I take them for story and if E cries I just ignore for a little bit if he is moaning as I know I have just fed and changed. I have been known to do bedtime story in the sitting room and sometimes even take E in the sling or sit him on my lap to join in.

Whoops copied from word where i had paragraphs. Sorry for all the spelling and grammatical errors.

mixed I'm up for a facebook group

Arthur was a shouty little man again this morning so I bundled him in to the car and to feeding group where he then behaved beautifully for the hv's . I think the plan now is to spend more time settling him or drive him to a feeding group!

For the last 2 nights he has gone 3 hours between feeds. Dare I get my hopes up that he will maintain this? Now all I need is for him to sleep in his cot instead of me. We managed a few hours in the cot last night but 4.30am doesn't seem like a good time to battle it!

Hello all ? has been a busy few days ? away to my parents (which was lovely) for a few days so have been reading, but no time to post?

Backtracking a bit, but

Petty dummies lifesaver here. E seems to be convinced that if she is awake she should be eating, but I know that if she has just wolfed 5oz of formula she is not hungry and will only be sick. She seems to take great comfort in sucking. Not sure how they work with BF though, but I know are now more spproved of in terms of reducing risk of cot death. Ironically though E doesn?t really want one at night.

Catherine thanks for feedback on buzz ? have just ordered one in good old John Lewis ? not bothering with carry cot though ? decided wanted something robust for lots of walking as in awe of kpidgeon?s weightloss. You have inspired me to try and keep expressing (E?s poos also inspiration as much more regular and settled when getting a bit of boob milk. I have 8lb to get to pre preggers weight but was overweight then so aiming to be a size 14 (probably just an 18 at the mo) whatever weight that is ? could be a while I think!!!

Does anyone eles find 5pm-8pm like the witching hours ? v angry baby here!!1 Typing one handed ? she was in the sling but even more angry then.

Well done on all the public feeding ? where I live I sometimes feel that I am frowned up on for FF and not BF. I think you should be able to do what you want where you want would happily keep BF?ers company ? not in London though.

Nello love the poem!!

Jojo hang in there ? right wanted to say morew but E screaming too loudly now

Jx

Hi everyone
Have been trying to keep up with thread bit just don't have the time, things are up and down here. Me and Ethan have thrush so feeding can be a bit of a nightmare as he keeps screaming and pulling away from the breast. I keep getting shooting pains in breast, Gp has prescribed cream and gel for us but it isn't working.

Ethan is alway unsettled between 5-9pm non stop screaming and crying it's horrible and so stressful when nothing u you can stop it.

Facebook group sounds good.

Hi all,

Mixed I would be up for a facebook group too, sounds like a fab idea!

Had Bethan weighed today and at 7.5 weeks she is now 6lb 12, gaining nicely, but still so wee!!

I am now confident enough to breast feed in public because Beth is much better at latching, so today was our first day out without any expressed milk and all was fine!

Hope all well. x

I would be up for a Facebook group too. Sounds like London is the place to be - wish I was nearer for a meet. Buggy fit sounds great fun. I've seen nothing like that near me. However I am nearly back up to strength post birth & am looking forward to getting out and walking to start trying to get rid of my jelly belly.

me23 Poor you. I hope the thrush clears soon, it sounds awful.

purple Bethan sounds so cute, glad she is gaining well.

I have the opposite, a giant baby. Today, at 5 weeks 1 day, she weighed in at 11lb 8. I will have toned arms if nothing else!

Hannah was grouchy from 5-8 today too, I'm sure it's when she gets overtired. She is asleep now & I should be too. Hope everyone else is doing well.

me - I hope you get better soon, I also went to the gp today because of thrush. Turns our poor Anya has been suffering with it for over a week. I just thought her tongue was covered in white because of all the milk she drinks (gp thought I was joking when I said this) And I thought she was just being fussy coming off the breast like she has been doing. Turns out she had an excuse. Doctor didn't give me anything for it though

going away tomorrow so will try to keep up - have a good week all!

1Catherine you need to get treated for it too. GPs are idiots sometimes. If you don't get treated as well the two of you will just keep passing each other the infection. Not sure if you can get something over the counter or not, might be worth asking at the pharmacy.

I would also be up for secret FB group.

Took M swimming for the first time on Saturday. He managed 15 mins before he got too cold. As a quick question do mothercare sell baby wetsuits?
As for weight loss, taking your baby swimming may not seem like much exercise but the next day my bum and thighs didn't half ache!
So far I am trying to plan when to take him next!

I'd be up for a FB group too...won't be able to come to anything planned as yet , but might be in London when we leave Mexico in July

Hello all - just caught up on the news! Not had chance to post for ages but having been trying to read regularly. All is well here - Imogen is 6 weeks old today and is now 9lb 14 oz and is doing well. Last night and on Saturday she slept through from 10pm til 6am which was a real treat! Though she is pretty good normally and generally only wakes around once during the night for a feed. Today she gave me her first proper smile which was fab and brought a tear to my eye.

Feel quite proud of myself as have managed to do the school run with DS and Imogen on time yesterday and today without any hiccups (have only just started driving again following c-section). Although its hectic in the mornings and I won't let DH leave for work until I've showered and dressed - it feels great to be 'back in control' (sort of) and not reliant on others to do things etc. (I'm also better tempered!) Here's hoping I can keep it up! Have to admit I'd forgotten how time consuming newborns are and have been feeling really guilty for spending less time with DS. Though being organised really helps - i.e. getting school uniforms and packed lunches ready the night before. Have also managed to fit in a big 'cook up' this week so the freezer is now full of meals of chilli, casseroles etc.

Weight loss - I cannot believe some of you are back in your old clothes! I am distraught - having only dropped a stone out of the 3 I put on - the extra 2 stone hanging around is getting me down a bit, but I have succumbed to buying a couple of cheap outfits in bigger sizes so at least I don't look squeezed into something that quite obviously is far too small. Am hoping that once I get the all clear from my post natal check up (which I guess is at 8 weeks?) I will be safe to start a bit of exercise post c-section -any ideas what would be best to do to shift this lard? (other than pushing buggy for miles and miles!)

Apologies for long post, but good to read all your news and progress of little ones. Love to you all xxxx

Hi everyone!
I was jenchandler but husband pointed out that my full name as a nickname isn't the best idea! Sorry for long gaps in posting. We've had a terrible influx of visitors staying the last 2weeks. Finally got our home bk to ourselves. Poor Isobel had her jabs today - she glared at me like I'd betrayed her. She's been very unsettled and willbe sleeping in our bed fot the rest of the night I think! Otherwise, things seem to be going ok. We get out the house every day even if it's just to the shops and back. Is the only way she settles .

Id be up for a facebook group - I'm in west London!
Well done to all those who have lost weight. I joined slimming world and am prob going to join a gym this week. Try to get bk to normal.

Better go - izzy grizzling and struggling to type on I phone xxxx

morning ladies - quick post as I have a train to catch but this is definately news worthy

I had 7 hours sleep last night! I haven't had 7 hours sleep since my second trimester! Anya slept for 8 hours and then I had to wake her for breakfast. Although this was good because the lack of sleep was killing me I am a little concerned since her belly was a little rumbly last night when she was sleeping and I'm worried she wasn't eating because of the thrush. I will be reminding her to eat today.

I did ask at the pharmacy for thrush treatment for me too but they sent me back to the GP. I haven't got time to go so I'll just have to wait and see if I pass it back to Anya. We have our 6 week check up when we get back so I'll ask then.

Anyway - better go. Wish me luck - travelling through London scares me - I don't do well is busy cities I don't know on my own.

Hello everyone, been reading regularly but finding it difficult to have time to post! My pnd is under control now and am feeling like myself again, JoJo if you are crying all the time and feeling really down, please go and speak to your gp, my hv wasn't much use but gp was fab, I wasn't getting any joy from Angus to begin with, and even though I'm still tired and stressed at times now (normal) at least I'm enjoying him, there is help out there so don't suffer by yourself. The other thing thats really worked for me is getting out every single day (advice i was given on here!), even if just to shop, to see neighbour for a cup of tea, or for a walk with buggy.

We had our 6 week check last week, little pudding is 12lb 2oz so I must be doing something right!! We have also started going to baby massage class, althou he just fed and cried through the first one!!! I'm hoping it will help with his wind, which is awful at times and keeps him (and me!) awake at night sometimes, although he does go 3-4 hours between feeds at night now! Has anyone tried putting their LO's in the big cot yet? He's going to outgrow his moses basket soon and have a feeling he's going to HATE the big cot!
geeklove at what age can you take them swimming? something I'm really looking forward to!

I'd be up for FB group too although have a feeling don't live anywhere near anyone else, very would love to meet up or feeds / walks etc.....

cross post Catherine but wow - sleeping for 8 hours straight, thats fab (have a feeling it will be a loooooooooong time coming here!), could you just phone your GP and explain and ask them to leave a prescription at reception for you?
So is it not normal for baby to have white on his tongue then? I'd thought it was just milk?!

Have set up the group.

The March 2011 Mumsnetters (inspiring ideas welcome)

It is a secret group so if you have problems finding it I may have to make it a closed group until we have all joint then change to secret otherwise I may have to invite you and that is obviously difficult without putting our names on here.

Also added a MN friend as I had to invite someone in order to set up the group, she will delete herslef as soon as she comes online. So it will just be me.

Highland - Ihave had E in a big cot from day1. Dont know if that helps you as he has never got used to the compactness of a moses basket IYSWIM. He sleeps well, wakes every 3-4 hours for his feeds and goes back in ok.

highland glad you are feeling better.

Jojo I remember it all being so overwhelming first time - still a bit 2nd time it's such a massive life change and does take time to get used to. Def recommend getting out each day even if just for a short walk. I have to every day otherwise cabin fever would set in.

catherine 7 hours that's ace. Good luck with your journey.

In fact generally in awe of all you London ladies using tube etc I think I would be too scared although when working I am in London a lot just would be scared with a pushchair.

cheese LOL at you using your real name - I hadn't assumed it was though.

Does anyone elses baby have massive bogies - E seems to have a large one flapping in her nostril grim - tips for dealing?

I would be up for secret FB group also. I suspect not many people here either - Birmingham.

Right time to attempt shower x