March 2011 - we made it!

[Muser]

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

me23 type this exactly into search bar: The March 2011 Mumsnetters

It should come up. If not you can PM me.

me23 hope you are feeling a bit better, poor you.

How is everyone getting on? Anyone tried to instigate any form of routine yet? I'm trying to roughly introduce one, just that we are both awake 8-830 am, 1 hr nap max in the morning, longer nap at lunchtime, shorter nap in afternoon and then awake time from 4 followed by bath then bed. I have put Izzy down awake this lunchtime and she played for abit in her moses basket, cried for a few min then went to sleep! I'm amazed, she normally needs to be held!

All the photos on FB are lovely, such beautiful bouncing babies!

Has anyone started going to any mum and baby groups/music classes etc or are they all still too little?

me23 - I hope it all gets better soon. Welldoen for keeping it going.

Cheese- I go to groups, but mostly because of DS2. yesterday we went to rhyme time at the library (we have a fabulous librarian) and it just 30 mins but E just feel asleep. I was planning to take him to a music group today but dh didnt have his scheduled day off so we arent going but just went along to DS2 toddler group. The key with the groups is to try everything and then stick with a couple you like. They probably are a little small but I think something particularly that involves singing is just a nice environment and nice for them to hear. We have quite a few tailored to under 1's here which is nice to make friends. Or you could try baby massage or something.

I havent started a routine yet, but am going to start thinking about it soon. I want to keep it very loose though at the minute and think I will probably start seriously thinking about it in Sept maybe when it will be easier to control nap times as I wont have DS2 will be at nursery.

Hello

Hope all with boob problems are feeling a bit better.

Lovely seeing thd photos on FB what a gorgeous group oh babies!

Routine no not really - kind of for feeding (ff) every 4 hours ish. E v unsettled in evenings but then quiet feed at 11 and goes into Moses basket awake and goes to sleep. Think cos it's dark she seems to know it't bedtime (more likely nothing to look at). Proper routine perhaps in a fe more weeks.

E and I in hairdressers she is sleeping me highlights.

Groups - we have been going to mother and baby yoga (went with DS also) yoga for mummies and also bits for them massage movement with singing. Tis lovely. Not been to anything else get this time. Used to take DS to all sorts though mainly to get myself out if the house - cabin fever otherwise.

Must go...

I'm trying with a routine a little bit, mainly becuase I am going back to work in a couple of weeks time for only 6 weeks and my mum is looking after her whilst I'm working.

I am feeding approx every 3 hours, letting her play for a little while and then after about 1 1/2 - 2 hours a nap for about an hour or so. problem is she wakes after 40mins. does anyone lese have trouble getting baby to nap for longer? any tips? also, needing to feed her to sleep aswell to calm her enough t nap...not the best practise i know...hmmm

Routine wise I try to ensure a nap about every 1.5 hours as that seems to be as long as she can go during the day. We have a bedtime routine now starting at 8pm. Bath, massage, feed. The feed part is a good hour and a half!

I want us to be up by 7.30am every day but that doesn't always work.

On naps, a sleep cycle is 45 mins so if your baby wakes up at that point it's because one cycle is ending and they can't transition to the other. I go with 45 min naps and prefer a longer afternoon one but that depends on what we're doing. I can still only reliably get her to nap in the sling.

Classes. I'm doing a baby massage course, tried yoga and didn't like it. Go to pilates but that's just for me, the baby doesn't get involved. I've been to a song session at my local library and hoping to start swimming soon. Other than that it's coffee with local NCT group and meeting up with friends. Oh and I go to buggy fitness.

I want to start buggy fitness. There is one very close to me but all the days are when DH is at work. Is it any good Muser?

I really enjoy it mixed, good laugh and left me feeling well worked out.

Hannah has been asleep since 3pm. Should I wake her? So far today she has had 30 mins at 9.30 (rudely awoken by the doctor at our 6 week check - all fine), 20 mins at 11 after a feed (possibly doesn't count as too short?) & 45 mins at 1pm after a feed. I usually think let a sleeping baby lie but would rather she wasn't up til midnight (or later.)

However I went to bed at 3 too & woke at 5 so at least will have a little energy to take me into early evening. WWYD?

As you can see from this we have no routine & apart from her normally waking between 5.30 & 6.30 & sleeping 4-5 hours for the first night stretch no matter when she starts that sleep (could be any time from 7-11) She is only 6 weeks though - one of the youngest babies in the group I think.

As for groups i've just been to bf'ing support but have seen a dancing class for mums and babies on a Tuesday - am going to try to go next week. Sensory stuff for the babies and gentle exercise for the mums, sounds lovely. Also now we are 6 weeks I will try baby message at the local children's centre.

Oh wait - she's awake! Lol - no advice needed. Best go get a boob out..

6 weeks is way too early for a routine.

My little girl is 12 weeks today. 12 weeks!

12 weeks!- congrats Muser. Everyone says that's a significant milestone for development and routine. Keep us posted.

At 5.5 weeks I've switched E to reusable nappies, as he only does 1 or 2 (explosive) poohs a day I wasn't that intimidated by wee so here's hoping it goes okay. Anyone else on reusables? Any tips? Should I scrape off or soak poo-ey ones before washing? (I'm thinking yes!)

I'm not doing any classes yet- he's too little still I think.

muser Wow, 12 weeks. Congrats! Coping with the 6 weeks was my first aim. 12 weeks the next milestone I want to say i've coped with. Plus if keep bf'ing til 12 weeks I get a certificate at my group. Is it wrong that this would make me very happy?!

kpigeon I've ordered some reusables so can't speak from experience but can tell you the information the advisor said. Have you got disposable liners? I understand you flush them and then you wash the nappy at 40 degrees with a tiny amount of washing powder and then leave in the sun to bleach off any stains. Not sure if this will work in practise- will let you know in a week or 2.

I will let you know if there's suddenly an amazing change now we've hit the 12 weeks.

I tried some reusables but couldn't get more of the same make, our drying space is really limited, and we're out of the house so much that I just can't face it. It would have been nice to use reusables, maybe with the next one!

Congrats to muser and her little one for reaching this milestone! :)

I'm impressed that many of you are considering re-usables. If we were guaranteed this much sunlight all year round, I would, too!

Am envious of everyone's activity schedule. My mummy & baby yoga just cancelled on me AGAIN for tomorrow, the same place says I can only go to post-natal pilates (though have done pilates for a year and a half and am fully recovered), and the baby swim classes may not start until June or August, depending on the place.

On top of THAT, my baby is sleeping about 6 hours in a row now at night (a good thing), but I'M NOT ABLE SLEEP !!! What's that about? I should be sleeping at this very moment, but no. And when he wakes up for a quick feed, I usually can't get back to sleep anymore. I'm over exhausted and really not happy with anything (except DS, who makes me laugh constantly). I think I'm a bit peeved that DH didn't acknowledge mother's day - twice this year...which among other things, makes me cry at night. Now who is the baby?

Okay, will try to find activities online, though am losing motivation...sorry for rant.

ckny very poor fOrm from your DH - you should tell him (honestly men can be so rubbish). But hope you are ok?? Feel free to rant here.

muser congrats on 12 weeks. Where did that go?

E up for what seems v regular ten to four feeding.

The inlaws in residence here so we used the babysitting offer and went out for a yummy meal (v bad for the diet). On the downside seemed too rich for my tummy. Really seem to be struggling with a bit of ibs since the birth - anyone else and any tips? Probably the 3 courses of antibiotics I had must eat more activia or something.

Back to bed now - night feeds do seem to be becoming more efficient.

Jx

ckny - my DH regualrly forgets these things and he knows how importnant they are to me. He now relies on DS1 making a card at school! DO tell him though. Some of the nicest things DH has ever said to me are about my skills as a mother and they make me happier than anythig else.

Muser - congratulations. I will try buggy fit but it might need to wait until Sept.

On another note I want to apologise for being too lazy to fix all my typos of which I know there are many every single time.

I feel accomplished today.... both DSs in bed, E still awake but just haing a little kick next to me and I made not one but TWO curries for dinner tonight as well the rice all before school pick up. It was a bit of a solitary playing day for DS2 though but we had a fantastic afternoon after picking up DS1 because I knew that dinner was all ready and didnt feel rushed so we went to a craft session at the library, came home and made up stories and generally fooled around. A really nice day and I took DS2 to toddler group yesterday and we will be at one in the morning so feel like I havent deprived him too much really.

Just wanna say hello! Haven't been here on ages - how do you guys ever have your hands free!?!? We're doing well generally, although at the moment our daughter seems to have a cold. It is a bit sad seeing a 5-week old snuffling through her nose :( But other than that, happily getting into parenthood. Wishing you all the best!

Hello
Loving the fb group. Shame that fb keeps freezing mr out which is why I'm not responding to anyone. M is having a growth spurt and k am finding out what foods disagree with him. The loud rumblings and parping noises are a clue! The little chubster is 11lb 9oz now!

I've found the FB group now, it wouldn't come up when I searched using my mobile.
I'm feeling a lot better now, fever and aches and pains have gone now the antibiotics have kicked in breast is not as tender but still have a massive hard lump about the size of a kiwi fruit. I am seeing my gp on monday for my 6 weeks check (though I'll be 8 weeks PN by then) so I'll ask her about it as am scared it may be an abcess.
E has his 8 week check and jabs on monday.

me23 - I completely wondering whether to even bother with the 6 week check. It has been a palava to date to get an appointment (I have been trying since E was 2 days old). First it was too soon for an appointment 6 weeks away then too late, now I am expected to call up on the day at 8.30 and hope i can get an appointment with my chosen doc (she fitted my IUD and did a smear test at the same time last time) and I need the same again this tie and I imagine if I see another doc they might insist on me having two appointments. I just want to get my IUD in and ensure there arent going to be any surprise babies

me a kiwi fruit! Gawd, I had one like a grape and that was bad enough, you poor thing. Hope it gets sorted soon.

mixed I've decided to go for a IUD - never have before but it sounds like it will suit me as we won't have another baby for at least 2 1/2 or 3 years. Does it hurt? (Don't really know why I'm asking about pain after having 2 kids!)

reusable nappies - I just don't have the energy!! Well done to you guys who manage though, am v impressed!

We've had a good week so far - we've made stay and play for DS1 3 days in a row now and it's been fine, we have lots of chums there now so if DS1 needs my attention then someone else is always happy enough to hold the baby, or she's asleep. And last night she slept solidly from 7.45 - 4.15!!! 8 and a half hours! Could barely believe it! Fed her and she went back for an hour or so - I think she reckons 6ish is morning, which is fine for us as DS1 is up by 7 anyway and I need to shower and dress before then whilst DH is still here.

6 week check was on Tuesday - Lara is nicely average on the 50th centile, although her head is 75th (ouch, poor me??!!) and her length is 25th!! Another shortie, like DS.

We're settling Lara at DS's bedtime (6.30 - 7ish) and she usually takes a few resettlings, but usually asleep for the night between 8 and 8.30. Daytime routine not happening yet though- we're out and about so much for DS at the moment that I don't see a point - from 3 months onwards I'll probably start getting her down for proper nap times upstairs. She doesn't settle herself yet but she's so good when she is asleep that I'm not too worried about that at the moment - having said that, she seemed to be awake and grumpy all day yesterday!!!

Little lady has woken up now... xxx

havent had time to write for a while.....loving the fb group and seeing all your gorgeous LO's, we're a lucky bunch aren't we??
have started going to a bumps and babies group every monday for 4 weeks, just fab to have a natter with other mums, all so friendly and we usualy go for lunch after, public breastfeeding en masse has given me much more confidence!!!
we've been in a bedtime routine for a few weeks, keep saying I'm going to start a daytime routine but tbh can't face the prospect of being tied to the house.....v selfish I know, so letting him nap when he wants now (seems to need a lot of daytime sleep!)
Angus had first injections yesterday, poor wee man, I felt sooooooo guilty :(
keep meanning to get round to reusables would be great to know how you get on.

me23, a kiwi - ouch!!! hope you get it sorted soon.

Yay FB - i've sent a request to join (my initials are KG hence the MN username).

DD2 is now 6 weeks and no routine at all. She is going longer at night which is nice as I love my sleep :)

Kiwi fruit? Ouch indeed, poor you. Thanks to advice on here, my two little lumps fortunately disappeared within a few days. Hope the anti-b's work their magic!!