April 2011-kicking back drinking lactulose cocktails and riding the maternity surfboards

[Petalouda]

Post-natal thread for all the antenatal April 2011 Family!

Share the birth stories, the baby blues and everything else.

ILTMIMI congratulations!. Wow what a big baby (winces)!

Congrats ILTMIMI - that's a big baby!

lucie when M wouldn't settle in the crib we came to the conclusion it was her head on the cold sheet. Solved by DH removing the mattress and lying on it for a bit while i fed, or using a hot water bottle (not for long, as we don't want to cook her!)

I got a Babasling - need more practice but I think it'll be good and less strain on my arms carrying M around. She looked a bit puzzled when I put her in it last night :o

Congratulations iltmimi. Hope you're ok particularly with such a healthy weight!

Congrats and awed reverence ILTMIMI and I love the name!

We too had the cold sheet issue Lucie, warmer room and wrapping him in his swaddling muslin during feeding equalled H transferring from chest to crib without waking

Back from baby clinic. H has put on another pound! He's now a squidgey 9lb 4oz. He started wailing in the clinic and was hungry so the mw observed me feeding him. Apparently I have very good technique I was also told I should be including whole milk in my diet (hurrah, cheese and yoghurt) and that I shouldn't worry at all about weight gain as I needed the extra calories (hurrah again).

What you all want to know is, is my flange like a car crash?

Well actually somehow I have escaped with only labial grazes which needed a stitch in, my perenium is intact as is my pelvic floor.

Just call me wizard sleeve

I'm in awe, seriously!

H was 8lb 3oz and I had a second degree tear with stitches and a labial graze. So unfair!

Sooooo, lost my nerve to ask when it was broached earlier... The sex thing...

I'm thinking about it, obviously I'll wait for the six-week check, but please could someone reassure me that it's not like the post-birth poo, ie something to be feared and dreaded. Obviously I expect you have to be careful and not go mad but anything we first-timers should be aware of?

Sorry if TMI but who else am I going to ask?

Congratulations ILTMIMI, brilliant name and flipping heck what a weight! Also lucky you avoiding a tear [cenvy]

Cycle I'm quite glad you've asked because I was too to! I was quite surprised how quickly I've got the urge back (though won't be trying anything until after 6wk check, sorry DH!) maybe I subconsciously I'm wanting to make up for all the... ahem... action we had to miss because of my SPD...though as someone else mentioned finding time for a cuddle is currently difficult enough, so anything more will have to be rather quick and very well timed!

Someone mentioned whole milk? I've noticed I'm craving full fat milk when S is feeding, I'd forgotten how much I like drinking full fat milk, though it isn't right in a cup of tea!

We've been having the cold Moses basket battle here too. As things cool off after the recent hot weather S isn't happy about the temp change going back into the Moses basket. He does like being very cosy though, if he comes into our bed he soon manages to wriggle as close as he can to the nearest warm body!

Nice one ILTMIMI..and wow what a weight! and no tear [impressed face]

DS (I do like writing that!) just did a big projectile sick-up of his whole feed.. is this normal??? he doesnt seem distressed by it?

Beetle DP asked the midwives what he could do to help and the said to make sure I was getting plenty of icecream/milkshakes/cheese on toast - lovely midwives! Basically a high fat dairy-fest is a good idea when bfeeding - yay!

I am well impressed by those of you thinking about sex! I honestly can't remember how long after dd's birth it was before I did the deed with DH. At the moment its pretty much the last thing on my mind, I think I would fall asleep on the job and I still feel pretty sore down below.

wow ILTMIMI truely impressed by only labial grazes.

I have a few questions for you all.
George has a really gunky sticky right eye since birth. i know this is quite common and its to do with the tear duct not being developed properly. does anyone else's dd/ds have this and what is the best way to clear it up?

Also this may sound silly but George has a funny shaped head! He always turns his head to the right side when sleeping, and i've noticed his head is actually really flat on that side.So if you look at him head on ,he has one flat side and one rounded/normal side. He doesn't like to lie on the back of his head. I;ve resorted to trying to lie him on his left side to even things out. Has anyone else noticed this? I'm worried his head is just going to get more and more flat and he will look really abnormal!

So, are we all planning on watching the wedding tomorrow? I am decamping for the day to my parents, as we are having wardrobes fitted in our bedroom. The workmen to fit them are turning up at 8am eek, so I'm going to have to get up and dressed really early as I can't have them seeing me in my milk stained nightie with my boobs out! Dd has made a crown and a flag at nursery so she wants to dress up tomorrow in her princess outfit. I've no doubt she will be demanding to watch cbeebies instead though when the time comes for the actual wedding. DH is going out mountain biking for the day!

Well off to try and get George settled and get some sleep. Hope we all have a good night with lots of sleep all round.

Jen - squeeze some breastmilk in his eye, it will clear up a gunky duct. I think the head thing sorts itself out over time - I remember DS1 had a really flat head at the back for ages but obviously it is fine now!

We are having some friends over to watch the wedding, I can't wait actually - I'm all excited

Morning girls! And happy royal wedding day :)

Finally have a chance to do a bit of posting, keep starting and getting sidetracked by a hungry baby!!

Am glad I'm not the only one who has a baby who will only sleep when held!! Although in saying that last night was much better, took the hot water bottle advice and it seems to have worked a treat!

So the labour story, it's quite long so I'll abbreviate it a little bit! Starting with cramping pains on the Saturday but I went to my friends hen do during the day anyway - was a bit uncomfortable at times but enjoyed it all the same! Came home at about 7pm and the tightenings were continuing so I phoned MW just to ask whether or not this was the start - she said probably yes and I could come in for a VE if I wanted so I did. At 9pm she could get a fingertip in my cervix and said that it was still quite thick but that things would probably start happening soon. On the way home from the hospital the cramps started to get a bit stronger and wasn't really able to sleep so that was the start of the marathon labour!!

Was up all night with contractions varying in strength and time, phoned MW a few times but each time told to stay at home a bit longer, which I was happy enough with. Just as well cus they had 4 other ladies in all in labour too (its a very small unit!) At about 7.30am contractions were about 3 minutes apart and lasting 50secs so went back in and had further VE and sweep - ouch!! Was 3 cms by tht time and advised to go home again, tried to rest kneeling on the sofa for an hour which was impossible but was starting to get very tired, managed that for an hour then decided to get mobile! Cue 2 hours of stomping up and down the house through contractions, got them down to 2 mins apart lasting over a minute each and went back into hospital at about 10.30 and told them I wasn't leaving until I had the baby, was 4 cms but stretchable to 5-6cm (had cryotherapy a few years ago for abnormal cells so cervix was a bit stiff!) went in the pool at this point which I found a bit difficult to start with as I'd found it easier walking around but soon relaxed and once I got on the gas an air it was fine. Contractions went on and on until about 5pm and was starting to get a bit emotional as nothing was happening so MW suggested breaking waters. Got out to have VE and was still only 6-7cms, however the VE seemed to make me feel a bit sick and I vomitted - waters broke with the force of retching and plug all came away at once! DP got emotional and had to leave the room at this point! Bearing in mind we had both been up for nearly 2 days!! Mum was there though so it was ok. Another hour passed and nothing changed so MW then suggested a shot of diamorphine so I could get some rest, she was still suspecting I had another 5 hours to go!! Wasn't keen but was so tired by that point I agreed! Had a little sleep until 8pm and then things kicked off! Contractions were unbearable so kind of just went into the zone, still feeling slight effects of morphine and wasn't allowed back into the pool so marched up and down the corridor of the unit with DP and G&A in tow! That went on for another few hours (which seemed like 5 minutes to me) and then at about 11.30 I went back in the pool to start pushing, 2nd stage only took about half an hour and baby Robyn appeared after 5 pushes!! THANK GOD! I think a longer 2nd stage might have killed me after a 26 hour 1st stage!! She came out in a oner but cord was so short I couldn't get her up to me for skin to skin, was so tired though that I didn't mind too much!! Robyn was fine despite morphine and had APGAR of 10. Had slight 2nd degree tear but stitches were optional so I decided against them! 3rd stage I managed naturally too. Finally got to bed at 4am and Robyn woke up for her first feed at 6.30am!! I have never been so tired in my life!

If you've made it to the end of that then give yourself a pat on the back, bit more epic than I had intended!!

Blimey MrsWajs - sounds like you did really well! Especially with such a long labour.. well done to you and Robyn!

Hello all, My Emily was born on Tuesday evening at 8.37pm. I was induced at 40+7 as I've not managed to go into labour previously before +10 (with DC1 and that resulted with very scary placental abruption).
So went in by tube at 9.30am, gel inserted at 10am then out and about for some lunch and shopping til contractions started being a bit heavier around 1pm - went back to the hospital and put tens machine on, then waters were broken at 3ish, had an epidural at around 7pm when 9cm dilated and then she was born after 20 mins of pushing.
I actually started laughing during the pushing bit as I'd forgotten how horrendous that bit was - its the bone grating that really gets to me. Anyhow it was okay - no stitches and as its our last one I never have to do it again!
We didn't manage to get home til yesterday evening as the anti-d made me quite poorly and Emily was jaundiced enough to need a blood test - which kept clotting etc - but she's okay and didn't need any photothereapy, although I'm having to wake her every 3 hours to feed as she's still very sleepy.
My older two boys love her already - they've both been really sweet. Only downside is that I've completely forgotten how to breast feed and managed to get mastitis already - double strength antibiotics seem to have sorted it - but have the midwife around again tomorrow.

Hope everyone else is well and babies are doing okay - I feel so blessed that my family is complete.

Ahh congratulations Karoleann must be lovely to gfeel you family is complete! Was just saying to DP I hope DS has loads of friends cos I'm really not sure hes going to have any brothers or sisters! All this talk of filling a 15 seater from my pregnancy days is knocked firmly on the head!!!

(though I know in reality my feelings will probably change!)

So on that note, can those who've already had children suggest when I might feel less like I've been hit by a truck? Please dont say never!

Congrats to those with new babies!

Am rather knackered, sleepy nice H has been replaced by screamy demanding baby. Yaaaaawn!

Congratulations ILTMIMI MrsWajs, Karole and anyone else I havn't congratulated recently.

I havn't been posting much on here, but have been reading, all my posts lately seem to be over on the BF/FF forums where I have been ranting about my HV

JenAT I had a google and found this info on baby pillows which you might find useful, I don't have one myself but have heard good reports on them.

Lucie I said the same thing about our DS and was always adament we were only having one child. Then the broody bug hit until he was 2.
DS is now 3 and I'm pleased with the age gap, he's turning into a proper little boy now and personally I don't think I could have coped with 2 toddlers.

However, I've decided I'm definately not having more children than I do hands so am stopping at 2. (Fast forward another 2 years and I'll probably be broody all over again )

Congratulations Karoleann - glad it all went smoothly for you!

MrsW your birth sounds a bit of a marathon! I'm pleaded for your sake you had a quick second stage!

Jen DS turns his head to one side as well, in fact he really dislikes having his body straight for sone reason which worries me when feeding! I figure his head must have been so moulded during the birth it's taking time to return to normal but him not lying flat probably isn't helping and I'm worried he's going to end up with a very funny shaped head.

Still knackered here after a terrible couple of nights where DS wouldnt settle, and he got very overstimulated yesterday as we had people over to watch the Royal Wedding so there was lots of noise and light and people wanting cuddles. He was feeding pretty much hourly I think to try and block it all out which has resulted in routine being shot to pieces and a baby with expectations of hourly feeds. Gradually stretching that back out to 2 hours with plenty of sleep this morning. I'm a firm believer in sleep breeding sleep so I think we're off to a good start.

Unfortunately we've not cracked crib sleeping yet, although the pram bassinet is okay, and I think he gets very cold at night but he's only wearing what he should be and I don't want him overheating. Definitely a hot climate baby though, which might make a Christmas visit to Europe interesting.

A few days ago I was convinced DS would be an only. I'm now putting away my maternity clothes and his tiny, newborn clothes....for the next one! I can't believe how much he's grown. He's 8cm longer than when he was born...

Re flat heads - it can go either of 2 ways IME, it's normal for them to have a slightly odd shaped head post-birth (some people find that cranial-something helps, name escapes me atm!) which does sort itself out.
However, if can develop into proper 'flat-head syndrome' (there is a proper name, lol!) which can cause probs. Friend of mine's DS had it, they ended up forking out lots of money for a helmet he had to wear for ages to help sort it out.
The advice given out is variable - as with everything - some HVs dismiss it entirely, when it should be kept an eye on at least. Trying to get them to sleep on different sides is a good idea.
Apparently it's more common now that we lie our babies on their backs all the time, bed, pram, floor mat, etc.

DD managed a 4.5hr sleep last night, wow! (Unfortunately DS1 has broken his leg at school this week & is often up in the night crying hysterically - which sets me off as i feel so awful that i can't do anything for him. Possibly in a cast for 6 weeks, thinking of starting a thread on here for tips & advice as no-one i know has been through this, apart from my parents 30yrs ago with one of my brothers!!).

Morning Afternoon all!

Congrats Karoleann & MrsW!

Well, we had a whole day out on Thursday, ending with picking up DH's mate, them going mountain biking, and him staying over (no more overnight guests for a while, I think).

So Thursday night, F pretty much didn't sleep at all. I don't know if it was overstimulation from the day, wind, or too much sleeping in the nice moving pram/sling.

It ended up with me being angry that DH could still do whatever he fancies whenever he wants, whilst I'm tied to this little creature. And I don't mind that I've got F, but what I really need is DH to understand that I am tied to him, and I really really need his help to do very basic household things, and sometimes I just want need his company!

Fortunately, after a few snoozes on the sofa yesterday (while DH + mate went AWOL for the day, brilliant), we seem to have reset and got some good sleeps last night (no more than 3 hours at a time, but more than one stretch this time!).

We also tried some colic drops last night which seems to help my little guzzler!

Ooh, feel better for getting that lot out (I've typed and deleted most of the rant - it's very cathartic!).

Re: flat heads - one side of F's head is flatter than the other, but it's not the side he sleeps on. However, the side he does sleep on is now going bald! He's got lovely dark hair and it's starting to fall out!

Afternoon all!

George had his first good nights sleep last night.. yippee! So I feel like a new woman today! Not sure what we did that was different but he didn't want to feed all night like he has done since he was born and went down for two 3 hour stretches... bliss! We've started giving him infacol as he's quite windy and he seems to come off after feeding more content, so perhaps even though he was rooting for food it was for comfort because of the wind pain rather than because he was hungry? Also I slept with him wrapped in a blanket and in the crook of my arm with his head resting on my boob.. so lots of comfort but also he was slightly elevated which helps with wind. Who knows if any of those things made any difference but it was bloody marvellous!!

Next question.... we're going to give him a wash today.. should probably have done this sooner but there you go! His chord hasnt come off yet so cant bath him but want to give his head a wash as he has lots of greasy lovely dark hair.. so do I use shampoo? Seems a bit harsh but not sure that just wetting it makes any difference!

Petal know what you mean about wanting/needing DH.. had a big over-tired sobfest yesterday about missing DP. Even though he's there we're tired, and hes usually doing the chores while i'm feeding and just missing us being together. Probably sounds a bit silly but I can imagine how you're feeling - its difficult to explain.

Arghhh... don't you just hate technology sometimes! just spent an hour writing a post and lost intenet connection which in turn meant i lost the post! deep breathing and counting to 10 very slowly so laptop doesn't end up outta the window!

Anyway, DS still sleeping (mircles do happen), so I will start again with a shorter version.

Time is passing so quick, since my first post this has been my first opportunity to get back onto MNet. I can't believe how time consuming such a little person can be! I worked right up to the last day when pregnant and was busy telling everyone I was looking forward to having some time off when baby was born. I some how deluded myself into thinking that being virtually housebound and off work for a couple of weeks would mean I had loads of time to do all sorts of things I don't usually have time to do. HaHaHa - no wonder everyone i told gave me a strange look - time off, thats a joke, it can take until lunchtime to just get dressed!

Todays a good day though, DS is another April baby thats given up on his crib but sleeping in bed with DH and I achieved sleep from 11pm to 5am with just a little feed at 3am last night so I'm feeling surprisingly human today. I went to work for a couple of hours this morning leaving DS with my in-laws and I must say it was really nice to get out of the house for a bit. This afternoon DH has gone out so i've retreated to bed with a sleepy baby (he was a little devil for his grandparents this morning and tired himself out), my laptop, a big bar of chocolate, cup of tea and horse racing on the TV - this must be the first day i've felt totally relaxed in 2 weeks.

Lucieloo this is my first also so I have no idea how long the hit-by-a-truck feeling is gonna last but if its any comfort I still feel like that most days also so you're certainly not alone! i'm sure we'll be fine soon.

JenAT re:sticky eyes, paediatrician gave me something called gilbert drops for DS's stuffy nose and she mentioned they were also good for sticky eyes if necessary - hope that helps.

Quick question to all of you with stitches - how are you feeling? i'm still in so much pain some days that when tired I can't even stand up. Saw consultant and he says all is fine , rather sceptical though so just wondering how the rest of you are coping.

Lucie - we've just got round to M's 2nd bath, she still has her cord too. that shouldn't stop you. Sure the boys had more baths than 2 in 10 days thought - 3rd child lol.

DH & I know what to expect and yet we still fall out. it's tough time don't underestimate the effects of all the new stuff going on.

dappleton - i've got stitches & feel mostly fine, unless i shift about awkwardly when sitting down.
however, i am still taking diclofenac painkillers x 3 a day, until the packet runs out in a few days so will see how i am then.

Has your mw checked your stitches?

I'm with you Petal, DP has just sodded gone off to rugby all day and evening, leaving me with a very grumpy H. It's the last game of the season and I'm trying not to be resentful but I'm so jealous that he can just go out

He was very apologetic though, he'll have to buy me something pretty...

lucieloo we were posting at the same time so my remark above was directed at your previous post, so glad you're feeling better today. Its amazing what a few hours sleep can achieve. As for washing, i've been using J&J top to toe wash for bath's/washes seems to be fine so far.

peta I know the feeling, DH is amazing and helps out with everything but it's still really hard not to feel somewhat abandoned and tied to the demands of being a new mum whenever left alone for a few hours. I'm normally happy left to my own devices but at the moment i'm just craving company - i'm putting it down to hormones just to keep my sanity (and the peace!). Hope things start to feel better for you.