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.

I'd forgotton about Colocynthis granules/powders maxy. We used them for DC1 after my doctor recommended them. I preferred them as they involved a lot less faffing around than some of the other remedies and they were a lot easier to administer than a liquid remedy. If I remember correctly you just put some on their tongue to dissolve before a feed.

Well we're having another shocking night here. We've tried infacol and winding but it's not making a jot of difference. She's still wriggling and screaming and has been since 10pm...

I really don't know how to cope with another night of this. I need to sleep! I could cope with periods of broken sleep but not getting any sleep is killing me. I can't believe it's good for P either - she just never seems tired. Sometimes she'll doze off lying on one of us but wakes as soon as we try and move her into her moses basket. I thought newborn were meant to sleep for 16 - 18 hours a day. We're averaging 10 max here and only about two of them are at times when we can sleep.

No idea what we'll do when DH goes back to work next week. I knew having a baby would be hard but this is hell!

Almost finished the 4am change and feed and Dylan- Indianna just let out the most monstrous burb, I swear I thought it was Homer Simpson and not my sweet little girl, I'm sure I even saw her lips vibrate from it !

Back to sleep soon !

Oh Starshaped, that sounds exhausting. We had a few days like that recently and it's soul destroying but as soon as you get sleep it's so much better so hang on in there.

H and I are alone this morning as DP left at 3am for rugby tour H was ok at night but is massively fussy this morning and has projectiled over me twice already and is now screaming!

At least my mum is around today and I have friends around if I need them...

star - it's hard isn't it? May I suggest you don't even bother trying to put her in her basket at the moment. Read up on co-sleeping and how to do it safely. That way you may both get more sleep. There is nothing wrong with co sleeping as long as you do it safely and it can save your sanity - and please don't listen to people who mutter 'making a rod for your own back'. They are not the ones going through sleep deprivation hell.

How long is dh away for Cycle?

I was feeding every two hours last night so I am knackered. I think it may be time to start expressing and doing a 10pm ebm dreamfeed. It has worked for the other two so I'm hoping it will this time too. I hate expressing though, ho hum, needs must. I like my sleep more than I hate expressing!

Not posted for last few days. There just doesn't seem to be enough hours in the day to get everything done.

Star everything is harder when you have had no sleep and are completely exhausted. It does get better though, keep telling yourself this. If baby sleeps during day at all then you must just put your feet up (I know easier said than done) The only thing that guarantees I get some sleep at night is swaddling G. I haven't co-slept but I know it works well for others so worth a try if you are climbing the wall from sleep deprivation.

star have you tried a bit of infant massage on her tummy? Just rubbing in a clockwise direction can help move trapped wind along. Is she arching her back and throwing her head backwards? If she's worse just after a feed try keeping her upright. If she won't go down in her basket try raising the head. She may have a touch of reflux :(

DS very probably has silent reflux which we're mostly managing but I got v upset with the paed yesterday who told me I was causing it by feeding too frequently and he can't have it because he's gaining weight He also has nappy thrush but they won't treat me or give him drops because I don't have any symptoms and he doesn't seem to have oral thrush.

In other news he just produced the wettest nappy ever. Motherease was completely soaked through! I only changed him an hour ago! He's obviously a prolific little piddler...

:( cycle thinking of you. Glad you've got a good support network in place.

kits at least you have an answer about your tummy. Is the cranio helping your DS, other than making him grumpy the next day? I'm totally over the heaving bosom as well. Wish they would go back to normal.

DP is back on Monday and then H and I are off to France on Tuesday without him so he's not getting a lot of daddy time. H just screamed himself purple over something but I have no idea what. I have a feeling he's really overtired as he hasn't had his usual snooze this morning and after screaming he's suddenly gone quietly dozy. He was on the boob for ages and kept throwing it up so I think he was comfort sucking but my overly zealous dairy boobs were overwhelming him. He's now thinking about sleeping and going for it with the dummy. Phew.

Please, please, please can someone explain to me what level of insanity is making me carry on breastfeeding? I know our latch is terrible which is causing most of the problems we're having at the moment (having overcome the problems of the first couple of weeks), I'm just sick of feeling crap about it all and worrying that I'm never going to get it right. We manage one or two pain free feeds a day, the rest range from uncomfortable to shrieking pain. Last night I ended up in tears, again, because both S and I were frustrated that I couldn't latch him on, and when he did he'd pop off as it was such a bad latch. I know he's not always getting a good feed and isn't sleeping well because he's digesting the milk too quick.

Typically S slept through the BF Clinic yesterday (again) so they couldn't help me latch properly. I've spent so much time at the clinic since he was born I've not managed to get to any baby groups and meet people which is making me feel more and more insular. (Not helped that I don't have any friends/family near by that have children and that pre-S my social life was pub based!)

I'm also sick of being covered in milk from leaking. Doesn't seem to matter what I try I'm getting through 4+ outfits a day, I've taken to shoving nappy boosters in my bra because I was leaking through 2 breast pads at once.

I'm sorry for the moan, especially as so many of you seem to be having a time of it too, I'm just loath to heap more misery on DH when he keeps getting up at 3am to cuddle me through the tears while I'm feeding.

Oh Beetle, that sounds pants x x Moan away lady, that's what the forum is there for! Sounds like your DH is being lovely, which is just what you need.

I wish I could offer some helpful advice but all I have to offer is a virtual hug. You're not mad for perseveringly, it's brave and if you want to carry on, do.

Are you able to express off the excess milk? I find H gets a bit overwhelmed and pings off if he's not fed for a bit and the milk is coming too fast.

Beetle - one word. Lilypadz. They might help your oversupply issues as they actively prevent leaks. And I swear they helped my cracked nip heal by keeping it in a little milk bath. Alternatively try breast shells.

Question - DH is pushing for us to spend 2 nights in a hotel half an hour away next week as it's near where his parents are staying and will cut down on driving. I'm not massively keen as DS is 3 weeks old, we're getting through a dozen cloth nappies a day, I seem to be spending my days feeding and I'm worried about co-sleeping in a hotel bed. Plus if DS screams he'll disturb other guests and mealtimes at hotel restaurants will be awful. So overall he's just not well-behaved enough yet IMO. DH wants to do the same when my family visit too. AIBU to say no? Or am I over-reacting?

Christ I am tired. T is getting more unsettled not less, he is so coliky he just screams all evening. I sent DH to the spare room last night because he's got a job interview today and needs a working brain.

I started on the fluconazole yesterday for thrush in my breasts. Feeding was getting agonising.

Lis - try rolling up a muslin and wedging it under your breast. It will lift your boob a bit and help with nipple positioning. I also recommend getting a feeding pillow, my Boppy is a godsend.

Beetle - are you being treated for thrush? Because it really does sound like you might have it :(
You sound like you have having a nightmare, you poor thing. If you want to hang on in there then do, I'm sure you can! Don't worry about not meeting anyone yet, there is time for that in a few weeks. It was about 8-10 weeks before I got out to anything with DS1 and lots of other Mums were just venturing out then too.

Right I shouldn't be on here really as lots to do & brother is here for the day and parents are here too, so must try to be quick.

Ali - hope the fluc works quickly on you, my right side is almost pain-free now but the left is still sore but just fed M on it and would say pain was about 6 out of 10, so definitely improving. I am taking fluc, using cream on nipples (mixed with lansinoh - a tip from another mum i know), drops for M, vitamins tablets for me, acidphilus tablets for me, taking my Spatone again - basically trying to get less run down & more healthy all round.
Really need more bras that fit though, only have 2 plus a vest top that is too revealing for my comfort am so over big boobs here too!

Frak - i would not being U at all, it's only to cut down on driving which is actually quite easy with a newborn as they tend to fall asleep in the car & means you mostly get to stay where you are most comfortable. I wouldn't bother with the hotel tbh.
If you do, maybe switch to disposables just while you're there.
(we took our reusables to France on hols with DS1, have to confess we didn't bother with DS2 & haven't managed to get DD in them yet, though waiting for the thrush to clear up before infecting them now anyway).
Not impressed with them not treating you for thrush, grr. Can you buy some of the stuff over the counter over there? Watch out for painful nipples and go to the doc early if you can.

Beetle - it should not hurt so much. have you checked out the BFN site for thrush? Honestly even 3rd time round, being a bf supporter & being bloody-minded about bf, i was tempted to give up, esp at night when it seems to hurt so much more.
Are you (for now) turning a light on so you can both see what you're doing at night? I have found this helps. (teaching them about nighttime can wait for now)
Don't stress about meeting people yet, it's true that most other mums won't be out wildly socialising while you're missing out & anyway does the BF clinic not count as getting out?
Can you be more forceful about waking him at the next clinic? hold back a feed even if it makes him cross before you go? get them to come to you maybe? (i know some places won't allow this but tbh if i was at your clinic i would agree to at least meet you at a cafe outside of clinic hours to help).
Can i check you are using disposable breast pads? I tried the washables as i try to be eco-friendly in everything but i would shoot milk straight through them and they were useless for me.
Glad your DH is being a star with cuddles at least :)

Cycle - i know sometimes M is tired but when i'm holding her she can smell milk so won't settle, as soon as DH or grandma hold her, she'll nod off. Obv when only i'm here there's no ideal solution, but i do try putting her down to see if she'll nod off on her own (still working on that lol), or holding her 'in the tree' so she's not so close to my boobs.

Star - definitely give up on putting them down, i have and we all get more sleep. M will sleep curled up right next to either me or DH - seems to be able to shove us sideways nearly off the bed lol) and sometimes i'll put her between our pillows and she'll sleep. Not sure when we'll even try to put her in the crib tbh.

Kits - that's rubbish about your tummy nerves. :(

Right lunch is ready and this has been long enough, chin up ladies, this too shall pass :)

chin up :)

I have just inadvertently left DS2 to cry it out. Had to get some lunch for DS1 and I, and I've not been able to put him down all morning. I was 5 mins - he got louder, and then quieter and is now soundly asleep. I am upset, but bloody relieved because I was just about at breaking point.

star - co-sleep for now if it keeps you human, honestly. Ignore all talk of rods and backs etc, and just go with what works the best.

kits - that is rubbish :(

frak - I wouldn't bother with the hotel. More hassle to try and make it work than just drive the extra. Is it you doing the driving or his family?
I can see his logic, but packing to go away with a newborn is a nightmare. The only place I will stay atm is my parents house, because everything is relaxed and can be geared up for me and DS2 - I can use the washing machine, no-one minds if we spray BM all over the dinner table etc etc :)

After being an angel all morning, S has been fretful and doing intermittent colicky roaring for an hour or so, and after trying to rock and soothe and cuddle etc etc I've finally given in to the dummy - he is now happily asleep with it in his mouth looking very peaceful. Cue guilt-ridden mother. But it does work, doesn't it?! Oh help...... Need hugs.....Is this ok?!

My nursing bras arrived today! I laughed out loud when I saw how huge they were. So imagine my shock when they actually fitted . I am now the proud owner of 40G boobs!!!!! Jen I think it was your friends website I ordered from, the link you posted was for an old site I think so woldn't let me order. This site looked very similar www.nUrsingbra-shop.co.uk.

Thanks for all you adivce yesterday ladies. The HV (different one to who I met before and quite lovely) has been this afternoon and she is going to contact the peer supporter for my area to see if she can come round. I was feeling very sorry for myself yesterday, but today is a better day! It started by me pumping 240 mls, and since the first pump I've been getting 170+ each time. We haven't even started on todays milk as I produced so much yesterday. I'm guessing my supply isn't going to be a problem. In fact B is up to 8lb4. He's a beefer!! We've been doing loads of skin to skin and B seems to like it. He actually wiggles his way down towards boob, but I've not been offering it yet. We'll take things slowly and see where we go.

Mum & dad down tomorrow and mum is staying for the week as DH is back to work Monday.

Dummy is fine. In fact current SIDs guidelines recommend that you settle your baby to sleep with a dummy even for daytime naps. So it is more than fine ((hugs))

Lis - x-posts. Yay for bra, milk and the fact that your Mum is staying! The wiggling is an excellent sign, shows he hasn't forgotten the way I'm pleased you're going to get some more help, you can do it.
DS1 didn't feed directly from me for almost a week, then we got him feeding using nipple shields and then a few days later we dropped those and he fed directly from me. All things are possible, you just need the right support :)

Thanks, Ali.

Just popping in to give out and to all. Sounds like some of you are having a really tough time at the moment.

LisMcA my friends website is www.nursingbra.co.uk. but he did mention that he had terrible day or two last week when his computer system broke down and he couldn't accept any orders. He is keen to get feedback on his site, and if anyone has placed any orders whether the service was good or if there were any delays.

Daisy if the dummy works, go for it! G will take a dummy albeit only when in the mood and for short periods of time but if it gives my nipples a break from his evening suckathon then its only a good thing!

Ali I have to leave G to cry at times, and sometimes he has just cried himself to sleep after a few mins. It's impossible to pick him up all the time eg if dd needs something or I'm in the shower. I can't leave him for long though as his scream is literally blood curdling. He gets very angry and goes bright red in the face, kicking his little legs and waving his arms about. Its very clever really how nature has designed little babies that make so much noise, and as a Mum you just can't ignore for long! G's best trick is waiting until the second I sit down to eat, before letting out a loud scream. He honestly manages to time it till the second I pick up my knife and fork.

Jen - Just double checked and the contact details are the same on both sites. The site was really easy to navigate and once i'd followed the online measuring tips I could just search on what was stocked in my size. Bug bare of mine is searching through a website and finding something I like for it not to be done in my size, so big tick there for him! Plus the 45 day return policy is great. I will probably be back to buy more if when I get the BFing sorted!

Once again, thank you all for your advice and kindness. I really doubt whether I'd still have any determination to breastfeed left without you all!

I'm happy (and relieved) to say we've had two good, relatively pain free feeds this afternoon. DH rang not long after my earlier post had as stated that we get the good chocolate out this evening, and I may even suggest a glass of . DH also pointed out that I had a spicy curry last night for tea which may be why S was so fussy feeding last night and this morning.

It's just frustrating that sometimes we get it all right (strangely that's usually when we're out and feeding in public) and other times it all goes wrong and S and I both get frustrated and upset.

Anyway, we'll be back up to the hospital for the BF Clinic on Monday. Oh, and while we may all feel like it, I guess we should be glad we don't have these

I know it's early, but it's Friday so all round.

Wish me luck - I think poonami has arrived - was hoping she'd save it for DH -gotta go!

Beetle I saw that interview, DH changed it over to make me feel better I was more like . And they are still growing!!

Chilli Thanks for the offer but the antiBs say is a big no no! Good luck with the poonami.

Oh my good god Beetle! The size of that womans boobs is actually terrifying I think it may give me nightmares tonight. I bet she gets horrendous backache, and underboob chafing!