October 2011 - Let the poo obsession begin

[PenguinArmy]

Come chat, moan, boast (by stealth of course), vent, rage, relax, worry and be reassured. Welcome to all the new babies. Stats thread here

today I went into JoJo maman bebe to feed DS. DD at this point was out of the buggy on reins and foolishly I decided against putting back in her buggy as I knew she would cry (having been up since 6:30 she was pretty tired). However I couldn't get the kid guard up in the changing room and since DS was really crying (due to DD kinda hitting him) he was already latched on. Well DD escaped so I ended up DS latched on walking around the shop stopping DD running out or taking things off the shelves, luckily they had a few toys she could play with.

It's been a rather frazzled day so far

Hey ladies,

I'm finally ready to hop on the pn bus. Had my beautiful baby boy Frederick on 7th November.

It went all very different from what I had expected or planned. Here is my birth story:

On Sunday afternoon I started having contractions, the first one during DD's lunch time nap. When she got up she was boiling hot and had a very high fever, the highest fever ever and was so poorly, just clinging on to one of us.

Me and DP both decided then that he should stay with her cos we couldn't leave her with my parents if she was this ill. She just wanted one of us. She is only 15 months old, bless her.

My midwife, who is also my friend came and checked on me, I was 5 cm by then and doing really well, just counting and walking through the contractions. We then left around 5 for the birthing centre. There I went into the pool and managed the contractions really well. Rested in the pool in between and stomped around it counting 1,2,3,4 during the contractions. Within 2 hours I was fully dilated and I was so pleased. However, then it all somehow stopped. Midwife got me out of pool and her and the other midwife started to wonder whether the baby was posterior. We tried different positions to get him to turn but nothing worked.

Around 10 o'clock his heart rate started to drop and they decided to transfer me to hospital. Very uncomfortable, bumpy ride in the ambulance, but later in life Freddie will be able to say he went in the ambulance with the siren on :)

In hospital they tried further to get him to turn or to come out this way but sadly to no avail. At some point the doctor took blood from his head and decided that he was too stressed already and he needed to come now, no further trying anything else, c section straight away. I got an epidural which seemed to work as in the contractions were more manageable but when they started to cut me open I could totally feel the pain and it was so scary and horrible. Bright, bright lights, so many people standing around, asking should we stop, but the paediatrician shouted to continue cos baby needed to be out. Then they put me under general anaesthetic. Next thing I knew I was waking up, Freddie was with me breastfeeding and I had a very sore throat.

He's been feeding like a little demon since. The first two days and nights he wouldn't come off the breast. He made sure there was enough for him there, bless him.

Sadly, DD's fever didn't go down, so she was not aloud to come and visit and DP only managed two short visits cos he had to look after her. Finally on Wednesday her fever went down and we were allowed out on Thursday.

The whole experience was a million miles away from my visions of a calm birthing centre birth but it had to be done to get him out safely, so it's all good. The only thing I still struggle with is the thought of him coming out into these bright lights and me not being awake and him being all alone. Can't think of that without sobbing my heart out. My midwife assures me that she was with him the whole time, held him and told him about his new family. I really hope that he didn't feel all alone coming into this world. Bloody hell, I can't stop crying.

Anyway, moving on. It was so nice coming home to DD. She hugged me for ages and we both cried. I've never been away from her over night, never mind 4 nights and when she was poorly. But it's all over now. We're home, we're together as a family and it's just wonderful. Looking at my two babies makes me so happy. It's the best feeling in the world! DD just straight away accepted F and keeps pointing at him when he makes his snuffely noises. So, so cute. She also strokes him and touches him gently.

F is doing really well. He has already regained his birth weight and is feeding like a pro. My knockers are ginormous and rock hard but I think it's not gonna be long before they have adjusted to his appetite. I'm still really sore from the operation but I'm sure it will go soon. Any tips from fellow c-sectioners how to get it to heal faster?

Right, I managed to write all that in several stages, so will end here now and try and keep up with normal happenings on the thread.

Hope you're all OK, will go back and read now.

Thanks to everyone who replied to my post about BFing the other night - I haven't been online much, so haven't had a chance to respond to each post individually. L finally did poo on Wednesday, half an hour before the MW arrived, and has been enormously productive ever since! She's still chewing my nips to bits, though - went to a BF cafe on Thursday at the MW's recommendation, and she's got a slight tongue tie, too, but in order for it to be snipped, I have to go back to the same BF cafe next Thursday and get it signed off again that she needs it. So it looks like it'll be another couple of weeks of scabby baps for me.

Bilblio, just wondering about what you said about using gravity to help with a bad latch - does leaning over not kill your back a bit? Is there a way of doing that without getting horribly rounded shoulders?

And congratulations, Trudyla! I'm sorry you didn't get the birth you wanted, but glad that Freddie is healthy and that DD is getting on with him. :)

Congratulations Trudyla. Sorry the birth wasn't what you hoped, but the end result is what matters most. You have a lovely healthy baby. Try not to get upset about not being able to cuddle him straight away. Some one did so he'll have felt safe and and it's great that the midwife was a friend anyway. Also not having a GA would have been horribly traumatic for you and not even worth considering.

Bab Yes, leaning over when feeding can make my shoulders & neck sore, but I do lots of neck stretching to ease it. Also I'm fortunate that having larger boobs does tend to mean they point south anyway :o So for me it's more about holding S and my boob in the right position rather than leaning right over. It's definitely working though. We had some problems in the night, but that's because I try not to turn the lights on for night feeds, but during the day he's managed to latch on (eventually) and stay latched on for full feeds.

Am jumping on the bus too...little Buddy was born 5th Nov 2011 at 3.15pm weighing 8lb 2oz. Here is my birth story:

Had sweep on the Wednesday and midwife told me I was 3cms dilated and that my waters were bulging. I had been having mild contractions every ten mins or so and she was so convinced that arrival of baby was imminent that she wouldn't even book me in for an induction!

I continued to have mild contractions every ten minutes until fri with no change. On Friday DH and I took DS out for a nice long walk and when I got back I lost my mucus plug and what I thought was my waters. They seemed to be a brown colour so I contacted the day assessment unit who asked me to come in and get checked. Once I was seen by the midwife though she informed me that I was in fact only 1cm dilated, it wasn't my waters that had gone and that she didn't think baby would be arriving any time soon. Returned home feeling really fed up!!

On Saturday I had a really lazy morning and eventually dragged myself off to have a bath and get dressed at about half 12. At 1.15 when I got out of the bath and started to get dressed i suddenly started having really strong contractions and they were coming every two and 1/2 mins. I timed them until 1.30 and then called DH upstairs as I was starting to get concerned that this could really be it and that they weren't gonna stop. DH contacted my mum and asked her to come straight round to look after DS.

At 2pm contractions were really strong and coming every 2 mins...DH persuaded me that we should get going to the hospital.... so off we went, although for some reason I still kept thinking it was all gonna stop.

Got to the hospital at 2.30 and was taken straight to the same room that I gave birth to DS1 in. Midwife took a few details between contractions and carried out an internal. She said that my waters were still in tact but would probably go shortly and asked if I wanted to consider any pain relief. I agreed to some gas and air which helped a bit with the pain but mostly made me really giggley!! DH pointed out that if I wanted an epidural I was best to get it sooner rather than later as it took 5 1/2 hrs to get one with DS1 so I requested that the midwife start the process. With that my waters went everywhere, even in the poor midwifes shoes!!! Midwife noticed that there was merconium in my waters but I suddenly had strong urges to push. Had two contractions and 4 mins after my waters broke little Buddy made his grand entrance at 3.15pm, just 45 mins after I arrived at the hospital. DH announced that it was a boy and cut the cord. I suffered a second degree tear but think this was purely due to the speed which B arrived...in fact was so quick that they hadn't even admitted me to the hospital!

DH and I were a bit shell-shocked by it all happening so quickly as with DS1 I was in established labour for over 12 hrs...so were full expecting it to be a long slog again.

All in all it went really well but was a completely different experience to my birth with DS1. Buddy is absolutely gorgeous and we have been thoroughly enjoying our first week together.

Will update again soon once I have caught up on all the posts on this new thread. Hope everyone else is getting on ok and enjoying time with their new buba's! Xxx

trudya you were very brave doing all that by yourself ad try not to worry about lo being lonely or scared - mummy cuddles make up for everything (though sounds like your mw kept him very safe and cosy).

Dannid good job dh made you leave when he did - sounds like a great birth all in all.

Thanks for the anniversary messages - I was really teary yesterday - took ds to nursery and it was a struggle and i ended up getting very frustrated, dh was at work from 7am til 11.30 so i felt a bit neglected and we just had one of those days where nothing really got done and I just felt meh but I went to sleep at 9 and dh woke me up when he got in and had put a big bunch of White roses and lilies in the vase on our dresser and a lovely card and this morning I feel a better despite getting up at 4 with the girls.

Hope everyone had ok nights, hopefully chocolate and mrsh will be with their babies now x

Thanks everyone for the advice re dream feeding. Unfortunately haven't had a chance to try it our as M decided yesterday that he didn't want to have a 6 hour stretch between feeds and has been like clockwork, every 3 hours for the last 24 hours!

BF in public, outside the house for the first time today in a department store cafe...not as bad as I was expecting, feeling brave now!

you'll be brazenly BF walking round a store chasing a tiddler in no time engel

Put DS in a reusable for the first time today, then had to change his clothes for bigger ones as its huge. They are a one size for all ages one.

Yesterday was a bad day, though mainly due to DD. Got through to DH getting home at which me and DS went to bed, DH took over with DD and I got up at midday. Thankfully DS was also sleepy at that time last night.

Penguin - snap with reusables we started Monday and have the one-size ones - girls look like little sumo wrestlers and their newborn clothes are noticeably tight - unfortunately the 0-3 still drown them so I look like a bad mother that doesn't buy her children appropriately sized clothes.

At least we have somewhere good to hold them by BB3

I'm going to do a HnM shop after Christmas as they size their clothes with reusable's in mind so are longer rather than wider (like most clothes seem to be and with too already narrow babies without nappies, clothes that fit in the UK are a bugger to find). Also plan to a international order from Macys as the Carters range fit DD really well.

I'm wondering if I should dressed at some point today? Nah, I think a long family bath is in order this afternoon. DD bathes with everybody so it's a rather long affair. Just 6 months ago we couldn't get her into a bath.

oh we've been using metanium this week. It's marvelous stuff (you can't get non zinc ones OTT in the US).

Hi all - lovely to hear about the recent births. Edward hope you are getting more sleep. Penguin loving your story about the shop and DD (although I am quite certain you weren't loving it at the time!!).

Finally managed some pain-free feeds. And managed a feed out of the house - OK only my MILs but it went well and gave me a bit more confidence!

Seeing LLL counsellor Monday to help with latch as still a bit of a battle. But altogether the stress levels are coming down. People are getting sleep. Babies are more contented. I am beginning to bond much better with DS2 (as it was a bit of an issue a few days ago!). In fact went for a walk this morning with both DS's this morning which did us all the power of good.

After nearly a week of no poo DS2 is now a poo fest monster. Three poos last night in the space of about 2 hours, one this morning. The system is working well anyway!!

Any tips n how to get DS2 to slepp on his back would also be gratefully received - as he hates it and won't settle.

Oh scallops I'm struggling with that too he just won't settle on his back at night but will in the day I'm at my wits end what to do!

We're now at the point where he will go down by himself for a few hours away. For us, I think it's just time. When he was in the moses basket instead of bed I found him noisier and it was harder for me to sleep. Figure I'll get used to it and hope he carries on being able to be put down for the first session and that it gets longer. He's nearly always on his side when in bed though, again I just every so often try him on his back and also to move away (he mostly needs to be in contact as well)

Sorry I forget to welcome newcomers to the pn side Still enjoying all the stories though, just am normally typing one handed with a crying baby so then forget to post replies.

Trudya - just wanted to echo what BB3 said, you are so brave and your LO had warm cuddles from your midwife. Dont be hard on yourself. Congratulations to you and also to Dannid!

I just did the PND quiz and failed, I've been feeling like I can't cope and really tearful, but have not had PND with last two and am feeling pretty scared. I will see my midwife ASAP and see what to do. Really I feel that I'm not getting the emotional support from DH, he is totally fried with work, the kids and me and all the extra work on his plate. He just doesn't have the patience for me and is pretty scornful when I need extra help or a boost. I don't like to blame him but I feel like hearing kind, supporting words would make all the difference between regular baby blues and feeling like I am an awful mum (PND).

Oh Jnice I'm sorry you're feeling so low. have you tried talking to him about how you feel as he may think as you've done this before that you are coping ok?
Do you have any family or friends that could come and offer support to both of you? X

Aargh!! Had typed a really long post and phone ran out of battery, try again!
jnice so sorry ur feeling down, I felt like that just few days ago and have had 2 good nights in a row with M and feel so much better for it.

Think M is starting to learn the difference between night and day, as he is now awake a little more in the day and goes down straight after her feed in the night [crosses fingers that past 2 nights haven't been a fluke]

Am not feeling v supported by H ATM either but more because he an be a selfish ass at times!

Am going out to buy a pump today so he can do a feed (and also so I can leave M with gran while I go see twilight on Friday [bad mummy emoticon] I'm so excited although a bit gutted that I won't be able to see twiathlon

trudya sending virtual hugs x speak to your midwife see what she says and to dh, it's unlikely he can do anything to take the pressure off if he is manic with work etc but perhaps just having a chat will help you offload and him give you some supportive words and rl hugs x

Hi all,

Sorry I'm a bit rubbish at posting-I'm mainly catching up here during feeds but need to use both hands to avoid suffocating DD!

We're getting on pretty well, though BF is a bit up and down. Still sticking to EBF with some expressing, which seems to be paying off as my supply looks like it's catching up with her demand now. She has also followed one v bad night with two good ones (we got an almost 5h stretch last night-miraculous!), so we're all feeling much better now.

Trudyla, just wanted to let you know that I ended up having DD by section under general anaesthetic almost 6 weeks ago-I'd had 3 failed epidurals so the anaesthetist wouldnt put anything else in my spine. DD's first two feeds were formula because I still hadn't come round. Obviously, DH wasn't allowed to be in theatre, and he had been left a bit in the dark when I went in, so that was worrying for him.

Anyway, I just wanted to let you know you aren't alone in your experiences and to reassure you that the experience will not be an issue for your DS, now that he is at home with such a loving family. Well done for getting in the first BF so early, and really getting the bonding experience started quickly. Hopefully you will start to feel better about things as the days go on.

I don't have any tips for recovery, other than you really do need to rest and not push yourself, especially on the days when you're feeling like you're well recovered! Also make sure you keep your bowels moving! You'll be surprised how much better you feel with each passing week.

Thanks for the support after writing how I felt down here I was able to talk to DH more easily, he said he was sorry and will try harder. I think the stress is getting to him a lot - our older boys are being a little challenging at times. Maybe a couple of good nights are all that's needed for the clouds to lift, but will see mw to follow up too.

Just starting out on the night shift here at 12.40am...

Thanks for your kind thoughts. I'm sure I'll get over it eventually. I'm still struggeling with the thought of him being without me or DP but we are making up for it now. He's hardly leaving our arms. The midwife has also suggested a rebonding experience. Not sure what it involves exactly but something about him and me in the bath and connecting again. This will obviously have to wait until I can bath again with the scar.

To those who had a c-section, one more question about the resting. Does sitting count? I find lying down not only more uncomfortable but also not doable with DD around, so I'm sitting a lot. Hopefully this is OK, too?

Yesterday was the first challenging day. DD was so upset when F was breastfeeding for a long time and she tried to be on my lap as well. I managed to have them both on but she continued screaming and crying. She was very tired but it was heartbreaking to see her like that. She slept really badly as well and kept crying and screaming Oh well, today is another day.

OK, both kiddies are asleep, am gonna run off for a shower. I promise I will try and be less self involved in future posts. Just challenging at the moment as I can't find the time to post more regularly.

Have a good Sunday all.

Hi Trudyla, a quick one-handed reply while feeding! I took resting to include sitting, yes. Basically anything where you are relaxing your body and particularly your abdominal muscles. I hated lying down at the start, especially since getting back up was so hard! I also slept propped up on a v shaped pillow so that I didn't have to adjust much for night feeds (though dh had to pass her to me and put her down afterwards). I presume you were given some basic abs exercises do start after a week? I think they helped me, though I could be more diligent...

Dh back to work tomorrow. First night just me and Seb....wish us luck!

Mum coming for a day or two but not arriving until tomorrow lunchtime so we've a whole 12 hours to cope with. He's been a little grump this weekend and really hard to settle - last night was the worst yet, I took over at 3:45am. We think it was probably wind. Any tips?

Am still mostly ffing as bfing still not going great. The little monster tends to fidget and pull backwards while still attached and part fall off but carry on sucking. It's so hard to get him off to start again as his suck is so powerful and by then I'm in so much pain I have to stop. Earlier I was in tears it was so painful. When he's latched on properly he's fine, although he does still get hungry again not long afterwards. Think I might need to contact a bfing counsellor.

trudya sitting is fine. My mw basically said don't stand! Puttering from here to there is form but no long periods of standing and no lifting anything. I can vouch for that as I was able to walk up an down the village and lift ds but the one day I went to a BBQ and stood for 2 hours (no walking etc) i was in absolute agony and scar started to split

tally see what bf counsellor says but try not to stress about it, seb sounds like he's doing great and definitely strong so what you're doing is working xx I'm thinking about introducing some formula as Edith-may is such a hungry baby she never seems satisfied from me so just going to give it a bit of time then decide x

Bloody iPhone pottering and fine not form