November 2011 - early birds, just in time and late to the party, all welcome!!

[TwoJackRussellsandapumpkin]

Hi all,

just starting up a post natal thread for all the due in November peeps on the antenatal forum and anyone else who would like to join in too, hoping to see my arrival by the end of the week, so officially an early bird I hope :)

OK, firstly I have namechanged. I was formerly known as SnoozleDoozle, I chose the name in a hurry and always hated it. I have spent about two months trying to think up a hilarious and witty alternative and failed miserably, so I have just changed my name to one of my favourite breads . Actually, I could really eat some now.....might have to put the kids in the car and drive into town to the bakery.....

Anyway. MrsA I bled for maybe five weeks after my C-section, and it was proper red blood for most of that time. I didn't bleed so badly this time round, maybe three weeks. There was nothing majorly wrong first time, like you I think it was the trauma of the surgery. But I did end up badly anaemic, so keep an eye out for that side of things - I had heart palpitations and difficulty breathing. Was terrifying, so it was a relief to know that it was only anaemia.

Cali I can sense your frustration through your posts and really wish there was something I could do to help. You must be exhausted, mentally as well as physically, and its agonising to see your baby in distress and not be able to help. My only suggestion is the broken record technique at your appt today - just try to calmly repeat that their advice so far has not worked and you want more investigations (I'm assuming that is what you want at this stage) and refuse to leave until you get them? They might agree to it just to get rid of you....which obviously isn't ideal but might ultimately get results.

DS has his first set of immunisations today, I am dreading them.

Sorry for long post, as usual. Name has changed, but its the same old motormough behind the keyboard. Hope you all had a lovely Christmas.

Motormouth, not motormough.....arggh!

Cali I'm really sorry things are so tough - it's horrible for you and Abi and I hope you do get answers or some help today.

We're just starting the journey from London to Yorkshire, going to my parents and it's our first trip away. Hope we don't have too stop too many times for feeding, nappies etc!

sas I hope you can convince your DP to help with settling and cuddles, mine can sometimes get F straight to sleep where I have failed for ages, I think because of the milk smell (- maybe I'm just rubbish at it!).

MrsA I didn't have a cs but did bleed for between 3-4 weeks. Hope you stop soon. I did bleed more when I had an active day and it sounds from your posts as though you have been quite busy!

Thanks for the support guys - I am really worn and exhausted - to the point where I sometimes in the darkest moments wish she was bleeding or starving badly so they would take us seriously.

DP phoned in sick today (he does actually have a really crap cold) to come with me. We filmed trying to feed her this morning so they can see it in action.

We'll see what happens.

MrsA I bled for about 5 weeks, and intermittently for another 2. I did have a uterine infection.

cali poor you and poor Abi. I hope the Drs are more helpful today.

mrsA I bled for 6 weeks after my c-section, like you I got through a max of 3 pads a day, so v light. and the occasional random heavier day... Just annoyingly there for ages.

My scar is feeling tender again at the moment, maybe a bit sore. Really difficult to actually describe the sensation.

We're starting bedtime routine next tuesday, in an attempt to start getting X into bed around 7. I think he is ready for it now.

mrs a im another one that bled for forever after my horrid emcs with ds. Definitely 6 weeks or so. Was amazed when it stopped after just 2 weeks with dd - although the surgery was less traumatic and i guess i wasnt full term.
cali its all sounding like reflux - especially the clawing, sucking and feeding mare. ive heard ranitadine can stop working after a while - or you might need a higher dose to match her weight gain. Try to push for losec its the only thing to help willow. shes on the max dose of 10mg which i was worrying was excessive but we ran out of the liquid over xmas and had to resort to the less consistent disolvable tablets and bam the symptoms were all back within hours. unfortunately it takes a while for them to fade again, so im totally at a loss to know if her being slightly more unsettled is due to me going back on a trial of dairy yesterday or still due to the meds balls up. hmmm.

Just caught up with the thread and thinking of all of you who are having some bleak times with your LOs. I hope everyone is recovering from the break in routine/stress of Xmas. We've found that DS has been a little unsettled after Christmas (am sure it's due to the change in his little routine, being passed around etc.)

cali I hope you are able to get to the bottom of Abi's problems so that the little might can be comfortable (and you can regain your sanity... must be awful*

sas I also hope you can get your DP to help out with settling your LO, even if you just 'tag team' for a bit so you each get a short break to refocus, I found that really helped when DS was kicking up a fuss.

Nothing major to report here. DS has decided that he no longer wants to feed at 6, 10, 2 etc. but would rather wake at 4am and feed four hourly from there. Apart from today when he has gone back to 6, 10, 2... a little frustrating to plan around when he keeps changing his feeding times but I'm just going with it at the mo in the hope that he'll soon drop the early morning (2am/4am) feed.

Oh, and my 7 yr old brother asked if I was having another baby because my tummy was fat. Soul. Destroyed. Diet and exercise commences in Jan.

cali how did it go? I really hope that you get the help you need. It must be heart wrenching listening to and watching Abi in such distress. The hospital really need to give you the help you need as they will soon find themselves with another patient (you). It's a good job you have a supportive partner. I'm sure each and every one of us would just break if we were left alone. It isn't much but a hug and heartfelt wish for you all.

I have no idea how single mums do this.
At. All.

The consultant was a very, very lovely person. He immediately upped her Ranitidine by 50% - scoffing at her being on the same dose since 4 weeks old.
She's dropped another centile - I'm worried, but apparently we're not panicking yet - he was at a loss as to what the immediate problem is, but wants us to continue on Neocate for now.
He also sat me down and said "I can read your notes, or we can start from the beginning. You tell me what's been going on so I don't have to view it through the notes of my colleagues". Polite for "It says here you're a Problem Parent, but I'll hear you out".

He then went on to slate Gina Ford completely (I've never seen such an awesome face of disgust on a doctor) and told me I could stop forcing my child to cry from hunger. So we're going to aim for 3 hourly feeds for now, but listen to her. He also said many doctors subscribe to her method because it gives them the option to blame the parents.

He did however want to try the new dose of Ranitidine before anything else - if it's not working in 4 weeks time, we're doing domperidone and barium swallows etc.

He then also said it would be ok to wean her early, obviously on her cues.

So, we've finally got a consultant I trust, and the next step in sight if this isn't working.
I feel relieved but a bit cross that her current bottle battle could possibly have been avoided if her Ranitidine had been upped earlier. Ho hum.

Hi Ladies.
Really sorry I haven't been posting regularly.
Mrs A read your birth story- Glad to hear LO arrived safely and can't believe how badly the IM treated you. Hope you get your money back!!
Cali I hope the increase in Rinatidine helps Abi.
We too have been given ranitidine after trying Gaviscon which did nothing apart from constipate him. Saw GP again who sent us up to hospital and they pecribed there. Awaiting to see them again in new year.
Cali can I ask how long it took for the ranitidine to work?
We have had a week now and tbh no real improvement - infact last few days have been dreadful. Given DS1 food intolerances (he was exactly the same as this lo and we were told colic!!) and the fact that we are having a few too many green poos I have stopped all dairy - will be 2 weeks Friday and today in sheer desperation have cut out gluten- so on very limited diet. Will give it another week or so to see if there is any improvements. If not I guess it's back to drawing board.
On a more positive note- he is becoming some much more aware of everything around him (when he's not screaming that is)It is lovely to see him with my older son who he saves most of his smiles for. He also especially loves looking at and talking to the curtains. ( and my curtains are not at all funky looking) I think I might treat him to a trip to Dunelms so he can have a chat to the voiles and nets.
Ooh and could any of you knowledgeable mummies tell me when the first jabs are due and do you get a reminder through post or book it yourself??
Hope you all had lovely Xmas and wishing you all sleepy nights

Hadak It took a good 2 weeks to see effects, but it was so muddled up with her milk intolerance that I have no idea exactly.
Give it 2 weeks, but don't be afraid to batter down doors at hospitals. They tell you to persevere with your child being in pain - so let them persevere with you being their pain in the a**e.

This evening we've seen a direct improvement after the upped dose - her second feed of 4 ounces went straight down and she had another ounce within the hour, so success, for now while she re-learns to like eating again.

As Poppet can vouch, reflux is nasty stuff, and it's going to take a few days to get her back on track, including the gas she's now getting because she's taking more of the Neocate.

When she's 16, I'm going to show her all these posts and let her know the grr I went through!

Also jabs - I got a reminder in the post from my GP - but it's different everywhere.

Again - with the intolerances - we've only really seen an improvement now, after 2.5 weeks on Nutramigen and 2.5 weeks on Neocate.

Sorry for clusterposts!

PMA (I think the post-natal thread needs them, too):Tomorrow, I am going in to Manc to buy my Christmas present! Yay!

Hadak 1st jabs at 8 weeks (DS had his y'day ) along with 8 week check from GP - I had to book myself (2 appts back to back, GP then nurse) but did get a letter telling me I needed to.

Cali so glad there's a bit of light at the end of the tunnel. Can you ask them to explain formula for calculating ranitidine dose? Both DS1 & DD were on meds when tiny & both times I was told how to calculate dose by weight - I then got them weighed fortnightly & prompted GP to change dose accordingly. Prob not such an exact science with reflux bit after your under / over dozing experiences it might be worth you ensuring you can double check what's prescribed.

All going ok here - daytime we have a bit of a pattern of feeding 3 hourly then onto cluster feeding in evening bit still up a lot on night (bottle 10:30/11 then feeds 2,4,6 roughly - only short feeds but so asleep at end that I have found no way of rousing for top up) pretty tiring so not sure how I'll fair next week when back into normal school runs etc. He is divine though, & I am loving the happy alert time. I am lucky that he is pretty chilled & doesn't cry much. Last night he bizarrely became nocturnal - awake but not crying or feeding particularly just making a racket in a mixture of happy & bored sounds. Way too much sleep in day but couldn't get him to stay awake. Tonight seems more like normal.....

Hadak My GP posted an appt card out to me for the first set of jabs. DS had them yesterday, along with 8 week check up.

Cali I am so glad you feel you have now found a Dr you can trust. It sounds like progress at last. Fingers crossed for you.

hadak i'm worried about green poo as well. The last 2 weeks has seen W's poo go from mustard to pesto - oily as well. I should have had a 6 week appt by now but gp hasn't sent it out. I'm hoping the green poo is due to my gorging on chocolate (not normal form me) so I've cut it right out.

And yes i've scared myself stupid searching for green oily poo.

Thankyou so much for your help. I know you are all busy with your babies!
Cali glad to hear the increase in ranitidine is helping - hope it continues.
Ali I am dreading the jabs I may send OH with him then baby can blame dad. I have his six week chckup soon so I will ask about booking in for jabs then. I just wanted to make sure I hadn't missed them.
Pam I only had one green poo yesterday which was good. I too have been googling green poos (gosh whaty an exciting life I lead) and did wonder about fore/ hindmilk etc...... tried feeding from one side over two/three feeds but not sure it helped really. I think I will go to BF clinic in new year.
Hospital appoinment came through today so off there on Wednesday to see what they have to say about this little monster of mine.
Hope you all have a lovely day and Cali enjoy shopping for your pressie.

I've phoned the health visitor to chase for the appt - it's the oiliness I am worried about. I'll be reassured when I get his heel prick results.

We had zero sleep last night - nothing, nada. Constant snacking feeds from 1am through to 10am he has just had a big feed and is now sleeping.

Hi all!
hadak jabs are at 8 weeks, I got letter at about 2 weeks with appointment from drs... We've just been today...I hated it. E cried so hard and I wanted to cry too...we 're home now and snuggled up all together on sofa and I keep apologising to her!!! Breaks your heart..wish I could have had them for her.. And got more in 4 weeks. Booooo!
cali glad the alt to dosage seems to have improved things and you saw a more understanding dr. Makes all the difference when they're nice and listen to you. We had a lovely dr today, we have to take E back in a week for him to check groin pulse again but he kept saying please don't worry, he just wants to check again.
pamsco rubbish about no sleep, hope you get a nap and tonight is better for you.

Ali we have the same son - what birth date was your son? My feeds are exactly the same and there is no way I can get him to go any longer at the moment. We did have one 4.5 hour slot the night before last which was amazing but back to 2 hourly last night - I was gutted!

Just got back from the pantomime where Luke fed/slept throughout so was perfect. He is now on his mat with his nappy off which he loves - just got to keep an eye on him to make sure no jets of wee come my way!!

Off to Blackpool tomorrow with our Merlin passes to go to the Tower and see what changes have been made.

pamsco I hope you managed to get some shut-eye. Sleep deprivation is a nightmare.

busyboysmum so glad your LO was so well behaved in the pantomime.

Had another delightful nappy change with DS... all three of the major bodily fluids put in an appearance.

Does anyone else have trouble getting their LOs to nap during the day? I feel like I've tried everything but DS only sleeps for 10-20mins tops. Dunno if this is normal or what...

Hadak & those yet to go for jabs my top tip is try & time it so they need food straight after (though not starving) - H did shriek and shed real tears but I gave him a quick cuddle & a feed & he soon forgot about it.

Busy he was born 1st Nov 7lb 1oz so now 8 weeks old & tracking 25th at about 10.5lbs. No idea how to break cycle, the feeds are sometimes v short so I keep hoping they'll be easier to drop but no sign of that. I am wondering whether I should try & make him last the 3 hours but that would mean spending an hour downstairs cuddling, rocking, bouncing etc with him shouting about it potentially & worried he'd just go back to his old ways with me even more tired

Ok so I feel even worse now! E has been crying for most of time since jabs. Had little nap earlier but seems really unhappy generally. Took temp and it's not over norm so haven't given paracetamol that was prescribed in case of fever. She's now asleep on me as seems to be only thing that's comforted her. I feel like a horrible horrible mummy to have caused this . Did anyone else's Lo's feel off it after jabs and for how long? Can't stand seeing my poor baby so sad!

Hugs kate if she is still unsettled then it won't hurt to give her some paracetamol. They may have said it for in case she has temp but the after effects of jabs can be a little sore so a bit of pain relief won't hurt her xx

Sorry Kate I wasn't intending to make you feel bad - I know some LO's react worse than others. Her legs could be quite sore so try & avoid touching them where jabs were & I agree about calpol - a friend of mine once pointed out to me that we wouldn't check our own temp before having pain relief for a headache. Some GP's suggest giving calpol half hour before jabs I've heard. Really hope she's ok now