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April 2012 newborns: the insomnia continues...

999 replies

LaTristesse · 07/04/2012 10:55

Hello fellow April mums. Following on from our lovely ante-natal threads, here's the first of the post-natal ones. Join us as we work out how to handle nappies, feeding, colic, crying and all things newborn, or just to celebrate the joys of a new baby!

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
LaTristesse · 23/05/2012 09:29

Thaleia, you're not harming your baby, trust me. If he has wet and dry Nappies and gains weight you're doing just fine. Every baby is different and likes different things so it's just about finding what works for your baby. That's why being a new mum is so tough because nobody can tell you categorically 'how to do it'. Do you have a bf group nearby you could go to? If you have Surestart centres near you their Baby Talk groups are fab for meeting other mums and seeing, literally sometimes, how they do things. For what it's worth I would say put him to boob 1 for as long as he likes (remember they won't get empty however long he sucks, it will just increase your milk supply the longer he's on there). When he comes off try him on boob 2. If he wants more fab, let him suck. If not no worries, just start with that boob next time. Be confident in yourself, you're doing just fine! If he wants to be awake or sit and kick in a chair or be carried about that's fab, but if he nods off again that's fine, he's still tiny remember, and we all get sleepy on a full tummy! My DS would always fall asleep after a feed but DD has been awake for the last hour bouncing herself in chair. Hope some of that helps. Don't get hung up with how long and how much, there's no right answer for either of those!

OP posts:
Flisspaps · 23/05/2012 09:43

Thaleia my suggestion would be to hide the clocks. Don't worry about how long he's on the breast. I've not once looked at how often DS feeds, or how long for. I did with DD and it drove me mad. I worried that she was feeding too often, then not often enough, for too short a time, too long...that coupled with the 11pm FF ended my BF.

With DS if he cries, he's offered the boob. Even if he's not long come off. I don't take him off, he comes off when he's done. That might be 10 minutes, it might be an hour - it takes as long as it takes. It seems that all I do some days is feed. Particularly in the evenings! I understand the feeling of being a 24 hour snack bar.

It's normal to be used as a comforter too - a dummy is, after all, a 'dummy' nipple.

I think, perhaps, you're so worried about starving Raphael and are so wanting to BF that you're over thinking things Smile You won't starve him. If he's hungry, he'll cry. If he cries, put him on the breast and let him eat until he's done. The more relaxed you are, the easier it is. The easier it is, the more relaxed you'll be - catch 22!

Even at 6mo some BF babies eat every couple of hours, so if DS is a snacker, then he's a snacker - some adults prefer to graze through the day, others fill up on 3 big meals and babies are no different. Don't think you have to do X minutes or Y feeds a day - the nappy output sounds as if there's plenty going in, and he's getting that from you Grin

And finally, remember - This Too Shall Pass. In a few months we'll all be on here talking about teething and crawling, and these early struggles will be a distant memory.

Flisspaps · 23/05/2012 09:48

Oh and DS sometimes sleeps but can't be put down and has to have his face pressed right into my boob, sometimes he grumps and pulls faces and sometimes (rarely) he stays awake, chats and goes cross eyed trying to look at stuff.

What Raphael does after a feed is normal - each baby is different. Unfortunately this is why they don't come with an instruction book or a money back guarantee Wink

spannermary · 23/05/2012 10:13

Thaleia for what it's worth, here's my bf journey with Bill: he usually feeds every 4h at night (5 1/2h last night - woo hoo!!) and every 2-3 in the day. Sometime for just under 10 minutes; sometimes for about 25.

Afterwards he can sometimes be very sleepy (sometimes asleep on the boob and then I put him straight down - no burping or anything). Other times he's wide awake and wants to play. If he's grizzly, I'll offer him more.

Sounds like you're doing great - you just need to believe in yourself and your instincts.

Re: slings - my friend leant me a Kari-Me and I've had a nightmare trying to get it on properly. Much stress and crying (from all 3 of us!) Finally thought I had it right the other day, but when I put Bill in he screamed bloody murder.

Thinking of buying one of those backpacky type things for when we go on our walks - anyone know anything about them? Tried a walk with a pram yesterday, but it was, erm...challenging. DH ended up paddling in river when the front wheel fell off as we tried to cross a slightly broken old bridge with slats missing!

Enjoy the sunshine, all!

Jellybellyrbest · 23/05/2012 10:23

Am in NI & not sure about slingmeets..going to check it out though. Thx! Emily did manage to feed once in my Moby but not sure how comfy she was! Must keep trying..she's not quite 6wks & know it'll prob be easier as she gets bigger. Had a better night last night & feeling positive today. Managed to walk to school with older DC & back this am & find it gets the day off to a good start. Haven't attempted it with Moby yet, we've been using the pram. The plan I'd to try with Moby soon though,

Jellybellyrbest · 23/05/2012 13:28

Is. Not I'd. Totally missed all those posts re feeding times etc. Thaleia, if DS is awake & content it sounds like he has a full tummy. My LO is almost 6wks & is awake more these days. Even whilst out walking in her pram..You are NOT starving your son. Your LO never actually lost weight, did he? I'm in NI & feel that the attitude of HCP here is much more laisaez faire. Unfortunately in your case I personally think there may have been undue pressure put on you & it's made your first few weeks a negative experience. As the others say; for a few days at least forget clocks etc, watch Rapheal & trust your instincts & his. He'll 'tell' you what he needs & hopefully you'll be able to relax....your supply should adjust to his needs naturally. I've fed 3 babies now; I'm no expert but when my LO fed for long periods, a few days later I had more milk, just go with it & see. If Rapheal is hungry he'll let you know. Really hope you feel better about it all soon, it's been a difficult time for you.

Bunsouttheoven · 23/05/2012 14:02

Thaleia you are doing a great job. With my first dd I tied myself up in knots with trying to do everything right. Had an awful hv who suggested top ups constantly & generally gave poor advice. I just wanted to do what was best for my girl. Eventually I was able to relax & trust my body & her's. I made the milk, she took what she wanted, how she wanted it. It was a leap of faith but we found our way, ignored the charts & got on with making new friends. In the end I bf her until she was 2.5 yrs.

Trust in your body. Let Raphael feed as & when. If he falls asleep on the boob it's ok to take him off if you want to or leave him on, dependent on what you want/need to do. I found getting out & going to groups, seeing & making new friends helpful. It's easy to over analyse stuff when rooted to the sofa for hours & the worrying can take over.

Look at your baby, he is growing & changing. He'll get quicker at feeding as he gets bigger & he'll gradually get more interested in the world. Then it starts to get funSmile

Re slings, there's lots on eBay or you could buy a long length of stretchy jersey material & use that (check you tube for directions on how to tie). If it's a jersey that rolls over at the edges you won't need to do any hemming or sewing. It's worth persevering with practising as once you get it they are great. I still haven't masted feeding in a sling very well yet though. Maybe it will get easier as ds gets bigger.

SarryB · 23/05/2012 21:38

Everyone on here is so lovely sniffs a bit - can you tell I had a very sleepless night and just wanted to curl up somewhere dark and cry? And all of you are so bloody lovely.

I'll just agree with what everyone else is saying - baby will cry is he's hungry.
Dylan tends to feed for about 10 minutes, want a little break for burping, then goes back on.

Had a visit from the HV today - he's got thrush in his mouth, so he's been pescribed some oral gel. And I bought some infacol too, seeing as he's had some terrible trapped wind the past couple of nights. He really enjoyed the orange taste :) Gave him one dropper of infacol, 5oz of formula, and he's been asleep for the past 3.5 hours!

In other far more exciting news, while changing a dirty nappy, Dylan decided he wasn't done pooing, and proceeded to poo everywhere. Cue me screaming for OH, and poo actually coming out of his bottom while I was holding his legs up in the air. Fun.

SarryB · 23/05/2012 21:40

And forgot to say about slings...

I use a Caboo, it's brilliant. And I have worn it while naked. Obviously, only indoors. I'm not that liberal. But it does have a breast feeding position too, which is quite handy. Dylan loves his sling.

Flisspaps · 23/05/2012 21:59

Sarry one day you'll be telling DS's friends that story Grin

Slings - I have a babasling. It's taken some getting used to as I seem to have been wearing it higher than I should, and you're supposed to have baby's backside level with the pocket but if I do that DS will be almost upside down Hmm But now I have it sorted, he seems much happier in it. In fact I took him on the bus in it yesterday, and DD with her lead reins, and had a lovely time Grin

kat1885 · 23/05/2012 22:07

Tonight my baby boy sounds like a puppy who has swallowed a squeeky toy. Midwife came today and was happy I have upped him to 5oz. He now takes between 2 and 5oz depending on how he feels and goes 3-4hrs rather than 2.5. He still has bad wind and is colicy even on infacol, may have to try coleif.

newmummyvicky · 23/05/2012 22:48

thaleia I'm sure you are not starving your baby, sounds like your doing a great job. Good for you, sticking with the breast feeding. sounds like your picking it up fine!

I sometimes feed my little for anything between 10- 40 mins, sometimes she falls a sleep other times she is wide a wake, its a guessing game to know how much they want! Sometimes a full on dinner and other times just a snack lol.
Offer the other side if U think they are still hungry, and of they fall a sleep don't worry! I find lyra bops her head she wants more, licks and trys to eat her hands.she cries with wind, full up and wants more, again its a guessing which is which? But she does go red face, white lip if she has wind!

She gone from 9.2 to 9.15lb in a week, getting cubby now lol. I when to a breast feeding group and seen a councillor. She said im getting latch on right! It might be damage to nipple from before! Have gone back to ruby ball on right side ans nipple is so much better :-)

justhayley · 24/05/2012 04:08

Sad really struggling tonight. Noah woke up just as I was going to sleep & wouldn't go back until 2.30am. It's now 4am and he's up again. I'm exhausted & for the first time can feel myself getting stressed with him. Tried to BF but my rooms hot & we were sticking together & he was getting ratty because of it so pulling on my nipples & not latching on properly which was making me sore Sad. feel awful but iv just come downstairs to make him a bottle & have left him upstairs. I no he'l be screaming ( my house is amazingly sound proofed & I can't hear a thing). Iv never left him to cry before but I need 10 minutes without him or I'll go mental. He was awake at 5am this morning & I'm exhausted. Nights like this I really wish I was in the Army instead of DP - it's bound to be easier than this.

Right breakdown over gota try & go calmly upstairs & console and feed a probably very stressed out little man Sad

kat1885 · 24/05/2012 04:15

Awww hayley at this time in the am can't think straight to make u feel any better but u are not alone for I am up too with my lo. Xx

justhayley · 24/05/2012 04:44

Oh with regards to those of you with windy babies have you tried gripe water? Noah really suffered & infacol did nothing but make him sick & he hated the taste. I tried gripe water & it worked straight away! Apparently it can catch their breath so I was told - by my mum and nan to give him the recommended about in lots of small bits. TBH Noahs been great on it & it hasn't caught him but iv been giving it to him really slowly just encase. It's worked wonders & he's no longer & windy baby Grin

Going to change Noah now & hope he falls back to sleep straight away for a few hours otherwise he'l have a non functioning mummy tomorrow - or today!

justhayley · 24/05/2012 04:45

Ps thanks kat hope your not having a bad night xx

newmummyvicky · 24/05/2012 06:38

You sound me a few me a few nights ago, she was gonna 7 hours plus in night the all of a sudden back to 4-5, think i when into shock again and she was pulling my nipple out too. Little Madame!
I might try the gripe water i found the infalcol didn't do much! her wind has calm a bit now thought, health vistor said they better as they get older. She be 7 weeks today!

Hubby woke up and did a bottle of expressed milk at 3am i feel so much better having 7 hours sleep in a row. But getting a sore eye on one side! She is changing her times all the time now! Must be having a growing spurt.

Bearcrumble · 24/05/2012 08:14

SarryB If they're treating his mouth for thrush they should treat you too or you'll possibly pass it back and forth to each other.

HollyPockett · 24/05/2012 08:28

Francesca got herself in a right state yesterday. She wouldn't sleep from about 2-7 (I think she was hot and bothered) and she cried like I've never seen her cry before, she got really upset and we had actual tears. Broke my heart! And I was in the middle of a hair cut :)

Fed her at 7 and she then went down and I had to wake her at 11 for her feed! She then went right through until 4 so I think she's caught up on herself

I have dr's for her today as her ally button still hasn't healed. It scabs and she knocks it off again and again. I've folded the nappies down, I've left her without a babygrow on but she wriggles so much she keeps knocking it off!

Sorry to hear that a few of you have had a really bad night, at 4am when they won't sleep it seems like the end of the world doesn't it - something about it being night makes it so much work. If you can, today, sleep when they sleep. Or at least laybon the sofa with a bit of Murder She Wrote. Works a treat for me!

HollyPockett · 24/05/2012 08:29

Belly button, not ally Blush

LaTristesse · 24/05/2012 08:53

Laying a muslin between you and LO when feeding stops you both getting horrid and sticky in this hot weather! That's my tip for the day! Off to the water park now so DS can wear himself out!

OP posts:
SarryB · 24/05/2012 10:37

bear - that's what I thought too - but my nipples are fine. I've only given him two treatments of the gel but it looks like it's already clearing up!

I got some infacol yesterday, to see if it would help. He certainly like the taste. I gave him some at his 6pm feed, and then again at his 10pm. He only woke up twice between 10pm and 3am, and literally, I picked him up, he burped and then fell back to sleep! Fed again at 3am ish and then woke at 5 am...I think the sun-rising is waking him up, I'm going to have to look at a black-out blind.

JambalayaCodfishPie · 24/05/2012 10:53

sarry

For the past week my daughter has woken up at 5am, having previously slept through - damn sunrise!

Blackout material arrived yesterday from eBay, fitted it last night, 7am wake up today - success! Grin

spannermary · 24/05/2012 18:25

It seems as though Bill's not the only one who's not a fan of this hot weather...I love it, but it's slightly disrupted our routine here (such as it was!)

Bill has been napping much less during the day, feeding more & for longer, and has been quite tetchy & unsettled. He enjoyed his bath this afternoon, and I think he's appreciating Naked Thursday and all the added skin to skin he's getting during feeds, but his thermostat is struggling to get to grips with the sudden transformation from 7c on Saturday to 28c today (that's what the car temp read anyway!)

He's not been around sun before: think it's a big shock to the system... other than that, though, he's fine. And completely gorgeous. I was looking at some photos from 4 weeks ago & can't believe how much he's grown! SmileGrin

Flisspaps · 24/05/2012 18:41

DS isn't keen on the heat, DD seems to have come down with The Lurgy and is doing an excellent Mariella Frostrup impression at 2yo Sad

DS has today been signed off by the paediatrician for the facial palsy caused by the forceps, apparently he has a 'very beautiful face' Grin He weighs 13lb, and has dropped to the 91st centile from the 99th but thats not a concern and he's also 91st centile for length - 58.5cm.

Bloody giant he is Smile