September 2012 babies - warmest welcome!

[Macaroons]

Here's the new thread for September babies fresh from the oven!

I'm a first time mum and I'm struggling with breast feeding at the moment, my 6-day old DS always seems to be hungry (a feed every 2-3 hours, each lasting roughly an hour), and when he's hungry he's very aggressive towards my nipple it really hurts! Any tips out there? And how often do you feed your baby and for how long? how do you teach your baby to be gentle on the nipples?

Good luck to those still waiting for their babies to come out! Will be watching out for more baby news!

Dd is 6 weeks old today, feels a bit of a milestone esp as I had a em csection. Waiting for her first smiles instead of grizzly looks! I have been struggling a bit to be honest, and I really understand those of you who stuggle to put your babies down to settle. She has really bad colic and also reflux I think. I have been reading the other pages on here re colic and found some good advice.

No advice on sleeping here either! Baby small will go in his basket at night but weirdly not in the day. He's currently asleep on me now. I think when they're thus small you just have to go with it don't you? If anyone knows the answer though I'd love to try it as its hard to get anything done. We have a sling but I can't always get him in before he falls asleep and putting him in awake doesn't work!
I too am back in jeans but again it's my tummy that needs work. I had a section too so know I can't overdo things but am so desperate to look more like the old me. We can do this though ladies, we'll get there in the end.

Hi ladies, just been catching up on posts, I'd definitely be interested in some exercise support I'm really keen to get back in shape and get fit again. Pre DCs I was very active, was at the stables twice a day riding most days mucking out lots of walking etc, also did a lot of pole dance for fitness and a bit of running. Since DD1 was 6 months old my horse has been out on loan to a family about an hour away so I've not ridden much at all, we've moved house so the pole is now in the lift and although I tried to resume running I then got pg with DD2 so all went out the window. My tummy is a wobbly squishy mess and so far I'm not back into my pre of clothes so some moral support (and maybe a bit of forcefulness!) would be great!

funch how did today go?

Lift=loft

Of=pg

Damn autocorrect I thought I'd spotted them all!

heff I ride too and can't wait to get back to the stables. I can't for a bit longer because of stupid c section and having zero abdominals now but as soon as I'm stronger I'm going for a good gallop
Also planning on getting baby small a pony so he can be horse mad like his mummy!! Think he's a bit small now but soon..........

just had bath with dd, first one since cs and she said "Mummy, while are you boobies hanging down like that. I don't like it!" Guess I'll be joining you on the exercise front soon and maybe a boob job in the future
I'm horse mad too and would love to buy both dd and I horses, need to win the lottery first.

Loup my DD sleeps in my bed with me. She will sleep downstairs during the day but lately she's been getting so tired from being awake longer that I end up taking her upstairs and feeding her on the bed lying down till she sleeps and then leave her there for a nap.
She has managed to fall asleep unaided a couple of times now so all hope is not lost.

My DS used to sleep in with me to start with and by the time he was about 3 months he slept really well in his cot and has always been a good sleeper.
He never gets up during the night, maybe the odd grizzle, and never comes into my bed now. Although he is still in a cot, so has no choice but to wait for me to go in and get him!

At this age though (she's 4 weeks) I can't see the use in fighting with her. If she wants a cuddle or to be close to me, then I can't argue with that. I don't feel as if she learns anything by being left to cry, when she's either hungry or tired or in need of a cuddle.

The whole 'making a rod for your own back' is only really valid if you're doing something you feel is wrong. Going with the flow makes life much smoother for me. There's plenty of time for routine and rules!

Hi all hope all is well. Been reading the post (while feeding) but just don't have the spare hand to reply! Glad to hear that some of you are seeing smiles! Can't wait to see DS proper smiles ;)

Out of interest, how many of you are following schedules and how many are feeding on demand? I'm reading Tracy Hogg's book (baby whisperer) and thinking of putting DS on a three hourly schedule. So there's more predictability in life and DS can hopefully fall sleep on his own without rocking / using me as a human dummy. Any of you have any tips of putting baby in some sort of schedule? Hope I can do it... Then I will have some time to exercise. Right now there's just no time to do anything apart from feeding and nappy changing!

wherearemyshoes I totally agree with you, babies just want their mums and the whole 'rod for your back' thing is often just said by people who have long forgotten what it's like to have a tiny baby crying for you. Do what makes you & your baby happy that's all I say.

macaroons how old is your LO? You might find a routine gives you supply issues if you are too strict or your DS is still very young. It's hard but bf on demand is how nature intended and it will settle into a routine of sorts before long.

We're on demand here macaroons
I tried easy schedule but seemed to fail by 7.15 everyday so have now given up and just follow little mans lead and he has just started to go a lot longer between feeds in the day although he still cluster feeds before bed. He's 7 weeks now. Also noticed he sort of naps at the same times everyday so I'm hoping he'll create his own schedule that we'll follow sometime soon.

On demand here too and sometimes he feeds 20 times a day! He is very chilled, rarely cries and at 2.5 weeks has already gained a whole pound on his birth weight so I am v chuffed with my titchy boobies. It's hard work but I guess they'll never be so vulnerable & dependent as these early weeks.

Can't wait to get a smile here!

DD is 2 weeks and all happens on demand here so far. She feeds about ten times a day and so far there is no noticeable pattern. She does sometimes sleep for up to 4.5 hours in the afternoon which makes me worry about dehydration. The mw said I'd I wad worried I could wake her to feed maybe every 3 hrs, but since she is putting on weight there was really no need to worry. Waking to feed has not worked well as she is so sleepy she only takes a little and it is hard work fo get that (taking off her clothes, tickling, blowing on her face...). I do wonder when to bring in at least a bedtime routine though. Maybe at 6-8 weeks?

Re exercise count me in! I have 2 stone to lose to get back to pre-pg weight and 2.5 to get to something like my ideal. I hope bfing will help at least a little.

heff today went well - she slept in the sling on the tube to and from the hearing test and during the test itself. She also fell asleep on the car on the way to the registry office, though was screaming when I put her in the car seat at first. She seems to like transport! Bit of a screaming for early afternoon but otherwise we girls did ok on our own. DH on the other hand missed her loads!

maketea you'll get a smile soon. DS has just smiled up at me so now I don't mind being up at this hour! Although hoping he goes back to sleep at some point so I can sneak back to bed too.

funchum well done on your own today. I bet everyone on the tube loved her. I'm always amazed at how many people stop and want to have a peek at a new baby.

Loup, re sleeping- I don't really have any good advice, as 5 year old DD has been sleeping with us pretty much from birth and we're struggling to get her to move out! I do bring Lola into bed for feeds, but make sure she goes back in her moses basket afterwards, and luckily she settles really well. She isn't so settled in the day though, falls asleep in mine or DH 's arms, but the eyes ping open as soon as she gets put down. I would say to do whatever feels best for you and your family, and your sanity! It's a bit controversial, but personally, I think that if bringing your baby into bed with you means you get enough sleep, it's worth doing. Sleep deprivation makes it so hard to cope!

We're most definitely on demand here. Lola feeds very frequently during the day, cluster feeds in the evening, but then has got herself into a routine at night. She has a last feed at about 10.30pm, then wakes at about 2.30, 5.30 and 7.30. She's 3 weeks old now.

funch, glad it all went well yesterday! I'm dreading this morning. DH went back to work today, left at 5.30am. We only have one car, so MIL kindly does the school run, but couldn't do it today. I've got to get 3 children to 2 different primary schools, on the other side of town, with a baby in a buggy in tow. I was going to book a taxi last night, but none of the firms I tried could do it at that time! We'll walk to the bus station, get bus close to school A, then walk as fast as we can to school B, hoping that we make it on time! Then I'll walk the 2 miles home with Lola. Just hope she doesn't want feeding while we're out!

Grr had typed out a message and it got lost..

Baby B's weigh in went well yesterday shge is now 8lb 7 at 2.5 weeks so following the 50 centile line. I'm happy enough with that. Asking the hv about her latch wasn't as successful. She said as my nipples are ok, her latch must be ok and she must just be a baby that sucks in a lot of air. When I said it gives her a lot of wind, she told me to give her infacol. Was signed up to the peer to peer support at the hospital but apparently I'm out of their area so going to have to try and find support myself. Pees me off a bit that they promote bf then leave you to your own devises when you need help.

I'm another one on demand. I remember ds fell into his own routine eventually so I'll leave it up to dd to lead the way.

I also feed dd in bed at night and then put her down in her moses basket after. Occasssionally I bring her into my bed if she's finding it hard to settle after the 4/5am feed. I find it a bit harder to get to her to sleep during the day as she prefers to be held. Saying that she fell asleep on her changing mat yseterday, waiting to be changed bless her.

I'd forgotten how people seem drawn to newborns smallgreenone and want to comment and talk to you about them. I think it's lovely.

Is anyone else finding the evening cluster feeds are more constant than cluster? I'm finding it hard tbh as it's the time of night I get ds ready for bed. Also dd seem to be sick more in the evening so I'm wondering if she's taking in too much milk for her little stomach?

Power to you getting three other children to school at the other side of town moomin. I find it hard enough to get one ready for a five minute walk away to his school. He has the attention span of a goldfish and the mornings are very fraught with me repeatedly telling him to do stuff to get ready while feeding dd at the same time. Good luck and hope it went well.

Oh my there's been a lot happening, can't leave it as long next time. Takes ages to catch up.

Re:Sleeping, Herbie only gets up once a night and then he's straight back down into his crib. We did have him in bed one night (we ran out of oil and it was freezing) but never again, I had a horrible nights sleep. He kept hitting me in the face. So after a feed off he goes to his own bed.

moomin did everyone arrive on time? I'm impressed I'm not sure idiot could cope.

So were up earlier this morning, usually Herbs feeds about 8 then goes back to sleep until 11ish. But I find it ruins the whole day and he's up until 12ish at night. So I'm hoping to change this routine and keep him awake for a while in the morning.

Has anyone else's baby had mucussy eyes? Herbie has had mucus stuff from his eyes from he was born. Mw said cooled boiled water would sort it out, nearly 5 weeks later he still has it. Went to doc last Friday to get drops but they don't seem to be doing anything either. Don't know what else to do.

Okay clearly my phone agrees I couldn't cope, cause it has just called me an idiot. Oh iPhone how you upset me!! :)

Lol Rachel! The joys of predictive text.

We made it to school (s!) and back in one piece. We had a slightly hairy moment, despite me getting up at 5.45 when DH left, we only just made it on to the bus with a minute to spare. Lola had decided to do an explosive poo just as we were about to leave. It had soaked right through her vest and trousers. I think the nice bus driver felt sorry for me, as he deliberately only charged me for 2 of the older DCS. I actually felt good for the exercise and fresh air by the time I got home, and planned to do nothing except for the most basic of housework today. Lola is now having a sleep. Thankfully, she slept the whole hour and a half while we were out this morning, and woke up for a feed just as we reached the doorstep!

Not posted for a while, the last couple of weeks have been a bit mad. I had mastitis, which was horrid, then we had a bit of a scare with DD2 - something was picked up in her newborn heel prick screening and she had to be tested for cystic fibrosis. happily, after a week the results came back negative, but it was a worrying time waiting for the results.

On a positive note I think my nipple cracks might be finally starting to heal, so maybe, just maybe I'll be able to carry on breastfeeding. I'd just love it if it works out that way. We've been giving her a couple of bottles a day to try to rest my poor nipples and maybe that has worked, or maybe her mouth is that bit bigger now so she can get a good deep latch.

DD1 has a cold, so she woke a lot in the night, not sure i got any sleep at all with both DD's working in shifts to keep us awake! But at least I know this phase does pass, we'll all soon be looking back on the newborn stage and wondering where the time went.

We actually managed a trip to Asda this morning - DD1 in the trolley, DD2 in a moby wrap - I'd recommend the wrap, it's great. DD2 slept in it and it must look cute as we were followed round the store by a series of 'ahhhhh!'s.

Well done Madmonkeys. We also managed to get out today, we went to Asda living and I put DD in the buggy and let DS walk beside me, holding my hand and wearing his rucksack with a lead. He was so well behaved, it made me very proud.
I'm trying to get out with both of them often so I can get used to it. It's not as scary as I thought, just have to be savvy with feeding times and always have biscuits for DS!
That sounds really scary with the heel prick results, we've still not had ours back yet, so hoping that's a good sign.
Our DDs were born the same day and my nipples have only just healed. Finally, it's not painful inside or outside my boob to feed. I'm so glad I can start enjoying bfing again. I do feel as if there was very little support for me. If I had not done it before and been adamant I was going to continue, I could easily have given up.

Moomin, seriously, you are Superwoman!

Rachel, not sure what to suggest about Herbie's eyes. Just keep them rinsed and clean. Maybe if the drops don't take effect the doc can prescribe something else?
Ballroom, dd gets wind a lot and is often sick. I give her infacol some evenings and try to keep her upright whilst feeding her. It's a bit awkward but I find she ends up burping whilst latched on! Once they can wriggle about on their own a bit more it makes it easier to come up.

Wherearemyshoes I think you don't hear anything about the heel prick tests unless they find a potential problem. Oh, and my hv said you need to use infacol throughout the day too for it to have the best effect, not just in the evenings. How do you manage to feed your DD and keep her upright?

Rachel Oliver has mucusy eyes too. I just keep wiping with the cool boiled water and cotton pads. The HV suggested massaging the inner corners of the eys and it does help. No one really seems unduly concerned.
We had our 6 week sign offs today. I have been a little concerned with Oliver's colour- to me, he looked a little yellow in the skin and eyes (though artifical light doesn't help). After googling all week, I declared to the GP that I thought he had breastmilk jaundice (thanks Dr Google!). Erm, he's fine. Typical neurotic mummy googling and getting herself in a state . Oh well, better to mention it to the GP than ignore.
Have a lovely weekend and here's to our LOs learning to appreciate their cots at bedtime!! xx

Glad all is ok with the test results madmonkeys
We had a letter about ours but they might do different things in different areas.
It's the weekend!! Two days of having some help and being able to go to the loo on my own and have a shower! DH made a horrible comment about going back to work last night, said something about not wanting me to go back to my job full time and ideally money being ok would like me to have more than a year off which is nice of him as I'd like that too however then he added.......but you'll have to do something because you can't sit around on your arse all day ! I was really quite upset about it last night as cant believe he actually thinks that is what I do all day. He on the other hand left for work this morning at 10am and his day involved playing golf - I had been up since 3am so really actually who has the harder job !!!!
There we are rant over. He's lovely really but gosh what a thing to say!