April 2006 Babies - Spring has finally Sprung!

[Ponka]

Anyone want to join me here? Mrs. Q, Pachinofan, Spots, Anyone else?

My name is Ponka and I had a little boy (Luke Elliott) on the 7th April. We are doing well. I also have another DS age 22 months.

Please excuse me if I don't get back here very regularly for the moment, it's very busy here, as I'm sure it is with you, too! I thought there should be a thread though.

My weekend got semi dramatic on sat night when noticed something fleshy poking out of my nether regions (sorry if tmi). Was quite alarmed. DH & I both tried to oull it out and there was clearly more of it...was scared I might be coming apart inside! Couldn't face casualty sat night with 2 dds so called neighbour is is a (non-practising) midwide. She pulled out nearly a foot of membrane (amniotic sac?) that had been left behind. Defintely owe her some chocs - talk about above and beyond the call of duty
Apparently am lucky not to have have had an infection etc. But had no pain and no heavy bleeding.
Plan to go out to john lewis with dh this pm and may out on makeup for first time..actually sounds like too much effort, especially as am still in maternity clothes! Don't have fat clothes as am always same weight usually.

Hi all from antenatal thread and new ones not "spoken to" yet. Very quick message as mum holding baby who is due feed and just getting very fidgity. Intend to join in this thread as soon as have time. Have still not had time to read antenatal thread as last time I did there were no births and now they are all here !
Jack Samuel born 13 April by Emergency C Section after long induction - at 9lb 7oz
He is doing great, now over 10lb and very happy chappy
Me had mastitis (teeth chattering night shivers and hard sore red boobs) but lot better now and glad perservered with breast feeding (all 2.5 weeks into it!).
Braved trip to supermarket today and had to hold baby all way round as cant lift car seat onto troley re c-section and all other "baby trolleys" too upright for him. It all seemed a bit bright and loud and scary !
Baby crying - got to go - more later...
Routines - yuk - cant cope - GF makes me want to use the "F" word - is that a form of baby blues??
Actually feel very happy and elated so think maybe I just cant cope with "other peoples" routines.
Anyone know how old baby should be before you cant take to swimming pool ?
And how long you should leave it after c-section before getting pregnant again ?

tonton are you going to complain to the hospital??? I know you're probably too busy, but a foot of membranes! - my knees are clamped together just reading about it.
firsttimer40- sorry about you're mastitis, glad you're getting better. I'm not even going to comment on when you can get pregnant again! (Am currently still at "never" personally!)
I'd give it at least another 10 minutes .

Does anyone else find they start something, and everything at the mo takes an hour? or am I in a timewarp? I can't believe it's 5 o'clock and we're hurtling towards the bedtime hour (nemesis hour as we call it here...) time for a strong coffee with oodles of sugar to gather my strength before Double Bathtime, big one has horrid nappy rash, small one will be desperate for food as soon as it hears the taps turn on.
Joy.

Yes Pepperrabbit! We take at least an hour to leave the house at the moment. Sometimes longer, depending on when DS2 wants feeding.

Am knackered today. We managed to make it to playgroup this morning and DS1 was so happy. Our house looks like it's been burgled at the moment. DS1 just trashes it when I'm feeding DS2

Swimming... From what I can remember it's about 4 months. When they've finished the complete course of first injections but I'd check with your Health visitor.

But isn't it handy the way they sleep somuch at the beginning? I have a stew in the oven and managed to clean floors AND do nappy wash today, thanks to that. Had forgotten quite how reliably a feed, a wee look around and a nappy change can put a babe to sleep. bless 'em.

Am feeling quite cock a hoop now re. Managing, after crisis of confidence earlier. Very besotted with little DD2 and her big bright eyes, and the way her head wobbles onmy shoulder. DD1 is full of energy and for this reason we don't leave the house much(!) if you know what I mean; the smallest tripis a major expedition. Luckily we just took custody of a wendy house for the garden so hoping for better weather than today. Have rosy visions of both DD's puddling around in it before too long.

DD1 galloping up the centiles charts; has gonme from 7lbs6 to 9lbs 8 in 3 weeks. Must be all the chocolate and cakes we got given... I necked 'em all in the name of lactation.

Hi all. I’ve popped in here from the ‘May Babies’ thread (DS was due on 4 May, but was born two weeks early, on 20 April).

DS weighed 5lbs and half an ounce and was born by emergency c-section following an abruption of my placenta. After spending the first nine days going to and fro from hospital for tests and UV treatments for jaundice, we are now settled at home. DS is now two and half weeks old, and DH is back to work tomorrow.

I was reassured to read that I’m not the only one who is concerned about how I’ll cope when DH goes back to work! DS is our first baby, and as I had a section and feel rather sore still I am worried I won’t be able to cope and I feel guilty that I can’t do the housework!

I was also interested to read your discussion about when is best to start expressing and giving some milk in a bottle. Did anyone say when is best to start? I’m looking forward to when DH can give an evening/night feed. Has anyone used any pump other than the Advent pumps?

And what is the Gina Ford routine? It sounds demanding!

Pepperrabbit, my DS is perky at night too. Any advice on how to switch baby’s body clock around?

Hello everyone. It's taken me a while to get on here. I too am experiencing the time standing still thing.
Why does noone tell you how difficult breastfeeding is and how much it hurts?! Hoping it will get better with time.
All my plans with DD went out the window re. not letting her sleep in my bed, doing the GF routine etc. oh well !
I am having issues about dummy or no dummy at the moment too - said I wouldn't do it but she is such a sucky baby and has made her hands really sore by sucking them. The dummy calms her down and makes her happier but don't like seeing her with it stuck in her mouth like Maggie off the Simpsons. GF thinks dummies are ok though so they must be

Emma I'm using dummies to prevent nipples being sucked to death! And it helps her settle in her bed. DD2 does show signs of wanting to suck her fingers/thumb so hopefully at 6/7 weeks when she has some limb control I can get her to suck them for comfort. In the meantime dummies R Us!

Have failed on GF but have managed to make a regular bath/bedtime and she does settle down in her moses basket at 7pm every night pretty well now. Obviously we see a lot of her in the small hours but hey, it's an achievement!

Spots re your baby gaining weight so well. My baby was the same size as yours and hasn't gained much at all yet.
I HATE bfeeding!! there, I said it. It hurts and is very messy. Yuk. But will perservere for the time being....

I am totally in agreement about the where do the hours of the day go, I've been meaning to post for days and I just never seem to get to it. If it's not one baby it's the other one - chaos. Hubby went back to work 3 out of 5 days last week and I was dreading it and feeling very weepy about the whole thing (bloody hormones - when do they settle down?!?!), but we actually managed really well. The first day I managed to get us all out of the house by 10.30 to go to DD1's Gymboree class, and by the 3rd day I had it down to 9.30 for DD1's little music class she goes to. Was really rather proud of myself as I swanned round with the little one in the baby bjorn being told by the other mother's that I was out of my mind to be at the classes in the first place!

I have also been pumping but rather against my will. Baby had not regained her birth weight by 2 week visit and was still a touch jaundiced so they wanted me to pump and give bottles to her to ensure she was getting enough. This seems to have worked as I went back 4 days later and she had put on 5ozs in that time. I wasn't keen on the idea though as DD1 refused entirely to ever latch on as she was given a bottle in the hospital for low blood sugar - so I pumped exclusively for her for 41/2 months. Was rather hoping not to have to look at a breast pump for a while but here we are again! The good news is that having introduced the bottle when bfeeding was already established this time, DD2 seems to go between the 2 with no problems at all, so I'm doing a mixture of both for the moment.

I use the Avent manual one to. When I was pumping with DD1 I rented/borrowed/bought about 6 different ones both manual and electric and found I got the most in the least time with the Avent. I'm up to about 6/7 ozs in 10-15 mins at the mo, which is great, and in fairness actually less painful than the bfeeding which I agree is messy and sore! I seem to be leaking a lot more this time too, am going through bloody breastpads like water!

Don't think I'm going to attempt any particular routine with the baby - I have never even seen a Gina Ford book as they don't have them out here! I found with DD1 that she fell into her own rhythym fairly quickly which suited us well, so I'm just hoping this one does the same. If not someone will have to break it down to me in mumsnet post size pieces!!

Hope everyone continues to do well. We'll all hopefully see some smiling and all that gummy lovliness in the coming weeks - makes is all worthwhile

Emma I know what you mean about dummies. I hate them too but have also resorted to using it a few times as ds is also very sucky. He doesn't seem to be relying on it and haven't had to use at bedtime so thats good.

I'm vaguely following Gina Ford but not totally religiously. Basically am trying to stick to the 3 hour feeding (although happy to let him go a bit over or under if necessary) and trying to get him to sleep in crib at 7.00pm. He's only up once in the night and is only feeding for 15mins then so thats quite nice.

Health visitor weighed him today at 13 days old and he's up to 9lb 6oz. Was 9lb 1oz when born and 8lb 15oz 3 days ago. Seems to have put a lot on in 3 days. Guess he must be getting enough food, its so hard to know with breast feeding.

I'm also using the Avent hand pump. Not doing it every day, used it probably 3 days in a row when milk was just in then stopped for a few days then today I expressed nearly a whole feed which grandad got to give him. The only thing was by the time his next feed came along my boobs were huge and getting very uncomfy.

Speaking of feeds, I can hear him stirring so must be time for another one so I'd better go.

I haven't been well (surprise surprise!!) and DS is very hard work, so not had time to post really.

Not well cos have been left with apparently irreperable liver problems after the constant vomiting and waiting to see specialist. My overriding feeling at the moment is one of vindication - I want all the nurses and midwives and doctors who clearly thought I was just a PITA to see my bloods so I can say you see, I TOLD you I was proper poorly! DH I think a bit shocked about how really seriously ill I was.

Have been into work already and got some stuff to do at home although exactly how and when I'll do it escapes me. Found out that the bloke they got in as my locum, at double my salary, was asked to leave because he was so crap and he was more or less asked to go right in the middle of a working day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My poor secretary is getting to work at 7.30am every morning, but as DH points out at least they know how much work I was doing now I am not there to do it. Have been asked to go back "just a day or so a week for now" but have said sorry, can't, as spending most of my life with DS attached to my chest...

Am going to really try hard to get back to regular posting but I notice that everyone else also seems to be popping in and out at the mo to, so we're all as busy as each other. Anyway, hope everyone's well, and that DSs and DDs are fine too. xx

God Allyco, it really seems a miracle that you survived this pregnancy with the standard of care you received - poor thing! I hope all is well with the liver - if it is permanently damaged what will that mean for you? Medication? Special diet? Or soemthing more drastic than that? Do keep us up to date, you'll be in my thoughts and prayers.

Got very excited yesterday as baby slept from midnight to 6.30 am on Sunday night (though DD1 was up at 3am, 5am and 6am so still wasn't a restful night!) and hoped it might continue but last night baby was wide awake from 3 til 5.30 and DD1 had been up from 1.45 to 3 as well, so I am back to being knackered today

I have my parents in law arriving tomorrow for 10 days and I usually get on really well with them and look forward to their visits, but they have made it clear that they are not coming over to help but for a holiday of their own, which has pissed me off a bit. They are welcome to come here for a holiday most times, but if you come to stay with someone with a newborn, you come to help or you don't come at all, right? Or am I just being a bitch?

MrsEvs, my in-laws are coming this weekend, and I’m not looking forward to it either. My MIL tends to just snipe. I’ve made up my mind not to take it any more, especially if she comments on the state of the house. Like you say, if anyone visits a family with a newborn, it should be to offer support and help. What do they expect – full English breakfast from you every morning? Ha! Good luck. Will you try to keep your temper?

How long do you think it is ok to leave a 2 week baby in his crib crying? I've been trying to get ds to sleep in his crib during the day but he doesn't like to settle down in it and then cries lots. I know he's tired but won't settle so I end up getting him up and then he'll fall asleep on me but thats not very practical. So far I haven't left him more than 10 mins before rescuing him.

Hello All,
Feeling rather sorry for myself here, have just managed Double Bathtime on my own and all is quiet so can have some dinner. DH is working absolutely ridiculous hours at the mo and goes to work at 7.10am anyway, but isn't back till gone 9pm. Am finding it bloody hard work and cope OK all day (considering have been up constantly between 2am and 4am most nights)then just burst into tears when he gets in.
Not much fun for either of us really! Can hear myself snapping at him and I know he's tired too but it does seem very unfair somehow.
Have friend who's husband is a teacher, sounds like a walk in the park " oh, he always helps at bathtime". May have to smack her - don't think she realises how fragile I am (only joking by the way re smacking her).
Right, off for solitary spag bog - at least I can watch whatever crap TV I want for the half hour before I have to go to bed!

Welcome Abigilby and congrats! We are abitall over the place onthis thread at themoment, with our eyes rollinglikepinwheels in our heads... or am I just speaking formmyselfhere? Pepper, I have so muchsympathy foryou... double anything is so wearingisn't it? I have drafted in help whenever DH has been unavailable.

Debi I havelow tolerance of baby crying alone. I just don't do unnecessary crying, find it so much more stresssfulthan any alternative. Others may have different approaches, but I actually go to DD2 as soon asIpossibly canifshe is crying.

MrsEvs, agree re.the at holidaymakers comingto stay not help! And these are family! Awful manners.

Have lovelyphotos ofDD2, may try postingonmember profiles. if I canwork it that is. do come and visit her!

(did notmanagfe,file toobig. )

congratulations everyone! dropping in from the April 05 mummies.

as hard as it may seem now, yes, cliche, it gets much more fun and enjoy your baby. they will be toddling off in a year. which just flies.

Debbie - I have the same problem. I can't put DD down at all without her screaming. Dummy works for about 5 mins then she spits it out. Can't stand leaving her crying but may have to resort to it if I want any lunch today now that DH is back at work! She will be put down at night but only if in a deep sleep. Any ideas on how to make her less clingy or is she too young to worry about it yet?

DebitheScot when my DS is tired and won't settle I or DH let him fall asleep on us, then put him down. I agree with Spots that it is less stressful just to sooth him to sleep. Does your DS wake when you put him down? Is that why it is impractical to let him fall asleep on you?

Anyone, have you been given vitamin drops to give to your baby?

But I also suffer from cuddly baby no arms to spare stress by the way! I do think that they will learn but it's possible to teach themgently; and that they will sleep anywhere as long as the sleepis deep enough. Seems to methat 'focussing' the deep sleeps is the main body of baby stress early on. (As dd2 wakes up...)

Have posted a member profileof her but it's a bit grainy... do go see...

Afternoon all,
Thought now I've got a minute that I'd try and join you all. It's now 2 weeks since Emily Rose (there's a picture of her on Member Profiles if you want to take a look) arrived. She was 6lbs 10oz, lost a bit then was 7lbs 2 last Saturday. She's feeding well but does tend to get colicky between 10pm and 1.30am so that involves a lot of broken nights.

I've given up trying to get her in to the carrycot to sleep (both DD1 and DD2 didn't like the cot until they were 3 wks old) so 'til then she's sleeping on me. Have realised that it's more important to get some sort of nights sleep than worry whether she's getting too clingy.

So think we're doing quite well.
Hope everyone and their DDs and DSs are well.

got a sling which means DS can sleep and feed in it and I can type with two hands again (after a fashion!).

He's very wakeful and I am envious of those mums with babies sleeping peacefully in prams. Still, the good thing about having so many kids is that I know this will all pass quicker than you'd beelive although it doesn't seem like it at the time, and before I know it he'll be up and away .

MrsEvs I know our older DDs are the same age - how is she with baby? Mine doesn't really pay much attention although will kiss night night and stroke his head. We're not pushing for more right now!

Unil I see specialist am to follow a low-fat diet and no alcohol at all, which doesn't bother me really

Love to all xx

Allyco - DD1 seems to be doing really well with the baby. She wants to hold her all the time, and when I give her an expressed bottle she likes to hold it and feed the baby. Gives her kisses and rocks her in her seat (often a little too enthusiastically mind you!). Can't take my eyes off her for a minute though as she tries to pick her up by the arm or cover her with blankets etc. Loves her a little too much at times!

Her reaction has been more that she seems upset with life generally, the smallest things make her cry and she has been a bit shy, clingy and reserved which she is usually not AT ALL. To be expected I guess and it does seem to be getting better as time goes on.

Baby gets more gorgeous daily and is now definately smiling in reaction to people (mostly DD1 bouncing around, but I've been lucky enough to get a few too)

We got first smiles today. butalso colic. damn!