It's April 2013, the time is now & HERE ARE OUR BABIES!

[toobreathless]

Our first post natal thread!

Cooking & Cleaning can wait till tomorrow
for children grow up we've learnt to our sorrow
So wipe away cobwebs and dust go to sleep
I'm cuddling my baby cause babies don't keep!

A thread to celebrate the highs of life with a gorgeous newborn and the lows of sleepless nights, stitches, feeding traumas & Baby blues.

num3 - I seem to remember DS started his injections a bit late and then we kept the four-week spacing, so they were all a little late.

I have just tried DD in 3-6 month clothes because her 0-3 were getting too short. She is such a ridiculously large baby! Know what you mean Faith about them growing out of clothes, and I feel it even more so this time as she is our second and we don't intend to have more.

It is so true that even though babies are hard work, it passes so quickly and you have to take notice because you never get that time back. In fact I am welling up just looking at that poem toobreathless wrote at the start of this thread. DD is seven weeks tomorrow and has changed so much already.

Hope things pick up for you soon Kelle. It sounds really tough - I rely such a lot on my DH.

Am not doing a dream feed - I just don't attempt to put DD to bed until I'm ready to go (about 10-11), which means we usually get through until it's just starting to get light. It might be 4.30 or 5, but if it's getting light, then in my opinion she is sleeping through the night, haha.

Not sure what to make of this new study on co-sleeping. Seems to contradict a lot of other studies. I don't co-sleep habitually, but will sometimes have DD in bed with me if she is particularly unsettled. Am unlikely to change this pattern as the alternative is probably that I will sit on the sofa with her and accidentally fall asleep, which is obviously much more of a risk. Everything in life carries a risk, you just have to do your best and not ruin your life worrying.

Teapig - Your doctor thought it might be eczema, then changed mind to 'taking her out too much'? Sounds like the doctor didn't know, to be honest. Fresh air is good for babies, and you have been keeping her out of the sun. It could still be eczema anyway, but more likely to be the oil glands. DD had similar until 5-6 weeks old, and then it just cleared up.

Teapig H has had similar. They started off at around 4 weeks and were raised and red (on face, neck, chest and ears). They are now (5.3 weeks) just little raised bumps and are fading quickly. Your doctor sounds like he doesn't know what he's on about!

Henry is now in 3-6 months clothes, so lots of newborn and 0-3 stuff has gone unworn. He's put on roughly 1lb a week since birth and is now over 14lb up from 9lb 5oz birthweight. It's getting tricky to BF as he's so long he hangs off my lap but he's 5 weeks so not really able to support himself!

Hungry baby = tied to sofa. Thank goodness for Netflix!

tea could they just be milk spots? Faithlet came out in some Sunday (as she hit 5 weeks). Mostly round her face and a bit on her scalp and neck. They've already started to go down and I haven't done anything to them.
I don't think it's your fault! I read somewhere they can occur when baby gets a bit warm.
I take Faithlet out most days but don't cover her too much. I think I'm going to buy a sunshade for the travel system.

teapig I agree with ellieswellies and sneezy - please don't blame yourself, sounds like far too much of a coincidence for it to be something you're doing - unless you're doing something to all our babies!!

num3 the nurse who did our jabs on Friday said there must be 4 weeks between them, any less is unsafe

faith snap, I've been stuck to the settee all day too (except rushing out with the baby carrier on to post a birthday card for tomorrow, oops!) I have an obsession with the American version of 'Undercover Boss', plus I could quite happily watch all the cooking / property shows!

So sorry for the me me post but Alex has literally been on the boob all day! Less than 1 hour off between feeds. Do I just let him suck? Or should i try to distract him?
he seems perfectly happy, as long as he's on the breast. My boobs feel like they will explode! He is definitely getting a lot of milk. Plenty of wet/pooey nappies.

Teapig - GP said 'taking her out too much'. What rot! And as someone else said below, sound like the GP was a bit stumped!
Mama - what is Alex's adjusted age? Sounds like a growth spurt but not sure if that would be tied to real or adjusted age?! I reckon for a day or two every now and again constant feeding is to be expected...

On the co sleeping study... I'm a big advocate of co sleeping or at least doing what works for you. But I have to say the evidence here looks quite compelling. Other studies often didn't take into account cases where parents were drunk or smoked so the results were skewed. Not so here. And as far as I can tell this is not about suffocation or crushing just Sid. The study puts the risk for a breast fed 0-3 baby as 5 times higher! I will in practice probably keep co sleeping occasionally if needed but am quite relieved we have a co sleeper / side car cot and that DS will sleep in it!

teapig it is normal for babies to get a bit spotty at about this time! Please don't worry, it isn't anything you've done. Sunlight can make spots a bit more prominent on some individuals but it's not damage as such. Don't change what you're doing.

mama do you think he's feeding?? Or just sucking for comfort? I would be inclined to just let him continue if you can manage & you think he is feeding. Can you feed in the sling?

mama I'd suspect growth spurt but do make sure he's switching breasts every so often (maybe ease him off at 20 mins max if you're not already) so he's definitely getting milk and not just suckling. Faithless was having a feeding marathon earlier but I had to do a few bits so I popped her in the sling, she screamed for a bit but I bounced and she fell asleep...so I'm not certain she was that hungry!

Thanks everyone Alex is still feeding. I will try in the sling, I tried bouncing, pushing, tummy time he just wants milk! If he was born at term he would be 7 weeks now but adjusted age/ development isn't really making sense at the moment, Alex clearly did not read the schedule beforehand but apparently thats normal ex micro preemies tend to be all over the place.
I'm thinking growth spurt too. I'm not sure if its comfort as well, we're having loads of skin to skin and that doesn't seem to make a difference. He won't take a dummy or sleep....do you think Maybe I should give him some expressed milk In a cup? Then i Could be certain if he took it all he is hungry if not comfort? Not sure it matter by the way my boobs will explode though if they don't get a rest soon.

Re the co sleeping study, I read it with interest as I've said before I co sleep, no pillows or duvet thought etc. and it works for us. Hv has been very supportive as well. I think you can never be sure you do what you believe is best and that's all any mum can do.

teapig have you heard of neonatal acne? I'm not sure how old teapiglet is but it's very common totally hormonal based and tends to clear after about 8wks although I would have thought the gp would have picked up on it if it was neonatal acne as its so common. It does tend to look worse if baby gets too hot I think.

mama I feel your pain! I would express for a bit just so you and the ladies get some rest. See if someone else can give the expressed feed maybe?

Also anyone been in a situation where baby is hungry wants to feed but keeps de-latching very angry and eventually distressed as not getting a full feed? I don't understand it and am finding feeding hard when little kitten keeps doing this

mama no baby has read the schedule hope you can get alex to settle soon.

Somebody was asking a while back was asking about dummies, well after struggling for weeks trying to get baby bird to have a dummy not my finger I bought the mam dummies instead as they looked like a better shape, she still gives me a horrified look when I put it in her mouth but then starts sucking quite happily and has even slept 5 and a half hours solid the last few nights (fx) as the she sucks herself back to sleep when she stirs

5 weeks today and 9lb 2oz, birth weight was 6lb 8oz so feeling very proud of our breast feeding. We're sort of in a schedule 8am 11am 2pm 5pm 8pm 11pm 5am. It's working well at the moment but if I ever have to go back to work might have to adjust slightly as would need to leave house at 8:15. Next target is to get a bedtime routine going at the moment I settle her downstairs after 8pm feed and then she goes to bed at 11 when I do...

Bird - am so jealous of your 11-5 sleep! I'd feel like a new woman with that!,

Hi all, finally got around to posting on here! Will only be a quick one though.

It's now 19 days since DS's rather dramatic arrival into the world, and I'm exhausted! I think he's going through a growth spurt as he wanted to feed almost constantly today, luckily DH got home from work early so I could go for a rest & leave him with a bottle. I'm veering between really hating breastfeeding & being determined to keep going at the moment. It's ok when DS doesn't want to be permanently attached to me, but some days I'm just so tired & feel so sore I want to stop. I keep telling myself it will get better though! We've got some ready made cartons of formula just in case, and I'm managing to express enough for one feed a day so I can get a bit of a break - though I wish DH was still on paternity leave!

I managed the first school run with both boys today though, which I'm quite pleased about - just as well it's only 2 mins walk from my house! Small victories keep me going

Feeling quite low tonight, but I know it's just hormones/lack of sleep so trying to get on with things. I'd love to fast forward a few weeks so we are in more of a routine... but I don't want to miss anything.

Sorry it's been a bit of a selfish post, I haven't managed to keep up with all the updates on here, but I'm keeping track on the FB group.

bona I do feel like a new woman!!!even cooked a supper today instead of taking out a pre-baby meal from the freezer

I just got my first proper smile why are babies always the cutest when they're supposed to be asleep?! I told DH and he said that's nice and carried on with what he was doing, men!!!!!!!!

HI everyone,

Well, we're still in the hospital in Bristol. Sam is progressing well. They've put him on high calorie formula for his feeds and he is finally padding out a little. Our departure is pencilled in (very lightly!) for Friday. We'll see!

I am half longing to go home as I have only set foot in our house once since I was in labour, and I just want to be there with my little boy and be able to pick him up without wires, drips and monitors making it awkward and clumsy. I do worry as well that we are not bonding properly. I adore him and he likes it when I get to cuddle him but he stares at my face intently with no particular recognition. I think he sees me as just one of that vast team of people who look after him. My milk has come back a little bit but not much and he still hasn't taken to the breast. I think it will be too difficult now to get him to give up the bottle for the breast! Still, they want him on the special formula at the moment.

I am also half really scared as I haven't been on my own at home with the baby ever and he's my first. I am trying very hard to pick up tips and techniques from the nurses and get involved in his care as much as I can. I am also supposed to be getting some training on all the medications he has to take and when and am due a session on how to spot infantile spasms and seizures.

I am a bit sad that now he's 5 weeks old he is really different from how he was at birth and I feel that I have missed the phases of that change. However, he is alive and seems to be doing very well so I think I should count my blessings. I have been reading about things they should be able to do at 5 weeks and apparently if you put them on their tummy they will be able to put their head up and look from side to side. Sam is still a tiny, floppy baby and (I realised to my horror) has never, ever been put on his tummy. So I put him on his tummy in the cot today and after about 30 seconds he lifted his head and looked around, then made shuffling movements with his legs as though he wanted to crawl!!! I was so proud I almost cried. It never ceases to amaze me how babies know instinctively what to do. These babies of ours are so amazing!!!!

Sorry for the me me me post and for not offering any advice to add to discussions about baby care. I honestly have nothing helpful to add!

Oh, actually I do have a tip to share though many of you may know it. Olive oil works wonders on a sore baby bottom! Sam had a very sore bum and the nurses tried various lotions and potions that all seemed to make it worse. Then one of them sent me to Boots to buy some olive oil (no idea how it differs from the cooking variety) and it has worked wonders .

Empress so lovely to get an update from you! Really hope you get to take Sam home on Friday!

He does know who you are dont worry! I thought the same when Hunter was in scbu but he knows me and hubby well! We used olive oil on Hunters hand where his cannula was and on his leg where his long line was, it really helped the dryness and soreness.

Is Sam having Cow and Gate nutri prem?

Xxx

Ooooh... I hadn't thought of that!

He had his cannula taken out of his arm yesterday and it looks sore and he has patchy bits on thigh and neck from lines. Will put the olive oil to further good use tomorrow then!

He's having 'SMA High Energy' apparently. I've always been very anti-formula but he is so tiny and my expressing is so slow that there is no choice. I have had to back down on a lot of things. DH and I are a bit suspicious of too many medicines in general but it seems silly to object to paracetamol and calpol when he was on morphine and dopamine for the first four weeks of life! LOL!

So glad Hunter is doing well. I love seeing the pics on FB.

Empress I feel the same about giving in to things like dummy formula etc but in the end we just wanted them to do whatever was best for H, I'm sad about the BF not working out (he will latch and feed now but not enough to rely on exclusively) so we do it for comfort, I'm still expressing tho! So carry on with that if you are still getting some out, you can build your supply back up.

Are the hospital giving you some of that formula to bring home or can you get it on prescription?

What teats/bottles does Sam have?

Oh Empress thanks for the update!

Don't worry about bonding with Sam, he knows exactly who you are! At 5 weeks they are still tiny and not very good at seeing so dont fret over looks which are a bit empty iykwim. In a week or two he will be looking right at you and smiling!

Re formula etc, as you say you just have to do what's best. We all have an idealistic view when preg what we want from water birth to bf'ing and for many it just doesn't work out like that. You just have to go with what's best in the circumstances. If you are still keen to breastfeed, does the hosp have a lactation consultant who could talk through the options of getting started now?

As for tummy time, don't think DS had any either til 4/5 weeks! I just didn't get round to it. All seems ok tho!

Anyway, sounds like you are doing a grand job. Don't worry about going home - you will be fine and will pick everything up as you need to.

Empress it's lovely to hear from you! I didn't know about the olive oil! I'll bear that in mind because it sounds nice and gentle. I'm so pleased to hear Sam is progressing. Being on your own with any baby is daunting - I wasn't on my own with Faithlet til she was 6 days - but it's natural for you to be nervous. All I'd say is it'll get easier the more you do it. The tummy time sounds good. You can achieve the same effect with him laid on your chest and bringing his head up.

Well last night was tough - we tried 1/2 a bottle before bath (good, she was less grumpy) and 1/2 after. She snoozed ok DH post bottle for the first time but woke in the Moses basket. Took lots of feeding for 2 hours til 10.30 to settle Faithlet! Bonus though? She didn't wake til 4! If she dozes off on DH tonight I might ask him to stay up with her so we both snooze then feed her at 10.30...worth a try!

Sounds like an improvement faith!!

Our dream feed went slightly better. Sort of. DS went down at 8, dream feed at 10.30, settled by 11 and slept til 3. Buy would NOT settle after that by 4.15 I gave up and drafted in DH to help as was a) shattered and b) was starting to get frustrated with LO (sounds awful I know).

Sounds like LO got a little bit more sleep but only an hour or so and DH gave him some ebm so I could sleep a bit more. Going to persevere a bit more!

great to read everyones updates- you are all doing so well!

im here for a bit of memememe but am in a pickle- any opinions welcome!

i currently live in a newbuild 2bed flat.. i don't know if anybody has one or been in one but they are ridiculously warm (have lived here for 4yrs and never put on heating)

when the weather was slightly cooler the babies were sleeping so well- 5hr stretches about 2/3weeks ago.
its now getting warmer weather and so is my flat. on a cool day with aircon/window open jn my room its not really dropping below 25°.
I've tried almost every combination of clothing/sheets/lightweight sleepingbags and they still wake up every few hrs too hot. i dont think it helps that there is 4ppl all in one hot room.
basically im considering putting them in their own room. their room is cooler and easier to temp control ect.

my worry and debate is SIDS. Safer to be in a cool room sleeping better on their own (small flat and about 10steps front me still anyway) or boiling hot in with me??
x

empress glad to hear you are doing well and be home soon! It's really scary being alone with baby for first time for anyone I think!

I actually love Ewan, he soothes me let alone baby! She is napping with him now, last night we got from 11-5, she woke a few times but resettled herself with Ewan and dummy. Letting her nap now hopefully till 9.15 then we have baby massage to get too.

We did have a major wobble last night though, 10pm feed, I gave infacol first and she had a meltdown refusing to feed for about 30 mins, just screaming instead. I don't think she likes the taste of infacol.

At weighing yesterday was 10lbs 11oz, so sticking to her centile which am pleased with. She had a wee on the scale :p

kitten I hope your night went a bit better, I don't really have any advice but it sounds like you would really benefit from a breast feeding support person visiting, is there anything like that in your area?