March 2013: Smiles, sleep & excellent feeding.....the thread of wishful thinking!

[SoYo]

Well we may as well start the thread on a positive note before the grumbling about the little darlings begins!!!

Wing I've got the same problem tonight. Fingers crossed for both of us! I need a break so that I can produce some more milk if nothing else!

I too will put EBM back in the fridge. Also tend to decant smaller amounts into the bottle to give in case he refuses to reduce waste. Can always top bottle up!

Glad I have always got DS to nap in Moses basket or carrycot, v occasionally in sling. Sounds like one less thing for me to worry about, though leaves plenty still!

And my nips are killing me today. Don't know why, but really sore. Had a blocked duct yesterday but think that's cleared and doesn't explain other side hurting too! Going to express now and see if that's less painful.

Pud, my SdD did sleep downstairs in the basket at first but I guess we slipped into bad habits as DD is so lovely to snuggle! Rod meet back etc etc...

Transfer attempt 1 = fail. DD sleeping in my arms now before I try again.

(And there were too many 'tonight' in my previous post. I saw GP this morning, for instance.)

We had a snorty crap night last night and much the same with dd today. Took her to pharmacist who said we needed doc which seemed bit drastic so rang doc who called us straight back and invited us straight into surgery. When we arrived we were ushered straight through and she was so lovely and thorough and friendly. Dd has a virus, her little heart rate increased as a result. We have cream for rash, eye gel and prescribed calpol which as she's only 7 weeks is given at 1.25ml. Administering all of that at bedtime was pretty hell. If only they could understand that we just want them to be happy and well. Hoping she feels better overnight and that some sleep is on the cards.
pud and Leni I know what you mean about how sad it is that our cuddles can't make them all better and how mind boggling trying to read the communications are when it's grin one second and red faced wail the next. I sometimes think dd misunderstands smiles and what they mean!
wing in a few short months the risks of sids will have passed and you can nap and cuddle with gay abandon. Even on prince Charles' lap. If you are eig ;-) I hope you are feeling a bit more perky? I feel your bottle pain. It's the route to our flexibility so v imp. My dh fecks it up as well so today I interfered and she tolerated the teat happily in her mouth although no sucks yet. We'll plod on with chipping away at the bottle task. Keep us posted how you get on. And...dh used to play for beckenham town. Small world!
eig had a funny vision of your prince patting. He was probably greatly refreshed by some human contact from someone other than Camilla. Sounds like a brill evening. Food any good?
Worc I too have a soft spot for Charlie. I wish his mum would give him the king job. I like his organic farming talking to plants ways. Although not a massive supporter of his blatant infidelity...
plonko north face jacket and boots here too (including on my trip into the city today...shitty rain), maybe we should meet for that walk!
stormy slightly belated happy birthday! What's been the best part of your day or is that still to come?
Last night I was reflecting on my day (good, lots of naps, caught up with people face to face, got fresh air/exercise) and pondered how today might pan out as the diary was totally blank. So I text one of the nct girls with a dog and suggested a walk. She was at a loose end too so we met, walked, exchanged baby and non baby related tales, had a coffee and passed some time happily. I then caught up with this thread and it made me think about how I'm choosing to wade through these challenging newborn days and whether I'm a bit tragic to have immersed myself in 'motherland'. On further reflection I'm really pleased that we did nct (I'm the most ancient at 37 so I fit the demographic! Although justifying cost was hard) because I have met (5 out of 8) people that are interesting to spend time with and crucially who are available. Most of my other friends are at work or distant so having this bank of people to call on has been a life saver. I'm not a maternal type and the thought of endless baby related socialising pre birth was pretty yuck. But we do have something in common (babies) and much more besides. All of us here on this thread seem to enjoy endlessly discussing our babies with one another so why not transfer that to the non-virtual world? Just as enjoyable! I wonder why some people enjoy mumsnet but are turned off by spending time face to face with other mummies. Guess what I'm saying is don't be afraid of baby networks in the real world because if you're on this thread you already enjoy sharing with others in a similar boat and a post natal coffee morning is just the same. But with less biscuits!

Transfer fail again leading to me and DH having a screamy shouting match. I feel like i'm doing everything wrong compared to DS who was a dream. So upset.

Oh wing, hang in there! You're not doing it wrong, it's just she can't talk yet and prob wouldn't really know what she wants even if she could. Hope your night improves.

Jabs for us today and seems to have left little one sleepy. On plus side bedtime was easy, on downside he hasn't eaten so well today and we have weigh in tomorrow. Am quite worried about it. Still, we shall see...

Wing you're not doing anything wrong. The children are just different to one another. Which I imagine is very trying. Is it wine o'clock?
Feeling shitty here too. Maybe there's something in the air today x

MiniYo was yawning & eye-rubbing at 7.30 so decided to try to put her to bed so I could have a bit of peace to snuggle with the dog on the sofa with a glass of wine.....still trying only now I'm trying in the hope of me going to bed too. We've had 3 feeds all with epic transfer fails & screaming fits. I even left her crying for 8mins to see if she'd nod off but it made no difference to her & made me feel awful. The poor dog has gone to bed with no cuddles & I could swear she's covering her ears with her paws!

Eco I agree about meeting people, it seems like some twee idea of earth mothers sitting around initially but actually is good for my sanity & most of them are very normal. Plus it's been my excuse today to have pastries for brekkie, costa lunch & then a slice f white choc, raspberry & amaretto gateaux (amazing). Probably need to meet people a bit less or ill be the size of a house!

Wing you're not doing anything wrong, as long as you're feeding, keeping warm & offering cuddles I'm pretty sure they decide when the ready to do the rest, no matter how bloody hard we try!

Am I the only one who's not fond of Ol' Jug-Ears, then? I must admit I find him very irritating. Possibly because I've yet to come across an inorganic vegetable.

Best part of birthday, I think, was getting out with the man just the two of us. Also, Star Trek was awesome. And my dad was impressed with how well DD went to bed, although his swaddling skills are obviously lacking and she started squeaking just before eleven. Am vaguely hoping that, as she normally has awake-milk then sleeps for seven or eight hours, perhaps she'll sleep through until seven? But I'm not holding my breath.

Kudos to our local fire crew who have just managed to spend 40 mins dousing the fire in our chimney (it is f windy here tonight) without waking the baby. I even managed to move him from Moses basket upstairs to carrycot and downstairs (in case we needed to leave) without waking him up. Think poss the sleepy jab effect was helpful! To bed now and try not to worry how much getting someone out to check the fitting will cost, sigh

Stormy hope you're having success & Wing hope you're feeling better.

Pud sounds like a dramatic night, glad you're all ok.

Less than 3hrs to first feed here which usually signals a bad night. I'm already shattered so it doesn't bode well!

It's ominously quiet here tonight. Either you're all sleeping soundly or too tired to post.

Well after our more exciting than planned (and certainly later nigh!) I am glad to say we had quite a good night. Lad went to sleep 7.30 and woke just before 2. My boobs were like boulders so he had a really good feed, back to sleep 2.45 and just woken up again. Had a bit of a grumble after about an hour, but adjusting him back up the Moses basket so his feet weren't touching the bottom seemed to do the trick. Couldn't tell you when we last had 3 hrs between feeds once he has woken the first time... Prob shouldn't be encouraged, but I have to admit to being quite relieved as I just might be able to catchup on some sleep... Fx we can get back to bed for a bit now when he finishes.

Well she ended up finally feeding till 20 then went down soon after that. Slept till 2. Down again 2;40. Slept till 4:45. We seem to be going backward but I may be completely imagining it.

DH and I made up. He's frustrated by my bfing as apart from when she's in the sling, he says he only gets DD when she's crying and normally the only thing that stops her is to come to me and feed. I understand all that but until she takes the bottle properly there's not much we can do about that.

She woke up again at 6 (on my chest ) and fed lying next to me on the bed. Hopefully snoozing again now.

What Pud?! How did that happen? Actually that's a ridiculous question - sorry

I expressed 8 oz of milk yesterday so had the night off OH is going to see Stewart Lee without me tonight though, hoping he comes home sober...

Charlie is a good guy I think, I sang carols for him a couple of times at St James's palace and got to meet him and his dad but at an informal drinks party so no curtsy necessary, just shook hands. Unfortunately we'd been there all day with no food and then a couple of glasses of Highgrove branded fizz on an empty stomach later I was very squiffy so I could've said anything! To my shame I ended up taking one of the guests home (this was years ago now and no shagging involved may I add). I do remember thinking they both had very purple faces - probably all the booze.

Anyone else get itchy all over when BFing? Not in my boobs, but my scalp, arms and torso all over. Makes me want to rip my clothes off, happens more at night.

We don't have central heating, just a wood fired Rayburn which also does the hot water. DH swept the chimney day before and they think there must have been a but loosened but not cleared that then fell into the inside bit of the chimney and caught light. As it was so windy last night the draw was incredible and there was no real way to shut it down. Weren't about to take risks with LO in the house.

My hives reaction seems to have cleared up stopping the Dom, and the fenugreek seems to have boosted supply again (I'm back leaking and developing boulder boobs overnight and he's nowhere near as fussy feeding) without triggering the reaction which is great. However, did discuss with gp the fact that some people are allergic to the oxytocin and therefore to bfing, esp letdown...? Was worse for me at night as that's when I tended to get hot, which made it much worse.

Wing I just want to give you a great big hug, it sounds like you e had a tough couple of days. I hope it's just a growth spurt and things can settle down soon.

Pud you have been busy! Amazed that LO slept throughout, it seems he had a good night even if yours was more than a little unsettled!

Leni your lassie comment really made me laugh, it's so true.

We totally conquered morrisons yesterday. First time food shopping alone with DS (online shopping totally unhelpful in terms of conquering the fear) but it was absolutely fine. He slept almost the whole way round til he went purple somewhere near the tills. I thought for sure he was going to kick off but he broke into a huge grin and started babbling at me. Upon returning home I discovered he'd done a poonami! Oh well, it was lovely to see people cooing and smiling at my stupendously gorgeous baby.

Busy day here - all the usual hassle of getting up and at em, the. Off to calm down my best friend who dumped her fiancée last night. I was thinking of taking a bin liner full of maltesers and a stack of DVDs. Any suggestions? Then back here as one of DPs friends is visiting tonight.

plonko add a bottle of vodka to that. When I left my fiancé (now DH...) I did shots of vodka whilst my best friend looked vaguely concerned, then we both got a massive attack of the giggles when "another one bites the dust" came on the radio. Bizarrely, a hugely dramatic moment has become one of my favourite "best friend memories".

Vj I do have three unopened bottles in the cupboard. Not stockpiling it I promise! People seem to think we like it and insist on giving us a bottle now and then. If only it were Pinot noir.

Sounds very Bridget Jones!

Morning, ladies.

Well, we only managed to get twenty one ounces into DD yesterday. This is because she never woke up for the 3am feed. Woke at eleven with escaping arms, went straight back to sleep after a four ounce bottle, and slept right through until seven! I just wish I'd slept so well. Went to bed at midnight, the man was feeling amorous and we've yet to master quickies, and then I couldn't sleep. Managed about four hours in the end. Not great, especially as I'm out on the piss tonight.

So pud, you could actually be allergic to breastfeeding? Now there's one to throw at the breast is best people!

Wing yours is about six weeks, right? It's not very long now until she'll probably be wanting to play and be entertained between feeds, and then your bloke will have plenty to do.

Unfortunately it would also make you allergic to sex Stormy - Oxytocin is the love hormone!

Feeling stressed about our claim against the fertility clinic today feels like a lot to think about when I'm so tired. Also need to have a really anger-inducing phone call at some point but so not in the mood.

DS wailed from 5am until almost 10am and I gave him both boobs twice, about 2oz of EBM and he was still hungry! Eventually gave him a bottle of formula and he fell asleep after 20ml. He spent all night jerking around like the robot shark from Jaws again. No idea what's up with him, he's just nuts!

At a guess, leni, I would say something digestive was going on. But what precisely is anyone's guess.

No idea what's up with DD either, she's been napping for two hours now. Put her in her cot at 10.15, there were a couple of squeaks at 11, and it's all been quiet since. Will have to get her up shortly, I suppose.

Blimey - you lot move fast. I turn my back for 5 minutes and you've been up to all sorts.

Eig - you patted his (not so very) highness jug ears on the shoulder did you? You go girl, I bet security nearly pee-ed their pants. Wish I'd been there . Just think, when you're old (and not senile) you'll be able to tell your grandkids about the time you got touchy feely with the future King, and hit them with your hand bag when they say you must be senile.

Pud - a chimney fire . So glad you are ok, those can be nasty. I'm making a mental note to get our chimneys swept now, it's been a while, and I'm fairly sure there will be more than a bit of dislodged soot up there.

Stormy - that's good isn't it, mini-storm sleeping through? I guess it would be better if she'd had a late supper, but hopefully she'll make it up today. Mini-worse also slept through , which I put solely down to the fact that she'd had formula for dinner so was completely bloated out. I swear they put a sedative in that stuff, she goes out like a light, whereas breast milk is like baby-speed in this house.

Wing - the six week bit is tough, second growth spurt and all. It starts to get much much better from here on in, believe me. I've always loved her littlest-ship to bits, but from 6 weeks I began to find her less worrying and more interesting. Once you reach a point where you can set your baby down for long enough to eat, shower, or pee without them immediately melting down life becomes so much easier. And that first eeeewwwww-cooooo makes everything worthwhile it really does. I'm fluent in eeewwww-cooooo now. Tiddler and I have long conversations about world politics and everything in it.

Leni - you've met Charles too . Am I the only person on here to be totally shunned by royalty? I have walked across the park 10 yards behind pop royalty once though, does that qualify me to post? Mr McCartney and his then wife of the time. It was quite funny as I spent 10 minutes thinking who IS that moron with the really day home hair dye job, and that woman has terrible posture. Felt a tiny bit bad when I realised the posture was down to a false leg.... . As for the hair dyd thought, I stand by that. If he hadn't done it himself in the bathroom sink, he needs to sack his stylist.

DD has the same digestive problem as Leni-baby by the sound of it - I'm blaming the formula myself, as it's worst after a bottle. The HV did warn me that switching from boob to bottle can cause a bit of tummy ache.

Good luck with the claim and the call - girl power!!!

VJ you left your finance and then married him?! You certainly know how to play hard to get.... I like your style! Another one for the grandkids

SoYo and eco - you have a point, nothing wrong with mum and baby groups. I was being a bit ironic with my earlier comments. Main reason I don't go is I'm cr*p at coffee mornings. I get bored and want to go for a walk half way through. Plus I don't drink coffee or eat cake. The not eating cake thing is remarkably contentious, as I have yet to meet another woman who understands how someone can really genuinely not have a sweet tooth. Now if they served pork pies.....

Eco - poor little baba . Hope she is feeling a lot better now. How's the bottle thing going now? DD has completely got over her dislike of them and latches on no problem, so there is light at the end of the tunnel. My advice, don't let your DH near until you've succeeded yourself. Mine nearly put the poor child off the bottle for life by just being cack handed about it.

Wors I have most of a birthday cake going rock hard in the fridge because my sweet tooth acquired whilst pg has disappeared again - feels like such a waste...

I just used the Percutol cream the GP gave me for my fissure - it's normally used for angina and it widens the blood vessels - I used the tiniest amount and now my head is going to explode. I am NEVER USING IT AGAIN!!! Do they think making my head explode will distract me from my arse ripping or something? Eugh. God I hope this goes away by the time OH goes out tonight or dealing with a crying baby is going to be nigh on impossible.

I agree these long crying spells and eating must be digestive, I ended up waking OH to take him once I ran out of options, and as soon as I handed DS over he became all smiles and babbles again. Typical! A lot of straining and poo noises happening now as we're about to go and get antihistamines for my new breastfeeding allergy, will leave OH to deal with poonami whilst I die on the sofa.