May 2013 thread our new and not so new arrivals

[BeauticianNotMagician]

Hi ladies

Just thought we could all really do with this. Rather selfish a its mostly for the thousand odd questions I have and things I'd like to share/ vent that no one else would understand.

We've all been together so long I even talk about you all to DP

Buttery - do you want to increase supply? If so expressing might help but putting the baby to the breast more regularly is the best approach.

Buttery-when you say express more, do you mean more often? Then yes . I express until no more milk comes out. For me, that's now only 10mins. But it took a lot longer in the beginning.

A has turned into a milk monster. Please let this be a growth spurt! Shame it didn't happen a few days before yesterday's appts.

DXB you certainly NBU! But men seem to need to be asked to do things. It doesn't seem to enter their heads.

Woohoo great to see some new joiners!

I'm so sorry to hear of all the arguments - it is tough when sleep deprivation makes everyone irritable. But hang on in there, it's just a phase. The other evening when DH got home from work, the LO happened to be settled, so we sat at the table and had a beer and a chat. It was so nice, felt like ages since we'd had a proper chat. Made me resolve to try and do that more often. It only needs twenty mins but makes everything so much easier.

All going ok here. Still relying on quite a lot of formula top ups and still hopeful that I will be able to up my supply. I've been drinking mama tea, and loads of water to stay hydrated. Am going to try pumping more, but find it hard to find the time. Any other tips gladly received.

A is now four weeks and sleep is slowly improving. She went from 11pm until 3am and then 4.30 until 7am last night. I can survive on that.

Spent the day at my MILs yesterday. Before I had a baby, the idea if spending a whole day there without DH would have worried be but I had such a nice day. It was so relaxing having meals put in front of my and having other people wanting to cuddle the baby. Definitely going to do that again!

beaut just saw on FB that you're having a tough day. Hope you are OK. Cut yourself some slack and don't feel guilty

Is it ok for me to join the Facebook page? Can someone give me the group name? Is that ok?

I'm sorry OH's are being hard work! It's the last thing you need when you've got a new baby to deal with.
I had a better night last night, despite J being so bloody snuffily, poor lamb. Thanks for the recommendations about the nasal spray and aspirator, they really work.
I hope everyone has a good day.

Hi everyone. Can I join you over here? Pippa Violet was born at home on the 4th June. x

Congratulations, Clueless.

I've got my self into a state. My DM has been nagging me to talk to the drs about A having outstretched hands a lot. She will grasp your finger, but it's quite loose.
I didn't think much of it. They noticed it on the unit and didn't say anything, more of a 'awwww, look'.
But I've just googled it and it's called hypotonia. It can just be down to prematurity but it can also be a sign I cerebal palsy (also more likely in preemies). I'm now worried sick, especially because of what happened at birth with the whole cord clamping fiasco. I've got to wait 8 weeks to see the consultant again.

Why the hell did I google ?

Welcome Cluelessnewbie! :)

Having an awful day today :( my infected/thrush affected breast is only producing 20ml per express and it is getting more and more painful. Finally had to give in and give baby formula. Have no idea what to do now. Whether to continue expressing from there, and feeding from the other breast, or whether to decide on going for pure FF. I've just had an awful few days, and too much pressure on myself to produce milk.

I also don't know if baby is colicky or was just hungry. She makes straining noises and movements, and I'm wondering whether I should offer her infacol? Health visitor said its normal for babies to cry when pooing :(, there's no need to give anything but I think baby needs something! Anyone else used infacol?

Also, any suggestions on which formula milk to give? Gave baby some actimel, but need to go out and get some more. She isn't constipated but strains and cries a lot when pooing. DP thinks its because of hunger, I think it's because she is struggling with pooing.

Roast potatoes, which formula milk do you use for topups?

To those asking about spots: DS1 had them, DS2 now has them. Our pediatric nurse says it's hormones - they get them as teenagers (years) and as teenagers (days) .

I really wouldn't jump to any conclusions about intolerances if they are the only symptoms!

They should vanish on their own in a week or two.

Sorry not actimel, aptamil

Buttery I use cow & gate - tried her on the comfort milk last night/today but she doesn't seem to like it so have gone back to the normal one. I used the SMA ready made one to try at 1st but she was sick more with it than with breast milk and is hardly sick at all with cow & gate.

Used infacol for a while (need to let it build up before its really effective) but currently using gripe water sometimes.

Expressing will inceease supply albeit not as efficiently as BFing.
Just had a killer day. Went to my 6 week check with DD & was sent to hospital for an ultra sound as I've had a very sore lumpy area on on side of my stomach - like someone left a bit of old rope in there in surgery. My doctor did not laugh at this possibility but said we need to find out just what it is. I was so under prepared as I only had an hour and was collecting DS and shopping when she called with the appointment. I had cartons of formula that she isn't taking, no bibs, no wipes and a very bored 3 year old kicking off when she did. Eventually saw gyne who said we can't fit you in til 2.30 tomrw but did temp, urine etc. she felt my tummy & then got boss man who put me on condine plus for pain (welcome back constipation)!and said that although it appears superficial they need to scan with the internal ultrasound tomrw. Yuk and stress. DH will take pm off work so I can go alone. Thankfully eldest was on play date til 6 (getting face burnt cause I didn't pack hat . I'm so sore and can't even lift the car seat. It may well be scar tissue but you just don't know and how long will I hurt. DD on baby gaviscon now so hoping it makes a difference. Moan moan - sorry! I dyed my roots before getting the boys to school this morning so I was ready for bed by 8am.. It's all so overwhelming.

My lo has been ever so sickly since we had to over feed her to get her weight up. All my lovely baby grows are staining from my milk; what can I use on them? X

There is a green bar of old fashions red fairy washing soap which takes out everything including hardcore explosive poo stains. Shop around for it - I got it in a hardware shop here.

fashioned sorry using my phone and I'm all thumbs as usual

Ahhh and it's a green bar .. See above why I'm so all over the place

Ahhh and it's a green bar .. See above why I'm so all over the place

Aw Fork step away from Google. You poor thing. I'm sure it's nothing especially if they noticed it on the unit and weren't concerned. If you are really worried can you look at getting your appt moved forward?

Bunny - we use Nappysan, it's great.

Buttery - some people feed exclusively using one breast only, it's definitely possible if you want to try. You'd be able to re establish supply in boob two once the thrush is sorted.

I had such a fussy baby last night between 22.00 and 00.00 lots of feeding, lots of straining to poo, not wanting to be put down. Then at around midnight she filled her nappy and I could feel her entire body relax. She then slept till 04.30! Woke up to feed and is now lying next to me being awake, but am hoping for another snooze. Think those 4.5 hours is the longest stretch of sleep I've had in weeks!

nofork if it is reassuring in any way, my ds has hypotonia. He doesn't have cerebral palsy and just needs to do special exercises shown to us by an occupational therapist, otherwise he's fine and it doesn't affect him too much.

Nofork try not to google. I'm sure everything will be fine. Any problems would/will be picked up swiftly I'm sure. Sending you hugs.

10 Glad you are feeling happier and sorted things out with your DH.

MIL came over yesterday. Aarghh usually I get on great with her but she is really doing my head in. Every time T cries she tells me to feed him, she went mad as I kept older two off school and she said I shouldn't be drunk in charge of a baby (I had two small glasses of rose and DP was home and completely sober). On Saturday I have the pleasure of going to the park with her and all 3 children as DP is working. I'm dreading it. I don't want to feel bullied all day plus with all the walking this week, walking around a park does not appeal to me.

Rant over

beaut my MIL visited everyday for the first four days. She sat on the sofa whilst DP ran around bringing her cups of tea and did nothing to help; except stay for at least 2 hours each visit and give DP bad advice. Luckily, she lives far away and has gone home now. I know how you feel.

Thank you all!

Feel much better. After posting she spent the evening grasping things and sucking her hands. . But she definitely followed the same patterns of the video I watched online, do I'll be asking next appt. Tiger thank you. Just what I wanted to hear .

10 sounds like a lovely evening has cleared the air (and with the wardrobe fixed too!). I think it's very easy to forget how much stress and the emotions you go through. One of the worst times for me was the week in hospital before hand. I could tell how concerned the drs were. I had the top consultants coming to talk to me etc and I couldn't get over the enormous anxiety until she was born alive. I know that sounds over dramatic. Then every little blip on the NNU sends you into a spin too.
Beaut I wouldn't be standing for that! And she was in your house at the time too? I think you need to think of some passive aggressive lines to snap back at her so you're ready. She needs to know. I've had quite a few small glasses of wine in the past 3 months!