The posifrikentivity graduates thread - we did it!!

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Finally enough graduates (with more very imminently expected) to have our very own little thread. Yay. :)

jmf its a totally personal choice, if you are really unsure you could get a snowflake decoration (lovely idea and symbol) then if it upsets you you don't have to use it. Though it may be harder to have something that you put away and bring out each year though - rather than something you have around all the time.

pentagon yes 21 months, it was not intentional, she just kept on and on (she has asked if she can have some now but I have said no!). 9 months is definitely good going.

hi shell hope you and Noah are doing well are you back home? x

Ooh it's been a long day!!

Pentagon - how on earth are you finding time for baking??

Jmf- I am not going to do anything. Completely personal choice, and I think a snowflake or something would be lovely. But with my mcs, we didn't get past 5 weeks of growth ( although one was a mmc) so I don't feel I can if that makes sense. Besides, if it hadn't happened I wouldn't have the dd I have if that makes sense. Maybe I would feel different if we had got past 'grain of rice' stage?

Bump - 21 months is impressive! With how we are going now (decision made to stop trying to latch and just express - all the time!!! Hence my late night visits here!) we will be lucky if my supply keeps up to 21 weeks never mind 21 months!! I'm v impressed and jealous of your uber-boobs! :)

Have I really not given my birth story yet? Wow my brain has disappeared hasn't it. Here goes- sorry it's a bit long!

Okay so as was posting, waters went on the Tuesday night. Contractions started, but didn't really become strong or regular (just enough to stop me sleeping!). So Wednesday night I had to go in for induction. I was examined, and as I was 3-4 cm they decided to put me straight on the drip.
Contractions ramped up fairly quickly from there. Was using all the hypnobirthing techniques and managed to go about 3 hours with no pain relief. I know that doesn't sound long, it felt like a v long time with chemical contractions! It must have been about 3am (Thursday morning- still not slept) that I was examined again and told that not only had I not progressed, I had actually gone backwards to 2-3 cm (or had been examined wrong earlier). This broke me! All my motivation disappeared. Midwife said that as I was likely to be another 8 hours, she needed me to get some sleep, and I needed to have some pethidine. I hadn't wanted this, but she's the expert so had it. Wasn't a fan of pethidine! About an hour and half later, baby pink started getting distressed. They wanted to test the oxygen levels from top of her head, but after examining me again I still hadn't progressed so they couldn't get to her. Oh and she was also trying to come out sideways (facing my hip). Because her hr was dropping, and they couldn't check if she was okay, it was straight to emergency c section. This scared the crap out of both me and DH, but the hospital were fab and we completely trusted their decisions.
Once they got me open, she was then wedged, so they had to use forceps to get her out of the sunroof. I lost a lot of blood, and blood pressure started going a bit crazy. DH was most scared by the amount I was being yanked around, and the fact that the anaesthetist (who's second job is to entirely distract you from what is going on!) looked really concerned about what was going on above the curtain! However, about 10 mins after they cut, (longest 10 mins of dh's life!) out she popped was dragged with the big metal salad servers

Turns out their decision to go to c section was completely accurate as she had a very thin cord, that wasn't coiled, and was wrapped around her neck.
I feel very lucky that we had such good care, although it wasn't what we planned at all. My friend whose baby is in nicu at the moment, told me afterwards that the baby in the bed next to her daughter was a full term home birth baby, who had the same cord issue as baby pink. Because they hadn't been at hospital, that poor baby was in a coma. I am grateful every day to the fabulous hospital, and decision making of our midwife.

jmf I view my two missed miscarriages as failed pregnancies rather than babies I lost...I know it sounds a bit insensitive but it's my way of coping. Also I don't know if it makes a difference but my first pregnancy was a missed miscarriage, it didn't feel real until I got to the 12-week scan and then it was bad news. So subsequently, I didn' think of my pregnancies as "real pregnancies" until I had a successful 12-week scan (so my 2nd and 4th pregnancies). But thinking of your baby as a snowflake that melted is really beautiful (which makes me think that maybe I've been wrong and I should commemorate my losses somehow) and getting a snowflake for your links of London bracelet sounds like a great idea: you can remember the baby you lost and think of your DS2 as a present from that snowflake.

ibip I only bake when baby's sleeping and I've had enough sleep Thanks for sharing the fully story - oh my goodness, no wonder it was a bit scary for you and DH but it sounds like you were in good hands and the hospital staff & midwife made all the right decisions and acted promptly. So glad everything went well and you and baby are OK! I could never go for a home birth - I'm sure it's wonderful but I would be too scared that something could go wrong and medical intervention would be needed immediately. By the way, I meant to ask you, do you express every couple of hours and then feed baby when she's hungry?

It was actually quite nice to write it all down. I've kinda been blocking a lot of it out, had a little cry last night when writing that at what could have been. Feel very grateful we are both okay. Although I know it's not the worst birth story ever, it wasn't fun, I just feel lucky.
I could also never go for a home birth! I am reassured by the presence of doctors and resuscitation stuff!

Yes, have been expressing lots! Was doing it 6 times a day, but got a blocked duct, so have now been doing it ever 2 hours while I'm awake, and whenever she wakes up over night. 3 times already today! Unfortunately am only just keeping up with demand, and having to top up occasionally with formula. She is eating a lot though! Like, crazy amounts. Started using a dummy too, as I think she might just be a sucky baby, and not actually hungry all the time. Not sure if that's possible, but seems to send her to sleep.

Thanks for sharing your birth story pink. Glad it's helped to write it down. Wowsers to all that expressing. Did it a few times with DS but it is very time consuming. How much is miss pink drinking of the expressed milk. If love to know how much Charlotte takes at a feed. Must admit didn't feel like much yesterday as she just kept bobbing on and off and wouldn't latch right. Hats off to JMF with 21 month feeding with super boobs.
Needing some matchsticks tonight! Little miss still not sleeping and irritable. Think she windy and I can't seem to get her wind up :(

Hello Ladies! Very happy to be marking my place! Eeek! I have a son! X

Welcome and congrats Garden - sounds like you did brilliantly. Enjoy newborn cuddles .

Lucky - Infacol can really help to shift the wind if it's a problem. It makes all the tiny bubbles of wind stick together so they come up in one big burp. I used it on my other Two and no doubt will need it again soon.

Pink - what a positive birth story and how wonderfully you were looked after. I'm totally the same about home births- u would be terrified. My first was an emergency c-sec and it was so comforting to know that the theatre was just minutes away from the delivery suite and the baby was out in minutes. I just don't agree when people say home births are fine as the ambulance could be there in minutes , ambulances are rarely there in minutes, then you need to get to hospital etc- personal choice I know but give me hospital any day.

Feeding is going better here, my engorged boobs have settled and I no longer have rocks!! He's feeding every 3-4 hours and hasn't lost weight. He's also such a happy little boy- feeling very blessed!!

Hope andadietcoke finds us soon.

Impressed at your baking Pentagon- all sounds yummy.

Thank you all for your thoughts about the MC and how to remember them. Still not decided but I know my snowflake baby is forever in my heart and sent us the most precious gift that I hold in my arms . Xxx

Lucky- mini pink is drinking a shed load! I keep worrying still that we over feeding her. She has 100mils minimum about 7 times a day, working out to be 800mils most days (with top ups when she hasn't had quite enough on a feed). She's growing so quickly! I can't quite keep up with her, so she has a formula feed every other day ish, as my supply falls just short. I'm trying to express more regularly to increase it, but it a faurky strong supply anyway she's just a very hungry baby. Glad in a way she's not on the boob, my nipples would be destroyed!

Jmf- glad feeding is going well. :)
Was your 2nd dc a c section too? I know your first and third were- I'm just wondering as when it comes to the next one, (!!!!!!) I don't know if the fact that I had emergency section this time means better to have one next time(s) too?

Welcome aboard garden! Yay to having a blue one, how exciting when you were thinking pink! Hope you are doing okay x

Wahoo. Big congratulations on your blue addition garden :)
Look forward to hearing all about it .
Thanks for the wind tips JMF. Think I may have used something like that for DS but not sure this early. Will check it out. Fingers crossed that it's ok to use from birth.
I think someway of commemorating the lite one you lost is lovely. I have light candels for the babies I lost on specific days and as you say they will always be with us in out hearts.
My milk has settled down a lot to. In fact am a bit worried maybe too much. Baby keeps sucking but they look empty?! Gosh if I'm not worrying about one thing it's another! Midwife coming today to weigh her so will see how she getting on.
Am feeling the lack of sleep a bit today. She feeding so often I can't really leave her with DH to grab a few hours. Pass the matchsticks!

Pink- my second was a planned c-sec. With that pregnancy I had a number of bleeds in the 2nd/ 3 rd trimester and I just wanted the baby out ASAP before it went wrong. There was never an explanation given. Plus I didn't labour well with the first, he was back to back, I was vomiting a lot and he was big- 9 lbs.
An elective section is a quite different experience in that you go in rested and calmer and I think the healer is therefore quicker!!

My baby is now 1 week old!!

Sorry it's took a while to catch up with you, we had to stay in hospital as I've not been too good and I was very sad being away from DS1 so not wanted to bring the mood down!

All home now and it's brilliant, DS1 is amazing with DS2 it's so lovely And DS2 is so chilled, it's going a better than I could have hoped...all up and dressed in the morning, meals cooked and ate on time etc!

I'm still so happy abt the birth, after DS1's birth and then how awful this pregnancy was it feels amazing to have had such a positive experience, recovery is going so much quicker than last time and the weight has fell off...I just need to get myself well and then it's all systems go!

DS2 is feeding great, much better than last time already settled down to feeding for 20/30mins every 2/3 hours (DS1 was still on mega 24h feeding sessions at this point and only ever got down to feeding for an hour or more at a time!) Altho one boob is getting sore now so I'll have to watch that

lucky we're starting the infacol today too, he is full of wind poor thing so hoping it helps

Yey to being home and things going well Shell :) I'm so hoping that feeding my little one will get easier soon too! DS loves his little sister bit he has been a little emotional and needy. Worried a bit how I will cope when DH returns to work Thursday as his hours are so long that it's like being a single parent.

Congratulations garden how lovely - you sound so surprised! Have you seen his boy bits yet?! Hope you are doing well.

ibip it definitely helps you to process the birth by writing it all down. You should write it somewhere you can keep or print it out as you will forget things and its useful when thinking about the next one, and there's no set rule that you would have to have another c section, but you can choose to if you want to.

shell you sound so happy , so pleased you are home with all your boys!

lucky i hope you get a bit more sleep, how old is your DS is there anyone who can help you when your DH returns to work?

Matilda is 2 weeks today :) she is such a little treasure. We're having a few issues with DD1 and I am definitely coming down with a cold so I'm fretting about the baby getting it but apart from that all good!

Happy 2 weeks old Matilda.
DS is 3:9 . He is mostly being ok but with a few oitbirsts and tantrums. The hours after nursery between 3.30 and bed time are always hard because he is tired and grumpy. My DM said she will help on Friday this week. I'm just stressing a bit in cast the post natal depression I had with DS makes an appearance.

I found you!!!

Will catch up properly later. After struggling to get back to sleep after yesterday's middle of the night feed I'm trying not to spend too long on my phone Fed Charlotte, just waiting for Soph to wake up. We spent a couple of nights in hospital last week and she's still not feeding properly - you'd think I was murdering her!

Hi Anda :)
I've just fed Charlotte too!
Sorry to hear Sophie was in hospital. Is she / you ok?
I have my DS first play 2mor. Hope I get some sleep before then!

Just checking in to nighttime feeding club!

Hey diet, glad you found us.

Pentagon - I think it was you who gave me the baby development book tip? Thanks it is just what I was looking for!
I have also bought - baby secrets. I wasn't that fussed on the idea of a routine before, but a friend recommended it. Wow that woman knows her babies! Have just dipped into it so far, and already had a couple of really helpful ideas, so think we will start a routine soon. Can only try- and if it means we are sleeping through at 3 months- hurrah! If not I guess we've lost nothing :)

I'm the same lucky can't imagine how I'll cope when it's just me on my own....gary/boba needs to come and tell us how it's done as her DH returned to work pretty much straight away if I remember right?

Hope you're cold has come to nothing bump

I am trying to not look at my phone in the night feeds too anda as I'm a notoriously bad sleeper anyway so am trying to stay half asleep during feeds....Noah is testing that by pooing after every feed tho so lamp on and wide awake Hope Sophie is ok today, what's the problem?

It's defo doable pink DS1 slept thru from 4w&6d (with me waking him for a feed at midnight as I went to bed) and I remember it so well cos he gave me a bloody heart attack, I've never panicked so much when I realised he hadn't woken up and it was 6am! I just sat watching him till he woke up cos I was so worried He hasn't slept thru with any real regulatory since getting a cold at 8m tho so enjoy it if it comes as it may not last!

Shell - slept through?! Omg!
Okay at 3 weeks, do yet suddenly lose the ability to get themselves to sleep? My calm easy baby has disappeared and has been replaced with one that WILL NOT SLEEP?! What fresh hell is this?! :o

Hey girls, hope you are all well and babies are being kind to you :)

Thought I'd pop in in case any of you are in the wide awake club like me.

So I'm getting uber period type cramps every 6 mins or so, and (tmi alert) just had a bit of a number2 clear out so I'm hoping things could well be starting naturally (induction booked for Friday). Rang the MW and she told me to ring back when the pain was unbearable and 3 minutes apart but advised I could have these pains for a day or two

Pls keep your fx that this could be it! Eek! I've totally forgotten all my yoga and hypno birthing techniques all of a sudden! Xxxx

Out yey Janey. That sounds really positive. Dim the lights and focus on thinking about your baby. Really helped bring my surges / contractions on strong. Not long now for you either way my lovely. Can't wait to find out what you are having x

Also please don't think of pain and unbearable! In hypno we learnt it as pressure and strong. You can do this. Your body was designed to give birth. Have you got any relaxation music? Also if you can sleep, sleep. You need your energy and make sure you eat and keep hydrated and keep emptying your bladder. I'm feeling all excited for you! Once the contractions had kicked in with my induction I had a major quick active labour of 2 hours! Bit of a shock really!

Thanks lucky still every 6 minutes ish, but getting stronger. Haven't managed to sleep unfortunately but I'm in bed with the lights off except for my oil burner and have our yoga music on really low. It is sore when they come but just bearable. I'm lying in my side for now, I've made a cocoon of pillows. Just trying to remember that every surge is a step loser to meeting the new love of my life

I can't believe this is finally happening (hopefully)!!

Gah! I must have just missed you when I was doing the earlier feed... Mini pink settled in record time, so feed and express only took 1 hour (woo). Not so much luck this time (1 hour so far, expressing just begun).
Sooooo how's it going? Getting any stronger? How flippin exciting! Come on baby Janie, we've been waiting for you!!