August 2015 - Let the Sleepless Nights Commence

[nolongerwaitingfornumber2]

My DC2 was born on 5th August and I'm up in the wee hours feeding away. Anyone else with their August babies care to join me?

I still can't believe he's here and in my arms!

Not sure if it's due to his sniffles or a growth spurt but DS is feeding like mad today and we have several big poo nappies!! Is 5 weeks a growth spurt time?

6 weeks is MaGra so could well be gearing up!

Mini mzzzf used a dummy for comfort and sleep. To get her to realise what to do I hold it gently in her mouth and tip tap the funny with my fingernail to give sensation and that does the trick.

I have massaged DDs tummy to buggery today, done some bicycling legs and had a wee sip of water. Result is two play dough-esque poos and one nice soft one - YAY! I'm officially a poo conossieur!

I think dd is getting massive overstimulation. She gets the screams each evening his last week and the only thing that seems to work is a dark quiet room and being still and holding her. Maybe I need to get her to bed sooner?! As she'd be staying downstairs with us. We have the lights dimmed and TV in very very low but maybe she's not a fan of bake off!

Hi all. Sorry to hear so many of you and your babies are full of cold. The snot sucker is a godsend though...if a little gross I find!

We've had a stressful day here as DS wasn't weeing or pooing at all and came out in a rash. Luckily our GP runs a walk in children's clinic on Wednesdays so we went down and he's fine just got a bit of a virus that should clear up by itself. He's been sleeping loads today after a terrible night where I had to sleep sitting up with him on me and where he projectile vomited all over the bed. Poor mite.

Mzzzf well done on shifting the constipation. I wish I'd read the posts about it and everyone's suggestions earlier as would have been useful here today too.

DS is 10lb 6oz now at 7 weeks and tracking the same centile so I'm happy my milk is doing its best. Fatty, 14lb is amazing. What was his birth weight?

Definitely second getting out and making the small talk. I met some amazing friends first time round just by taking the plunge and speaking to people. Everyone is in the same boat so welcome someone making the effort.

Hoping we all get some sleep tonight despite snuffles and poorly tummies x

Evening screaming is pretty normal, I think. We had it with dd1. Tried co relief and infacol to no effect. She just grew out of it at about 14 weeks or so. I think it was then-ish. The sling and walking up and down was the only thing that had an effect. Even then it was hard work.

Praying dd1 sleeps beyond 5. I might cry if I'm up for the day in three hours.

Nolonger- that sounds so stressful. Poor baby and poor you. Glad it is not serious.

I wish I was asleep.

I hope your DD isn't up too early Joskar - seriously impressed by your baking and hosting skills, you definitely deserve some more sleep!

We use a dummy when DS is tired Frolic, it's a bit hit or miss but when he likes it he Really likes it, if you see what I mean. Try tickling the back of your DD's ears to get her sucking reflex going when the dummy's in, and just hold it in place for the first few minutes so can't be spat out.

Great news on the poo MzzF, isn't it funny what we find ourselves celebrating as new mums.

Congrats to your friend Fatty, one of my best pals is expecting and it's so lovely to think of the babies growing up as pals. Sounds like you are definitely on her side with this new relationship as well.

What time did you express Kbro? The small hours of night (when who doesn't want to forego precious sleep to pump away like a cow?!) or morning are best times for quantity, but your milk will be richer and more filling at night. Still takes me ages to get a bottle's worth.

Hope your DS is ok Nolonger, all sounds horribly stressful.

Have we heard from Dozy lately? Hope all is ok...

Am still having major issues with DS's sleep during the day. He was awake between 1-6 yesterday and a quick google left me feeling horrendously guilty but I still have no idea how to force a baby to sleep. New Ergobaby sling arrives tomorrow so am pinning hopes on that.

Thanks for all the dummy advice. I'll keep popping it in there now and again to get him used to it.

14lbs is great fatty. How many weeks is he now?

I hope you got some respite from the cluster feeding magrat.

Well done on the poo mzzf. Now that's a line I never thought I'd hear myself saying to another grown woman .
People keep telling me that the evening screams are very common. The certinally are in this house. The past few nights we have wrapped ds up and taken him out in the pram for frolicdog's evening walk. The fresh air and the motion seem to do the trick at keeping him calm and not too stimulated. Can you try something like that with your dogs? It's so horrible when they cry like that.

That sounds really horrible nolonger. I hope ds is feeling better and that you are ok too

Cross fingers that you are not getting up for the day right about now jockstar.

We have an ergo clstow, and we're really pleased with it so far. Ds is all snuggly in the newborn inset. The sling fits both dh and I very well, despite him being a foot taller than me.

Hoping you are all having good sleeps. Ds just did 4 hours in his sleepyhead - much longer than he'd go before, so I'm still pretty chuffed with it so far.

Oh Joskar - tell me about the walking up and down. I wear a Fitbit and for the last few days where she's had evening meltdowns I've totted up hundreds of steps!

Nolonger - poor you. Really hope that virus gets shifted soon, poor mite.

Arrrgh posted before I was done!!

Clstow - don't beat yourself up! Is he sleeping at night? And how old is your LO now?? Sometime mini mzzzf is up all afternoon too, she does have 15-20min cat naps maybe but I'm firmly edging to the point that babies are a law unto themselves. And mostly will sleep, eat, talk etc when they want to. So if it doesn't seem to be affecting him and he's still getting enough sleep overall (?16hrs-18hrs I think) then it'll probably be ok.

Frolic - the sleepyhead sounds awesome! Is he snug in it? Or can he still move about?

Right today I have to venture out to buy formula today and I'm going to start wracking my brain for Christmas ideas. Also since DD will only be 4 and a bit months and not mobile I reckon this is the last time for a little while that I can have a lovely tree without little hands 'redecorating' it for me!!

Dd1 made it all the way to 5.45. Usually this would be a catch up on sleep day because she's in nursery so it's just me and the baby but have to be hostess with the mostest today. Gah! I'll be on my knees by tomorrow.

Glad the sleepyhead is working. I wonder if we should have got one last time.

Hi clstow! I've been reading and meaning to post and then get distracted. Time flies so fast now doesn't it! Hope you are all doing well and sleep is getting better.

Dd also had one of those days where she cried a lot and nothing would settle her but she was better again yesterday. And last night I think she slept for over 5 hours which is some sort of miracle. She then wants to feed for 4 hours on and off but that's ok because ive had a longer sleep.

Joskar baking cakes and cooking? I have friends coming to stay this weekend who I've not seen in 7 years and I'm scared enough just about having them to stay and wondering if I can even cook for them never mind bake cakes for them. For once I don't have any plans today though so I should be able to get some things done like cleaning etc.
How's the Uti? When I went for follow up about my tear I said I had uti symptoms that weren't shifting with the antibiotics and the doctor said it was because oestrogen levels were low? He said I be given oestrogen to help it but to leave it for now to see if it sorts itself out. It still feels funny when I pee but it's a different kind of feeling to uti now that I think about it. More like the muscles are contracting rather than a burning.

Wow some of your babies are getting big! My dd has grown out of some of the smaller newborn stuff but still fits in some.of her newborn baby grows. She's 9lb7oz now so she's a pound heavier than her birth weight. So she is gaining weight but it's a slow amount rather than a lot. I'm content with that though.

I'm still trying to catch a smile on camera. She does do them but never when I've got the camera in her face. She's got amazing head control though and likes standing up. She's very nosy and inquisitive. I just love looking at her and into her eyes. I'm still amazed that she's mine.

Had a friend round yesterday who's been struggling to get pregnant. We got onto the topic and she told me she'd just had a failed ivf attempt. I cried with her because I want her to have a baby so badly. She's a lovely person and she's a midwife so it must be so hard for her to go and do her job and be happy when she wants to be in that position herself. And it sounds like the ivf treatment is really crap because she's had no follow up yet about the pregnancy not working or any information about what to do next. It's just rubbish. There is a chance she can get pregnant naturally so I just really hope that a miracle happens and it works. Her twin sister has just had twins just before my dd was born so she's been busy helping her but I bet she also wishes that it was her that had had the babies because it just isn't the same looking after someone else's than it is having your own.

Frolic I use a dummy too. She doesn't use it all the time and can fall asleep without it but it's great for when she is struggling to sleep especially in the car because then she'll suck on it and fall.asleep. as long as she keeps it in her mouth haha. Nightmare if she loses it and she has a hissy fit while I'm driving. Every day though I spend searching for lost dummies. I had five altogether and I'm constantly searching for them. Eventually I find them but I can't understand where they all go to. Just bought some more yesterday to add to the collection.
Nipple shields is another thing I misplace regularly. I only have 2 of those and I can't feed her without them anymore so I think I should I order some more for backups!

DS is 7 weeks and 5 days now. He was 10lb 10 at birth. I think he's the oldest on the thread and the heaviest (born 1st august) he's just a superchunk. sorry to hear of peoples struggles.
I had sleep last night. DP did the night shift. Thing is I'm still knackered and don't know why!

Oh! Dr never said anything about oestrogen levels. Interesting. I still have a low grade infection but the symptoms aren't too bad as long as I drink masses. I'm doing 5/6 litres a day at the moment. I'm thirsty anyway with all the feeding. I'm seeing him next week so I'll ask about oestrogen.

Also have failed to capture dd2 smiling. I need a picture for the thank you cards. Inconsiderate baby!

Clstow I am feeling your pain. DS has been awake for hours today. Way longer than he should have been. Nothing I try works though. He even stubbornly refused to sleep in the pram today despite my fast paced pushing. Still it's one way to get back in shape right?? He looks so tired bless him but won't give in too it.

Frolic we also use a dummy. It is a bit of a life saver but also a double edge sword. On our walk today I to stop about 400 times to put it back in.

Clstow my health visitor mentioned expressing at night but I just can't fight the urge to get back to sleep as soon as DS has finished. But will try morning as tend to do when DH gets home. So basically at the worst time.

DS now weighs over 12 pounds. He really is not my little newborn any more. He has dropped off his percentile a little bit. God knows how. He eats all the time!! Can't believe he is 6 weeks. Where has the time gone? It kind of feels a bit like days go slow but weeks go fast if that makes sense?

Dozy I completely agree about sitting looking at DS eyes. He is just so cute and can't believe he is mine.

Frolic we have tried infocoil but currently trying gripe water as seems to work better for him. Also just walking and rocking round the flat endlessly.

Am convinced DS can fully understand me. Since DH and I mentioned trying bed time he has been back to screaming in the evenings and then on Tuesday I foolishly commented to DH that we are lucky with his nappies as he doesn't leak very often so we are able to keep washing under control. Since then he has pooed on everything I put him in!!

Oh and dozy we also lose dummies constantly. God knows how as DS is never off me at the moment. It's not like he is wondering round by himself. So frolic if you succeed with them my tip is by lots. As the constantly get dropped or lost!!

I take a spare dummy everywhere, and a pack of tommee tippee sterilising wipes. They are brilliant for giving the dummy a quick clean when DD has had her hands on it.

Fatty my friend introduced me to those wipes just this week. They are a life saver!

Good evening!
I'm feeling pretty pleased with myself today. I managed my first outing in the car with ds. We even took frolicdog with us. It was so good to get out after 4 weeks of not driving. My section scar felt fine and everything went smoothly. We visited my parents at their new house and ds kindly christened their new carpets with his wee!

Ds has plenty of room lengthways in the sleepyhead, but it's also quite snug on the width. He likes to put his nose against the edge of whatever he sleeps in, despite my attempts to move him. It says they last until 8 months, but I'm not convinced that it will. It's definitely been worth the money so far. He sleeps so well. We went back to sleep after dh left for work at 7:30am and

Whoops - posted to soon.
We then slept until 10:30. It felt like a massive lie in

I hope the hostessing is going well jockstar and that you are having a lovely time with your friend.

How sad for your friend with the Ivf dozy. A few of mine have had similar problems and have found it quite difficult to be around me since I fell pregnant. I totally understand but it also makes me a bit sad. You sound like a fab friend to her.

I'll definitely stick up on dummies and sterilising wipes then - thanks for the tips. Ds will suck his for a few minutes now, so hopefully we can build up to using one properly. It's very cute that he keeps trying to suck his thumb, but a dummy is much easier to get rid of than a thumb.

Fingers crossed for some good sleep all round tonight.

Have had a fun day with my friend and lovely to see my boss and his wife today too. Tomorrow I brave the dentist with dd1. Eeek! Wish me luck!

Have you tried expressing from one side while feeding on the other? Other thing is looking at the baby while you express. I hate expressing with a passion. I had to do it for 8 hrs a day last time and it was dreadful. I hardly used to get bugger all.

Here's to sleepy babies!

I expressed loads in the beginning to up my supply but now I can't be bothered. I'd like to start building some freezer milk up though for bottles if someone has her rather than giving formula. I'd be interested to see how much I can get off now Im not doing it all the time.

Morning all! Not the best night for us but not the worst. Poor DS has had heaps of trapped wind the last couple of days... Am giving up on infacol and moving on to Dentinox. Kbro how do you give your DS gripe water? We have some but attempting to give him a teaspoon resulted in me basically pouring it on his face - some went in his mouth but more by luck than design! Would like to try again though as many people seem to swear by it.

Great to hear the first car trip was successful and the sleepyhead is working so well Frolic, its amazing what a difference some stretches of sleep can make.

Good luck at the dentist Joskar, I have an appointment next Sat and already dreading it...

Glad you hadn't left us Dozy. Sorry to hear about your friend, now I have DS I can't imagine how horribly difficult it must be to desperately want a baby and not be able to have one. And working around them all day as well must make it ten times worse. I hope she conceives soon.

I also want to express and freeze but find it so hard to find the the time to do anything at the mo. Once I've cracked the latest challenge (sleeping inside in the day) then expressing is my next priority. Never a dull moment with these babies

Haha yeah your last statement is very true!! Dd was not her usual self last night. She did sleep her usual five hours after her bottle in the evening so woke about 3:30. Fed for 1-2 hours as per usual with only a little nap afterwards. Then cried and sobbed for an hour and I didn't know what was wrong with her. She'd latch on and suck but then cry whilst on it. She'd had wind from both ends so I don't think it was wind. Went to get a bottle and that made her instantly happy! Completely drained it and fell back asleep. Have no idea what was wrong with my boob though because she didn't want it at all. I'm used to feeding frequently all night so there should have been milk there. It's so frustrating isn't it! Hopefully that was just a one off and she'll be back to feeding off me today.

Visitors arrive tonight. Looking forward to it but haven't seen her in about 7 years because she lives in Canada and she's coming with her husband who I've never met. But I'm sure it'll be fine and we'll have a great time. I'm not very good at hosting people though and having food available for them so will try do a food shop today if dd let's me.

Hooe sleep has gone well for the rest of you.

Not a great night here either! Ds slept beautifully all evening, but as soon as we went back up to bed he started getting fractious. He took ages to settle and then only slept in short bursts from about 2am. Ah well, you can't win them all.

Dh is off today so I'm making the most of it and have been up doing stuff while he had cuddles. It's an absolutely beautiful day here today. I love this time of year and sunny days like today are my favourite. It's so lovely here in the autum sunshine and so peaceful as the holidaymakers have all gone home. We will definetly be hitting the beach this afternoon.

I'm another one who wants to try and build up a frozen milk stock, but can't find the time to express. There are so many other things to be doing when ds is off the boob.

Happy Friday everyone

DH and I booked our holiday for next year so stayed up in bed last night talking about it- cue me at 3am trying to do a night feed on only about an hours sleep eek!! Clstow I gave DS gripe water with this pipette thing that the health visitor give me and a couple of doses seemed to help his wind. We've certainly been having lots of big poos!!

DS is 5 weeks now and is starting to notice everything so much more and also fight sleep! Just managed to get him down in his vibrating bouncy chair! And ad I typed that, he wakes!

Dozy have you tred online shopping? I never used to but since having a baby it has totally made life more manageable!
We went to visit my work earlier this week and a woman there who I'm quite good friends with is desperate for children but nothing has happened for her and it's so hard as she's pleased for me but I can see how tough it is for her. She'd be such a good mom as well I think. It took us 5 months to conceive and at the time felt like forever but we are all incredibly lucky.

I was trying to express for a few weeks but just couldn't keep up with DS as his appetite is huge!

Clstow it's tricky with the gripe water and the spoon just went all over his face too! We used the teat from a bottle and put it in that then got him to suck on it. Pulling away as soon as he's done so not to create more wind by letting him suck air in. We also dipped his dummy in it too but not sure how much he got. I don't understand why they don't make it in a bottle like infocoil. Would be so much easier. If I do have any expressed milk ( which is hardly ever) or we are giving him formula then I put it in the bottle with the milk.

This napping thing is hard work. He has been awake constantly since 9:15 this morning. Am sure this is not good for him. Have fed, walked, rocked, held. Nothing. Still awake. Go to sleep Aidan!! If I manage to get dressed then we are going for the longest walk this afternoon.

Oh so sad for people struggling to conceive. Although someone I know who was I just found out is 14 weeks pregnant. V happy for her. Esp as last time I saw her she was v down about it and I was heavily pregnant. Now I have DS I understand a little bit more how much it must hurt. Dozy that must be so hard for your friend working with pregnant women and babies all day. We were so lucky that it happened striaght away (despite the daily mail leading me to believe at my age I would be down to my last egg) Had to keep reminding myself how lucky during terrible sickness but so grateful.

Hope everyone with colds and bugs is feeling better. Can't believe is Friday already. Another week gone! But hurray for Saturday and DH being around to help with this bloody napping.