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!

Hi mzzzf,

I don't know if this will help but have you read up on Purple Crying? purplecrying.info/

It might explain the inconsolable crying in the evenings?

As for how you are feeding, who is making you feel bad? So long as your baby is fed and loved why should it matter if it's formula or breastmilk? Don't let anyone make you question your choices. If you couldn't feed then you didn't have an alternative did you? But equally it is every mum's right to feed however works best for her for whatever personal reasons she has and it's no one else's business to judge that.

Mzzzf DS is really tricky in evenings / nights. Last night he cried / feed from midnight till 5am. Have no idea if he is hungry or just comfort feeding or just crying just because.....it is really hard. My mum says me and my brother were the same though and had an hour of crying for no reason in the evening.

Am at first timer as well. I don't mind the not sleeping and constant feeding (ok I mind that a bit.....lot) but what I find hard is the constant worry about why is he crying and constantly fretting its cause something is wrong that I am not getting. That purple crying thing looks v helpful. Thanks for sharing.

Hi everyone. I had my first dd on 11th August weighing in at 8lb7oz. She's amazing but it's tiring work isn't it!

Mzzf don't feel bad about the bottle feeding although I know that's easy for me to say. I've been doing all sorts to keep my baby hydrated because she has latch issues and it's killing me but I was paranoid of her losing weight. She's having breast, formula via cups or bottlea and expressed milk so literally a mixture of everything going. I'm worried I'm not going to be able to establish breastfeeding though because I'm doing everything you're not supposed to do like give dummies and bottles etc.

We've been referred for tongue tie as well but it won't be looked at for another week so will have to keep persevering with what we're doing. The lack of sleep at night was getting to me though due to her not getting satisfied so I'm just happy that she's happy.

Aren't the emotions of the early days just crazy too? I just randomly start crying for no reason.

Tonight I went to bed early while dp watched dd because I'd had no sleep for ages. I'd left 60mls expressed milk for her. Woke up at 01:30 in a blind panic thinking something terrible had happened because I'd overslept and that dp might have fallen asleep cuddling her and I know he'd had a drink. Never jumped out of bed so fast! Anyway they were both fine. Dd was sleep in moses basket and dp asleep on sofa.

Boobs are like rocks now though because ive missed a feed from being asleep so off to express i go seeing as dd is asleep for a change.

Anyone using nipple shields? I've just started using those as well to help with latch issues. Dd fed for 30 mins with it but was still starving and took a further 60mls by bottle so I'm still not convinced they're being affective. Or maybe I'm just not feeing her for long enough.

Thanks waiting, it's good to know I'm not the only one. DH keeps saying to me "what is wrong with you now?" But I honestly can't say exactly, just feel weepy for no reason. Any little thing sets me off.

Mzzz don't let yourself feel bad about your feeding choices, like others have said all that matters is that baby is safe, loved and fed. You have to do what is right for your baby. I was determined this time around not to let anyone make me feel guilty if I couldn't BF, and ironically the only pressure I'm getting is from DH who can see me struggling and wants me to switch so he can help out more. If I thought ds wasn't getting enough I'd switch in a heartbeat.

Welcome Dozy and congratulations on the birth of your baby! Your post really made me chuckle as I've done the waking up in a panic thing many times! DH keeps ds downstairs every evening so I can sleep, just bringing him up for feeds. The amount of times I've leapt out of bed convinced that he's fallen asleep and dropped him/ rolled on him etc!! Of course the reality is they are both fine (playing Xbox).

I also fed my dd (who is now 4) in the way you describe, she had formula, expressed breast milk and was breastfed. She's a bright and healthy little girl now, I'm so proud of her. She seems to be coping well with having a baby brother, although she needs a lot of reassurance from us.

Thanks for the support ladies and the purple crying link.

kbro yes that's a massive part of it too! Feeling crap because I don't know/can't fix what's causing the crying.

At night mini mzzzf sleeps on my chest with me propped up in bed as she's so mucusy that her sleeping on her back doesn't last very long, so I'd rather she get more sleep than not. But I really need to get her in the Moses overnight! Argh!
But it's so lovely having skin-to-skin with her in the twilight hours even despite the lack of sleep.

Hello lovely ladies and babies!! My little (big 8lb 15oz) Molly was born on 15th August.
I 'think'...hope we're doing ok! She feeds every 3 hours, although the breaks are becoming shorter for approx 15mins. Had a bit of engorgement but today I've been militant at swapping her from breast to breast.
Mzzzf-totally same as you, does not like the Moses basket, just DH or my chest!!

Xx

Hello all newbies. Welcome and congrats on all these new babies!

We have had a day of constant feeding. Is this normal? He has fed basically constantly since about 1pm? Do newborns just do this? I had his latch checked by midwife who thinks he is latching fine. It just makes me worry he is not getting enough food.

Welcome to all the new joiners!

Kbro, I don't know I'm afraid as my ds is having problems feeding due to tongue tie so is on and off the boob all day but only having short feeds each time then suffering with colic after each one. Is this similar to yours? We're getting the tie snipped next week so hoping it will help regulate feeding.

Hello and congratulations to all the new people.

Kbro I've had the constant feeding here today. It's been really hard, DS has been feeding pretty much since 5pm, apart from 2 15 minute naps. When he's not feeding he screams. Thought it might be wind but as soon as he gets a sniff of milk he calms down... Thinking maybe a growth spurt? He's 11 days old today. How has your day been?

Mzzzf & Fanby Same here, my little one doesn't like her moses basket; has only slept in it once or twice when she's been in a deep sleep when I put her down! Much prefers to be on me or DH - not great for our sleep, though!

She seems to be wanting a feed every 2 hours at the moment (occasionally less!) but only feeding for about 10 minutes at a time. I presume the frequency will decrease but the length increases!?

I'm hoping her little cord clamp drops off soon, it looks like its close but its so sore looking! I know it doesn't hurt her, but I feel so paranoid around it because it looks so medical!!

Speaking of sore... I am counting down the hours til my bits are less painful and I can wash with soap! Despite lots of showers. I still feel a bit grimy down there

Hope everyone had a good night last night!

Sounds like these august babies are all the same! Mine dd also does not like sleeping in moses basket and hasn't from day 1. She was the noisiest baby on maternity ward and I desperately needed sleep but couldn't put her in her cot. She's getting better though. I now use a dummy to settle her in the cot. She soon spit's it out when she asleep. Didn't really want to start using one so early on when establishing breastfeeding but I needed sleep. Last night has been the best night for feeding and sleeping. She's fed 2 hourly on the breast but settled in between whereas the other nights she wasn't settling from feeing and I was having to top her up.

nonlonger mine has a tongue tie too. We're not sure if it's enough to have been preventing her feeding but she's been referred anyway and they can decide. Using nipple shields which has made a huge difference. She goes on straight away and is definitely getting milk now.

Safe to say my milks definitely in now at 1 week old! Feeding from one boob at night and the other one is leaking all over her poor thing. Got up to change her nappy and was leaking milk all down me and over the changing table. I must have looked a right sight!
Had a go at feeding in front of visitors yesterday who weren't family. It's not the waist because I find being covered up claustrophobic so prefer to just have my boobs out. When she goes on quicker it'll be easier. I'm actually typing this as I'm feeding her so this is also a massive improvement. I used to sit so rigid and my arms were so stiff because I was scared of her loosing the latch once I finally got it.

Hope you have all had good sleeps too.

Dozy I am seriously contemplating a dummy too, at the moment I tend to use my finger for her to suckle on if she's fussy, but not hungry, but I might just bite the (rubber) bullet and go for it!

And yes on the leaking! I woke up with ginormous boobs yesterday (after my MW said she doubted they'd get much bigger! Ha!) and they leak like billyo! Seems a waste, I was contemplating trying to catch/express it to save - apparently you can keep it frozen for months!

Another one here who won't sleep in the crib! Falls asleep on me but then wakes writhing in pain with wind as soon as laid flat. I really don't know what to do as am just so exhausted. Infacol doesn't seem to be helping. I'm keeping him upright for ages too before even attempting the crib but he still gets bad wind

Am with you on the leaky boobs too. I worry that it will smell as well even though I'm changing breastpads and bra throughout the day.

Oh it's so nice to hear that everyone is going through it! I've just read some of your comments to DH re: sleep/moses basket and he's so relieved, he said you all sound lovely (think he's a wee bit jealous of the mums net love and support lol!). He's just built her a 'nest' in her moses basket by rolling up blankets and some of his t-shirts so it feels a bit more compact - i'll let you know how we get on…she's currently zonked out on me though - on her back this time so all good practise.
It's amazing to type and feed Dozy - go you! I'm also a rigid sitter from the de-latch fear. DH has offered to give me a shoulder rub today, cannot wait.
We're hoping to leave the house today for the first time, I'm beyond excited!!!! :D x

Oh to leave the house!! I've managed only two walks with the pram and DH do far. I feel to self -conscious of my leaky c-section wound and fluid pouch to go out and about properly It just looks such a strange shape due to the dressings etc. Maybe in a few more weeks it'll be better. In the meantime I'm doing laps of the garden!!
I've currently got a little tree frog curled up sleeping on my chest. I think the last few days were a growth spurt, hence the cluster feeds but now I'm hoping we're coming down the other side to longer naps and feeds - we'll see!

A friend of mine also suggested making a nest in the Moses to make her feel more secure so I might try that today!

Oh so nice to know we are all in the same boat. One thing we tried last night with the Moses basket on midwife suggestion was heating it with a hot water bottle and taking it out just before you put baby in. That way it feels like body heat. I'll be honest, made no difference to us and DS spent most of the night going from boob to DH's chest but may work for others?? We are also going to try to towels today to make more snugly. Do any babies actually like the Moses basket?

DS continued to cluster feed all evening and at 3am when he had not had a proper sleep for over 24 hours and fed constantly since lunch time we gave him formula. I just don't seem to have that much milk. I never leak any on my clothes and DS never spits any back up. Not sure if I just have a really low supply and he is feeding loads to try and increase it or its just not coming. Hopefully the former and will settle down in a few days. The formula did really calm him and me (won't lie was slightly at the end of my tether last night)

Mzzzf I know what you mean about the c section tummy. Mine looks really weird shape too. We went for a walk yesterday and when I went into the chemist the woman asked me when baby was due. She was more embarrassed than I was when I said baby is waiting outside in pram with his daddy.

Well we made it out! Managed to do lots of errands-returned library books, went the post office and bank! We even took her to our local for lunch! She was a good as gold, the little cutie. She didn't wake up at all apart from when we were just getting the bill, timing couldn't have been better. Then at home she had a really good feed (still having real difficulty with the latch and it bloody hurts) and we both slept for a couple of hours – her on DH obviously ;) I've ordered some nipple shields with the Ocado order that arrives tomorrow afternoon, anyone using them?

kbro79: Great tip with the hot water bottle!! Gonna try it! I have the bump paranoia that I still look a good 6 months pregnant! Won't be leaving the house with baby anytime soon!

mzzzf: 2 walks is brilliant! Especially with a C-section!! I'm not looking forward to cluster feed day(s)...

Well done Fanby on your excursion. We were hoping to go out for dinner as DH is back to work tomorrow but it just never happened. I was too exhausted and had a splitting headache. DH got us fish and chips and we had a glass of prosecco instead!

Will also try the hot water bottle trick tonight. Hope you all get a bit more sleep tonight. I am starting to dread night time now.

all round for no sleep, cracked nipples, post pregnancy bodies, aches and pains and all the other new mum joys no - one ever mentions!!

Well done on getting out Fanby - I managed my first solo trip out with DS today... Only to a friends house but it felt like a massive deal!

I know exactly what you mean about the night time dreads nolonger - for me it's the unknown. I feel like I'd deal with it much better if I knew what kind of night it was going to be but as the evening draws in I get more and more anxious about how the night will be. After some major cluster feeding for about 24 hours I'm hopeful tonight will be better than last. Not sure how much more my nips can take

Witt the Moses Basket sleep problem I know it's not for everyone but we've cracked it by swaddling. Once DS is fed and sleepy we swaddle him then let him fall properly asleep on one of us. Then when we put him down he tends to stay down. Might be worth a try.

Well done ladies on your trips out! I've only been to the in laws, but waiting for the weather to be a little bit nice so we can hopefully go for a little stroll somewhere! Am itching to try the pram properly!

Fanby My DH made a little nest for her in the moses basket with clothes, too! We noticed she loved the car seat, which sort of cocoons her, but obviously we can't let her sleep in there! Seems to have done the trick; it's still not her favourite place but if we get the timing right she will snooze in it for a bit!

The little clamp on her belly button came off this morning, which I am thrilled about as I have been dying to clean around the area but have been so nervous in doing so!

Hope everyone had a good night last night!

Hi all, how was everyone's night? Ours wasn't great although got a 2 hour stretch after swaddling so thanks for the tip clstow!

Once the trapped wind took hold though there was no respite and DH put him in the bouncer chair at 6am after I had struggled for 90 mins to settle him in his crib. I don't like him sleeping in it as I have heard horror stories but it really seemed to help alleviate his colic.

He is now sound asleep on my chest while I catch up on OBEM.

Yep ours was terrible as well. However he did have a massive nap this morning so DH and I went back to bed. Massive respect to you second time mums and dads who have an older child to deal with during the day and can't sleep the morning away.

DS seems to be feeding a lot better today and I seem to have more milk. Although my poor breasts are so sore from the feedathon that was the last 2 days.

Nolongerwaitin think a bit of OBEM might be just what I need too.

We are going to give swaddling a go tonight. It seemed to work in hospital but we haven't tried since. Have also introduced a dummy. Was determined to not for first few weeks as worried about it effecting breast feeding but I need to sleep and I honestly think he would be attached to my boobs for 24 hours a day if I let him. Some of it must just be comfort sucking.

OMC1 I know what you mean about itching to try the pram. We went for a walk to try and settle DS but really was just cause I wanted to use the pram. It lifted morale a lot.

Good luck everyone for tonight. We'll get there xx

Hi, can I join you all? I have been reading and finding it so nice to know I'm not alone. It is our second, but our first ds. He was born on the 13th by csection, he is doing well but lack of sleep is starting to take its toll. I also don't really know anyone else who has had a CS so need some reassurance that the incredible bruising and swollen ness will eventually subside. Hope you all get some solid sleep tonight

Didnt get a great night but managed a few hours today. DH went out for a bit, must say, nice to have some space! Heel test went really well, she was so good! Have a couple of friends coming round later and hoping to get to the pub for dinner :)

OMC1: Molly loves the car seat too!! It's a shame it's a 2 hr cut off lol, would be perfect for overnight ;) Great news about the cord clamp, can't wait for ours to drop off! Hope it's healing nicely!

Clstow: Yay for your trip out! Feels like a massive milestone doesn't it!

nolongerwaitingfornumber2: Fishy chips and fizz sounds perfect!! How'd it going today with DP back at work?

Hi Hopeful and welcome! Congratulations on your baby boy.

My little one's cord clamp came off the other day too and it's been bleeding and looks sore but the midwife said it was just where the nappy rubs and so long as it didn't look infected not to worry.

We had a very low key day today where I mainly acted as a bed for ds and watched lots of TV! Managed a bath while he slept in his bouncer as convinced I smell of sour milk. DD was at nursery though so it was easier. Tomorrow will be the real test when I have both and want to start tidying the house a bit. We have gifts and piles of washing everywhere and my parents are coming for the weekend. Even though I'm an adult I still feel the need to clean up before my mum comes over!

Think we might try a park trip in the morning to wear dd out so she naps and I can tidy up!

Hope you have a nice evening Fanby with your friends.

Kbro I'm pleased you feel you have more milk now. We're considering the dummy too and if it does affect breastfeeding then I don't mind switching to formula. I have to be honest and say I don't know how long I will be able to keep bfing up anyway. Think I might go to a support group to get my mojo back for it. At the moment it feels like a lot of hard work especially during the night when I'm trying to keep the light low and not end up swimming in a puddle of milk or covered in baby sick!