February 2016 - our babies are here!

[IslaMann]

New group for those graduating the ante-natal thread

Aw clara what a dote! It's made me realise that my fella has grown (even though he's still titchy for his age! ).

Sorry haven't been on but I have been reading. We're doing okay - still having feeding issues and killer colic but he's gaining tiny amounts of weight each week so the healthcare professionals are happy. The consultant has mentioned weaning at 16 weeks because of the reflux and his issues with the bottle (has a high arched palette and can't get a good suck) but I'd like to get him to 20 weeks minimum - we'll see how things go.

I've ended up really sick this week I think from exhaustion and stress so it forced me to take a complete break as I physically couldn't look after the baby - DH took a couple of days off work and did both days and nights and I think it helped mentally as well as physically to get a break. I'm on my 4th course of antibiotics in 2 months so hoping for a more healthy summer...

((((Mawsy)))) sounds like you're having a tough time but doing really well. Hope you're feeling better and good job dh could take some time off.

Lovely photo!!!

We're doing pretty well. Have been a bit more organised about meeting friends this week and it's definitely been good for me if not the chance of losing baby weight , just back from trip into town for brunch and lovely friend has given me a whole list of baby activities in the area which will get me out and about as much as I want to...

6 week check next week and interested to find out how much babycud weighs, he certainly frels heavy!

Can't remember who was asking about poo but we get loads, hardly ever change a nappy that isn't dirty. Unless there are other symptoms i wouldn't worry...

What a little sweetheart!

We have poo galore here too! I don't think it's anything to worry about unless he isn't well in himself.

Been to work for the first time today, I am officially exhausted and it was only for a morning!

Mawsy glad that your dh was able to take a couple of days off to help you recover.

Re all this talk of poo, is anyone using reusable nappies and what is your view on their ability to contain the poo? What kind are you using? I'm interested in trying them out.

Hope everyone is doing well! I've been ill the past few days and on my second course of antibiotics in 2 weeks The past 3.5 wks since baby pineapple arrived has been awful in terms of illness in the house. DS1 (3) has been ill and it resulted in an ambulance trip to a&e in the middle of the night a couple of weeks ago. Then he got an ear infection and I've been unwell with various things. You couldn't make it up! The baby has conjunctivitis so that was another trip to the docs for drops for him. He looks like an alien with his gunky eyes!

I've been speed reading the thread but would also like to say that Aldi nappies are great and so cheap! And the perfect prep machine? Wow! I would have paid 5x times the price for one of those. It will save your sanity! It either wasn't around with DS1 or not as well known as I made up individual feeds for him. It was hell. This machine is one of life's must haves if you're bottle feeding.

Someone mentioned toilet training an older one with a baby. Jeez. It's rough. DS1's timing sucks! He's so good at going for a pee but does a poo in his pants every time That's seemingly really common which is all well and good but how do I change that??? Gah. Changing pooey nappies is one thing but in pants?! Ugh! Haven't had the misfortune of it happening when out and about. Yet.

I can't believe the baby will be 4 weeks old in a few days. Where has the time gone?? I just want to feel better and "just" deal with lack of sleep!

Oh no purple sorry you are having a rough time I hope DS1 is better now.

clara I used reusables with DD and they were great but when she went to nursery at 3 months they wouldn't use them obviously so I wasn't getting the use out of them and was putting the washing machine on for about 3 nappies at a time which was very expensive. I haven't bothered with DS as I have combined washer dryer and it takes too long! Also DS will be going to nursery in September so will have the same issues again.

Hi clara we used reusables for ds1 from about 2 months. We had tots bots all in ones for daytime and bamboozle with wrap for nights. Before we bought we had a trial from a nappy library (think it was linked to nct) and bought the ones that didn't leak! We found reusables better for keeping poo in but had to be good at changing regularly (2-3 hours ) to avoid wet leaks. I would really recommend trying out some different types before buying if you can. And see if your local council has any cash back schemes I did a nappy wash on alternate days, we don't have a tumble dryer and our nursery was fine to use them when I went back to work. Hope that helps, happy to answer any questions and there are lots of useful websites... i just need to get some motivation to dig the kit out for ds2.

Sorry you're having such a rough time purple hope all the illnesses pass soon. We've just finished a course of drops for conjunctivitis which took about 5 days to really kick in but it's lovely to have a baby with clear eyes! And if you come up with anything that works for the poo please let me know, we have the same problem. For us it's constant skid marks do i don't know if he's aware what he's doing and seems to be holding it in. Eventually he normally does the poo in his nappy at night. This is after he had been clean and dry for a while. aaaahrgh!!!!

Lots of posting at the mo as we seem to be in a hungry phase. Is there a growth spurt at 6 weeks???

DS1 is much better now thanks. He was unwell for a total of about 5 weeks with various bugs! It was awful.

That's good to know about the conjuctivitis, have noticed a slight difference (day 3 of drops) so hopefully it won't be too long now until it's cleared up. My biggest concern is that he picks up one of our illnesses Hopefully he'll be okay. My hands are red raw from washing them so often!

DS1 disappears to do a poo and I've caught him a few times and taken him to the toilet but he always holds it in! Then I miss it later Patience I think is the only thing!

2 kids is so hard I'm finding! It took us 6hrs to try and get out the house the other day! When DP and I are both here it seems hellish trying to juggle the two of the them. Today is my first all dayer with them both and have to tackle bedtime for the first time as DP won't be home from work until after 11pm. Then I'll also need to do the nightshift. Sometimes I wonder how I'll cope. I found mat leave tough with DS1, the monotony and long days. It was a struggle getting out the house. I had mild PND then so I'm worried how I'll manage with 2 as it seems impossible at times. The guilt I feel for the amount of tv DS1 is watching just now is awful. I just don't have the time at the moment to do anything! I'm trying to go easy on myself as I'm only 3 wks in!

So squidgable Clara.

Good to hear from you Mawsy, sorry you've been unwell.

Continuous poo here too. Hv said does she have at least two pooey nappies a day. More like 12! Older dc were the same, I think my milk just goes straight through them.

The dummy has definitely helped with dds wind problems. Wind makes her want to suck, sucking on breast makes milk, milk makes the wind worse. Don't want her to get too dependent on it or for it to interfere with breastfeeding though...

Dd has been in washables since last week. Still wearing disposable overnight as can't be bothered to boost nappy enough to last. I'm not as die hard as I was with the other dc! I prefer two parts for reliability. I don't find the washing a hassle at all but the bulk does sometimes annoy me. For example today dd is wearing a nippa bimble and airflow wrap (my faves) which are excellent for wee and poo containment but the wrap is almost down to her knees. All in ones are less bulky but not as reliable imo. Although dd has an easy fit which I've been really impressed with so maybe all in ones have improved over the past 8 years. Generally I avoid anything with large strips of velcro to fasten as they just seem really rigid around baby's middle. I prefer nippas and poppers.

Hi everyone!
Good to see so many babies arriving safely. Not sure if anyone remembers but I was on the antenatal thread as SweetCharlotteRose. I had lots of anxiety issues in my pregnancy and stopped posting.

My daughter - Eliza Rose. -was born on christmas eve six weeks early after complications with my pregnancy. She's 12 weeks now and doing well. The anxiety got wore after she was born so I've had help for that. It was a difficult time and she was in intensive care for the first 48 hours and we were in hospital for a fortnight.
Here she is at 12 weeks.

eliza good to hear from you! Eliza is beautiful, glad you have received some help for your anxiety.

troika we have not had a problem with the dummy interfering with the breastfeeding, we use it to help with the reflux. He spits it out when he his tummy has settled.

I've been reading but have lost track of all the replies I've wanted to make so sorry if I miss anyone!

Who was who looked at her fanjo and wished she hadn't? Hats off to you, I was too scared! I had a quick look after the bruising had gone down but before stitches went, that was strange. I tested out my clit the other day and it worked!! I remember worrying during the birth of his head that it was being ripped in two, so utter relief that it's still useful :D

mawsy really glad you were able to get a bit of respite. How're things going now?

clara I'm so so pleased you were able to get the support you needed and that you're in the mend. You've got my respect, what a lot to deal with.

Reusables, we're using bamboo Terry squares, 15cm ones from nature babies. We also use wool wraps and then PUL wraps for going out the house or when the wool ones need washing after a poosplosion. Absolutely fantastic, although we're washing every day (don't have enough for every other). We've had a few leaks but no more than disposables and nighttime is quite good. They're also not too bulky as you can change the fold to suit different purposes. The bamboo also dries more quickly than shaped bamboo (veery skies drying) so that's great. We had second hand bumgenius and didn't get on with them at all! Lots of leaking.

Welcome back sweet, sorry you had a hard time. Beautiful baby!

Can anyone recommend a manual breast pump? We were given an electric lansinoh one but the flange is too big and replacements are ridiculous money. It actually caused sores on my nipples!

Sorry I've missed people

haquoi - I have the Medela freestyle and was getting hickies from the medium flanges that come as standard. I bought the small size and it's so much more comfortable. All you need is this - www.mothercare.com/Medela-PersonalFit-Breast-Shield-21mm/677996,default,pd.html - less than £15. Can't see you're going to get a manual pump for less...

Haq I have a Philips avent manual pump I have used once. I can send it to yu for free if yu like? I was just going to put it on freecycle anyway

Haquoi I have the avent manual and remember it used to grate my nipple on the edge of the soft bit when I had ds but hasn't done that this time. I also have the medela mini and find it best to double pump, electric on one boob, manual on the other then switch part way. I have some spare funnel bits for the medela from when I was back in hospital but not sure what size they are or if they'd fit the lansinoh...

Glad you're in working order btw I haven't looked but bleeding got heavier again yesterday and had a slightly bruised feeling down there so had a feel. Fanny is still not at all tight to say the least and I was shocked to discover how low my cervix is. Dr Google says it's normal though...

Some sites say increase in bleeding normal, others say not. Do you think I should worry? It's like a normal period flow, not heavy, no clots, no smell. But it has gone red again after being brown and almost stopping for a couple of days. Dp thinks I have done too much lifting/carrying/hoovering.

I also liked terry squares when I had ds (have some lovely thick ones) but haven't got on with them on dd2 so far, maybe she's still too small. She's skinnier than the other two were. I actually don't find the nappies themselves bulky, it's just when you put a wrap on which is crazy as they're no bulk at all by themselves

Clumsy glad to hear no dummy/bf issues for you too.

Sweeteliza great to hear from you again. I remember you had a problem with the cord, was that what made her early? She is gorgeous and what a smile! Hope you are ok yourself now.

Morning all
A new parenting low was reached during a nappy change yesterday. Half way through the change, DD did what I will described as a bubbly wet fart. Given the power of it, and that her bum was free, some of it splattered me in the face...
Oh,the glamour!!

Mawsy, excellent news re the weight gain. Not surprised re the antibiotics, given you've been through the mill, really hope you've turned a corner.

How did it go with your first day with the two DCs purple? Definitely don't beat yourself up re the TV, no child ever died from an overdose of Hey Dugee, and it's whatever works!

Lovely pic Sweet and good to see you back. Sounds like a bumpy ride, but you're now leading the way given she's three months!

Baking with DS and garden centre today

Hi everyone. purple my DS1 is also watching way too much tv. We had flu in the house all week, first DD had it then DS1 and DH. Well I used the tv to keep DS1 entertained. Now he knows it can go on at times other than the usual times and he wants it on constantly It drives me mental.

I haven't got the flu (yet- touch wood!) and neither has DS2 (frantic wood-touching) so maybe the flu jab saved us which is great.

We had to put away all the 0-3 month clothes today

I'm using Pampers baby dry and they do nothing to hold in poonamis. I never had this problem with my other two. Up the back and out the leg every flipping time However they are good at keeping wees in and in the last week DS2 has been sleeping a longer stretch at night with no leaks so far.

haq you made me laugh thank you I needed that

Northern your poo incident made me lol so much so DS1 asked "mummy! What are you doing??" With this face

Maisie I'm going to have to do the same soon with baby pineapples first size clothes and it's making me wistful This is our last baby so I'm not looking forward to packing away the clothes for the last time. I hope the rest of you manage to avoid the flu! I feel like I'm finally seeing the end of illness in our house (touch wood!). Kids tv is also driving me mental! I'm fed up seeing it.

Hi Eliza your girl is gorgeous. Sounds like you had a really tough time of it. Hope you're doing better now.

My first day with the boys went REALLY well. I think DP being here actually makes me more stressed even though he does loads! How is that possible?? Only when it comes to going out though not everything else, at least I get to eat when he's here! I think when it's just me I just HAVE to get on with it. I was sitting down by 7.30pm with DS1 in bed and actually getting to watch something I wanted on TV for a change. Had a nice relaxing evening. Really wanted a glass of wine but it wouldn't be worth it when i would need to be up during the night with the baby. The nightshift wasn't much fun - up at 3, 6 and finally at 8am. I really don't like being woken up!

They're was a poo breakthrough with DS1 today! I fell asleep on the couch and woke up and he'd disappeared which usually means he's in his room doing a poo in his pants so I got up and saw the bathroom door was shut. I opened it fearing the worst but he was just getting off the toilet after doing his first ever poo all by himself. I'm so proud of him and so freaking happy! I hope this continues!

With regards to if down below is still in working order... I've been worried about this too. I had no stitches this time just grazing seemingly. I have been too scared to look so far! My bleeding has all but stopped now and DP has started putting the feelers out with regards to DTD. Think this will be on the cards soon!

Thanks everyone for the nappy advice! Think we might wait until we have weaned him before switching to reusables as poo is more containablw in theory. A Facebook friend recommended biodegradable nappies in the meantime so we will try those. Can't believe the number we get through!

Eliza is cute as a button Charlotte. I hope you continue to get better from your anxiety.

I got a mirror out on my bits the other day. The stitches seem to have disappeared but left side of labia still feels red raw. Probably a graze that they didn't stitch. Have feeling I might have infection though as need to pee every 10 minutes, it's worse than when pregnant!

Troops I got some fresh bleeding after 3 weeks and think it was overdoing it physically (that's what I deduced from Dr Google!) - not huge amounts mind. It's back to brownish now at 4 weeks. Hope it stops entirely soon! Possible that it could have been first period too, as I stopped breastfeeding after first week...

Purple - I had just one small glass of red wine last night and definitely regretted it at the 1am feed!

Troops = troika, duh!

Had the coil fitted yesterday so bleeding loads

Well done on the poo breakthrough purple

Just off to play my first gig post birth, I hope my lips last and my boobs don't start leaking through my shirt on stage

clara, yes please to the pump! I'll pm you

troika I've had on/off bleeding still and I'm at 5+2 days. It's definitely got less though, mainly nothing but the occasional Brown or bright red spotting. My issue is I'm leaking urine, it's so embarrassing!

Tried to actually dtd last night but couldn't get it past the entrance! A bit more healing needed. You'd think the way it's acting as a black hole for everything (fart bubbles, panty liners, etc.) that a penis might be on the guest list... Bah humbug!)

chinchilla, pissed myself (pretty much literally), thank you!

Bubs is going through a growth spurt yet again and when feeding regularly drains both breasts and then gets really irate. He's not screaming with hunger but wants to feed all the time. Is this ok do you think?

Ooh clumsy, cool! Best of luck! I've got a little gig coming up and have no voice at all :s