February 2007 Post Natal Club

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Hello

I know it's not even February yet, but here is the new thread. Even though Jacob was born in January, I feel he is an honorary Febster!!!

Looking forward to more new bubs coming this way!!!

In reply to the immunisation question Suis, we have decided not to have them because we feel it's too much for his little body to handle at such a young age. We're researching the single vaccine route so that we can space them better when he's a little older, the sticking point is that the whooping cough is proving hard to get hold of. Exclusively b/f babies will receive protection from the mother ,provided she is fully immunised, until the age of 6 months when protection starts to reduce. The guidelines for immunisation are that it should be no earlier than 2 months, so even if we end up having to go for the 5-in-1 (I doubt it) then we choose to start the process at 6 months instead and space the vaccines further apart. All of our children have had the single MMR's and these were spaced 6 months apart, and we don't give boosters.
We have just discussed this with our HV who stated that we could immunise with the combined anytime we chose if we changed our minds.
The book "The Vaccine Guide" by Randall Neustaedter was extremely helpful.
It is a contentious issue, this is simply our position. Is there any easy decision when it comes to parenting I wonder?

In reply to the immunisation question Suis, we have decided not to have them because we feel it's too much for his little body to handle at such a young age. We're researching the single vaccine route so that we can space them better when he's a little older, the sticking point is that the whooping cough is proving hard to get hold of. Exclusively b/f babies will receive protection from the mother ,provided she is fully immunised, until the age of 6 months when protection starts to reduce. The guidelines for immunisation are that it should be no earlier than 2 months, so even if we end up having to go for the 5-in-1 (I doubt it) then we choose to start the process at 6 months instead and space the vaccines further apart. All of our children have had the single MMR's and these were spaced 6 months apart, and we don't give boosters.
We have just discussed this with our HV who stated that we could immunise with the combined anytime we chose if we changed our minds.
The book "The Vaccine Guide" by Randall Neustaedter was extremely helpful.
It is a contentious issue, this is simply our position. Is there any easy decision when it comes to parenting I wonder?

In reply to the immunisation question Suis, we have decided not to have them because we feel it's too much for his little body to handle at such a young age. We're researching the single vaccine route so that we can space them better when he's a little older, the sticking point is that the whooping cough is proving hard to get hold of. Exclusively b/f babies will receive protection from the mother ,provided she is fully immunised, until the age of 6 months when protection starts to reduce. The guidelines for immunisation are that it should be no earlier than 2 months, so even if we end up having to go for the 5-in-1 (I doubt it) then we choose to start the process at 6 months instead and space the vaccines further apart. All of our children have had the single MMR's and these were spaced 6 months apart, and we don't give boosters.
We have just discussed this with our HV who stated that we could immunise with the combined anytime we chose if we changed our minds.
The book "The Vaccine Guide" by Randall Neustaedter was extremely helpful.
It is a contentious issue, this is simply our position. Is there any easy decision when it comes to parenting I wonder?

In reply to the immunisation question Suis, we have decided not to have them because we feel it's too much for his little body to handle at such a young age. We're researching the single vaccine route so that we can space them better when he's a little older, the sticking point is that the whooping cough is proving hard to get hold of. Exclusively b/f babies will receive protection from the mother ,provided she is fully immunised, until the age of 6 months when protection starts to reduce. The guidelines for immunisation are that it should be no earlier than 2 months, so even if we end up having to go for the 5-in-1 (I doubt it) then we choose to start the process at 6 months instead and space the vaccines further apart. All of our children have had the single MMR's and these were spaced 6 months apart, and we don't give boosters.
We have just discussed this with our HV who stated that we could immunise with the combined anytime we chose if we changed our minds.
The book "The Vaccine Guide" by Randall Neustaedter was extremely helpful.
It is a contentious issue, this is simply our position. Is there any easy decision when it comes to parenting I wonder?

In reply to the immunisation question Suis, we have decided not to have them because we feel it's too much for his little body to handle at such a young age. We're researching the single vaccine route so that we can space them better when he's a little older, the sticking point is that the whooping cough is proving hard to get hold of. Exclusively b/f babies will receive protection from the mother ,provided she is fully immunised, until the age of 6 months when protection starts to reduce. The guidelines for immunisation are that it should be no earlier than 2 months, so even if we end up having to go for the 5-in-1 (I doubt it) then we choose to start the process at 6 months instead and space the vaccines further apart. All of our children have had the single MMR's and these were spaced 6 months apart, and we don't give boosters.
We have just discussed this with our HV who stated that we could immunise with the combined anytime we chose if we changed our minds.
The book "The Vaccine Guide" by Randall Neustaedter was extremely helpful.
It is a contentious issue, this is simply our position. Is there any easy decision when it comes to parenting I wonder?

Bloody hell what happened there! Sorry everyone

It's one of those decisions, like Sorky says that comes down to your own personal preference. Issues like this are so hard, as they are often supported by scientific fact on both sides. We've had them for Jacob as I'm super paranoid about him being vunerable to all kinds of bugs, being so premature. Also, I suppose we became so reliant on trusting the system when we were in SCBU it's stuck with us - not to say that's right, but just who we are! Nightmare!

Peachy - what's a "bumbo"? I giggled in an immature kid-in-class style when I read it! Am sure it is a very sensible baby implement!

Ugh, just had yet another bad night
She seems to have lost the ability to feed without taking a gallon of wind with it, so she doesn't settle afterwards. She fed at 1.30 which took an hour, then I tried for half an hour to settle her but got to the point that I had to put her down or I would hurt her. Got back to bed and she started crying again so we put her downstairs where she cried for an hour before her next feed I did feel awful doing that but I was so tired and frustrated I think it was safer for her that way.

We've had some terrible nights recently, I'm not getting more than about 4 hours sleep a night (I normally need 8 to survive!), Mum and DH keep assuring me it will get easier soon but it's so hard to see that far ahead ( especially with these great eye bags!).

On a brighter note, remember the bump-covering tummy band things I got a few months ago? I paid £5 for 3 and have just ebayed them for £16.67!!

Moosma - I have also managed to get rid of most of my maternity clothes on Ebay - sold a dress I was given for £13. I recok I cleared £40 profit! Just got to sort through dd's summer stuff and DS's newborn clothes - his decent neutral stuff is going to my SIL in London who is due in August.

DS is sitting next to me chewing his hand (prob wants more milk) looking at the sunlight coming in the room - he was a nuisance last night - wouldnt settle as had slept most of the day - still not a big milk drinker - we are getting a new botle today - he is very windy and it was suggested to use a cheap nasty bottle to see if he take more - he only has 2oz to 3oz at the most (he is 6 weeks now). Tried everything else so it is worth a go!

I am having a pedicure later - daddy is babysitting!!

Poor Kai has his first cold - any tips to help would be appreciated! Thankx

All ok here - still waking 11.30 / 3.30am and 5am for feeding - hoping he will drop the 3.30am soon and we will be sorted!

Cant believe he is 5 weeks old already.

I am deferring my vacciniations - until he is 3 months / 5 months / 7 months. Also I did not do mmr either - did seperate vaccines through wellcare; worked well for us. My GP actually said the other day his preference is for seperate vaccines!

Wish they still did 1st vaccines as 2 in 1 x 2 lwgs and drops on the tongue!

Take care all & enjoy this time when they are small. . . . all too soon it will be a blurred distant memory!

lovely to catch up on all the news. sounds like everyone's doing pretty well, esp if can find time to mumsnet!

Katpoo - noah also has a cough/slight cold. i have no solutions as i'm a novice mum, but i sympathise . ickle coughs are v sweet tho.
btw, noah's also five weeks now, and his name was very nearly kai! we met a lovely american guy (an outdoorsy, mountain-climbing type rather than a Bush-loving McDonald's-munching type) in costa rica two years ago called kai, and thought it was a beautiful name we'd never heard before. problem was, it means food in maori and as we're probably moving out to NZ soon we had second thoughts in case he has a chubby phase like his dad did ! am interested to hear how kai's doing as we don't know anyone else at exactly the same age.

noah's been wonderful so far - a little colicky but that's improving, and sleeping longer periods now, mostly at night which is handy. he was 7lb12oz at birth and is now about 9lb4oz or so, according to kitchen scales. he has some spots on his cheeks which i think is milk rash (?????), had a very red bot, which bepanthen cleared up beautifully, has had sticky eyes which have cleared up with a bit of breastmilk... i think that's all the ailments. it's tough being a bub.

Took Bethany for her 6 week check, (shes 8 weeks on thurs!) and they have prescribed infant gavisgon and refered her to the hospital to see a pedatric doctor about her sickness.
Started the gavisgon yesterday but not working so far, does anyone know if it supposed to work straight away?
Off to the clinic for her to be weighed this afternoon. xx

Lovely to read about the babies - sorry a few tough times, sicks and coughs around. At least it's Spring now and we aren't at the start of the winter season.

Re colds, I am novice mum, but Jacob had his first cold. He was 10 weeks though which helped, as some of the remedies we used were for 3 months plus, so just used less. We used

Baby Olbas Oil - few drops on tissue, on his carry cot or near by

A Sudafed plug in menthol thing - just for an hour before bed time.

Both of above not recommended for under 3 months.

Kit we bought from Mothercare containing thermometers, scissors etc (£14.99, blue see through "suitcase") also had a "nasal decongester" - didn't use it, but is ok for any age I think. Think it just pushes a little air up the nasal passages to shift the snot!

Lay him on his side (during day), to shift the snot

Cool boiled water - the cloying effect of milk doesn't help the snot, but a sip of water is nice for clearing out the mouth and keeping baby hydrated.

I've also heard that taking baby into the bathroom when you have a shower helps, as does regular baths for him.

Sorry for over use of the word "snot"...have lost all inhibitions these days, even emailing dh at work to describe a "cheek coverer" poo. Someone give me a smack!

Hi we can join in with the ailments as Maya is still quite spotty, on her face and neck mainly.
I'm desperate for Maya to nap more she seems to be awake a lot during the day and I'm not gadding about with her to keep her awake. She is also being a feeding monster so I hope it is all a growth spurt.
Maaza a Bumbo is a baby chair here suitable when babies can sit up but still need support. I'd read good things about them on here but it seems they have a limited 'life' as your child grows out of them. So I'm glad I got one as a bargain.
I had a go at the duel feeding and expressing very tricky. I've been told by a BFC not to express after 1pm! and I really wanted to get some outtoday. I've got 50mls but know I need more. So I will do a sneaky express later.
I've been chasing the cat too as she has hurt her eye but won't let me have a look

Does anyone else find they get loads of crumbs down their maternity bras???

Titchy, Gaviscon should work straight away as it's an addition to each feed. DD1 had Ranitidine too which is more a long term thing, it reduces the amount of stomach acid made and she nedded that too to stop her being sick. Glad you've been referred though, I hope you get it sorted soon.

DD was weighed today, she's put on 17ozs in 12 days!! There's a new picture of her here , she's starting to look less newborny as she's filling out.

Hi All - reading and running... Things are tricky here as I only get online in the evenings and Islas perfect 2 hour colic is preventing that! DH is doing the rocking for a few moments. She's doing well, sleep is iffy but far better than her brother was so we're still chuffed. Feeding loads, weight gain huge. She's been really spotty (milk rash/acne) and now that's drying up and her skinds clearing a bit again.

I'm still struggling with horrific eczema that we thought would go when she was born. But I'm finding it hard to fit in the time to do myt special bandages each day - I look like a mummy. And they're really messy. So I'm feeling soooo unsexy and quite miserable about it all. I really can't stand for DH to kiss me. Anyone else had this? Is it a postnatal thing?

Hi everyone,
Have finally managed to get enough time to compose a message due to instigating a 24hour formula feeding experiment.
Abbie has been getting progressively worse in terms of increasing daily screaming time (due to wind/colic we think), length of time to BF and settling afterward and reducing sleep time.
We have been BF roughly every 3-4 hours for 45-90mins which with winding and settling down doesn't leave much time for sleep/any other activity for me. She has also never been keen on sleeping lying down flat and has now reached the point where she doesn't sleep at all during the day unless in her car seat/swinging chair and will only fall asleep at night lying on DH chest, to then be carefully transferred to the crib. So after both reaching breaking point last night, we decided to try 24hours of formula, and much as I dislike giving her formula and miss the closeness of BF, she has been reasonably easy to wind/settle today and has even slept (although she still screamed when I tried putting her in the crib).
I plan to resume BF tomorrow (I have been expressing after every feed today to keep up supply) and we are also going to see a cranial osteopath on Thursday to see if they can help. Has anyone else tried this? lots of friends have recommended it but MIL and DH think its going to be a waste of money.

Hi all, things are ok here if a bit busy with housey things. Ruth is ok but I too wish she would sleep a bit more in the afternoons and evenings when she feeds every hour for half an hour a time. Im abit sore on one side too through not having a good latch on the right side. Keep sticking with it all other bfeeders! It changes a lot in the early months and gets lots easier. I keep reminding myself of this!
Hope the gaviscon starts to help soon titchy - no fun having a sicky baby. Best tip i have for colds is to lie baby on their side - does help one nostril stay clear but be careful not to let them get too hot if they have a temperature.
Suzi lots of sympathy for how you're feeling re the eczema. when i had bf pain for 6 mths with ds I couldn't bear the feeling of the water from the shower let alone dh. It is really hard on your rel esp when you're adjusting to a new baby as well. Sounds like your prob is severe, any chance of seeing a consultant? my work colleague has been trying an alternative to steroid ttment that she thinks is good. I'll ask her about it.

Thank you very much for the info on the immunisations. I will be talking it all over with DP before making a final choice on how to approach it, but that give me an idea as to what the issues and options are.

On the BFing front, had a problem this eve when feeding at my parents house.. I wasn't using my usual seat and cushion, so LO was in a stange position and ended up latching onto the areola instead of my nipple and by the time the pain made me take him off I appeared to have two nipples. It is still really painful and I think it's going to bruise. I think I may have to feed him one sided for a day or two and hand express the sore side. This is not going to be easy as he seems to be having a wee growth spurt (hence the overly keen feeding) and the sore side is the one that doesn't let down very well and is always hard to express from.

Suzi2 - a friend of mine form work had terrible exzema and the only thing that worked was seeing a Chinese herbalist which cleared up her skin wonderfully.

Maazaa - I don't think there's anything wrong with using the word snot. And I think "cheek coverer" is just wonderfully descriptive.

marmitemad, have you tried proppoing the moses basket up a bit at the head end so she isn't lying so horizontally but is still lying flat IYSWIM?

Mazaa I've been told that can help for colds/coughs too?

We just had a very good night [smug] I fed her 6ozs at 7.30, then 5ozs at 11.30 and she's still asleep! I think I deserve that after the last week!

Morning all. I've been finding time to read messages but never get a chance to post. Moosma I don't think that kind of sleep smugness is necessary Only joking, that's fantastic and gives hope to us all. We'd been having quite good nights but last night DS wouldn't settle and ended up co-sleeping/feeding lying down from 11pm til 2am. He's lying in his moses basket now wailing at me but I just need to have a break. He's absolutely shattered but won't give in. I think he's decided that he doesn't need to sleep during the day anymore!
Marmitemad - how did the rest of the 24 hours go? Which formula are you using?
Sorry to hear about all the LO with colds/spots/rashes and some of the Mummies too! That sounds hard about your eczema Suzi2, I hope you manage to get it a bit calmer. Suis LOL at your 3rd nipple - it could come in handy though with the growth spurts Suppose I'd better go and get my little whinger. I know he'll fall asleep on me straight away and then wake straight back up if I put him in his moses basket. Still, what's on TV now, maybe I'll find something good to watch!

oh, well half right. I picked him up and he snuggled in and fell asleep in about 2 secs. Held him for about a minute and have just put him back in moses basket and for now, still asleep. Keep your fingers crossed for me. Only thing now is do I run around and put washing on, hoover, clear up or do I make myself a nice cup of tea and have a biscuit?

biscuit SmudgeMum!!

DS is sleeping on his side on the couch at the moment with pillows to stop him falling off!

He goes 4-5 hours during the night (bottle fed) but had is last one at 8pm - was tempted to wake himj at 11 to feed, but he waited until 1.30am!! Will leave him be until easter when he will be 8 weeks, and then get a routine sorted.

Tears here this morning! Jacob wanted his bottle NOW and he roared, proper tears as well! His face was bright red - very much like this . That made me cry, as I'd made him wait whilst I fetched him a clean set of clothes! Argh!

Have the tea and biscuit, Smudge!!

Peachy, re crumbs down your maternity bra.....a fully in tact Hula Hoop (ready salted variety) fell out of my bra the other day, when I got ready for bed.....And I haven't even got the excuse that I'm breast feeding!!!

I find Bfing hard when I'm not sitting in my usual chair too, suis. I find it's worse out as my feet go flat on the floor in many chairs. I find a rolled up blanket or coat and sitting with one leg crooked under the other (IYKWIM) helps us.
Glad (but sorry too) that other people have spotty babies!! and much sympathy to the mummy mummies.
We had an unsettled pm yesterday with lots of crying, Dh gave her the expressed milk and she eventutally settled .
Maya also tends to fall asleep on my chest and then I get her into the basket later in the night. I'm not to worried about this at the moment, we have bigger (housing) issues to be worried about!
Maya had her hip scan today and everythng is fine