July 2016 #2

[Bluebell20]

A new thread as we (hopefully) move towards longer sleeps and lovely little smiles!

Thanks ladies. He's already got a few bits of work here and there so just keeping positive.

bluebell really glad feeding sounds like it's going well. Your efforts are amazing and inspiring! You are also the breastFeeding queen!! Wow to your collecting in your shells also - incredible. I was super leaky in the early days and then suddenly I didn't leak anymore :( my milk/boobs have massively settled down.

julf I think I've taken mine before 12. I currently have no costume or I would this week. Yes to the budda belly!

sock gorge! Adam and your funky shirt!

flossie chuckling at your DHs sleep talk!

beaut we had similar whinges on days where I didn't bring the P&T (I have two push chairs) she does seem better at accepting sometimes. I hope it improves for you, which buggy board did you go for? How is your WW going? I've had to cancel our baby massage and Our cleaner!!!! ** first world problems I know but... (Heart break emoji) MB looks so scrummy and such a bruiser baby! Love it.

So far for the Bake off I think I'm team Candice/Selasi. Her pub was awesome! Do like Selasi and think/hope he'll win

the wonder weeks was a life saver for my second - wish I had known about it first time round. George is currently in his second leap.. He was very unsettled ALL weekend so makes sense. It reinforces the best bit of advice I give all my friends who have had babies after me- everything is a phase- it doesn't last forever. (Until the next one )

Best of luck tams - I would maybe move the seats if you can, only so you aren't worried or anxious. Your singing sounds incredible

primary happy 2 month birthday to Annie also! Crazy scary!

Thanks indian he works in plumbing but not the emergency call out kind. He worked for a building company. Men really don't help with Their 'ways' sometimes. I really hope you feel better soon. Promise us you'll try and get some rest (if it's possible) and

In other news- George had a MEGA sleep last night. I fed him about 7pm... He didn't wake until 4am!!! Completely skipped his 10pm and 3am was late. Stupidly I waited up for hours expecting him to wake at any minute, and eventually fell asleep about
12.30. What an idiot. It's clearly not going to happen again any time soon. He must have been shattered after being awake for literally TWO days!

9 + 1 and we have our 8/9 week check tomorrow

Tams - if I were a father (which I'm not!) I wouldn't take any shit from anyone. Baby facilities in the ladies' = I'd use the ladies'. If they told me not to, I'd say "where would you prefer me to change him?" Actually the restaurant floor was perfectly acceptable and clean, much better than the facilities in my local park 😳
Thanks re BF.

Beaut - I'm sorry you're struggling and unable to go to the baby groups - that really sucks. Big hugs to you. I haven't made it to any yet either.
I was one of the people asking about pacapods but I didn't get one in the end. I got a storksak shoulder bag which is plain black and husband-friendly. The pacapod straps got bad reviews as they're thin and dig into your shoulders and slip from side to side. But some people rave about them. I'd suggest just getting a rucksack that you like, with lots of pockets, and just buying the pacapod (or similar) internal pods (if you think they'd be useful) and a change mat to put in it.
Good luck with the jabs. We've got ours on Wednesday.
Hope Ted recovers soon.

Bluebs - wow! Can I buy some milk please?! That info is really really helpful, thanks so much. Jealous that you can express 4-6 times faster than me. I don't leak either, except sometimes a few drops - not worth collecting.
Hope the jabs go well and you manage to sleep afterwards.
Is your brother famous and can you get us all back-stage passes as a group outing? 😄

Indians - my littl'un generally falls asleep in the car. (Also ferries.) Except when granny plugged his thigh into the seat-belt plug and he cried real tears. Sadly I'm carless being a city-dweller - not sure how sustainable that is in the long-term.
Sorry you're struggling with BF. I've nearly given up numerous times, and if a new mum asked me for advice I'd probably recommend against it. Sorry also about the ouchy jabs.

Rolly - I've been palming jasper off onto my mum loads - she loves it and he's totally comfortable with her. Good to get them used to it early, I reckon! Start as you mean to go on 😉 So you're 30, eh? Youngster 😄 I much prefer 30s to 20s.

Cookies - that's great re long sleep. We got lulled into a false sense of security on jasper's first weekend when he slept for 8 hours. We occasionally get 5 hours now but normally 3. Thanks re BF. So glad your DH has some work lined up now.

Cookies I'm so glad your husband is already picking up work - that must really help psychologically. Regarding leakiness, it was driving me mad at first because I was soaking t-shirts right down to the waist, even through a fresh breast pad. Glad I now have a use for it - and a way to keep my clothes dry! (Once again, thanks primary!) I'm not sure whether I am just naturally leaky or if Ruben's tongue tie has meant that he's fed more often and has created extra supply. It doesn't seem to have changed at all since the frenulotomy (is that right?!) though so I guess maybe it's just the way I am?

Will check out the wonder weeks - thanks.

julf delighted to help. Have you tried expressing 3 hours after a feed? I wonder if you would get milk faster then? I wouldn't have the patience to sit with the machine for an hour - sitting with Ruben is hard enough! The pouch sounds like a great option for you if it works. Ha, my brother isn't really famous - he is part of the touring band rather than the band proper - but is recognised by big fans of the band. There is even fan art, which cracks me up! And I did find a fan fic starring him floating around online, too! So funny. And slightly disturbing...

cookies so sorry about DH job. Mine has lost his twice in the 9 years we've been together and it's bloody stressful let alone with a baby. Sounds like things are positive though. And well done on the big sleep!!!

beaut you've had so much going on its understandable you've had a shit day. Babies can do that without job and health worries and other kids! Don't worry about the baby groups too much. I actually found they were a pain for the months as half the time you'd rather be at home! Maybe you could kick it off in new year? Perhaps if appropriate ask family for money towards some as Xmas gift? I'm not going to be doing any for the time being. I'm looking into toddler groups for dd1 instead!

blue that's awesome! There was a thread I think I'm AUBU about those exclusively expressing I'm sure you'd be a valued contributor. You really are doing so well with it. I don't think I could do it!

indians I feel the same re BF and did with my first. I wanted to quit loads but I found it strangely addictive. I would take each day as it comes. The first three months are so tough but then it all starts to get better. I'm just clinging to that!!! I think formula is a seen as 'easier 'but it's not. I think it's the baby and she may be just as an unsettled on the bottle. Having the boob to calm her down isn't a bad thing.

tams that's an epic journey. I reckon the motion will help for sure. But also just walk up and down the train if not and find an empty bit in between carriages if you're worried about the crying. Good luck.

Re clothes sizes. Graces feet are enormous. They only fit in mothercare onesies 0-3 size. She's super long too so lots are too short. Im actually starting to get 3-6 out for her. Can't believe it as she's only 5 weeks today !!

I have got wonder weeks but it doesn't seem to help with our problems at the mo. Really struggling to get much sleep. Think it's reflux or dairy allergy. I've started gripe water today and have just got her to sleep for 3.5 hours ( on my chest!) does anyone else use it? If so how often do you give? I was thinking every other feed to start? It appears to be helping her fart a lot!

Aside from the lack of sleep we had a great weekend. Went to Cotswold wildlife park which is fab if you have other kids. Dd1 loved it, especially the train where she waved and blew kisses at people... She's 20 months and already a handful lol. I'm allowed to drive from today so hitting a supermarket and a different park as sick of the one near us!

Those trying to shift baby weight... How's it going? I've got a stone left to pre pregnancy but want to drop another stone after that as was still carrying that from dd1! So have started watching my diet a bit now. I was eating a lot of crap to get through the busy day which was staling weight loss. I'm also trying to do a walk everyday to get back into fitness.

Baby is 5 weeks today! It's flying

Anna - I got some gripe water but kept forgetting to use it (not very helpful, sorry!). Let me know how you get on and whether it helps - I might start using it again, to get those whizzpoppers going.
I think we need a photo of those feet!

Bluebell - 3 hours after a feed I'll be doing another feed. Should I express at the same time as feeding? He does sometimes have longer periods between feeds but it's not predictable when that'll happen.

Cookies just realised that I was thinking about what to say about your DH so much that I forgot to write it! We went through something similar in Feb and I do feel for you, it's a whole extra heap of uncertainty that you don't need at this time. Can he set himself up as self employed or would he rather work for others? Fingers crossed that the work keeps coming in x

Bluebell that is an epic and very useful expressing post. Your info about keeping it once warned is particularly good, I've been applying a somewhat over-zealous food safety/retail approach to mine, and I probably need to use a bit more common sense instead.

julfin to add in my thoughts... are you expressing just to stock up the freezer? If so, do as Bluebell suggests and do it in between feeds, maybe start with one side in the morning (whichever he didn't/fed less from when he woke up) as supply will always be greatest then. Alternatively, if you get a slightly longer sleep out of J in the early evening, you could try what I do - feed at 6/7pm-ish and then pump both at 9pm-ish, H usually wakes up about 1030/11 and I find that I have enough again then for him and am properly full again for the early hours.
Or, if you just want someone to feed him so that you get some extra sleep, pump both at 9pm and use that for the 1030pm feed.
It's worth watching as you pump a couple of times as you might find that after 20mins you're not actually getting much more. I find that I get almost everything (pump on max comfortable setting) on the first 15-20 mins, so there's no point keeping it on for any longer. I was told in hospital that 20 mins is about right once milk had come in, and obviously we're all well past that point now.
Be a little bit careful about doing too much pumping, because it will increase supply and you may end up with more than you need, fine for the freezer, annoying when you've got a day out, can't pump and leak through your top...

Question for others from me - I now have bags of milk in the freezer in varying quantities, as H gets bigger, can I combine bags from different dates to make up a big enough bottle?

beaut that's a shame about groups. Are there any local FB pages where you live? I've found that by joining a few of these and being active on them, there's opportunities to meet people just for a coffee and a chat? Poor Ted, hope he gets better soon. I'm sure MB is more than happy with you as a mummy x

Totally agree that men's toilets should have baby change facilities. What about single dad's!? Do they not exist or should men not be allowed out with the Baby without a responsible female?

Am desperately trying to get dh to look after sophie on his own but every time I say I'm going out this night he then arranges for his mom and sisters to come round and then they help/take over!
He has had her once alone for three hours and tried giving her three bottles during that time because he couldn't stop her crying! I've tried to help when he has her when I am here by suggesting changing rooms, running tap, she likes the lights in our kitchen too for some reason! But he just wants to sit and hold her quietly while messing with his phone! Here! Seriously hoping thAT he will come into his own once she's a bit older and more interactive.

Have tried comfort milk for last few days due to sick during feeds and posseting for hours afterwards. Not sure it's made any difference so going to switch back to regular formula as easier to get hold of.

Anyone else with a sticky/dribble baby do you leave a bib on them all day? Sad to cover her little outfits but would be more stressful for her to change clothes every hour at least surely! I only take bibs off at night or if she falls asleep when I'm holding her.

So I failed last post on the bold didn't I

I think all the baby changing facilities I've used recently have all been in disabled toilets? Awful if they're not . My DH would use the woman's to make a point. One restaurant I ate in had a changing mat on the floor next to the toilet!! And it was gross. So gross. I changed him in his pram and will never go there again out of principle!

sophie I know how you feel. The longest I've left George for is an hour.

ruby I have done that. I think the time limit is 6 months on frozen milk but I could be wrong. I've dated mine but obviously not longer than 6 months yet.

bluebell I second anna no way I could do it! I so would have bought a tub of formula by now- whether that's easier or not - but you're doing an amazing job. Ruben is a very lucky boy to have you

Whoever was asking re pacapod backpacks I've seen awful reviews. I would rather use a normal back pack and then use little wash bags eg one for you and one for baby. You can always buy a separate portable changing mat.

beaut how did the jabs go? And how is Teds eczema? Poor little boy. Can you bath him in the special bath stuff you can get? Sorry can't remember it's name. I'm so sorry you're feeling like this- you've had just so much to deal with over the past few months and you've just trooped through it all. I don't know how you've done it. Always share your feelings here, I think I'm on the brink at the minute myself so totally get it. Sending hugs your way

mrsrolly what sling do you have? And do you manage ok with a back pack and the sling over your shoulders?. I'm rapidly going off mine and thinking of selling it. I'm intrigued by a ergo360 with the newborn insert... If anyone has a review out there??

indians really sorry to hear about Hallie. Poor little lamb. I hope she's been happier today?

I'm failing at expressing at the moment. I just don't think I've got enough milk anymore - it doesn't seem to matter what time I do it either :( I'm close to giving just one formula here and there. It was such a slippery slope last time though.
Weigh in today and he's dropped from steady 50 th centile to just below 25th. I know it's not a huge deal in the scheme of things but I'm devastated and completely blaming myself.

Slings I actually have two. I have the close caboo which is a wrap style one which I don't love to be honest when Raff was super tiny it was fab but he already feels too big, if he moves and lies one way it pulls my shoulder but this could also be me and positioning. I also have a Tula with a newborn insert and I love it. It's a slight faff at the moment because the insert is a bit bulky so not the easiest when he needs to come out for feeds so I tend to use the caboo if I am nipping somewhere ie town and then the Tula for longer walks or excursions where he will be carried for longer as I love the support. It's so comfy. I brought both second hand off Facebook and both slings hold their value. The Tula comes in lots of beautiful prints and some ever go up in value as the print on the front becomes out of production!
But realistically we will only need the insert for a few more weeks as they can go in the Tula from 7kgs without an insert.
Is there a sling library near you? The other one I was looking at was a connecta but the Tula print I loved popped up so I ended up with the that one, seems to be lots of styles so worth trying if you can.

My friend has an ergo and loved it, be careful buying second hand though as there are lots of fakes out there.

I will post the links in the thread/FB group where I brought my slings from if people are interested.

Ahh fab mrsrolly you're a star. Funny you say that, it's the Close Caboo I have. When George suddenly throws his head back it feels like he's too loose, despite pulling it tight. especially when I'm running after the other 2 I don't feel secure enough. Keep telling myself i need to practice more but I don't think it's love. (I did buy it second hand so could sell it for what I bought it for). A friend has an Ergo360 which I'm going to try at the weekend. I've heard this before so I think I would consider a new one (it's my birthday next month!) there are sling meets which I think I will try and get to.

Sorry for the me me me post but I've had a shit evening. I went out to a fitness class and plucked up the courage to leave George with DH (I have been taking him with me). Fed him before I left, pumped 100ml to leave him with. Came back just over an hour later and he had fed him the breast milk and NINE ounces of formula!!! So the decision was actually taken away from me. I'm heart broken. And feeling like such a failure, as I now frantically try and pump my empty sacks. I know I should get over myself, but I'm so upset. I'm also going to buy some Fenugreek first thing tomorrow morning ! Little dude is in a milk coma like I've never seen him before

Oh cookies had you discussed giving formula? Why did he give him anything if you were only gone an hour? 9oz is loads too Ben is 11 weeks, exclusively FF and the most he'll take is 6oz!!

Cookies - Wow, that is a hell of a hungry baby to drink so much in one go! I'm sorry you're finding things tough. I'm really struggling with expressing too. I'm amazed that other people can express 4-6 times quicker than me. I also don't know how you can wait 3 hours between feeding the baby and expressing, given that the baby will need to be fed again at that point. I'm determined to persevere, but at the same time I'm not quite sure why I'm bothering...
Re the weigh-in and measurements, jasper is 25th percentile in most respects too. I'm not worried though - I think it's only if he's like 99th or 1st percentile that you should worry. Please don't beat yourself up about it. Ultimately if he looks/sounds/smells/feels healthy, then he's probably fine.

Ruby/cookies - yes the time limit on frozen milk is 6 months. It loses some of its nutritional value if you freeze it, so if you think you might use it within 5 days, use the fridge.

Rolly - yes please re the slings link - and then we'll all fight over them 😉 I've got the close caboo too, and I don't love it either. It's really hot and clammy - is that the same with all slings? Also I find I still have to support his head with one hand, which semi defeats the object of him being in a sling in the first place. Maybe I'll try the Tula. How much are they, and how much is the newborn insert? I'm going to a sling library on Thursday.

Incidentally, how long do you think they count as "newborn"? Just thgot first month, would you say?

I was looking at jasper's very first outfit today - he hasn't fitted into it for a while now. It looks so so tiny! I just can't believe how much he's grown. It seems amazing that he ever fitted into it.

Here are photos in his very first outfit on the day he came home from hospital (one day old), and today aged 7+5!

Oh cookies I would feel the same as you. I'm sorry. Please don't beat yourself up. You're doing everything you can. Would you maybe do some bottles of formula to help top up? Have you tried oats to increase supply? You can get oat milk which is quite nice, try replacing milk with it and have porridge etc. I did that with dd1 and had lots of milk.
On another note well done for exercising!

juflin what a cutie!! Isn't it crazy how fast they grow? I don't know about newborn? I would say up to three months? From then they tend to start doing more I think? But that's just me! There is probably a technical time. I will get a pic of the feet today! Off to get more mothercare sleepsuits for the giraffe . Need to measure her. She was 55cm at birth but I'm sure she's grown more.

Been trying to get rid of my sweet tooth the last few days... It's always bad after dinner. Started brushing my teeth early to stop me!

Anna I'm only starting the post-baby body project this week, once I've had my (2 weeks overdue) 6-week check. I'm lucky in that I didn't put on an awful lot during pregnancy, so I've only got about 7lbs to lose. However, my tummy is very soft and pouchy now (not to mention covered in a delta of stretch marks) so rather than focusing on my actual weight I really just want to get my tummy flatter and firmer again! I plan on taking progress photos to give myself a kick up the arse, as it is going to be so much more of a faff to make it to the gym now that I will need the motivation. (Also, I just had to brush my teeth again after a little 4am snack...)

julf yeah if Jasper rarely goes longer than three hours without feeding then it is going to be hard to sneak in a cheeky extra express! If you can possibly feed in a position where you can express at the same time I would definitely have a go - try early in the morning when milk is usually at peak production. People use double pumps so I don't see why one boob pumping and one boob baby feeding wouldn't work! Plus you save a bit of time by multi tasking - always a pleasure! Also - love the photos. I was in such a state in hospital that I actually have no idea what Ruben came home wearing! I don't think I got a photo!

Ruby I am pretty paranoid about food safety but if you can leave fresh breast milk at room temperature for 6 hours I think it would be perfectly reasonable to do the same with warmed milk - as long as it has originally been chilled immediately after expressing!

Also, I am pretty sure you can combine bags from different dates for a feed. You can even add fresh milk to a frozen bag, as long as the amount you are adding is less than the amount already frozen (to prevent thawing). Boob Guru also suggested sterilising an ice cube tray and freezing milk as cubes (roughly 30ml each) and then keeping them in a sealed bag - then you just need to shake out the right number of cubes for a feed, rather than defrosting a whole massive bag that you might not need all of.

Cookies we have bought a tub of formula to be fair - just in case, as I didn't want to get caught short. But having read the instructions on the packet I'm not sure it's the easier option - I can't get over the faff involved! Boil a litre of water - no matter how little you actually need? And let it cool for exactly 30 minutes? What if you don't know when your baby is going to be hungry?!

Sorry about your DH and the formula by the way. I can't believe he fed him 12oz in an hour! Did you get a lot of upchuck afterwards? Please don't feel you're failing re expressing. I used the word 'failure' a lot around breastfeeding the last few weeks and it was really unhelpful to my state of mind, because it was reinforcing the idea that the situation was something I could help, when I couldn't. Could you see expressing as a method to stimulate your supply rather than focusing on how much you're getting at the moment? Has the HV given you any advice about feeding?

Our jabs went okay but Ruben has been hard to settle after every feed tonight. He was hot before the last dose of calpol but feels fine now. I think he's partly hard to settle because he's only in a vest, as advised by the nurse, and he's used to bring more snuggly. Poor little sausage! DH also cocked up the second calpol dose - he shot it all in his mouth at once, so it ricocheted back out again (all down my top). On the plus side, I smelt delicious. There's nothing quite like purple calpol, is there?

We had a super baby massage session today. Ru managed the whole thing without crying or needing feeding! So much for bonding time, though - he spent most of the session staring at the girl baby next to him! Flirt.

cookies I'm so sorry that the decision was taken away from you like that especially when you weren't gone long. That's also a lot in one go. The most dd has ever had was 7oz and that was only once because she demanded it. She usually has up to 4oz in one go but usually leaves some/most of it.

julfin it's crazy how quickly they grow isn't it! Dd went into 0-3 sleepsuits yesterday. It feels so grown up and too quick. She is nearly seven weeks though.

bluebell ff can be a faff when dd is screaming and I'm trying to make a feed. It would be much quicker and easier at that point to whip out a boob but alas I have no juice. In terms of making up a feed I'm not sure why it says to boil a litre of water. Our formula says to leave for no longer than half an hour. What I actually do is what the perfect prep machine does - boil the kettle and put a small amount of freshly boiled water into the bottle then add powder and shake to dissolve. I then add cold water to make it up to the amount needed (ideally cooled boiled water à la blue peter but in our house it often ends up being tap water unless we're out). The hot water is to kill off any nasties in the powder because it isn't sterile and to help dissolve the powder. The cartons are quicker, easier and sterile already but more expensive. So far we've had no issues making a feed this way.

On slings, I've borrowed a Beco Gemini Cool from a sling library and quite like it. It's fairly easy to use and you don't need a newborn insert because you can change the size of the seat bit.

Love the flirty baby story bluebell. We've got baby massage on Thursday for the first time and I think that dd is likely to sleep through it. She's very antisocial and always seems to sleep (or occasionally cry) when we're out.

tams that sounds like a much moremanageable way to make up a feed. The idea of getting it ready exactly half an hour before your baby starts crying for it reminds me of the marvellous advice I once got from a male doctor about the severe period pain I was experiencing... Bearing in mind I'm not on the pill and have irregular periods, all of which was discussed at the appointment... Are you ready for this?

"Take two ibuprofen two hours before your period starts."

Well really. And can I get the crystal on prescription too?

Crystal ball even. Fucking phone!

Tams I make up my bottles the same way but do the whole day's worth then cool in a bowl of cold water and keep in the fridge. Then I just blast in the microwave for 20secs and give it a good shake when it's needed. It means it's just one lot of sterilising and making up a day. Usually takes about 20 mins before bed.

Ruben is sleeping for Britain today, to the point that I'm actually a bit worried, though his temperature is fine. Anyone else have this the day after the jabs? X

We had jabs yesterday too bluebell. Poor baby just hasn't been his usual chirpy self since :( Huey slept for most of yesterday evening, only woke up (and cried non stop) when we tried to put him down, had an ok night but then has been the same again today - a bit listless, very sleepy, wanting to be constantly cuddled and only waking up briefly to be fed. He's a bit warm, but not scary hot, so this is probably a factor. I did read that it can affect them for 48 hours, so have stripped him off and am keeping him hydrated and checking his temp every couple of hours.

Cookies the Lascal maxi and thinking of adding the new seat on to it also.
How did George sleep last night?
Really hope your DH finds a new job soon.
Teddy was prescribed the special wash for the bath/shower, double base cream and steroid cream.
The jabs were awful. M screamed for ages afterwards. He had them at 4pm and didn't settle until 10.30pm but then we had a pretty good sleep. He woke at 3.30 am and then 7.45am.

Julfin did Jasper have his jabs today. Monty-Beau screamed and I cried

Anna great advice re baby groups and asking for money towards them for Christmas. My family and in laws never have a clue what to get me.
I joined weight watchers a few weeks ago. I've lost 6lb so far. I'm going to start going for long walks soon. The weight loss is slow. I have 3 stone to lose. So wondering whether to try something else but no idea what.

Ruby thank you. When I was breastfeeding and expressing I combined milk from 2 bags. I think all that matters is that you don't use it super out of date. It keeps for 6 months in the freezer.

Sophie I would give the comfort milk at least a week to see if it's working. You may be better off with Staydown milk but it's a faff to prepare.

Bluebell m has slept lots today. I think it's quite normal after the jabs. He has some good lumps on his legs under the skin from them though.

Those with a toddler. Any advice on potty training. We were doing so well no accidents. Then the last few weeks teddy is just wetting himself all the time. Not just a little bit. Full on down his legs peeing. It's so bad I've had to put him back in a pull up. Which he is absolutely filling. He only asks for the loo when he wants to do a poop.

Ds1 got some great smiles off M earlier. So thought I would add a pic.

Cookies the Lascal maxi and thinking of adding the new seat on to it also.
How did George sleep last night?
Really hope your DH finds a new job soon.
Teddy was prescribed the special wash for the bath/shower, double base cream and steroid cream.
The jabs were awful. M screamed for ages afterwards. He had them at 4pm and didn't settle until 10.30pm but then we had a pretty good sleep. He woke at 3.30 am and then 7.45am.

Julfin did Jasper have his jabs today. Monty-Beau screamed and I cried

Anna great advice re baby groups and asking for money towards them for Christmas. My family and in laws never have a clue what to get me.
I joined weight watchers a few weeks ago. I've lost 6lb so far. I'm going to start going for long walks soon. The weight loss is slow. I have 3 stone to lose. So wondering whether to try something else but no idea what.

Ruby thank you. When I was breastfeeding and expressing I combined milk from 2 bags. I think all that matters is that you don't use it super out of date. It keeps for 6 months in the freezer.

Sophie I would give the comfort milk at least a week to see if it's working. You may be better off with Staydown milk but it's a faff to prepare.

Bluebell m has slept lots today. I think it's quite normal after the jabs. He has some good lumps on his legs under the skin from them though.

Those with a toddler. Any advice on potty training. We were doing so well no accidents. Then the last few weeks teddy is just wetting himself all the time. Not just a little bit. Full on down his legs peeing. It's so bad I've had to put him back in a pull up. Which he is absolutely filling. He only asks for the loo when he wants to do a poop.

Ds1 got some great smiles off M earlier. So thought I would add a pic.

bluebell much more manageable! Love the advice too. Clearly has no conception of what it's like (I also had hideously irregular periods but went on the pill - even then I couldn't have told you when it would be two hours before it would start).

becks I don't know why I don't do them all in advance but I find it ok to make them up as I go. Dd is really inconsistent in when she feeds and how much she wants so I tend to use the bottles bit by bit rather than throw away what she hasn't drunk in one feed (I know you aren't supposed to but we've had no issues so far). The only time I'll make them in advance is if we go out. I'll take one prepared and then a flask of hot water, bottle of cold water, snack box of powder and spare bottle to feed from. I'll make up the new bottle when she finishes the old one. I find it too stressful to try to do it one handed in public with a screaming baby! So much stuff to carry though!

Whatever works tams I used to do it that way with DD. Ben's been very good he's in a routine of 3 hourly through the day and then sleeping through from 9ish so I know he won't need more bottles through the day. I think the proper guidelines are ridiculous, I think if you followed it to the letter it would take about 45 mins to make and cool!! I don't think Ben would wait, he gets angry waiting the 20secs for the microwave!!