March 2017 babies

[purpleviolet1]

So my 9 day old baby boy was delivered by emcs at 37+5 gestation due to presenting breech (waters broke and contractions started). First baby so lots to learn!

Currently giving him expressed milk and formula topup. We tried breastfeeding but there was latch issues, he got very frustrated as he wasn't getting satisfied and my nipple was cracked and bleeding within a couple of days. I then got blocked ducts and the whole thing was a disaster really. I feel like a bit of a failure and did get help from bf clinic for the latch but it was little too late. With the c section recovery I just feel too exhausted to have him on the boob constantly and least with formula he is getting some decent sleep (although I'm usually expressing during this time so don't get a proper rest).

Oh and his fussy time is between 10pm -2am. He tends to feed and need winded on repeat between this time. It's exhausting but tonight I had a nap from 7-10pm in anticipation.

Come and join me for some chat...

Sorry you're struggling btw. I'm the same about looking forwards and wondering when it will all get easier. With my first things started to feel more manageable at about 6 weeks. I remember at 3 weeks thinking that each day was an eternity and I might not even make it to 6 weeks! But second time round the time is flying by.

Thanks both. Last night was much better thankfully. DS had 5oz at his 8pm feed and when he was 'unsettled' I front ended it by making another 5oz feed and offering it when he appeared hungry at 9.30. From 9.30-11 he drank that 5 oz and then dropped off at 11.13, waking after 3am for the next feed (4oz) and then 7am for the next feed. He's just had it and settled again now for a nap.

Are you all finding that your LO's are sometimes alert after feeds and other times sleepy? Are you letting them dictate when they nap?

I've ordered the book and look forward to reading it

Thanks so much for sharing Hugh

Because ds feeds were more 4 hourly during the night I feel so much better this morning. It makes such a difference. To be fair I went to sleep at midnight and dh did the 3am feed and I've done the 7am. I also did sleep yesterday evening from about 5.30-7.30 which helped me get through the intense 8pm feed and the cluster feed until 11.13.

Hugh
Yes I've always had big boobs, even before getting pregnant and having DS, and decent bras are expensive! I usually just have two or three and rotate them.
Having been fitted in Bravissimo yesterday, I can confirm that I am now a 36H
I bought the Panache Sophie nursing bra, which is actually quite pretty and supportive as non-wired nursing bras go. I only bought one and have ordered a couple more online as it's cheaper. Although I have treated myself to a Hot Milk bra and camisole (my boobs spill out of my H&M nursing vests!)
Brastop and Nursing Bra Shop have quite a good selection of DD+ nursing bras.

Morning all I don't remember my first being this hard! Probably just because I'm less able to deal with lack of sleep at 37 than I was at 20. Dd just feeds non stop, feel your pain purple

Been meaning to ask you guys about bras. So far m and 's and Debenhams not up to the job!

God no, M&S is terrible! Women get put in the wrong size bras there all the time.

Bravissimo all the way They don't have a huge selection of nursing bras but the fitting is spot on. And once you know your size you can order online (although there is obviously variation between brands and styles).

Thanks name. I'm not even bothered about style. Just want no backache or boob overspill! Trip to bravissimo it is

Hugh
Well if you want to order a Hot Milk bra from their website you can get 10% off with the code SIGNUP10

No advice on bras I'm afraid. My friend recommended getting measured in mothercare and then buying from Asda George which I did for the very short time i gave my own milk.

Hugh i noticed that also recently - ds had a dirty nappy several times a day but it's dropped to just once a day now although to confuse me, yesterday it was twice. I read that it's not how often they go, but whether it's soft or hard.

I wrote this hours ago but ds has been unsettled since 10 and only just nodded off but he'll probably be up shortly for his feed!

My DS is the same - not so many dirty nappies but more in each one. I never thought I'd spend so long thinking about baby bowel habits.

Does anyone else try to keep their LO awake a bit during the day so they sleep at night? I'm trying but my DS gets cross if he's awake when he wants to be sleeping! I wonder if it's worth bothering.

I was doing that daphne until a few people said that the better they sleep during the day the better they sleep at night... not sure how that works exactly. I've been reading this website though which is useful

www.mybabysleepguide.com/2010/02/sleep-problems-by-age-newborn.html?m=1

OMG why on earth would you try and stop your baby sleeping during the day?! I love it when he naps in the day - I can do things!

I would prefer it if he slept longer stretches at night 😩

Just been for a short walk and now I'm ready to get into bed for the night!

Are your DH/DPs doing some of the night feeds? I would have thought that's an advantage of bottle feeding over breastfeeding? My DH does one of the night feeds with a bottle of expressed milk, and it's an absolute lifesaver - it means I get 5-6 hours of sleep, which helps me cope with being on duty for the other 18-19 hours of the day!

Namechange yes dh is helping where he can and my mum is too so I'm getting lots of help. I think I mentioned before I had major surgery for cancer a few years ago and had pancreas and spleen removed which means my body gets tired far quicker and as soon as I'm tired I tend to suffer from infections and catch any viruses /bugs going around. I also take antibiotics everyday long term and they don't help. At the moment this wound infection is dragging!

What I'm trying to say is that even with the help, I am totally struggling.

Ah I see, yes even though DH is doing a lot I'm still exhausted, and I can imagine it must be even harder with your health condition. No advice except hang on in there! Hugs xx

name I'm paranoid that if he sleeps all day I'll be up all night! Tbh trying to stop him sleeping doesn't really work anyway.

I haven't been finding enough time to express - when do you do it?! So my dh can't do night feeds but he does nappies/ settling at night.

Daphne
I've only been using my electric pump for a week - he was a month old when I started. Before that, I didn't have time either - DS was feeding too much and not sleeping enough! But I did use the Haakaa pump to express from one boob while feeding from the other. I still use the Haakaa a bit, but I get more milk with the electric pump - usually 100-170ml in about 15 minutes. I only do it once a day to get enough for one full feed.

Wow that's pretty good. I've been reluctant to shell out for an electric pump but maybe it's time.