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...

purple I'm the same, my LO just can't latch on, we've had support come see us both in the hospital and at home, she is the same with the bottle, doesn't want to take the whole teat into her mouth just the tip. I express when I can but think I contribute to the projectile so done know whether I'm doing more harm than good expressing.

MW and health visitor are coming tomorrow so will discuss it with them.

I still have my loan electric pump for another week and they did say they could come for another visit if needed. Really wanted to BF, feel like a bit of a failure that I can't feed my own child but don't know how I can help her latch on

You've given it a really good go purple. A happy mother is the most important thing to any baby. carole has your lo been checked for tongue tie?

She's been checked by the MW and been referred but she said she might have a slight tongue tie.

Purple, you have to do what's right for you. You've given it an amazing go, and the fact that you've stuck at it this long shows how strong you are - I gave up ages ago! Your LO needs you fighting fit.

Anybody else get a bit weepy when their LO is asleep for a while? Mine has slept since her last feed, she has a good long sleep in the afternoon's and I find the slightest things makes me cry

I am constantly weepy carol! I think it's a combination of tiredness and hormones. I think it's really important to be kind to yourself and rest as much as possible.

Hey sweetpea I do not personally swaddle but I would definitely say swaddle and keeping your hand gently on little ones chest while they drift off . That worked for me in hospital when my lo was very unsettled and I still put my hand on her chest if she is struggling to drift off .
For Purple and anyone else interested I bought this band and have worn stage 1 for a few hours a day since I came home , adding stage 2 for short periods when I feel up to it (although my scar is v. Painful on one side but the belt lessens the pain )

Ps was weepy every day for at least 2 weeks and still quite emotional . Having a baby is an overwhelming experience alone, never mind the hormones !

Well my LO has gained 1lb since birth weight. MW and health visitor both visited today, all ok.

Since then she hasn't settled, barely napped today and won't be put down! Only position she wants is laying on my chest belly to belly.

Random weeping is fairly standard here too :)

Hi Sweet, DD1 was exactly the same - I just held her. DH did too, we took it in turns over nights. Periodically settled her down to a carrycot, but never for long. She still likes a lot of physical contact now and she's 5!

DD2 is above her birth weight! Really pleased as she was a bit little and early, and I pretty much insisted on going home.

Hello everyone! I hadn't realised there was a March postnatal club :) My DS is 2 weeks old today. I've found it really reassuring reading about everyone else being emotional. I'm generally rather stoic but this baby lark has me weeping at completely random and ridiculous things and thoughts.

How long did it take your babies to regain their birth weight? We've had a few issues with feeding and I am rather anxious about his weight gain.

Sorry for barging in with loads of questions by the way for all!

Hello genghis and congratulations! My DS is just over 2 weeks and hasn't regained his birthweight yet. Like you we've had some issues with feeding. The midwives have been lovely but they do like to put the pressure on re: weight gain! Thankfully he's gaining weight now do hopefully we'll get there in tomorrow the next week or so. Are you breastfeeding?

Hi genghis my dd is 3 weeks old and only just regained her birth weight yesterday. I was worried too but we got there in the end.

Well my DD has been awake since 2:15 doesn't want to be put down anywhere! Had all her feeds as normal, she barely slept yesterday apart from her usual 3 hour nap between 3 and 6. Let's just say I'm feeling a little cranky then she looks at me with those big blues and then I just want to cry

No sling, think she's constipated or has an uncomfortable tummy, don't know whether to switch her formula

Aw poor you (and baby) carol. Have you tried the colic hold (also called the "magic baby hold")? A BF counsellor showed it to us yesterday and it seems to calm DS when he has wind. You could also try a sling or maybe a bit of skin-to-skin and/or massage??

I was thinking of getting a sling but not sure which to get.

She's a little more settled today, I did notice she is finishing off her bottles very easily so I've started giving her 4oz today instead of 3oz

Hugh
YY, we're doing a load of laundry every day! DH has been doing it, mostly. He took 4 weeks off work and this is his last week... I imagine I won't be quite so on top of the laundry when he's working again next week!

Carol
I agree with Hugh that a sling library or sling meet would be a good idea so you can try before you buy. Unfortunately there are none near us, so we took a chance and bought an Ergobaby Adapt. We like it but DS doesn't seem to, sadly! So we'll probably have to return it, although we're wondering if it's worth trying DS in it again when he's a bit bigger/older.

DD still not slept much today, very unsettled most of the day, eating fine. Had a short nap when we went shopping but then seemed very uncomfortable in her car seat which usually she loves. Then had another short nap in her Moses basket but woke a couple of times and needed settling again.

She was polishing off her normal 90ml bottles so MW suggested I start doing 120ml so if she needed a little more it was there. She's still having the full bottles as if the extra isn't there.

Only tried it with her today, she spat it out a couple of times but then took it. Was the only way she would have a sleep this afternoon, was only for 40 minutes but better than nothing. She went down after her 8pm feed without it no problem and hasn't stirred since

Aw carol my ds1 was like that but all the time, I ended up with a Caboo close to me sling & a swing just to put him down in the end.
We also have the ergo 360 which hands down is the best sling for us when they get heavier, front, back & hip wearing.

Hi gengis my newborn took just over a week to gain back his birth weight but his brother took 2 weeks so it really does depend on the baby but as long as he's feeding with lots of wet & dirty nappies then it's usually good.

We're on our second day of our first trip away as a foursome & travelling with a toddler & newish baby is hard but he is very portable.
Decided to cluster feed for 4 hours this afternoon though & crashed half hour ago. So I'm shattered but luckily hotel room has the hottest shower ever.

I cut out dairy for nearly 2 weeks to see if DS would settle more & not explode which worked then had some yesterday & he's now come out in a rash & really unsettled. Got the 6 week check next week with doctor & seeing health visitor before so looking to see if this is an allergy & not intolerance like my eldest.

Hope everyone is having a good week.
Laundry is just something else now, but I purchased a tumble dryer before DS was born & it's a life saver.

For those breast feeding, do you get massively hungry before a cluster feed? OH said I'd been eating like a horse for a day before DS wouldn't stop feeding.