Feb 08 "Sore nips & no naps"

[omy]

Sorry guys- it is better with the date non?

Miss Nathalie, just read your birth story, what trauma you and the baby went through and no wonder you find yourself feeling anxious and worried about Henley. I hope you are getting a lot of support from your partner and your family and your HV with his care. Hope Henley is having a better day after his jabs yesterday and that you are feeling OK in yourself.

On a lighter note, reading back the thread can't believe there's been such a lively discussion about babies' nasal congestion and how to sort it out ... LOL

YES YES YES I HAVE A SNOT THING! I was using it regularly on DD for a while as she was so snotty but then it lay redundant for a couple of weeks, now DS2 is needing it. Got a few litres out this morning .

Hope everyone is ok, I have 3 sleeping DCs at the mo, although not for long I fear. Impressed as both went from 10pm to 5am last night, but that's the first time they have both managed it on the same night!

My sis and her three children have just left after staying for two nights. Was really lovely having them here, DS1 was so so excited (but exhausted).

I have a snot thing too Egg although I haven't been able to get that much out!

Missnatalie how is henley now?

Had another body wrap today and I have lost a total of 16 inches Also my lateral thigh trainer just arrived and I am playing badminton later so I shall be a size 10 again soon!!!

Alkar the trick is to make sure you cover one nostril thoroughly whilst sucking out the other. Then it just shoots into the tubey thing. Lovely. DS2 gets excited thinking it is a bottle coming his way, then sobs when I suck his nose out instead.

Gill, I am not sure what they weigh now. DS2 was nearly 12lbs last time he was weighed (5 weeks ago I think). He is certainly a "big" lad. He looks good in his 3-6 month outfits. DD is finally started to eat a bit more and has got a fat face and some chins, she is still looking a bit lost in 0-3 months clothes though and can still wear some newborn.

DS1 is sulking. He misses his cousins. He is also upset as I dared to give him a BROKEN biscuit.

Alkar. I WANT A WRAP. I WANT TO LOSE 16 INCHES! Food intake has been appallingly bad today. Having wine in 5 mins too .

Hope you're ok miss nat- my ds doesn't react well to vaccinations - the first lot made him scream for two days! Second lot just the one day!

Any ideas on constipation (ds, not me). Since giving extra formular feeds his bowels have slowed up and he's suffering from tummy ache lots. He's gone from pooey nappies several times a day to one horrid sticky mousse (mousse-like not mouse, just to clarify) poo yesterday to nothing at all today. He keeps straining and crying, farting the most disgusting smell and crying again. Any suggestions greatfully received!

Oh and i have snot slurper too but haven't used it much yet. I remember someone on this thread retelling how their sis (?) sucked out the snot themselves - now that's devotion!!

Hi all!

Missnatalie - hope henley is ok today. The jabs made ds3 sleepy too - although not as much as Henley - it was actually quite nice for me as it's usually a struggle to get him to sleep in the day and we had a very quiet day that day!

Ginger - the only thing I can think of to help the lo is maybe to try a different formula? I'm sure someone mentioned earlier on in the thread a new formula they'd tried which seemed to help but I can't remember what it was. It might just be that his stomach is just getting used to the change and will sort itself out on its own.

I went out without ds3 for the first time yesterday! I went to hairdressers and was only out for just over an hour. Unfortunately he's quite clingy to me and cried the whole time I was out - then stopped as soon as I took him when I got back. Because he's always fed really frequently DH has tended to deal with the older 2 whilst I've looked after the baby so he's used to being with me. DS2 was like this too - has anyone else who's bf some babies and formula fed others found there to be a difference? DS1 who was formula fed wasn't clingy to me at all but DS2 and DS3 who have been bf have been mummy velcro babies. It's probably just a coincidence. Anyway I'd left a bottle of EBM but as he's fed just before I left he didn't need it. So we decided DH would give it to him when he woke for his 10pm feed. He took it really well and it was so lovely to watch - dh was so proud to be able to feed his little boy. Because he's usually quite sleepy at this feed I think he took more from the bottle than he usually would from a bf and he slept through to 3am!! I don't think he's ever gone for 5 hours between feeds before. So I will now be expressing more so he can get a bottle a couple of times a week and I can have an early night and lots of sleep (that's the plan anyway - it was probably just a one-off).

Hope everyone is doing well - I'm really enjoying Andrew at the moment. He's so smiley and gurgly - he especially likes me singing 'American Boy' to him!

thanks rozzy. have bought diff milk today (farleys instead of cow and gate). Am still bf most of time but he's so hungry. HV said when i wean him it might be possible to drop ff again. If anyone knows of a btter milk, let me know!

Hello everyone,

I thought it was about time I popped back in to say thank you all so much for the support last week. I was reading all the replies even though I didn't feel up to posting. Just as we thought we were all clear (thrush-wise), I noticed the white patches returning in DD's mouth. We nipped it in the bud though, and this week we have finally stopped all our various thrush treatments - hooray! For the 1st time since DD was born, I have taken only paracetamol today, no stronger painkillers or other tablets. I still have very tender boobs, and one sore nipple, but it's bearable. I think we're on the mend at last! Even my stitches are starting to hurt a bit less. I'm having ultrasound treatment on the scars this week so fingers crossed it helps.

DD is still sleeping well, usually managing 6hrs, sometimes 7-8. She managed to sleep 8.30-6.30 on monday night!!!!! I woke up at 5am in agony, soaking wet, and had to express some milk off. I didn't get back to sleep but really enjoyed quiet time to read a book - aaaahhhhh ! Unfortunately, last night DD fed at 9pm, 2am, 6am, which I know is still really good, but my milk supply must have been getting used to longer nights, because my boobs usually feel really full in the morning, but by the 6am feed this morning, they felt completely empty, and have felt empty all day. Consequently DD has wanted to feed all day today, and hasn't had a 'good' feed or a proper nap. I just hope things settle again overnight tonight. I know that there is milk there, it's just that DD is used to having a big feed very quickly (lasts about 10 mins) every 2-3 hours, and has been crying on my boobs quite a lot today through frustration. Anyone else have 'empty boob' days? I remember finding growth spurts hard with DS for the same reasons.

Hello MissNatalie - I will try to read your birth story soon. Sorry to hear you had a hard time. I hope Henley is OK now, recovering from his jabs. It must be a worry for you.

alkar - am very of your inch loss. I have never tried anything like that. Does it feel weird when it's being done?

Rozzy - I'm glad you're enjoying Andrew. I can't really help much on the clinginesss front as neither DS or DD have been clingy, but I hope that it isn't worrying you that DS3 is clingy - he obviously loves you lots!

Ginger - DS had SMA and was fine, but Aptamil didn't suit his digestive system. Among my group of friends when I had DS, one was fine with C&G, one baby had constipation probs with it, but most of us used SMA. Has anyone tried Hipp Organic? It's cheaper than other milks, which seems odd for an organic product.

Leesmum START 10st 4lbs CURRENT 10st TARGET 9st 4lbs
Egg START 8st 7lbs CURRENT 8st 6lbs TARGET 8st 3lbs
Beautiful START 12st 9lbs, CURRENT ??? TARGET 10st 4lbs
Sally START 11st 8lb (75kg) CURRENT 74kg TARGET 10st 7lbs (68kg)
Alkar START 10st 10 CURRENT 10st 9lb TARGET 9st 7
Gill START 9st 9lb CURRENT 9st 7lb TARGET 8st 7lb
Beansprout START 9st 7lb CURRENT 9st 3lb TARGET 8st 10lb
Rozzyrasperry START 11st 8lb CURRENT 11st 6lb TARGET 10st 3lb
Mutha2beagain START 10st 3lb CURRENT 10st0lb TARGET 9st 7lb
CountTo10 START 11st 6lb CURRENT 11st 2.5lb TARGET 10st 4lb
Gingermumi START 13st Current 12st 12lb target 11 st
BovrilSarnies START 11st 6lbs CURRENT 11st 3lb TARGET 9st 4lbs
Tyaca START 11st 7lb CURRENT 11st 2lb TARGET 9st 7lb
morningglory: START 7st10 CURRENT 7st10 Target 6st13

Woo hoo! i have lost 1kg!!! (=2.2 lb)
Prob because i have been walking lots more and there are no more choc biscs left......

Well done Sally, and all the other people who have lost weight!

Jaysfinished - How did the operation go?

morningglory - 6st13!! My goodness how tall are you?

Had a lovely session with trainer, next one on Sat and am feeling benefits already. Marcus's school to sort out tomorrow.

Evening eveyone

Henley is alot better today. Thanks for asking. I took him to the hairdressers with me this afternoon and all of the women were cooing over him. He loved it!! He sat there for over 2 hrs and just stared at me whilst i had my hilites done.

On the subject of snot, ive bought one of those nasel congestion things thats supposed to suck it out but it doesnt. Whilst he was in hospital the nurses would put a tube up his nose that was connected to a machine. That sucked the stuff right out. You could see it all floating up the tube. It wasnt the nicest thing to see being done on a newborn but it cleared his nose. I have used other methods to clear his nose too (old fashion method recommended by my nan ) wont go into detail though as it will probably make you puke.

HV came round today. Shes recommended that i have some counselling. I dont feel ready for it just yet though so she has agreed to come and see me once a week, just so that i can talk to her and get things off my chest.

Havnt had a chance to read the recent posts properly. Will have a good luck tomorrow.

Nite, nite ladies x

hi all

Ginger ds was on sma milk when he was born but made him really constipated a friend recommeneded aptamil but hv said it would prob make it worse,

she said farleys would be fab and its cheaper!!! she was right about both-

so dd she went straight onto farleys formula and we have no problems in that dept!!! she is on the second milk for hungry babies and it seems great- only prob is a couple of times we have struggled to get it from a couple of local supermarkets and have had to race round on sundays afternoon trying to get it!!!lol

hope everyone is well, were all good here getting ready for Rosies christening on sunday- cannot wait!!!

Glad you are finally getting over everything Poblet. I had the empty boob feeling last week and I thought I wasn't producing enough milk but I seem to have caught up with him now, he's no longer crying in frustration because he can't get enough. The wraps do feel weird, its like being hevily pregnant again, you get wrapped so tight you have to waddle around

Nice to hear Henley is feeling better missnatalie

Sorting out a school already saskia - impressive!

DS has slept from 9.30 to about 7 for 3 nights in the past 5, fingers crossed its a regular occurence now

Morning all. OK I too am interested to know how tall morningglory is now!

Ginger with DS1 he got v constipated on SMA and when we changed to aptamil he was better. However he did then gradually poo less and was only pooing every 2 days, but had no issues with pooing IYSWIM. DTs are on Aptamil. DD still poos a couple of times a day, DS2 pooed today for first time since Monday and was quite unsettled in the night but is sleeping like a log since his poo! I keep wondering if I should change milk but don't want to be faffing with two different milks for DTs and don't want to change DD as she is fine on Aptamil. If I am good at getting DS2 to drink his water he is better at pooing so I think I will just make more effort.

Gutted as DD fed at 3:30 last night which is earlier than normal. Don't want to be going backwards but could not leave her til 4 as she was screaming the house down.

Just ate half a large victoria sponge. I guess I will start diet next week.

Missnatalie, I read your scary birth story, you poor thing. It is one thing to either have a bad experience yourself or for your little one to be poorly but to have both must have really knocked you sideways.

Sorry you are feeling about not getting to hold him Miss Natalie - it is a shame but although it is a special moment (DS was on my chest but not skin to skin due to C sect) there are so many other special moments that you will have to remember. Glad he is feeling better - we've got our next jabs next week and not looking forward to it!

Hello All!

I'm only a wee 5'2",and Oriental, so the 6st13 is pretty average. Honestly, I'm not skin and bones when at my normal weight!

I HAVE booked myself in with a trainer starting next Monday, so you lot have convinced me to start the road to fitness again. I have begged him to be gentle, though.

poblet: glad things are getting better. Hope things continue getting better without any further hiccups.

missnatalie: really glad that Henley is doing better. DS2 had his jabs yesterday, and I was a bit paranoid about possible fever, or other reaction. Happily, he seems fine. Also, you seem to, luckily, have a supportive HV. I think you are taking the right approach seeking support before jumping into counseling.

rozzy: EBM is a Godsend...allows us a short break and allows our partners to participate in feeding. It's also a relief that Andrew takes to the bottle. DS2 will grudgingly take the bottle, but it is a struggle to have him comfortably feed from it (takes in lots of air, gasps, grunts, and possets up most of the feed). It is worst with Avent bottles, and better with Dr. Browns. What is people's experience with the Tommee Tippee breast looking bottles?

alkar: impressive inch loss! Well done!

egg: I'll have the other half of the sponge cake. Don't have to start dieting till next week! I wouldn't change formulas. Different babies pooh at different frequencies. As long as DS continues to pooh regularly, I'd leave it.

DS1 is back in school today, so I have a few free hours in the morning again. Actually, not free, but more time to spend alone with DS2. I was stating to feel guilty that he was constantly being second priority next to his much more needy older sibling.

OK that's it, I am a convert, I'm investing in a snot extracting tube. Gave LO his first feed of the day this morning and he sicked back the whole lot over himself and into his sheets in spectacular projectile style... residue on sheets showed that the posset was laced with snot - truly gross. So he was in the bath at 5.30am! Was also very shouty with DS1 this morning hurrying him into school uniform, morning bath (that didn't get done last night), finishing reading homework yadda yadda. Must remember to be a bit more relaxed with DS1 as he might start packing his bags again...

Ginger - LO also got constipated on SMA Gold and when we switched to Aptamil everything improved although pooing was every 3 days or so (and huge to make up for it) but now it's a bit more frequent every 2 days. The spiel on Aptamil is that it contains enzymes that mimic those found in breast milk (but that could just be marketing guff).

morningglory - I am using Tomme Tippee closer to nature bottles, but have only given DD a total of 4 bottles of EBM so far. She finds it quite tricky to get a good seal on the teat (dribbles a bit out the sides for the 1st few sucks), but improves as the feed carries on. It does seem to put her mouth/lips/jaw in a more bf-like position than the tommee tippee normal wide neck teats I used with DS, so I will stick with these. I'm sure it would be fine if she was having more bottles so was more used to them. If the Dr Browns are working OK for you, maybe stick with them, or try 1 TT just to see?

It's really interesting to hear people's experiences with different brands of formula - horses for courses it seems. I'd still like to know about Hipp Organic if anyone knows anyone who's used it. It must be good to avoid GM ingredients and use organic, but why is it cheaper? ie. what's the catch? Hmmmmm

I always feel somehow satisfied seeing snot in the puke. Makes me think that at least they puked for a reason, and at least it is out of their system (for 20 mins until it clogs up again).

Mine are a bit miserable now after a loooong nap. Neither had much milk at last feed, despite being desperate for it and it being 4 hours since the last feed.

Morningglory thanks for clearing up your weight / height thing! I remember feeling huuuuuge on honeymoon in Thailand next to all the teeny petite Thai girls despite being at my skinniest. Most were just small boned and naturally v petite.

Gill what day is DS having his next jabs? DTs are on Weds morning (should have been last week but docs are crap and couldn't get an appt).

Did I mention that my lovely and talented DS1 finally relented and went on buggy board to nursery?!?! Now wondering what to do when we collect him shortly. He is often tired when I get him, but sometimes full of beans. He may just want to sit in pushchair, but I would much rather get him used to not sitting in pushchair as I hate having to carry a baby in the sling and push huge heavy double buggy with DS1 and other baby in. But if I don't swap seats over and therefore leave no seat available for DS1 and he refuses to walk / go on buggyboard, what do I do? I will be stuck.

Waaaah.

No clue on Hipp Organic formula. Tis v strange. Will have a look at it next time I am out to see. Is it maybe slightly smaller container or something? I seem to recall it is a round tin rather than the same shape as others, but could be v wrong!

Morning glory I too am 5'2" (or slightly less....) Glad that I can put the difference down to my stocky european genes rather than the 4am fridge raiding and dairy milk addiction. DP's brother's girlfriend is philipino and a model so I am always going to be the bigger uglier daughter in law! (although have produced a grandchild to my credit)

Jabs are next Friday Egg....