July 2008 - Now our babies are arriving let's have a thread to talk about them...

[minipinkscottish]

Hi ladies
I know there are many of us still to pop but thought it would be nice to start a thread that we can come to once the LO's are here

Abbie is 4 weeks and 3 days old today and my due date isn't here yet

Abbie is doing great - eating and sleeping and very content. The feeding was hard going at first as it is very frequent with her being early but I think you actually get used to being tired

Someone (sorry can't remember who) was talking about bottle and bf together and nipple confusion. Well all the times I have bf I have done so exclusively even when it was very difficult - I am stubborn As Abbie was early and lost a good bit of weight the mw advised topping her up with ebm through a syringe. This was tough as I was bf then trying to express only to bf 1 hour later - so I gave her formula to top up. Giving her the milk in a syringe became difficult as they tended to spurt the milk too quickly at times. So I gave her a bottle to top up( Tommee Tippee - closer to nature) and it was great!!

I bf her all day and then top up after bf at night to get a bit longer sleep - it's working - she is putting on weight and no nipple confusion

sorry for huge post - hope you will all come over and join me!!!!!

it must have been something in the air because i was in tears today too. and it was my birthday!!

it all just felt too much somehow.
i love her so much but i am adjusting to being around a little person 24/7

and she has been going through a whingey phase and i am trying to figure out what's up and how to comfort her.

but i did have a nice birthday - got a lovely silver, mother-of-pearl and opal necklace from my dh - the opal is inside a circle of mother-of-pearl and it represents elodie so its birth jewellery as well as birthday jewellery.

we went to the beach here with some friends for a picnic and miss e was good as gold. but she went a bit ballistic when we got home (only for 10 mins though)

so I feel you, rumpel!!!

donutmum - nipple shields saved my bf really. i couldn't have done it without them at the beginning. but the midwives made me pump when i used them because they block some of the stimulation you get from suckling. eventually i just started with them and then whipped them off after a few sucks.

on the breastfeeding clothing front - HM have a two pack of vests with the clip for pull down. i don't wear a bra underneath them as they have a shelf which supports my current c-cups (but maybe not much bigger breasts). anyway, i have been wearing them loads.

Rumpel - we are having very similar nights to you!! Nooo sleep (well 15 mins here and there...). Florence wants to feed and feed, then pukes, then poos, then pukes, then wants more milk, or maybe just sucking...and then gets tummy ache and screeeeams...

I do remember this with dd1 at about 3 weeks - could be growth spurt I guess - who knows! I too have been in tears a few times and at 5 am after being up since 2.45 and Flo screaming her head off I told dh I wanted to die.... which I obviously don't, but...oh dear, and to think I've done this before.

Florence finally settled at 5.40am, dd1 then woke at 6am and arrived at our bedside..Aaah!

Going to book some cranio sacral sessions for LO - helped dd1.

On the plus side - ! Lovely day under gazebo in the garden, all the grandparents came and brought cake and carried babies etc. Have just had some paracetamol for headache which had extra caffeine, so stupidly awake now...

On a related and controversial theme.. does anyone have experience of letting a baby go to sleep on their front???

Thanks Rumpel for your advice re CP... I went and bought some Piriton last night and it seemed to relax him a bit, but it was so hot and sticky it really didn't help, it was 27 degrees in his room with the window open!!! (He ended up in with us anyway only way he would go to sleep) He Seems much better today, hope your DD feels better now!

Pigley Yeah, a baby atlast!!!!! I KNEW you were having a girl! I bet DH is bessotted (sp?) isn't he! Can't wait for the pics...

Sorry I pressed post before I meant to...

purplejenny Hope you got some sleep last night, sounds like you had a lovely day anyway, we had a BBQ last night, but all Sam wanted to do was feed, it's amazing how quickly you learn to do things one handed isn't it!

Libra1975 Thats a load of wieght! good old you! Sam hadn't put any weight on for 8 days last tme he got weighed, and I cant help but worry... HV calling on Monday to book an appt so hopefully he's put on more this week, otherwise I think I might start giving him more bottles

Tjuice Sounds like you had a lovely day too. I wish we lived near a beach!

Peanut I most definitely have to wear a bra underneath the mothercare vests- like you I am large of nork. If I went without I'd have to latch Louis on somewhere about waist level

Hurrah Pigley so pleased for you! We were thinking of you lots on the antenatal thread. Welcome little Abigail.

Sweetkitty re the boy/girl imbalance- I read somewhere yesterday that there is a theory that feisty women are more likely to conceive boys than girls, something about the womb having a more testosterone-y environment that is better suited to boy sperm. Maybe it just happens that we are a firey bunch!

On the front sleeping issue, I have no doubt that Louis would settle much better on his front but I won't be letting him. I think it's just too much of a risk for him, but know another mum whose 20 week old ds is turning on to his front (but can't turn back again) and she has just bought one of those sensor mats that alerts you if they have stopped breathing as she is going to let him sleep that way cos he settles loads better.

Well we had an absolutely awful night with louis last night. He managed to sleep for nearly 3.5 hours from a 9.30 pm feed and we were chuffed but from then on it was shocking. Just couldn't settle and had terrible wind/sickiness so have had very little sleep indeed, gosh the world looks different through tired eyes even contemplating having a shower seems like too much effort!

Sorry to show off a bit libra but last night Abbie slept from 10pm till 4am and then went down at 4.30am till 8am

No secret - all babies are different! my ds4 was aterrible sleeper

However, here is our routine:

bath at around 6.30pm and dressed in pj's[babygrow]
bf lots throughout the evening - each time returning A to moses basket in our room - she doesn't sleep here during the day - as little stimulation as possible eg talking to her lots and no bright lights.

then at around 9.45pm whether she is asleep or not lift her and change nappy to wake her up a bit. then I swaddle her in a blanket and give her a bottle - 2oz of formula - put down in moses basket in dark room. I usually go to bed then too xx no secrets just routine xx

i guess that formula for last feed helps too . . .

i have been toying with the idea of a bottle last feed but one look at some of the debates on the breast feeding threads makes me think i should just stick to the bf for the time being. there are some very militant points of view on those threads though - everyone should just relax!

the tiredness is hardcore though! luckily we have shifts, so one of us sleeps in the other room for some hours - so necessary . . .

purplejennyrose I have been wondering about sleeping positions too. Bryony sleeps very well during the day in her reclining chair (3 or 4 hours at a time), as long as she is on her side, but on her back she wakes much more frequently. When I go to bed I put her on her back in the crib but she then wakes after an hour or 2 and comes into bed for a feed. I go off to sleep and wake to find her asleep on her side. If I put her into the crib then she just wakes up so I have been letting her sleep in my bed. Once I found she'd fallen onto her front but I was so in need of sleep myself I didn't disturb her. My MIL says dh always slept on his front and my mum says she was told to put me on my side. So I suspect that all of us posting on here slept on our fronts or sides. Still feel too nervous to actually put Bryony down on her front but am considering trying to prop her on her side in the crib so I can have my bed back - I've got backache again and I think it's from sleeping curled around Bryony.

It's tricky ponto, isn't it - I know I slept on my front, so did dh...Looked at a few threads on here, mostly were lots of people saying 'my ds/dd sleeps on front no probs' but then it just takes one or two posters to remind you of the SIDS research and the fact that putting babies on their backs led to a 75% drop in cot death... although some say that was also due to the other factors involved like being aware of the effects of smoking, overheating etc.

Florence just settles so much better on her front, it would seem! I have compromised by putting her on her front for day naps, when someone is watching her, and at night she is still swaddled on her back next to us in bed.

Having said that, last night I put her swaddled on the 'v' pillow so she was propped up, which was something I did with dd1, and she settled really well. Also made sure night feeds were very calm and slow, wating for burps and no sudden movements - and we had a much much better night with no screaming and hardly any sick! So feeling better today!

re sleep positions - have you tried slightly elevating the mattress? I have a folded up blanket under the head end of the mattress in the moses basket which raises it about an inch. I find Poppy seems more comfy like that for some reason. Some people say it stops acid rises up the throat and is helpful if your baby has reflux or is very sicky. She also prefers to be to closer to the wall of the basket than in the middle. I think that's because in the womb she was always leaning on my right hand side!

Also for bad sleepers - co sleeping might help - it doesn't have to be a long term solution but might help you get some sleep.

I wouldn't sleep with lights on as I think that will encourage the day / night confusion.

Sleep times do improve with age - at 5 weeks Poppy can now manage one 5 hour stint at night. She has loads of feeds in the pm and settles about 8pm. A few times this week she has slept until 1am. After that it's about 3am and 5am though.

Well Bethany had the best night so far last night, 8pm had a big feed then went to sleep in the moses basket downstairs, we then all went to bed at 11pm I changed her, fed her again and that was her until 3.30am, then she slept through until 7.10am. Think it's a one off though, she was up until 12ish today though, first few hours was very happy then last few she was grizzly and wanted to be fed then popping off after a minute and going to sleep although if you put her down within a minute she is back up again she's gone off now though thankfully.

They are so young though and it does even itself out eventually. Doesn't help when DD2 is up a few times in the night too, she kept banging her head off her wall last night and wakening us as she's not used to the bars but she had a good night in her big bed.

So today is the last day of DP being off, I'm feeling a bit emotional really, how the hell will I cope? Bethany is fine it's the other two when they are fighting and whinging and not doing as they are told. Lost it with DD2 this morning as it was her turn to get her hair done first she wasn't happy so she decided to throw her head back and jump about whilst I'm trying to do her hair so after about 10 mins of this I give up and put her in the naughty corner, cue 15 mins of high pitch screaming, whilst I am doing DD1's hair oh and Bethany is crying on the changing mat. Argh I only have one pair of hands, I know if Bethany is changed, fed and winded she will have to cry for a few minutes but it's so hard. I need to clone myself I think.

Sorry thats a self indulgent post today I know I felt like this when DD2 was little how was I going to cope with 2 and I just did and it was fine but feels scary right now. Feel a bit dehydrated and constipated still too

Oh going back to sleeping well little madam refuses to sleep in her cot and slept fine on her side cuddled up next to me all night argh another one, why can't I have a child that sleeps fine by itself? Probably because I am soft and am like ok come on then.

Congatulations pigley!

Sweetkitty - my little monster also settle fine next to me and get very upset in moses basket, but only after 2am feed, seems fine at 10pm. He's only 2 weeks, surely i'm not spoiling him already, am i?

How long do you little ones sleep in the day, my little man doesn't sleep all that well.

Breastfeeding going ok, Max feeds every 3-4hours. He put on a pound last week so must be doing ok!

I'm so envious of those of you who can feed in public, Max wriggles around and fidgets and i can't stay discreet at all.

mummywannabe - you can't spoil them at 2 weeks - Max needs to know you're close.

Hi all, gosh it's hot! phew. My 2 are sleeping soundly at the moment and DH at he pub, so abit of peace and quiet!

Am abit of you all with routines, would love one, but I think it's still early days yet. Sam feeds ALL NIGHT starting frombetwen 7-8 and until about 10-10.30 which is when I hand him to DH to give him a Formula Bottle, which he guzzles (4 oz!!!) then he goes off 11pm latest and gets up anytime between 6 and 7, would love to have him upstairs 'in bed' but I'd be forever running up and down!! (It might help in shifting this extra stone and a half I seem to have accrued! )

mummywannabe I've got one ofthese for when I'm in public, or esp when my FIL is about! It's very good, also can be used as a sun shade over the buggy. I would definatly recommend one if your a bit shy.

TJuice - I too stressed out over only bf when feeding all my others and stuck to my guns even when it was very hard - but Abbie had to be topped with formula as she was early and small and I have kept it up xx

I have to say that it has made life a bit easier and Abbie is very happy and content xx she is only getting about 4 or 5 oz of formula in 24 hours but at least I know I can go out if I need to xx

Minkus / Jodie
Got the cream and it has releived it but still there.. I am now scared sh&$less of going to the bathromm!!! Hopefully over the next few days they will go.. Fingers crossed.

Leah is doing good, sleeping 4-5 hours at night (a good night) can be a grump in the evenings but dont mind that. A nights sleep is more important as DD1&2 still need there mummy in the day.

I have the longing for another!!! i really thougt i would'nt. DP has already said its a defo no no but in 2-3 years..... Just wish i didnt have to go through pregnancy!!! Just hand over the baby and that would do fine!

Mummywannabe
I let Leah sleep as long as she wants, i let her do her own thing but will be setting routine in soon.

Sweetkitty
I though i would lose the plot yeaterday as all 3 needed feeding and i was the only one there!!! OMG it's not easy at all!!

hi all

so envious of you ladies that could bf i know it was best for samuel but its still makes me kinda sad i had to switch he still weighs 6lb 8oz at coming up to 3 weeks old well wednesday,but he is a star an very content baby sleeps well has the tiniest cry so tiny you cannot hear him in the next room
on top of his medical probs it turns out he cannot hear at all in left ear,does this explain his non cry really just a small whimper when hungry?
i have meds now for my pnd ive had a terrible weekend my dh goes back to work again tomorrow away for 2 nights this week,but i cant go out not shopping near people only round the block and back
eating is a big problem i have no appetite at all i have lost nearly 3 stone since sam
i have just skimmed through the posts and feel such a failure you guys are all taking normal and seem happy albeit tired and im just a crying sad mess
what can i do to get better please i dont like being where i am in my head but i cant shake it of
i am wasting so much precious time with all my dc just shuttin myself away like this
im rambling again now there has to be a solution here

Hi all,

Have 5 mintes to post now as DH is giving Abigail a feed.

well heres my birth story:

Went to the hospital as planned on Tuesday evening at 8.30. Settled into the ward and around 9.50 was given the prostin gel to start things off. Monitor machine detected big contracts almost isntantly even though i only felt small tightenings. DH was sent home about 11 and we were told nothing would happen till morning and sleep.
Midnight exactly i felt a big pop an my waters had broke. Contracts happened almost immediately. Rang DH to come to the hospital around 4.30 ish am.

Basically contractions got stronger but dilation was incredibly slow!
Was moved to a labour room and had a soak in the bath which was heaven.
As the contractions werent doing there job and things were taking a long time they decided that id need a drip to bring on and increase the contractions.

This def bought on the contractions big time!! Much more painful.
Time to start on the gas and air! Only thing that did was make me feel dizzy and wasnt helping so then time for the Pethandine.
Contractions continued getting stronger and stronger and dilation was slow.
Eventually it was time for an epidural as the pain was too much. Had been in labour for about 20 hours at this point!
Many top ups later i was fully dilated and started pushing but nothing was happening.
Registrar and doctors came in an examined me and said it was looking like a c- section.

All a manic rush at this point and i was preped for theatre.
Thankfully they managed to get Abigail out using Von Touse and forceps. She came out though with her hand up next to her face so kinda made a mess of my undercarriage! I was cut but still ended up with a 3rd degree tear. I went into Shock after the birth. I couldnt stop shaking and being sick.
Labour lasted a total of 27 hours and 7 minutes.

bit tramuatic but she was worth it

Abigail developed Jaundice and spent time under the photo therapy lamp. Was having trouble latching her on to feed anyway but pediatrician said we needed to monitor her feeds so have had to express her feeds then top up with formula.
Seems to be going ok.. bought the Medula pump as i think i remember that one being recommeneded on here.
Still trying to get her latch on properly but she seems to not open her mouh wide enough and i have pretty flat nipples.... any ideas?
Plus seems to instantly fall asleep anytime she goes near my boob even after rooting.

Had a great nights sleep last night..... DH did all the night feeds! I only came out of hospital yesterday and hadnt slept since monday night so he let me rest.... 12pm till 7.30! bliss.... Expressing does have its advantages

Hope everyone is well!!

Ouch Pigley! Sorry to hear you did not have a perfect labour - but I'm sure you realise none of that matters once you have the baby! Put a few drops of lavender and tea tree oil in your bath to help with the undercarriage.

Try and persevere with the bf - to get a good latch Abigail needs a big mouthful of areola and nipple. Remember tummy to mummy and nipple to nose.

I have mentioned on this thread earlier about the importance of night feeds to protect and maintain your milk supply, so nice as it may be, you can't sleep every night!

Wow Pigley! Congratulations and what a time of it you had - 27 hours!
Disney I'm so sorry you're having such a rough time - hang on in there - at least you've got the meds now, hopefully they will start to help soon. Keep talking! Samuel sounds gorgeous anyhow!

Hi All,

RE Sleeping - I put Calvin in the moses basket at first but it is a pain the jacksy as he needs to be lifted in then out so many times so I have ended up putting him in bed beside me - I didn't dare do this with DD but we have a superkingsize bed now and Dh is in another room- so there is plenty of room. I put him on his side to sleep. I used to swaddle DD but it is awfully hot just now to swaddle surely? I juts put a wee blanky over the top of him - he likes his hands up by his face anyway.

DISNEY and SWEETKITTY - my DH goes back to work tomorrow too but thnakfully DD is feeling better the spots seem to have reached their peak now. I lost it with DD last night too - she is very defiant at the moment (21 months now) and wouldn't let ne eat in peace ( I get very stroppy if I don't eat when I need to) and she pulled the cushion so my dinner spilled - shouted at her and put her in her room - cue hysteria!!
Arggg! It is difficult when they all wnat you at once - then the cats start screaming at you too!!!! DISNEY - glad you are on meds - give them time to work and ask for help and support from people if you need it. Might help to keep a diary and jot things down.

MINNIE - I would have loved more DCs but DETEST big time being pg - so miserable and poorly - couldn't and wouldn't put my family or myself thorugh it again - 4th time for me but only 2 kids. Also the past week has reminded me how heard it is at the beginning and I am too old and DH cannot cope either - so no. We have decided to be thankful for what we have It is an inbuilt thing though - you can't help feeling broody.

Must go to bed and try to sleep whilst I can - last night was slighlty better but he has been sleeping most of today so am of what tomnight holds.

Take care allxxx

TWINKLE - how are you and your boys getting on?

HUBARBSPONG - did your Dh like her glittery pressie and how is your bubba - birth story form Man's point of view please?

Night all - hope all your littlies sleep well and give us tired Mummies a good rest - good luck tomorrow Disney and SK xxx

Jaysus Pigley, that's horrible. Poor you. Try some arnica tablets to help with the healing. I'm feeding Logan in the night so going to bed at 9-10pm and my mum or DH (when he's here!) will do the 11pm feed, settle him down next to me at around midnight and I do the 3am feed on the boob (topped up with Aptimil - I can't be there all night cos he does like to fall asleep on me). It seems to be working so far and I get two chunks of sleep - a 5 hour and then a three hour.

Disney, you will get better. I hope Kaz can help, having been there. I'm so sorry you feel so bad.

Anyway, best go to bed to get my zzzzs and sweat off another couple of pounds.

DS - hugs it sounds like you need to talk to someone, you have so much going on in your life and I think it would help to have someone to just unburden to, the Samaritans provide this sort of service. You are not a failure you are trying to cope the best you can under difficult circumstances.

Pigley - sounds like you had a tough time but glad you have managed to get some sleep since and you are both back at home well.

I am not sure if it's the hot weather but Alexander seems to want to eat every 90 minutes at the moment (including night!) argghh. I can fast see the advantages of FF or EBM in a bottle, but we have decided to try and get to 4 weeks before offering a bottle. We shall see.

libra - it will be the weather - Alexander will be extra thirsty.

Disney
I was like that after DD2 and its really not a nice place to be.. I disliked DP amd everything around me. Luckly for me it didnt last long. It was DP that got me out of it, he had a good chat with me and i dont know what happen but thing did get alot better.
Is there anyone that you can talk to? help you out?

Rumpel
Agree i think i will always feel broody.
Leah was sweating when i got her up so onlt a blanket on top tonight... It was so different with DD1 and 2 as they were christmas babies, i would have 2 blankets on them!!

Right off to get Zzzzzzzzssss...