June 08: All we want for Christmas is a good night's sleep!

[bitofasnowqueen]

New thread!

[jingleallnewjinglebells]

Thanks bsq
Just saw your other post and am watching with interest as I've been wondering the same thing

[spongebrainbigpants]

katyjo, so sorry to hear about Hamish's chickenpox - hope he's not suffering too badly with it.

Essie, I am absolutely horrified at that woman going into school to bf her 8 year old! I had a mum who used to come in every lunchtime and dose her pathetic child daughter up with calpol every day (no, there was nothing wrong with her!), but to breast feed!!

Mind you, I bet if you posted that on the bf forum they would all tell you it was fine and stop being so judgey!

neenz, you really musn't worry so much about us BLWers! If it's not for you then don't do it - I don't think you need to worry about what other people on MN think, esp on the weaning boards. If you read the bf boards there's women on there who liken giving formula to babies to feeding them rat poison, do you think I worry about it?! BLW is working well for us because Alex enjoys it (and finally today actually ate loads) and it means that he can eat with us rather than me feeding him first then eating my dinner. It's been a godsend over the festive period with all the entertaining. As for sleeping, it's ok, no better or worse than other babies - some BLW, some puree. The best two sleepers in our NCT group are opposites in terms of their feeding: one is BLW and eats loads and one is puree fed and hardly eats a thing! The worse sleeper eats three pureed meals a day and still wakes three times a night at least.

As for the salt, as snowqueen says I really don't think it's any more of a risk with BLW than it is with purees, unless you're going to live on a diet of processed food!

Btw, had to laugh at you quoting Patrick Holford - I'm a big fan of Ben Goldacre's bad science column in The Guardian and he's had a long running feud with Holford and claims he's a complete charlatan!

Holford Watch

His research has been seriously discredited on more than one occasion and he has been found to have been lying about his research credentials!

So I'm with SA on steering clear of books - I just go with what I know and if in doubt do it the old-fashioned way, i.e. ask my mum!

Allnew, of course he prefers Aptamil - it's exactly the same as breast milk!

[PenguinProject]

Hi everyone - my two boys (DS&DH) are fast asleep on the couch next to me, so cute! And they both slept in until 9.30am this morning so feel like I'm getting lots of time to myself today which is great.

I've read thru but have forgotten everything!

Someone mentioned teeth...Ryder nearly drew blood from my finger yesterday with his. No more chewing Mummy.

BLW - I give Ryder a mix, normally a bit of puree/yoghurt/porridge and finger foods. The finger foods are what we eat that he can too, managed brussels for xmas. It seems to work for us. He takes pureed food from his Dad but not really from me. However I agree completely with Neenz, I was actually much more gung-ho about doing BLW before I read the book. The number of probably/possiblys/mays put me off. As did the effort required, I don't cook every curry/casserole/pasta dish from scratch, but rely on jarred sauces which are too high in salt and sugar.

Sorry for all the babies that have been unwell, incl Oli.

Our decorations and tree came down on Monday.

Amber - the seperation anxiety does not sound fun. I'd suggest following your instincts but not worrying if you need to go hardline Neenz style approach ( at Neenz). Hopefully he'll get over when he's back at nursery.

Oh no, I really have forgotten everything...

[spongebrainbigpants]

Hi PP - ouch on the finger! Hope he's not doing that to your boob too?!

Funny, A will take spoon feeding from dh but not from me - why is that do you think?

[goingfor3]

Hell all,

Harvey still doesn't have any teeth though he did have very red cheeks yesterday and was a bit cranky.

DS did have seperation axiety but seems to have got over that now but if he is with someone else he is perfectly happy until he sees me and then he only wants me!

He seems to have given up breastfeeding during the day and will only feed in the evening and very early hours of the moring but he does feed on a nd off for a couple of hours at those times.

[jingleallnewjinglebells]

sponge I think they've reached that age when they know how to play us up. A will take a bottle from DH but not from me (although this probably has quite a lot to do with boobs!)

[passroundflourymincepies]

Hi all

Happy New Year

Have skim read all posts

Sitting in stansted airport hotel with bacardi breezer! Off on 2nd leg of hols tomorrow to DP s dad in Holland

We had nice quiet xmas in Norwich with my parents. Fleur now has 2 bottom teeth and top ones are coming through too

She also is waking to feed loads at night will sort it get back

Well off to get some shuteye may catch up in holland

[neenztwinz]

BSQ - I only think salt is a problem when babies get offered food that is shop-bought really, as they are often high in salt. I have been very impressed with the nutrition side of the BLW book actually. I think Gill Rapley knows what she is talking about on that score - my fear of course is that some babies won't eat enough when they are feeding themeselves, but then they don't necessarily do that with purees either cos refusal is common. We have certainly struggled at times with purees and it would be far easier if they could feed themselves all the time. I would be devastated to cook loads of lovely finger food and for them not to eat it tho! That would totally stress me out. Systems, it sounds like you are doing everything right with what you are offering. Needahand, you can give them finger food from six months - steamed carrot/brocolli/green beans, toast, rice cakes, roasted parsnips etc... anything really! Theo used a spoon by himself today (pre-loaded by me of course!) which made me so proud!

Sponge, yeah, I have read that Guardian column many times - he hates Gillian McKeith too doesn't he! I know Holford is quite controversial and I take everything with a pinch of salt (so to speak!). And yes you are quite right I should not worry myself too much about these things because it is none of my business (the words bee and bonnet spring to mind and I just can't help sounding off!)

Have you seen the time I am posting? 4am! I went to bed at 9pm again last night cos it's day two of the Leaving Them To Cry when they wake in the night. Esther woke at 1.15am and fussed for 25 mins before falling back to sleep. Theo has not woken at all! I have not been able to get back to sleep . I felt rough yesterday - I think my not feeding them in the night gave me a touch of mastitis , but I am feeling better now, so hopefully it has cleared.

[neenztwinz]

BSQ - I only think salt is a problem when babies get offered food that is shop-bought really, as they are often high in salt. I have been very impressed with the nutrition side of the BLW book actually. I think Gill Rapley knows what she is talking about on that score - my fear of course is that some babies won't eat enough when they are feeding themeselves, but then they don't necessarily do that with purees either cos refusal is common. We have certainly struggled at times with purees and it would be far easier if they could feed themselves all the time. I would be devastated to cook loads of lovely finger food and for them not to eat it tho! That would totally stress me out. Systems, it sounds like you are doing everything right with what you are offering. Needahand, you can give them finger food from six months - steamed carrot/brocolli/green beans, toast, rice cakes, roasted parsnips etc... anything really! Theo used a spoon by himself today (pre-loaded by me of course!) which made me so proud!

Sponge, yeah, I have read that Guardian column many times - he hates Gillian McKeith too doesn't he! I know Holford is quite controversial and I take everything with a pinch of salt (so to speak!). And yes you are quite right I should not worry myself too much about these things because it is none of my business (the words bee and bonnet spring to mind and I just can't help sounding off!)

Have you seen the time I am posting? 4am! I went to bed at 9pm again last night cos it's day two of the Leaving Them To Cry when they wake in the night. Esther woke at 1.15am and fussed for 25 mins before falling back to sleep. Theo has not woken at all! I have not been able to get back to sleep . I felt rough yesterday - I think my not feeding them in the night gave me a touch of mastitis , but I am feeling better now, so hopefully it has cleared.

[neenztwinz]

BSQ - re your weaning thread... I think hummus and cream cheese can be high in salt so check the labels. Cucumber is quite a good early finger food I found, easy to prepare (no cooking!) and they suck the flesh so do actually eat some of it.

[systemsaddict]

Gosh that hydrocortisone is good stuff - Caitlin looked like her whole torso had been scalded yesterday with eczema-type rash - 24 hours and 3 applications later her skin is almost completely normal again, can't believe it. It took me months to feel comfortable using it on ds for flare-ups, in fact wasn't till I joined the National Eczema Society and they reassured me it is extremely safe, I feel so guilty now he went through months of discomfort - there are some real advantages to being a 2nd time child!!

[katyjo]

Thanks for all your kind words.
BDQ Mia has been exposed, so hoping she doesn't get it. For some reason under 1's don't seem to get it so easily.
Hamish has been fine, doesn't really seem bothered by his spots much at all.

Allnew Thanks for missing me, I have been lurking but I've not had much time to post.

Neenz I really think you worry too much about doing the right thing, unfortunately there is no perfect way! We just have to try to do what's best for us and our babies. You are doing a great job with the twins and they look and sound like very healthy happy babies, you should be really proud.

[neenztwinz]

LOL Katyjo - yeah I think that is called motherhood , worrying about doing the right thing! It's funny cos I have two SILs who have babies (6mo and 12mo) and they are much more anxious about most stuff than me. I am quite laidback compared to them! The one with the 12mo still worries if he sleeps on his front or is on a mattress that has been used by someone else. The one with the 6mo once asked me whether it was OK to get her baby's ears wet in the bath . But the nutrition side of it is important to me... but I have given in and bought Muller Little Stars (and Esther loves them! ). The BLW book says don't buy them cos of the sugar. So me and BLW book agree on some things.

Systemsm my DH has bad excema and finds the hydrocortison great. Glad your DD is getting some relief!

[sybiltherednosedreindeer]

Happy new year everyone. Still mad here and Jamie still reusing to eat anything but yogurt - still at least he will have lovely strong bones.

The nice thing about him getting stroppy about weaning is that it seems to have had a positive effect on his bfeeding. Although he has only fed when asleep since he was 8 weeks, he has over xmas had a few feeds when awake, and even grabbed my top and tried to feed himself!!!! 'Tis a christmas miracle!

[jingleallnewjinglebells]

That's good sybil that at least the bf is improving

I think A is allergic to one of the foods I've given him. I'm guessing the culprit is either tomato, cheese or clementine (he has little pin-prink like rash all over his tummy but is otherwise well so assuming it's some kind of allergy)

[katyjo]

Sybil What a miracle! So pleased for you both, I can't imagine how tough its been for you. I found it really difficult and we cracked open the formula at 3months, I think I would have been in the nut house if I'd kept going as long as you! Well done Jamie!!
Mia is a big yogurt fan, but will also eat anything with carrots in?!? (strange child).

Love hearing all about weaning, I really love the idea of BLW but I freak out a bit at the mess! That said Mia manages to get puree on the walls and ceiling anyway so I don't know what I'm bothered about.

SA Glad C's rash has cleared up, hc cream is great stuff!

I better go, dh and I are hoping for a night out tonight. My folks are babysitting, so I better start getting organised or we'll not make it.

[katyjo]

allnew Hope you manage to find the culprit. It could just be a wee heat rash or an allergy to washing powder.

Neenz Yes, my mum always says 'motherhood is just one big guilt trip' and it is very true. If DCs are ever ill, I always think its something I've done ie not giving them the right food, giving them too much food, not bf long enough etc etc...the list could go on and on! It always suprises me when I look on some of the weaning boards that people seem so sure of themselves, do you think they really feel that way, or just come on mumsnet to make themselves feel better?

Nearly forgot my little sister got engaged on hogmany! Very exciting, she is in South Africa at the moment, so waiting to hear where the wedding will be.

[jingleallnewjinglebells]

Thanks katyjo I hope so

Agree on the guilt front - every little thing that is wrong with A I blame myself for. Like when I saw the rash, I thought bad for letting him eat those things as some books say they are allergenic. I think some people are v sure of themselves, but that's not necessarily always a good quality anyway

sponge just saw the bf thread you posted on. She really must have posted that thread to start an argument - yet claiming to be asking all innocently

[systemsaddict]

Know what you mean allnew, I always wondered if I was to blame for ds getting food allergies (eggs and tomatoes - unmistakeable s his face comes up in red welts while he's eating them) because I tried him on pureed pear too early, at only 5 months. Then we held out till 6 months with Caitlin and lo and behold, hives come up round her mouth while eating pumpkin - something I have never seen on allergies lists. But pretty much anything can be allergenic, and you can't avoid everything!

[PenguinProject]

Sponge - No nipple biting yet thankfully altho he does have a very annoying habit of trying to pump my boob whilst feeding. Why our boys will accept spoon feeding from their Dads but not us I have no idea! I thought perhaps I was being too impatient..."sod it, here's some finger food, do it yourself"

Watching Dr Who Confidential....Matt Smith!?

[sybiltherednosedreindeer]

SA - I have exactly the same guilt over ds1'a allergies. He weaned at 4 months and I feel so awful that his horrible excema and various other allergies are all my fault. I think it makes it worse than dd weaned late and is completely allergy free. But then, dh has loads of allergies so I think it is probably more nature than nuture and blame him! DD obviously takes more after my side!

[neenztwinz]

Theo actually grabbed at my top and pulled it down looking to BF yesterday! He was sat next to me on the sofa and just turned round and grabbed at me.

Allnew, don't feel guilty - I think lots of babies have a reaction to some foods but then grow out of it. Hopefully it is something else entirely.

My FIL nearly had a heart attack yesterday when he saw Theo BLWing with a piece of roasted parsnip. Theo had sucked all the inside of it and just had the tougher casing hanging half in his mouth and half out. My FIL said 'Oh oh he's got that in his mouth, oh, he'll choke', then Theo picked up some carrot and tried to stick that in his gob too! FIL ran off with his head in his hands! I tried to explain about the gag reflex and how it is actually a good thing for him to get used to having big bits in his mouth but he was not convinced.

I think some people on MN are very confident but websites like MN attract people like that! Some people just love the sound of their own voice (or the sight of their own opinions) - I am one of them (as you all well know ). But I also think lots of people just write the same stuff they have seen other people write.

Katyjo, so exciting for your sister!

My sister had a miscarriage last week . At seven weeks. It was her second baby and I think she is doing OK, being brave. I know how she feels tho . Even so early on you have already started to plan everything in your head.

[poppy34]

happy new year- just popping in to mark my place but will catch up properly tomorrow. aren't we going to need a new thread soon or am I repeating what others say...

[hedgehog1979]

neenz Isaac has taken to playing with my nipple half way through feeds at the moment, and if I have fallen asleep with him he will claw at me to get me to feed him or move so he can get access

We went round to stay with a friend last night and took the highchair, she asked if we needed anything different and when I said that he would have what we had she was amazed. Watching him eat her sausage casserole was an eyeopener for her and her DH, think their kitten enjoyed it though as she got to hoover up the extras (!!)

We are going to need a new thread soon, so how about 'New Year, New skills all the way?'

[neenztwinz]

It does make you feel proud when your LO is BLWing in front of people who think it impossible at that age! Everyone is convinced they will choke and die but I am like 'no, it's all fine...' and it is .