May 2009 - loved-up new mums and/or sleep-deprived zombies this way please

[pulapula]

Here's a nice new thread for us to share our experiences with our new LOs.

[Blottedcopybook]

I'm just using wipes on Greer for just now but I'll switch over to reusable wipes when she goes into cloth nappies.

Tummum I have horrific piles too and didn't want to have anyone looking or touching them so I just got anusol cream and suppositories from the pharmacist. I haven't pooed since Saturday and I'm so nervous about it I mentioned to the midwife yesterday how sore I was and she said she can prescribe something stronger without needing to see the holy grail so definitely swallow your nerves and ask - it's nothing they haven't seen or heard before.

[Momino]

wow, spangle 6 wk check? i hate time flying . i want Harper to stay this tiny for a while so i can just cuddle and stare at her lovely face and chubby cheeks. happy sigh.

DH went back to work today. we planned it for a nursery day in order to 'ease' me into taking care of all 3 DCs so wasn't too bad. didn't help much that Harper and I had a sleepless night (tummy again, I think) so I was a bit snappy this morning and baby was very loud with crying. I just had to let her cry though it was a bit much - if not, I would never have gotten older DD's to nursery. i do find that I let the crying and/or tantrums, whingeing go over my head much of the time. guess that's a good thing as long as none of the DDs is in danger/pain/starving etc.

piles, mine are reaallly bad as well. unfortunately piles run in the family so I've had them when in a non-preg state. I hope they go away soon. if not, I might take blotted's advice and see someone about it. prob not drinking enough as i'm not pooing regularly either.

don't you love our conversations ? one would think we've known each other for years given the subject matter of most of our posts.

[Momino]

pula, re: cord stump/belly button, Harper's was as you described but has now settled down and looks nearly normal. just has a bit of dried blood still round it and it sticks out still ever so slightly.

re: swollen breasts on newborn, I googled it and it says that this is completely normal in the weeks following birth because baby still has some of mother's hormones. will settle down. I just didn't remember this with my other 2 DD's so was slightly worried.

co-sleeping, took Harper into bed last night and fell asleep when she was feeding and I lay on my side. woke up a couple of hours later with Harper halfway under the duvet against DH's back. and he didn't know she was there so could've rolled over on her. I know this doesn't happen often (does it?) but my imagination of what could happen has frightened me so will only do this again if DH goes to the guest room on the nights he's off baby duty.

[Belgianchocolates]

Morning everyone,

I'm in C has been asleep for over 2h now since her last feed and is still sleeping. That's the longest since Sunday. I wanted to pop out to search for some Fenugreek to see if she'd last longer between feeds if I took that and was waiting for her to wake so I could feed her before I leave the house, but she's still asleep. So I'm not going to wake her, but see how she goes. I think it's because she's finally fed a bit more at night, so she doesn't need to make up for it during the day . Oddly enough I'd rather have it this way, because I do sleep while she feeds and I need longer gaps during the day because of the other 2 dcs.

cords After the stump has come off it is normal to be a bit leaky, because the skin needs to close and so where the cord was attached is open for a little while. It's also normal for the stump to be a bit smelly after a while, especially if the stump had quite a bit of blood inside.

co-sleeping Momino, something similar happened to me in the past (not with C though) and I've started sleeping with my back to dh, so I'm always inbetween the baby and him. C has been half way under the duvet, but it's not right on her face, because of her being so close to me, IYKWIM. She also ends up sleeping on her side most of the night, because she rolls towards me or falls asleep while feeding which she does on her side, off course. I'm not too worried, because I am a light sleeper, especially with a baby in bed.

nappy changing I also use cotton wool and water, because DS started having rashes when I used wet wipes too early I kept on the habbit of cotton wool and water with the other babies. I must admit that half the time I use cold water too and even worse, I don't always empty the bowl and re-use the water from a previous nappy change
I finally got weed on yesterday too. I had the silly idea of chaning C's nappy on my lap as it was only wet and of course she weed the minute I took the wet nappy away I know I was asking for trouble doing that...

stitches Detsy I found with all 3 that the stitches get a bit more painful just before they start falling out and then they get better again. Today was the 1st day that I actually got to wipe myself after using the toilet and it felt more or less like normal!

Tummum Gosh, you're brave going away in the caravan this soon. We're planning a trial run early July some time, but not before. Let us know how you get on. You know give us the does and donts

[Momino]

Belgian, thanks for the co-sleeping advice. if I do it again, I'll put back to DH. I did find that I woke up quite quickly when baby made a move or a noise so I seemed to be aware of her even asleep.

[Jennster]

Feeling a bit weepy today. Just silly things upsetting me, and the dc being little buggers is not helping, even though they are at nursery. I need to get out of the house, but dh has the pram in the boot of the car at work, and the buggy isn't ideal for a walk. He'll be home for lunch in hour anyway so can go out later.

Finally contacted the physio regarding my tummy split. I'm really cross it happened. I thought I was so careful. Having a horrid cough isn't helping. At least I'm not leaking wee!

Stood on the scales yesterday and wished I hadn't. I don't look like I've just given birth, but gees the weight is still there. Must stop baking and eating cakes.

My mum and dad put the idea of going abroad on holiday with them in September, so I got all excited about that, but the cost is too much. Think we'll stick to a cottage in the UK.

Just off to make a bolognaise.

So sorry to moan.

[Momino]

Hi Jennster, getting out will be good if you can, breath of fresh air will help.

If you feel weepy, do have a cry if you need to because that helps as well. and try not to worry about your weight, it will take some time to get back to normal. also, it's great that you don't look like you've just given birth so bask in that .

i still have a beer belly hanging over my jeans (very attractive) but am hiding it with loose jumpers and tops so people think i've lost my baby tummy already.

i do like your idea of cooking to feel better - does it help? i'm being a lazy mum and about to go take a nap. oh, maybe not. i've got to express (haven't been very good at doing it) then am sure baby will wake for the next feed. oh, will nap later.

great the kids are at nursery though isn't it? I really do like the break from the chaos.

Hope you feel better soon. x

[pulapula]

jennster- have you been out at all since having LO. I haven't and i'm starting to feel very trapped, but am waiting for the CMW but might call to get a rough time.

And try not to worry about the weight thing. I was that a few days ago i was still 12st 9 when i was 10st 5. Then 2 days ago i was 12st 5 and today i'm 12st 1 so it is still coming off (fluid/uterus contracting i guess). I know that with BF i do tend to loose a lot even if my diet isn't wonderful. I just have thunderthighs at the moment so can't get my old jeans on yet...

[pulapula]

momino- when i co-sleep (which is every night at the moment) i kick DH out. Not great for him or us but i feel better when i can spread out.

I just tried to settle S in his moses basket awake but sleepy for the first time - nearly worked a few times but then he kept getting upset and in the end i fed him (and he took quite a bit on) so maybe he was a bit peckish too, even though it was less than 2 hours since his last feed. CMW coming in 15 mins so might go out later although think rain is on its way.

[llareggub]

Hello everyone.

Just about managing to keep my sanity!

Poor old DS1 was very quiet when I picked him up from nursery. I think it was a mistake to let him sleep over with the inlaws so early on. I think he felt a bit pushed out.

I feel a lot better now the sun is out. George slept well last night, I think swaddling makes a real difference.

George's cord is manky too so I've got cream from the GP. It is a mild antibiotic and seems to be doing the trick.

So slow typing with one hand!

Jennster, I feel like that too sometimes.

[Jennster]

Thanks folks. Been out a few times. Think it all started when I had it in my head, Friday would be a good day to go to the Trafford Centre with DH and get dd2 some Gap socks. We haven't got any socks and figured it would be nice to go out for the day. Take it lazy and have a nice lunch. Then Dh reminded me we are going to a funeral. The father of a friend, so not too sad for us iykwim, but very sad for our friend. It's for her mostly. Today he has to work all day, and tomorrow I have to get us to a hearing screening test at 13.00, so right in the middle of the day. No point going before or after that. On the brighter side, at least I'll get to the breastfeeding group in the morning.

[Jennster]

Good point about the sun llaregub. The front room where the cumfy chairs are is very dark. The kitchen is lovely and sunny.

Enough bolognaise to feed an army. Good job too as it's the dcs favourite.

[Momino]

llare, one handed as well!

trying to express so i can start DH doing 10-11pm feed. such a dull job and i've only found time now with DD1&2 at nursery.

there. 2 oz took about 10 min to express with a medela mini elec. i can see this pumping business going down the drain.

pula, you must be right about DH going to another room. I tried to kick DH out last night but he 'couldn't sleep' and forgot the alarm clock so crept back into our bed. I've told him, it's better he sleep in the other room so he'll prob listen to me tonight.

[Jennster]

momino 2 oz of breastmilk is lots for a newborn. Have you tried hand expressing? Some people find (once you have the knack it far more efficient.

I didn't bother expressing for ds until just before I went back to work at 9 months. It was so stressful with dd first time round, it just wasn't worth the effort.

[Momino]

is it lots? I'm not jeapardising (sp?) milk supply, am i . i think i will try hand expressing or i'll give up the idea of dh doing a bottle feed. just not sure i can be bothered.

[pulapula]

Momino- think i started expressing for DS1 at about 2 weeks. The more you pump the more you produce so don't worry about supply. I am thinking about expressing but as DS2 seems to be either feeding or sleeping on me 24/7 not sure when i could fit it in. DS2s mammoth feed at 11pm is getting me down as it means a late bedtime for me all the time (DH used to do this feed with DD and DS1) and i am considering introducing a formula feed here rather than trying to express. DD had a formula feed at 11pm but for DS1 i managed to express in the evening. It's so difficult to know what to do. I am sure though that we started giving DD/DS around 2oz at first so sounds like a good quantity.

[pulapula]

Here's the updated birth announcements list. Please shout if i've missed anyone!

So far 13 boys and 15 girls.

1 APRIL 2009: SpangleMaker, BOY - Harvey, 9:55, 5lb 12oz, 35+3 (first child)
23 APRIL 2009: LoobyLou36, GIRL - Matilda Rose, 5.53am, 8lb 3oz, 38+4 (first child)
23 APRIL 2009, Reggiee, BOY, Ben, 7lb 8, 39 weeks (DD age 22 mo)
24 APRIL 2009: EmmalinaC, GIRL, Niamh Elizabeth, 9.56am, 6lb 2oz, unplanned vbac! 38+5wks (DD aged 2.4)
29 APRIL 2009: llareggub, BOY, George, 8am, 7lb 9oz, VBAC (DS1 2.5)
29 APRIL 2009: gert2a, GIRL, Edith Ann Elaine, 10.14am, 7lb 10oz, ELCS (first child)
30 APRIL 2009: Jael, BOY, Jacob, ELCS (DD aged nearly 3)
1 MAY 2009: 1stMrsF, TWIN GIRLS, Amelia Carys (7lb 6.5oz) and Georgiana Bronwen (6lb 12oz), c-section 14.06 and 14.07
2 MAY 2009: Divedaisy, GIRL, Sofiah Rose, 00:47am (DS age 6)
2 MAY 2009: Momino, GIRL, 04.05am Harper Grace, 8lb 1oz.(DD age 3 and DD age 1.5)
2 MAY 2009: Tummum, BOY, Gethin Thomas, 9pm, 9lb 1oz (2 DDs)
2 MAY 2009: LadyHelen, BOY, Rufus, 2.15am (DS 3.7)
6 MAY 2009: Aquababe, BOY, Ethan, 4:51am, 8lb 6
6 MAY 2009: YawningMonster, GIRL, Clare, 9lb 5 (DS already)
8 MAY 2009: bekkaboo, GIRL, Evie Mae, 7lbs (DS age 2)
9 MAY 2009: Daizydoo, BOY, Jasper, 2:08am, 8lbs (DS age 2)
9 MAY 2009: Ses, BOY, Owen Edward, 10:17am, 8lb 9oz, born by section
11 MAY 2009: Belgianchocolates, GIRL, Claire, 4.49am, 9lb 10oz (DS 7, DD 5)
11 MAY 2009: Dandylioness, BOY, Hector Frank, 6lb 9oz, 1:25, emcs (DD age 4)
11 MAY 2009: Flippineck, GIRL, Angharad, 11:15am, 8lb 3oz (DD1 2yr1m)
12 May 2009: Pulapula, BOY, Samuel James, 4:16pm, 8lb 3oz (DD 4.5, DS1 1.11)
14 MAY 2009: Jennster, GIRL, Rachel Mary, 8lb 7oz
15 MAY 2009: Detsy, BOY, Archie, 8lb 5oz
15 MAY 2009: Emmabemmasmom, GIRL, Sara Addison, 9.45pm, 6lb 5 (DD1 aged 2)
17 MAY 2009: Blottedcopybook, GIRL, Greer, 7lb 11oz, 7.35pm (DS1 8, DS2 3 & DD1 22m)
17 MAY 2009: Febes, BOY, Rueben Cornelius, 7.52 pm, 6lbs 15 (DD aged 1)
17 MAY 2009: Cloveofhislife, GIRL, 00.39am, 2 DDs already

[Momino]

pula, that's great. thanks for the list.

[Jennster]

So far 13 boys and 15 girls.

1 APRIL 2009: SpangleMaker, BOY - Harvey, 9:55, 5lb 12oz, 35+3 (first child)
23 APRIL 2009: LoobyLou36, GIRL - Matilda Rose, 5.53am, 8lb 3oz, 38+4 (first child)
23 APRIL 2009, Reggiee, BOY, Ben, 7lb 8, 39 weeks (DD age 22 mo)
24 APRIL 2009: EmmalinaC, GIRL, Niamh Elizabeth, 9.56am, 6lb 2oz, unplanned vbac! 38+5wks (DD aged 2.4)
29 APRIL 2009: llareggub, BOY, George, 8am, 7lb 9oz, VBAC (DS1 2.5)
29 APRIL 2009: gert2a, GIRL, Edith Ann Elaine, 10.14am, 7lb 10oz, ELCS (first child)
30 APRIL 2009: Jael, BOY, Jacob, ELCS (DD aged nearly 3)
1 MAY 2009: 1stMrsF, TWIN GIRLS, Amelia Carys (7lb 6.5oz) and Georgiana Bronwen (6lb 12oz), c-section 14.06 and 14.07
2 MAY 2009: Divedaisy, GIRL, Sofiah Rose, 00:47am (DS age 6)
2 MAY 2009: Momino, GIRL, 04.05am Harper Grace, 8lb 1oz.(DD age 3 and DD age 1.5)
2 MAY 2009: Tummum, BOY, Gethin Thomas, 9pm, 9lb 1oz (2 DDs)
2 MAY 2009: LadyHelen, BOY, Rufus, 2.15am (DS 3.7)
6 MAY 2009: Aquababe, BOY, Ethan, 4:51am, 8lb 6
6 MAY 2009: YawningMonster, GIRL, Clare, 9lb 5 (DS already)
8 MAY 2009: bekkaboo, GIRL, Evie Mae, 7lbs (DS age 2)
9 MAY 2009: Daizydoo, BOY, Jasper, 2:08am, 8lbs (DS age 2)
9 MAY 2009: Ses, BOY, Owen Edward, 10:17am, 8lb 9oz, born by section
11 MAY 2009: Belgianchocolates, GIRL, Claire, 4.49am, 9lb 10oz (DS 7, DD 5)
11 MAY 2009: Dandylioness, BOY, Hector Frank, 6lb 9oz, 1:25, emcs (DD age 4)
11 MAY 2009: Flippineck, GIRL, Angharad, 11:15am, 8lb 3oz (DD1 2yr1m)
12 May 2009: Pulapula, BOY, Samuel James, 4:16pm, 8lb 3oz (DD 4.5, DS1 1.11)
14 MAY 2009: Jennster, GIRL, Rachel Mary, 8lb 7oz (DD1 3y 4m DS 22m)
15 MAY 2009: Detsy, BOY, Archie, 8lb 5oz
15 MAY 2009: Emmabemmasmom, GIRL, Sara Addison, 9.45pm, 6lb 5 (DD1 aged 2)
17 MAY 2009: Blottedcopybook, GIRL, Greer, 7lb 11oz, 7.35pm (DS1 8, DS2 3 & DD1 22m)
17 MAY 2009: Febes, BOY, Rueben Cornelius, 7.52 pm, 6lbs 15 (DD aged 1)
17 MAY 2009: Cloveofhislife, GIRL, 00.39am, 2 DDs already

[Jennster]

Just added my other dc in there. They disappeared somewhere.

momino Newborn stomachs are the size of a walnut. About as big as their fists. It's easy to worry about quantity, but your milk is unique. /you just can't compare it to formula. It could be more concentrated, or less. It's magic stuff. It's also far more digestible than formula which is why bf babies tend to feed more frequently. I know this doesn't answer your question directly. Expressing and then feeding will only increase your supply, not decrease it. If you express and substitute that feed for formula then you might be mucking around with your supply, as baby is more likely to feed more efficiently than expressing. I hope I haven't confused you there!

Got pram, off for walk.

[LoobyLou36]

blimey - that's alot of babies

Matilda is quite sleepy today, i'm trying to wean her off formula a bit more but am still finding BF a bit difficult have started taking fenugreek tablets, has anyone noticed they make you smell strange? if I sweat it smells really odd and sweet, and my skin smells odd

[pulapula]

looby- yes i think fenugreek can make your sweat smell of maple syrup- could be worse! Don't take too much too soon as you dont want to get engorged and it is magic stuff- just give it a day or 2.

[LoobyLou36]

my mum and dad were supposed to come round at 2 to meet M. they havn't shown up
they've said they'd pop round and meet M loads of times but haven't.
M will be 4 weeks old tomorrow I really thought they could make the effort

[pulapula]

looby not surprised you are . how far away do they live?

[SpangleMaker]

Looby hope your parents show up.

I've been expressing today. Took me 15min to get 2.5oz with a hand pump. It's not something I'll be doing on a regular basis or I'll get repetitive strain injury! I've been expressing because we are going out tonight for the first time without H Going to see Angels & Demons with a couple from my NCT group. It's not a film I'm desparate to see but I'm thinking it's good to test the water as it were on an evening when it won't upset anyone if we have to dash off early. My Dad & step-mum will be looking after H - they've spent a lot of time with him so they/he should be ok. I'm hoping he won't actually need a feed while we're out but it's there just in case. We had a trial run last night & H happily took to a bottle from DH - strangely I was almost a bit jealous after feeding him myself all this time. It wore off when I realised I could have a larger than usual glass of wine though