FEB 2010 Valentines, pancakes and BABIES!!

[InmaculadaConcepcion]

Here it is, then - the post natal thread for the Feb 2010 gang - let the poo/bf/nappy rash/sleeplessness/crying

OMG whatdoIdonow!! conversations commence...

hmm? maternity clothes too big, normal ones too small? skint? ho hum! have lost 12lb since getting home..

DD (3) desperate to (breast)feed DS (bless her!) keeps lifting her top up to help me.

section recovery finally going well

will save the omg am going to top my ma rant for when i have 2 hands!!!!

we've booked our return flights so we can unemigrate - 8.5 wks to go and **loads to sort out first but cant wait? just need to sort DS passport - in the post tom hopefully?.

thinking of you all - specially those getting little kip? we were zombies for first 10 months last time, but (so far) this time we're getting 6+ hours a night - the difference it makes is incredible?

xx

Hi all, DD2 asleep in my left arm so I can catch up instead of having a shower (actually, I don't want to risk putting her down and her waking up). she will be 7 weeks soon and already in 6 months clothes. that 's probably why she was feeding constantly for the last 2 weeks!
I feel a bit more normal seeing how many of us have problems with BF. I am trying to cut down, she now has BF and formula in alternance, to releave my blocked ducts, as I already had 2 mastitis. I am drinking sage tea to decreased my milk production, and even if my nipples are still awfully sore the ducts seem back to normal.
good luck to all those who choose to go on, it not easy! although there are a few people for whom it is very easy, as long as they are not smug and make us feel bad .
We had a snow storm last week, but spring seems to be finally here might try the park with DD2 even if for the moment she is not a fan of going out , she hate the sling, not good in the pram, only my arms seems to be OK?? any advice to get her use to it? my first used to love it, she would cry untill I got her out in the pram. thanks

6+ hours of sleep a night, stoofadoof!

I wish my DD would pay attention to the FSIDS guidelines - pretty much every which way she would prefer to sleep is a risk factor, which is totally interfering with MY sleep. So I'm trying to be firm and encouraging her to sleep in her side-car bed beside ours - with some success. She at least will go down there without too much fuss, but the position (on her back) is worse for her wind-passing problem (she finds it a real strain) so I end up awake for hours gently rubbing her tummy and cycling her legs. Ah well. The three and a half hours I did get were quality sleep, anyway - when she's in with us, I'm too hyper-alert to her to really relax.

mamaloco it may be worth trying a different sling/carrier or a different position within the one you've got (if that's possible - not sure what sort you have) to see if your DD will be happier. Maybe find out if there's a sling meet near you so you can experiment? Not sure what to suggest in the pram...

I'm still in maternity clothes here, but they weren't specifically maternity wear, IYKWIM. Front buttoning tops for nursing are doing the job for me - and my wrap dress. Never was a T-shirt girl, though!

Hope everyone's coping okay! DD's napping, time for me to follow suit...

Hi,

Joining those battling with muffin tops, oh and a spare tyre that isn't getting smaller (despite much BF), way more grey hairs than before I gave birth, saggy leaky boobs, bags under the eyes, and incontinence when I sneeze. All in all feeling pretty damn attractive. No wonder I haven't yet had the birth control discussion with DP!

Still wearing sack-like maternity clothes but they are starting to hang off/fall down, still can't get into my old jeans though. I have threatened to start wearing leggings to much amusement.

About to be bombarded with MIL and various uncles and aunts from Scotland en masse for Easter, and FIL and Step-MIL this weekend. Then a week camping with my Mum and brother and our DD & DS in Devon in April. They are literally fighting over when to see us and I am feeling the pressure. My Mum especially is not being very understanding about other grand parents getting a look in, despite the fact they live much further away and can't afford to travel much, grrrrr. I can feel my year of maternity leave turning into a project in pacifying & visiting family constantly, I must learn to say no and/or feel grateful for the attention.

I totally relate to your feelings angelacarleen of not wanting to hand over your baby after feeding, my Mum also does this, hovvering about waiting to snatch him for a cuddle! Most annoying.

Sorry for coffee-induced rant....phew.

Best clothes for BF are a vest or long-sleeved top with a shirt or cardigan (with buttons or zip) on top. That the layer underneath goes up to allow LO to feed, and the top layer saves exposing the tummy. I bought a cheap pair of jeans in the supermarket the other day as my maternity clothes are falling off but pre-preg clothes (well, trousers) are still a bit snug. Fortunately my sister has just lost some weight so has given me some clothes that are slight;y bigger than my usual size but it's mostly skirts and smart trousers.

Had a disasterous night last night as DH tried to do afeed as I was v tired but DD ouldn't take much then refused to settle. After an hour I took pity on him, but by then DD was fully awake and took another two hours to settle down (during which time she was sick on me). So no matter how tired I am I think I have to keep doing the nights as DD seems to prefer it that way and I can be done in 40 minutes maximum, Looks like I just need to grab the odd early night instead of waiting up for DH to come home from work...

Someone mentioned that their LO likes odd sleeping positions (IC?) - my sister's three would only sleep on their stomachs so after a bit of battling she bought an Angelcare monitor for peace of mind, let them sleep on theur stomachs and lied to the HV. Her alternative was literally no sleep! Worth considering?

Well done RR on returning to college! Sounds like you are making it work for you and your family.

Mamaloco, have you tried swaddling your LO before putting in the pram?

Stoofadoof, good luck with the return to the UK plans.

Everyone else, hello (waves). Hope you are all OK?

Golly still in maternity clothes here too. I too have 2st to lose that turns out I'd picked up along the way with all the cakes I ate. Mat clothes are hanging off though - but don't have anything else that fits me.

IC - I have two friends who bought the cocoonababy and loved it - but amazingly both their little ones have quite flat heads - notably so. I thought the cocoonababy was supposed to avoid that - but obviously not. Thought you might want to know that update.

Sadly I have made the decision to stop breastfeeding. I am carrying on for the moment but when I go back to work in two weeks I am going to start introducing a bottle. I had always (ignorantly) assumed that BF would be well established by the time I went back to work but we are still taking hours and my supply is definitely not established. DH is quite pleased as while he has been nothing but supportive he feels that it is taking its toll on me and he would like to be more involved.

I have also worried A LOT in the last week that Victoria is getting enough to eat. Being away from home meant that feeds weren't quite as dedicated to her as they normally are - it's always hard when people ask things such as - "is she still eating?" "when will she be finished" "what time are you planning on..." etc. She has started fussing a lot at the breast too - bizarrely only one side - and often wears herself out before falling asleep. I have topped up a few of her feeds and she has taken the bottle (of EBM) like she hasn't eaten for weeks. I will get her fussing checked out this week when we see the paediatrician but the worst thing about BF has been the constant worry that I am feeding her enough. I know that as long as he has wet/dirty nappies and seems happy then I shouldn't worry

I so don't want to stop though but I have thought long and hard about it and it will be the best thing for all of us as a family. I know breast is best but I am slightly reassured in my decision when I look around and see friends with healthy, happy FF babies.

Sigh... so much to think about - the next 20+ years (do parents ever stop worrying?) are going to be spent worrying so I better get used to it and pick the worries which matter.

Hi all. Sounds like were all sharing the same problems. My LO is 12 days now and will soon be out of her early baby clothes, just can't believe that she's growing already. I made my bumps and babies group last Friday, just couldn't believe how big the 6mon babies were and that our LO will ever have a head that BIG.

BF still seems to be going O.K., just looking forward to when she can latch on by herself, as sometimes she gets so frustrated, that she needs to be calmed down before trying again. Also looking forward to when it doesn't make you wince in that first few moments when she gets on properly. Yesterday was my first worry moment, she decided to vomit and bring up what seems like alot of blood. Have taken a picture to show the midwife (prob a bit excessive of me). I did ring up the 24hr midwife, she said she thought it was my nipple, but they're not red at all, and just couldn't believe that much red is normal. She's been O.K. since, and I'll just see what the midwife says. There was a plus side, it made me realise that i do care for her(which i knew, but was nice to confirm). I just have to accept that I'm not a lovely gushy person (I'm the same with my husband) and to stop feeling guilty for it.

Will be looking out for all your EBM tips, as want to start thinking about that next week. Will need to go back to work one/two days a week next month, and also want to start climbing outdoors one night a week again in May. I've heard that its best to trying to give a EBM bottle sooner than later. DH is raring to feed her himself.

With you all on the clothes thing. Have two tops that i don't mind, otherwise its all a mess really. But until she's better at going on first time, I'm not yet prepared to go out in public, unless i know she's going to be asleep for two hours. I thought my MIL was causing me a headache, but some of you sound like you have it really tough. Anyone have a LO that wakes up as soon as dinner is cooked, regardless of when she went to sleep and what time dinner is cooked. Oh well

Happy Mothering

flying cloud, as Watercress reminded me, you have to do what works for your family. Well done for getting this far and good luck as you head back to work.
Being a mum is not easy and worrying is an occupational hazard. Had DS1 Parents evening last night at school and i was sick all day incase there were any problems. Needless to say everything was fine.
My mantra at the moment is 'Happy Mummy, Happy children' So an hour in front of the telly or fish fingers for tea is going to do no harm in the long run.
It has only taken me till DC number 3 to stop beating myself up about all the things i don't manage because i am not super woman.

Happy Mothering!!

Just wanted to share that it's 1.05 am and I've just polished off 4 weatabix in a row

Hard going here....
Bethany awake the entire night, and still awake now...DP in work today, finding it very tough
Meant to be going out for a quiet drink with a couple of friends tonight, first time away from her - I'm sure she knows!

Anyone else missing the excitement of our old ante-natal thread? Used to love checking in every day to read the new birth announcements and stories, and was so exciting to add my own. Might have to sneak onto Due March or April just for a nosey

Just a quick one handed hello.

Things going well here. Sandy is sprouting in front of my eyes! Co sleeping with both ds's is giving me a reasonable amount of sleep and more often than not, it's ds1 waking up hideously early that's the killer

Ankle still giving me bother. I have a terrible limp and can't walk far, but have been able to drive the car so will start doing nursery run etc next week. Hooray

Hi Ladies

Yes, when we were all waiting impatiently for our bumps to do their thing we were a lot chattier, huh?! All a bit otherwise engaged nowadays...

Thanks for the suggestion, watercress - I am investing in a Respirise monitor in the hope it will at least help my anxiety levels over the whole sleep thing, if nothing else! DD will sleep on her back if she's not flat, hence my interest in the Cocoonababy. Hopefully we'll avoid the flat head business, FC as DD seems to be okay sleeping with her head in various different positions, so with any luck the variety will help avoid that. Also she'll no doubt continue to take naps in the sling, my lap, DH's arms etc as well...

I'm also considering a hammock for when she grows out of the Cocoonababy - I especially like the look of the Australian Happy Hangups...

Now, if you'd said four shredded wheat, comeon...!!

Dd2 (6 wks today) shocked me last night by sleeping through from half 11 to 6 this morning! Normally up at 3 without fail - swear she can read the clock above her cot. Woke at 5 and rushed over to check she was breathing!! . I'm now having a quiet word with her to see if she can do the same trick again tonight, but I think it was a one off.... Mind you, having a good stretch of sleep has done wonders for my patience with dd1. Going to bake muffins with her in a minute...
Dh terrified of me because I keep saying I want a third... . He says never! and if we were to have a third I would then ask for a fourth...

lesson of the day:- don't stop applying nipple cream just because it all seems better. Lansinoh is really worth its weight in gold.

now is time for munchies

I've just put on my normal jeans to prove to myself I can... It's fine, honestly!!! As long as I hold my breath, don't eat and don't try to sit down...

babygiraffes cant get mine past my bum yet, let alone anything else!

I liked all the talk of muffin tops so much (not just me then that I baked some muffins with dd1... Had to explain what a muffin top is to dh by showing actual muffins to him... (Rather than my own wobbly bit

Phew! Just caught up on the thread, in rare moment of self-indulgent BF - I know she's finshed and is just using me for comfort, I'd usually take her off and get on with dinner but DP is out running, I'll have some quality cuddle time instead. It will mean another late night, though .

Thank you raindrop for the nappy advice some time ago, I've been tucking the legs in and have had fewer leaks. The cloth nappies do get so sodden though don't they?! I change her every three hours at least and sometimes much more often, they are always sodden. I literally can't change her more than I do; I'd go mad .

My well-what-did-you-expect first-timer gripe is that I can't believe how much time caring for a baby takes... Yes I was warned, but my goodness the days just fly by and I havn't done ANYTHING. I wasn't mentally prepared for just how time-consuming she is and I feel quite shell-shocked. And, of course, completely bloody knackered the whole time... Oh, for a night's sleep...

Lesson of the evening: if planning an indulgent long bath with both children in bed, don't try to locate shaver in wash bag in a dark room. You might find it by carving bits out of middle and ring finger...
Sorry for TMI but the small fountain of blood was most impressive.

hey fizi, you are welcome. You can put a microfibre cloth folded over underneath the liner to add a bit more absorbancy. Just cheap ones from lidl do the trick.
I left DS with DH on Monday while i was at college and he couldn't believe how tired he was and that he hadn't managed to cook dinner!! A bit of a reality check for him, and we already have 2 DC i thought he would have worked out how time consuming they are by now.

IC we have a Miyo hammock for DS he isn't in very often because of his attachment to me a refusal to sleep on his back. Hoping Cranial osteopath will help with the sleeping on the back and he will start going in it for at least the first part of the night.
I liked the Happy hammocks too but DH thought it looked a bit hippyish. They seem much roomier than the Amby or Miyo.

Haven't been on the internet since Saturday - where do the days/evenings go?!

IC - we sleep DS2 on his side with his lower arm (if you see what i mean) well forward to prevent him rolling onto his front. This seems to do the trick for the wind/reflux and enables me to go back to bed after the 3am feed after an hour, instead of 2.5 hours! My health visitor also suggested sitting the baby up in a good, supportive baby bouncer chair (and I like my Chicco one) for an hour or so after the late feeds to give the milk a chance to go down, then setting an alarm to wake up and lie the baby down once it is comfy. Obviously we all know that babies are supposed to lie flat for the first 6 months, but she felt that a balance between this and sleep was important - a realistic health visitor - really?!!
DS1 now full of cold and sleep talking most of the night. My mum (who only lives 10 mins away) has moved house and hasn't been seen by us in two weeks as she is very busy decorating . She inherited ten grand from my godmother this week. What did I get? A dirty linen container!! I must have been a very bad god daughter...!
Off to do the late feed and pray for another reasonable night (for me and all of you). Look forward to catching up again in about another 3 days' time!

Yesterday I managed to get out of the house with iris for 8 hours! Drove a hour each way to visit a friend... only about the forth time Iris has been in the car so was keen to see how she coped. As it was we have a wonderful day. I really appreciated being out and about, having a drive across the Peak District in peace, good chats, watched a film, changing and feeding at my friends went well, and Iris slept loads.

Worried that what with the car journeys and sleeping in the car she wouldn't sleep at night but - amazing - settled at 11pm and only woke up at 3 and 7.30am, so I got two decent chunks of sleep. Fabulous.

This all hopefully bodes well for this weekend, when we need to make a 200 mile drive each way to visit my dad who is in hospital. Any tips on how to manage on long drives appreciated. I've bought myself a very natty changing mat / wallet (pronto mini changer) to cheer me up and give me confidence. Never got round to buying a proper changing bag so hoping this will be a more flexible alternative.

Good luck to all of you. the sleep thing really is a killer. All I have deduced is that the ratio of bad nights to good nights is slowly starting to swing in my favour.

Baby awake again last night at 3 to be fed... .

Some great suggestions, thanks everyone!

Anyone come across these hammocks? We can get them locally and they're not too pricey...

Last night convinced me to cut out all pulses and brassicas from my diet for the time being and go low on dairy - DD's wind was awful and it makes sense to try and cut down on the possible causes. She hasn't got colic as such, but I'm thinking of trying her with some colic drops just in case they'll help ease the discomfort...

Muffins, mmm... surely they can't give her wind??!

I think babies have a super power/ mutant ability to make time pass more quickly. Even the sleepless nights seem to rush by. And who stole February, btw??! I'm looking suspiciously at my DD...

Had to laugh at 'who stole February?' It did slip by before our eyes didn't it!

My best friend was 30 the day that DD was born, she was telling me last night about all the lovely celebrations she had that week, I had to apologise, it all just passed me by in a blur really!

My 30th next month....better aim to get back in some sort of vague shape for it! Maybe some new clothes?! Although a night's sleep would be the best present of all...