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...

tinker welcome and of course you can join us, some LO are born in January, some in Feb and now in March, the more the merrier!

Feel free to have a rant on this threat, it there for that: relieve the pressure and to see that we are all in the same boat!

DS in now in bed so I can eat and go to bed too! Who will say that I use to have a life past 7.30pm when DH works at night? Because I'm in bed by that time and asleep by 8pm but unfortunately, I'm the one who can't go back to sleep after the 10pm feed!

tinker you must stay with us!! i had major cracked/bleeding nipples, im still a bit tender, but noway as bad as it was! i jus constantly applied lansinoh went topless to give them air and was very strict with her latch. i did come very close to giving up - discussed weaning with the health visitor even. but decided i should grit my teeth and persevere. which paid off as were a month old and she has put on 1 lb 3oz since her birth! yey! the sense of achievement esp through the pain i experienced is great and so worth it.

Welcome tinker and big congratulations!

Re BF - you should be fine topping up with EBM I would have thought - but try and offer your breast first. Ouch! Hope it all heals soon. Yes, it should get better as your baby and you get more experienced and your baby's mouth gets bigger. Do ask for help on the BF threads if you need more advice, though - they're very helpful.

Hello all! Maisie Patricia was born on Sunday 7th of March at 3.45pm weighing 8lbs 10oz... We adore her!!!

Can I join your thread again? Even though she was a March baby, I definitely got to know you all through January and February!

I have had loads of breastfeeding problems which I'm hoping are now being resolved but it ended us back on a child ward being monitored as poor Maisie was dehydrated.
Had a great midwife come round to my house today to give me some support and now she is feeding up a storm and looks much better! I feel so guilty about not getting it right and putting her at risk, just didn't really know that the engorgement I had was actually blocked ducts, just thought that I was supposed to have rocky boobs ...

Anyway, must go and catch up on sleep .

As if you even had to ask, Abs! Welcome aboard, you and Maisie!

Don't you envy women who just plug their babies into their breasts and off they go??! Loads of us on here have had BF problems, so you're far from being alone on that score. Whoever said it was the easy option? (Did anyone?!) Try not to feel guilty, sounds like you're doing fine now.

Very restless night last night. She didn't really want to settle at all. Growth spurt, maybe? She seemed to want constant feeding, anyway. DH definitely on sling duty today...

Hi all,

Congratulations to all the new Mums, great news, love the names Maisie and Esme too.

I had another disappointing weigh in this week, still no weight gain at all for the second week in a row. I was so upset I started weeping and was quickly ushered into a side room by the HV who went to fetch a midwife BF expert. So baffled as Otto is growing in length and seemed to be feeding well. Now having to give EBM after every feed instead of every other, feel really disheartened and I'm tempted to switch to formula if no gain by next week. Going to a BF clinic to check I am doing it right, certainly not easier for me the second time around!

Glad to hear others are having more success.

Major moan alert...

My breast thrush is worsening Just when it had improved to minimal pain after feeding

Arrrrrggghhh, it's bloody sore and I can't concentrate on anything else. Using a course of fluconazole, acidophillus, changing pads all the time, drops for LO... Spoke to a lovely BF support line advisor this morning as I'm in despair and basically, I'm doing everything right and it should be going. It's obviously a deep infection. Pfffff.

I am clinging to the thought of being able to go on sunny day adventures with DS when it's nicer weather and not worrying about hoiking food along... And the fact if I stopped BF it would still need cleared. God it's hard.

Moan over - Off to pick up my prescription...

Hello all on the PN thread. Been busy setling into a routine the past 7 weeks. Has it been that long?!

AC - just wanted to say re bedsharing. I've told my HV and the MWs that I was bedsharing and interestingly they just paid lip service to what precautions I should take. Then the MW gave me some advice on how best to co-sleep with her (based on what she did with her children) - she had to be careful as she couldn't outwardly support it and be liable should anything happen.

I have to say that I think bedsharing is why I've managed to get more sleep as DD sleeps much better and the BF-ing goes faster when we don't have to wake her as she can just snuffle on while half asleep if hungry. I can just BF while lying down at night without waking fully which means both DD and I can go back to sleep quickly after.

Another one handed iPhone poster here! I'm still expressing for every feed and giving formula at night as LO won't latch and only gained an ounce this week. We are way off getting back to his birth weight and still a bit jaundiced. Cut down expressing to four hour long sessions six hours apart as I just can't do anymore now dh is back at work. MIL loving it as she thinks this means she gets to bottle feed him. Well she doesn't! I'm being really stubborn and petty and saying no-one but me and dh can feed him for now. So gutted about not being able to BF and hate the sight of the bloody medela and sterilizer already!!! Trying to focus on what a gorgeous boy he is and not let it get me down.

What is everyone doing about visitors? We have so many wanting to come and I turned SIL down today as she's been twice already and I have a friend arriving any minute already. Feel really tight but he's only 16 days old and I can't manage more than one or two visits a day, esp with all the expressing which I don't like an audience for!!

What would you do??

HAPPY MOTHERING SUNDAY for tomorrow to all you other new mums out there.

Aidan was the firstborn on this thread, and he's 8 weeks tomorrow. I haven't posted in all that time, but have been enjoying motherhood, and reading your posts from time to time.

Are all the babies here now..?

As Aidan was 3.4 weeks early he was 6lbs 11oz when he was born, and still seems relatively small at just over 9lbs and still in size one nappies. He has outgrown his early newborn clothes, so I've started looking at the jeans and mini jumpers in his wardrobe with delight!! He wore his first pair of tiny shoes yesterday to the new mums and baby group.

He sleeps pretty well during the day, tending to be alert in the morning and early evening, then feeding every 2 hrs throught the night still. Which I'm in no hurry to control, I adore him feeding anytime (ok so 3 -5am is hard but it won't be forever!!)

He is only pooping his nappy every 3 or 4 days now, so don't be alarmed if at 6 or 7 weeks you only get wet nappies for days on end, then one ALMIGHTY curry sauce-like explosion!

We've also had some lovely smiles over the last week - god it's special Bathtime is particularly fun.

What I'm not looking forward to is next Tuesday - his first set of immunisations. Apparently it's pretty distressing for baby and mum. So I'll be treating us to lots of cuddles afterwards.

One thing I haven't explored yet is the world of the pacifier - I never wanted to go down that route, but Aidan seems to love sucking my little finger as a soother. Your opinions would be great, particularly if you have other children you used them with successfully...

Time for me to eat now LO is asleep after feeding.
T4 & AJ xx

I've started using a dummy. I was trying to hold out, but DD2 seems a sucky baby and it has helped me identify when she wants to suck and when she wants to feed. I used one with DD1 as she was much the same, and we dropped it when she was 10 weeks (she had started sleeping through the night, then started waking again for the dummy so we decided we weren't playing that game!) and she promptly found her thumb! DD2 seems much the same - constantly trying to get her hands in her mouth and goes ballistic if her hands are kept from her (in the carrier, or in a blanket), so I am hoping she goes the same way.

I'm such a snob though (as well as a slummy mummy) that I won't take any photos of her with the dummy in!

Whoever asked about feeding EBM from a bottle to try and recover from crakced nipples - personally I would be giving it a go. I've not come across a baby yet that won't go back to the breast after a couple of bottles, and it's not like it's going to affect your supply, just give your poor nipples a chance to get better. But that's just my opinion, I'm no expert (quite the opposite, as my last BF was on Monday as since then I've had no milk, no lumpiness, no leaking... my boobs have clearly given up the ghost).

Having a very low day today as I feel my life has become very mundane, and I spend all my time looking after the DDs and my DH, as well as the rest of the family (my ILs are being very high maintenance at the moment, and I'm really struggling to not scream "I don't care" when one of them phones for the third time that day and I'm struggling with a toddler and a baby and they ask me why I haven't replied to their question/banked a cheque they have given me/sorted out something else). I know it's just the way of things, but my life got very boring halfway through my pregnancy because of SPD and I just wish someone would do something for me for a change, instead of me sorting everything out.

Right, thanks for letting me vent ladies. Back to the laundry/cooking/organisation...

I second watercress for the dummy use, my DS (5 weeks) is a sucking baby who tries to suck his fingers but can't hold them in his mouth. He only uses it to settle him down between / after a feed and spit it way he is down with it.

watercress can't you tell you ILs that you are a wee bit busy at the moment? I would get mad if my MIL was to do that (she's annoying me enough at the moment, I'll have to bite my tongue tomorrow during mothering sunday lunch), she already has 7 grandchildren but there is a 15 years gap between the last one and DS... Please teach me patience, thank god there'll wine!

Hi all, struggling to get on here as often as I'd like at the mo. Basically feel very much like Watercress with the mundanities of looking after DS1 and DS2. DS1 has had awful conjunctivitis this week so has not been to the childminder - my plan to only have to have both children for 1.5 days a week for the first 6 weeks fell apart as he couldn't go. It's been hard but I have managed and feel quite proud of my acheivements (especially with the 2 hourly eye drops which involved pinning screaming DS1 to the floor for two days that didn't even bloody work!!) Hopefully he is finally on the mend and we will be allowed to socialise with people again. If I can surviv this week, I think I can manage most scenarios with them! DH has continued to be great but I'm still jealous of him a) not having the responsibility for breast feeding and b) getting to go to work, sit at a desk and have a lunch break. I know that he would like to be here though so it's all swings and roundabouts. Having said all this, I feel pretty good, just don't have time to do anything for me (like come on here each night...)
Dummies - we used one for 4 months with DS1 and are using them again now with DS2 for going to sleep. I really think they have a place in the early months but follow the Baby Whisperer's advice to get rid of it by 4/5months before it becomes a prop and a toddler that can't get rid of it.
Mixed bottle/breast feeding - I do know one baby who had a bottle and wouldn't go back to breast (wanted to be honest) but know loads who have happily done both. Personally, I think you have to make a decision that's right for both of you at the time. The chances are, doing both will be fine.
Thanks for praise for those of us with toddlers - personally, I am finding it much easier this time round and want to reassure all of you first timers again that it does get easier and these trials will pass. When(if) you go on to have a second you will also realise how much you have learnt in the process of having number 1!
Good luck for a sleep-filled night and a relaxing mother's day. Will be back on in a few days (when I've done the washing/ironing/burping (for hours...) etc...
p.s. congrats to new mums - of course we want you on this thread!

Happy Mothers Day for tomorrow everyone! Lets hope our LO's have managed to get us a card (those of us who would like one), or the DP's, DH's are for it! Personally I'm not holding my breath, my DH didn't even write me a card when we got married.

My mother has been for another visit, am I the only one who hates it when people visit because I have to share the cuddles? I mean it, I want to sit a cuddle Poppy, I hate that she pinches her straight after feeds etc., she doesn't get it when I tell her I want to wind Pop and settle her after a feed. And she wouldn't let me push the pram around town or up and down the beach , do I sound childish? I don't care, she's my baby and I don't feel like sharing [sulky emoticon].

Bethylou I can't imagine taking care of another child at the same time as a baby, I have enough on looking after Poppy, the bunny and the kitty!

Speaking of which I should go chop the bunny's nails while Poppy's in bed.

xx

Happy Mothering Sunday, everyone!

DD got me some chocolates and a book of Spanish love poetry, which was very generous of her.

I'll forgive her the last two nights of even-less-than-usual sleep then!

Have you noticed how much we've all been whingeing lately? The tiredness taking its toll I suspect, but the babies are still gorgeous aren't they! I wouldn't swap mine for more sleep.

Love to all!

Happy Mothers Day everyone!!! Maisie bought me flowers, chocolates and a really sweet card, amazing how she can write despite being only a week old!

DP started work today and is working every day until 10pm then off on tour for the whole of next week. Had a major wobbly this morning and sobbed into the changing table mat. I am so sleep deprived and worried that she isn't feeding properly. She is on my boob most of the day but never seems happy. She is now asleep finally and I'm going to attempt a shower, I find motherhood so daunting. I am completely in love with her and worried that she isn't being fed enough. She has lost more than 10% of her body weight and her skin was all flaky because she was dehydrated. I can't decide if I'm producing any milk!!! The midwife is coming back tomorrow to weigh her and help me out but I wish she could come today. Feeling really low.

Then again she projectile vomited milk across her car seat yesterday and did tonnes of poo so maybe she's just a grouch?

It's so hard being a mum. Think I'm going to try and go to a La Leche coffee morning on Tuesday.

Ah, can I join in on the sleep moaning? I can't really complain tbh, Sandy has been brilliant at sleeping, but last night was a shocker. He was awake feeding and grizzling from 4 til 6am, then DS1 woke for the day at 6.20am. Gah. Luckily DH took DS1 and let me sleep until 9.30am, but if this happens once he's back at work (Tuesday) then I just have to lump it and get up and get on with it.

Feeding is going well though. Have been so pleased to have DS1 to help with engorgement. Sandy was weighed on day 10 (Thursday) and has regained his birthweight which I was really pleased about.

AbsB - my ds1 was similar to your dd. He was 11% under birthweight on day 10 and never, ever came off the breast of his own accord. Looking back, knowing what I know now, I think he had a slight tongue tie and his latch wasn't quite right. I didn't know where to get help in the early days, so going to the LLL meeting on Tuesday is a great idea. Keep at them until things improve.

I am getting frustrated with my ankle. I am back into my normal shoes, but have a terrible limp, can't walk very far, and it gets stiff and sore if I do too much. The weather is lovely here and I want to be out and about NOW. I sat on the driveway working the clutch in the car yesterday, so hopefully will be driving in a week or so's time which will make a huge difference.

I hope everyone is surviving!

Happy Mother's day! Mine didn't go as planned as dd1 woke up crying and was then sick over breakfast... developed a temp of 40 by the afternoon. Dd2 very snuffly and miserable... So, being very much a mummy today but not much celebration going on ;-)
Still, feeing unusually cheerful - won't last I am sure.
watercress my boobs have also given up, so dd2 now on formula. Try not to let it get you down... [smile)

Thanks to all who have given tips on mixing BF with bottle fed EBM.

DS now had about 4 feeds from a bottle - he seems to have taken to it really well and has also been back on the boob several times as well so am hopeful that it is working! Only problem we have had is that he gulps the bottle down really fast and has done several impressive projectile vomits after feeding - trying to slow him down now by breaking him off the bottle half way and burping him which seems to be working a bit better. Loving my breast pump (a Medela Swing for those interested) - doesn't hurt at all so has given my nipples some much needed breathing space!

Belated happy mother's day to us all!!

Hello everyone,
I've been away so haven't had a chance to post - but have read everyone's posts.

DD has been fantastic but hit a windy/colicky phase this week and hasn't been settling back to sleep that well after the 3/4 am feed - which really takes its toll! But right now she is in her bouncy chair looking at me, making 'gah-gah' noises and it's so worth it. I called the paediatrician as we were away and was a bit panicked about travelling with a colicky baby and she recommended a great syrup called Calmosyne - not sure if you can get it in England? It's basically plant-based -but DD LOVES it and it seems to work.

I also bring her into bed with me in the mornings and we feed there together lying down which means that I can get another half an hours sleep while she feeds. Not quite sure how feeding lying down/co sleeping works but there is something really lovely about lying snuggled up to each other. DH then has a cuddle with her too. He has really bonded with her in the last week (the goal of him taking time off and us going away to visit ILs etc). It is so sweet to see.

Dummies - yes we're definitely using a dummy! It saves my life and sanity at times!

Major moan alert!!!

What is everyone wearing???!!! Nothing fits but need easy access to those boobs!

Any tips??

Both boys are asleep so a quick hello from me.

I stand in front of the wardrobe for ages every day trying to find something I can get into. The few things I can squeeze into are always in the wash covered in baby sick! I think I need to go clothes shopping.

I've been suffering from the lack of sleep and have a cold which has made me feel much worse, but I've managed a nap this afternoon and feel a lot better.

im still not back into my pre pregnancy clothes yet! i have a hideous muffin top and stretch marks! yuck! how long does it take for them to fade??

i will say that im still wearing my bump bands! they are really handy as i dont like showing my flabby stretch mark covered tummy while im breastfeeding. but with my bump band under my top i cant just lift up my top and i dont show that much flesh so dont have to wear buttoned tops for breast feeding.

First day back at college today and had to leave DS all day.

He was with daddy and some expressed milk and we all survived.
I missed him loads but it also felt good to be out of teh house and engaging my brain.

They have provided me with a room and a fridge so i can pump in peace. My medela swing did the job quickly and everything went according to plan.

Next step mis DH going back to work and leaving DS with childminder

So although my clothes don't fit, i have had no sleep for 6 weeks, i am a walking milk carton.
I found a bit of my old self today and it felt really good.

I am back in my jeans but am finding tops a real problem. Most of my pre preg ones won't accomodate my enormous boobs or are too clingy and highlight the muffin top. I have found my maternity tops are the best solution, although I am sick of the sight of them!

I am so glad I am not the only co-sleeper. I just feed ds lying down during the night and I often sleep through most of the feed. It has really helped keep me sane.

My ds has started gurgling and smiling today and it is just fabulous. He is also absolutely transfixed by areas of bright light and will lie quite happily and gaze at the window while I have a shower. Hope he will always be so easy to please.....