Early Oct Babies Part 9

[Treaclepie19]

Another thread!! 😊 Come on babies, we're ready for you ❤

Thanks @Treacle81 going to get up soon and take some paracetamol and see how the day goes

Been trying to send pic but it's not sending there is a 'Lockdown Mums' mental health toolkit by Anna Mathur (someone on the FB mums group I'm in posted it) If anyone who has time is interested. 4 week free course. Wouldn't let me attach pic. Google it. Particularly thought of you @Zaalfruit
xx

@blankiesandunicorns I had similar last night! Started getting really frequent braxton hicks that turned painful - I got so excited! Overnight they seemed to go away, I woke up twice with dull aching pains but nothing too bad. And having a lot of braxton hicks this morning but definitely no contractions. I think it needs to be more regular to be classed as early labour but hopefully our bodies are starting to get things going!

@BecLJ don't give up hope. Keep trying with the breastfeeding while you wait for the appointment and look online for the nipple flipple technique- there are lots of videos. Some NCT and NHS people do tell you that babies latch automatically but that isn't true for the majority. Most do need some help from mum. Also pump every couple of hours to keep your supply up- I've read stories of kids who've been bottle fed due to being in NICU for months and have successfully moved on to breastfeeding at several months old, so even if they do develop a bottle habit there are ways around it if you're determined enough. I also know of adopted ones who have started breastfeeding at 8 months old having only ever bottle fed before, so don't worry that it's a special window that has to be jumped on before it closes. If you can pump some off, give that to your baby in the bottle before offering the formula supplement.

@Treacle81 If you buy it you're likely to end up using it. Which is fine if that's what you're wanting to do, but regularly supplementing with formula at this stage often leads to the end of the breastfeeding journey, because it relies on the supply and demand between boob and infant. It's normal for them to be incredibly fussy and always on the boob in the early hours and days because they're putting their order in, so to speak (no one told me this, so I ended up very stressed by it). If at this stage you offer bottles they tend to lose interest in latching because latching is harder work than suckling is (totally different mouth movement) and it becomes a bit of a self-fulfilling prophecy, in that both of you end up going for bottles because it's easier. Your supply then drops because the baby isn't cluster feeding (glued to your nipple for hours) to increase the supply. If you're worried about how much they're feeding in the early days but do want to breastfeed your best bet is to feed from a tiny cup. They lap at it a bit like a cat and it gives them milk without causing them to develop a preference for sucking. Also, remember their stomachs are absolutely tiny so they don't actually drink much at this stage. I did end up sending DH out for ready made formula when DD was about a day old because I hadn't successfully latched her since leaving the hospital- she had one formula feed and I did end up going back into hospital later that day because thankfully my trust are fairly amazing and I was really struggling. So I stayed in getting help with latching etc for a couple of days (milk came in early and boobs were so swollen she couldn't physically latch so in the end they instructed me to pump it all off until they were totally empty and DD latched fine then with a bit of help). I would definitely seek advice from an IBCLC if at all possible if you're struggling, and join a support group online (I recommend Breastfeeding Younger Babies and Beyond- I'm in the group for older babies and they really know their stuff). In short, I'd say if you live relatively near a 24 hour supermarket there's no real need to bother buying in formula but if you don't maybe buy a box of the ready made ones just in case you get distraught in the early hours like I did. And source a tiny cup from somewhere (the disposable plastic shot glasses work- obviously sterilise before use) or some medication dispensing cups or spoons.

@blankiesandunicorns I got woken up by a powerful cramp at about half one this morning. Got all excited. Timed it- nope, not starting. Then had to get up and have a snack and couldn't get back to sleep for ages. Nevermind though- it's all a step in the right direction.

Oh, and people struggling with latch, make sure you get a couple of people to check for tongue tie and lip tie- very common yet commonly missed.

Hey folks, in case helpful on the feeding (where tbh I’m struggling as much with sleep deprivation as anything, so aiming to combo-feed so DH can do at least one nighttime bottle): we’ve had friends recommend bottles that mimic breast feeding as closely as possible (so reduce the risk of nipple confusion etc). I think there are a few brands and we haven’t tried them yet, but one example is Medela Calma. Sending best wishes to everyone who’s finding this tough x

I am going to read through I promise but on a brief look I’m so happy/relieved to see it’s not the only one struggling with BF. My nipples are sore and one is now bruised.
I’ve just been to ASDA and bought bigger bras, SMA, bottles and I think even my shopping screamed STRUGGLING TO BREAST FEED at everyone who saw me 😂

@FourPlasticRings I really wanted to use clary sage but my midwife said the same as what you've posted, only use when in labour which just defeats the purpose.

@Aquablue1123 I'm the same I've decided I'll still do my dates and raspberry leaf tea but other than that just relax and let baby come out whenever instead of trying to hurry her!!

@MrsD1990 don't worry! I'm sure you have a lot on your plate now!! I was going to send a message to everyone sort of saying the same before everyone has their babies and vanishes from the thread, I think especially during what has been the strangest year we have all been through with lockdown and restrictions etc thank you all for just being here. I've not been on since the beginning but have been since March and you've all helped me keep my sanity and given me some laughs which was so needed especially this year so thank you all ❤️

@Spark27 Amelie is such a beautiful name!

And anyone struggling with night feeds and trying to settle baby etc, you're all doing amazing.

@blankiesandunicorns hope this is the start for you! And you're managing ok

@FourPlasticRings v informative, thanks v much for that 😃@booandbumpp oh bless you, hope you get a bit of relief from trying the formula and @LostinAusten2 I hope you get to combo feed, I think that's what I'll be doing but going to try and keep to bf for atleast first 4 weeks, see how baby takes to it, not tongue tied etc. I won't pressurise myself tho. Good luck to you too @BecLJ I've hot this all to come. Oh @otterbaby, @blankiesandunicorns and @FourPlasticRings sounds like it's all happening! I'm feeling less dizzy today so booked pedicure, can't wait 🦶💞xx

@AutumnBabyWinterMummy I second what you said, we have been great for each other, I told the midwives at hospital how lucky I am to have found this group 💞xx

For those asking about clary sage - I've been using it every other day. I put some in my bath and when I oil my bump, I put a few drops into the oil. It's done absolutely nothing - I think you'd have to be pretty committed to using it to actually see something. Smells nice - strong though!

@Treacle81 v jealous of your pedicure, enjoy!

@AutumnBabyWinterMummy you're completely right - this thread has been such a lifeline for me! Only in pregnancy can you chat with complete strangers about fanny daggers and discharge 😂 x

I've used clay sage in oil for massage and in oil in the bath too. I definitely get tightening down there afterwards for a couple of hours but they dont last. I think like most things sweeps etc it doesnt work unless your body is ready anyway. Just a reminder essential oils shouldn't be used neat on your skin or in the bath, make sure you mix with a carrier oil or even milk if in the bath.

I also echo everyones comments, I have loved having this group to talk to every day, thank you. Hopefully there will still be some of us chatting for a while yet for those later babies!

I was up so early this morning uncomfortable again, I got up had breakfast and watched TV then ended up going back to bed and into a deep sleep for 2 more hours. Wish all my sleep was that good!

Glad you got some rest in the end @LexiM! Very jealous of @Treacle81's pedicure!

Sorry I've been quiet, I've missed loads!

Started the induction process on Wednesday with one pessary, but baby was far too active and I kept having irregular contractions so I had to have strong pain relief and be left to sleep until they could try a pessary again on Thursday morning at 11:00. An hour after being given that pessary I started contracting, my cervix was still closed though, but my contractions were 2 minutes apart so they had to give me gas and air to manage them as the codeine they gave me wasn't kicking in anytine soon to cope with them. Managed to do it all on gas and air from that point and didn't need any stitches!

Esther was born yesterday at 17:41 at a healthy 7Ibs. We're currently in hospital together for a few days so they can monitor her as I was on codeine before she arrived - no-one told me I'd have to stay a few days so that was a shock to be told I couldn't go home. My hopsital doesn't allow visitors at all either so it's going to be an odd and long few days away from DH and DD! So I'll need you girls to keep me going 🤍

Hope everyone is okay and doing well?

@Treacle81 Hope you're feeling better soon and get a restful weekend before Monday!!
@HerondaleDucks I'm so sorry your midwife made you cry, that's just awful. You're boobs are not stupid. A midwife in hospital told me I'd really struggle to breastfeed as my boobs are big and Piper is small (2.56kg) so to expect her to jaundice and need treatment. I could have punched her. This was the same midwife who wasn't quick with the gloves when the baby was coming, so I ended up huffing and chuffing with no pushing when baby was head out just because she was faffing with the gloves.
I'm trying to be all free flowing and comfortable with formula if Piper ends up on it but it's hard, and I feel like I'm not doing my job properly, so I completely get the tears. Hope Ennis gets hungry soon!
@LostinAusten2 I'm looking at combi feeding too now. Thank you for mentioning it cos it made me feel more comfortable coming to that decision when I read it last night. I think the option to have DP do a feed and me get a nap and him getting that bonding time will really make me feel more comfortable.
@AutumnBabyWinterMummy completely get the grandparent holding anxiety. sorry that yours are pressuring you that's not on! I don't think you're a scaredy cat - I'm not in a lockdown area but an area of concern. I'm allowing 1 20 minute visit for each grandparent but outside and Pip stays in her pram and no holding!
we've set up a family WhatsApp so even deliriously tired I can send quick photos and videos even if I don't say anything. a lot easier than sending to individuals.
@georgiexo Welcome to the group! Sorry you've gone over. Definitely get what you mean about having a date to work to and getting impatient when that date comes and goes!
@NWnature well done for getting colostrum! is this your first? I couldn't get any with my first by myself my midwife and DP ended up milking me and syringing it off
@BecLJ sorry to see feeding isn't going to plan too. sounds like a few of us are in the same boat! have you tried expressing? someone recommended me the Hakka breast pump. I plan to use it for a bit before feeding so maybe it flows a little easier an my nipples are the right shape (flat nipples problems!)
@blankiesandunicorns sounds like the start of things! I didn't dilate with period pains but my cervix was getting 'soft'!
has anyone tried cup feeding? midwife who discharged me recommended it and gave me a cup. think its because pip is small so struggles to latch snd just to get something in her but it just ends up everywhere!!

Hope everyone is ok!

@justanothermamma congratulations and love the name Esther! Xx

@justanothermamma congratulations!! love the name Esther!
Sorry you're staying in - what are they monitoring her for? I didn't realise codeine effected that! hope you get home soon xx

Congratulations @justanothermamma! Esther is a lovely name.

Anyone else getting really fed up of, 'Anu sign of Baby yet?' questions?? I'm feeling very grumpy and unreasonable about it all. The worst one was my sister, who opened the conversation with the words, 'Feel the urge to push yet?' which just made me see red.

@FourPlasticRings no one really has said anything to me yet. I do have a cousin who keeps messaging every few days to see how I am and asked if I've had any twinges but other than that no one else. Yesterday I think I said on here I don't mind when she gets here but I spoke too soon, last night I was so squashed have to sit bolt upright or lie down otherwise my ribs kill because there's no room for her, so this morning I'm really just thinking I'm ready for her to come now x

Congratulations @justanothermamma

I'm not really getting many questions at the moment. The thing that's bothering me is yesterday when I was out the amount of men just gawking at me was ridiculous. Yes I am pregnant, yes I am by myself, did nobody ever tell you it's rude to stare?

@booandbumpp Monitoring her for signs of withdrawal as a result of me being on codeine daily for the weeks leading up to birth. I'm fine with being in hospital for that to be monitored, I just didn't get told about it before the birth so it was a shock. Totally unprepared for that!

@BntTowers That made me laugh so much, people stare so much don't they?!

@FourPlasticRings I hate that question, obviously if there was any sign of baby you'd know so why ask?! It's always from people you're not a fan of as well 🙈.

@justanothermamma ahh congratulations! I hope you are both doing well 😘 xx

I'm sorry to hear you are struggling as well @BecLJ and @booandbumpp
I have made the decision to combi feed. So my DH did two formula feeds last night and I expressed. Now he is on a combo of my boob and express top ups, but the formula is there if I'm not giving out enough.
I got more sleep last night too as I wasn't sat for hours trying to breastfeed until he was full.
I'm also really confused, the midwife was adamant that he should be on 120mls per feed, but he's only just 9 days old. I'm making about 80ml per feed but trying to get 90ml in him.
120ml feels like loads especially as sometimes he is happy with just 60ml.

I agree with others this thread has supported me through my pregnancy, since March! I would love to stay in touch with everyone!

oh! Congratulations @justanothermamma
Hope you and baby are getting settled and you enjoy every second of those cuddles