Early Oct Babies Part 10

[Treaclepie19]

Come on babies 😊

@Zaalfruit, I did, but someone on here the other day reckoned you could get away with just rinsing. I sterilised everything the milk touched each time, but I'm a worry wart.

Sorry for being quiet ladies. I'm having a bit of a struggle with my own recovery and dealing with my guilt over not breastfeeding.
Bea took to it really well but it only took a couple of days for it to be too much for me and I switched to formula like I said I would. This morning I've had the email to say our food shop is coming with no formula. Now I feel allll the guilt again that it might be out of stock like in lockdown. Also that with covid I should have tried harder to give her my milk and protect her a bit.

Hope you're all doing well ❤ I'll come and read back later once I'm more awake.

@Treaclepie19 don't ever beat your self up for not BFing. I fully understand your guilt because of the low stocks but please don't blame yourself, it really isn't your fault at all. There's a huge stigma that shouldn't be there deifying BFing making mum's all over the world feel bad for not doing it yet fifteen years ago it was actively encouraged. Ignore the media and just do what is best for YOUR baby. If that means your sanity by using formula...go for it.
O really hope you can find some, stupid question but have you tried Amazon? Or your local pharmacy?

I'm using a combination of nipple shileded BFing, express to top up the BF and formula at night when I'm too tired to do either of the above 😜 So Rufus is getting ALL the confusion, but also all the food he needs to grow.

Please don't stress. Youre doing great mummy.

Also,I have a decent sized lump under my arm, is this to do with encouraged breasts or something else? Anyone else experiencing this?

If you want to @Treaclepie19, you'll be able to pick breastfeeding back up. Once you've lactated successfully you can get it back at any point. I have heard that in some communities around the world, grandmothers will relactate to help with the care of their grandchildren!

@CharlieBalf

Also,I have a decent sized lump under my arm, is this to do with encouraged breasts or something else? Anyone else experiencing this?

I've not experienced it and would definitely get it checked.

I had an episiotomy with Frank, and I've just dared to look down there and seen that my stitches have come undone. Has anyone had this before ? X

Thank you @CharlieBalf. You're right. I think it's just lack of sleep and hormones making me struggle.
Dh says he will check the local shop and pharmacy this morning. Thankfully I'd bought an extra one last week so we will be okay for now. I'm so ready for the world to go back to normal 😔

The doctor told me that lumps around the boobs and armpits are normal when establishing breastfeeding and to keep an eye for a few weeks but do mention it if you're not sure.

@marauder1994 I know just what you mean! Mine was up from 10 p.m. until 6 a.m. pretty much constantly! 😬

@Zaalfruit I sterilise the bits after every use. I think its recommended you do, and with them being so little I definitely think it's worth it. It's worth getting some really nice, intensive hand cream as I found all the washing and sterilising last time gave me really dry hands.

@Treaclepie19 you should definitely feed your baby in whatever way is best for you. None of the ways is easier- bf, expressing, formula- they're all difficult in their own way. But mum and baby being happy is the best for everyone. If you're worried about formula supplies I would recommend getting a stock of it in. Provided baby has taken to it well you know you're going to need it. I wouldn't want to risk running out. All the formulas are very similar due to nutritional requirements, so of you cant get a specific one I'd just get another one xx

That's interesting @FourPlasticRings. My milk hasn't actually gone away still 18 days in.

@marauder1994 I'd mention it to your midwife. They may need to keep an eye on it because of the infection risk.

@marauder1994

I had an episiotomy with Frank, and I've just dared to look down there and seen that my stitches have come undone. Has anyone had this before ? X

No, but I'm not brave enough to check! Get a midwife or GP to look for you?

I keep cross posting 🙈
Thank you @Spark27. I'll definitely get a stock in ready now. I'd hoped we were past the point of people panic buying formula.

@FourPlasticRings @Treaclepie19 my midwife should be coming today so I'm going to ask her to check. There is an open wound and today it is agony to walk and bend :(

Definitely get it looked at.
Last time I had an episiotomy and it healed fine but this time I had a 1st degree tear and no stitches but have had to have antibiotics because it's not healing. Crazy.
Hope it can get sorted for you. Mine is much less sore after a couple of days of antibiotics.

@Treaclepie19 I have also switched to formula as neither me nor baby were succeeding at breastfeeding. I know how you feel in terms of the guilt. I still feel incredibly guilty even though baby is doing well and we are both happier. I hope you manage to find some formula, that must be worrying x

Thank you @BecLJ. Its so silly because like you it was best for us to swap. She was jaundiced and not waking for feeds and things. She's doing really well now.
I promised myself I wouldn't feel guilty this time but I guess its part of parenting.

Sounds like a few of the new mums are struggling, you are all doing amazing though and as long as baby is fed that's all that is important.

Congratulations @booroo on your little girl, have you decided on a name?

I had an awful night last night, woke up at 3.30 to retching, as soon as I got to the loo it stopped, just glad I didn't spree all over DH but couldn't really sleep after that. I think I've also lost.a good amount of my plug this morning so will see if that leads to anything...

@booroo congratulations on your little girl!

I'm 40+5 and started having what I think are Braxton Hicks, really hoping things are progressing! Haven't lost my mucus plug yet though.

Sorry to hear some of you are struggling, first weeks are the hardest I hear, you all are doing an amazing job! Don't feel guilty about not BF

Congrats @booroo !!!

Well done all you new mums whatever way you are feeding! Sounds like the hard work actually starts after labour 😬

Wahh awesome @Viletta sounds like something is definitely happening! What do BH feel like? I’ve had nothing still despite a long walk , bouncing , pumping and clary sage yesterday.

@Treaclepie19 I've just had it looked at and she said it's definitely gaping. She said they don't restitch though so it just means a longer recovery time. Honestly could cry!

If it wasn't for having Frankie I think I'd have a breakdown

@booroo congrats! ❤️❤️❤️

Oh no :( I hope it heals for you soon! Make sure to keep an eye out for infection.

Postnatal recovery is so tough. The one time you really need to be able to rest to recover and you have a little one depending on you 24/7.
I'm finding it harder this time with a 5yo added in to the mix. I'm just grateful he's a pretty good sleeper.

Congratulations @booroo!!
And thank you everyone for the kind words ❤

@booroo yay congratulations! 💕

All you new mums are doing great I'm sure. Everyone says the 4th trimester is the hardest. Take care of yourselves as best you can.

My midwife appointment was rather disappointing. They will offer me a sweep next Friday at 41 weeks. Baby is very engaged but has been for weeks now. Still sitting with her back to my right and limbs the the left so hopefully she will turn front to back not back to back.
So it's still a waiting game for me annoyingly.