Premmie Mums #8

Hi ladies I have not posted in a while but just wanted to come and say HI. I am sad to see that the bubbas have been a bit sick I dont like this time of year at all.
Get better soon I hope all the Mums and Dads are going well too.

Us... Airlie is a busy lil bee running around and chattering. She is 18mths 15corrected and is doing fantastic. I am in the process of setting up a little support group on the central coast just a meet up every fortnight or month depending on what people would like to do just to chat and let the kids play so if you live in the area or want to come visit us please just let me know email me at fiona@momentbymoment.com.au
I am busy with my lil business and hubby is going well with work might actually get promted to GM soon!! fingers crossed anyway. Mason is well y1 i dont know where the time has gone i swear just blinks ago Mason was Airlie's age.
Take care and get well lil ones

take care

Fiona

Sez, I am so happy if I have been the slightest help/encouragement!!
I have successfully breastfed four babies....all quite different feeders. None were especially brilliant at actually opening their mouths :) and all needed patient help the first 6 weeks with attachment/positioning.
My first (biggest baby at 3800g) did not regain his birth weight until 3 weeks. We had to make an interstate move during that time whilst recovering from a c/sec--not easy. He was also a sleepy nurser and did nearly all his napping at the breast until he started solids. We then fed with no trouble until 15 months when he self weaned. I was pg with ds 2 at that time.
DS no 2 put on weight without stopping, at every check had gained an enormous amount. He LOVED feeding and woke at night to feed until about 12 months. continued until he self weaned at 23 months.
DS no 3, a different story! I thought that since I was an experienced breastfeeder I'd have no problems--HA HA HA. I was very ill after his birth and he never gained well. I know by the way he nursed that he wouldn't have been the world's best feeder anyway, but everything was complicated by my recovery which took months. He had to have comp feeds from a few weeks on. When I tried to go back to full breast feeds he did not gain and slipped below the 5th percentile. This was although I appeared to have plenty of milk, and knew what I was doing.......AND was taking Maxolon and expressing. The paed had him start solids at 5 months. This helped his gain. My OB advised me at 6 months to cut back on BFing for my own sake. I stepped up the bottles but let him nurse whenever he wanted. He continued until 11.5 months. At 12 months he was up to the 25th percentile in weight.
DD was my prem at 33 weeks...with her the issue was that I had to keep up my supply by expressing, and one side expresses very poorly (always has). The Maxolon helped but never gave me fountains. However, I knew from my first 2 boys, that I was totally capable of full production on that side. By the time she fed really well, at about 3 months, I had very little milk on that side. So now I am well and truly lopsided :) Luckily for AA cup people like me it's not too obvious!! She will be one at the end of the month. Again, not the world's best nurser. She pushes and pulls at the breast which makes it rather unpleasant, and feeds best at night. She wakes once or twice every night to feed.
Keep going, Sez. It is not easy, but it will be worth it. AND a difficult time now does not mean that you are not "meant" to breastfeed. You can see by my history that your next baby could be very different, and it could be really easy.
I cannot believe that my itty bitty girl will be one at the end of the month!!

Thank you so much for encouragement Carrie, Nickers and Castle, it means alot :)

Nickers, I cried when I read what you wrote about it taking so long, and people commenting! It's happening all the time, and although I know it's okay, people make me feel like I'm doing something wrong! It's very hard as a first time mum to tell everyone that I know my child, and that we don't need their advice. It's so nice to know that someone else understands.

Carrie, you worked so hard to give Kyla, BM, I can't imagine what you had to go through. I think it sounds like you did an amazing job, well done! I guess I have to accept that as a mother, the worrying never ends LOL. Thanks for your support.

Castle, wow, what different experiences you had with your four! I too have one side, the right, that seems to have poor supply (very difficult to get any milk when expressing), and it shows PMSL! If I thought I was lopsided before, that's nothing compared to now! I'm also have small boobs, so it's not too obvious (I hope!). I've been on Motilium for three days now, and I think I'm noticing a small change, but time will only tell. You really have been helpful, thanks. (BTW I tried to add to your rep, but I couldn't???)

I am definitely not considering weaning him, like I said, we both enjoy it too much! And I'm not stressing myself about his weight gain issues, I tend to think that he is just going to be a long skinny baby, as I was! He is gaining weight, just not alot (approx 110-120g/week). He is not on the chart, but is following the curve. He is (nearly always :rolleyes:) a very happy, content baby, who is starting to sleep very well (in a routine I mean, not just premmie sleeping!!!). So I figure he can't be starving or anything, it certainly doesn't seem like it. Having said all of that, it always just there, nagging at the back of my brain "what if I'm doing something wrong, what if I'm not reading the signs right". I want to trust my instincts, and mostly I do, but other people make it hard for me to do it all the time.

I know I should be grateful that we've gotten this far, and I really am. It's just that everyone said it would get easier, and I've been waiting and waiting for that to happen......and now I've realised that it might not. That's okay, I just need to face it. If I'm giving him a comp feed every night for as long we BF, that's okay with me, if it means we have a long BFing relationship.

I think I might do a post to Barb Glare in the experts section. I have alot of little questions about BFing that I want answered, so I'm hoping she might be able to help me.

Thanks so much again to everyone in here, for your support and encouragement, I really appreciate it.

Sezjm, just fyi, a paediatrician friend assured me that the most important thing with weight gain is that the baby continues to follow his own curve. Another thing is, once you drop off the 40-60th percentile, very small weight changes make a big %ile difference. YKWIM--15g in weight sends the baby up or down 10%, if they are near the top or bottom end of the scale. Also, final encouragement, one LC said to me that will all the publicity about childhood obesity, they can't get too worked up over a slow/low gainer as long as the baby IS gaining! He does need to be above the 10th percentile for his age though. They told me that only very sick babies are below. Otherwise that really is the sign of a problem.
If the Motilium hasn't made a big diff after 3-4 days, then it will probably not work. It doesn't work for everyone. Your breasts should be noticeably bigger and fuller if it's working, more like early weeks after delivery. Consider Maxolon if you don't see a difference. The fenugreek does help too, but I hated smelling like a bottle of maple syrup.
You're right, there is a fine line to tread between trusting your instincts, and taking in the considered opinion of someone who has the advantage of experience with MANY babies. Both are important. I found it was helpful not to listen to everyone, but just to a trusted few.
You are being so realistic about facing up to the idea that it may not get easier. HUGS. The more and faster he increases his weight, the easier it will get. I would suggest that you make a flat out effort over the next couple of weeks (not that you haven't been trying already!!). If he hasn't turned a corner by his 3 month birthday, then it's probably time to accept that he'll need some comp feeds through the end of his first year.

I was a long skinny baby as well, and so were/are 2 of my sons! LOL, you have to avoid anything with "feet" built in. They grow out of those in length even when they really should fit. Other mums thought I was crazy to ask for rompers/pyjamas etc with no feet, but it was a necessity.
I don't know anything about the reps!! haven't even looked at those yet--but thank for trying to increase mine :) Maybe ask a moderator?

Hi gyus.. thought I had better pop my head in...

never enough hours in the day!!!

Alexa is now almost 17 months (15 corrected) & isrunning everywhere!!!!..
Lots & lots of babbling too.....

Will try & have a proper catch up soon....

Hey Mitch,
Great news about Alexa. It's great when they start doing things, isn't it?

Noah said his first sentence a few weeks ago..."I got a broom - broom". It was very cute.

Ivy and Noah have been very unwell. Ivy had a febrile convulsion on Tuesday afternoon and it hasn't been much better since then.
I'm over winter and I am ready for Summer.

Tiggy, sorry to hear about Ivy and Noad not being well. What is a febrille convulsion? Is it like a fit? I can agree with you on winter. I am so ready for some sunshine. It's been raining like cats and dogs hear and half the place is under water.

Lelani went for her six month check-up. Pead is very impressed and told me I have nothing to worry about. Her motorskills and neurlogic development is in order. She actually sang through the whole appointment. Sitting on daddy's lap and singing her own made up baby-song. I love her to bits

Can someone give me some advice on solids. At the moment she gets rice cereal in the morning and the evening (about four teaspoons with formula) and she get veg/fruit purity for lunch and some fruit-purity for snack about 16:00. The oat cereal did not go down, so I am still on rice cereal. When do I start to try some meat or yoghurt ect? And do I feed the solids first and then give the bottle? She is drinking very poorly on the bottle lately, but she's not difficult, or seem hungry and she is happy and healthy. She has gone on stage 2 formula and it is making her windy again. It seems like the stage 2 makes more foam when I shake the bottle than the starter fomula. How are you feeding your bubs

O yes, she takes five bottles of 175ml per day

Hi everyone it's been very quiet in here for a while. So much has been happening my end and I am pleased to report that as of 5 days ago Miss Ava is.....WALKING!!!!
She is 13.5 mnths corrected and can take up to 15 steps by herself. I am a very proud mum. I have also passed mu units for uni with a distinction for criminology and a credit for psychology. How? I don't know.
I have started counselling and it seems I have a diagnosis of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.. Hypnotherapy looks like an answer as well as counselling and i am going to try some acupuncture as well. thank god I can finally get on with things and understand that this whole premmie journey is a positive thing.

Tiggy those febrile convulsions are scary aren't they?. Ava had one about 2 mnths ago and we ended up calling an ambulance. She fitted for over 3 min. i was in tears. Hope things are all good now.

Hi to everyone ..must rescue my child from the stack of uni papers on the floor!!!

Helena, congrats on the great uni results and on Ava's accomplishments. Well done all around...the premmie journey is a long one, isn't it?
Everyone has been very quiet. I'm assuming that "no news is good news"! Gemma was one on the 29th and I was just thinking how very, very fast the past year has gone. She doesn't quite look her age, but nearly, and is growing so well now.
Nadine, I'm sorry I didn't reply earlier. I hope things are going better with Lelani. As far as solids, I've found it's best to try different things every 4-7 days and see what your baby likes. Also, sometimes they will accept something one time and then push it away the next. How prem was she? If she seems happy and healthy, and is trying different foods, that's the main thing--more important than the exact amounts she eats. I would try a bit of yoghurt, mashed chick-peas, sweet potato, banana... Like Lelani, Gemma also has a cereal preference. I tried different ones and there is only one that she would eat.

Castle,
Thanks. She is eating better now. I think it was me going over to the stage 2 formula that she needed to get used to. But she is eating like a wolf. The evening cereal does not always make it, because she falls asleep on the bottle. I am definitly going to try yoghurt over the weekend. I don't like trying new stuff in the week. I work 8-5 and not sleeping, because she kept me awake is a no-no!!
I think she is teething now. Her bum got a little rash. Has never had any rash before and she is drooling and figeting in her mouth. Looking forward in seeing that pearly-white!!
Congratulations on Gemma's 1st birthday. I think time flies because we have soooo much fun with our little dolls!! Hope you had a good day and a exciting year
Helena - She is walking!! She is a big girl now! Congrats!!

Tiff- So sorry to hear about Ivy! I really hope that things have settled with her, it must be absolutly awful :( You and beautiful Ivy are in my thoughts hun.
Helena- Congratulations on Ava walking!!!! You must be really proud! Congratulations also on the uni results, what a smarty pants you are getting such fantastic results with everything else that is happening in your life. I'm glad that you are finding counselling helpful too.
Sez- Hope you and Nicholas are good and that BF is improving a bit for you.
Hi everyone else!

Well nothing much happening here - The pregnancy is going well and after the 20 week u/s I'm happy to report that the placenta is on the back wall AWAY from the cervix YAY.
Kyla is good, I can't believe that she is almost 2!!! I'll be sending invites out tomorrow for her party. MIL has hired a bunny entertainer, so hopefully they enjoy it!

Hi All,

sorry i havent been in here for a long time. Ive only had access to a computer 2 days a week while at work for almost a month now. finally getting our pc from MIL this w/e and internet should be connected by end of next week.
Carrie- wow Kyla's 2nd birthday already! glad your U/s went well and hoping it continues to all the way to full term!
Tiff- how are you all doing now? How cute Noah is with his sentence!
Helena- Way to go on Ava's walking! what a huge milestone for her.

I have a Q for those with bubs walking. Nixon started walking at 15months (13.5m corrected) He has picked it up really well and almost trying to run now. but i noticed in the last few days he favours one side. He always walks to the left? he leads with his left leg and walks almost sideways a lot of the time.
He keeps banging into the hallway, walls etc because he doesnt stay straight. and its always left ways he is turning never right.
Is this just a normal development thing do you think? i mean i know children walk all over the place and not necisarilly in a straight line but wondered if there is a reasoning behind it and if he will grow out of it when his walking skills get better?

Hey Nic - Well Nixon is doing so well walking already! Could it be a vestibular (ear) problem - this can effect balance. I would talk to you pead about it or a peasiatric physio - just to rule out any ear issues. Having said that, I'm no expert!

Hi Everyone

I have just spend the first two and a half weeks of my son's life at John Hunter Hospital's NICU (he had gastroschisis, we are home now) and we were surrounded by premature bubs.

I just wanted to say that I take my hat off to you amazing mums and dads who have premmies. We had our own little battle going on but I could see how much harder in many ways it was for these special little babies and their parents.

You are all so brave and strong. I wish you all, and your tiny miracle babies all the happiness in the world.

Love August x

carrie,

hmm interesting could be an ear thing. He is actually due to have another hearing test as DH was born with some hearing loss. He has passed all previous tests. But did have a middle ear infection about 2months ago.

Congratultions on the birth of Lucas and i hope he is recovering well, any bub having to spend time in SCN or Nicu is pretty rough.

Hi premmie mums, how is everyone going?? This thread has been very quiet all winter! Is anyone else getting buckets of rain today?

Hi Castle
I am doing so-so. Stood up with a headache this morning, think I am coming down with something. Lelani had rotavirus last week, not so bad. I had the rotarix drops given for her before she was six months, so maybe that helped. She also had an eye infection, but that has also started to clear up. I hate mondays, after the weekends I miss her soooooo much. Working sucks on monday's :)
We think she started talking this weekend - maybe it's just our imagenation, but I could have swore that she said, baba, mamma and pappa!!! (baby, mummy and daddy) So we are keeping a close ear on her.
I can't belive that she has grown so much. I can't think that her little head could fit into my had, now her head fits into both hands. I think babies are the most wonderfull miricals on earth!!!