Babies Born February 2008

Yep, I have lost my quick reply box too, I think I noticed it missing last week...was hoping it would be back by now!!:doh:

Anyhoo, all is well here, sore nipples are slowly getting better, which is a relief, I am not as engorged as I was two days ago which is lovely, the pain when trying to sleep was agony..lol..and now bubs can get a half decent grip, which is helping!! Still feeding roughly every 3 hours, he still sleeps alot during the day and is getting better during the night, so we are slowly getting there.

We had a visit from the HN on Monday and Noah has put on 90g since we left the hospital! Yay!! Hopefully he keeps it up, we'll go to the clinic next Wednesday to be weighed again, so will be anxious until then..lol..

Jenjams, wow 10.30-5 am! Nice! It sounds like your little girl is doing so well!!

Jackie, I was expressing up until yesterday, as my boobs were so full, today they have settled down alot , but I would like to have bottle handy in the fridge in case DH wants to feed him, so might get that happening tomorrow again. We have brought a dummy, but we havent given it to him yet, I dont think he needs it just yet, he dosent cry for long periods of time, oh except for bath time..lol.. with DD we introduced it on day 18 and she took to it well. Gosh I hope that the results from your lump come back negative! After DD was born I found two in my right bb and had scans etc but they just turned out to be Fibro-adenomas...it was still worrying though!! I hope your visit to the shops was a good one!!

Katkins, I checked out your family montage! So gorgeous and what a great idea!!!

OKay, better go! Hope you are all well and happy!!!

yup, it's p!ssing me off that the button now takes me to another screen, it's so hard to refer to other posts. I dont like having to keep scrolling down.

A quick one cos i have to go feed bub now

jacki - hope the lump's ok. xoxoxo
A quick update which i hope answer your question:

The Early Childhood Centre put in me in touch with Family Care in Parramatta, and we had a 1.5 meeting with the LC.
It was good, she really helped with bub's attachment, our options etc. So, right now, we're bf-ing each feed, though my milk is still very little, we're topping up with formula. I'm using the nipple shield for now, as it's still sore and bub still chomps. I tried without it, it was painful and I think physically and emotionally Im not ready to try without it yet. Bub's a bit better at attaching now, so it's a little easier. He knows to open his mouth and look for the nipple but having him on the breast for almost an hr, still leaves him hungry. I'm still not making enough.
It's already getting a bit tiring as the feeds are now every 3 hrs instead of 4 hrs with formula. With formula, DH would feed him while I had a sleep.


She told me to bf and then express straight after for 5-10mins. I only had a few drops! I think i must be only feeding him 20mls cos he drank abt 50mls of formula afterwards. I had him on the breast for almost an hr. I hope my milk comes in soon. My GP has given me Motilium but that will take several days to kick in. I cant wait to get 80ml or more like you Katkins and Ash! It's so sad.....

Just had a call from my Dr .... and Yeah ! lump nothing but an infection and antibiotics should clear it up. Such a relief.

Made it to the shops and back. Was out for 3 hours and my DS slept the entire time. I was all psyched up to BF in public but then didn't have to. He is 3 weeks old today and I feel as though I should have been brave enough by now - I feel like putting it off so long is making it more of a issue for when I finally have to do it !

Jen - excellent new on your little one sleeping for all that time. Must be great to get a bit of sleep !

If expressing just after a feed so you just express off the breast you just fed from to completely drain the breast or do you pump both ?? Very confusing. Tomorrow I am going to a morning tea put on by the hospital I had Luke in. HOpefully they will have a LC on duty so I can run my million and one questions by her. I can't wait to be able to express and bottle feed just one feed so DH can do it - may be not every day but every now and again would be great for the extra sleep and also for DH to be a little more involved - I think he would love it!

Prama - hope the BF is starting to get just a little easier for you. You really have had a rough old time !

Minky - I hear you on the engorged breasts. Its so hard to get bubs to get a good grip on there and STAY ON !

Katkins - 20 minutes to feed - that sounds heavenly. Its taking me around an hour bythe time he feeds off one side, then burb, then a bum change and then offering other side.

jacki - do you feed bub every 3 hrs? the LC told me today that feeding plus expressing should take max an hr. if you're doing more than an hr, you must hardly be getting any sleep. It's so hard isnt it? I just want to sleep and sleep and sleep. Every moment seems to revolve around feeding...

Hi girls,

I'm back after a short hospital stay (similar problems to you I think Esme) Turns out Reuben was so starving due to my lack of milk supply that his heart rate was a bit low and I finally got put on motilium and I am currently topping him up also. He is doing better and gaining weight. He still gets distressed and pulls off the breast during some feeds (which in turn distresses me) and it takes about 2 hrs from when I feed him for him to go back to sleep which only gives him an hours sleep (and me an hours break) before his next feed. Does anyone else have this trouble? Is it just a stage?

Prama - sometimes feeding every 3 hours sometimes 4 hours - today managed to last to 5 hours (I was sure he was going to wake after 3 hours but managed to put himself back to sleep for another 2 hours !! - I give up trying to predict any kind of pattern !). It would be great if the 5 hourly feed was at night though wouldn't it !!!

When you feed and than express within the hour what do you do with DS ?? do you just put him back to bed whether he is ready or not or pass him to DH? I am finding that the thing that takes the most time is after the first breast its the getting him awake enough to burb, change and then offer other side before attempting to settle him back to sleep.

God I'm confused !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Help Kerrie - what's the secret to getting bubs fed, burped, changed, offer other side and then finished in such a short time ???

Hi again everyone...

I am going to try to get back into the swing of things in here, and would love to get to know all of you and your new babies!

Just a quick run down on us...
Eva is now 2.5 weeks old. Not sure how much she weighs (was 3.8kg at birth), but one week ago she had gained 100 gms on her birth weight, and this week I bet its heaps more because boy has she grown!!
We are slowly getting there with BF.
We have endured multiple issues from bleeding & cracked nipples, to Eva refusing to latch on my left side (because its inverted), and then her having issues with her suck - because it wasn't strong enough to stimulate my let down.
However having been through all of that, she has now been on 100% breast milk for over 1.5 weeks, although the majority of this has been expressed. I am lucky, I express really easily, these past few days have been getting 180mls in 10 mins - which is way more than what she needs to drink! So I have begun storing it. But my goal now it to get her to drink directly from my breasts for most of her feeds. Atm she is probably only taking 1/3 of her feeds from my breasts... I think maybe I am still a bit wary, and scared because of nipple hell I went through in the first week?

Other than that... she is a very peaceful baby. She is beginning to develop definite sleep/awake patterns. Although unfortunately for me, one of her widest awake times is between 9pm and midnight - usually right when I want to go to bed! She usually wakes twice per night to feed (and I have to express at those times as well), and most times will go back to sleep afterwards, although there have been a couple of unsettled nights. I have found it easier this time because I have her cot as a sidecar to our bed (with the side taken off) so I can just reach over and pat her, or pick her up... and I am a lot less anxious, knowing that she is sleeping right next to me, so that also helps me sleep better.

Ok, now I will do personals for the last day... any more than that and I will never be able to keep up! LOL

Carley - I hope you manage to get some good sleep soon hon. Ikwym about being hormonal... I have been up and down and all over the place this week too. Glad to hear that Lysander is doing great :)
I have tried giving Eva a dummy, but she actually doesn't like it very much at all (and have tried different types!). She will actually take it about one in every 10 times.

Jacki - great news that the lump is nothing too serious. I hope the AB's clear it up asap!
Do let me know what the LC says about expressing after a feed from one breast? As my expressing and feeding is all over the place at the moment.. I'm not sure if I'm doing it right!

Prama - good luck with the BF hon. It sounds like you are doing SO well! Its really hard to persevere with it when there are so many difficulties, so I applaud you! I hope your supply picks up really soon too. Can I ask what type of pump are you using?
Its so tiring to have them on the breast for hours isn't it... Eva wants to stay attached to me for usually up to an hour, which then makes my nipples sore again!

Ok, sorry, thats all the personals I can manage for now... Eva needs to feed, and if I don't post this now, then I never will!

Hope everyone gets some sleep tonight! :)

Hi, Ds seems to be getting better now. Yesterday we went to Target. I was a bit concerned because there is alot of colds around at the moment, so I kept Jake in his capsule with the sun cover over him to stop people touching him. Unfortunatly while I was paying for the items I have picked, I turned around and someones was happly stroking him on the leg. I couldnt believe it. The horribe thing was the woman walked away coughing. So dam inconsiderate.

Carley, Jake wont take a dummy. He has a suck, and spits it out when he finds out its not food. (bummer.) I think Leeloo is getting use to having 2 kids at home like me. Time is very short right now. I will be on more once the family gets better. I hope you are doing ok.

Amber, Jakes a chomper and sleeper. Thank god for the medella mini electric.

Jacki, I put Jake on the floor on a rug, so he doesnt fall asleep to easy. I think Jake has a small routine working, but he will still take till he's 6 weeks b4 he's really ready for a steady routine. 6 weeks onwards thing get alot better.

Gee, once you have had a couple of years of good sleep, you really miss them. Tara, Jake and myself are all sick with this cold. Im even lucky enough to have a ear infection too. I hope all you girls are all well. It really sucks to have your two little ones sick, including yourself.

Hi, to all the other girls from this months births.

Prama, I wondered if your labour was a fast as a 20/ 20 cricket mach.lol. Sorry I didnt ask sooner.

Oops, have to go. The little bloke needs a little clean up.

I will catch up with the rest of you all later. Sorry. All your babies look so cute in their photos.

Take care.

Good Morning Everyone,
Hope everyone has had a good night!!!! Our little one still seems to have a rough night every second night -- she fed from 8.30 pm till 10.30pm (both sides) then slept till 2.30 am and was awake on/off until 6.30am!!! My DH tried to settle her and fell asleep in the feeding chair with her -- I was going to feed her again at around 4am but must have fallen asleep. Lots of Fun.

Jacki -- so great to hear you got out of the house and had a shop. I am with you on the BF in public -- I took Sophie to have photo's taken 2 days ago -- and had to leave in the middle of the feed to get to the studio. So I ended up feeding her there. I bought a breastfeeding top from target that just has a little peek hole to pop boob out through whilst the rest stays covered up -- feel more comfortable with that than hiking top up and exposing my whole side. LOL

Prama -- I am hoping things are getting better for you and you are able to catch up on some sleep.

Minky -- my sore boobs have settled also but sometimes I don't feel as if I have enough particularly in the evening.

KatKins -- I am envious on the long sleep also.

Bun -- it is so nice just to have time to yourself without stavks of visitors I here you!!

Ash -- Congrats to you!!

Carley -- Sophie has taken the dummy occaisionally when she has been overtired, we used a dummy with our first but not with our second. I think every bub is different

Well I hope I haven't left anyone out. My 4 year old put on a big tantrum prior to Kinder this morning and I am a bit fragile -- not sure how I am going to be organised enough in the mornings to pack up 3 kids before 8.30 am!!! Oh well will try

Have a good day everyone
Sue

Hi all,

Jasper has finally settled, so that gives me some time to catch up... you girls have been busy this morning!

Firstly, welcome Ash and congratulations on the arrival of Alexander! Great to hear that he is doing well so far!

Kelly, how is Reuben going? Is de motilium starting to work? I find it works really well for me, so I am trying to cut back from the prescribed 3 to 1 tablet a day. Jasper has plenty of milk with 2 tablets, yesterday was the first day on 1. We have an appointment with the CHN today, so hopefully he will have put on some weight. Are you topping up with formula? They tried to get Jasper to drink formula in de hospital but he didn't take it. Lucky my milk came back and seems to be enough for him at the moment. Hopefully it will get better soon for you and Reuben!

Jacki, great to hear that the lump was nothing too serious!

Prama, I admire you for your determination and courage to keep breastfeeding! Hopefully it will soon get easier.

We seem to be doing alright. Apart from the occasional 3 hour stretch of crying due to a pain in the tummy. We have an appointment with the CHN later this morning, so it will be interesting to see if and how much weight he has put on since our hospital stay last week. Hopefully we are back on track...

hi girls,
I am by no means an expert on Bf'ing. This is the first time I have had success. And I'm having problems atm too. Bry attatches and the let down is so strong, he gets a full feed worth in 5 mins. He has to gulp to keep up with the flow and he's swallowing air so he's then in pain for ages afterwards. I have been told to express off 50mls before attatching him to each breast. That will mean he's getting the hindmilk which flows slower and is lower in lactose (lactose ferments and causes lots of wind which adds to his pain). So my feeding is going to take longer, but will hopefully mean less time trying to burp and settle. Last night it took us 3 hrs of him screaming in pain due to wind both ends. Poor bubs.
Also, try feeding bubs, burping and changing nappy in the middle of feeds when he/she needs to wake up again, then other boob. Opening the nappy is usually enough to wake up bub. If not, a damp face cloth rubbed over their hair works well.
Storm brewing, beter go.
Hope that helps someone..... As I said, I'm by no means an expert and am having small probs myself.
I hope everything settles for everyone *hugs*

Jackie & Sue, I bought a new cannon camera 400 D. With Tara I took around 2 photos a week so I could see the changes in her over the year. It was one of the best things I have done. I had a look yesterday and found the photo which was at the same time as Jake. Gee they look simular. In one year I filled 1 photo album.

Has anyone had any problems with baby laying his head to one side more than the other? Jakes head is a little flatter to one side than the other. I find everytime I moves his head to the otherside hes sneeks it back the other way while im not looking.

Morning ladies (more like afternoon for most of you over East !) Hope last night wasn't too trying for you all.

We didn't have too bad a night once Luke settled.

Amber - we seem to be having the same issue as you with Bub's unsettled period being between around 9.00 and midnight !!! Usually DH is on that shift and lets me sleep

Sue - I like the look of those BF tops. I have been trying to get one for ages but shops seem to always be sold out. I think KMart also stock them so will have to keep trying. I have a Loveable one that I use - but the entire front folds down exposing one breast. I use this for night times.

Karlie - We have been trying to take photos but somehow time just disappears and another day over. Will have to make more of a conscious effort to make sure we take regular photos. Im sure this time will pass so quickly and we will forget everything.

Kerrie - thanks for the advice re BF - I just can't figure out if I am doing the right thing or not. Maybe I am letting DS stay on too long and letting him use me as a dummy. He doesn't seem to be a slow feeder and I certainly have plenty of milk.

How is everyone doing with burping bubs. I have read not to persevere too long trying to get up wind as sometimes they simply don't need to. I try and get one after first breast and not too worried after offering second side..... what's everyones approach ???

Also, how much sleep is anyone managing to get through the day - if any ?

Hot day in Perth today - 39 degrees and now signs of it cooling down. We need another cyclone up north to cool things down (sorry Minky !!!).

Just a quick one from me!

Re BF tops - Target are having a clearance sale on last seasons clothes atm, and yesterday I picked up a BF top for only $8! Its really quite nice too. I had to browse many racks of messy clothes to find it though...

2 please (are you Karlie?, sorry, trying to work out names!) - thats awful about the woman touching Jakes leg... how intrusive!
Eva is also preferring to lay her head to one side, although I haven't noticed it being any flatter on that side (yet!)

Jacki - with burping, I generally only try for a minute or two. I usually find that Eva will burp later on, when being moved/changing positions etc. Luckily wind doesn't seem to be causing her too much distress atm.

Kerrie - thanks for the tips! Esp regarding the lactose, I didn't know that!

Sue - hope you have a better night tonight hon..

Esme - hope your CHN appt goes well!

General question - how are you all going with your fluid intake when BF? I am really worried that I am not drinking enough, and may be dehydrating myself, although my supply is ok... I don't feel excessively thirsty, but I always seems to have a mild headache, and feel that I am barely drinking enough to cover the milk I am making... I should really put more effort in I think, or I will regret it!

Anyway, better make it into the shower today whilst I can!

Okay, i think i have decided personals in this thread is going to be one heck of a task! There's so many of us!

Jen - Woohoo on the long sleeps! That sounds excellent, although a little unfortunate for your bbs. Hopefully she keeps it up and they can get used to it too.

Jacki - great to hear the good news about your lump! Good on you for braving the public BF - it may not have happened but you've taken the first step. I don't think i'll ever get that far, my bbs are too big for a tiny lil bubba's head to hide, LOL! As for sleep, i could be getting two lots of 2.5 hrs but i find it really difficult to fall asleep knowing there's things i *could* be doing as well. So i normally get a good two or three hour sleep after DF leaves for work and then stay up the rest of the day. I've only been home three days though so who knows how long it will last.

Carley - I absolutely adore your DS name. It's so unique, i love it!

Kelly - it's good to hear that your supply is getting better - sorry can't help you with your questions, but i do hope Reuben's feeding gets better for your soon.

Ambah - sounds like you're doing a fantastic job persevering with the breastfeeding!! The sidecar cot sounds like a good idea. I've got Alex in a bassinet next to the bed, which works well, but i'm still a little bit sore getting up and down and it sits a lot higher than the bed does... i might even try that with our cot.

Karlie - OMG i would have been furious!!! Where do some people get off thinking that it's ok to just touch other people's babies and children? And especially if she's sick - i bet she'd have been horrified were it her child. i swear some people just don't think! I hope you and your family start to feel better soon. :hug:

Sue & Esme - thanks for your congratulations. :)

Katkins - Thanks :) I know it'll take a while to settle down, and that all the changes are good i just like to have a whinge, lol! Also, thanks for sharing your BF advice, will have to sticky note it somewhere for a bit further down the track!

Prama - how are things going for you hun? You are doing such a fantastic job - i bet you will feel so good when things start improving!!!

Well in the hope i haven't missed anyone, i'll do a quick update... and by quick, im sorry i talk a lot!
Alexander has been pretty good at home so far. I'm going a bit batty with his irritable time / cluster feeds because it starts around 4:30am. I think i don't mind it so much, i'm getting more upset by it because it means DF is not getting much sleep & doesn't have the opportunity to steal a nap during the day, so i kind of feel guilty. I am slowly convincing myself that it's ok - my body's recovering from nine months worth of 'weird' and labour was hard work. And i need to be rested so that we he crashes i can do it alone.
Haven't so far had any issues with breastfeeding as such. Did have a blister on my right nipple, which was making me a bit teary when he fed, but enough air when not feeding and fixing his attachment has helped and it's mostly healed up.
With regards to supply: My left breast seems to think it's a tap. It's getting to the point i think i'm going to have to feed him solely on that side and just express enough off the right to be comfortable. I have been completely soaking through three breastpads during a feed on the right side, and then ill soak through another two (at the least) in between feeds - even if he has fed off the left side. I've gotten to the point where im going to chop up a few maternity pads because the breastpads just aren't doing the job! It's also making him lazy when he's on the left breast because he really doesn't have to suck.
He has also taken to the bottle pretty well - at the moment i'm not worried about expressing reducing my supply so i guess the bonus of being so leaky is that i'll get a good store for when it all regulates a little better - and then DF will be able to do some feeds for me.
Baby Blues, haha, i'm the weepiest little thing when DF gets home from work at night. But i think we're going ok!

Sorry for long rambles... hoping everyone is feeling well and semi-rested today.

We went to the maternal health nurse today. Amber has put on 190 grams in a week. She has grown 2.5cm since birth and her head is 2cm bigger. Not bad for a 2 week old. Seeing as she is healthy I can keep letting her sleep for as long as she wants during the night. Just makes my bb's harder. I am wearing 2 breast pads during the night and they have not leaked for a bit. I still must be getting decent milk supply though.

Ash- Sounds like you are doing great. My first few days home from hospital were bad. I got the baby blues a bit and was worried about everything. Slowly things are getting better.

Ambah- I am trying to drink a lot of water but it seems to have dropped off a bit. When I first got home from hospital, my apptite was non existant. It is now getting better. I am still trying to drink though.

Jacki- I am not sleeping during the day but that is because I am getting decent enough sleep at night... That could change at the drop of the hat though. How are you coping with the heat? How does the little one cope with the heat?

Esme- How did the appointment go? How is the constant burping going?

Karlie- How rude of some people to disregard yours and Jakes health. They should stay away from newborns if they are sick.


Hello to everyone else I missed and hope you are having a great day.

Hi girls,

Just a quick update; went to the CHN today and Jasper has put on a very healthy 300 g in one week!! Very happy with that. Go the Motilium...

After this visit I decided to brave town and go have a coffee at my fave bakery like I used to do before DS arrived, and luckily Jasper behaved himself very well and slept until we were home. This gave me enough confidence to plan another trip in the afternoon to my work to show him off; very exciting and I am glad I did. Very tired now though, so hopefully we both will get a decent night sleep.

Jenjams - burping is going quite well. My bbs let the milk go a little bit to fast at the letdown too, and Jasper is just getting used to regulating his sucking with the flow. He still takes in some air, so after the fast flow has subsided, I sit him upright on my lap for a couple of minutes which usually produces one or two decent burps. After that I put him back on and he usually finishes that breast without any more air intake, so I skip the burping after that. By the way; congratulations on Amber's excellent growth and weight gain! It is so reassuring to see those numbers!

Sorry girls, no time for more personals. Hopefully tomorrow better. Hope everyone will have a good night!

Hi guys!

jen - woo hoo on your little girl's weight gain and enjoy the sleep!

jacki - I don't worry too much about burping, she often seems to burp on her own when I change her anyway. I am not managing to get any sleep during the day between visitors, housework and feeding/settling the little one, although I know I should try! Glad to hear the lump is nothing serious! My breast pump arrived yest and so far it is great! I just express if one boob is really full or it she only takes one, so there is no real pattern, I just do what suits me! I already have heaps stored so DH can do a feed over the weekend and I can get some sleep!

2please - we have a canon 400D too, such a fantastic camera - we have some beautiful shots.

katkins - I have posted a few pics in the gallery. I saw some of your montage - it's beautiful! I have the same issue with feeding - I have so much milk that she gulps it down and then gets wind, and we also have the issue of her falling asleep before she takes the other boob. Usually changing her halfway through the feed seems to work, but I must try the wet face washer next time I am having trouble waking her!

prama - how are you going?

Hi to everyone else :)

How much does everyone's partners help out? My DH sleeps in the spare room so he doesn't get woken up the baby so I do all the nights on my own, except on weekends. Last night was awful - she just wouldn't settle and I have no idea why. Actually, yest was awful all day, she was so unsettled and I was worried about her dehydrating in this hot weather so I fed her more frequently than usual, but now that has destroyed any routine we had going!

We started mothers group today and it was great! So good to meet other mothers in this area and to be able to talk about the pregnancy/birth with other new mothers. I also weighted Catherine and she is a little porker! She has put on about 700g since she was born! She is a little guzzler so I am not surprised.

Bun- My DP and I equally do our bits. He has got another week off from work then I will be on my own during the days which will be very scary. He took 4 weeks off from birth. He will help with nappy changes and settling during the night. In fact he is better at wrapping Amber than me and can settle her too. I wouldnt be without him.
Catherine has done well with the weight gain too. Amber is like Catherine. She will fall asleep during a feed. I have also been told to try and tickle her feet to keep her awake. It must be so tough for you for the heat you ae having at the moment. I must prefer it a little cooler.

I have an avent manual breast pump but have not used it for a week or so. The only time my breasts get really full and hard is when Amber has the great night sleeps. But she must be getting enough during the day otherwise she wouldnt have her great gains.

I hope all bubs and mums and dads have a great sleep tonight.

Boy, I've been trying to post all day! So little time...

Jacki - Ive got so little milk. I feed bub for about 40 - 45mins then give him the bottle. That takes more than an hr. The LC said everything should take an hr, i think is if you have enough milk. She told me to express after feeding for 5-10 mins but it doesnt make any difference as I get less than 5ml. I'm trying so hard to get my supply up. So really, with bf and then ff, it takes an hr and half. Then there's so little time till the next feed.
Do you feed every 3 hrs in the day and then whenever Luke wakes up at night? DS wakes up less than 4hrs at night :( I think with bf now, cos there's so little milk he woke up in 2 hrs last night. I was soooo tired, I was very bad and asked DH to give him the bottle. I just couldnt manage. I feel guilty.....

I'm also confused about when to switch boobs. The LC said if it feels floppy and there's no lumps then you can switch cos that bob's drained. But it's always floppy and there always seems to be lumps...

After he feeds, he usually falls asleep, we just put him to sleep unless he's wide awake. then I or DH spend a little time with him. I feel so tired Ijust want to sleep but then feel guilty for not spending quality time with him.
He seems to burp ok. Yes, if he's asleep it's so hard to wake him to burp or feed.
I hold his jaw with my thumb and forefinger and slightly lift his head so that his oesophagus is straight.

Ambah - I'm using the Ameda electric one I rented from the hospital.. I'm starting to hate it!
Thanks Ambah, but I'm finding it so hard with so little milk. I wonder if it will ever increase. Should I just keep going and going? I dunno. I'm SO tired from bf-ing then bottle feeding. I so wish I get more milk :'( I dont know how long to keep trying.

Karlie - geez, some ppl! My mum wont let me take him out, except for his check-ups. We have this thing about a mnths confinement, bub and mum should rest at home for the whole month and recover. I told her Ihave to go for short walks in the evening or go crazy being stuck at home. Today, I needed to and went to get my eyebrows done. First time I've driven in 2 weeks. It was soo good being able to get behind the wheels without my preggy belly. I told my mom I need to get out even to Woollies just for a short while to break out of the routine.

Sueby - thanks.. how is everyone surviving with so little sleep??

Esme - thank you. ooh poor baby (and mum and dad), 3 hr crying stretch. hope he gets better..

Jacki - i try to get at least an hr in the day.. but that makes me more tired. i get abt 3 hrs between feeds at night, mostly less.
When do they sleep longer??

Ambah - i have a glass of water when im feeding. Bf makes me thirsty, they say it's the let down.. but still so little milk.. wahhhh


ash - hugs, i still get teary too.. it's very very tiring... the lack of sleep doesnt help. I hope the weeks go by soon and they sleep longer.

jenjams - wow, good on bub's growth spurt!!

Bun - so glad bub is putting on weight. DS is still a bit slow with his weight.. We're trying everything to get his weight up, feeding more frequently etc.

As you can already tell, I'm getting so frustrated that my milk is soo little. I dont know how long I should wait..... I'm just getting so tired.

oh - it wasnt a 20/20 match labour. i had a weird long pre-labour which i and the hossy thought was false labour. it was more like 2 day matches!

Hi everyone, its been busy in here today. Must be a good sign that we all have time (albeit very little) to have a quick break.

Bun - DH does a little bit of the work around the place but not too much. He is just so busy at work. My mum is staying with us at the moment and is such a great help. DH is in for a rude shock when she leaves.

I went to a lunch for 0 - 8 week olds at SJOG Subi today - does Murdoch offer these sessions ?? There is that one then 8 weeks to 5 months and then 5months to 12 months. It was great to hang out with ladies in the same boat today. They had volunteers looking after the bubs and just calling you into seperate room when you needed to BF. Lunch put on and 2 midwives/LC's running the session. My local 'mother group' doesn't start until 11 March so will continue with this until then.

Jen - love the photo you have attached to your ticker !

Ambah - I am really making an effort to keep drinking. Between breastfeeding and today's high of 41.5degrees I can't afford not to.

Ash - little one is coping OK with heat. I don't think they notice it as much as us. May be spending extra at the breast. We are mainly inside anyway in air con in the loungeroom so not too bad. His bedroom gets pretty warm though.

Ash - can't win can we. We have some ladies struggling with little supply and here is you with enough to feed a small nation. I am sure it will settle down soon. I remember in the hospital I was brushing my teeth and looked at the floor and both sides were leaking all over the place making such a mess. Its funny now to look back at that !

Carley - Yes the air con was fixed. There is no way I could have coped if not and definately would have moved into a hotel. DH has been banned from touching the air con again incase he breaks it again !! Also I understand how you feel when you said you get a little lonely during the day. DH is always at work and even though my mum is here I sometimes feel like I am doing all the work on my own.

Prama - I don't really have a routine as to when I feed Luke. I just feed him when he wakes and lets me know he is hungary. I would like a bit more or a routine so I can know how much time I have before he 'demands' again but it is usually somewhere between 3 and 4 hours. Glad to hear you are getting a bit of sleep at night. And remember as difficult a time you are having you are doing an amazing job !!

Luke has started to bring up a bit of milk after feeds. Is everyone experiencing this? He didn't do it at the start, seems to be a new thing. Not bothering him at all, just seems to come up, esp when I change him.

Also expressing........ it I was expressing and gathering enough for a feed that DH can do, how much (in mls) do you give bubs in one feed ??? Or should I just start expressing a little and offering it at a feed to see how he goes with jsut a bit and then the rest of the feed on the breast?? Confusing! May need to ring LC at hospital for some advice

Jacki - yes, DS has been bringing up some milk as well. the other he did a projectile but we think cos DH accidently put on a no.2 nipple on the bottle.
Do you get a lot of milk when you express?

I have a couple of Qs.

- What laundry detergent do you girls use? Do you always wash bub's clothes separately?

- is it ok not to wear a bra to bed at night. I havent got leaky boobs.

Hi Everyone! :)

Prama, we use Amolin Liquid and yes we wash bubs clothes seperatly!

Jacki, oh that lunch sounds devine, chatting with other mums whilst bubs are being looked after! There is nothing like that at all up here!! Hey there is a cyclone brewing off the Kimberley coast.lol..so there you go, you just might get some cooler weather!! :p

Carley, once my mum goes back to Perth, I know that I will be in the same boat as you, lonely after dropping DD off at school etc.

Bun, my DH is rarely home, he is out driving a truck as I speak..lol...normally he isnt but they have had a few dramas, so he hasnt seen Noah awake in two days..DD is missing him too :( Wow, 700g that Catherine has put on! Thats awesome!!

Esme, gosh Jasper has had a great weight gain too!!! Very nice!! Lovely to hear that your visit to the bakery was a success!!! I havent braved the shops yet with Noah. We are still waiting for our pram to arrive!! Hopefully by the weekend!

Jen, Amber sounds like she is doing so well!!! Gotta love a bub that likes to sleep at night!!!

Ash, I cant get over how well your bb's are doing with the bf and being so full!! You are so lucky!! Some days it feels like I have nothing!!

Ambah, fluid intake here is good I think..lol..we live in a very hot area, so I am used to guzzling water like its going out of fashion, I have a big glass full before and after a feed. Wow, 180ml expessing, thats awesome, I am lucky to get 60ml!!

Katkins, thanks for the bf tips!!! :)

2please, Noah favours his right side, he sleeps better on that side for some reason, will have to start weaning him onto the left so his head dosent look to odd..lol.. I would have freaked if I had seen a sniffing lady touch Noah! How rude of her, I dont get how people think its thier right to touch newborns when they feel like it!!

Sueby, glad to hear that the bb's have settled down, I am hearing you on the not feeling so full at night time!!

I hope I havent missed anyone!!!

All is well here, except in between 5.30- 9.30pm where Noah has his restless period...lol...talk about one frazzled mumma during that time!!!! I am feeling sorry for DD at the moment as I havent been giving her my 100%, I am trying though, hopefully I'll get it all together soon!!! Still bf'ing, which isnt going too bad, will definatly hang in there for as long as I can!!

Okay better go, time for sleep!! (if I am quick..lol)

Take care!!

Good morning everyone, hopefully everyone had a half decent night sleep... Will try to do personals today if Jasper will let me. He is asleep in the bassinet next to me, but is stirring at the moment...

Jenjams - I find it difficult to keep Jasper awake during his feeds; to start with he only drank for about 5 minutes at a time that has now improved to about 10 - 15 minutes and actually emptying one breast, but when I try to offer him the next breast, he just falls asleep and there is no waking him up. Even cold, wet washers don't work!! But, judging by his weight gain he must be getting enough, so I am not too worried.

Jacki - Jasper usually brings up some milk after a feed too; I've read in the ABA book that they do that when their stomach is too full, so I don't think it is anything to be worried about. That lunch you had sounds great! We've mothergroup starting next week provided there are enough participants (we live in a small country town).

Carley - How did you go at the MCHN appointment?

Prama - we use OMO sensitive, bubs stuff mostly separate. The last couple of nights I've slept without bra; no leakages except when feeding and so much more comfortable. I hear you on the need to get out of the house. As soon as DP is home, I get outside to feed the dogs, have a chat with my horse and a walk around the garden. Even those 5 minutes make you feel so much better!

Minky - Those restless periods are sometimes difficult to cope with, aren't they? Yesterday I put Jasper down on a towel on the couch so that he could look out of the window; that kept him quiet for a little while. Jaspers active period is from about 5 till about 9, which is lucky because DP gets to spent some time with his son when he is awake (and not just changing nappies and settling).

Bun - my DP is very handy at changing nappies, even in the middle of the night. After that the feeding and settling is up to me. DP usually does the evening shift; he keeps Jasper in the loungeroom until he goes to bed (10 -11 o'clock) so I can have a good start to the night by going to bed around 8.30 and having a few hours deep uninterupted sleep.

Katkins - thanks for that good advise on expressing the first bit of milk and feeding the rich hindmilk! Jasper is a bit colicky too, so might try that.

2please - Jasper always has his head to the right, doesn't matter if I put him on his left, he'll turn his head back the other way. The only thing that helps is if I put him during his awake time on the couch on his left with a rolled up towel behind him.

Ash - Hear you on the baby blues; last week I cried my eyes out about the smallest things! This week seems slightly better, but still more emotional than usual. Sleep deprivation doesn't help either...

Ambah - I have to keep an eye on my fluid intake too. I usually do not get thirsty until I am dehydrated, so I've got to make sure I keep drinking.

I think that that is it for the personals for now; hi to everyone else. So many people in this group; have to do a daily check to be able to keep up! We had another unsettled night last night, up with vomiting (or threatening too, but swallowing back) and wind/colick. Lucky only from 3 onwards, so I did get the chance to snatch some sleep earlier on in the night. He is soundly asleep at the moment, giving me a chance to get this posted. Might go and retire to the couch for a bit. Wish everyone a good day!

Esther

Prama - I have't expressed yet but wanted to start so have no idea how much I will get. I don't have anything to store milk in - will try to get to shops today

Minky -hope the cyclone goes no where near you in PH but would really welcome a day not in the 30s !!!

Esme - my DH takes a similar shift in the evening and depending on feeding times (which are still pretty variable) I try to get a sleep in before the next feed.

Luke's unsettled period is still pretty random. 2 nights ago it was 9 - midnight but last night he slept though that entire period and slept pretty well at night. Loves to keep me guessing !

Goodmorning (almost afternoon, lol) everyone!

Hope your nights were relatively okay and none too exhausting.
Alex was good last night, the most sleep we've had at night so far so i can't complain. He fed at 11pm, 2am, 5am, 9am and apart from his hour and a half of wakeful time between 10:30 and midnight he was up and back to sleep within forty minutes on both of our night feeds. So i'm feeling pretty good today! :dance: Was a bit unsettled with wind, but he'll have a short squeal and he's straight off back to sleep.

Jacki - If i thought it would help i'd donate my milk to my mum! LOL - she's having trouble with the twins (9wks now) and her supply at the moment and she's jealous that i've got it easy. I found a great reference for how much to be feeding/expressing for how many days old baby is but i can't find it again - will keep looking and post if i find it.
Apparently Alex should be taking about 70ml per feed atm, and ive been able to express about 100ml (from one breast). He too, is sometimes bringing up milk after feeds. Midwife that visited yesterday said it's just due to the changes in your supply etc and because often he won't recognise when he is full. So just overfeeding - unless it is causing him pain it shouldn't be too much to worry about.

Prama - I'm, well, will be using LUX flakes to wash baby's things. I don't like how strong detergent smells and the LUX flakes are fantastic. I am also washing all his things separately.
As for not wearing a bra - i have no idea. You could maybe ask Barb??

Minky - I complained so much about my leaky bb's during pregnancy because they started at sixteen weeks... next time i'll know at least it's a good thing and that it's helping me for later... Hope yours picks up soon!!!
It must be hard trying to keep up with two in general, let alone making sure your DD is not feeling deprives of your attention. I hope it gets easier for you soon. How is she enjoying her little brother?

Esme - Depending on how much i've slept before i get woken for a feed depends on how sulky i am. If im in say the middle of a sleep cycle i'll cry my way through a feed. And i'm sitting there going but i'm happy and then i'll cry some more because i'm crying in the first place!

With storing breast milk, can you freeze just standard bottles??
I ended up with about 25 bottles that i just won't use and thought i could use some of them???

Goodmorning to everyone else!

Quick one else I wont have a chance

I find Lux Flakes make the clothes looking dull.
I prefer sleeping w/o a bra as im not leaking at the mo but not sure if it will cause problems.

be back later

Gees, it is busy in here - so hard to keep up! The little one is stirring, so I will see how I go...

prama - I wear either a BF top or tight singlet to bed, otherwise I leak everywhere! I don't think it really matters - whatever is more comfy.

ash - it's good to know someone else whose boobs starting leaking before mine - mine started at 18 weeks! I am glad too as I also have no trouble at all with supply, if anything the opposite like you, they leak all over the place!

esme - that's great that DP helps out. I wish I could get more help and more sleep! DH is pretty good but gets impatient pretty quickly and really needs downtime after work which means I don't get much of my own downtime!

jacki - that meetup with other mums sounds great. I don't think Murdoch does anything like that or else I would be there for sure!

jen - that's great that DP had so much time off work. I wish DH had taken more than a week off! I try the leg tickling sometimes too!

Hi to everyone else.

I am starting to worry if I am doing a good job as a mum. I don't know why - I just hope I am going ok! DD gets a leg tremor sometimes - has anyone else experienced that? The CHN commented on it yest and now I am paranoid that there is something wrong!

Must run, bubs is screaming...

Oh, forgot - I also finally posted my birth story!

Bun - DH helps heaps, everything except bf, he helps to FF. But the downside is that it's going to be hard when he goes back to work next week.

I know what you mean abt feeling if you're doing a good job as a mum. I went thru that when bub lost too much weight, like it was my fault and i hadnt been feeding him properly. But i think it's just natural to worry, after all, all this is new to us. We've had no training, and we can only do things one day at a time and we're learning on the job.
If you're worrying about doing a good job, that already means you're a good mum, if you didnt care, you wouldnt be worrying.
Take care hun.. I'm sure you're doing your best, just all of us, and we'll get better day by day.

Prama - I'm really surprised to hear that, but thanks for the tip (on the LUX) i will keep an eye on them. It's just i got a lot of hand-me-downs from my aunty from her two boys and she washed everything in LUX and they're still in excellent condition, which i why i was giving it a go. Guess i'll see what happens otherwise might try something like the omo sensitive.

Bun - I forgot to answer your question the other day - Anthony helps when he can! He normally does the nappy change & awake time after work - but mostly so i can cook dinner or shower! He has sleep apnoea so with the extra lack of sleep at the moment he's really out of it, so im not getting him to do too much at night, and as such i just have a change mat, nappies and wipes next to my bed and i don't have to get up at all. He just flicks the lamp on for me when im feeding! He's really keen to do a lot more on the weekends - but we haven't had one yet so i'll see what happens. He's also taking Wednesday's off work for the next few weeks.
Had a read of your birth story - thanks for sharing! Have to get around to mine before i forget...

Our First Trip Out...
Well i decided to take a quick trip out today. Weather was warm enough and it wasn't too windy so i figured we'd go and pay the rent at the bank and pick up a few things from the shops. Well...
Firstly, i see that i have NO IDEA how to work my pram... after half an hour of fiddling i finally get it sorted. Then the tyres are flat, so i'm waddling around the sged trying to find the bike pump, which of course i also have no idea how to use... :redface:. Finally get that figured out, at which point i can't find my pram bag & then when i FINALLY found it... bub wakes for a feed.
So we have a feed, and i put him back to bed, then figure out how to get the pram outside and down the two front steps. Bubby goes in no problems and we start our trek to the shops. The rest of it went mostly smoothly, except, well, by the time we left the bank had closed and i didn't realise & how the heck do you do any shopping if you're taking a pram?!?!?!!!! I had one green bag type thing but they're just awkward to carry over the shoulder and push the pram home. Oh, & then my silly small town supermarket don't carry the pads i wanted anyway.... argh! :doh:
All in all it was a success, Alex was pretty quiet, had a bit of a grizzle with wind while we were at the supermarket but nothing too dramatic.
So i have conquered the supermarket trip, wooohooo! :confetti:

Just popping in to say hi everyone! We came home today and just can't stop looking at our little man!

Jordan was born on Tuesday afternoon, 3.2kg. Will post some pics in the gallery soon!

hope everyone is going well. We had some BF issues due to jaundice and him being really tired, plus my nipples not being well, big enough for him to latch on to! We are using a nipple shield and he is feeding SO well its amazing!

Will be back soon to read up on all these posts and talk more!

Welcome and Congratulations Roquen!!! So great to see you in here!!:dance:

Ash, good on you for getting out of the house today with Alex!!! It will get easier!!

We had a trip out today too, Noahs first time in his pram, we left after a feed and he ended up throwing it all up at the shops, it was even coming out of his nose!! We have since had another vomit, a projectile whilst in his cot, ended up all over the floor...lovely! Rang Ngala tonight as I am a bit concerned, he gulps down his milk, so we are thinking that may be the problem, will have to watch him over the weekend!!

Question : Has any one started thier bubs with a dummy yet?

Good morning ladies,
The birds are chirping coz the sun is just rising. It's still hard to get use to hearing that.lol. It's like the old camping days when I was a kid.

Ash, I was worried about being a good mum for my first baby. My sister was one of those people who made you feel nervice coz she would watch you so closely. I just felt so judged by her, and I still do. Im sure you are doing fine. Just watch the news or a current affair and that makes you realize how good a pairent you really are.lol.

Prama, I hated wearing bras at times too, but it does leave mess the bed sheets. Im really sick of washing and ironing at the moment. Vomit and urine end up on everything his wearing or on top of. (Oh well, we might as well add the sheets too.)

Roquen, Goodluck with the breast feeding. My nipples got chomped to bits. Hope to hear from you more soon.

Minky, DS hates the dummy. Unless it had food in it forget it. My DD was a dummy lover and had 1 in each hand when she slept. It was a big drama when she was 2.5 years old and tried to get them off her.


Esther, I am on bottles now with DS and I found Dr Browns bottles from Toys R Us fantastic for stopping wind,choaking and vomiting. If you need bottles they are the go for sure. DS was having problems with wind and choaking. Now its hardly a problem at all.

Jackie, Jakes feeding is every 2-3 hours, and he really cracks it if hes not fed on time.


POW, it looks like Jake has been shot with his hands above his head sleeping.

Finally I think the cold has left the building. 3 weeks of stress of colds which has run through the whole family now. Horrible thing is DH is back to work on Monday, so the whole time he had off was with all us sick.

Chan / Carley, How are you girls going? I hope you are both keeping healthy.

I hope you all can understand what I have typed since Im half asleep and have DD talking my head off.

Must make breakfast now for DD.

Hugs

Karlie

girls girls i've been looking for you all!!! lol it took me a while to find you plus my internet keeps cutting out (so annoying). i've missed you all!! so how is everyone doing??? well i hope and getting into some sort of routine hopefully :pray: well Zoey and the rest of us are doing okay still trying to get this breastfeeding down so it doesn't hurt so much. we're doing pretty good i still grinch at the first latch on. it sure is different with 2 now. dh is happy that she's here but is completely tired poor guy i try and let him sleep as much as possible. i don't need him falling off a roof because his wife and 2 kids didn't let him nap. cree's been doing pretty well she's still asking to hold her baby sis and giving her kisses. however when she has a little friend over they tend to forget that there is a baby in the house and get all rialled up and loud. i think it'll be a bit before we have any sleepovers here. well now that i know where to go i'll definately be back. talk to you ladies soon hoping you all get some much needed rest:)

Marie, Oops, sorry mate. I didnt know you you lost us. Glad you found us though, I was wondering if you gave up on the BB forums.

Cree sounds just like Tara. I bet she loves Zoey. (Did I tell you I loved that name Zoey?)

How's Cree's dancing lessions going?

I agree it's very hard with 2 or more kids. Sharing the love is pritty hard to do with a newborn.

2 please - I love that pic of Jake. DD does the same thing when she sleeps sometimes - has her hands over her head, I think she looks hilarious! She also totally loses it if she is not fed on time.

mumyof2tobe - glad you found us!

minky - we have also had a few spews out the nose - not the most attractive look! We have tried a dummy and she will take it sometimes but is not that fond of it yet.

roquen - welcome and congrats!! Can't wait to read your birth story. I'm glad to hear that BF is going well now!

ash - thanks for your comments on my birth story. I wish my DH would help out a bit more. He is ok, but gets annoyed with her really quickly when she is crying and looks at me as if it's all my fault. The he complains that he needs downtime after work (which I do understand), but I never get any downtime at all! And I don't just hand her over to him at the end of the day, still we both look after her and then he sleeps in the spare room and I do all the night feeds/changes on my own. I guess it will take a while to work out a compromise. Good on you for your first outing! It is certainly much more difficult to go out than it used to be!

jacki - I meant to say before DD brings up some milk after most feeds. Sometimes she brings up a lot of milk too!

We had a pretty good night last night and DD is sleeping now, thank goodness. I am a little worried about DH and I - we just seem to be fighting all the time and are constantly cranky with one another. He says he understands that babies cry, but he seems to get so frustrated with her so quickly, and I really need a break sometimes.

Hi Everyone,
We are having a lovely sleepy day today. YEAH!!! DD slept from 10pm til 3am had a 20min feed then back to bed and slept till 7am. Up for feed and quick play back in bed by 8.15am woke at 11.30am and had feed then back in bed at 1pm!!!!!!!!! I am impressed!!! With both my DS's they didn't sleep longer than 40mins during the day.

Bun -- my DH and I argued a lot after our first bub, we both were tired and emotional and unsure of what to expect. It does get easier and he will get used to her as soon as she smiles she will have him wrapped around her finger forever. Take care of each other as well.

Minky -- sounds like Noah is really settling well.
Esme -- Jasper sounds settled as well it must be our aquarian bubs.

Jacki - Sophie likes sleeping with the arms above her head it is so cute. She does the big stretch with eyes closed a then just stops in that position.

Ashnat -- hi, Alex is going great guns on the sleep. You must feel so much better -- its amazing what a few solid hours of sleep will do.

Prama -- hope everything is going OK for you lol

Bun-- We all doubt ourselves at times, you are doing a great job. Motherhood is the hardest most rewarding/difficult/frustrating job in the world.

Roquen -- congrats on the birth of Jordan -- hope you have settled in at home and are enjoying your beautiful boy.

Karlie -- hope jake is being a good boy for you.

Marie -- I wondered where you were. Great to hear you are doing well. I love the name Zoey as well!!!

Well we have all been busy haven't we. May not be able to post as much next week as DH goes back to work -- I am nervous but OK at the moment.

Talk soon and I will try and sort out the photo thing
Have a good weekend
Sue:)

I typed this last night be computer crashed:
ash - congratulations on the amazing achievement of getting to the supermarket !! Its ridiculous isn't it that sometime so simple a few weeks ago is now a full scale drama !!! Sorry to hear you mum is having a hard time. I just can't imagine having twins !! A girlfiend of mine had twins last year and it was just so hard on her.

Prama - I sleep in a breastfeeding singlet so can wear breastpads. But have noticed that not leaking as much/often now as bubs is being a bit more regular in waking times so hopefully supply will settle in next couple of weeks and get sleep without.

bun - firstly you are doing an amazing job - we all are !!! So don't get down on yourself. Just look at your little one and see for yourself what a great job you are doing. Luke gets the leg tremors sometimes in one let. Looks like he is doing a bit of an Elvis impersonation. I assume its all normal. Doesn't seem to bother him at all.

Tried expressing for first time today - just tried one side and only for about 5 - 10 minutes and got 40mls !! I guess this is OK but I have nothing to compare it to. Have put it in fridge and will try again tomorrow to add to it.

Went out to the shops with DH today to exchange newborn nappies for next size up. This child is just growing and growing !! He started to get really grizzly in the shops and luckily DH was there to pick him up and passify him while we finished and managed to get home before a feed. Cried all the way home in the car though (bad mum !!). I probably should have detoured into the mothers room and gave him a quick feed to see him through until we got home.

What do you all think - is it better to just get home or have a quick feed and then home ???