Hi mums,

Like Melbell and Reenie, I'm also from the 16-31 March BB thread. Thought it about time I joined this thread given my baby boy Cameron James was born 16 March (three days early) in Brissie .

We were fortunate enough to have a spontaneous labour which lasted less than six hours. Although the labour was rather intense, to say the least, I achieved my goal to do it intervention-free and drug-free. Poor DH is still dazed and confused that the birth plan (being lots of massaging, oils, soft lights and relaxing music ... not to mention lessons learned from a hypnobirthing course) didn't exactly go to plan. More to do with the fact that Cam arrived within 90 minutes of us getting to hospital ... and there just wasn't time to drag out the aromatherapy oils and whack on a relaxation CD. In hindsight, I reckon it's hilarious that we put so much focus on what we thought we would do to 'cope' with labour, when in actual fact I didn't give a stuff when push (literally) came to shove! Anyway, all-in-all a positive experience, and an enjoyable hospital stay.

As for vital stats - Cam was 2.9kg (6lb 7oz) and 52cm long. He has lovely long limbs and a good set of lungs too.

To date, Cam is a delight although having a newborn is a steep learning curve for a first-time mum. I assumed I'd be able to BF ok, but have struck some difficulty. Cam has had a bit of jaundice and lost weight on two occasions in hospital, so on discharge I was told to feed him regularly. I thought we had BFing sorted while in hospital, but the day we came home Cam decided he wasn't altogether interested in the boob. To cut a long story short, he latches and sucks, but loses interest after the initial suck. I can sit there for half an hour or more just putting the nipple back in his mouth, getting him to suck, him pulling off and me putting the nipple back in his mouth. Round and round we go, and ultimately Cam doesn't really get the volume he needs. Anyway, a midwife recommended I express "just to get milk into him", so that's what I've been doing. Each feed I offer the boob first (he occasionally will have a good BF), and then end up giving him EBM. Thankfully he took to the bottle on the first go. Am remaining positive, without putting myself under a lot of pressure, that he'll be on the boob 100pc in the near future . I plan to consult a lactation consultant (or similar) if I continue to have problems. Anyway, he's getting my milk so ultimately I'm happy with that.

I'm also blessed in that my DH is just wonderful with Cam, and he's helping out so much in the house. DH has got this week off work to be home with us, so that's great ... but I imagine when he's back at work, I may not be quite so calm and relaxed. Guess I'll find out soon enough.

Enough waffling on from me. I look forward to reuniting with my 16-31 March BB friends and meeting those of you who have been posting here for a while.

Cheers, Andie