Babies Born March 2008

[danniellabella]

I ended up ringing my mum to come and help coz I suddenly got annoyed at Jazz and started crying and thought I'd better enlist some help.

Jazz fell asleep just before mum arrived and has been asleep since (12noon). I'm about to wake her for a feed coz she finished her last one at about 11am but she did have heaps this morning.

Mum said she probably wasn't getting enough because I was tense as today was my first day alone. She said being stressed would affect the milk supply so Jazz was probably more demanding because of that.

Mum was great, she walked in, I told her I wanted a nap and I asked if she could do a few dishes. All the dishes are done and she also cleaned the outside of the cupboards and rangehood.

I managed to get 2 loads of washing done as well, so I'm happier that things got done. A friend brought a meal around so all I need to do for dinner is heat it up. Now I'm going to try and wake Jazz for a feed and relax until Matt gets home (late coz he's on 6pm finishes this week).

[teachmum]

Lucky you Danni! Everyone seems to love to help when it's your first. I don't know about trina or jade but nobody seems to offer after your first and that's when you need it the most .

prama I get the shooting pain after feeding. I think it's because they are damaged and any outside interference, even a cool breeze, seems to make them hurt. Patrick gets blisters on his lips as well.

[Jesstibb]

I'm getting let down pains this time too. Oooh just thinking about it starts it lol (there it goes) Like like needle pains in the nipple. Didn't get it the first time.

Regarding help, the hospital we went through have this great program called Mothercarers and for up to six days after you go home a woman comes around for six hours and helps out. We didn't use it first time because we were in for five days but we came home after two days so took advantage of it this time. It has been great. The lady has done shopping, my dishes, my floors, loads of washing. Today she cleaned my bathroom and did some face painting on Miss 3! It has made things so less stressful.

I'm also lucky that DH has 8 weeks off work so its a really good bonding time for the family. Also good as I haven't bounced back as quick this time.

Is everyone looking forward to Easter? Its going to be a good chance to show off bubs to the family. Oh and I get all her Easter Eggs lol.

[danniellabella]

I am going to ask you about your healing from vaginal birth if that's ok.

Right, I don't know if anyone would know the answer to this one, but while I was in labour I had an epidural and because I had no feeling down there I had a cathider inserted. While I was pushing, I pushed the cathider out with the balloon still inflated. Now I've noticed that my urethra is quite sensitive and I'm always dripping. Do you think pushing an inflated balloon out may have caused some damage?

Also, (one for second, third etc time mums): How long on average does bleeding last?

And one more thing. I have a haemarroide and am also constipated from iron tablets. I'm taking metamusal 3-4 times a day but I'm still constipated which sucks and hurts. Any tips?

Sorry for all the TMI, but we've all put our bodies through similar things so I guess it's ok right?

[shell_120308]

I am finally home but what an ordeal to get home I was in tears early hours of this morning after I had DJ weighed, because he lost 13% of his original birth weight and the midwives told me that wasn't a good thing and we need to increase his feeds but of course I just felt like a bad mother for not giving him enough. I think the stress didn't help my milk supply or him wanting to breastfeed because he just wasn't attaching or suckling. Spoke with the lactation consultant and she said to express as much as I could and give him that and then we could top up with formula. At this stage, they didn't even know if I coud go home. My paediatrician is Dr Ginsberg and as soon as he saw DJ he said he has the perfect colouring and looks very healthy, so what if he has lost a little weight, he will gain that weight back. So, he gave me the all clear to head home on the proviso I gave DJ 60ml of milk, and that could be either all breastmilk (expressed since having problems breastfeeding) or half and half breast milk and topped up with formula. But he did say if you only get 55ml etc don't worry about the additional 5ml. They said the milk supply problems I am having could be due to the c-section which is extremely common. I am absolutely exhausted after each expressing of breastmilk and feel like I have run a marathon. So, the routine is at home that I express as much as I can feed that to DJ and see if there is any need for forumla. Then, Doni takes over and looks after him while I go for a sleep. His 4pm feed I managed to express 55ml from my breasts so I didn't bother with a top-up with formula.

I am just soooooo exhausted, but at least it is working, I am feeling less puffy in the face, so I must be doing something right.

We are going to try putting DJ back on the breast once my milk fully comes back in. So, my question to you girls was that herb 'fengugreek' (excuse spelling) where did you buy it from? A health food shop, chemist or specialist grocery store? I am going to get some tomorrow. I am taking 1 tablespoon of flaxseed oil as well to hope that it will help.

I just got to a stage where I wanted to do something for myself today instead of feeling like a dairy cow.... I am sorry I haven't posted any personals.

So, that is it from me just now..... I will post more when I have time later in between expressing milk.....so hopefully will respond to some personals then.

Prama - my separation was between 3-4cm and I saw the physio today and she agreed on the girdle but gave me a piece of stretchy fabric I can put under my clothes for when my belly feels really heavy and back is sore. It does help though. And yeah she gave me some great exercises to do so hopefully I will start to see a difference there, especially in just overall being comfortable....

SJ - I am not as concerned about getting my body back into tip top shape anymore, it will happen in its good time. I agree on the breastfeeding, after I have expressed milk I feel like I have run a marathon, and feel so exhausted. And hubby said my face looks really gaunt so something must be working.

[Sammiejane]

Shell you poor thing, hope it settles for you soon... its not easy, i found that the first 7-10 days i was totally exhaused at the end of the day, now i have more energy and get more enjoyment! Good thing that you have your DH around, wish mine could take time off.

Danni - pushing the balloon out if it was inflated properly could do damage... when it is inserted 10 mls of sterile water is put in to keep it in the bladder. We have had patinets that have ripped theirs out at times, pelvic floor exercises should help, but if it gets worse mention it to your child and mat nurse when you see them next or your Dr. You could also speak to a continence nurse if it is a concern to you.
Although i had a c/section, i am still very lightly bleeding - apparently we (c sects) bleed less than VB's thou.
Oh and i am constipated a bit too, getting better now thou, think it was due to the BF and hot weather, have now uped my water intake and am drinking 4L/day of water, plus a couple of cups of tea in the am and that seems to have helped.
HTH

[all girls]

Danni I bled for 4-6 weeks after the birth with the other girls but this time it has already stopped only very tiny amount of brownish discharge every couple of days hardly noticeable. I was pretty constipated for the first few days only needed one lot of metamucil if you are having 3-4 lots per day you would have to drink HEAPS of water otherwise it will make it worse as it thickens. It can be hard as you don't want to push after VB as it hurts. If the H hurt definately get some cream as they can stop you going aswell.

Glad you are home Shell, feels much better to be home in your own bed. DJ will put on weight so don't worry too much it will all come together.

I got some fenugreek tabs to try, its only been 3 days and i think my milk has increased, hard to tell.

Off for booby call be back later

[danniellabella]

Thanks SJ. I'll try and remember to mention all that the my midwife. I think she's gonna call/visit tomorrow (I hope).

Another thing: Jazz needs her nails clipped but I'm really scared about doing it coz I don't want to cut her fingers. Actually, I might try now while she's sleeping and still, if that doesn't work, looking for tips.

Nup, too nervos to cut them myself. I'll just put up with the scratches for a couple more days and ask someone (eg: midwife) for help.

[Sammiejane]

I bought nail clippers last week, but they are still in the packet as i am worried too!!!
Thought i would get DH to help when Molly Jane is asleep

[prama]

teachmum thanks. i get shooting pains anytime, not just after a feed. oh well, what else is new.

shell - im thinking of you. im so exhausted today, i felt so faint so i'll just post a short message. I havent had a rest all day.
im taking fenugreek tablets by nature's sunshine.. i got it at a health food shop.
Lakshman was also below the 10% weight loss and I felt it was all my fault. they kept saying cos he didnt know how to latch etc. that didnt make me feel any better. he's jsut a tiny baby, how can it be his fault.
I'll write more for you later..

I got nail clippers but they were too broad. I just a nail file but it made his nails rougher.. i dunno what to do.

I\time for need. Im so tired, I could drop.. some days im so over bf-ing.. it's been taking me an hr each time all day, and i'm so damn sore. He drinks his formula in 5 mins. sometimes i get into a selfish mode and think maybe i should put him on it...

[all girls]

Cutting their nails is pretty scary at first, make sure the skin at the back of the nail isn't attached still, try running the corner of the nail clippers along the back of the nail and if they are still attached just file them down until they detach. Thats what i have done, the first time is the worst then next time it is easier. Some of the baby clippers come with a little nail file but if you have a bigger one that should be fine. I asked my MW what the best way to do it as i was so nervous and she said after a bath sometimes you can peel them off but that was just as scary for me. After a feed is good when they are in that "drunk" mode.

Prama that sounds pretty exhausting of course you are gonna have days where you want to give up don't feel bad. Do what's right for you both you know you have all our support whatever you decide.

I am going to have to put Summer in a cot this week, she is starting to move around too much and is rolling off the basinette mattress or down to the end. Her feet are close to the end of the mattress too which tells me she has grown a fair bit this week, we are off to a mothers group tomorrow so will weigh her and see, a bit nervous about mothers groups have had some bad one's in the past so hopefully there will be some nice people in this one.

I am off to bed as all is quiet and i have hurt my back, might have to go to the chiro tomorrow.

Sorry for the novel had a quiet few minutes so rambled away

Happy sleeps for you all xoxoxox