Babies Born October 2007

[nickers]

Ursula- i think there is a thread here on BB about Reflux and colic and prob can get some good tips from other mums who have been through it. we went through all sorts of things with Nixon and i think its just finding what works for each baby. He end up getting pescription for Zantac which helped the pain assoc with it, nothing much actually stops the spewing unfortunatley and if baby keeps putting on weight everyone will keep saying its all ok! (easy for them to say when they dont have a baby that spews half their feed back up every time!)
we end up taking the wheels off the bassinett and proping it up with yellow pages!
also when changing her nappy yoou could try to turn her on her side rather then lift her legs up cause that squishes her belly and may cause more vomit.
keeping upright for a while after each feed and Nix used to hate tummy time but like chest time so we'd do that as his tummy time.
with Nix once we got the pain away he was a much happier baby and we just had to deal with the constant spewing, he didnt get much better until he could sit up and be upright more of the time.
I hope you find something that works for Maddy, maybe a trip to your gp or a paed if you have one would be good also.

[petachristy]

Kaylee is 4-weeks old today!

OMG the last 4-weeks have flown by, even tho they have been the hardest 4-weeks of my life!! Kaylee is doing really well, as far as I can tell she looks healthy and is definitely growing. Going to take her to the clinic on Tuesday and get her weighed etc, just to see how she is going... oh and so I can put her 1-month weight in her baby book!

Nights are still very much a struggle, she pretty much feeds every 3-4hours and sometimes she can take a couple of hours to settle, so sometimes we are lucky to get 1-2 hours sleep in between... she had a good night on Thursday night and actually slept for 5-hours, fingers crossed we'll get more nights like that!!

Nic - did they tell you to wait 6-weeks before driving?? I was told to wait a few weeks and see how I am feeling, would like to start driving this week, but not sure?! Def will be the following week as my local mothers group start 5th Nov, and I ain't missing that!!

Ursula - I wonder if Kaylee is suffering a little like your Maddison. Will ask the clinis nurse on Tuesday, although I don't think she is constipated as she is still pooing lots! although the clinic nurse did tell me to watch it as constipation is quite common in f/f babies. When you add an extra 10ml, how much are you adding it to e.g. 130ml instead of 120ml?? And the water on it's own did you give that to her before or after her feed, or completely separately?... how much longer did she sleep for? Sorry for all the questions - but wondering if maybe we should try the same with Kaylee as she def doesn't sleep for very long most nights!

[nickers]

yep peta i was told 6 weeks until i can drive, vacuum, push a trolley, hang the washing etc etc.
but my OB in melbourne after my previous c/s said to me if i really had to i could drive after 2 weeks so thats exactly what i did. i will hold out longer then 2 weeks this time but doubt i will get to 6.

Tyron has been really unsettled today, dunno if he just gulps his milk down so quickly he gets pains or he is actually starting to want more...
Cause i am expressing at the moment i have been getting double what he needs and in the 1 week we've been home i have already got enough supply to last about 7-8 days in the freezer! im a milk machine and my boy hates boobs!
friends come over with there 4.5month old bub today. Gish he looked so big against Tyron! he is a big bubba at about 8kg at 4months old, but then Nixon looked big against him! these kids just grow so so quickly!

[Ursula]

Peta - Congrats on Kaylee being 4 weeks old....time sure does fly when bubs are finally here, I can't believe Maddison is 3 weeks old feels like she has been with us for forever and can't imagine life without her......Anyway..............When I make up the formula I use two large size bottles (240ml) and have them in the fridge ready and when it's time for a feed I pour 100ml into a small bottle and then add the 10mls. With the cooled boiled water (30-50mls - warmed to same temp as formula) the nurse said to give it to her if I felt she was asking for a feed too early - say only 2 hours since her last feed. Like Kaylee, Maddison feeds every 3-4 hours - during the day she mostly gets hungry around the 3 hour mark and through the night she goes 4 hourly. I've gave her the water twice at night time around 10.30 when she wouldn't settle but I knew she couldn't be hungry. Maddison loves the water she takes it well and then she does these massive watery burps and falls asleep. Both those nights she slept past the 4th hour to 5 hours. Like you and Kaylee with the night time, Maddison takes a long time to drink her bottle esp cos we have to frequently stop for burping, so if we wake at 3.30am it is often 5.00am before she is soundly back to sleep and I'm back to sleep - it is exhausting.

If you don't mind me asking what formula are you using???? We are using S26 Gold which we started at the hospital, however the nurse told me that frequently the extra omegas etc in the Gold variation formulas actually cause more constipation cos the extra minerals aren't absorbed in the tract and actually there is no scientific benefit with these formulas over the normal ones. The nurse suggested using just the plain S26 formula as an alternative.

I don't know what your Kaylee's poos are like but Maddison grunts really loudly, goes bright red and you can tell it is a real effort, she has screamed a couple of times as well. the poo itself is like a hard marble and looks very dry. And they would often come in intervals over an hour or so. Since introducing the water today we have noticed her poos are moister, softer, easier for her to do and more like a patty - squashable. Sorry for the long essay - it is hard to explain everything without the ease and speed of speech. Hope the info helps you and Kaylee and you get some decent nightime sleep.

[LizzysMum]

Hi All,

Congrats on the 4 weeks Peta!

Nic - 8kg at 4 months!!!!!!!!! Eliza weight 8kg at her 1st birthday, OMG that is huge!

Re - poops Amara's are really watery, I am going to ask the middy about it on Tuesday.

Other Stuff - have been having heaps of trouble settling Amara, she falls asleep in your arms and the second she is put down she wakes up - any ideas????? She did it like 20 times last night and eventually at 1.40am I gave in and gave her a dummy. Bliss, she slept until 6.30am!!!! My aching boobies.

Speaking of boobies I also have a sore spot but no redness, is a hot shower spray the thing? I can't remember? I wish I had 2 right breasts - it is perfect, my left is a nightmare. She won't attach properly on that one and now it is sore

Warning Whinge coming - had a friend visit on Thursday and then they called on Friday and told us she has Gastro AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was pretty cut and had a cry LOL! If we get it I will just have a meltdown. Amara will probably have to go to hossy and have a drip if she gets it, not to mention Eliza. And I am worried I'll lose my milk if I get it. VIsitors are banned at the moment GRRR!

Sleepy vibes to all bubbas!

[Junglemum]

Leah- exactly the same thing happened to me last week. A friend who was here in Thurs called on Fri and her and her daughter had gastro. Fortunately we didn't get it. So fingers crossed it misses you too.

Sorry not sure about the sore spot, although i vaguely remember someting about massaging it.......
Also not sure about helping her settle..... sorry, about as helpful as a hat full of .......

Hmmm L poo's are really runny too, but i kinda thought that was normal...... should i be asking about it too? They are super runny with the little chunks in it....... It's a yummy thought isn't it?!
Poor Maddi Ursula- nothing worse than a painful poo.

Speaking of yummy, have chocolate brownies in the oven. They smell gooooooood. Off to do a huge walk after 3pm feed, so i can enjoy without the guilt! Not going to loose these 14kg's sitting on my lard ar$e!

Little L, was a bit of a trouble maker last night, had a pain in her tummy from about midnight until 5am. DH and i tagged teamed trying to get a good burp out. FINALLY at 5am she had a good spew and then slept like a baby!

Hey nickers- Can you start a milk bar, sell off the excess????

[Dragonbub]

Hello All,
Well at least is sounds as if my little Caden is normal. He has runny poos also, almost like wees, with the "mustard seed" bits in there that they say is normal. And he does a spew every now and then but not too much.

He does have a restless period usually at about 2 in the morning where he falls asleep in my arms but wakes up when I put him down. I just wrap him in his bed blanket, and calm him and try to put him in his cradle and put the blanket on around him tightly so he doesnt know he is not in my arms anymore. Then I keep my hand on him (the cradle is right next to my bed) until he settles. It might take an hour or so to get him to settle, but he usually does thank heavens.

Do you ladies swaddle your babies for bed? I find it better, although Caden gets his hands out and in the morning they are cold. He is warm though, so don't think it does any harm. He seems to sleep better when swaddled.

Well, back to feeding again, have a great weekend ladies (daylight savings has just started here in Perth).

[CatherineL]

Dragonbub - We were swaddling in hossy, but it's too hot here now and she prefers to sleep without covers I have found.

YAY for us! BF is 200% better!! My boobs were rock hard, so hard that Ro couldn't even attach and our MW got us to express for 24hours, medicate with voltaren, apply ice and cold face washers (bliss - plus they soaked up all the spillage!), massage entire breast in small circular motions clockwise around the entire breast until the nipple line was reached and lastly, no heat - she said because heat is extra stimulation and I didn't have an inadequate supply issue, quite the opposite. I followed all of her advice, and breasts are fantastic now - doesn't even hurt to BF now, I just have to remember to not get too full and if she isn't emptying the entire breast, I have to express and if my breasts/nipples are too hard or full, I also have to express beforehand. But I am loving being a cow... it's awesome and Daniel is jealous! ROFL...

Hope everyone is well!!

[LadyRaven]

Just thought Id drop in and say hello.

I'm still really sore in my tummy and bits is anyone else still in pain? I had 2 2nd degree tears went to the dr and they said theres no infection but it feels like there is? I also don't feel the need to pee, ever, I have to remind myself to go regularly because I can't tell when I need to but even when I do pee it's not much? I had an epi and a cath put in could it have damaged something?

[petachristy]

Nic - I went for a little drive today... up to Maccas for breakie in my PJs lol! Has been over 4-weeks and I feel fine to drive. Still being careful about the lifting, but otherwise think I'm pretty much ok now to do most things. Will wait until the 6-week mark to start exercising tho! That is anything besides a short gentle walk.

Urusla - thanks heaps, that's really helpful ! We are using S26 Gold, same as you continuing on from what she had in hossy, the m/w told me to be careful switching around as it can give them an upset tummy. Kaylee does look/sound like she is straining to poo sometimes, but her poos are a lot softer than what you described, and they are moist, not dry. I have been adding a lil bit more water when I mix up the bottles, like you I mix up a bigger bottle, then poor out a smaller amount to feed = usually around 120ml, although she drinks a different amount each feed, can be anywhere from 100-200ml per feed... Will definitely try the boiled water at night. Sometimes the dummy just does the trick, which apparently also helps their digestion.

Catherine - glad b/f is going well for you = lucky girl !

Ange - are you b/f?? Apparently b/f babies poos are usually very runny, it's only f/f babies that can sometimes get constipated and generally their poos are a lot firmer. LOL re talking about chocolate brownies straight after poos!

Leah - see above comment to Ange re runny poos

We had our first big outing today, a family luncheon at mums... we're all exhausted now. And Kaylee has finally crashed and will hopefully get some sleep, because she didn't get much today and was rather grizzly when we got home, me thinks from over tiredness!

[BamBam]

Ursula - re: reflux. I used S26 AR with Riley and it helped alot. With Eli I tried Karicare AR and it didnt seem to agree with him - I think he puked more. I am now using Nan with the Karicare thickener and he is doing really well with it - spews less and gets the burps up easier well. A little pricey, but I'd rather him contented and spend a little more than spewing and grouchy and save $10!!

[Ursula]

Thanks for info Sarah abt the AR formula - my best friend actually used the thickener so I know what you are talking abt. ATM though we need to deal with the constipation cos apparently the thickened formulas can exacerabate the constipation. It is really heart-breaking watching her straining so hard, we were so proud last night when she did one with hardly any effort........I agree with you abt cost versus comfort for bubby - there's nothing you wouldn't do or spend to make our babies happy and healthy.

Peta - glad my info made sense to you. I don't want to mess with different formulas either however the nurse said that when you are using the same brand there is less chance of upsetting their tummies. We haven't changed over to S26 though, still perserving cos the extra water seems to be working and Maddison likes drinking the extra water at night just before bedtime, it acts like a 10-30 ml top up and helps her sleep through - last night she slept from 10.30pm till 4.30pm.

Celtic - sorry I can't help you, maybe your muscles are still a bit lazy or something, perhaps you could mention it when you see the clinic nurse next.

Catherine - isn't it great that the BFing is working out so well for you, you sound like you are relaxed and confident which is great.

Dragonbub - we are wrapping here esp during the night, however through the day I don't do it as much but I do find that Maddison sleeps better when she has something covering her

Ange - aren't you being a super mummy baking already...DP and DS keep asking me to bake a banana cake but it just doesn't fit into my day yet LOL - maybe soon....

Leah - fingers crossed the gastro bug doesn't find you guys. Perhaps Amara likes the semi-upright position of being in your arms rather than being laid flat or hearing your heartbeat or the comfort of your smell. I know I'm not offering any answers but perhaps you can find ways to provide the comfort she is seeking.

Nic - re the wedge....on Sunday we bought a Jolly Jumper Crib Wedge from Toys r Us for $20, fits the port-a-cot and normal cot but not the cradle (too wide). The rise is 7.5cm, 66 cm wide and 40cm long. I'm going to take it to Clark Rubber today and get them to make one the same using the cradle measurements. Yesterday Maddison seemed comfortable during her play/wake time and even tried to put herself to sleep when she got tired.

Big waves to all the other mummies - hope we are all settling well, taking plenty of photos and enjoying our days............

[CatherineL]

Thanks gals - your all really sweet... but you really should have told me how lovely being a Mummy is!

Celtic, I hope everything is Ok, my vag is feeling much better now and Ro is only 6 days old compared to your little one at 2 weeks - but then again, you had some nasty tearing... But if I were you, I would go back to the Drs? I mean if I'm feeling no pain after 6 days, surely you should have some sort of relief by now? I'm not sure that's how it works - but I hope your Ok!

Peta - Woohoo on the family outing, I can't wait until we all go out together... I think we are going to the supermarket today - but no where exciting!

I'm actually scared to go out a little... Does anyone else feel scared about going out? With BF'ing and everything? I feel like it would be easier to go out if I was bottle feeding Ro because then she could be fed wherever, whereas I might not always be able to BF? I mean I wouldn't deprive her of food... but I dunno really... perhaps I'm just being silly!

Must go, MW is going to be here any minute! Hope everyone got lots of sleep and has a lovely day!

[Junglemum]

just a quicky, if you go shopping centres Cath they usually have a baby change room, with nice comfy couches or chairs to feed on. I started there and now feel comfortable feeding anywhere. First time was a challange but gets much easier. BTW- you sound on topof the world, good for you!

Hi to everyone! xx

[nickers]

i felt like that with Nixon Catherine initially about going out. But you are able to BF where ever and when ever you want so dont ever think if your at the shops etc that you cannot feed her.
I quiet often used to try and work my outings around Nixons feeding so feed him then go out and be back b4 the next feed cause i ddint want to get stuck at the shops for a further hour + feeding!

and if you really didnt feel comfy with feeding in public if you had already had some expressed you could give her that when out if need be?

i used to think how difficult it would be to go out with a newborn, but once you do it a few times and get the hang of it, its a lot easier then taking a toddler lol! i used to see all the mums at the shops and think how do they know wat they are doing? but within no time it will be soon to be mums looking at you thinking wow she really knows what she is doing!

ursula- where is your closest clark rubber? DH tried finding one out our way but couldnt find anything cause i wanted like afoam wedge for under the bassinett

i am wrapping tyron but his arms alays find a way out even when the wrap is very tight! last night after getting up 4-5 times to re wrap i left his arms out, he slept the whole way till his next feed! so think he likes his arms out and did the same thismorning and he settled really well.

[Ursula]

Nic - there are actually 3 stores near me, one in castle hill, blacktown and the other at 5-10 mins away is at mcgraths hill (windsor)....Below is a list stores I wasn't sure what one would be near you..

Store Name

Ballina Bankstown Bathurst Blacktown Brookvale Campbelltown Caringbah Castle Hill Coffs Harbour Dubbo Erina Fairy Meadow Haberfield Kotara Maitland Mascot Merrylands Penrith Port Macquarie Shell Harbour Singleton Tweed Heads Tuggerah Warners Bay Windsor

I'm going out to CR today probably in arvo cos like Catherine going out on my own is still a little scary - safety in numbers cos there is so much to take and can't push pram and trolley at same time - LOL!!!

[Junglemum]

Ok, handballed the sucking machine! Can type with two hands.

Dragonbub-We wrap, if i dont wrap her she smacks herself in the scone and wakes herself up.

Peta- yeah BF'ing, thanks for reassurance. runny poo's are ok! (Brownies were awsome too btw!) PMSL laughing at you in macca's in your PJ's. i am sure you went drivethrough, but i imagined you sitting in there munching on your hotcakes!

Celtic- i had an epidural too and my urinary tract is not back to norm. Could also be due to the fact while epi was wearing off i sttod in the catheter and pulled it out with the balloon still up! Sometimes i feel like i need to pee all the time and other times i don't feel when bladder is reasonably full. I pressume it is from the epi, but wouldn't hurt to ask.
All my bits feel good here too. A bit like catherine, back to normal fairly soon after. I did have a small bub though, and just a couple of internal stitches, so maybe that makes a difference. If you are concerned, i would get a second opinion.

Nickers- you still expressing every feed? that would be hard work.

Leah- did you miss the gastro?

How's everyone else- Amber? Qhi? Mo?

ROFL- DH just did the nappy change, massive poo-splosion! up the tummy, round the back, on everything. NOICE!

[goldilocks]

Hello mums & bubs!

Is it just me or do the days/weeks just all seem to blend into one?! I feel like I've been so busy lately but don't feel like I've accomplished anything at the same time! LOL

India is asleep in her bouncer so I can do some personals today!

Catherine, I agree with Ange - you sound on top of the world! As for blistered nipples, oh yeah, I had shockers for about a week! Please know that they DO get better. And as for going out, it took me a little while to get the hang of it, and even now I still don't go out often without DH. India started screaming at the local shopping centre on Saturday so I sent DH off to finish the errands while I took her to the car. I had to walk the entire length of the centre and her screams just got louder and louder...by the time I reached the car I was almost running! LMAO I couldn't wait to get out of there and escape all the stares!

Ange, I'm glad to hear that Lu's poos are runny - India's are exactly the same, and I was worried it wasn't normal. LOL @ the poo-splosion all over your DH! India always saves her biggest, smelliest nappies for Daddy How's your BP going? Is it back to normal yet?

Ursula, sorry to hear that Maddi is suffering from constipation. I agree that it's hard watching your baby go all red in the face from straining so hard! India isn't constipated but she grunts like a little piglet when she's windy or doing a poo LOL

Peta, congrats on Kaylee being 4 weeks old...wow, doesn't time just fly! LOL @ your driving up to Maccas in your pj's!! I hope you just went to the drive-thru... Sorry to hear you're still struggling with nights. Wish I had some advice for you about settling bubs quicker, but I'm usually up for an hour with India at each feed myself!

Nickers, re. wrapping - we found that India slept for much longer when her arms are free so we stopped wrapping them after a few days. Everyone tells you to wrap them up tight so they don't wake themselves up with the 'startle' reflex, but you've gotta do whatever works for your baby! WTG on being a milk machine - it's a shame that Tyron doesn't love booby more, but perhaps it'll grow on him?

Leah, sorry to hear that Amara hasn't been settling...wish I had some words of wisdom for you but I'm useless! LOL As for sore boobies, try massaging under a hot shower...I've heard that helps. I hope you've managed to avoid the dreaded gastro bug. How rude of people to turn up at your house while they're sick! GRRRRR

Hello to all the other mums and cuddles to the gorgeous Octo-bubs!

India has been having a big spew at least once a day lately. Is that normal or could she possibly have reflux? She's still putting on plenty of weight as far as I can tell (she's got cute little rolls of baby fat happening on her arms and legs now ) It seems to happen more when she's lying down, but I have no idea if it's normal or not. Any ideas?

Oooh, the milk vampire is stirring...and OMG, she is farting like a trooper too! LOL Gotta run!