How did your days go today without your hubbies ladies?
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How did your days go today without your hubbies ladies?
We did great. Even had them both asleep at the same time too! Paying for it now tho...both of them wide awake.
Toilet training is the real struggle..
And im sure now ive had my one good day tomorrow will be different =p
My husband went back to work 2weeks ago. His really not that helpful with DS yet. His much better with the older kids. Better than I am. As I am fully breast feeding it makes it hard to do to much as DS yells pretty well unless his in my arms or boob. He walks him every evening so I can have some time to feed my horses and water the garden. Although he usually seeks me out with a crying bub pretty quick.
Joining in here too :) My DD2 was born 8th December - Her EDD was Jan 7th.
I feel so lucky and blessed as my husband has been amazing!! At 4 weeks PP I became unwell and spent 3 nights in hospital. He looked after the 4 kids by himself for that time, and the first few days I was home he continued doing all DD2's feeds as I wasn't able to lift/carry her. I've been expressing and bottle feeding from birth, but since I've been sick my supply has dropped quite a bit, so we've been doing 1/2 EBM and 1/2 formula bottle feeding.
Hi Mummas.
So glad your first day went well TT40. I hear you on the TT. I think my DD may be successful if I could really commit to it but with the noisy little koala attached to me - makes it hard. Your DD is almost 3 yeah? Same as my DD.
Mildez yay for a helpful hubby in other areas. How are your older children going?
Hi peekaboo. Your hubby sound very supportive that's fantastic. Hope your feeling better now.
As for us - well I continue to have an unsettled baby. No sleeping off me bar around three hours of an evening. He seems to cry a fair bit with what I think is belly pains, I feel so anxious, which I'm sure isn't helping. I wonder about my milk or if there's something wrong. My DD was very unsettled also and didn't sleep, she had silent reflux. I don't think he has reflux though - it seems like wind pains. My hubby is home of an evening atm which I'm so thankful for, he's been doing so much. I'd be a wreck without him! Anyways sorry for the ramble. I thought round two would have been easier :( , maybe with time......
Sorry to hear you're having a rough time, Rosey :( Can you try gripe water (??) or similar for the wind pains?? I definitely think they pick up on our feelings.. hope you are managing to get some "me time".
He literally spent all night last night trying to get wind out. Finally did four massive windy poo's at 7am this morning. I'm going to make an appointment with my midwife this week, talk to her about it.
Poor darling boy Rosey. He sounds very uncomfortable. Did you get hold of your midwife? Does your DD go to child care or play group?
How are you recovering Peekaboo from your latest surgery?
TT I hope the feeding is going well with your DS.
TT40 hope this week has been good with your DH back at work.
We are going for our first trip away this weekend since DS was born. I am a bit nervous about it as he travels terribly although DH will be with me so atleast I can sit next to him.
Hey girls, things are good here, Quark was insane yesterday, screamed all day =( no idea why. She got her needles too (was screaming before that though) she seems better today, but nothing worked yesterday, thankfully Spock was at daycare all day though so I could just focus on Quark.
We are toilet training here too, so that is fun... spock has had insanely runny poos too though, so I'm very much over it...
Quark gets her hip ultrasound today too (being breech she is high risk for hip dysphasia) her rolls don't line up either, so I'm very keen to see what the ultrasound says.
Mildez have a great trip, where are u going?
We are off to Cootamundra. Just to visit an old friend of DHs. I have not met them before. DH was going on his own but they want me to view something down there that I have a strong interest in. BBL I struggle to write on my phone.
I live like 1 1/2 hrs from coota!! Which might sound heaps, but is actually really close for us, my folks only live 40mins from there. Where are you from?
We are on a property 50kms from Dubbo.
Rosey, did you catch up with your midwife? I hope she has some answers or suggestions to help with your DS's wind pains.
TT, how did the hip ultrasound go? Did you get the results or do you need to wait to see the doctor? My DD2 has a hip ultrasound next month as she was breech too.
Mildez, enjoy your trip away, hopefully DS is fine for the drive for you. Feeling much better now - thanks :) I'll still take it easy for another week or so, don't want to do any damage.
All is good here. DD2 is in a good routine (thanks to her 8 days in the special care nursery), she feeds every 3hrs.. occasionally does a longer stretch ~4.5hrs. She is starting to become more alert, it's lovely to sit and talk to her, rather than her falling asleep mid-bottle. We have her first clinic appointment on Tuesday. Will be interesting to see how her weight gain is going as I'm sure she has stacked it on! Definitely doesn't look like she was ever a premmie!
TT40 - best wishes for the ultrasound. Sorry to hear your DD had a bad day :( . Screaming days aren't fun for anyone.
Peekaboo - yay for a routine! How long ago was your DD's last weigh? I love that they are more alert now too, I love the open mouth when I talk to him and that he follows my fave.
Mildez - good luck with your drive. Hopefully little man sleeps well traveling. Does he take a dummy?
We go to playgroup usually but probably won't until we've had DS's needles. We went for a walk and ride the other day, made us all happy. I see my MW next week. He was better last night as I slept him on his side, I know i shouldn't but... Gotta do something the poor man was so uncomfortable. Still no down time of a day.
If you can manage a decent sleep over night you are better able to manage during the day with an unsettled baby. Good idea keeping bub away from potential germs. My 3yr old doesn't go to playgroup but does to preschool. I'm looking forward to that returning and school.
DS occasionally takes a dummy. Not always but sometimes he does. He gave me very deliberate smile today when my mum was holding him. He did it twice. So adorable. My girls were all a little older.
TT40 I get the 1.5hr drive been nothing. Living rural all my life and out of town we have to travel to go anywhere. Until I started maternity leave it was a 50km drive to work. I would prefer to do that in 30mins however then take 30mins to drive 5kms :)
Yep mildez, my commute to work is 1hr 15mins. But it is that at 100km/hr on open road, would choose that anyday over 1hr stuck in traffic. I use to live in Sydney and my 15km commute use to take 45mins on a good day, was hell
Back in hospital :( bubs has been off his food, and with the hot weather, has been very lethargic. High temp. So will be 48 hours to rule out the risk of infection.
My grandparents live in Dubbo. Hoping to visit them sometime before bubs is crawling. I grew up "only" 8 hours from there, so I also understand the distances thing.
DS needs a hip ultrasound too. No risk factors that I know of, just sounds a little clicky.
Hubby has been back at work for three weeks. Miss him terribly, keep telling him he should retire soon. Mum is home, too, missing her as well. Then had Dad stay for a week.
We had milk spots break out at 2.5 weeks. Best thing I found was coconut oil, cleared it up pretty quickly.
Mildez - thanks for the encouragement. Even in hospital (a "baby friendly" hospital at that) I had a nurse ask me "Why don't you just give up?" I didn't know it would be this much struggle, but I'm glad we didn't. Things are slowly improving, he is definitely preferring the breast. If only I could double my milk!
Rosey - that's perfectly understandable putting him on his side if it eases things for him. I've put bub on his tummy to stop him wiggling in his sleep so much. Has the midwife or dr given any indication why he is so unsettled?
Part 2 - long comments are a pain to type on the phone
Peakaboo - jealous of your routine! Our little man spent 9 nights in special care, too, but the routine didnt stick too long. Are you breast or bottle feeding?
TT40 - how are you going with bonding with bubs? Your birth story made it sound like you'd found it a bit hard.
Mildez - your comment about your midwife thinking you had low supply caught my attention. How are things going now? What does she suggest to help the supply? Obviously he is getting enough if he is gaining weight, it's just the cluster feeds that are inconvenient. I'm curious to learn what is suggested for this, as this could be me second (or third) time around.
Home from hospital.
I joked that it was like having a holiday in ur favourite hotel. Baby friendly, no housework, great room service, and free!
Staying in paediatric is much easier than the special care nursery. Single room for both of us, left to our own devices. Only thing we couldn't do was co-sleep. I was worried they would try to put him on a schedule, which he doesn't respond well to at all, but we really could just do our own thing. Nurses told me off for letting him sleep 8 hours overnight, he usually sleeps 6, he had been unwell and had hardly slept the day before, I knew he was fine so wasn't waking him! If only I had got 8 hours tho...
Everything is fine with DS. All tests came back negative, so we were able to stop the antibiotics. Since then tho he has been a bit unsettled, lots of dirty nappies. Hard to say if its antibiotics or formula doing that to him.
Just when I decided to start cloth nappies, too!
How is everyone else doing?
TD ~ so good to hear your lil man is ok. Hopefully the nappies settle down for you. Yea my bonding with bub has been a struggle, but the last few days have been an improvement. We are getting there =)
M ~ how was your trip?
TT - sorry it has taken a while. Is she smiling now?
Turtledove glad to hear your DS is all good. I'm sorry he's got an upset tummy. My boy suffers with bad wind pains, I'm considering using a probiotic, maybe that's a consideration for you too? To counteract the antibiotics.
Turtledove I am sorry to hear you were back in hospital with your DS. Glad to hear your home again and he is doing well. How is the feeding going? Is he needing more formula or have you been able to increase your supply? The LC I saw I believer thought my supply was low because the amount DS was feeding. And feeding for a long feed each time not just a top up. He usually feeds for 30mins at least and will demand a feed every 2-3hrs. He doesn't tend to go more then 2hours during the day sometimes only 1-1.5hrs although he does go longer over night fortunately. When we give him a bottle of EBM (its usually only 20-30mls) he scoffs it within 20secs. Like his starving. I struggle to express as a part of my pump is missing so I only hand express. Its a medela so a good one and right now I am struggling financially due to my unexpected dental expense so I can just whip out and buy things anymore :( DS is 4weeks tomorrow. He is starting to look much chubbier although still in 0000 clothing with probably a few weeks left before needing the next size up. He hasn't been weighed for 2 weeks now and wont until he is immunised in another 2.5weeks. We are still struggling with lactose overload. He poo's explosive water poo's around 15plus times within 24hrs poor darling. The frequent feeding is not helping.
TT we had a lovely time in Coota. DH friends were lovely people and our kids got along really well which was lovely. We are heading back to pick up some stuff in a few months when I can afford it. Glad to hear the last few days has been better with your DD. I am sure I would definitely struggle too with an unexpected c/s. Its a lot to get your head around and not what most of us would choose if we get an option.
I've had some concerns about DS development. Just hope its my anxiety talking and nothing serious. Apart from that I can tell his putting on weight. He is feeding well and mostly easy to settle although has a witch hour around 7-10pm. I think its mostly because that's my busy time with the other kids, cooking, animals etc and he picks up on that. I need to get a sling for him as the one I have is not suitable for his size. Anyone know a good affordable sling for a little baby?
Mildez - just a quick reply. I wouldn't get a sling as I found they give you a sore back and don't leave you hands free. Try a hug-a-bub, elki baby wrap, ergo wrap, happy baby wrap...
Will look at those slings thanks Rosey.
I currently have mastitis :(
How is everyone? How are your December babes?
How's your DS feeding. My boy feeds frequently also, but I think it's because he's a big boy. I find it so hard to know why they do things though. Have your concerns eased regarding your DS's development?
DS grunts and groans all night long. Wakes every hour lately too and is often unhappy between midnight and 4am, unhappy to be put down. My MW said that the grunting is normal and as for not being able to be put down he probably just wants to be held. Got tips for feeding to reduce it flowing back up and reducing wind. I'm so tired. My DD has been acting up a bit too, hitting me :( so unlike her. I just don't have the time for her like I use too. These early weeks are hard.
Rosey - yes, we have been giving him a probiotic since he was in hospital the first time & given antibiotics. Hard to tell if it is helping, but at least the nappies have settled down. Have you tried a probiotic yet?
Mildez - is it unusual for a baby to want to feed that often? When was your DH born? Breastfeeding is such a complicated dance, but so worthwhile. Sorry to hear about your mastitis. How is that going?
I didn't have much success with a moby wrap. I felt like his head wasn't supported, and always needed one hand to hold him. He didnt like his head squished to the side. We now have a Manduca, which we love! It has a built in newborn insert, much cooler than the ergo. It cost me $150 from bellas little ones. If that is still out of budget, you could look into woven wraps, and perhaps even make your own.
We having to supplement more with formula :( I thought we were getting close to 50:50, but turns out he wasn't getting enough, which is why we ended up in hospital. He has been fighting the bottle, only drinking 30mL at a time, so I assumed he wasn't hungry. Sleep, repeat 30 mins - hour later. Then he'd get too hungry to sleep, too tired to feed. And cry if I wasn't rocking him. A friend in NZ gifted me with a Skype consult with her lactation consultant, which was amazing. She showed us how he was wearing out from each feed, especially breastfeeding, and didnt have the energy to continue. So now we have a plan to ensure he is getting what he needs, facilitates breastfeeding, and boosts my supply. Feeling much more confident, wish I had spoken to her weeks ago!
Heard some sad news the other day. Acquaintances of my mums had their second little girl a few days after our DH was born (early Dec). She died from cot death on the weekend.
My heart cries for them. Makes me want to snuggle my little boy so much more, and be thankful for every fussy session and struggle.
I haven't tried a probiotic yet turtledove, must get to a health food store. I really am not very productive lately. What one are you using if I may ask?
Is a Manduca similar to an ergo? I have an ergo but not the newborn insert, found I couldn't use it till Bubs is older previously. The ergo is hot, I agree. I hope your plan goes just how you want it too. Awesome to hear your feeling more confident!
That is very tragic news. Was the baby sick or anything? That's so scary, I worry about that of a night given the weird noises he makes. Yes it does give a nice reminder to cherish even the hard times.
Well I'm here trying to get DS down again for the 50th time today. He's barely slept bar a cat nap here and there. Much like last night.
Rosey - it's called "BabyBiotic" from the health shop. Cost $40, but should last ages (months) as you only use a tiny bit at a time. It's a powder, we mix it in his bottles twice a day.
You must be so exhausted if he still isn't sleeping. It would be hard to feel productive if he is only catnapping. Are you exclusively breastfeeding?
Yes, the Manduca is similar to the ergo. Google "Manduca vs ergo" and you'll see why I picked it over the ergo.
As far as I know the baby wasn't sick. They live in a remote, very hot part of Australia, so not sure if that caused anything. I can't even imagine it :(
Turtledove can I assume you mean when was my DS (darling son) born not DH (husband)? DS is 1month today. DH was born in 81 :)
Yes I think its not uncommon for bubs to frequently BF although its definitely a lot of comfort feeding more then I am starving feeding. I am just starting to get over mastitis which I have had many times in the past. The frequent feeding is definitely a contributing factor. That's so incredibly sad about the little baby that passed away. In my line of work I have known many many babies to die from SIDS. The vast majority of those there have been contributing factors although it can definitely happen to anyone. I am certainly paranoid about it which is why I have a monitor on my bub.
Ah yes, I meant DS. Sorry!
Maybe I should just speak English rather than tech speak :)
Hehe turtledove. Just wanted to make sure it was my son you were asking the age of not my husband hehe. Happy to tell you how old he is. How is your son going? I gather he is smiling and starting to chat now? My son has cracked a few smiles but its a pretty rare moment. His also starting to make some different noises now.
Smiles and little coos here too. Exciting <3
Mildez may I ask you a question? I've just broken a tooth *totally freaking out*! How on earth do you go to the dentist with a newborn? Do you express? Oh I'm really freaking. Waiting for crippling tooth ache to start.
Ouch!!
Im here, reading but not much time to post. Ill try to catch up soon! Hope all is well girls =)
With difficulty Rosey. I expressed the first time. DS was 3days old and screamed. DH didn't really know how to bottle feed a baby as I'd always BF the older ones. I went again when he was a week and a week and a day and had him asleep when my mum came to the house and fortunately both times he slept the entire time. I only went again last Friday and DH gave him 50mls of formula. I actually think that's why I got mastitis as I am constantly been stimulated as he feeds so frequently and then I went for hours with nothing. I am in the process of having root canal therapy which is why I am back all the time. Does your DS travel well in the car? That would be another alternative if he did to get your DH to drive around whilst your in there and pray you don't have to wait.
Root canal therapy. Ouch! You poor thing. Such a bad time having to have it with a newborn. There's no need to pump and dump with dental work is there? Car won't work he isn't a fan got more then half hour. I'll just have to start hand expressing enough for a few feeds. Though I don't even know how many mls they take at this stage, he would be close to six kilos.:
Yeah I'd want a few bottles too. Maybe do a few but only put 80mls in each and have a few frozen. They are easy to defrost if you need more. I have not pumped and dumped. Just BF like normal. Do you have an appointment? Other then the pain the worst of my dental work is its costing me almost $3000 which is a significant amount of my savings gone which was to help me stay at home longer. I am really out of avenues too financially so looks like I have no choice but to return to work the moment my maternity leave ends.
In other news I am officially on a health kick. I am not 100% sure what I gained during pregnancy. I know I got up to over 100kgs but now am back to 94. I've joined Michelle Bridges although am not following her program religiously. Just eating her foods for the clean diet but having double the recommended calorie intake. I'm 178cm and 1200cals or the 1700 when BF is absolutely not enough. I've been so tired and lethargic and frankly sick feeling and I am sure its my sugar/carb intake contributing. I only started yesterday but already I feel a little less lethargic. I am also hardly exercising at all. But hopefully I can increase that over the next few months. I really want to feel well again.
Oh, you poor girls, both Mildez & Rosey! How did it crack, Rosey?
When I asked about how many mL, I got told "it goes on birthweight." Bubby was 3.01 born, now 5.2kg/9 weeks. Taking a little over 600mL a day, that's 6 bottles of 110mL every 4 hours. Except he's a snacked, and only likes to have a full bottle at night.
I took him to the dentist yesterday. After having a midwife, nurse, lactation consultant (in hospital, not the one I'm working with now) and GP all tell me he is fine, I took him to someone who specialises in tongue tie. He has a posterior tongue tie and very pronounced upper lip tie. Which is why we have had so much trouble with feeding, shallow latch, sliding off, clicking... Makes me sad it wasn't detected earlier.
Mildez - sorry to hear that dental expenses have had to make you change plans. How long is your maternity leave?
good on you doing what you need to in order to regain health! It's so hard to make lifestyle changes with a newborn, so you need to congratulate yourself :)
I've got the opposite problem, underweight before pregnancy, lost all baby weight already. Which doesn't help make milk :( need to keep up the calories, especially the carbs.
I'm currently reading "mother food" (ie, skimming thru the iPad kindle version when I have a few seconds). It's very interesting, which foods support breastfeeding, which suppress it, what helps with colic, loosing weight, common healrh concerns, etc. One point I found fascinating, you can tell if your baby has an intolerance to something before he is even born if he starts kicking frantically or gets hiccups every time you eat something (within 4 hours). Keep a food diary, watch for same pattern in breastfeeding, and introduce those foods last as solids.
Turtledove I am not 100% sure how long my maternity leave will be. At this stage I know I definitely have pay until August. I may get a tax return that will help me stay at home longer. We really hate using childcare at any age but under 12months would be even worse. My DH said he will take 1 day off work to look after bub when I return for the rest of the year but I'm not sure if I can go back only 1 day. Its really disappointing to prepare yourself financially for extended time off only to need to spend it on your teeth.
My understanding was an upper lip tie shouldn't effect feeding. My DS has one too. Its very significant but fortunately no tongue tie. We have a paed at work who strongly believes it doesn't effect them. Once we had a baby who's tongue could not poke out at all. It was like the entire tongue was stuck to the bottom of his mouth. He was also admitted to the SCN no surprises with feeding problems and jaundice (as he wasn't feeding). Then our other paed snips everything. His wife is a speech pathologist however so I know that helps.
That book sounds awesome. I should have a read of it as it would probably help my job. The only time I have had a weight problem is just after pregnancy. I gained 35kg with my first. I went from a BMI of 18 to a BMI of close to 30 :( I've always lost it but I do have to try. I am very close to my first goal so that's good. Motivation to keep going when I feel better within myself.