Babies Born ~ November 2011

[xAmandax]

Thanks CK i think ill have to get the next size up then cos yeah she waves her arms around too much if sleeping unwrapped - i had to try it the other day when one of her wraps was in the wash and her nappy leaked on to the other one... and yeah, she didnt go to sleep at all! WOW glad we got the carseat we did too, id have been so peeved buying another one already!!!

K&G, oops i hadnt seen your post! Ive followed the same process Lolpigs has described, and finally Violet is sleeping longer during the day!! I found though that if she got really upset in her bed, then id have to pick her up and cuddle her for a few minutes and normally have to rely on the dummy to get her back to sleep.. also i found the main thing that really helped was to make the room dark, cos before it was quite light in there, and to add a mobile with music... this all really helped her self settle initially in her own bed which i feel solved the problem a fair bit cos before, id normally have to rock her to sleep in my arms, then put her in her bed, then she would wake up probably upset cos she was in her bed and not my arms, then i couldnt seem to resettle... now, i put on her wrap which she normally protests about for a minute, then take her into the dark nursery, turn on the mobile, give her cuddles in my arms for 5 mins or so, with the dummy in her mouth cos i still have to reply on that, then i transfer her into her bassinet while she is awake - defntely had protesting at the start of trying to do this but its gotten heaps better, then tuck her in, stroke her face and kiss her, then walk out of the room, and half close the door - then, if she grizzles a bit i leave her, bit as soon as she sounds like shes getting upset i go back in, normally jsut replace the dummy cos thats normally the reason shes grizzling, or i just put my finger against the dummy if its already in her mouth cos i think sometimes she forgets its in her mouth once shes grizzling, stroke her face etc.. ive gotten it down from doing that maybe 10 times each nap time to often only once or sometimes not at all.. then since she has gotten used to falling asleep in the dark room with the mobile and music, its gotten heaps easier to resettle when she wakes up - mind you this did take a while too! but yeah, like i said, with Violet if she got / gets too upset i take her out, give her cuddles with the dummy till she calms down (absolute best way ive found to do this is to hold her facing my body, then have her face facing my chest and it sort of holds the dummy in that way with a bit of pressure against the dummy in her mouth, settles her so much easier than any other way ive tried) then once she calms down and looks drowsy again i put her back in bed... she was sleeping only 30 mins, and within the last two weeks is sleeping up to 1.5 hours, which is amazing for her! Also, ive found on a site called urban baby dot com dot au these things called sleepy wings, which hold the dummy kinda in a little pockety thing, it holds one dummy on either hand and if they lose their dummy in the night, they can kinda grab one with their mouths out of the pockety thing (pocket looks like it only loosely holds the dummy so they can grab it out) - so if Gus really wakes heaps looking for the dummy they might help? i am considering getting some for Violet cos i dont mind going back to replace the dummy during her daytime naps, but at night it sure causes lost sleep! Ideally id like to be able to wean Violet off the dummy but im still trying to get her sleep sorted in general so in the meantime they might help.. we shall see! They also look good for transitioning from swaddling too, cos i guess you just use them with a sleeping bag... im still toying with the idea!

Lolpigs, ohhhhhhhhhhhh sorry to hear the reflux came back.. i hope the meds your increasing helps..

Just a quick question as well, with the cooler weather (for most of us haha) starting, what does everyone dress bubs in? I still use a onesie with singlet underneith most of the time cos its so much easier than pulling stuff over Violets head which she seems to really dislike - ive got a few little cardigans and hoodies etc and some bamboo legwarmers that can go over the onesies... but it feels like im layering her up too much! Anyone got any nice warm onesies that they recommend? Or anything else? Most of the onesies ive found are pretty thin fabric but the really warm ones ive seen are the fluffy ones which seem a bit too synthetic?

[LoveKnowsNoBounds]

Hi ladies,

Lolpigs I remember you started pumpkin, could this have caused a reflux episode? I know with Jess it has caused huge problems and we've stopped completely now. I've also accepted that until they fully outgrow it, reflux comes and goes. For me it's best to never think it has gone which I know sounds sad.

Pead has upped her meds to 15mg losec per day. Back on tablets instead of suspension. No food for another month. She had put on weight so he wasn't concerned about her reduced feeds. He said they have these 'breakthrough periods' where it gets worse before it gets better.

I'm at mums even though I didn't want to and can see now if I hadn't I wouldve collapsed from exhaustion. Saw my pysch as I was worried I was becoming depressed (had it with DS). Im not depressed just physically exhausted. She gave me a referral for 5 night stay at Tresillian. It sounds like bliss for me that's how bad I'm feeling. My body aches from holding her all the time and the screaming really hurts me. Have to be positive. Just wish the dizziness would go, prob will when I sleep more.

[Lolpigs]

Yeah I think the food exaccerbated it a bit, but looking back over the last week it was progressivly getting worse until she was coughing so much she was waking herself up, next stage was the screaming so I acted before that happened. Yeah I've started to think that way too

The extra meds and the increase in the thickener seem to have done the trick, although her last sleep was still all over the place. See how she goes next sleep.

Glad you have the support there however. Keep up the water too, should help with the dizziness but sleep will help too.

[LoveKnowsNoBounds]

It takes Jess 2-3 weeks to get over a change. We are now in week 2. I think her reflux is very severe.

Teething can cause a reflux episode too.

[DANNIIM]

We had a shocker of a day with Abby yesterday. She screamed at every sleep time or when she was tired, in the end I had to put her to sleep in my bed with me laying with her and at her mid arvo sleep she only fell asleep from crying so much. Think she was unwell or teeth or something going on as she's back to normal today. Really through me as she will occasionally have a meltdown but this was all day.
I got her amber necklace on her today but I'm really paranoid about it when I'm not right there with her.

Jan & Lolpigs hope Jess and Lily improve soon.

[K&G]

Lolpigs – yes thanks – it’s kind of where I had gotten to. I couldn’t see that the little man would understand why I was leaving the room and coming back in… I’m really not sure what to do – it doesn’t sit right with me to have him crying so much but if I get him up after 45mins then by midday he is really cranky and overtired and all out of whack with feeds and then feeds poorly etc.. I’m hoping it will just start to improve by itself and in the meantime I will attempt each time to resettle him gently (eg replace dummy and pat bed etc) if he seems to need it. I am def learning the difference between all of his cries! These books that say no baby should cry if it knows whats happening and what it can expect have a lot to answer for! (breed insecurity in parents!)

And thanks AMANDA – those wing things sound worth checking out as I have also been thinking about how to transition from his swaddle (Lovetowrap) into a sleeping bag now its getting quite cold at night. He is actually usually quite fine at going to sleep the first time but wakes after 40mins and won’t re-settle for any more sleep.. so ends up catnapping all day but hey – maybe he’ll outgrow this?! Having said that he had disrupted sleep tofay bc I decided I needed to get out of house for once this week and went shopping for some winter PJS (those night feeds are cold!) and some more singlets etc for him – so he got a 45min before we left, wouldn’t sleep in pram at shops, 30mins in car on way home and at 4:30pm he has taken nearly an hour to go to sleep. He I think is way overtired.

What’s everyones favourite toy or book for their bub? Gus loves his Lamaze calamari (one of those ones that dangles with crinkly bits and a rattle etc). Also love the cardboard books like Where is the green sheep? Hungry Caterpillar and Dr seuss J

[K&G]

And Amanda – yes have Gus in a onesie and singlet. Have also bought some Target $6 kind of thicker ones to try and was checking out Bonds version of these too. I put a padded vest and beanie and fleece booties on him when we go outside or sometimes a cardigan. It seems to be all about layers bc they get hot so quickly too (espec in the car)..

Hope all the bubs with reflux are doing a bit better today and you’re getting some extra help, company and support now that it’s the weekend.. if you can – take yourself out – even for a 10min walk and do some relaxation (well it helps me when I can do it!) or just crack open a bottle of nice wine and enjoy a glass (even if it’s in the bedroom whilst your DP has bub!)

[Lolpigs]

Lolpigs – yes thanks – it’s kind of where I had gotten to. I couldn’t see that the little man would understand why I was leaving the room and coming back in… I’m really not sure what to do – it doesn’t sit right with me to have him crying so much but if I get him up after 45mins then by midday he is really cranky and overtired and all out of whack with feeds and then feeds poorly etc.. I’m hoping it will just start to improve by itself and in the meantime I will attempt each time to resettle him gently (eg replace dummy and pat bed etc) if he seems to need it. I am def learning the difference between all of his cries! These books that say no baby should cry if it knows whats happening and what it can expect have a lot to answer for! (breed insecurity in parents!)

And thanks AMANDA – those wing things sound worth checking out as I have also been thinking about how to transition from his swaddle (Lovetowrap) into a sleeping bag now its getting quite cold at night. He is actually usually quite fine at going to sleep the first time but wakes after 40mins and won’t re-settle for any more sleep.. so ends up catnapping all day but hey – maybe he’ll outgrow this?! Having said that he had disrupted sleep tofay bc I decided I needed to get out of house for once this week and went shopping for some winter PJS (those night feeds are cold!) and some more singlets etc for him – so he got a 45min before we left, wouldn’t sleep in pram at shops, 30mins in car on way home and at 4:30pm he has taken nearly an hour to go to sleep. He I think is way overtired.

What’s everyones favourite toy or book for their bub? Gus loves his Lamaze calamari (one of those ones that dangles with crinkly bits and a rattle etc). Also love the cardboard books like Where is the green sheep? Hungry Caterpillar and Dr seuss J

Been there done that. I know how you feel. All I can say is keep perservering with it and he will get the idea eventually. Another thing I did with Lilly is if she wasnt too upset I just left her in the cot until 1 hour had passed and then lengthened it, but this was only if she was grizzling and I was in an out comforting her. If it didnt work I would just get her up and try again later. I wouldnt read those books if I were you. None of them will help you if your baby has reflux. Everything takes alot longer for them to adjust to. Is his pain under control? The reason I ask is if it isn't then this can cuase the 45mins waking. Its a sure sign Lillys is going to flare as she will start waking and crying suddenly all the time at 45mins. If his pain is not under control, dont bother with sleep training it just wont happen till it is in my experience.

Reflux babies seem to be clingier than others, and want constant reassurance. I found that by always reassuring her, she eventually learnt that I would come if she needed me, but her cot was a safe place to be if that makes sense? Just takes awhile. If I had left her to cry, it would have made her worse, I just went with my instinct and perservered. Read through the old threads I was at my wits end more than once LOL Dont get me wrong we have had sometimes when she is so tired and just cries and cries but its becuase she wants to sleep, not becuase she wants to get out of her cot anymore. She settles really well for me now, so working on her being comforted by dad, because thats still causing issues.

I'm happy to chat if you need support, they are a different kettle of fish those reflux bubs.

Edit: I am really tired, but I think I read that Gus has reflux.. if he dosent sorry! But still dont read those books they just make you crazy

[LoveKnowsNoBounds]

Jess reflux is still out of control. Honestly don't know what to do anymore. Now I'm thinking the gastro Pead might be the way to turn. That isn't until May.

Soo over it for her and me. I just feel helpless.

[Lolpigs]

Jess reflux is still out of control. Honestly don't know what to do anymore. Now I'm thinking the gastro Pead might be the way to turn. That isn't until May.

Soo over it for her and me. I just feel helpless.

Yeah I would see the specalist Jan. Perhaps the surgery might be an option?

[DANNIIM]

Jan how come thats isn't till May? That just seems along time more for you all to be enduring this pain.

Abby weighed in yesterday at 6.9kg - steadily putting on weight. AF also turned up yesterday . Notice my happy face LOL... means I won't have it while away on holidays yay me . I'm also slowly losing the baby fat I'd put on... 4kg in total so far.

[AMumma]

Levi weighs 8.06kg now lol.

He did really well with his needles, cried while they were happening but fell asleep when it was all over with. Had a bit of a temp, panadol sorted that out. He was a very happy boy the next day lol

[DANNIIM]

AM - Abby screamed for 5 mins... After the first she was waling as it was so I just told the nurse to keep going cos I knew she wasn't going to stop anytime soon. She slept heaps yesterday after them too, no panadol needed or anything then she was quite restless last night - she kept tossing all night but then woke up this morning normal time 8am and our day has been back to normal. Although ATM I'm laying in bed with her next to me cos she doesn't think it's sleepy time yet.

[Cranky Kitten]

Well bit of a big day for Alex - had banana for breakfast which he thought was pretty awesome judging by the faces he was pulling, and he spent his first night in his own room all by himself. I think he slept better than I did, only woke once for a feed and straight back down to sleep. I on the other hand kept waking up fretting about him being too hot or too cold and had to keep checking the temp on the monitor.

His day sleep is gradually starting to come good again, think it may have just been a growth spurt or wonder week giving him grief. He's still not quite rolling but is trying so hard to crawl he's getting quite frustrated.

[DANNIIM]

I think I have a lazy baby LOL. She's rolled a couple of times, but otherwise she just on her back doing 360's to get to things. Still doesn't like tummy time alot either. A few times I've put her on her to go to sleep and I go in there a few minutes later and she's fallen asleep on her side and she stays like that. She's in this routine ATM where she isn't going to sleep until later of an evening but I think that's because she has the 10pm feed but she sleeps in till 8am everyday almost. It doesn't really bother me cos DH doesn't get home till nearly 7pm on the day shifts so at least she spends time with him in the evenings.

Just got some Easter photos done this arvo too I'll put them up when I get them.

[Lolpigs]

Lilly loves banana

Pumkin causes reflux so thats a no no now.

Trying Apple and pear this week sometime. Loving being able to make all her food in like 10mins flat LOL

[LoveKnowsNoBounds]

Be careful with apple and pear, highly acidic. Paed warned me off them. Though Lilly might be ok with them.

Gastro paed is very busy. Have had booking since dec, I'm hoping for a cancellation so we can get in earlier. I'm feeling so sad

[xAmandax]

Super quick post, will catch up on everything soon, I've been crazy busy with a uni assignment that was algebra based - DH had to help me with most of it!

Jan, I wanted to say, I heard on "the doctors" show (haha daytime tv) that celery is meant to be amazing for reflux in adults if eaten before a meal.. I wonder if it's a possibility to steam some, puree it and try it with Jess? (and just remove those stringy bits) like, before feeding her formula? - could be worth just phoning your paed and asking? Thought it was worth mentioning in case it may be of any help!