Babies born~December 1st-15th 2009 #1

Hi Tilda - I have a clingy baby during the day at the mo, driving me nuts! But in saying that, she slept for 5 hours last night, I woke up wondering what was wrong and woke her, what an idiot I am ha ha! I hope she does it again tonight and if so, I will not wake her and see what happens. She's on my lap again, as soon as I go to put her in the pram she wakes up and cries, grrrrr. Hoping it's just a temporary thing. Think you're right re the fissure and my bum is going out in sympathy for my vagigi as my nephew calls it ha ha. Might have to go up to the chemist and ask for something for my bum, how embarrassing!

Hi Willow - yep, figured the tummy was to be blamed for age LOL. It's going down a bit more each day and to be honest I never had a flat one before but want it to be firm at least! I still have 6 kgs to go to get back to my pre pregnancy weight, when does the bf'ing thing kick in. Everyone said bfing drops the weight, waiting, waiting!

Swim yesterday was bliss, water was 30 degrees in my sisters pool. Bring it on! I even got DH to do a formula feed as Amelia woke up hungry and I decided to be selfish and have some me time in the pool. I have such sore shoulders and neck from holding her all the time I thought stuff it!

Hi Alison - well I think my bum is going out in sympathy with yours now LOL! Oh well, I've had them before and they just tend to clear up on their own I find. The pool sounds heavenly. And I can just see you poking and prodding Amelia to make sure she was OK! I'd do the same thing.

Hi Lani - the hammock sounds great! Its going to be a line ball between that and one of those cots that open out onto your bed. Its great to get some one's first hand opinion on them. I've got a feeling Matilda would like the hammock.

Hi AndiE - Matilda's breathing is all over the place. Sometimes its quick and shallow, sometimes its slow and deep and sometimes its squeaky and gasping. I think they're just like that while their bodies get the hang of it (I hope...).

Willow - you're very very good to already be doing thank you cards. I have a big list to get through. I've ordered some online with Matilda's photo on it and they haven't arrived yet (that's my excuse anyway).

AFM - well we had a much better night last night with matilda being in with us. She didn't want a feed until 2:30 after her last evening one which was great. But she did wake up and want to rock for a couple of hours so I handed her to DH at about 4. Then she fed again at 6:30. I think I'm converted to co-sleeping!

Tilda - sorry hun, I'm an idiot. I was supposed to write Infant's Friend!! It's in most chemists and is all natural. It's for wind and my new best friend! Jack loves it and gets excited (breathing faster) when he sees the bottle come out. It tastes like cinnamon (sp) and he sits there sticking his tongue out after tasting it. It really helps with his pain. Highly recommended, especially since it's all natural.

Let us know how the sleep consultant convo goes! x

Alison - sooooo jealous of your swim! My bleeding is still going. So annoying! And, don't worry about the weight. It's early days yet and you look fab. I'm not sure when the BF thing kicks in though, I was wondering the same thing. I also have 6kg to lose!

Oh, and I have the same problem with the scratchy thing. Oh, the glamour of it all! And, my midwife did tell me that she saw internal 'roids when I was pushing...:o

Andie - yep, Jack's breathing can get really rapid sometimes and it used to worry me. He does it a lot when he's sleeping. But I think it's pretty normal after googling it! Maybe ask your early childhood nurse about it?

Lani - a hammock sounds fab! I've been using our sling a fair bit cause I know he enjoys the hanging part, so a hammock may be a good idea. How long can you use them for?

Willow - Jack has started to spew a bit more too. I wonder when that settles down? I just know that every time I get dressed to go out he'll vomit all over me! :lol:

ATM - I had planned to see my mother's group today and even squeeeeezed into my skinny jeans (the zip wouldn't go up but I had on my trusty old belly belt from pregnancy days!) and was feeling really good. Got bub dressed in his new outfit and headed out the door. Turned on the car and nothing. Dead. Apparently the battery was dead. So...I decided to take the bus into the city. I strapped jack into his sling and headed into David Jones for a bit of retail therapy and then lunch. Jack slept the entire time. Was so easy and would do it again. The bus driver on the way home even gave me a free ride. ;)

Back onto the exercise/weight loss topic, I always said I'd give myself six weeks off before getting back into it. I plan to start back slowly with swimming, walking and light weights. Then I'll go back to running when I feel ready for it. I can't wait for that! But I worry about my boobs and it hurting with them being so big and full!

Oh, and is anyone's little ones smiling yet? One of the girls in my mother's group has her little one smiling all the time and I'm wondering when Jack will...

xx

Hi Carmey - I have no idea where your 6 kilos is cause you look fabulous in your pics! Not sure you can count your boobs as weight to lose hee hee. I'm hanging to get a bit more toned again, it's one thing to have some extra kgs but for them to be floppy kgs sux huh! I'm hanging to enjoy a casual game of tennis again, I can't run at the moment as my tummy still hurts where the scar is and also my tummy flops up and down, so gross ha ha! Sorry for that visual peoples! :o As for skinny jeans, I couldn't wear them before let alone now so you go girl, belly belt or not! What sort of sling do you have? I got the Baby Bjorn out yesterday and it's still on the table in bits, I don't have time to go to university to figure out how to put it together! grrrrr. I need to try tonight as I have afternoon tea at the hospital tomorrow and I'm still not allowed to lift the pram in and out of the car so need to use it. Job for DH tonight I feel. As for smiling, Amelia started smiling last week, I think by accident but just today she has smiled heaps and when she's looking into your eyes while you're talking to her. DH popped in just earlier and she was in her swing and he said hello and she outright smiled at him, he was so excited. Some little sounds are starting to come out of her mouth too, can't wait till lots of gooing happens, will be so cute. The books say anywhere from 5 weeks they start to really smile and find their hands and feet but each bub is different.

Hi Tilda - oh dear......does that mean we can be true "bum chums"? LOL. If they go on their own I think I'll wait and see before I head to the chemist and embarrass myself ha ha. Whenever I go to a chemist I get some young spunk behind the counter, not a good look when asking for something for your fanny or bum ha ha! Was bad enough asking for nipple shields thanks!

Honestly though, as if we don't have enough crap when we're pregnant then we get it afterwards as well! You really can't prepare yourself for any of this can you ha ha. As rewarding as it is having a baby it's still hard work emotionally and physically. I have a friend due in 3.5 weeks and she's totally oblivious....should I tell her or let her find out for herself ha ha! She wouldn't listen to me anyway, she just cannot be told!

Gosh it's hot again in Perth today, I wish I had my own pool....my sister does live around the corner but it's too hard lugging Amelia around - which translates into, I can't be bothered lugging Amelia around today! ;)

OMG - look at my signature! I'm hopeless at this!!

HI everyone

Tilda We ordered our thank you cards on line too with Harry's photo they're pretty cute, we got ours through Snapfish but they didn't have a very big choice of designs,where did you order yours from?
LOL with being a convert to co sleeping, once you go with out sleep then finally get some it's very easy to become a fan of the co sleep.
Commiserations on the bottom problems, can completely sympathise!

AndiE I think the babies breathing gets rapid when they have a bit of wind too, they may not have a pain but if it's in there it can make them breathe quite quickly for a bit probably while it's moving through.

Lani The hammock does sound good I just don't know that we have the room for one at the moment but I'll check it out anyway.

Carmey :lol: Yes! I'm having the same thing with Harry, and it's not good when I have a limited amount of clothes appropriate for breast feeding!!! You run out of things to wear quickly:lol:
Harry's smiling a little now he has been since last week not a huge amount but over the next couple of weeks they really start to get going and interact more it's very cute:D

Alison It's a pain not being able to lift the pram and stuff yet very frustrating!

Gotta go Harry calls

Alison - Sorry your bum is giving you trouble. Glad you enjoyed your swim yesterday. I still have my line too, but my tummy is almost as firm as it was pre-pregnancy.

Tilda - I read about the unsettled period in Babylove too. I could handle a couple of hours, but its on and off from around 8pm until 2am! Amelia loves to be cuddled asleep too. I used to have so much trouble wrapping her, but like Matilda, her arms flail about if I don't. I usually let her fall asleep on me or DH, then once her breathing is regular we'll wrap her and put her down. It doesn't always work, but its easier wrapping her while she's half asleep. How did it go with the sleep consultant?

Andie - Wow your boy is growing fast! Since he is putting on such good weight, I wouldn't worry about him sleeping through - just enjoy it! Rapid breathing is normal for newborns, but check with your doc if your concerned.

Lani - I haven't had to give formula top ups. Amelia only feeds from one side each time. As long as you are eating and drinking enough and getting plenty of rest, your body should make enough milk for Jett. There is something to sleeping when baby sleeps. I've noticed that my boobs feel heavier after a sleep than if I'd been awake for the same amount of time. But if you're struggling to keep up, it won't hurt him to give a top up with formula.

Carmey - Thats an excellent night time routine - glad it works! I'm trying to get into one, but my girl loves being up late. Have you got a routine for daytime? Perhaps your boy likes the structure he gets at night.

willow - After 5 weeks I'm still bleeding, although lightly. I was told it could last anywhere between 2-6 weeks. I also have long heavy periods so am just assuming my postpartum bleeding will be the same. I sympathise with Harry being unsettled. On a good day we'll have 30 mins of awake time when I get to play with her around lunch time, plus bath time in the evening. All other times she is either feeding, sleeping or crying.

AFM - I've had a revelation! A friend told me about baby talk (google dunstan baby language). An Australian woman has identified 5 different sounds babies make when they cry, each corresponding to a need. Using this, I was able to confirm that Amelia had wind which is why she was crying so much. I started using infants' friend yesterday as well as massaging her tummy at change times while she has her nappy off (like your DS1 Andie, she seems to be unhibited). Still had our episodes of hysterical crying last night, but it was much easier to settle her. We couldn't put her down as she wanted to be cuddled, but at least she slept! Fingers crossed things continue to improve.

Had to stop midpost to feed Amelia and didn't expect so much activity while I was gone.

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As rewarding as it is having a baby it's still hard work emotionally and physically. I have a friend due in 3.5 weeks and she's totally oblivious....should I tell her or let her find out for herself ha ha! She wouldn't listen to me anyway, she just cannot be told!

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Alison - I seem to remember someone else (read you) who didn't want to be told how much hard work was involved with a baby LOL. But we all just want to enjoy those last few weeks of pregnancy. Good luck to your friend.

Tilda - Glad you and Matilda had a good night. Co-sleeping may not be good in theory, but in practice can be bliss.

Carmey - Infants' friend is now my new best friend too. I've noticed that Amelia is quite spewy since I've started using it. When do you use it? I've been giving it to her before a feed as its when she's most awake. Might have to try after and see if it makes a difference. Yay for getting into the skinny jeans! Amelia smiles a lot in her sleep and I've even heard the beginnings of a laugh while she's sleeping. Before wind became a problem she'd smile at us while we talked to her. Now smiles are reserved for bath time, but I'm hoping she'll smile more once her wind eases.

Love the siggy - jack is gorgeous!

Hi Hannah - oh no I expected it to be hard work but still doesn't prepare you. I wasn't completely oblivious, was just trying to be positive. I just didn't like people constantly telling me and being so negative that's all. This friend of mine isn't even expecting it....that probably doesn't make sense, you'd need to know this person to see what I mean. LOL

Besides, even though it's hard at times I feel pretty good and wouldn't change it for anything.

Hannah - Isn't Infant's Friend the bomb? I try and use it before but I often forget so he usually gets it between or straight after a feed.

Re the siggy - how on earth do I make his pic smaller? It's HUGE! ;)

ATM - just finished my birth story! I'm going to post it later and I'll send a link.

Night yummy mummies!

x

Hi girls!

Just popping in quickly - I've been reading, but lacking the time to post.

The last few days have been amazing. Liam seems to have woken up overnight and changed from a floppy newborn to someone who's developing a real personality. He's started smiling and making lots of cute goo goo noises :) He had a massive poosplosion today and I popped him in the bath - he was *so* cute, smiling and gooing as he splashed around.

He's been settling a lot better in general, too, which is awesome - he's been taking a couple of naps during the day, which means that I can actually get some stuff done around the house. He actually slept for a block of almost six hours last night too :o I tell you what, I was glad for the sleep (though I only slept for about three hours out of that) but I was glad when he woke up, too, since I was so engorged!

I can't remember if I posted about this already or not (heh, baby brain) but we also managed to get Liam to take a bottle of expressed milk for the first time. We were planning on going out on the weekend and getting my mother to babysit, but at the last moment I decided to stay home - I couldn't face leaving him! I'm a sook ;)

Hi Carmey - not sure why your pic is so big hee hee but it's cute! When I did my siggy I downloaded it as normal and it just made it small to fit in the ticker. Did you just upload it as normal?

Hi Rose - great to hear you're feeling much better and Liam sounds like he's doing so well. 6 hours wahoo! I got 5 last night and woke Amelia out of panic, hope she gives it another shot tonight so I can let her go and see what happens.

As for the poo explosion, I had a real one like the add yesterday, we stopped at the shops and DH stayed in the car with the aircon, when I came back he said she'd pooed and boy did she ever, it came out the sides of her nappy, up her stomach, on the car seat, the seatbelts, you name it. She was screaming as she hates a pooey nappy so we had to change her there and then. The worst part is I went to take her out of the seat to put her in the back to change her and I put my hand in it and it went in my nails and everything, eeuw!!!!!!!! ha ha, sorry TMI peoples.

Alison - I was just teasing. I didn't mean to say you were oblivious - just that I remember you being fed up with everyone telling you. Ewww with the poo explosion. Why don't these things happen at home?

Carmey - Tonight I started using it during feeds and she seemed to bring up less. I was getting worried as after her 2 big spews today, she had dry nappies. But she's had some very wet ones tonight. I look forward to reading your birth story.

Rose - So glad Liam is settling better. It's amazing when they sleep well and they can interact with us a little more. I hope it continues.

AFM - I have had a fantastic night so far. Amelia woke at 6:45 for a feed. I then gave her a bath and she was so calm afterwards I decided to try giving her a massage. She's usually so tense I don't bother as massage seems to make her worse (because she isn't used to it, I guess). She loved it. She smiled and made lots of gooing noises. I dressed & wrapped her ready for bed, but she seemed wide awake still. I was going to read to her but thought better of it as I didn't want to overstimulate her. As soon as I started rocking her, she closed her eyes and that was it. She woke again after half and hour for another feed, but went straight to sleep afterwards and didn't wake for 3 hours. By then it was 11:30 and she woke up with terrible wind. I stayed calm and massaged her belly until it passed. She's now sleeping again after another feed. After a week of inconsolable nights, it feels so good to know that it is possible to comfort my daughter and give her what she needs. I don't expect every night to be like this, but if I could have a couple a week it would be easier to bear the bad ones.

Finally got a bit of time online and am finally writing from our apt!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (for those of you who don't know me yet, DH and I have been living at the in laws for a while while contruction was being done on our apt - which, of course, went wildly over schedule!!!)

Carmey, sounds like your little one is an athlete like you - Eva turns her head and kicks about her legs and rolls from tummy to the side but not a whole flip over yet! Way to go Jack! I'm going to try to find out if I can get the drops...because seriously the gas thing is awful...I am going to post what I found might be my problem though...I'll get to it after persies...Eva is smiling now too - this started about a week ago (serious smiling, not just little random smiles while feeding)...she reacts to voice and tickling but not a lot just when she is in her very alert periods...it's coming - get ready to fall more in love! The weight loss thing is freaking me out...I am getting back to training next week. I work with a trainer and am going to get my running shoes out to start my runs in the snow :o I have a pouch and can't get my old clothes on. I feel fatter now than when i was pregnant! I have not lost anything except for the weight from the birth. holidays didn't help either! - I thought you did the big signature on prupose - I love it! He is so cute - leave it big!

Willow - yay for the weight gain! I am glad he is gaining well! I bled until about Three and a half weeks but a week and a half out of the hospital I only needed panty liners and they did not usually get very stained...But I think every one is different...They told me at the hospital that is can go from three to six weeks, so it should be normal...Eva startles in her sleep too but I put her on her side now and she sleeps well. I also use a cocconababy which prevents that to a certaibn degree...

Andie, looking forward to getting to know you and your little one. Great to hear that he is growing and doing better than DS1...It is ok to compare, especially when the second is easier ;) - I am slo a dummy user - I could not live without it - Eva is def a sucker...I tried to avoid it but once I saw how she settled down with it, I could not bring myself to deprive her - this is also what got her off of my boobs every waking minute at the beginning...the bretahing is normal and regulates later - Eva started being more settled with her breathing recently...but it can be stressful...she still sometimes inhales a mouth of milk and coughs during a feed...but she is getting better at mulittasking!

Alison, sucks losing the nipple shield...here they sell them in pharmacies (I am so american ;) ),so I hope you find one - I got a pair when I was having pain at the beginning but never got around to using them...I would have brought them over if I was close by - I also find Eva to be less settled when we go visit people...I think it just nreaks the rythm of her day, so she suffers a bit at night trying to settle down for sleep...her being fussy might be a growth spurt - I read that it happens at 2, 3 and 6 weeks...so maybe that is it since she is nearing her 6th week? Be careful with your milk supply - maybe you should try pumping sometime during the day? the more you top up the less she'll eat so the less you'll produce, so you should try to pump to encourage milk if that is what you want - and drink your water naughty ;)

Rose, my god, so that is why you have been sort of MIA for a bit. I am so sorry to hear you are having such a difficult time! I would guess the nausea is hormone related. I felt a droop in appetite right after giving birth but it came back full blast with breastfeeding (I am stressed for the weight loss now)....But I am glad to hear you both have the medication you need and hope you and your little man are going to be doing great soon! And luckily you found out so soon before it really got bad...I saw your new pics, Liam is such a cutie...

Tilda, isn't it great when people just let you sleep-My eva is the same and still spends some night in bed with us (when she is fussy and I am tired it is just easier...I think some babies need more holding, but I get you on the never being put down - with all the people visiting, I don't think she has fallen asleep on her own much (she is doing that now though since no one is home!)...I don't believe a newborn can be spoiled, maybe just have habits but those can be easily broken at this point, so I am trying things until I figure out what works best - hopefully, I'll get it right before she is a toddler! Hope the sleep consultant can help...I think it is normal though...I heard plently of friends' stroies where baby would be up to play all night long and sleep like a log all day. It passes...I agree with Carmey though...I find Eva sleeps really badly when I take her out of her comfort zone or do too much with her in the day. I am tyring to get her into a rythm...Try baths in the eve, I found that helped settle Eva for sleep better too. Bath then feeding and cuddle/singing/book then I leave her in bed. She has been able to do more and more nights like this lately..Hope it lasts. I was also changing Eva before after each feeding but now, like Carmey, just leave her until her 7am wakeup for a change (unless it's a big poo)...maybe try getting her to bed by feeding her laying down - the pediatrician told me that the laying down position is ideal because it encourages sleep for both mom and baby since you are releasing sleep hormones and are already in a sleeping position - just make sure DH checks on you in case you both nod off :)

And I have to admit, that I have put Eva to sleep on her belly a few times - only when I have her within my scope of vision and she sleeps so well, not a stir - I would never do it at night because I know she would sleep well but her reflexes would be slwer and I would be scared with the tiredness and slow reflexes that she would end up facedown in her cot...but I do put her on her belly sometimes in the afternoons in her playpen, no sheets no blankets and where I can see her.

Hannah, for gas I made an amazing discovery!!!! A Hot water bag! Tilda this might work for you too - DH fills it up and puts it in her bed while I do her nightime ritual and feed and then she just slides into her warm bed with no fuss...she used to wake as soon as she was in her bed and out of our arms...Maybe you can try that? She might like the body heat...I also lay her on it with her tummy down and knees on the bed and head on a little pillow when she has really bad cramps and gas and rub her back - it has saved our lives...My best friend had one and one night Eva was crying so bad with cramps that I asked her to bring it...she was still whimpering with pain but not screaming and it passed and she fell asleep on the bag (of course put a blanket or something so it is not too hot for her)...I even bought little hot water bags the size of the palm of a hand to put on her belly in bed if she is crampy...it is winter here so I try to keep her warm...You can try that even though it is summer there...maybe just warm not hot?

Lani, sounds like Jett knows his nights and days you lucky girl! Don't stress about your milk - I did the same and the pediatrician told me that not having enough milk is very very rare - just stay well hydrated and fed :) Have you tried going out for an afternoon drive or walk? Maybe he just needs some stimulation to tire him? Eva is up in the late afternoon and that's when I give her mat time which generally tires her out and then she dozes off on her belly and I put her to bed...Today she played in her playpen near my desk while I organize and she dozed off after playing and looking out the window for about an hour...you might need to change his location, position or give him some stimulation during the afternoon...It might settle him down. I had the same prob at the beginning with the constant fussiness unless she was on the boob, and I'll write after this to let you girls know what I figured out...I had a nurse tell me to keep her feeding longer by switching sides etc...but that was not the right this to do...I am with you on the avoiding formula...The ped told me that if the baby is growing there is no problem. So don't stress for that! Like Alison said, there is nothibng wrong with topping up if you need a break. It is tiring having a baby attached to you 24/7 - I did it twice too.

Now for me :) - so I ahve been sort of busy with lots of friends over for the new year. Man it is nice having a bunch of arms around - they help with dishes, carrying her around while I shower, playing with her, helping us move back in etc...

I told you guys Eva was being really fussy for a while...she was crying for hours on end froml midnight to 3 most nights and I could not take it anymore - she had constipation, pain and green smelly poo! I did not know what happened. DH and I were besides ourselves and no one could give us a good response...The pediatrician said it was colic but later in the night...I was no tbuying it. One night while she was crying, DH googled green smelly poo...and we found the problem! We read online that if the baby does not get enough hindmilk then they only get the foremilk which is higher in sugar and not fatty enough to satuisfy them and eventually give baby gas and green smelly frothy poo...I realized that the stupid lactatioon consultant gave me very bad advice by telling me to switch sides every time Eva started slwoing down too much - She was only getting foremilk from both boobs and started suffering for it. I started keeping her on one side and if she dozed off burping her or putting her down but then putting her back to the same boob and after 2 weeks of absolute HELL, her poo is getting yellow again and does not smell and she is sleeping again! The past few night she has slept from 11/12 and not woken up until arounf 6 or 7! I am so happy. Especially to see her more settled and happy. I can kill thatstupid lady and her bad advice! She was screaming and whimpering in pain during feeds and not pooing often...It was just awful. I hope it is going to pass and stay that way, but for now I have had three or four days of regular baby behavior and poo!

Eva is a darling, filling out her clothes now and starting to react and smile and play etc...She still sleeps most of the morning then needs some fun time in the afternoon and her evening routine and is pretty good settling down to bed now...she needs about an hour of feeding and cuddling to get to sleep.

I am going to start training to lose my weight starting next week since before that I did not feel ready to leave her at home, so I hope it stays this way. I still have a pooch - I feel so ugly. Some days I don't get a shower in and it is freezing and snowy here, so going out is a lot more complicated than it is for you summer girls :( - But when she does come out with me she sleeps the whole time, loves the car and is easy. I can't wait until it gets warmer to do that more often!

Otherwise, I took a long time with persies and she is stirring to wake now (fell asleep all by herself in her playpen!) so I'll go get some emails responded to before she gets up for food and try to be back on soon to update everyone!!!!

Parents are coming on the 13 and my brother on the 15th but by the end of january I shoul dhave a lot more downtime and more time to be online!!!

xoxoxoxox

miss you all you foxy mummies!

Hi Girls!

Hi BS - always good to read your little stories, sounds like you've got things down pat now! I have a bit of a tummy too and I'm 36 so harder to get rid of......skin is as it was in my 20's! I still have 8 kgs to go but I haven't been able to exercise because of the c-section...next week is the week! It must be harder being winter, not to mention motivating yourself to get out in the cold but I have the opposite here, it's too hot to go outside and exercise, it's been around 36-39 degrees here in Perth the last few days. Even at 8.00 pm last night it was really warm outside!

Hi Hannah - it's cool, I know you were teasing. :lol:

I had another great night, Amelia slept for nearly 6 hours! Although I daren't get too excited as it could all come crashing down on me at any time. ha ha. I have afternoon tea at the hospital today, although I'm dreading getting Amelia in and out of the car in this heat and I have to lift the pram which I'm not not supposed to do until next week, hope I'm ok!

Hi Brusselsprout - that's terrible that the lactation consultant gave you such terrible advice. I wish I'd thought to mention something about letting them drain one side as much as possible before switching! The lactation consultant mentioned it to me at the hospital and explained that the hind milk was fattier and helps them settle. I didn't realise the foremilk could make them windy though. Maybe that was also why Eva wanted to be on the breast so much. I'm also trying to take the attitude that you can't spoil newborns and let go of the anxiety about bad habits forming. But DH and I are definitely trying to create more definite evening bedtime rituals. Sounds like you're really getting your bedtime routine sorted out even with all your visitors and moving house! I've tried the lying down to feed on my side but cant' get comfy because of my bad neck/shoulders. But I think when she's a bit bigger and can just "hop on" herself more easily it will be great. I can really imagine how much you're looking forward to spring and just be able to walk out the door without too much drama.

Hi Alison - 6 hours straight! ooohhh, I'm green. Mind you we didn't have too bad a night last night either. Hope your afternoon tea at the hospital went well.

Hi Hannah - its great to hear you had such a good evening after a difficult week. I think they all have their unsettled days and weeks. It seems that the only constant with babies is change!

Hi Willow - I used snapfish too. I couldn't find many other options on Australian websites. There are some fantastic american based ones but too expensive to ship over. One site wanted to charge $55 just for shipping :o

Hi Carmey - your siggy is hilarious LOL!! Keep it. It makes me giggle everytime I see it. And I am going to hunt down infant's friend. Do you think its quite safe?

Hi RoseRed - Sounds like things are really falling into place. And beautiful how much Liam is smiling. You must melt. Can't wait till Matilda starts to smile more.

Hello to everyone else!

AFM - had another pretty good night with Matilda in with us. She woke for a couple of feeds and went straight back to sleep. I'm starting to think she really doesn't like the bassinet in particular. This afternoon I tried her in it twice and both times she woke and squawked. Admittedly I think she was still a but hungry. But then I put her in her comfy rocker chair and she's been asleep for an hour now. I haven't called the sleep consultant yet. I thought we'd just try a few more obvious things so I can at least say I've tried. Had a really nice lunch out with Mum and Dad at a cafe up on Mt Nelson with beautiful views. Matilda was a gem. Just slept in her capsule (again OK as long as it wasn't the bassinet) and then woke for a feed towards the end. I'm hanging out for a few more smiles. We get the odd one which is gorgeous, but its not all that often. But at least she doesn't give me her golom face anymore. To begin with she'd just frown intensely at me like she was thinking "who the hell are you??" LOL. And for that matter she's probably thinking "who the hell am I??". Anyway, I can smell a nice dinner coming my way. Hope there are some more big sleeps out there tonight.

Hi everyone just a quick one before dinner...or Harry wakes...one or the other:D

Tilda I found snapfish to be the best price wise, I found a few other Aussie ones with really nice designs but they seemed to be twice the price, if not more than snapfish. The snapfish ones really nice though and only took 2 days to arrive from when I ordered so I was happy with that.

...Well my dinner's ready and Harry's awake:rolleyes::lol: ...I'll post again later

Tilda - Yeah, I think it's safe. I have lots of friends who have used it and it's completely natural. I wouldn't use anything with chemicals. Google it and you'll find its website. Fingers crossed you get a good night tonight!

Alison - six hours! Lucky duck. I long for that day with Master Jack. :D How was your afternoon tea?

BS - so glad you got your feeding sorted! That must feel so much better. They do say there are three milks - I can't remember much about it but the first is apparently watery and quenches their thirst and fills their belly, the second one - can't remember! and the third one is the one that is creamy and knocks them out for a long sleep.

Hannah - so good to hear you've had a good night. Let's hope for another and another! Massaging the belly is a great idea - I will try that! Jack was the same with massage after the bath and not liking it, but he has been more willing lately. I massage the bottom of his little feet and he seems to love it. Cute!

ATM - For the past two days Jack has slept almost all day. And, he's still sleeping well at night. Most pleased! Not sure how long it will last because he was so awake during the day before.

Has anyone found that what they eat affects their milk and therefore their bubs? I just wonder how much of it is true?

Hi Girls! Afternoon tea at the hospital was nice, one of the girls from ante natal was there, she had her baby the same day!!! I didn't even see her, mind you, I didn't leave the room much when I was there LOL. We were given everyone's contact details and we're going to catch up for a cuppa in a couple of weeks. Funny, my aqua class girls there's all girls but one boy, this group was all boys but Amelia and another one, funny. I weighed Amelia but they did it so fast I don't remember if she was 4.1 kgs or 4.5 kgs.....have mothers group Thursday so will check it properly then. Either way, she's definitely gaining which is good. Oh and DH was annoyed earlier, Amelia's blood group results came in the mail and she has my blood group not his, sucked in LOL!

Hi Tilda - your comment on Matilda's gollom looked cracked me up...that's exactly what Amelia does, frown lines and all, my god that's all I'm going to think when she does it now ha ha.

Hi Carmey - I vote you keep your giant sig too, it's cute ha ha. The midwife today spoke about foods and how it affects your breast milk, she did say they taste whatever we eat through the milk but she said if you continue eating the foods you did when pregnant it won't affect the baby at all as they're used to it from then. I've been avoiding spicy foods thinking it would hurt her tummy she said I don't need to as I ate spicy food throughout my pregnancy. Green curry here I come!

Hey girlies,

Isn't sesame so sweet to post that nice status on FB :) We are all posting less these days but it is funny, last night after my whopper post, I wondered where she was!

I knew about the milks, but I figure that if a lactation consultant says to do something then it is ok, that stupid cow. Whatever - this really is proof that instincts are most important when raisin gyour child.

Carmey, so funny, you call Jack Master Jack! I call Eva the same! When she cries I always say, my master beckons! lol - and Eva is the same, she doesn't like massage after her bath but she does love it when she is gassy, we do cycling of the legs and pulling of the legs and light belly rubbing and she seems to settle though ti took a while for her to let us really do long sessions, so keep trying but I am sure he will appreciate it soon, especially when he has sore muscle from all his flip training :ROFL: ! Eva now stretches out her legs and arms far because of the manipulation and stretching we did with her. They don't realize they have space!

DH and I tried to look up infant's friend, but it is something totally Australian....I have a friend in Perth at the moment so I'll see if she can pick up a bottle for me and if not then I'll see if I can find it online.

Alison, great weight gain! Amelia seems do be doing just fabulous.

Tilda, you should totally try the hot water bag in the bed before putting her in! Eva was exactly like that! And with the bag she notices less that she is being moved since the warmth gets her right back into sleepy mode.

Hi to everyone else!

Alison - LOL, I'm going to have to change it - it's beyond ridiculous compared to all of your sweet and dainty siggy's. I'll have to try it again tomorrow. I am really hopeless at this stuff. :shakehead: Glad you had a good time today, sounds like you could have a nice group going on over there.

I had a nap this arvo and I'm not tired right now. DH and Jack are in our room snoring away and I don't really feel like going in even though I should now he's gone to sleep for the night. I might go give him a dream feed so that he lasts longer - does anyone else do that? I love it, so cute. He's asleep but still sucks away.

Night girls. x

Hey BS, just saw your post after posting mine! I didn't see sesames' status, will check now. I haven't checked - do you have pics of your apartment up?

Oh, and I caught some footage of Jack rolling today (three times!) on my Blackberry. I want to download it onto my computer but can't get the stupid Blackberry CD software to install. Might have to try the net to get the software. If I work it out I'll send you guys a link! It's very cute but I sound like a lunatic in the background gushing in a high-pitched baby voice "GOOOD BOOOOOY!!" Might have to put the mute on. :lol:

Hi Carmey - ha ha sounds like my video upload onto FB of Amelia smiling, all you hear is me like a doodle head going aaaagh, gonna smile, gonna smile - what a twit I sound, not to mention I sound like my mum!:o

Hi all,

Alison - Fantastic news about Amelia's weight gain, and her sleeping at night for six hours. Makes such a difference when you can get a decent night's sleep, I think. Glad to hear you had a nice morning tea at the hospital too . And, um ... you're not alone sounding like a "doodle head" ... think we could all probably raise our hands for that title. We have good excuses though :) Did you end up working out the baby bjorn? I remember it took me a few tries to get the hang of it, but if you enjoy "wearing" bub, and bub enjoys being "worn" then it's very handy. I've got a sling too, but seem to lean toward the baby bjorn with Jacob.

Tilda - There's nothing quite like an infant's smile, is there. Jake smiles, but it's generally in his sleep or when he's dozy ... imagine it won't take long before he looks at me/us and really smiles. Love the comparrison to gollum ... very true. I've got some hilarious pix of Jake pulling all sorts of faces - great stuff for his 21st b'day, trust me! Glad to hear you're having more success with Matilda's sleep - it's terrific to be able to take them out to lunch/dinner and all they do is sleep!

Carmey - Jack is a gorgeous boy! Skinny jeans ... already! Hun - I'm jealous ;) Nah, only stirring. I wasn't on speaking terms with skinny jeans (or anything too skinny) prior to having my children, let alone now. Seriously though, good for you - you're obviously not having too many probs shifting your baby weight. My plan is to start walking in the next couple of weeks - oh yeah, and laying off all the sweet and savoury nibbles that have lurked in my pantry over Xmas! No advice about big BFing boobs and running, except make sure you've got a good bra on - hopefully that would help reduce discomfort. Jacob isn't a dream feeder at this stage, but as DS1 was, I'm hoping that Jacob will follow suit eventually. Re: link between eating and breast milk. I used to think some things did affect breast milk and bub's wind (DS1 was born the week before easter, so I ate a fair whack of chocolate - he suffered wind pain), but I've had approx one glass of wine/sparkly most nights since Xmas - plus I've eaten chocolate - and it doesn't seem to affect Jacob as he doesn't appear to suffer wind pain. So maybe it all depends on the baby and his/her gut???

Willow - sounds like Harry is keeping you on your toes. Hope all is going well. I must get organised with some thankyou cards too!

Hannah - What great news about your baby talk discovery and the fact you've worked out Amelia's wind pain cry. Ditto, it's wonderful that you're able to settle her more quickly and easily. No doubt we'll all have our shocking nights with bub, but it makes life easier for all concerned if the "better" nights can outweigh the "shockers".

Rose Red - sounds like you and Liam are going from strength to strength. :dance: for the bottle of EBM ... I personally think it's very handy if they will drink easily from a bottle (gives you a break). Jacob still sleeps most of the day and night - he'll wake for an hour here and there during the day, but for the most part he's happy to nap. We've kept DS1 in daycare two days a week - today is Jake and my first day home alone together - and I'm trying to decide between taking it easy or whipping through a heap of jobs. Think it may be a little of both!

BS - Congrats on your apartment - must be a nice feeling! I'm astounded by the advice you received about BFing ... but I'm beginning to wonder if bub draining one breast first is "new thinking". I had a couple of midwives comment that they wish they'd known about bub draining one breast before starting on the other when they'd had their babies (I'd guess 10-15 years ago). Was the woman who advised you an older person, maybe, and not "in touch" with latest/best practice? Not that it makes a jot of difference of course - bad advice is bad advice ... in this case, bloody bad advice. Thank goodness you and your DH got it worked out. Sounds like you're having some luck with tackling Eva's wind pain - there is truly nothing worse than hearing your bub cry in pain. Hopefully you can get hold of some infant's friend soon. Ditto here about the dummy giving my boobs a break - Jacob is a "sucker", and I'm happy to indulge him with a "dum dum". It's not like we're going to let our kids run around with a dummy when they're at school, is it :D I also recommend a hot water bottle/warm wheat bag - during winter here in Brisbane I used to heat up a wheat bag and warm up DS1's cot before putting him down for the night - it definitely helped to settle him. And in hospital, they use warm blankets to wrap bubs when they're unsettled.

I think - hope - that's caught up with personals :pray: This thread moves quickly! :lol:

AFM - Had Jacob weighed yesterday. He's now 4.9kg (lightly clothed) and 57.5cm long. This explains why some 000 clothes are even starting to get a fraz tight on him - he's nearly too long for them! Thank goodness we exchanged the unopened boxes of newborn nappies for Infant size when we did!

I asked the child health nurse about the rapid breathing, but she didn't think it was anything to be concerned about given he feeds and sleeps well and looks very healthy. While I don't run to the doctor for every little thing, I won't hesitate to go and get either child checked out if I'm concerned. We have a paed appt in early Feb, so unless Jake's breathing causes me concern, I'll just see how he goes. Thanks for your replies though - it certainly sounds like it's a fairly normal occurrence in newborns.

OK, I'd better go throw a load of washing in the machine and get on top of a few jobs. DH and I bought two shelving units from Ikea yesterday to stack all the kids toys in/on - so FINALLY my lounge area looks tidy. Next house of ours is definitely going to have a rumpus (and given we only moved house in July 09, the next one is likely a few years off just yet!). Have a good day all - catch you again in the next day or two.

Andie xx

Hi AndiE - the Baby Bjorn is on my list for tonight!!!!!! Can't wait to give it a burl.

Well, I spoke too soon about Amelia sleeping for 6 hours.....although still got 4 out of her last night. I think the reason she woke up was because she had such a wet nappy it leaked through onto the bassinette mattress and also DH had turned off the aircon vent in our room by mistake (grrr) and it was stifling hot, I was sweating myself and she was swaddled as well as she had another light blanket on her, poor thing. Will see how we go tonight.

I have a friend visiting this morning, she hasn't seen Amelia yet, I told her to excuse the mess as I haven't got time to tidy up and it looks like a bombs hit it!!!!!!

Does anyone know where I can get some bathers for Amelia? Everyone seems to do 3 months plus! Mothercare in the UK do them but they are charging 27 pound for delivery, bloomin ludicruos!!!! I want to do a mums and bubs swimming class - bit like the aqua class I was doing before but for post pregnancy but I need some swimmers for Amelia. It's in a special pool for little babies, lower chlorine apparently. I wouldn't do it until she's 8 weeks anyway!

Hi Alison - other than the swimming nappies sold via the pack in the supermarket, I'm not too sure about bathers for infants. Have you tried googling? DH and I went to a baby expo last year in Bris and there were several stands which exclusively sold baby bathers. Most had web addresses, but I didn't take any business cards, so I can't point you in the exact direction.

Otherwise maybe give the pool a call and see if they sell swimming nappies or bathers. I know the pool we take DS1 to sells individual swimming nappies over the counter. It might get you started, at least ...

Good luck with the baby bjorn!

Andie

Hi girls

Harry's very unsettled today so I've got him in the sling and on the boob he just doesn't want to be put down and far from the nipple...just for comfort sucking mostly.
So a quick post while I have a content baby and and my hands free ...

Alison I'm sure I saw some bathers in either Best and Less or Kmart, I didn't check the sizes but they looked pretty small, that was a few weeks before Harry was born so about 6 weeks ago, I remember they had cute purple ones and they had a little frill at the back across the bottom:D

AndiE Sounds like Jacobs going great guns with his growing! I remember getting stuck with a whole heap of newborn nappies with DS2, he was out of them quickly too, I didn't keep the receipt and Woolies wouldn't let me swap them grrrr
It's good when you can get your house organised, I'm always cranky when mines not tidy and organised...could explain my mood lately:lol: unsettled baby and 3 big boys that don't see or care about mess and dirt don't make for a clean tidy house!

Carmey Well done on the skinny jeans:)
As for the boobs and running I have big boobs with out them being a milkbar and I always wear a supportive sports bra and a crop top bra over the top to hold everything in and minimise too much bounce when I'm running or doing any sport...not that tat happens often LOL but it has happened and the double up on the bras seems to work.

BS Woohoo on the apartment:dance: and on getting the feeding worked out you must all feel so much better no that it's all sorted, a distressed baby is very stressful.

Well I'm going to attempt a load of washing with Harry in the sling and hope he stays asleep!

Hi girls, let me be clear that yes, I got into my jeans, but that's only because I was so determined to get the things on! I squeezed into them and then couldn't do the zip up so used my belly belt. So, it doesn't really count! :D

Gotta run and have dinner! x

Hi Willow - thanks for the info re the baby bathers. :lol:

One of DH's mates (since school) passed away last night of a heart attack aged 33. Very sad. He's been living and working in Vietnam for the past 5 years, he's a big lad though, 6 ft 7, very overweight and a very big drinker.....probably an alcoholic. Very sad though, far too young to die huh and he was a really nice guy.

Alison - I'm sorry, hun. That is very sad. Sooo young! :shakehead:

Question for you all: what time do you put your bubbies' down for the night? We generally get Jack down by 9.30 but my friend just suggested we start earlier so that we get our own time. Didn't kind of dawn on me to do that before - der! So, we're going to try and get him down at 6.30 at night instead, and give him a dream feed at 9.30 when we go to sleep. That's the plan anyway. :lol:

Thanks Carmey.

I'm not sure that routine works with such young babies does it? Amelia goes down at around 9.30 pm /10.00 pm...........6.30 pm would be nice but unlikely at the mo, ha ha.

Got some cream for roids, so embarrassing as the girl got the spunky young pharmacist to come and talk to me and ask my symptoms. God kill me now I thought!

Alison - I have no idea! My friend suggested it as she did it with her three boys so I'll give it a shot. But you're most likely right - too young...

I'm in the middle of fixing my siggy. Hopefully I get it right this time!

:thumbsup: carmey looks good!!

Thanks again for your help, Olive! :dance:

your welcome hun!!

Hi girls, before I hit the hay, here's the link to my birth story if you're interested. x

https://www.bellybelly.com.au/forums...rth-story.html

Hey girls!

MIL hanging out with Eva before dinner, so I have some time!

Carmey, you won't sound stupid - we are all doing the goo goo voices! For the apt, not yet, I need to get it propoerly cleaned up first - it is clean but not organized...My mother gets here on the 13th so she will liberate a lot of time for me and I'll be able to organize then I'll post pics - she is coming from New York for five days and will prob want to spend every waking second with Eva - great for me! For the running, you should run after a feed and wear a very strong bra - I have small boobs but the super support bras are coming out anyway, then a tight support running top then sweatshirt or winter top (it is snowing here!)...I love running in the cold though so it is good that I am starting up again now...Even if you used the belly band, I have been too scared to even venture into my closet...My motto is if it stretches and exposes my boob, I'll wear it...Skinny jeans are on holiday for the moment! Thanks for sharing the birth story - my eyes are all wet - What a gorgeous birth story!!!!!!!

Andie, I don't know if she was old - I had her on the phone...but needless to say I am done with her advice and will not be calling her back if I have problems in the future...Wow, your boy is a long one :) Eva was 54cm at 1 month, so sounds like he is sprouting!!! Don't worry so much about the rapid breathing - Eva does it too and her doc said it is totally normal...you can look that up on whattoexpect.com - they say it is just an immature respiratory system so it is normal - but of course if you are stressed, always better to ask!

Alsion, get that bjorn on - it is a lifesaver...typing is hard though! Can't see the keyboard but it totally gives you some time to do things! I love that thing, she almost always falls asleep straight away! I am sorry to hear about your friend. It is so sad when things like that happen. My condolences...

Hey willow, sorry to hear Harry is so unsettled...do you use a dummy with him...? Maybe that can help - it helped me LOADS! and my nipples!

Hi to everyone else!!!

Going off to dinner now - I added some new photos of Eva on FB - if I don't every few days my mother calls complaining! :) - I'll try to get some up of the apt next week, but you guys can see some of the apt in photos and check out my new green rocking chair that DH got me! It was originally for the baby's room but since I feed her more in the living room, we left it out! It is so cool!

xoxo

Hi girls

BS We've tried Harry with a dummy, a few different types, a few times but he just doesn't want it, the furthest we got was one night he took a few suck then spat it out and screamed even louder at us:lol: I'm not against dummies but apparently Harry is:lol:

Carmey Well done with the new siggie:lol: but the other one was really cool too:lol: Haven't read your birth story will do that soon, thanks for posting it I love reading them!

Alison That'd be right a young spunky pharmacist when you want something like that!!:doh: Hope it helps though those little things can cause a lot of misery!

Sorry to hear about DH's friend that is way too young life is just not fair sometimes. DP has a funeral tomorrow one of his good friends from school's son who went to school with my boys died in a car accident on the weekend he was 17, 4 days away from his 18th birthday, it's so sad he was a good kid, up and coming rugby player. No alcohol involved the police said he was doing 80 in a 100 zone (as P platers have to) they think some thing went wrong with the car, possibly the steering, he lost control flipped and hit a tree. There were 2 passengers who are both still in induced comas but it's looking promising for them so far. It's just not fair Jack was doing all the right things and he's gone, whereas there are all these ****heads out there driving like idiots and nothing happens to them!
Enough of that before I start bawling! It's just too sad:cry:

I should go and try to do something productive before Harry wakes

Willow - OMG, that's just awful about that poor kid. He was so young. I hope the others pull through. There seems to be so many accidents on the road at the moment. Scary.

BS - have you actually started running yet? I will start next week and am so interested to see how I go. I don't think I'll be able to run 1km! Plus, it will just be jogging more than running. :lol:

I'll go online later to look at your new Eva pics. Keep 'em coming!

ATM - My house is a mess. No, sorry, that's not quite right. My house is a nightmare. The bathrooms are growing fur, my sheets have baby spew all over them and my kitchen literally has an egg splattered on the tiles because I was in the middle of making pancakes and Master Jack decided he wanted to be held. And, here I am sitting on BB writing instead of cleaning it all up! I just feel like I need some ME time before I get into it. I feel like I'm constantly cleaning, washing and then some. I haven't been out of the house in 24 hours so that probably has something to do with it. Plus, Jack was so clingy this morning and has only just gone down so I haven't had a shower yet either. Not painting a pretty picture, am I? :o

Anyway, enough chatting and more scrubbing. Ciao. xxxx

OMG willow that is terrible. I hope the other 2 survive. How sad to think they weredoing nothing wrong.

Alison also DH friend is too young to pass.

Well my little man had a great night last night slept 7.5hrs but he has been playing catch up this morning with wanting feeds every 2hrs. Oh well at least he is doing it during the day.
I have just put him down to sleep n I now have some me time as DH has gone to drop our old lounge off n pick up our new lounge. Yay can't wait to get our new one.

I need to do some housework too but it is hard to get motivated.

I also need to order the thank you/ announcement cards. I was going to design my own n then just get it printed but not sure if I have the time to design it.
The girls that did it on snapfish was it easy n did they turn out good?

Well must go n get organized it is almost afternoon n I am still in my pj's and haven't had a shower.

:hug: to all.