Babies born~March 1st-15th 2010 #1

Cass - stop beating yourself up!! You're on your own and doing the best you can with basically no help. I don't know how you're managing and if leaving Robert for two minutes of crying is the worst you've done then you are doing very well :hug: I usually let Toby fall asleep on me but I have DH, my Dad and my sister here so I don't have to do all the other stuff that it takes to run a house-hold. Dad's leaving tomorrow and I'm already freaking out about how I'm going to cope! He's been amazing with DD - lots of trips to the park, playing outside and playing dolls. Not to mention cooking all the meals and whipping up a freezer full of baking for me on Saturday. My Mum wasn't the great help I'd been hoping for (actually quite the opposite but that's another story) so it was so nice when Dad arrived. You only have to get through another 3 days and then you will have some support. Make the most of it! Lots of day-time sleeping, ok?

I hear you all on the wind issue. Last night Toby was really unsettled between 9ish and 11ish. Lots of screaming, which made me cry. DH eventually got him settled and he slept until 4.15am :o He usually wakes every 2-3 hrs so I was amazed. We've found that if we let him sleep on us for an hour or so when he's unsettled he'll transfer in to his bed okay and stay settled.

M2W - Do you find that Sophie has a windy tummy before you feed her? I hadn't thought about trying to get wind out before a feed. Will give it a go tonight.

Toby seems to get most upset when he's trying to poo. He's not constipated just grunts and groans and cries before he has an explosion in his nappy. Haven't figured out a way to help it through yet. Any suggestions?

thrilled - I try and just feed on one side at a time too. My GP said it can help settle their tummies as they get all the hind-milk, which also keeps them satisfied longer. I find if I chop and change too much between boobies Toby gets a sore belly from too much fore-milk.

Enough from me. Sorry I can't keep up with M2W on the personals but I do love hearing from all of you :D

Here's hoping for a good night of sleep for all of us.

Thanks Jandals.

As an update, Robert slept soundly (while I continued with bouts of tears) until just after 3.30 when I woke him for a feed - I still wanted to stick to that no more than 3 hours apart feeds during the day, besides which my boobs were killing me! After his feed I took him for a walk down to the shops to get some bits and pieces, he was content to lay in the pram and fell asleep half way there. He wanted another feed by 6 which was fine with me. After my dinner I ran a nice warm bath for the both of us which was very relaxing. Then I gave him a top-up feed and put him to bed in his cot, it took 3 goes to get him off to sleep, but none of that letting him cry, this time I rocked him and sang to him. He's been asleep for just over half hour and I'll wake him again after the Mentalist has finished for another feed and put him back to bed.

Feijoa-Oh I love my hug a bub! It is so great. Sometimes the only way to get Lennox to sleep is to put him in there and walk around. I have a ergo carrier but find it a bit too bulky to put on, it's good for when bubs is a bit older. Also sometimes I eat weetbix for dinner lol!

Cass- I know how you feel with bub screaming, both my lil guys have been screamers but Lennox can be settled a lot easier thank goodness. I never thought I would use a dummy but I have to say, some nights it's a life saver! I just get too tired and just sleep next to Len to get him to settle or back to sleep. I do miss out on doing things but while my DH is home I am going to make the most of it!

M2W- Wow Sophie is doing great! That is so fantastic she has put on half her birth weight. I don't understand why people say breastfed babies don't put on much weight. Well people keep telling me that and when I went to Weigh Lennox and found he had put on quite a bit of weight for a week old, the nurse was very surprised!!
So amazing you did so well with your first week at home by yourself. Oh and very glad to hear that DS has settled down again.

I am finding now that I am starting to catch up on all those sleepless nights and just feel so tired!
Lennox sleeps for 4 hourly stints in the day but at night he wakes up every 2 hrs or so and wants to just feed all night.
I am going to have to work out some kind of routine with the 2 boys. Wish me luck!

Hello ladies,
I have been reading all your post but haven't had much to say, I just agree with everything that is being said so I guess it's nice too know that we are all in the same boat.

Week 3 sucks, I knew it would. Sleep dep has really kicked in and hormones have dipped right down; having said that I am coping a lot better than I did with the other two, I had PND with both whereas this time I just feel blue/grumpy. Tobi's longest stretch seems to be after the midnight feed where he goes 4.5hrs between feeds (can't wait till he goes longer) otherwise he is a strict 3 hr man.

Jandals- When Toby is struggling to poo you can try lifting his legs and maybe even circle them around which sort of massages their tummy and can help them "get it out".

You are all doing a wonderful job.
Hugs
QB

Deedles, I did some reading on "excessive night feeding". Basically what happens is that if bubs sleeps longer during the day then he is well rested to get his calorie intake at night. Because his tummy is small he has to feed little and often. The site I was looking at suggested waking bubs for a feed (feeding roughly every 3 hours in the early weeks) during the day.

The "solution" is....

... quite simply to wake your baby occasionally in the day for his feeds. This is not cruel – as we have just examined it is about making sure his nutritional needs are met. Try to feed your baby roughly every three hours or so in the very early days. As he gets older, try to keep him awake for short periods after each daytime feed, and keep night feeds as quiet and calm as possible. This helps him to learn the difference between day and night.

If you manage to get most of his daily requirement of milk into your baby in the hours between 7.00am and midnight, he has a greater chance of sleeping for a longer chunk of time at night – and so have you.

I'm giving this a shot....gosh anything's worth a try right?

Robert woke at 1230, then 230, then 530 last night for feeds. I was pleased because each time he settled back down to sleep - as opposed to Sunday night when he was just awake from 1230 to 4!!

Only 31 sleeps til DH gets home!!

Roxxie – YAY, great to hear your bubs has arrived. Congrats!!!

Mum2Willie – thanks for the encouragement. I will breastfeed regardless of the nipple pain (better for bubs and I have plenty of milk), but thankfully my nipples seem to be improving.

Jandals – The lactation consultant suggested me feeding on one side only (in early stage) was what caused my lumps and blockages – so hopefully you don’t have those problems. Also she said by 2-3wks bubs should be getting to the hindmilk within a 10min feed on average, so its fine (and recommended) to change to the other boob for more feeding to keep yourself balanced. However each to his own of course!

Cass – I like to let bubs go to sleep on me then put him down in bed so he keeps sleeping. However I cant imagine how tough it is being on your own – must say Im a bit scared about when DH goes back to work …. Just read your post from today – sounds like things are settling for Robert and you which is great!

Thrilled – Ciaran did that yesterday (fed from one boob all day then fell asleep before getting to the other one). Thankfully seems to be back to normal today as my boobs were feeling a bit odd with all the one sided feeds.

Feijoa – nice name… hope your little girl is settling in well to the household of boys!


Update on us
Well after making some changes to my feeding – no more sleepy night time feeds in bed as I think that’s when my nipples where getting damaged by a sleeping baby, and starting on his preferred side (which he tend to comfort suck on for ages), and rubbing some milk on my nipples after each feed, Im happy to advise they are improving and the pain is decreasing each day. HOORAY! Good bye sore, cracked nipples.

Ciaran has become way more alert and watchful over the past 3 days or so. He now watches me when he feeds – same as you mentioned thrilled – so im sure he is starting to really recognise my face and not just my voice or smell.

We ventured out yesterday to the chiro for another checkup and all is well for all three of us in the household. It ended up being a big arvo adventure, with a few stops on the way home (via hubbys work to drop off stuff) and made slightly more challenging by the little man deciding to change his routine and spend all day feeding only on one boob, then falling asleep for an hour, then waking for more (he is normally 2hrly as a min for day feeds). Anyway we survived and he is back to feeding on two boobs to my relief today – gives me a bit more time to get stuff done!

On an other note, Ive spend the last few days washing my tops as my milk has started to leak a lot (previously didn’t really loose a drop). Has anyone else had a change in this area???

My dad, brother and his wife are all visiting tomorrow for the Easter weekend from interstate – Im so looking forward to having them here! Plus I figure there will be people to hold Ciaran at meal times, so I may actually be able to eat some hot, freshly prepared food for a change!

Cheers, Bree

Shell - Glad there is someone feeding like me!!

Cass - What about lying on the couch with a DVD and letting Robert sleep on you....I did this for my survival with DS1 who never slept unless attached to me...Definitely agree with the feeding often in the daytime..with DS1 i tried to stuff him in the day and by 8 weeks he slept through..it was bliss..and he did start feeding 2 hourly day and night...here's hoping it works for Sophie too..

Jandals - I find Soph always has wind - before and after a feed. I find that if I bend her knees into her tummy before a feed she nearly always farts ...and as her tummy isn't full it pushes the air out and not milk out of her mouth. She feeds to be so full that milk just spills out her mouth making burping etc more difficult. It seems to be helping Sophie since I have been doing it the last couple of days before each feed...

Sophie is the same with the poo - very upset before. Sometimes, by bending her knees up to her tummy it helps the poo come out quicker..otherwise only cuddles to help her through her moments of pain! Love to hear any other tips too.

Deedles - Glad Lennox has put on great weight too. Juggling two is very interesting isn't it!!!!

QG - Glad you r feeling well other than sleep dep.

Bree - Gr8 nipples improving...it had a sore nipple one night after falling asleep feeding Soph. I am very leaky - more so lately as Soph takes more with each feed! Also, I remember leaking more when feeds became more time apart with my son...actually when he first started sleeping through I would wake up drenched and have to change and sleep with a towel under me!!! But, I have oversupply issues...(which I know I should never complain about!!)

ATM - Soph has been very good the last day and night...she actually went 3.5hours last night!! Yeah!! First time past three hours. I got 3 hours sleep in a row for the first time since she was born!!!!

On the negative - toddler is sick and driving me absolutely insane. Got doctor's appointment for him tomorrow! He has a chesty cough and is whingey to the absolute max...testing my patience to the limits...

Gotta go - Soph crying

What an awesome night!!! Robert had a feed at around 8pm then didn't wake again for another feed until midnight. I went to bed just after 830pm - my first 3 hour sleep (straight!). What a difference that made. He had his next feed at 3am then we got out of bed just after 6am. I actually feel refreshed this morning.

Hi everyone,

Just touching base quickly while both DS and DD are asleep. All I can say is WOW! how quickly the last two weeks have flown by.

I have only just quickly scanned the last few posts and will attempt to make personals soon. Good to see that everyone is coping fairly well and that all the bubs are doing well.

Sophie and I are also going well. She is feeding pretty much every 3 hrs during day and then anything from 3-5hrs during night, which has been wonderful. She is a very alert bub, she spends a lot of time awake and looking around during the day - very different to DS who slept heaps more during the day at this stage. She is also a very 'sucky' bub, would happily fall asleep on the boob if she could, but I give her a dummy so that I can attempt to get things done around home.

Yesterday I was fortunate enough to get a 24hr gastro bug which was just fantastic :wall: Luckily DS was in care for the day so other than feeding DD, I spent the day on the couch! Still suffering a little today with lack of energy and a horrible headache but otherwise much better. I suspect my milk levels have dropped off a little bit as a result as Sophie has been feeding a little more than normal - note to self that I must drink some more water!

The biggest issue we seem to be having at the moment is with DS who has been playing up more and refusing to have his day sleeps again. I suspect part of the problem is also that I am less tolerant at the moment. Generally though he is a very loving big brother, always asking "where's baby?" or running up to her when she is on her rug and trying to either cuddle her or pick her up.

DH is still off work but has been making the most of his time to do things around the house that need doing (i.e. making gates), rather than helping me inside, which is somewhat frustrating. Yet I am also aware that the gates he is making will help me when he returns to work, as DS has learnt how to open the back door and has been making a run for it, so the gates will keep him within the house yard.

Otherwise, I am looking forward to my parents returning for a few days over easter, as they only ended up staying for 2 days after we got home as they had appointments and things they had to go home for (they didn't think I would go 'over-time'!!). It means they will also be here for the couple of days when DH goes back to work.

Anyway, I had better get off here and go finish putting the groceries away and do a quick tidy up before tea.

I will say Happy Easter to everyone now in case I don't get a chance to get back on here later. :D

P.S. Hi to Mum2Willie, Deedles, Shell1 and Miamunchkin who I haven't met before. Hope you don't mind us 'strays' hanging on to this thread but we didn't want to leave our other thread buddies who managed to go on time!!! ;)

Just got back from the mothers group (it's held down at the child health clinic). Robert has put on another 350g this week - he's now 4.34kg (or 9lb, 9oz).

Lou - Thanx for welcome and hope you feel better soon!

Cass - Glad you had a great night! Robert is the same weight as Sophie at 4 weeks!!!

I have had a shocker in the last 24 hours!!! DH went off the touch football last night and all was calm (even though toddler sick). Literally as he walked out the door, Sophie started screaming and didn't stop until 8.45pm. She fed hourly...which she has never done before! Toddler was sick and sooky and refused to go to sleep without me lying with him...which I could not do with Sophie screaming ... so I didn't get him to sleep until 9pm at which point he was hysterical from being overtired!!! So I had dinner at 9.30pm.

On the brighter side, Sophie then slept until 12.30 and then woke at 2am but I just resettled her in 2 mins and then she woke at 4am and 6am, but they were nearly 4 hour blocks between feeds which is a pleasing sign!

On the other hand, she has been atrocious today...screaming!!!! She is really letting go...basically I have had to hold her all day...she will only lie down for 15mins without me...she must have a very sore tummy. She did a projectile vomit at 12.45 and then had a sleep for about an hour.

Soph screamed from 11.30 to 12.45 vomit!! Just as I was supposed to be putting toddler to sleep for midday nap...Soph finally calmed at 1pm and which time I re-attempted to put toddler to sleep...got him to sleep at 1.20pm...and Soph was up again at 1.30!!!! At least toddler slept for 1.5hrs!

Crazy times!!! I am trying very hard to keep my patience.

Went to doctor today...said we are both sick...but just have to fight it off! So - here's hoping we all perk up soon and Sophie has a calmer next 24hours.

I can't wait until weekend and DH is around to help!!

Happy long Easter weekend all!! Hope you get some rest...

We will be busy...have DH's family lunch on Friday, BBQ for DH's friend over from Spain on Saturday and my family over on Sunday!

Breesa - thanks for the info from your lactation consultant. Will give it a go feeding from both sides. Toby's a bit of a slower feeder though so not sure it will work time wise? He does have both sides at some feeds but over night he will usually fall asleep after one. No problems with lumps any more, thank goodness, but my nipples are still a bit tender at the very start of a feed. And yes, I leak like a leaky thing :rolleyes: So annoying when I hop out of the shower nice and clean and end up a sticky mess before I've had a chance to get the breast pads in place!

Cass - glad you had a better night. Long may it continue!

Lou - nice to hear from you. I am in awe of you mums that have toddlers. I had my first day with no DH today and I found it pretty hard work with DD - and DH was home by lunch-time! I'm feeling pretty guilty for being so grumpy with DD. Trying so hard to include her and not grump but sometimes the tiredness takes over and I'm much shorter than I'd like to be :shakehead: And she's such a sensitive wee thing I know she's feeling the change. Toby's also a sucky baby and I'm all for the dummy. Seems to really help him go off to sleep when he's a bit wound up. Hope you're feeling better for the weekend. Tummy bugs are awful.

M2W - Toby's been a bit like Sophie today. I can't put him down and he just wants to feed and even if he's fast asleep he'll wake when I put him down. He was the same yesterday and I'm desperately hoping he's not going to have reflux like DD. She didn't sleep for more than 2 hrs at a time over night and about 20 mins during the day until she was about 8 mths old. Needless to say I ended up a complete mess with PND. Toby's started out so differently and I think he's more windy than refluxy, but the fear is still in the back of my mind that he may go the same way.

I ventured to the mall on Monday and was a bit surprised at how achey I was after only a couple of hours of wandering around. I've been resting so much I guess I hadn't realised that every-thing's obviously still healing. It was a good reminder that I need to make sure I don't do too much too soon. I'm getting frustrated that I can't vacuum or lift anything much but I am grateful that my recovery has been really good so far compared to what some c/s girls experience.

Are you all enjoying the easter eggs that are around?? I am - probably a bit too much :redface: Especially the big hollow bunny I bought for me and DH to 'share'. My waistline (or what used to be a waist) will be pleased when easter's over!

I'm back again.... was going to post more earlier, but Robert had other ideas! He's having a nap in his cot right now so I can enjoy a cup of tea and write some more! :clap:

Well, I started at a "1st time parents" group which is run by the child health clinic. The program is run over 6 weeks and includes topics such as: introduction to parenting; looking after yourself; play and development; baby budgeting; babies dental health; and, a visit to the library. It's nice to meet other mums in the area. The babies range from ages of 3 weeks to 9 weeks. The child health nurse [CHN] invited me to attend as it's been such a long time between babies (15 years!). I've never been involved in a group like this and actively avoided them when I had DS1. To my surprise I enjoyed the outing. I don't know if it was the group or just getting out of the house! I think it will be good to be able to compare notes. We spoke about how things change. The CHN said things that have changed include when to introduce solids, 6 months is the recommended age (I introduced solids into DS1's diet at 3 months). Anyway I will see how it goes.

On other news, DS1 is having exams this week - his first serious ones!! Ha-ha, welcome to year 10 sunshine, school just starts to get tougher! Oh, I'm a mean mum!

M2W, sorry you are having such a tough time with your little one. Just look after both of you and I hope it passes over soon. I guess you have to ride these illnesses out huh? It's pretty awful though when you know you can't do much for them. Just give her lots of love and attention.

Lou, gastro.... nice, NOT!! Keep up your fluids and take it easy. Don't do too much.

Breesa, I noticed the sore nipples with sleepy (on my behalf) feeds. I find it's better for both of us to actually get out of bed do it properly. What could be a nice quick 30 - 45 minute turnaroud time turns out to be over an hour with both of us dozing and my nipples extremely sore. It's just convincing yourself to get out of bed that's the hard part. OMG! What are we going to be like in winter? I hope he's "sleeping through".

Arrrgggghhhhhh :wall:

I was silly enough to venture to the shops today for a bit of girly retail therapy.
Introduce Peppar to the joys of girls day out :clap:
I desperately want some casual clothes. You know comfy but still tidy tops suitable for feeding that ARENT maternity. Not too much to ask is it??
Well clearly it is.
Nothing says go home fatty, like trying to pour myself into a top that makes me look like a cooked sausage about to burst its skin!!!
So disheartening :shakehead: and if Target didnt have 25% of kids and babies clothes I think I may have been forced to console myself at Muffin Break!
Pheww that was close :redface:

Feijoa, I admire you for even thinking about going shopping. I'm just wearing daggy old clothes at the moment. I think I'll tackle shopping when DH is home - he has great taste and knows what suits me. Besides he can be entertaining Robert while I try things on.

I haven't even done a grocery shop yet. I've been down the road to get bits and pieces but I'm waiting til my mum gets here on the weekend to tackle the supermarket.

Hi all,

Having a really hard day ... but reading all your posts has really perked me up.
What I am going through is normal. Phew.

Thankyou so much Queen Bee for saying week 3 sucks. It sure does. We have fed bang on 2 hourly today & yesterday and when not feeding, we scream. I've tried everything ... rocking, patting, singing, lullabuy music, baby massage, my sling, the pram, the glider chair, infants friend drops for wind, a short car ride ... sometimes the screaming has stoped, we then fall asleep for maybe 20 minutes and then we scream again. I really hope this is the 'unsettled 24-48 hours' that they talk about in the week 3 growth spurt.

Oh and Breesa, I know what your talking about - a hot, fresh meal is such a luxury these days. Am slowly learning that mothers come last ... last to shower, last to eat, last to sleep etc!

Am so pleased that I am not the only one suffering with the night feeds, the exhaustion that fully breastfeeding causes and the disrupted sleep from co-sleeping. Co-sleeping was never our plan, but it's just easier to let Willow fall fully aseep on us and then transfer to bassinet.

I cannot wait for the Easter break ... to have DH home for 4 days to help out.
I am in awe of you girls managing on your own - you really are doing a tremendous job. Well done.

Have written on our notice board "Untill Willow is 6 weeks old ... near enough is good enough". Got this mantra from my Trescillian book 'How to stay sane in your baby's first year' - highly reccommended.

I turned 28 on Tuesday ... safe to say I feel 128 today.

Hi Thrilled, week 3 does pass! I'm going to put your mantra on our fridge - might change it a bit.... Until Robert is 6 months old near enough is good enough!! :ROFL: There's not really that much advice that I can give you except "hang in there".

My mum and dad are going to be here tomorrow! My mum and dad are going to be here tomorrow! My mum and dad are going to be here tomorrow! :dance: ... okay, you get the picture! Looking forward to having some extra hands around the place.

We just got back from a walk - it was nice to get out. It's a lovely day here and the fresh air does us both good. While he's still sleeping I'm going to clean the cupboards under my kitchen sink - they're attrocious!!

Oh, just got an invite to FILs upcoming nuptials. He's getting married on 10 July down in Albany. Will have to book some accommodation and hire a bus to fit all the kids in!! Still haven't worked out what to do on the whole new car thing. Thankfully we haven't all gone anywhere together yet.