This thread is for parents who's baby was born in September 2009.
Your moderators for this forum are as follows- Astrolady ~ Administrator Trillian ~ Senior Moderator Dachlostar ~ Senior Moderator MistyFying ~ Senior Moderator AJP ~ Moderator Nelle ~ Moderator
There are many issues that you will encounter as a new parent. We have put together this list of useful articles and threads in order to assist you with some common questions or issues you may have, and to provide you with bit of extra support that we all need as new parents:
Please contact the Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) or a Lactation Consultant if you are concerned that you may have breastfeeding and/or supply problems, and before the introduction of solids or formula.
Please note - To receive thread notfications click the "thread tools" button at the top of this post and click "Subscribe to Thread" there is no need to post in order to get notifications.
First to post! Quick one as my little girl is ready for a nappy change..
Isobel Elsie arrived 9 days early on 5 September 2009. Contractions started at 6am, waters broke at 7.30am and she arrived at 3.10 that afternoon. Was a tough posterior labour so we needed a bit of help from the OB to turn her then vacuum her out in the end. I'm so pleased with the labour and birth though, was an amazing and empowering experience. Will be sure to write my birth story soon.
Izzy weighed in at 6lb 8oz, was 49cm long and her HC was 34cm. She is a real cutie (of course) and besides having her days and nights a bit confused, she is a fabulous little baby. Breast feeding is going really well and I'm starting to catch up on some sleep now we're getting to know each other a bit better.
I never thought I could be so in love with something so much. Motherhood is amazing! Oh, and seeing my DH in daddy mode has just melted my heart. Yeah, life is trying now and so new but we're loving it!
A quick one from me too.... Due for a feed in a few moments. Thought I would follow in Taurean's footsteps and start with a quick birth recap....
Ava Jocelyn was due on the 15th September, but woke up to a trickle sensation at 11:30pm on the 9th Sept. My waters had broken, but I didn't get any contractions till around 3am on the 10th. We were stuck in pre labour for approx 14 hrs! At about 5-6am on the 10th my Ob did an internal and I nearly climbed the walls as I wasn't dialated at all and had an unfavourable cervix. (I'm lobbying for a pre requisite for all OB's to have small hands!!!) So he put in some gel and left me for 6 hrs to see how we would progress... and we got a whole centimeter in that time. So by that stage, and having no pain relief whatsoever... and being extremely tired, he suggested putting me on the syntocin drip to get things going and giving me pain relief in the way of epi... which scared the poo outta me at the time! Hubby encouraged me to get the epi and he was very right! I needed it. They ramped up the drip to max and I was still 1cm. Out of options, the Ob organised for an emergency CS and Ava was born at 7.28pm on the 10th Sept.
Turned out Ava was posterior and sideways, and her head was very mis-shapen on one side where it was being pushed. So I feel in one sense like I didn't experience labour, but also know I probably wouldn't have coped with the pain if I had gone through it!
Head circumfrence: 34.5 cm
Weight: 3230g
Length: 51.5cm
She has the fairest hair on her head, and looks more like her dad, which I'm happy about! And boy does she have a set of lungs on her!
Off back to hospital tomorrow, to a breastfeeding clinic. We can't get her to BF so, I am bottle feeding her EBM currently. The home midwife came to weigh her today and she has only put on 10g since being home but is healthy, so we are changing to 3 hrly feeds to see if that helps. So far since starting at lunch time, she has fed and settled really well, so I guess tonight will be the real test.
And Tauren, I so agree with you. Seeing Hubby in daddy mode is sexy! and it does melt my heart too.
He keeps telling Ava, that Daddy's are awesome, and I totally agree!
I am going to do the same and have a birth recap.....
We were 2 days post due date and I was determined that she was coming out. The next day was my 30th birthday so I wanted her to have her own day.
The first contraction happened as I was frantically breaststroking up and down a friends pool. They started out at 5 minutes apart and quickly progressed to 3 minutes apart. I stayed at home for a couple of hours until I figured out I wasn't going to be Miss Natural Birth 2009 and I wanted drugs! I had only been contracting 3 hours and was fully effaced and 5cm by the time I got to the hospital. She was also posterior and asynclitic (head on a tilt).
So i hopped into the shower on the birth ball with the gas and did well for about an hour until the contractions went to a whole new level of painful. I couldn't sit up straight, I was bent forward and when i tried to move i would contract. That was my cue for an epidural! They did a VE and at that point was 7cm.
Got the epi and was in heaven, my contractions had become incoordinate so they put up some synto to kick them back off. The positioned me in a great position for her to spin.
About 2 hours later we were losing her heartbeat on the monitor so the midwife had a look under the sheet and low and behold we had a head on view. Or should I say a lot of hair on view! Action stations....they called my Ob who had to drive in. The midwife thought she would get me pushing.....unfortunatly my pushing was a little more effective than we thought and so we had half of her head sitting on my peri.....but i was trying to wait for my ob. We called him again, he told me to shut my legs and hold on he was almost there. We waited for about another couple of minutes and the midwife had to deliver as her heartbeat had dropped. One push and she was out - and my ob walked in aout 10secs too late.
Violet Francesca born 10/09/09 at 9.09pm. 1st stage 7 hours - 2nd stage 20mins
3098g (6pd 13oz), head 33.5, length 48.5cm........oodles of dark hair.
She had to go into a Von Rosens splint due to bilateral dislocatable hips, she will wear it 24/7 for 2 months and then she will be good as gold.
I had an OB appointment the day after my EDD and my worst fears were confirmed. I had been having headaches for the last two days, swelling in my legs had increased and my BP was high. My OB confirmed I had PE.
So the next morning we head to hospital nice and early for induction. First lot of gel put in at 8am then I started walking! Had some minor niggles at lunchtime which persisted until 3pm when the second lot of gel got put in. Then the action started! Hopped in the bath then the shower for a while and by 6pm contractions were 3 min apart and very ouchy! At 6.30pm my membranes ruptured and I started sucking back on the gas.
Had a VE at 7pm and was 4cm dilated. Here is where it gets full on and a bit scary. Went from 4cm to 10cm dilated in less than an hour and the gas was getting a good workout! (ouchy!!!!!!). But Ethan's heartrate was dropping and he was in distress. I kept getting told to change positions to try and help him out. Tried all fours, leaning over a bed, on my back, on my sides but nothing was helping. Was told to get him out NOW or I'd have to have a c/s. Four pushes later he was crowning and out. He was very purple and not breathing and rushed to special care. I only got a glimpse of him
Thankfully after a night in special care he was discharged. Poor little man just got a big shock by the quick progression of labour.
Stats
Name: Ethan David
Birthdate: 09/09/09 at 8.14pm
Weight: 3441g
Length: 51cm
Head circumference: 34.5cm
Started having tightenings around 10pm but they were irregular and more annoying than painful so I assumed they were just Braxton-Hicks. About 1am I finally concluded that they weren't going away and I was in labour. I got out of bed and watched a bit of telly and then took a couple of panadol and tried to nap. Had a long shower which was excellent for the contractions, then got out to pack my labour bag. Got DH up around 4am, had another shower and timed a few contractions to find they were about 2-3 minutes apart.
Called the midwife and she dropped by the house to pick me up (DH stayed at home with DS). Was 6-7cm dilated when I arrived at the birth centre and got into the bath straight away. The water eased the contractions so it was only like bad period pain. Each time one hit I swayed my pelvis and breathed though it, napping in between. Eventually there was a pressure feeling and I told the midwife I had to push or go to the toilet. She left the room to get things ready for the birth, then my waters broke and I felt bub come down the birth canal and crown. I gave a little push and the head was out. The midwife came back in and was rushing to get her gloves on, one more small push and Amelia was out.
Joshua Willhem arrived by c-section at 7:31 am on Friday 11 September 2009. It was a planned c-section due to mummy's diabetes issues and his estimated size of 4.9kg. His EDD was 25 September 2009.
Joshua weighed 4.4kg (9lb 7oz) - length 53cm and head circ 38cm.
He is handsome just like his daddy with a nice crop of dark hair and already has enough length in it to 'spike'.
He is a wonderful little man - feeding and sleeping well.
The casesar went as well as could be expected- spinal block used - did not feel a thing- relatively little pain killers afterwards - healing quickly. After having my DD vaginally, I must admit I was quite apprehensive about the experience that was to come. It was a strange feeling to one hour having a bump and the next a baby without all the labour pain etc, a really different experience to say the least, but given Joshua's size am glad I went with the ob's advice.
I am so in love with my son, and am so far enjoying and looking forward to getting to know him a whole lot better.
What a perfect way to complete our little family.
I am looking forward to sharing this "baby journey" with all you lovely ladies.
Sorry, very selfish post from me again. Things just seem to go from bad to worse. PB, I'm walking in your shoes - Izzy only gained 35g in 12 days. I'm devestated and so distraught. I'm expressing as of last night and it seems like my supply is very low. I got 60ml total from the two breasts at both morning express sessions and only 40 ml total an hour ago. I have to breast feed her for 15 mins then take her off and express and offer her everything I've got with 30ml being the preferred minimum. At least we are doing that so that's on positive. I've started fenugreek today and the health care nurse is coming back on Friday to weigh her again. I think my flat nipples are making feeding difficult for her to. I know I'm not a failure but it's so hard not to feel that way. I've cried so many tears in the past 24 hours. So glad my parents now live in Perth as mum has been here all day helping and is staying over tonight to help again tom. I'm praying our little girl puts some weight on soon.
Nap time for me then I'm off to get nipple shields and formula in case I don't have enough milk overnight. Sigh
Oh Taurean, I know exactly how you feel and it is completely devestating hey Big for you.
Lottie still isn't at her birth weight.. fingers crossed that will happen in the next two weeks. I only get a max of 50ml from both breasts but last week I was only getting 20 so I'm positive the herbs and meds are doing the trick. Are you seeing a lactation consultant?
Basically our LC said I had to 100% express so we knew exactly how much she was getting. I'm still putting her on the breast during the night feed because I can't be bothered expressing at 4am and my boobs are really sore. Its also really nice as a comfort thing for both of us.
She's also on a max of 2 formula feeds each 24 hours (every F feed she vomits though, so frustrating!). I feel quite bad about the formula but since talking to lots of friends & experts I realise I have to do what's right for Charlotte and if she needs food then so be it. My MIL BF all her babies until they were about 14 months old though (5 of them!) and she made me feel a little guilty, over that now though.
Definitely go see a LC if you haven't already and trust me things can improve within 48 hours with help. Its wonderful your mum has been helping you, mine has been amazing as well. I'm not sure what I would have done without her to be honest. We're at the point I just sit there pumping in front of her..
Cows only get milked once a day.. its so unfair! lol..
Shopping trip was lovely. I missed my little one so much but it was really nice to have a few hours of me time. I brought a pair of pants a bit too small though.. only 4kg to go to my pre-birth weight so I thought I may as well!
I also got a new little camera for my handbag so I can get snaps of Lottie wherever we are. Better than lugging a bigger one around.
If you have a heat pack, try putting that on your boobie while expressing. Hot showers and warm heat packs seem to make me give more, so I'm hoping my theory is correct for you too.
Hugs to you. If you are feeding her and she is gaining, even if it is slowly, then you are not failing!
We had another weigh in today with the maternal health nurse. Ava has gained again, and we are now 30g above her birth weight. So hubby and I are chuffed. She is such a wiggle pot and is getting so strong now!
Hope the rest of you ladies are going well. Hugs to your bubba's!
Taurean - You're doing a great job, and have a good plan going... Why, oh why is something so natural problematic and sore! My nipples are crazy sore, I tried nipple shields last night ande they didn't really help at all... I think it's just another test mother nature puts us through to prepare us for motherhood So mean. Hope it gets easier for those of you experiencing hurdles with BF.
Kosi - Nice work with the weight gains, she's obviously thriving!
PB - It's nice to have a couple of hours of "you" time, even though all you could probably think about was your little one, lol. I left E with mum for a couple of hours to go shopping, and although I know she's perfectly safe with mum I couldn't stop thinking about her and it felt good to get home.
Hope everyone else is going swimmingly well!
Sooo.... Emily is driving me crazy! She's having far more awake time now, but has to be rocked and bounced. As soon as I put her in her papasan seat or even just sit down whilst holding her she screams. She loves the movement. I spent 2 hours straight this morning at 3am bouncing with her on the fitball, and did the same for about 6 hours total yesterday, my legs are killing me! But my arms get too sore by holding her and rocking her as well. Not only that but I can't get anything done in those times, and whilst DF is away at work I have no-one else just to take her for a bit so my arms can have a break (or go to the toilet, or have a shower). So the time has come for me to fork out the moolah for a baby swing. After getting opinions on BB from people who have used them, plus my own research on the net, I've decided on the Fisher Price Precious Planet Cradle 'n' Swing. Pretty $$$ for a swing, but worth it if it gives me somewhere to put her whilst she's awake to keep her happy and where I can keep my eye on her. So pick it up this arvo if all goes to plan.
She's still feeding for twice as long as she used to, and more frequently so I'm assuming this is a growth spurt. I was supposed to have her weighed yesterday but didn't want to take her out in all that dust, so will have to find somewhere else to do it tomorrow, as the baby nurse is only at my local on Wednesdays.
I'm completely exhausted and feeling sorry for myself today, I miss my DF heaps and don't know how i'll get through another night tonight by myself, he'll be home tomorrow. The last 6 nights have been tough and i feel drained. My house is a freaking mess and I feel like I need some time to actually clean it before DF gets home so he doesn't come home to a pigstye. I wish he had a normal job where he was home every night and weekend, but unfortunately his job is the reason I don't have to go back to work and with the cars and mortgage we just couldn't afford for him to halve his salary as the mines just pay too well to walk away from.
Just having one of those moments, sorry for the emo post.
Sigh, she's awake again... looks like I have another fitball session to do. I better look like Kate Hudson after all these workouts.
Janine, I feel your pain, DS was like that - wouldn't sleep anywhere but on me, was awake for hours at a time and I couldn't put him down to get anything done. I remember he would finally have a nap around 11am and I would have to pick between having a shower or breakfast that day because he would only sleep for 20 minutes if I put him down lol. My suggestion to you is to get a sling. You can get an over the shoulder ring sling for about $40. Amelia likes to be held too and some days I would get nothing done if not for the sling. She falls asleep in there within minutes and will stay asleep for a couple of hours. It gives me a chance to at least get some cleaning done, tea ready etc which really heaps with the mental health as it is a bit of a downer sitting all day holding bub, just looking at the mess but unable to do anything about it.
Taurean, I hope you can build up your milk supply, sounds like you have had a bit of a rough few days. Yay for your mum being around to help.
PB, I am jealous of you being only 4kg from your pre baby weight. I don't have any scales here, but I am sure I am a lot bigger. Last time I was back to pre baby weight by 6 weeks, but I had to lose an extra 5kg to get back to pre baby size.
Kosi, great to hear A is putting on some weight, must be a relief for you.
DH was back at work yesterday and so far I am managing to juggle DS and A. She had a good weight gain when the midwifes came to check her yesterday and she is a very settled and content little girl (as long as I am holding her lol).
I put her in her swing the other day after a big feed and when I walked back past a few minutes later her face was white with vomit lol - she must have let go during the down swing. She was looking quite bemused about the whole thing.
Art - I have a hug-a-bub, but it's been soooo hot here I don't want to overheat her by having her pressed against me. She had her head on my chest for awhile this morning but because it was so hot it was starting to get all moist and sweaty between us. I don't know how on earth you cope with 2 kids, one is handful enough! I'd like more, but right now I can't comprehend how you do it. Most days I'm not eating, drinking or having a shower until about lunchtime as she tends to have alot of awake time in the morning and has to be ON me or she screams the place down. She loves being draped over my arm getting her bum patted whilst I swing her from side to side but my arm is usually dead within 15mins.
Sangie - Thanks for the support, yay, only 1 sleep to go!!! yeah DF is fully aware he has to do some baby shifts when he gets back, he misses her like crazy though so I don't think he'll mind too much at all. He's a great help around the place too. Hope Ethan gives you a bit of a break and some rest soon!
Taurean - good luck hun, the fenugreek and regular pumping sounds like a great plan. And please don't think you have failed. Far from it hun, you are doing a great job and things will improve. Honestly if I was you I'd be topping her up with some formula just until you get your supply up. My milk didn't come in until day 5 after birth so we topped Ethan up with Nan formula while I madly pumped every couple of hours. That worked well for us, Ethan was happy and my milk came in and I have had heaps since then.
Janine - Yay that your DF is coming home soon. Don't worry about the housework!!!! You have done a great job taking care of a newborn on your own. Make sure you get to have a sleep when he gets home!
Kosi - yay on Ava's weight gain!
PB - I hope your MIL isn't putting pressure on you hun I'm pumping as well as Ethan just keeps damaging my nipples. I tried shields but we can't get the hang of them either. How often do you pump? I've been doing it 4-5 times a day and thankfully I can get heaps but its a PITA lol.
I'm exhausted today. Ethan fed every 2.5-3 hours all night and as DH had to drive 2 hours to a conference today I didn't want him to get up and get no sleep. The night before Ethan slept for 5 hours! So nights are a bit hit and miss at the moment. Apart from that we are doing well, we were supposed to go the nurse today for a weigh in but that was cancelled as the nurse is sick. So we are going next week instead. I can tell that my man is putting on weight so I'm not too bothered. He has suddenly got chubby cheeks
Babies born~September 1st-15th 2009 #1
And boy does she have a set of lungs on her!
for you. 
Sounds as if you have a good plan in action. Breastfeeding is so random....i can see now why so many women give up.
I'm pumping as well as Ethan just keeps damaging my nipples. I tried shields but we can't get the hang of them either. How often do you pump? I've been doing it 4-5 times a day and thankfully I can get heaps but its a PITA lol.
Bookmarks