May 2006 Mummies

[Bubble*Crazy]

Ok, we've all talked about, so I've finally started it (well, so I could post the link in the Anyone Joining Me Thread!!!)

[joozi]

Hey...
I'm here!
:-)
Jo

[stellaj]

i'm here too, checking out the new pad- Nice!:smiliedance:

soooooo where do we post now?

[Bubble*Crazy]

Cool ... we're slowly getting them in to have a look!

Well, what can I say??? Ethan has his first cold.

The poor mite is really snuffly (with green boogers - sorry TMI) and has a cough. The good news is he hasn't really lost his appetite (which means he's keeping his fluids up) and he still fed/slept in around 4 hour blocks last night (he did sleep for around 7 hours each of the previous 3 nights though!).

When I'm feeding him or holding him, he just looks up at me as if to ask what's going on ...??? :crying: His temp around half an hour ago was 37.2 - is that still ok? The thermometer is really easy to use, but doesn't give an idea of an ideal temp range??!! I'm sure it is though ...

Anyway ... enough of the bad stuff - hope everyone's settling into their routines (ie expect the unexpected!) and enjoying every precious moment of this wonderful job we have of raising our gorgeous babes.

Mel - I just assumed we'd post here (thought it was the right section? correct me if I'm wrong pls someone!) ... or am I having a ditzy moment :rolleyes:

Look forward to all your updates!

Take care of your bubs & just as importantly yourselves
Tam :)

[Bubble*Crazy]

Jo - forgot to say, I checked out Eliza's album ... you've done a great job:yelclap: . She's gorgeous & you can tell all the family is so proud too!!!

[the_queen]

Hello all!

Well here we are!!

Curtis is doing well, he's taken to sucking on his fingers lately, either just his pointer or his pointer and middle together, it's extremely cute!


Is anyone planning Christenings yet? We had a meeting with our Pastor the other day and have set a date for ours, it's in about 4 weeks. We're not doing any kind of big party afterwards or anything, us and immediate family will go out for lunch to a nice pub, but no elaborate catered event.

Oh my little possum has just woken up, he sleeps so soundly here in my arms but when he wakes up he's grunting and whingeing and trying to suck on everything in sight... better go....

:D

[shereejoy]

Hi I am here too, don't have time to post now, but didn't want to loose this thread.

Oh and Tam, poor bubba having a cold, I was told only to worry if it reaches 38 degrees, so I would say his temp is ok for now.

[joozi]

Hi All!

Tam....thanks for taking a look at the album...my DH is a photographer so we've already got a zillion pics, and he put the web album together with the comments. Its been lovely to be able add photos of all the family and friends as they visit.

Sorry to hear Ethan has a cold, poor little thing. At work (I'm a nurse, but only work with adults, not paediatrics) we consider anything above 37.7 a temp thats reportable. I'm sure the worst thing is the feeding....I'm dreading Eliza getting sick!

Well, darling Eliza Jane is just waking up and will be requesting my services any minute.
Take care all....!

Jo

[stellaj]

tam- Luca has a cold too, we got one of the little booger sucking things from the chemist. You put a few drops of saline up there and then use the thing to suck the snot out, it is pretty gross but Luca has been 100% happier after we do it. It cost about $12 from the chemist, definately worth it.
:hugs:

[stellaj]

sheree- i had a look at Lachlan's pic's he has so much hair! i have a baldy boy

[Bubble*Crazy]

tam- Luca has a cold too, we got one of the little booger sucking things from the chemist. You put a few drops of saline up there and then use the thing to suck the snot out, it is pretty gross but Luca has been 100% happier after we do it. It cost about $12 from the chemist, definately worth it.
:hugs:

Thanks, Mel. I've gotta go to shops tomorrow - will look for one ... something's gotta be better than nothing. Feel so helpless. He's been a bit better this arvo, and had another chunk of sleep - think he may be sweating it out. :fingerscrossed:

[HoopDeeDoo]

Mel - Lachy is now completely bald on top :laughing: Hopefully it will grow back soon, his brother had a really bad mullet for a comple of months, all his dark hair fell out on top, and he now has beautiful blond hair. Not sure if Lachy's will do the same, his hair is a lot lighter to start with, so maybe it'll stay a light brown. :detective:

I got Lachlan weighed yesterday and he put on a whopping 345 grams in a week, which brings his weight to 3215 grams. So he's normal newborn size now, which makes sense as he has now past his due date!! :smiliedance:

[the_queen]

That's fantastic Emma, good on you Lachy!!!:yelclap:

Curtis' hair is falling out at the front too, his hairline is receding :laughing: and we thought his hair was black when he was born, but it's changing now to light brown, with a tinge of red :eek: in the sunlight. My mum and gran have red hair, I was born with red hair, DH's beard is ginger when he lets it grow, DH's brother has red hair.... so I guess maybe I'm going to have a red-headed son!!! Not that there's anything wrong with that....:p

[the_queen]

Hey ladies, I have created our very own chat room in the chat area... It's called May 2006 Mummies (yes I'm SO creative aren't I LOL) it's a public room so there's no password, but yeah I just thought it might be nice if any of us are online at the same time!

I have mastered the "feeding whilst typing" skill, and can quite often be found on here at anywhere between 2am and 6am. Our computer chair rocks too, so it does put him to sleep whilst not putting me to sleep. I'm tired, but even more tired of falling asleep sitting up on the couch.... sore neck.....

So yeah, our room is there! :smiliedance:

[HoopDeeDoo]

Looks like the rooms don't get saved though, when everyone is logged out it dissapears :thumbsdown:

[tickle]

Hi everyone!
Well I've finally got Millie to sleep without my finger still in her mouth (for a change), so thought I'd say hi!
She's been so good lately but won't take a dummy so my finger or boob seem to be the dummy for the time being. Millie's cold has been going on for so long but there's just nothing I can do about it. She's not particularly irritable with it she just has a squeeky voice sometimes and a blocked nose occasionally. The dr says she's great otherwise. Poor little bugger.
On the hair thing. When Oliver was born he had a reddy blonde colour and now his hair is VERY light blonde. Millie's is darker than his was with no red but I can see the very light blonde coming through on her as well. They change so much from when they are a new born to even being just a year old. She's six weeks old today! It goes SO fast!
I am very crazy but really want one more. I think I'm especially crazy to think about it while my DH is away.:( Only a week and a half til he comes home but we miss him SO much......
Anyway have a fun day everyone!
E:wave:
P.S If anyone has problems finding this thread without the link etc, it is down in the Parenting Section....got to Birth Groups and then go to the April - Jun section and we are in there.:thumbsup:

[HoopDeeDoo]

I've finally got round to creating my own photo page, so feel free to check it out!!

[joozi]

Hey Emma
Gorgeous pics.....what a little wee bubby. Well done girly.
Eliza is sleeping....I should be too, but want to watch House..... :-)
Can't complain...she only wakes up once overnight, it's just that it takes her 2 hours to settle again :sleeping:
Anyways....
Woudn't change a thing :-)
Jo

[shereejoy]

Great pics Emma you have done a wonderful job there!

Jo - gosh you have a gem of a baby, although Lachy is getting better was 2 1/2 hours and is slowly increasing up to 4 to 4 1/2 hourly feeds. Can't wait till he sleeps thru though......... Could be waiting a while I reackon.

[shereejoy]

Well finally I have had time to post, that is of course if my bum holds up. My right cheek I have a nerve pinched I think and can't sit in chairs for too long, it is ouchie.....

Anyways I am not recovering from my caesar very well at all.

Went to the hospital on Monday afternoon, as my wound start bleeding dark brown/red. They told me that I had a hematoma (blood clot) caught behind my wound and just needed to let it seep out. I had booked in for the child health clinic the next day and they said they wanted to have another look the next day to see the progress of my wound. It now appears that one side is seeping out nicely and the other (the left), has no exit and it considerably hard compared to the other side that is seeping out nicely (and saturating everything I might add). So the hospital rang my gyno and he has put me on antibiotics to save infection while the left tries to heal itself naturally but they are not sure that it will. I have to go back to the hospital at the end of the week and if no progress my gyno wants to see me directly instead of waiting for my 6 week check up. He mentioned to the hospital doctor that I was very unfortunate to be suffering like this as it is not very common for women to suffer with this type of clotting behind the wound. I knew I was not recovering well and when I went to my gp the other week she said exactly that, that there was a lot of bruising and swelling and to put heat packs on it for the healing process. Well it appears that the heat packs drew out the blood, which is what needed to happen, thank god!

So ladies this is why I haven't been around much lately, I try to read your posts and then my bum hurts or Lachy starts crying or I am tired and sore and I never seem to be able to catch up.

Want to keep in touch more, but my body doesn't seem to allow me too.

Hope you are all well.

Love and kisses.

[stellaj]

emma- great photos, what beautiful boys!

trying to feed l and type- not working gotta go

[Bubble*Crazy]

Wow, Emma. You've got 2 gorgeous little men there! I love how you've put the music to it too - way too clever!!!!

Sheree - you just can't win a trick, can you?? :hugs: & :kiss: heading your way from me!

Need to get an early night for a change - cause Ethan has been so good I seem to be staying up waaaaaaaaaay to late & being tired & grumpy all the time!

Take care all & :kiss: to all your gorgeous bubs.

[HoopDeeDoo]

Wow, Emma. You've got 2 gorgeous little men there! I love how you've put the music to it too - way too clever!!!!


The music is part of thier page, I was pretty impressed, all you have to do is upload your photos and wa la, you've got a pretty site :D

Thankyou everyoner for your nice comments. Noah has always taken a good photo, he's a little performer, I think I'll be in trouble as he gets older :devil6:

Jo - Eliza's so cute, you're right about Lachy being small though, he isn't as big as Eliza born yet and he's 5 weeks old :p How lucky are you that she's only waking up once, Lachy feeds every 2 - 3 hours still.

Sorry you're not doing so well Sheree hope things start healing better soon *hugs*

[joozi]

Hey guys
Wow Emma...I still look at Eliza and think she's so tiny, but then I saw the really tiny ones in the nursery when Eliza was in there for her blood sugars and they made her seem huge :-)
Eliza is asleep again, but she'll be awake again soon I'm sure. She sleeps in the bassinet in our room without any issues. Second night in I gave in and gave her a dummy, but she's totally rejected that whole concept now. She gags and spits it out if I even try. I tend to BF her to sleep then just pop her down and she stays there for around 3 hours..
Took her up for 'show and tell' at my kids school today, they were proud as punch, very very cute.

Sheree...you poor thing, as if you haven't got enough to deal with. Hope things improve really really quickly for you.

My bleeding is so weird (sorry if TMI). It seems like it's settling, then just starts up again. Same with the pain down below, it comes and goes. After walking to the school today, it came on really strong, so I'm resting on my side now.

How did your bubs umbilical stumps go? I'm seeing the Maternal Health Nurse tomorrow and will ask her about Elizas, as it was bleeding a tiny bit today, although looks like its about to drop off. How long did your little one's take to drop off and did you have any issues??

Anyway.....she's stirring......
Have a good night girls....
Jo

[2girls&1boy]

Hi Everyone,

I found the thread(yay for me!!) I have to ask you all for a fairly intelligent woman I am hopeless on the computer. I am dying to put a picture of Hannah on my Avatar for you all to see her. Cannot seem to remember how to do it, I have noticed you are all so clever with websites and piccies I thought someone could help me out.. Thanks in advance...

Hannah is a gem and has slept through from 11:00 - 5:00am. DH does the last feed so I am feeling really good. I am starting to think about trying to drop the extra kilos gained during pregnancy so am starting my health kick on Monday next week. I have got a few to lose I am afraid.

Hope you are all well and your babies are so beautiful.

Paula

[shereejoy]

Jo, Lachy's fell off on the 6th day, which I think was early from what I have been told.

[Scout]

Wow, everyone's photo albums look so good!! :D

I've been a little slack in updating Saxon's website so have attached a couple from photobucket. These were taken on the weekend at 4 weeks old.

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g184/BabyT2/DSC_0159.jpg

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g184/BabyT2/DSC_0146.jpg

My now almost 5 week old son is currently leaning on his father's shoulder and holding his own bottle :eek: ! I kid you not! He certainly knows where his food source is - if only it were boobies!

[Bubble*Crazy]

Thanx, Mel (Stellaj_79) for the tip on the "Fess" (booger thing!) - I got one yesterday & it's made a world of difference - highly recommend!!!!

Jo - Ethan's stump only fell off late last week (3 weeks old) and it still was partly attached - my fault actually ... when I was giving him a bath I accidently knocked it & it was still hanging by a bit of skin ... next nappy change the stump was caught up in his nappy. I hope it didn't hurt him as it looked like it would have. :crying: It still has a bit of blood there, but is ok (saw CHN today).

In regards to the bleeding mine has been the same too, Jo. But seems to have stopped (for now!).

Paula - Instructions for your avatar (I hope they make sense!):-
1) Go into User Control Panel
2) Edit Avatar
3) In the Custom Avatar section, select "Browse" and locate the pic you want to use from your system
4) Save changes & it should be there (may take a bit to upload)

Can't wait to get a glimpse! I'm so glad Hannah is a gem - it's so weird it's always the 2nd borns that are so good - or is it that we know what to expect or a simply more relaxed this time round?????

Scout - Saxon is absolutely beautiful ... Well done!!! Good to see you're getting in early with the training!!!! (holding his own bottle?? :eek:)

I had Ethan weighed today, and he's now officially known as my "Little Piggy" - he's put on a grand total of 1kg in the past 3 weeks :eek:. Now I know why he seems to have grown out of his '0000' stuff and almost the '000' growsuits (length) in a matter of days!!! That now puts him up to exactly 4.5kgs. She didn't measure his length, so I'm gonna have to tackle that tomorrow, somehow.

I just now have to get organised and download my next lot of pics (all 280 of the bl**dy things!) and sort through them - Tayla's gotten hold of my digi camera a couple of times ... at least I can tell her tonsils are fine (she's got this thing of taken photos of her mouth?!:rolleyes: )

Hope you're all well & *hugs & kisses* to all your beautiful bubs!

Take care
Tam

[joozi]

Thanks Sheree and Tam.....it fell off last night :) and looks fine now.
Had a terrible night last night! She just wanted to keep feeding from about 7pm til 10pm, then went to sleep til midnight, then woke up and wouldn't settle until 3am! She seemed to be a bit colicky or something, really writhing around and making little grunting noises.....DH was the one who eventually got her to sleep, thank God.....
She calls again! I'm such a moo cow....off I go........mooooo......
Have a lovely day with your gorgeous bubbies!
Jo

[cosmic]

I'm so slack - I've only just found this thread. No time to look at pics I'm afraid (except yours Scouty and he is sooo precious!!!).

Just wanted to say hi - far out, I don't think I can visit 2 threads. One is enough to keep me busy, let alone the rest of bubhub! Buggered if I've got any idea what is going on in the rest of bubhub world. :laughing:

I'm really worried that my bubba isn't putting on enough weight. Yeah, yeah I know not to get fixated on weight gain and the charts are based on formula etc, but she only just barely got back to her birth weight at 4 weeks. :eek: And if you combine that with how unsettled she was for a while there, I think for sure she must have been hungry. Thankfully she sleeps much better now but she is going through a stage of really fussing at the breast.. not to mention that when she does sleep I hate to wake her so I think she's sleeping through too long and not feeding enough. :( Far out - there's no instruction book is there?

oh, and she has had a nappy rash since she was a week old and it will not go away. Any advice?

I feel like such a bad mummy. She's awake now so I'llo be good and feed her! :D

[the_queen]

Feed feed feed C! Trust your instincts, just feed her and feed her and feed her. And accept these from me :hugs: :hugs:


Here's my photobucket contribution:

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h106/Gee_family/Picture113.jpg

It's not that recent, I'll take more photo's later today and post them.


I'm currently sick as a black mutt, sore throat, headaches, achy bones, blocked and runny nose (one nostril blocked, the other runny. They swop ocassionally.) Sore eyes from not enough sleep I think.


I expressed last night because Curtis had 2 big sleeps in a row and one boob was very hard and full because he didn't feed on it inbetween the sleeps. So i expressed about 150mls and DH fed it to him from a bottle when he woke up the next time. I was a bit worried and emotional, I couldn't bear it if he rejected the boob like Vallerie did (different circumstances I know, but still emotional for me) but he guzzled it down and then needed more so I popped him on the boob and it was fine, I had no need to worry. So I'm going to express another bottle full today some time and let Vallerie feed him! I'll get some photo's of that, definitely.


Hello to all, I'm not with it enough today to give personal replies to everyone. MWAH to you all and to all the cute bubba's. :kiss:

[Scout]

Cosmic - I also cannot keep up with the rest of Bubhub either!

We had a shocking case of nappy rash this week which turned out to be thrush. A few days of Daktozin has cleared it up beautifully. I also bought a cream from my chemist that they make themselves and has no ingredients on it but boy-oh-boy his bum is beautiful. I hate nappy rash it is one of those things that puts us at the mercy of the companies that flog products. :(

Thanks for saying Saxon is gorgeous - if you heard him screaming at the moment, he is anything but! What a long night it was!

[min]

OK, I have now migrated over to this thread (not that I was a regular contributor to the Due in May thread - very naughty of me ... had too easy a time of it in pregnancy, obviously).

May I say to start with - thank God this group is chatting and swapping war stories and suggestions!!! Phoebe is only 6 days old, but I'm already feeling huuuugely relieved to read that the rest of you are tackling the same "issues" as our little household. And I figure I'll easily find time to read and post each evening, as Phoeb goes through her two hours of horrendous screaming and back-arching while her reflux plays havoc. (We are hoping this is a just a stage that her digestive system is going through ... taking advice from all-comers, though, and am taking her to my osteopath next week ...).

I know now to count myself very lucky that b/f is fine so far. (I couldn't cope if there were too many train wrecks at once!)

Haven't yet tried my hug-a-bub - will tackle that next week.

BTW - is anyone else struggling to cope with bub + pet?? Our poor pooch isn't coping very well! He's currently at the kennels, for some therapy, but will be back next week. Here's hoping the family can mesh together OK at that point.

Hang in there, all.

PS Just realised that Phoebe was born 3 June, and this is a May mummies thread - I am stretching the boundaries a bit!

[pookiesossige]

We had a shocking case of nappy rash this week which turned out to be thrush. A few days of Daktozin has cleared it up beautifully.

Yup, that Daktozin is beut stuff, we make sure that we never run out:thumbsup:

[2girls&1boy]

Hi Everyone,

I have made a vow to post more often. I am feeling a little sorry for myself and feel that because I don't post often and when I do I seem to get overlooked sometimes I am kind of not in the gang so to speak. Just feeling a little precious at the moment. Sorry I am just babbling - could be because I have'nt left the house in weeks and the only conversations I have are with a 22mth old and a 5week old(this one doesn't give much back I have to say).

Anyway......

Cosmic - you are not a bad mumma at all. It is really nerveracking with the first and you question everything you do(which means you are probably doing the right thing). I think if you just keep offering her a feed she will come good. How long does she sleep for? If it is during the day I have to admit I wake Hannah up if she has slept for longer than 4 hours. That way I know she is not going to be looking to catch up during the night. Mind you if she is only having short naps during the day then maybe she is not quite full enough. I remember with Grace being concerned about the weight gain, the CHN I see is an angel and said to just ignore them. If she has plenty of wet nappies and pooey nappies then your baby is getting enough. If not then start to look into it further.
Trust your instincts - you are doing beautifully I am sure..

Queen - I hope you get better very soon. Nothing worse than being sick while having to feed a bub. I wish I was b/f, I miss it very much.

Scout - Saxon is a little champion!! Love the photos.

mummyto2 - thanks for the instructions, now just have to find a photo.. I know what you mean about being a little less stressed with the 2nd. Grace was a cotton wool baby, she barely had to make a sound and I would come running. I think Hannah realises mummy has to get other stuff done too so she just chills out and waits her turn.(good little girl she is..)

Jo - My CHN told me that most bubs have and unsettled period anywhere between 5-10pm. I know it doesn't help when you have a very unhappy baby crying at you but at least you know it is normal. How hold is she?? Maybe a bit of a growth spurt??

Listen to me throwing around advice... I just remember what worked for me with Grace so I hope it helps you.

I am off to have a coffee while my little darlings are asleep. I have managed to get their sleeps to coincide...

Take care
Paula

[HoopDeeDoo]

Hey girls,

Just want to add my 2 cents with the nappy rash. Both my boys seem to have very sensitive bums. So we use BOZ and zinc cream all the time as a preventative measure, and they very rarely get a rash now, and with Noah if its not on thick enough he gets comes right back :thumbsdown:
So boz, and then normal zinc on top to thicken it up! Don't bother with Sudo cream, it's too thin and wipes straight of, I've heard paw paw cream works well as a barrier, but I've never used it.

Daktozin is fantastic, but the pharmisist said it's only meant for a few days at a time when it's really bad. Instead of this you can use a tiny bit of antifungal cream (the adault kind), and courtosone (sp?) cream until it's healed over, just a drop of each.

If your bubs have sensitive skin, the Amolin clothes wash, and bath stuff are great. Smells good, and works well!

[sweetangel2811]

Hello! Have finally migrated across.

Firstly - I have had a quick look at everyones piccies and all I can say is gorgeous! You have all done such a wonderful job!

Secondly - CONGRATULATIONS MIN!!! and Big WELCOME to Phoebe!!

Scout - I saw your q in the other thread about Gemma Ford - I don't know who that is and from the sounds of it will not be looking for her book!! The author of the baby whisperer is Tracey Hogg and no - she is not too rigid at all. She does suggest you try to stick to the times, however does relent and say that if bubba wakes earlier than they should, then just go with it.

Cosmic, don't worry about not weighing Anna all the time, I have only had Nicholas weighed since his second week, where he hadn't put any weight on at all, mind you in saying that, he only lost 100 grams in hospital, rather than the 300gm he was supposed to. I agree with queen (was that who said it??) just feed feed feed if she wants it. I am gauging Nic by how happy he seems, and I know he is certainly starting to feel heavier in my arms and has outgrown his 0000's a week and a half ago. He is snugly into 000's at 5.5 weeks, but they appear as though they might be getting too small soon too!!:eek:

We have our six week check with the OB next wednesday, so will get everything checked then.

As for the nappy rash, Nic has something similar too. He has had a few small what looks like sores that no amount of sudocrem seems to be able to get rid of! Will ask the ob about it. It doesn't seem to cause him any pain at all, just looks a lilttle unsightly.

Paula, don't ever worry about not being part of the gang. I think we all think like that at times as well. Given we are all in the same boat right, if it is okay to speak for the others, we understand that you get online when you can!

As for the bleeding, mine went on and off for about 4 weeks. Damn nuisance that it was!! Does anyone know when AF makes a magical (and somewhat unwanted at this stage) return??

I am in the process of trying to download some piccies of butternut (nickname for Nicholas - his cheeks look like a buternut pumpkin!! :D ) online. Will post the link as soon as I can.

Wouldn't you know it, just as Iget online - bubs starts grunting again!!

Have to jet, will try and get online again soon.

P.S. I second mins comments re: it is soooo comforting to be able to come on here and talk about everything, and just to know that we are not the only ones experiencing and feeling what we are!!! Thanks for the support guys!

K

[cosmic]

Paula, don't be silly. You are SO part of the 'gang'. You were a founding member! :) I think we are just all in such a rush when we get here that we tend to be mostly about ourselves. I love it when you pop your head in even if it's not as often as you'd like. I don't think any of us are here as often as we'd like.. or as long. They tend to be flying visits!!

I have to agree with Min - being a first time mum I am SO glad to have you guys posting about what's going on with you because it's very reassuring to know we are all facing similar issues (ie. we are all normal thank God).

Min, I sympathise about the dog issue. Chelsea (our border collie) has been great with Annabelle. She was a bit confused at first when mummy finally came home after the few days in hospital but couldn't give her lots of cuddles and attention she's used to because I had this little creature permanently attached to me! And I'm sure she misses our visits to the park which we used to do every day (but we have to drive there so no go these days :(). But she just sniffed the baby quite a lot, stuck by daddy and now she's adjusted. I walk with her and the baby in the pram and try to pat her and give her attention when the baby sleeps. DH has been trying to make up for it by lavishing her with attention but she definitely has moved down a notch or two in the 'pack' and I'm sure she realises it.

Thank you all for your advice on the nappy rash. I do think it has turned into thrush. I keep reading that nappy free time is the best and Anna hasn't got any of that so far so today I bathed her and let her go nappy-free while I fed her. That was noice. I had terry nappies under her thank goodness because as usual she did the big noisy squirty poo mid-feed. Yucko! It made me sad to think that that's what normally sits in her nappy until I change her. Very runny and messy. And I noticed that she whinged and cried when she weed so obviously when she's fussing at the breast it's when she's weeing, poor little cherub. DER mummy.. why wouldn't I have worked that out before? I'm slathering the barrier cream on and also using a nice soothing lotion (an all natural product) but I'm going to get her to the doc in the morning to hopefully have them tell me if it is thrush or if they can recommend something stronger to clear it up. Scout - I'm glad to hear you had success and that others have too with the Daktozin (sp?). This rash has hung around getting gradually worse for 3 whole weeks! I kept thinking it was improving and then it would get worse again.

um.. who have I missed? Oh thanks also about the feeding. Today Annabelle has spent the day in her hugabub :smiliedance: and I have never had such a happy, contented baby. But when she grizzled and it was 4hrs since her feed, instead of patting her back to sleep I pulled her out and fed her. I think I need to do that from now on. She definitely seems to be feeding much better now but in the evenings sometimes she gets so screechy and will only go for 5 minutes and then I cannot for the life of me get her back on. I just keep offering every half hour or so until eventually she takes a bit more but when she screams there's no getting her to feed. :no:

well, I've rambled on enough now....

Just loaded new software on my pooter so hopefully I can download some photos and show you all some pics!

[cosmic]

K - we were posting at the same time and it looks like we think alike. :D

I wasn't overly worried about Annabelle's red bum either since it didn't seem to be causing her any pain but the past day or two I think it has been. It certainly is unsightly! It went from just red, to red and spotty, to looking like the skin is blistering and peeling off. Not nice. :thumbsdown:

[Bubble*Crazy]

I've quickly just downloaded a couple of pics for you all to see if you have a sec as I've not done any to date.

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j69/tammy2238/afb7d3f0.jpg
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j69/tammy2238/100_1470.jpg

I can't believe how gorgeous all our bubs are - we should be very proud!!!

Paula ... as Cosmic said, you are so part of the 'gang' ... by the way, don't think I've actually said, but everytime I see your Avatar it makes me smile ... Grace is sooooooo cute!!!

Anyway, must run - have a 1000 things to do in half an hour before I have to to & pick Tayla up from school.

Take care & :hugs: & :kiss: to your gorgeous bubs
Tam

[tickle]

Sorry there are so many posts to catch up on!
C: On the nappy rash thing, I agree with Emma. Millie's wouldn't clear up so we went to the pharmisist and got his 'own' concoction with the BOZ, anti fungal and a cortisone in it. It cleared it up straight away. After it is gone if you just stick to the BOZ stuff (we've got the Zinc and Castor Oil, cheap brand), it should keep it at bay after that.
With the weight gain, just feed her all the time. I just feed constantly, whenever she grizzles (which is all the time:rolleyes: ) I feed her. She probably doesn't need it but I figure it can't hurt. Otherwise I wouldn't stress too much, as long as she goes up (even if it is really slowly) there's no problem.
I will email you tonight when my crew are in bed.;)
Oops just saw your post (I'm very slow today).

[stellaj]

I promise. promise, promise to write personals tonight:fingerscrossed:
after seeing the other beautiful babies i thought i would add a picture of my boys quickly- if it works, im not that great at this sort of thing.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a150/stellaj/P5020026.jpg
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a150/stellaj/P5010018.jpg

talk later, the witching hour is about to begin:devil6:

[Bubble*Crazy]

Mel, I just have to say how grown up Connor looks holding his little brother (when does he turn 5?) ... how cute!!!

[Scout]

Wow, Tam & Mel - the "big kids" with their siblings look just so cute!

Mel - clear your PM inbox by the way!

I'm going in to have a D&C tomorrow cause I've had a very hideous loss of blood this afternoon! An ultrasound revealed that there is lots of placenta still within and it is not going to come out on its own. Just what I want to do on a Saturday. :(

[Bubble*Crazy]

GL Scout ... that's no good - hope it all clears up real soon :hugs:

[stellaj]

Hey all :wave:

Just wondering if anyone else has a really spewy baby, Luca vomits up all the time and not just a little sort of wet patch but about half of his feed. He doesn't seem upset about it though.

Paula- i just read you said Hannah is sleeping 11pm til 5am and i am jealous. How are your girls getting along? Do you have 2 in nappies?

I love all the bub pics, so cute all of them in noticed they all have such nice skin. We don't have nappy rash but i think i have the pimply boy of the group who also has a permanant spew rash under his chin. What ever happened to baby smooth skin and i am so tempted to squeeze the pimples on his face..

Tam- How disgusting is the noise of the booger sucking thing LOL, oh yuck, snot is my worst gross thing IYKWIM. Connor will be 5 on the 10th of July and has requested 'a rocket cake with smoke' for his birthday cake this year. :eek:

Queen- hope you get well soon, maybe you should get one of the things to get rid of your snot!

Emma- how is ronan coping? do you have any pics for us?

Emma (m.o.n)- are the dr.s going to investigate the reason your bubs come so early?

scout- i have emptied my inbox finally! hope you are ok, are you in any pain? didn't they check your placenta when Saxon came out?

cosmic- are you using your cloth nappies, i think queen is. i had grand plans for using them all the time but i can't get them dry in time also the baby beehinds i bought look ridiculously enormous on him.

ok, thats enough from me. the old brain is not what it used to be. i hope all the mums and bubs are well and :hugs: from me.

[HoopDeeDoo]

Emma (m.o.n)- are the dr.s going to investigate the reason your bubs come so early?




No I haven't really pushed it further. With Noah who was born at 35 weeks 6 days, they just told me "these things happen, nobody knows why, some babies just come early etc etc"

Thats why we weren't sure if it would happen again, and we just thought maybe Noah was in a hurry, he was really healthy and thrived from the moment he came out, and was a good size for gestation (5 lb 4)

Lachlan could have come early for the same reasons, but he had extra reason, because when I had the stomach bug it caused my uterus to become irritable, and I was getting small contractions while I was sick, apperently it's common to go into labour while you're sick like that. So when I didn't go into labour we thought this baby would sick it out. Then my waters broke (which causes you to go into labour) so I guess thats the main reason he came early, not sure what causes that to happen, maybe from the stress of being sick, and me doing too much after that, I was picking up my 13 kg son when it happen :o

Anyway as far as I know it's just something that is going to happen to me, which is why we are not having anymore :crying: just in case I go even earlier. Lachy was pretty small for his gestation too, but I think it's because I couldn't eat anything the week before I had him :barf:

[joozi]

Hey Guys

Scout: GL ... you're probably there as we speak, hope it all goes okay.

Mel...re spewy babies. My first two vomited constantly from birth until they were walking. It was just awful, so I know what you're going through. There was vomit everywhere all the time and the smell was just great! Eliza doesn't vomit at all, not even one drop, and I'm still in shock over it. You could try putting little Lansinoh or Bepthansen (SP?) cream on his chin as a bit of a barrier to stop the redness. And mine were never without bibs - I actually invested in the ones with the full sleeves in them in the end to try and save the clothes from the onslaught!

Had a much better night last night. Kept the bassinet out in the main family room all day yesterday and let her sleep in there amidst all the noise. And I just fed fed fed her til she was falling asleep each time....Then last night she only woke up once at 2am and was back settled at 3.30am and then slept til 8.30am. Yippee...we feel almost human today. :-)

The MCHN visited yesterday, she was really lovely...Eliza is nearly back to her birthweight, so thats good!

Which of you girls are in Melbourne and where abouts? Are any of you interested in doing coffee somewhere someday?

Have a good weekend girls....
Jo

[stellaj]

jo- scout and i are having coffee next Thursday at Chadstone probably so come join us, Marie-Jo might come too. PM me for the details if you are free. Glad you wont be grossed out then when Luca spews everywhere :laughing:

[HoopDeeDoo]

Speaking of vomit, Lachy had a massive vomit last night, I hope he's not going to become like his brother was, Noah :barf: big time after every feed with reflux.
Lachy and Noah both have colds, with yukky noses. Lachy seems to have a harder time with it though. Any tips apart from saline and sucking it out would be good, I'm already doing that, I've got some 1 ml seringes that are doing the job ok, but you can only suck out the bits that are close the edge.

Anyway we certainly have some gorgeous bubs don't we?

And about the pimples, Lachy has them all over his face, he's got the little white milk pimples, and also lots of red spotty bits, I think he's got sensitive skin like his brother :thumbsdown: The milk pimples are a good sign he's getting enough to eat, but they are very hard not to squeeze

[the_queen]

Scouty - thinking of you today re: the d and c :hugs:


Now, for my vent:mad:

WHY WHY WHY did I raise a spirited, opinionated, intelligent, creative, spontaneous and full-of-self-esteem daughter??? WHY WHY WHY can't I have a kid who will just do what she's told when I tell her!???? Why can't she just SHUUUUT UUUUUP sometimes!!?????? :banghead: :banghead:

*rant over*

OK I feel a little better now. You know how you can't take these things out on the kid, so I've been bottling that up all morning. Took them both to the shopping centre - what a mistake!! - Left the pram at home (because she loves being right next to it, which means I am running over her foot every 2 metres) Only had to get one thing anyway so I took the snugli thingo. Curtis hates the ring slings I've got, and my hugabub arrives in the post next week, so I took the snugli. I've tried him in it at home and he loves it. Likes being upright, I think. So he was OK while we found the shop and bought the sheet shet ($15 for a single flanellette sheet set!!) but then we sat down to eat, and he woke up. He was grumbly, I didn't think it was time for a feed, he wasn't showing hungry signs, but maybe he just didn't like all the noise and commotion. So we got out of there as quickly as we could, with Vallerie back-chatting me the whole time. Just near the entrance is the chemist, and I remember I need paracetamol and baby wipes. So in we go, I've got the baby, and 2 shopping bags, Vallerie is holding the snugli (because once he got upset he seemed like he didn't like being in there) and I asked her to get teh packet of wipes and hold thme. Well!! whinge whinge whinge whinge "why do I have to hold these all the whole day, why can't YOU hold them, my arms are tired, my legs are hurting, i'm still hungry, why couldn't i have ice cream, why can't i go on the merry go round, why can't YOU hold this"
AAAAARRRRRRGGGGGHHHHHHHHHH........................ ...


Long story short, we're home now, I've locked myself in the study and am trying to calm down. Curtis screamed the whole way home in the car, I was crying by the time we got home because I hate hearing him cry so much, every time he'd nearly calm down (nearly go to sleep) she would say loudly "HE'S QUIET NOW MUM HE'S NEARLY ASLEEP" and would stick her bl**dy hand in the capsule and touch him and talk to him, which woke him up, so he'd start screaming again. He's feeding now, and she's amusing herself in her bedroom - and that's another thing!!! How is it that she can mess that room up so much in such a short amount of time, yet it takes her a whole day to clean it up??? She has adequate storage for all her toys, nothing complicated - there's a big box that everything gets chucked into, and she has some plastic drawers for her artwork, and a suitcase for her dressups. But noooooo she can't clean it up, her legs are sore, her body is tired, "i think i need a sleep mummy, can you put on a dvd please"
AAAARRRRRGGGGHHHHH I always said I'd NEVER do this but I am soooo thinking of just picking up everything in her room and chucking it all in the bin!!!!! It's her birthday in a few weeks and probably she'll get spoilt by relatives and get a whole heap of other toy-type cr@p that will not be appreciated by her, it will just get left out on the floor for me to step on in the middle of the night. *steam coming out my ears now* I have asked my parents to stop buying her stuff, but ohhh noooooo i'm just the mother aren't i? what the hell would i know???? I think they're trying to make up for the cr@p way they raised me!! AAARRRRGGGHHHHH



*rant really over this time*


Thanks if you read this whole thing, sorry if I scared you first-time mums LOL it's probably not going to be this bad with your kids.... I'm just having a bad day.

[cosmic]

Deep breaths Queenie. Breathe in calmness, breathe out stress. :yes:

I think we have all had those days. Mine of course don't involve a four year old, but I do have a 5yo border collie who chooses the moment the baby is drifting off to sleep to decide she wants to be let outside to bark at the cat on the fence. Around and around the house she runs, growling and barking and whinging.. and I can't yell at her to SHUT UP because I'm trying to keep the noise down.

ok, it's not quite the same.. but I'm sympathising.

And of course you wouldn't want Vallerie to be any other way (most of the time ;)). I hope the rest of the day is better.

Today we went shopping too. Annabelle woke up in the pram so I took her out and popped her into the hugabub and within 5 minutes she was asleep again. But since she had woken, DH thought we should come home. I didn't argue, but really that would have been the time to sit down and have a coffee and let her keep sleeping for longer. Of course, as soon as we put her in the car she was wide awake again and screaming all the way home. I so know how you feel. I hate hate hate having her cry in the car when I can't do anything for her until we get home. It makes me very sad. :crying: And then I get cross at DH, as if any of it is his fault. Poor thing - he really cops it when she's grizzly. Somehow I always find a way to make it his fault when the truth is he is SO fantastic. I wouldn't even eat if he wasn't here to make me breakfast, lunch and dinner (not to mention fill my water bottle, make me coffee, wash the nappies, fill the baby bath, empty the baby bath, bring the remote control closer to where I'm sitting.. you get the idea.... ) and here I am having a go at him. I have just realised I'm an ungrateful wench. I shall go now and tell him how wonderful he is.

woops.. there I go making this about me again. :p

[HoopDeeDoo]

:hugs: :hugs: :hugs: Queenie!

Glad I'm not the only one stressing about the firstborn, and toys everywhere, and constant attention needed by the firstborn, trying to juggle the two them :eek:

[shereejoy]

Oh Queen - hope things improve for you. Hugs and kisses for you.

Scout - gl with D&C that is all you need right now.

I did look at all the bubby pics everyone posted, gosh they are just adorable, Tam Emma and Mel, was there someone else - sorry mush brain.

All your tips on red bums is great.... Lachy's is good and then bad all the time! I use Sudocream but I agree it just rubs off, but I mean I change his nappy that much you wipe it off anyways with the wipes when cleaning his bum. Any advice there?

Ohhh who else posted.....


Ummm....

Emma too funny about wanting to squeeze lachy's zits.

Cosmic - love reading your posts.

[shereejoy]

Oh help, help!!!

Lachy has been so unsettled, he was up from 2am this morning, until 11:30am. We have hardly slept as he only went down at 11pm. Felt like a walking zomby today, lucky mum was here and I espressed, as I sooo needed to sleep. He was so unsettled and nothing was working to calm him to sleep. Had to end up resorting to the dummy and even then with that in, he wouldn't settle in his basinette and had to sleep with us, but was still all figety and wouldn't sleep.

Today at lunch time he did a poo and it was all wet and runny as usual with the usual mustard colour, but the first one had particles in it, and the second had green bits in it (chunks). I am just so worried something is wrong. Been trying to think what I ate, and it must have been the kebab with GARLIC sauce. But then I have been thinking even more about this and I know I did a big no no and I feel so guilty and embarrased to even tell you ladies here, but here goes. We were in town all day and he spat out his dummy, and I wasn't near hot water to sterilise so I put it in my mouth after eating the kebab. Now I just feel so bad and worry that I have made him sick. Any suggestions over then kicking me up the but......

Guess he has been so good for a newborn that this is really upsetting me that he is so upset. He is not really screaming all the time, but he is very figety and I just know something is wrong. His face goes all red all the time and I just know all is not well. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Should I get to the doctor????

[Bubble*Crazy]

Hi Sheree,

I'm not going to be good for much advice here, I think. Sorry!

But, first of all, don't cut yourself up over sucking his dummy - we all do it in times of need & even though they say we shouldn't, it's better than giving it back to him straight off the floor - right?!

Apart from that, I'm not sure of what could be the prob, but rather than call the Dr, try the Health Direct 24 hour line first - 1800 022 222 as they may be able to give you advice and if they think it's serious you can get to the Dr or hospy.

Hope he gets better & settles down real soon for you. :hugs:

And Queenie ..... sorry, but was that you or me you were talking about in your little piece???!!! Obviously Vallerie & Tayla are exactly the same (esp right now!). Not only has she mimicked everything (and I mean everything!) that Vallerie has done, she also has the one liner "but it takes too long.....".

This is really embarrasing, but she really pushed the limits the other day at school. The teacher told me when I collected her that arvo that she had "strangled" a girl in her class who told her that they weren't going to be friends anymore :eek:. How am I meant to respond to the teacher when she tells me that ... I was sooooo upset with her (let alone extremely emabarrased :o ). I'm thinking that's their way of letting us know that are still there, and letting their jealous streak out of the bag.

All the joys of it ... but like C said, you really wouldn't want them any other way (well, maybe they could change a few things!).

Anyway, must go and give her the "clean your room" orders ... wish me luck as no doubt it's going to "take toooooo long, mum".

Take care & have a good night
Tam :)

[Bubble*Crazy]

Guess he has been so good for a newborn that this is really upsetting me that he is so upset. He is not really screaming all the time, but he is very figety and I just know something is wrong. His face goes all red all the time and I just know all is not well. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Should I get to the doctor????

You've probably tried this, but Ethan does this when he's tired & over-tired. I have to cuddle him wrapped up and wipe the dummy over his lips for a while (he usually rejects it for the first 30 seconds or so) and hold him tight as he worms around so much. He eventually takes his dummy & seconds later his eyes shut and drifts off. I need to leave him in my arms (rocking motion going) for a few minutes and then I can put him down.

Speaking of which ... he's woken. :rolleyes: - I only put him down 30 mins ago. I've been out this arvo & left DP in charge - what's been going on this arvo????!!! :p

[cosmic]

Sheree, I don't really have any advice either except that I'm sure it's nothing to do with you sucking the dummy (my DH has done that - I never knew it was a no-no.. though I usually run it under hot water myself!).

I agree that it sounds like an over-tired issue. And the not settling is pretty normal newborn behaviour I think. It's so hard when things are going well and then you confront something like this. They sure keep us on our toes! Hopefully he will settle and sleep really well tonight for you. Everything is harder to deal with when you're sleep deprived. :(

[pookiesossige]

Oh Queenie, what a s**t of a day hey!! (am I allowed to say that??) Our firstborns are all playing up big time!! Ages ago when I stopped snooping around the thread and finally started contribuing (if you can call it that!) I mentioned Ronan's 'posting' obsession and how we were losing things under the fridge and thru the slot under the front door, well now he knows the word 'bin' and all his things (and ours, i.e remotes, reading glasses ect) are being posted in with pooy nappies and foodscraps to a delighted shout of 'Bin!' Arrrrgghh!!:banghead: He busted the lock thinggy on the cupboard door and I cant get into town till monday to get a new one...
And tonight DH is at a buck's party and I have both Ronan and Ariene on my own for the first time in the evening :eek: , but it's not that bad actually- I mean, I'm able to post so it's obviously not crazy round here (actually, I've hidden in here, I can hear Ronan looking for me;) ). And he's not getting a bath tonight and I found chocolate cake, a few stawberries and some chips for him to eat for tea :laughing: He thought it was fantastic- Ahh the things we do to cope!

[Bubble*Crazy]

I mentioned Ronan's 'posting' obsession and how we were losing things under the fridge and thru the slot under the front door, well now he knows the word 'bin' and all his things (and ours, i.e remotes, reading glasses ect) are being posted in with pooy nappies and foodscraps to a delighted shout of 'Bin!' Arrrrgghh!!

I remember this! As long as he continues with his clean-freak habits!!! LOL The things they do and we have to put up with :rolleyes:

[shereejoy]

I just wanted to say a special thank you to Tam and Cosmic. Firstly Tam yes I always wrap him up to sleep, it stops him from waking himself up with his jolts that he has. And I am not sure I want to use the dummy for sleeping but hey I might just have to resort to it eventually, see what happens, I say this until I am at my witts end hehe. I definitely think he was overtired this morning but last night something definitely upset him. But hey he is asleep now, lets cross our fingers that we have a good night, as it was reasonably easy to put him down tonight.

Now Cosmic, I just wanted to make a point of thanking you so much, you always make a point of replying to my posts and for that I thank you. Don't know how you do it, I really struggle trying to reply to everyone these days, so thanks honey. That goes for you too Tam you are a super poster and so much great advice.

I am going away for a week now, going to stay with Wade's parents at their unit at Hervey Bay, should be really nice. Mum is going home tomorrow and then Wade is off for the next two weeks. Going to get Lachy's hand and foot prints done while we are down there too. Then we are off to Brissy for the weekend to visit my sister. So take care everyone and see you all when I return. xoxo

[stellaj]

I hear you all about the first-borns, hope you have let off some steam Queenie! The baby is so easy compared to the 4 year old. whenever Luca cries Connor yells "the baby is crying come and feed him' and then lies next to Luca and copies his cry. Also he insisits on getting in the car before Luca so i have to pass the baby over his head to put him in his seat with Connor then crying out 'youre squashing me.' If i dont let him in first he runs laps around the car.
Also (now you have me started!) he slept in our bed last night because there was a wicked witch in his room (!) and he kept touching the bedside lamp although i asked him a hundred imes to leave it- of course it fell off and smashed into a milllion pieces even though i have vaccummed twice i now have glass in my foot.

Sheree- is LAchy OK, im sure he is.

Emma- Ronan would be loving his dinner, Connor had number spaghetti and popcorn.

im going to bed- today has been a bit rough :wave:

[Bubble*Crazy]

I have a question (or rather, dilema) I'd like your opinions on, if you have a second. It's not a "baby issue" as such, and I feel really stupid and foolish for doing this, as it's going to look like I'm really selfish, self-centred, and a bad mum etc etc, but .....

Tayla has started Auskick (football) this year and our club is 'supported' by the Fremantle Dockers. Next Sunday they are having a training session where the kids from Auskick have a chance to participate & meet the players of the team. We have told her she can go & DP was going to take her. The thing is, they've now told us (this morning) they can also give each child 4 tickets to the Dockers game on the Saturday as well (!!!). DP now wants me to go also, but I obviously can't take Ethan. Our neighbours will also be going with their 2x kids - not that it makes a difference, I spose ...

DP's parents have offered to have Ethan whilst we travel to Perth Saturday for the game (around 2 hour drive), stay the night and return Sunday arvo after the training session. I don't have a problem with them looking after Eth as they also had Tayla from an early age (probably the same), but am I being selfish wanting to go & at therefore leaving him behind? But on the other hand, I also really want to spend some time with Tayla as she has been neglected in the past month or so since Ethan's arrival. It's not possible for them to come to Perth and say, have him just for the game, due to other reasons.

You honest opinions would be greatly appreciated ;)

[Bubble*Crazy]

Sheree - have an absolutely fantastic time as you deserve it!!!!! Make sure everyone waits on you hand & foot & you don't lift a finger ............... I'm sooo jealous - it sounds like you'll have a great time. :D



In regards to the dummy, Ethan usually only uses it to settle & he normally spits it out (as they do!) before he's asleep. So, he doesn't technically use it to sleep IYKWIM

And, I think there was something going on today with all our kiddies ... is there a full moon tonight, maybe????
My 2 have been little :devil6: tonight - it took me 1 1/2 hours to get Ethan to sleep (very unusual) and the back-chatting from my Princess continued ........... luckily (for them!) they're in bed fast asleep now :sleeping:

[the_queen]

Tam - IMO not selfish at all. Ethan will be fine (you already know that) and this big footy adventure might end up being a really really wonderful memory for Tayla that she'll have forever and ever. My 2c worth: you should go, have a great time with Tayla.

Sheree - hope you have a great weekend!! And I think you're right about him being overtired that morning. There'll be bad days every now and then, but you'll cope with them.

Mel - oh no, glass in your foot, that sux! I know what you mean about the baby being easier than the 4 yr old, DEFINITELY!!!



All our darling little firstborns are keeping us on our toes, aren't they!!! Vallerie and I had a bit of a girly night, we watched a girly movie and did each others hair. And we talked about how we can have a better day tomorrow and how we can try to improve things between us - we do this quite often, whenever we have a conflict, we take it in turns to come up with "rules". She immediately said "We have to respect each other" then I said "We have to listen to each other" and then she said "If I tell you to do something, you have to do it" :o Which kinda made me realise how silly it must sound when I bark that order at her. So I'm going to try to be more "co-operative" with her, ie I'm going to treat her the way I treat my husband: If I want her to do something, I have to make her think it was her idea :p rather than just saying "Do as you're told! Because I said so!! I'm your mother, respect mah authoritah!!!" etc etc.


(Hope that made sense, I need to :sleeping: I know that you all know that feeling!!!

[Scout]

Bloody hell - I forgot the reason why I never wanted kids :eek:! They grow up and talk back!

FREE TO GOOD HOME - 1 very slighty used little boy.


:laughing:

[Scout]

Tam - go and spend the time with Tayla and enjoy it! Don't feel guilty cause Gran & Gramps will love having Ethan!

Thank you to all of the second time parents for providing me with contraception and enough reasons to convince myself that I don't need two! :laughing:

Seriously, I think that those with two or more are amazing. Most of you have got little people there that have been used to mum & dad's full time attention so this must be a major adjustment for them.

The D&C went fine. I had to be in hospital at 11am for surgery at 1pm but there was a delay, so I got about 4 hours sleep just waiting. My ob/gyn ended up putting a drip in me cause I hadn't eaten or drank since 5.30am and he was worried about affecting my milk supply.

The worst part about the day was that I had to step on the scales :eek: :eek: :eek:! THE TIME HAS COME - sensible eating and consistent exercise are required and 20kg have to go. I didn't put on 20kg in pregnancy, I was carrying a fair bit before but I have retained 8kg!!! OMG - I want to cry.

[pookiesossige]

Hey Scout- happy to hear that the d&c went ok, that just seems so scary to me but glad you came through well :hugs:
8-10 kilos is what I have to lose... so far I'm not doing much to get rid of it, I just went to the pantry for a spoonful of 100's and 1000's/sprinkles!! And I had 3 spoonfulls of sugar in my cuppa... I just crave sugar all the time. Yesterday I cooked a chocolate cake :chef: (always wanted to use that smilie!) for ppl coming over- they ate about half, I then had the rest as soon as they were out the door. Oh, and as those of you with a foot still in the May Babies' thread would still know, DH was at a bucks night and I was a little overwhelmed at having both little tackers on my own in the evening so I fed part of that cake to Ronan for his tea!! (yes, pathetic I know). I do have a big appetite, and it's partly because of breastfeeding, I know, but I also wonder if some of this 'hunger' is in my head and that because I'm breastfeeding I subconsiously feel like I have to eat more.. Anyway, enough :ecomcity: from me!

[cosmic]

Darn it. I did a big post this morning and then my internet connection died and it looks like it never got posted. And I can't remember what I wrote!!

I know I said (in a nutshell)..

Tam, go to the footy and have fun! If you know he'll be fine and you won't stress, you should all enjoy the opportunity.

Today DH wore Annabelle in the hugabub and she slept for 3.5 hours. Unheard of!! I am getting my first glimpse of freedom. Gosh to venture to the corner store on my own! Who would have thought? Once I start expressing there'll be no stopping me, but somehow I don't think I want to go too far. I would spend the whole time stressing about her.. needlessly of course!

Sheree, no need to thank me. If anything I feel bad for not replying enough so I appreciate your appreciation! :D

And Scout, great news on the D&C. I totally agree on the contraception comment (!!) and I hear you on the weight thing. I dropped 14kg in the first 2 weeks and thought it was going to be a breeze getting back into my jeans but since then I have put a kilo and a bit back on!

Em, I'm like you - loving chocolate and sweet things (which I never did before this pregnancy) and with awful weather I haven't been able to get out and walk so I am feeling quite the frumpy one and really want to shift about 6-7kg. So let's all come up with some strategies to lose the weight. I think for starters we need to cut out the choccys. :( I agree that my appetite seems huge because of breastfeeding but I think I use it as a bit of an excuse and I definitely do not make the most nutritionally sound choices. :rolleyes:

Well, I cannot even tell you the difference this hugabub has made to our life. Annabelle literally spends all day in it and now instead of trying to get her to sleep I'm worrying that she sleeps too long and won't get enough to eat! What a turnaround, hey? She literally wakes up, has a big feed then I put her back in it and within 5 minutes she's out like a light again for another few hours. It's amazing! No more spending my days patting and rocking and wondering if I'll get 20 minutes sleep out of her!

hmmm.. which probably means I have no excuse for the state of my house. :laughing: I'd better go and clean or fold or something!

[stellaj]

cosmic- i was thinking a hugabub might be worth the investment but do you think it is worth it if i am constantly in and out of the car dropping C at kinder then picking him up then friends etc. I understand it would definatley would be good if i was able to be home alot....but i am the chauffer to a 4 year old. what do you think?

TAm- i think that you need to go to the footy with Tayla, you will miss Ethan but remember that he won't remeber if you go but Tayla will if you don't. As long as your parents aren't going to stress out about minding a baby.

scout and emma- i'm worried about the weigh AND the wrinkly, stripey mess my stomach has become. Looks like a deflated balloon :thumbsdown: How long can you use the excuse 'i've just had a baby' for you excess weight?

:hugs: to all

[Bubble*Crazy]

Scout - so glad the D&C went well. :hugs: being sent your way!

I'm so glad some of the bubs (eg Anna!) is getting some more sleepy-byes - great for them & AWESOME for the parents!!! Make the most of it - Cosmic, today was the first day since the week we brought Ethan home that I've actually vacuumed my floors :eek: . Despite him being a 'good' bub I still struggle to find enough time in the day (well ... w/out comprising my chill-out session on the pooter!!!).

Ok, I think we can do something for those wanting to get rid of a few kg's - we all want to do it & we can all motivate each other!!! I hear you Em & Cosmic about the sweets thing - I'm eating more now & craving more now than I did in pg and it's just got to stop!!!
I'm not sure how much I weigh now, but I did have to go out and buy new clothes last week as nothing fits me (too big). But I still need to lose probably 15 kgs (all thanks to DD 6 years ago!).
So, I'm willing to start (tomorrow, not today!) if anyone else is???

Thanx for the advice girls. As you know, Ethan is a good baby & he's BF so that won't be a problem. The in-laws are great with all the kids so that's not the part worrying me, it's more what "others will think". So you're all right - I'm going as who cares what others think ...!!!

Oh, well, I might go & have a quick rest as Eth has been asleep for 2 1/2 hours, so will be due to wake up in an hour or so, and I didn't have the best nights sleep last night :thumbsdown:

Take care all
Tam :)

[cosmic]

Wow Tam, listen to you. He's been asleep for 2.5hrs so he's got an hour to go! When Annabelle slept for 3.5hrs today I totally thought something might be wrong with her. :laughing: And so when she stirred after 2 hours this afternoon, I got her out of the HAB to feed her and she was so cranky she hardly had anything to eat and just cried and cried. So I obviously woke her too early! Naughty mummy, but I don't want her to starve either!

Mel, I think the HAB would still be worth it. First of all, they can be in them until they are toddlers so you will get lots of wear out of it. Second of all, I went out yesterday with it tied on me, but without the baby in it. Once it is on you, it is really easy to pop them in and out of it so you don't actually have to go to the trouble of tying and untying it every time. It's just a long piece of fabric tied across your body and around your waist so just get a neutral colour or one that will go with what you wear a lot (for eg. black might suit you. Mine is a caramel/beige colour so very neutral) and I don't think it looks odd at all. Most people wouldn't look twice, especially not if you are in and out of the car anyway!

I'm definitely onto the weight loss thing. I have been better today - no lollies or choccies and every time I go to get a muesli bar or piece of bread and peanut butter I stop and ask myself if I'm really hungry or just bored and usually I can go without it. I also drink LOTs of decaf now. I truly think it's a boredom thing or just to stop me from eating (which is probably not a bad thing). Who would have thought I'd be bored?! But when I'm focused on something I can go without, but if I'm just tending to the baby, I'm constantly going to the cupboard or boiling the kettle. That's got to stop. At least it's not real coffee, I suppose.

Should we start another thread to motivate each other or just use this one? What do you think?

[Scout]

Should we start another thread to motivate each other or just use this one? What do you think?

:laughing: As if you have to ask!!! To borrow the Nike tag - JUST DO IT.

[cosmic]

Righti-ho girls... Anyone who wants to join the weight loss crusade can find the new thread here:

http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/showthread.php?t=25137

Now while my baby sleeps I'm off for a walk!! :D

[Marie-Jo]

:wave: Hi, I am here too...

Mel, you should definetely get the HAB...I just love it so much and like Cosmic said you can use it until Luca is a toddler.

Scout & Mel - Hope to see you Thursday

[stellaj]

Marie-Jo- can you bring the HAB on Thursday for me to have a look, id appreciate it! thanks for the advice about it cosmic and marie-jo.

Connor has been throwing up since last night so i have not had a very fun day at all :thumbsdown: Gee, you'd think he would at least attempt to run to the toilet or use the bucket i put in front of him. yuck,yuck,yuck

[joozi]

Hi guys...
I seem to have no time to read posts properly, or to even post, so forgive me for being a bit impersonal. Was glad to hear the D&C went okay scout!
Mel, Scout and Marie Jo - will see if I can get to Chaddy, but its a long drive from where I am so might have to play it by ear. Will PM you if I can see myself making it.


Also, needed some advice, I'm suddenly having a lot of trouble with my breastfeeding. Eliza had a really fussy night last night, was basically awake and feeding on and off from 6.30pm to 1am and now my right nipple is soo soo sore I can't even bear to let her latch on. I've also developed some lumps and red spots on the breast now. I can see a little white blister on the nipple....and I've tried to get her to latch on better, but it just hurts so much I could cry. So I'm just expressing from that side now to try and give it a rest and feeding only from my left. I'm putting hot flannels on and and trying to massage the lumps out as I express but they're still there. I don't know what else to do :confused: Anyone got any ideas?

Jo

[cosmic]

Jo, you poor thing. It sounds like everything you are doing is right. You don't want that to develop into mastitis, so keep up with massaging and expressing the milk out. If your nipples are very sore today, maybe bubs wasn't attaching properly? That would explain why she was fussy with feeding and awake and unsettled if she wasn't able to get enough milk because of poor attachment..??

The only other thing I would suggest is maybe cold compresses instead of hot because that slows the milk production and soothes painful, engorged breasts. The warm compresses do the opposite and get it flowing.. oh wait - you want it to flow don't you. Ok.. ignore me. :o If you want soothing cold compresses, the midwife told me to run water into a disposable nappy and put it in the freezer. The shape of the nappy fits all the way from near your armpit to over your boob so it's perfect.

Annabelle has gone through stages of being very fussy at the breast - basically screaming and not latching on at all. It's heartbreaking when I know she knows how to do it (she started off so well!) and that she's hungry, but the boob is in front of her and she's too worked up to get on and drink! If it makes you feel better, she has only done that for a day or two, then got back to normal. It's awful, but short-lived thank goodness. Hopefully Eliza is back to normal for you today (or soon!)

[Scout]

Jo - sorry I can't help with the bf issues. I'm an express only cow not the normal type. :(
When we meet for a coffee another time, we'll make it somewhere that is convenient for all of us. I'm not great on Melbourne geography but we'll be able to come up with something.

Marie-Jo - I'm keen to see the HaB too. The Baby Bjorn is just not good for me, it hurts my neck and shoulders too much. Do you guys find the HaB good like that? I'm starting to think that the whole baby wearing thing will not be for me.

Mel - :eek: I'm not sure whether to say poor Connor or poor you.

I have just started working with the BabyWise routine. It is nice and flexible ie it lets you set your own times and gives you the ability to move with them if necessary. The hardest part has been settling Saxon in his own bed - we had been guilty of having him in bed with us, letting him sleep on our chest in front of the tv etc. This has all been in an effort to stop him crying. After a few screaming sessions (I never left him alone and would pick him up to comfort him if necessary, so it wasn't controlled crying), he now seems to be settling down really quickly.

DP is going away for the week next week so this week I'm practicing doing most of the looking after on my own. I'm not dead on my feet yet but I probably will be by next week (hence the need for a little more routine as above).

[joozi]

Hey all..

Cosmic .. Thanks so much. I'm a bit confused about the cold/hot thing as well. I was thinking hot would get it flowing and help me clear the lumps, but also don't want to encourage more mik and more lumps. But also don't want to stop my milk....oh, I'm so confused...!
I've actually got a crack in that nipple that I've now found. It's tiny but my god does it hurt, and now worried about it being a portal for infection. I'll leave it and express for as long as I can to try and get it to heal up before I try her on that side again. Ah me, the joy of it all.

Scout, Mel and Marie Jo - I'm in Croydon Hills...way out east, thought I'd let you know for planning purposes :-)

Good luck Scout with getting things more settled, sounds like its going okay. Great idea with your DP going away for sure.
Jo

[stellaj]

Jo- i'm a croydon girl from way back he,he,he, don't live there now but all my family and friends are out that way. I went to Croydon Secondary, perhaps next time we can meet out that way more, or I can have a coffee on my way to see my brother in Chirnside Park sometime. You are still more than welcome to come on Thursday too.

I dont have much advice about you BF but i think the best thing is to give that side a rest and apply the lanosil miracle boob fixing cream while you are expressing.


Hey Cosmic is this the same as a hug a bub? I want to get one but we are seriusly runnign low on funds lately so i don't want to buy it unless i am really sure i'll use it.

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/BRAND-NEW-BABYROO-WRAP-SLING-BABY-CARRIER-SAFE-SOUND_W0QQitemZ7773393790QQcategoryZ20412QQrdZ1QQc mdZViewItem

Scout- the babywise routine sounds good, hope it works out for you.


:wave: to bubs and mums

[lil_rabbits_mummy]

:D :D :D hey all i finally got some pics of little rabbit on my comp

http://s56.photobucket.com/albums/g167/lil_rabbits_mummy/

just love him sooo much
he's just sooo cute

[Bubble*Crazy]

He's gorgeous Krystle - and soooo much hair! Well done :thumbsup:

[Scout]

He's gorgeous Krystle - love the photos where he has his arms above his head. It looks like he is really relaxed!

[joozi]

Jo- i'm a croydon girl from way back he,he,he, don't live there now but all my family and friends are out that way. I went to Croydon Secondary, perhaps next time we can meet out that way more, or I can have a coffee on my way to see my brother in Chirnside Park sometime. You are still more than welcome to come on Thursday too.




Hey Mel...
That would be great, PM when you're out this way! I'll still see what sort of day we're having Thursday, and try and make it, will PM you if I can.

Good news with my boob, I rested it a bit last night and slathered on the Lansinoh and this morning I put her on and it was much much better. I really need to concentrate more with her latching on correctly, she seems to go on okay but then as she gets sleepy it slips forward and I think.

Our Maternal Health clinic does a lactation day program so I might go along to that and get then to check out how I can improve things. Sometimes she just won't keep sucking effectively, even though I know she hasn't been on for long enough. She does this half hearted sucking which doesn't cause an effective let down. I'm trying all the tricks I know to get her to stay awake, but it doesn't help. Then ten minutes later, she's screaming to go back on! :banghead:

Well...I should go do some housework while the goings good. Its so cold outside, would love to go for a walk with the pram but a Melbourne winter and babies aren't a good mix.....

Hope you're all having a good day.

Jo

[joozi]

Oh...Krystle...meant to say, he's gorgeous and looks a lot like my Eliza! (So he must be gorgeous.... :-) )

[stellaj]

Krystle- he's gorgeous, we make such beautiful babies don't we.

Im supposed to be cleaning MIL just announced she will be dropping in at 2pm OMG you should see the house! Of course Luca wants to get picked up too.

[HoopDeeDoo]

Mel - is Connor feeling better? - I hope so :hugs:

Scout - glad to hear everthing went OK on Sat

Krystle - how cute is he! Looking at the newborn photos always makes me realise how tiny Lachy was

Jo - I'm having similar problems with my right side. Lachlan isn't attaching properly and it's sooooo sore. I think it's because he's got a boogery nose. He has for a few days now, and it doesn't seem to matter how much saline and sucking I do it just stays blocked. Poor bubba

I had the worst night last night so far. Lachlan was waking every hour for a feed, and just screaming for food each time, so I couldn't even stretch him out. He was probably increasing my milk supply, but did he have to do it just as I was going to sleep? I got upset and angry, and Lachy was screaming so loudly, that my DH came and tried to help in the middle of the Aus soccer match, and I actually said "just give me the stupid baby and I'll feed him AGAIN" I felt so bad as soon as I heard myself saying it. His blocked nose is bothering him a lot, but it doesn't seem to clear for more then a few minutes when I try and help him. :crying:

I would love a better baby carrying device, I've got a carrier, but it's cra*p Id like a sling type one

[Bubble*Crazy]

So sorry you had a bad night, Emma. We couldn't settle Ethan for bed 2 weeks ago and we (both DP & myself) were getting so frustrated with him... and you know how you gotta blame someone (well, I do!), it was poor DP's fault!? We always end up having some silly fight when we're both tired and can't do anything to help them. At least we're not as bad as we were with DD ... second time round we're a lot more relaxed and wiser with age, I think!!!

Hope Lachy's better real soon & :fingerscrossed: tonights better - they normally don't go 2 nights in a row ... Try and get some :sleeping: today, if possible.

Take care
Tam :)

[cosmic]

Hey Cosmic is this the same as a hug a bub? I want to get one but we are seriusly runnign low on funds lately so i don't want to buy it unless i am really sure i'll use it.

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/BRAND-NEW-BABYROO-WRAP-SLING-BABY-CARRIER-SAFE-SOUND_W0QQitemZ7773393790QQcategoryZ20412QQrdZ1QQc mdZViewItem

Mel, yep! That is exactly like the hugabub. Since all it is is a long piece of fabric, I'm sure it's easy to copy and that looks like a perfect copy! :D Queenie picked her HAB up for $70 on Ebay. They retail for about $100-$120 so if you can get it for less than that, you've done well. And I haven't heard anyone say their bub won't go in a hugabub so I'm sure you'll love it. I know the first time I put Anna in it, she grizzled and I pulled her straight out but then I learned that I probably didn't have it on tight enough and also, like all new things it just needs a bit of persistence. The second time I put her in, she grizzled so I patted her and bounced on the fit ball for a few minutes and she was great. Now she won't sleep anywhere else (except in her cot at night) so that might cause some challenges in future but for now, I'm more than happy to leave her in it all day long. At this age, babies just want to be close to us, and if it means you get your hands free to do things and bub gets to sleep, all the better!

Krystle, he's gorgeous! I will eventually get around to posting some pics.

Em - I know a couple of nights when Annabelle would not latch on and was just screaming and screaming I got so frustrated I just handed her to DH (practically threw her at him :o), got up and left the room.. paced the kitchen for a few minutes then came back. I felt so bad afterwards since I know she's not deliberately trying to frustrate me.. but it is SO frustrating. So I think we all have those moments. Don't be hard on yourself.

[Scout]

Em - hope you have a better night tonight! And yup, I've had the "I can't handle the screaming baby" moments too.

Mmmm, maybe there is some advantage in feeding b/m to Sax via the bottle cause we just don't have those problems. We actually got 5 hours straight sleep out of him last night. :smiliedance:

There is one problem with expressing though - if your machine breaks down first thing in the morning IT IS ABSOLUTE HELL!!! :eek: :eek: I've got another one being delivered in about 30 min, boy oh boy the relief will be so sweet!

[cosmic]

ok, here are some pics of Miss Annabelle taken today (4wks and 5 days old):

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g73/thedunns/IMG_1002.jpg
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g73/thedunns/IMG_1004.jpg
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g73/thedunns/IMG_1001.jpg

Scout, how much do you usually get when you express and how long does it take? I starting expressing a little bit yesterday and got only 20ml in 15 minutes... but that was at the end of a feed so my boobs were pretty well drained. I think if I do it between feeds I'll get more. Just wondering if it takes you long to get enough for a feed. I have an Avent Manual pump.

C.

[Marie-Jo]

Oh Emma I hope you get a better night tonight...I know how you feel. I think it happens to everyone to lose patience. Don't be so hard on yourself :hugs:

Scout, Mel what are we meeting on Thursday?

[stellaj]

cosmic- annabelle is sweet, she looks so alert!

scout- hope you got your pump before you explode or Saxon screams the house down.

Marie-jo- i cant PM anyone, it says that receipient can't be found. Whats going on?:confused: i'll try agian later

[Bubble*Crazy]

Cosmic - Anna is gorgeous and so alert making her look so much older!!!

My friend came down today with her 8 week old today - can't believe how much these bubs are going to grow in such a short space of time. Make the most of your time with them girls as they grow way too quickly:crying:

[stellaj]

i'm making a webpage for Luca- check it out (work in progress). Should have been doing the washing etc. but oh well

http://www.babysites.com/sites/lucaandconnor/default.asp?page=home&seq=1

[Scout]

Oh Cosmic - SHE IS BEAUTIFUL. I can't believe she is smiling like that!

Mel - Luca is divine too and how is that "butter wouldn't melt in my mouth" Connor? :laughing: He looks like a very proud big brother.

Cosmic the pump that I have is a major super-sucker. On average I will get 120-140ml each time I pump, generally every 3-4 hours. It takes me about 10-15 minutes to get that out (used to be 20 but I'm now efficient!), I also use a double pump. Oddly enough, I've done a couple of single breast expresses and I find that I get more milk, I think because as I'm doing one I get a major let down in the other as it waits its turn! It is unbelievable if I haven't expressed overnight or have been out all day, I'll get 2 and a bit feeds.

OMG Saxon is sooooo whingy tonight.....I've never heard him like this :(. I hope this isn't an indicator for the evening ahead - our poor neighbours.

[Bubble*Crazy]

Mel - I've just checked out your album - what a gorgeous family you have. Well done, it's looking great! :D



I should get my act into gear & get something sorted too :rolleyes:

[jennababe]

hi everyone.. im Jenna.. i didnt post much in the other thread.. but i have a may baby to and would like to start posting in this thread with you all if thats ok!!.. be nice to have advice and a chat with u all.. seeming as were all going through the same thing and adjusting to life with new babies! had a look at everyones photos where they had the links! everyones bubbas are so beautiful.. arent we all just so lucky to have beautiful healthy babies!.. its worth all the sleepless nights in the world.. i am loving being a new first time mumma...

[joozi]

Hi Guys....

Welcome Jenna...Your bubby was born 5 days before mine :yes: You've come to the right place for support, everyone here is just great.

Cosmic..Anna is just beautiful and so alert, she looks older than her four weeks. And her eyes are so blue already! We're still waiting to see what colour eyes Eliza has.

Mel...Luca is gorgeous too, and you're looking so well. What is that thing he's floating on in the bath? He looks so relaxed. I didn't realise you'd had a Box Hill baby too....I was at Biralee and did the KYM program which was great. Did you have a good experience there??

Had a very broken up night last night with sleep, couldn't even tell you the times, just kept putting her on the boob. She's asleep now, and I'm gonna go back to bed too...

Have a good day!
Jo

[Missus S]

Hi Guys,

I did post here yesterday but I noticed both my and Donna-Maree's posts disappeared so not sure what happened there.....anywayz!

I finally have downloaded some recent piccy's onto my pooter...we have a new camera and as you'd know when you're a busy new mum it's very hard to get the time to read instruction manuals :p but I got there today.

Here are some shots I took of Gemma yesterday wearing her 'I love Mummy' top:

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j221/missuss/DSC03124.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j221/missuss/DSC03122.jpg

It's definitely true that bubs have a growth spurt at 6 weeks...she's an eating machine this week, definitely a lot hungrier. However, she tends to be hungrier during the day and as normal through the night which is great. I'm pretty much only getting up once during the nights now which is fab. And she's being a darling and sleeping well today which is nice because it's my birthday...not that I am doing ANY housework today but she's allowing me to veg out online, watch telly and read my Woman's Day mag!

We're going camera mad at the moment as we can't believe how much she has grown already in 6 weeks...she no longer seems like this tiny newborn baby we brought home.

Haven't had a proper look at our weight loss thread but will join in soon...I promised myself I'll start regular treadmill as of next week (after my b'day dinner this weekend :p ).

[Bubble*Crazy]

Missus S - Gemma is absolutely beautiful ... I just adore her big blue eyes!!!

Glad she's being a good girl for you (she obviosly knows it's your birthday and that's her gift to you!) and feeding and sleeping well. :D

... and here' another :bday: wish from me too!!!!


Ethan's being great too and sleeping 6-7 hours at night meaning I too only get up once, which'd be great for me if only I'd got to bed at a reasonable hour :rolleyes: .... now I've got my online photo order done, I might be able to get some extra sleep tonight :fingerscrossed: .

Anyway, must go - he's now awake (overdue for a feed, the lazy bugger!)

Take care
Tam

[cosmic]

Missus S - she's such a cutie!! We have the same top except the "I love daddy" version and Annabelle wears it all the time to daddy's delight. :p

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I'm glad she's being a good girl for you. What a clever little thing. Annabelle has been a bit of a nightmare last night and today at lunchtime - screaming for no apparent reason. I hate it when that happens. :crying: It's so hard to know if maybe she's got a belly ache or is just overtired or hungry.. it's the not knowing that is so hard.

Hopefully by the time she wakes up for her next feed she'll be in a better mood!

Scout - I managed to get 50ml in about 20-25min this afternoon so I'm feeling very pleased. I'll see if I can get DH to feed it to her later and if she drinks out of a bottle ok I'll start expressing some more. I'm quite paranoid she'll never go back to the boob after she's had the bottle, but on the other hand it will be reassuring to know she's actually getting something to drink if I give it to her in a bottle and can see her drinking it!

Tam, look forward to seeing you in the weight loss thread. I've had a pretty good day today. :thumbsup:

[cosmic]

oh by the way, I went back through and looked at everyone's baby pics. They are all so gorgeous! We make good babies, don't we? :D

[sweetangel2811]

hello everyone!

Whew whatta weekend - dh is like a hurricane on legs!! wanting to go everywhere all the time! Poor nicholas and i are exhausted!

Mel - lurve your website! I want one now!

cosmic - anna is a little darling isn't she?? have had some days like what you are having - very exhausting!

Nic is less about screaming right now to just being very clingy through the day! am typing one handed as we speak! still sleeping well at night though which is great!

As for the expressing - i tried on just one boob (alternate one to the one bub jusyt fed from) and got 90ml. nic only ever feeds from one side, so that made it easier. i have the same pump as you as well. see how that goes maybe? or is that what you are doing already? I am losing it for sure!!

Also had the same concerns as you re; not taking from the boob after having a bottle, and nic had no problems. the avent teats re apparemntly the best to use. What i am also doing is not giving the bottle to him myself yet, just from dad or others, so that he doesn't think he can be lazy at my boob like he is on the bottle.

Jenna welcome!

Not much to report from here. tried to book nic in for his 6 week check at the clinic and i have to wait two weeks!!! not sure why i thought i would get in straight away, but there you go.

Have been reading up on immunisations and side effects, as bubs is due in 2 weeks. I don't want to go cause i know they are going to hurt him :crying: i will go of course but it is gonna break my heart!!

Oh - missus s.......:bday: !!!!

have to run - i'm sorry!! will try and get on tomorrow for a bit longer.

k

[Scout]

:bday: Missus S!!

[Bubble*Crazy]

Tam, look forward to seeing you in the weight loss thread. I've had a pretty good day today


Good on you Cosmic :yelclap:.

I've had a bad few days :shame: so didn't want to make an appearance!!! :o .... really I should be there for the support (or everyones telling me off ...!)

Will endeavour to get there tomorrow .... did go for a walk to pick Tayla up from school though today as we had lovely weather :thumbsup:

[Missus S]

[QUOTE=cosmic]
Annabelle has been a bit of a nightmare last night and today at lunchtime - screaming for no apparent reason. I hate it when that happens. :crying: It's so hard to know if maybe she's got a belly ache or is just overtired or hungry.. it's the not knowing that is so hard.

QUOTE]

We seem to get the same thing with Gemma. I reckon about once or twice a week she seems to have like a 5 hour period where she just screams and won't settle at all. It's awful because she seems so upset. Usually at the end of it I can feel some farts coming out - and she pulls some rippers :D - or DH says he gets a dirty nappy from her, so I put it down to wind pain. Thank goodness it only happens occassionally. I really feel for Mums who have bubs with colic or reflux - it would do my head in if Gemma cried all the time :crying:

[pookiesossige]

Hi girls:wave:
Last night Ariene fed at 10pm (I squeezed this feed in even though she only had one a couple of hours earlier) and then went to 3!! This is huge for us!! Then she went to 6.30!! So I only got up once :smiliedance: I'm going to give her an extra feed before I go to bed every night now!! Waking up to feed after being asleep only an hour or even less is pretty depressing, I just hope this becomes a regular thing!

Ariene had a huge scream when we got back from playgroup at midday- overtired but waking up everytime I put her down. Don't know why I didn't use the HAB now I come to think of it... I guess I wasn't thinking straight and just wanted her to stop crying. I normally hold it together pretty good, but I was sooo frustrated.. at one stage I just put her down and walked out of the room, and it wasn't till about an hour later that I realised that my teeth were still clenched together so hard. I was that tense! At least Ronan was in bed, I would have gone crazy if he was screaming at me too....

:bday: Missus S!! Glad she gave you a easy breezy day, you deserve it! And her photos are stunning!

Well done with the weight loss cosmic, I'll see you in the other thread!

Tam, you guys SO have the sleep thing sorted!! Wow! Go Ethan :yelclap:

[Bubble*Crazy]

Tam, you guys SO have the sleep thing sorted!! Wow! Go Ethan :yelclap:

I put in down to being 'blessed with a good baby' rather than strategic moves on our part (unfortunately!). He's also formula fed, so that makes a big difference, I think - last in his belly longer.

Congrats on Ariene's 'big sleep' too! :smiliedance:

[HoopDeeDoo]

Hi girls,

Thanks for all your support re the bad night. I did pop my head in and read your posts, just didn't have a chance to respond.

Missus S - :bday: for yesterday

Scout - How fantastic are you, congratulations on being able to keep such a good milk supply. I know from experience how hard it is to have to express every feed, it's such an odd thing to have to do, and its so much extra effert to wash and seterilise etc. Well done, you are an awesome mum to be doing what you are doing :thumbsup:

Emma - those bad days are a struggle, i know I've had a few lately. Hope today is better for you

Cosmic - hope Annabelle stettles for you, could be wind, or growth spurt, or just cause she can. It's so hard when you can't do anything to help though

Lachlan is still really snuffly, but we went to the doctors yesterday for our 6 week check ups, and all is good, Lachy put on another 600 grams last week! :smiliedance: So he's almost 4 kgs now.

Gotta go Noah is destroying his very expensive baby leapad books - :banghead:

[the_queen]

Sorry but this is going to be quite self-involved. Had a "discussion" with husband this morning, He has been having a go at me over the past week because apparently I don't do anything. He hates being woken in the night, and I MUST take Curtis out of the room to settle him. Even if I've just brought him back to bed, he's got a full belly and a clean dry bum, and he just needs a bit of a cuddle and a pat. No, because he grizzles I MUST take him back out to the lounge room to settle him. Can't POSSIBLY wake up the husband. What a ********. I told him that he was being very selfish, because he said to me "You have to consider ME, Kerrin! I have to get up and go to work! I need my sleep!!!" If I had had anything other than the baby in my arms I would have thrown something at him. I am getting no more than 5 hours sleep per night (most nights it's about 3) and never in one straight hit. When Curtis goes to sleep early (about 8 or 9pm) then I stay up until the midnight feed because I can get housework done, folding clothes and doing dishes and doing more washing and tidying up. Then after the midnight feed I finally get to sleep about 1am, sometimes later if he takes a while to settle. Sometimes earlier if he goes straight to sleep. Then he wakes at about 3 or 4am, and that one he always takes longer to settle to sleep. So I'm back in bed about 5am, and most mornings I don't actually get back to sleep after that. Husband's alarm goes off at 7am (which wakes Curtis up, whether he likes it or not!) and I have to get up then too. Apparently "it's not fair" that I get to STAY IN BED while he has to get up and go to work!!:mad: :mad: Idiot ****** ********. It's all about him. Then he has a go at me because of the housework. The dishes are up to date, the washing is pretty much up to date (I haven't washed towels this week yet) the floors are clean, what the hell else do I have to do!! I have kept up to date with the shopping, I've not asked him to help me with that job, I am cooking dinner most nights, I'm making his lunch for him - occasionally I will just give him some money to buy his lunch, which is another excuse for him to tell me how **** I am at being a housewife, apparently I should have made his lunch the night before (proabably true - but couldn't HE make his lunch the night before?? Oh no, of course not, that's right, he works all day whereas I do nothing)

:crying: Sorry for venting, this may kinda sound like a normal marital tiff but it's just another example of how selfish he is and how nothing I do will ever be good enough. When Vallerie was 1 I got myself a full time job, a really really good career move for me, he wouldn't let me use the car so I had to leave the house at 7am to get to the train, I would get the train home again and walk in the door at 6pm. He took Vallerie to the day care lady's house and picked her up - but when I would walk through the door at night he would ask me what was for dinner!!! And I still had to do all the housework, because my job only involved "sitting on your **** in front of a computer all day long" whereas he does physical labour. So even if I do all the housework and have a full time job, I'm still not good enough for him.
When I was 38 weeks pregnant he told me that I had to move out, he was sick of me and didn't want to live with me anymore. I laughed at him, but he was serious. I said "What kind of man are you, kicking out your 38-wks pregnant wife and 4 yr old child out on the street!!!??" So he said "oh, well you can wait until after the baby is born, but after that you need to move out" And even though nothing further has been said about that conversation, I know that he was serious that day. I cannot live like this much longer anyway - but if he is so unhappy, if everything I do is not good enough for him, why can't HE be the one to leave!??? We were separated for a year and a half, and only got back together in December 2004. I came back to him because I thought he'd changed, and I wanted to try to fix our marriage so we could live happily together. But now he's told me that he "let" me come back so that he didn't have to pay child support anymore. If I was a weaker woman, that would make me cry, but because of the **** he's dished out to me over the past 8 years I am a very strong woman and I am not sad, I am ANGRY.
Curtiis is being baptised in 2 weeks, and all our families will be here. So that will be "fun" to play happy families. I don't have anywhere to go, my parents live 3 hours away, Vallerie starts school next month, I don't have a car (WE have a car but there is no way he will let me have it. Even though he has a company vehicle. He doesn't seem to mind if I take his children away from him, but he's made it very clear that if I try to take his car away from him, he will have me arrested. Even though the car is in my name. Even though I've said he could take the repayments off the child support amount each month, ie make the car part of the child support settlement. But basically he's saying "no it's mine and you're not having it" The attitude and behaviour of a toddler. I refuse to go back into "the system" like I was before, I don't want charity I don't want to be a charity case.


Sorry this is so long, sorry to depress anyone who's bothered to read this, sorry for being so self-involved again. Just had to get this off my chest.:crying:





Hope everyone has a good day with their beautiful babies today, and hope everyone is keeping warm!! It is literally freezing here this morning!!!

[Marie-Jo]

Missus S - :bday: for yesterday.

Queen - I am soooooo sorry for your DH's behaviour...He really is a d....head. How can he do this to you. You seem like the perfect housewife to me. This is not a healthy relationship. You should really do something about it. He doesn't deserve you :shame: How frustrating :mad: My thoughts are with you.

Cosmic - beautiful baby...

Excuse my ignorance but how do I put photos like you guys?

[cosmic]

When Curtis goes to sleep early (about 8 or 9pm) then I stay up until the midnight feed because I can get housework done, folding clothes and doing dishes and doing more washing and tidying up.
You WHAT??!!!! :eek: Far out Queenie, you are bloody amazing, woman. (Either that or you are nuts! :laughing: ) As you know, I have not done housework since this child was born and the discussion I had with my husband this morning was about how p*ssed off I was that HE has not vacuumed despite all his promises to do it, even though he does all the shopping and cooking and holds the baby (in the HAB) half the day. So you can imagine how GOBSMACKED I am at your husband's attitude! How's his form?!

I will never be one of those people who says "oh he's a pr*ck, you should leave him". In fact I think it is absolutely wrong to dish out that kind of advice. All I want to say to you is that you are a smart, fiesty, confident, capable, thinking, independent woman and I hope that you continue to feel confident that you ARE an amazing woman despite the sh!t he carries on with when he gets in these 'moods'. :rolleyes: I'm sure he's not like that all the time and really, who knows why he feels the need to talk to you like that but clearly he has very, very unrealistic expectations of you and a selfish attitude to say the very least.

Is there any way, when you are both more calm, that you can help him to understand what your day involves? And as for this cr@p about you getting up when he gets up, how about he gets up and sits with you during the midnight feed since "it's not fair" that he gets to sleep? But I'm sure you've mentioned that to him!

I don't know what else to say. You know you'd be fine without him because you've survived before so it's completely up to you to decide how much effort you want to put in to make the marriage work, or if and when it is best for you to leave if that's what you decide to do. But of course, making the marriage work requires a commitment from him too - is he open to counselling? Often a male counsellor gets more respect from men (but they hate going of course) but be it male or female, any 3rd party pointing out the error of their ways is far more effective than you telling him (again!).

Hang in there, lovey. You have so much respect from me for the way you are raising Vallerie (and now little Curtis) and for the way you conduct yourself in spite of these less than desirable circumstances. I love ya work. :hugs:

[cosmic]

Nic is less about screaming right now to just being very clingy through the day! am typing one handed as we speak! still sleeping well at night though which is great!
K - go the hugabub!! Or whatever you have that is similar (I forget which one you said). Hold the baby all day - he sleeps, you type. Magic. :D


As for the expressing - i tried on just one boob (alternate one to the one bub jusyt fed from) and got 90ml. nic only ever feeds from one side, so that made it easier. i have the same pump as you as well. see how that goes maybe? or is that what you are doing already? I am losing it for sure!!
Oh how I WISH she would feed from one side. My little "darling" lasts 5 minutes on one side before she unlatches herself, then fusses and whinges and refuses to go back on so I put her on the other side. She has about 10 minutes, then the fussing, whinging etc. Sometimes it works up to full-on screaming depending how much sleep she has had. And on it goes. A burp, a squirty poo, nappy change, then back to other side. Back, forth, back, forth so I never bloody know how much she's really had and the constant whinging drives me nuts. She never used to be like this - just the past week or so. I have emailed the ABA today to ask their advice. Thankfully it doesn't appear to be affecting my boobs - no lumps or anything.. YET! But I'm sure it's not right. A supply issue perhaps?? Does anyone else have a bub who does this? Anyone.. anyone?? Please tell me my baby is normal. Ok.. semi-normal. :laughing:


Also had the same concerns as you re; not taking from the boob after having a bottle, and nic had no problems. the avent teats re apparemntly the best to use. What i am also doing is not giving the bottle to him myself yet, just from dad or others, so that he doesn't think he can be lazy at my boob like he is on the bottle.
I gave her the 50ml last night and she loved it then went back on the boob. Phew!! So this morning I have expressed another 75ml and hopefully will get a bit more later in the afternoon. With all thise fussy feeding, I find it very reassuring to be able to see her drinking something.


Have been reading up on immunisations and side effects, as bubs is due in 2 weeks. I don't want to go cause i know they are going to hurt him. i will go of course but it is gonna break my heart!!
K - before you take him, read this:
http://www.avn.org.au/Vaccination%20Information/10%20Reasons.htm


Hi everyone else. Thank you for your lovely compliments on Annabelle. I think she's gorgeous but of course I'm biased. I do think she seems older than her 5 weeks though. She has been holding her head up and smiling for a week and a half or longer!

Scouty - I would love to see you in Sydney!! I am in the Inner West and we have a great walk near me.. it is a 7km loop around the bay so if you get a good pace up it takes about an hour, but we don't have to do the whole lap. And there is good coffee nearby. Let's make that a plan!

bub awake - here we go with the fussy feeding again...

[Scout]

Queen - I'm with Cosmic, I'm not going to hand out advice or jump on a "leave him now" bandwagon. You don't need that.....but bugger, I don't know what else to say!

.......I'm really lost for words. Your situation is horrible, unfair and I'm quite distressed for you. So let us worry about you and you be strong and sort this guy out!

[joozi]

HI guys..

Hey Queenie - as one who's 'been there, done that', including a failed reconciliation with my ex-husband, who co-incidently had a pretty similar attitude to your hubby, all I can say is I'm thinking of you, and whatever you decide to do, you'll get support here. Make sure you look after yourself and your kids first and foremost, especially in regards to living situations and property. That's not being selfish, thats just making sure you can adequately provide for your kids and yourself, and if he doesn't like it, well tough. You have rights too, and the most important job of all, that of raising your kids. Hang in there mate..

Cosmic...My daughter (DD#1) was like that with her feeding. It could just be a growth spurt - my middy told me that when they're having a growth spurt that they will be like that. Also, just a bit of a tip you can take or leave - keep putting her back on the same side. You should continue to let down (I have to relax, concentrate and think gooey loving baby thoughts whilst looking at bubby sometimes to get a let down!) and you'll ensure that she's getting the hindmilk that will hopefully fill her up and help her settle better. I worked this out with my DD#1 when she started losing weight because I keep swapping sides before she'd had her hindmilk, and she became a very scrawny sad little baby very quickly, which scared the life out of me. I went to a lactation centre and with a lot of patience and a lot of expressing to help build up my supply, we got back on track. Don't know if thats helpful!

Hope all you others out there in baby land are having a great day..

Cheers
Jo

[cosmic]

Thanks Jo. I will try to do that.. I know it's better that I do but she's a bloody determined little thing and the ECHN has scared me with this whole weight gain issue (it look Annabelle 4 weeks to get back to her birth weight) so I'm paranoid if she doesn't eat. We've just had a terrible feed... well, I don't think you could technically call it a feed because she didn't really eat!! :(

She woke up at 12 after about a 3hr nap, looking all bright and happy. I put her on the boob and she just looked at it and cried. oh, I think she might have put it in her mouth and pretended to suck, then spat it out and cried. Pretty quickly escalated into screaming and tears. 35 minutes later she had 5 minutes... then more screaming. By 1pm she was yawning again and absolutely not interested in feeding. Put her in the hugabub and she started looking like wanting to eat so I took her out and she had another 5 minutes.

Now she's asleep again. Maybe I'm trying to make her eat and she's just not hungry?

oh here we go - she's awake again so maybe she is hungry (I would have thought so). This is really hard!

[the_queen]

Thanks for your support girls.

Was very very emotional and upset this morning, but am feeling a bit better now. I'm not going to let this issue go, like I usually do. We're going to have a serious talk tonight and decisions will be made tonight. I just wanted to thank you for your kind words.

And may I please be excused from teh weight loss group, I am in need of chocolate today :D

[Lambie]

Queenie honey, you poor thing...what an absolute typical male. Don't cave in, you give it to him.


He hates being woken in the night, and I MUST take Curtis out of the room to settle him. Even if I've just brought him back to bed, he's got a full belly and a clean dry bum, and he just needs a bit of a cuddle and a pat. No, because he grizzles I MUST take him back out to the lounge room to settle him. Can't POSSIBLY wake up the husband.

Wish I could get mine awake during the night to help. He never hear's her...too busy snoring!!

[HoopDeeDoo]

And may I please be excused from teh weight loss group, I am in need of chocolate today :D


At least you still have your sense of humor :yelclap:
Can't tell you what to do it's your life, and only you know the whole story, just offering :hugs:
I know it took me a while to realise that it matters more that I sleep, and rest as much as possible, as DH isn't the one in charge of a life all day. I couldn't give two hoots how many times the boys wake him up through the night. If I'm not on the ball of a day Noah could get himself into serious trouble, and as I am making all of Lachlan's food (literally) I need as much rest as possible. I will try my best to keep the house livable, and the washing done when I get a moment, but the kids and I come first right now. He only works 8 hours a day ( with a lunch break) I'm on call all day everyday. I guess what I'm saying Queenie is don't let him put you down, or make you think you're not important because you are, and you are doing a fabulous job. I think you treat him a little too well in fact, maybe if he helped out more he would appreciate all you do now. I know it wasn't until I made Scott pull his own weight that he understood how hard it is to do everything As for the dishes all I can say is thank God we have a dishwasher

[HoopDeeDoo]

Cosmic - re the feeding
I'd wait until she seems really hungry, and keep putting her back on the same side to feed, as someone else mentioned if you don't she'll only be getting the foremilk, not the hind milk, and its the hind milk thats got all the fat and good stuff they need. Just remember whos the boss, she might not like it, but she is trainable, babies need to be taught what to do, they don't get to decide whats best, and that goes for everything. You can change a child's habbit in 6 days if you are strict about it, and hang in there. That goes for sleeping and eating habits too. The key is persistance :thumbsup:

[joozi]

I put her on the boob and she just looked at it and cried. oh, I think she might have put it in her mouth and pretended to suck, then spat it out and cried. Pretty quickly escalated into screaming and tears. 35 minutes later she had 5 minutes... then more screaming. By 1pm she was yawning again and absolutely not interested in feeding. Put her in the hugabub and she started looking like wanting to eat so I took her out and she had another 5 minutes.

Now she's asleep again. Maybe I'm trying to make her eat and she's just not hungry?

oh here we go - she's awake again so maybe she is hungry (I would have thought so). This is really hard!


Hey Cosmic....
Sounds exactly like my DD1....I think they just get so frustrated because they're not getting their fill, that they start to associate the boob with that frustration and then it's a viscious circle - the more they fuss, the less they feed, the less they feed, the less we make and so on and so forth. All I can suggest is express, express express....feed feed feed........and try to hand express until you're letting down just before you put her on so she's getting something straight away. Again, just my 2 cents worth, take it or leave it!
I self diagnosed Eliza and myself with nipple/mouth thrush yesterday. Felt so bad, because when I went to the lactation session, the nurse saw that not only did she have thrush on her tonge but she also had excoriation at the top of her mouth, as well as having blistered lips from sucking so hard. Poor little thing must have been so uncomfortable, no wonder her latching on has been so poor. Anyway, I've been treating it for a couple of days now and her attachment and feeding has improved remarkably and she's settling a bit better too.

Queenie! - I second everything mumofnoah says!

Jo

[Scout]

And may I please be excused from teh weight loss group, I am in need of chocolate today :D

Of course you can, and I think that is only fair and reasonable that we go out in sympathy with you. I'm a big fan of one in, all in!

I think Emma has made some very good points!!! You work 24/7 in a physically, mentally and emotionally challenging job!

[the_queen]

LOL yes, of course, everyone should go off their diet for one day (or longer if you like!!) in sympathy for me :D

I'm even going to make a chocolate pudding tonight!!:chef:

[Missus S]

Queen - it may not be possible, but a great thing to do would be to give your DH the bub to look after for a whole day - then he may realise how much work it is and how hard it is to get housework done. I had a friend in a similar situation (where her hubby would whinge about housework not being done whilst he was at work) and once she left him with the baby for a day it made him realise exactly what goes on. And I'm sorry to hear that he won't help out with night feeds - I know plenty of men that do even though they work. You need your rest too!

Sounds like you are going to have a good talk about it, hope you get things sorted out :hugs:

[min]

Just a really quick post to say: I haven't been ignoring everyone!! I just got out of hospital (again) yesterday. Had to race in on Sunday with a fever and abdominal pains, and was admitted straight away. So I spent a fairly miserable 3 days there, hooked up to a drip with a horrible cocktail of antibiotics coursing into me. Phoebe was admitted as my "guest" - and thank God DH came up every evening to stay with us. The staff were wonderful, and I'm now feeling much, much better - but I could have done without the experience.

BTW - anyone experienced problems with feeding after taking antibiotics?? Phoeb has been really unsettled while feeding today, and my supply seems much lower (I am trying very, very hard not to panic.

Will return to catch up on posts later this evening ...

Min

[Bubble*Crazy]

Best of luck with things tonight, Queenie. Thinking of you and sending heaps of :hugs: to you.

I'm not the best on advice with things like this, but I truly hope you can sort things out :fingerscrossed: and don't forget you are doing a magnificent job of raising your cherubs & keeping everything else in order - don't let anyone else tell you otherwise. (He should count himself lucky with what you are doing - you wonder woman! My house surely aint getting the same treatment at the moment!!!!!)

And here's just a few more for you :hugs: :hugs:

[Scout]

Min - glad to hear that you are ok. Did they say what was wrong or was it just an infection? I was meant to be on anti-biotics after my little rush to hospital last week but forgot to get them - oops! So I can't help you there but if you are worried about your supply - feed as much as you can, take fenugreek tablets, get some Weleda Nursing Mothers Tea and eat porridge. They all help with quantity and most importantly, quality.

BTW - nice of them to let you have your guest stay with you :rolleyes:.

[Scout]

Scout - How fantastic are you, congratulations on being able to keep such a good milk supply. I know from experience how hard it is to have to express every feed, it's such an odd thing to have to do, and its so much extra effert to wash and seterilise etc. Well done, you are an awesome mum to be doing what you are doing :thumbsup:

Emma - I meant to acknowledge this when you wrote it but forgot (damn that post-natal drift!). Thanks very much for your words. I wish I could wear a t-shirt or sign around my neck saying "Yes, I am giving him breastmilk but it's from a bottle". Two weeks in a row, I've almost burst into tears at Mother's Group cause all the other girls are bf'ing and they must think that I am not. Unfortunately, I stupidly care what people think of me sometimes (yet I completely understand when someone else gives formula!). I don't really stop and congratulate myself for doing things the hard way. And you can see from my post above that I still have to get up in the middle of the night to get milk!!

[the_queen]

Scout I think I speak for everyone here when I say this: You are by far the hardest working feeder in the May Mummies group. Not only do you have the breastmilk side of things, but you have to wash and sterilise bottles too, you don't get to sleep through the night even though you're bottle feeding, you have all the hormonal shifts of breastfeeding but all the emotional side-effects of having to bottle-feed. It is only natural that you feel like people are judging you, but anyone who does judge you is an idiot.

I know the ABA make a t-shirt that says "I MAKE MILK" and on the back it says "WHAT'S YOUR SUPERPOWER?" Are you a member of the ABA? I know when I was having breastfeeding issues with Vallerie, I didn't join the ABA because, i don't know, i just felt like I wasn't a "true" breastfeeder - but in hindsight it would have been a fantastic support system for me, and I may well have continued past 15 weeks if I'd had their support. So if you haven't already joined them, my advice would be to give them a go.


Now, everybody, all together now, in a bit of a war-cry:

SCOUTY'S A LEGEND *clap clap, clap clap clap*

[HoopDeeDoo]

Scout - I had the same issues with with boys starting out so small about what people think. Thats the reason I didn't go to play group with Noah as a baby. People treat you like you've done something wrong when you have a prem baby, they look at me like I'm a drug addict or a smoker, and I just didn't want to deal with it, since both times I did everything I could to have a healthy baby. So good for you, and I really mean that. When I was expressing for Lachy it was so hard not to give up, and I only had to do it for a couple of weeks, you've been going strong for ages and I really admire you for that :yelclap: Although when I was doing it for Noah it didn't really bother me having to do it, maybe second time round you get a bit slack about things :p

[cosmic]

SCOUTY'S A LEGEND *clap clap, clap clap clap*
What she ^ said. :D
I meant to say what Emma said too... my hat is off to you Scout. You're a champion for fully expressing. Now remind me (postnatal drift - you understand) what is the reason for the expressing? I only ask because I'm wondering if it's temporary and you can try to get him on the boob later or is this to be a permanent arrangement? I hope there's a way for you to transition him onto the boob but either way, you are doing such a fantastic thing for him. :yelclap:

Thanks for the advice re: Annabelle, Em and Jo. Last night she was unsettled again but went on to feed for about 15 minutes (only 40 minutes of crying this time) then went to sleep like an angel at 9pm and when she got up at 1am for her feed she was perfect! So far today no problems at all and I am having much better luck with getting her to stay longer on one side. The bizarre thing is that she now seems to be favouring the right side when she has always preferred the left side. Weird!

Min, I'm so sorry you've been unwell. I don't know about antibiotics except that they can cause thrush which passes from baby's mouth to your nipple and back. If it's in Phoebe's mouth it can cause feeding to be painful for her so she'll be unsettled. You will see white spots on the inside of her cheeks, lips, gums etc but other than that, I'm not sure. Perhaps it is changing the taste of your milk.?? As for the supply thing, don't just assume the milk is lower if your boobs are softer - that is pretty normal I think. I used to really worry about that too but they can be soft and still have plenty of milk in them. And she is much better at getting it out than you are, so if you can't express any out it also doesn't mean there's nothing in there. I know how you feel though - when Anna is unsettled and won't feed I really stress about her not getting enough or me not producing enough! If you're concerned, maybe pump some - that way you will have it on hand if she really won't drink from your boob and also help to keep your supply up.

Queenie - how did you go last night?

[sweetangel2811]

Hey guys,

Am trying to rushg this post in, as Nic seems to have a radar for when I am on the pooter - wakes up almost instantly!!!

Queen - gee whiz...I don't even know where to begin! I second all that everyone else has said. I am always a big proponent for trying to work things out rather than just walking away. These are incredibly selfish comments though and I appluad you for not letting them just go this time!! For some reason guys just don't seem to 'get it' that yes - they do go to work for 8 hours, but that you arer also working at that time too!! not to mention waaaay into the night etc. My friends dh keeps saying things like she has it easy etc, but she reminds him not to minimise what she does.

As for not waking him up - what exactly does he want you to do about curtis, who has his own mind and will cry not matter how nicely you ask him not to!!! Aside from taping his mouth shut for crying out loud!!!!

Tell your dh to stop thinking about himself and if he doesn't have anything helpful to say, then he should shut his mouth till he does. And as for making his lunches - he has two hands- he can make his own! you have two children - not three!

Cosmic - i am so sorry you are having such a trouble with feeding. i know how frustrating and sometimes devastating it can feel when they just won't feed - let us know what the aba say. it does sund as though you have good supply though. i have read that if yu express 75ml, then you can reasonably expect that bubs will get about 100ml, cause they are so much more efficient than any pump. (scout - imagine how much sax would be getting if iyu were bf-ing!!!!)

As for the immunisations thing - thanks for posting that link - was extremely interesting to read!!! Iam not sure that i wouldn't take himthough, i think the brainwashing from the govt has been too effective!!

min - no idea about the anti-b thing, but agree with scouts comments on increasing your supply. also - drink a tall glass of water before and during a feed to promote let down too. If you keep putting bubs to the boob too, or expressing as much as possible, then the brain continues to think it has to produce milk, and will supply more.

Had an exciting moment last night! nicholas was laying on my chest and decided to prop himself up on his forearms for a good 20-30 secs!!! I was so proud of him!!!

I am so sorry - but i have to jet again!! nic's radar has just gone off again!!!!

Will try and get on again this arve.

K

[the_queen]

update on my stupid situation:
He managed to avoid a discussion last night by getting home at 10:30pm. This morning he let me and Curtis sleep in (unheard of!!) he even got Vallerie breakfast (again, unheard of!!!) so obviously he doesn't want to talk about things. But stuff him, he's going to talk about it whether he likes it or not!!!

[stellaj]

thats so inmature of him Queen, what did he say he was doing last night?

You girls are so good at giving advice, i can't add anything!

Scouty i totally second everything the others have said, so many ppl would have given up on BF by now if they were you, what a good mumma you are. Sorry we missed you yesterday we had a good time and the babies were angels. Actually i am going to extend this clap to all of us and say we are all brillant despite what we think or feel sometimes and the problems we are encountering. Soooo,
CLAP, CLAP TO ALL US BRILLANT WONDERFUL MUMMIES :smiliedance: :yelclap:

I met Lee, Marie-Jo's baby yesterday and he is soooo cute.

talk later

[the_queen]

CLAP, CLAP TO ALL US BRILLANT WONDERFUL MUMMIES


HERE HERE :yelclap: :yelclap: :yelclap: :yelclap:

[the_queen]

oh and Mel, he said he was working - but he came straight inside and got straight in the shower and then went straight to bed. I don't even care what he was doing, I just wish he'd grow the hell up and sit down and sort all this out with me!!

[Marie-Jo]

This morning he let me and Curtis sleep in (unheard of!!) he even got Vallerie breakfast (again, unheard of!!!)

Queen - Obviously he had second thoughts...he might have realised that you are doing a fantastic job and that he's been unreasonable. Don't give up though. You should have that discussion no matter what. Sending you :hugs:

Scout - I was really sad not to see you and Saxon yesterday. Hopefully we will catch up before you leave us to go to Sydney. How about we do it again next week. It feels so good to get out of the house and just chat about our bub. Oh and BTW you are FANTASTIC. Keep doing the good work with expressing. :yelclap:

[Scout]

:o :o Shucks, I don't know what to say, Mel said it when she said we all experience our own problems so we all deserve a big, big clap.

Cosmic - short answer as to why I'm expressing. Breast refusal by Saxon - his breathing difficulties and jaundice in the first week meant that he needed fluids so it was given to him by bottle. No one wants to work hard for their food when they've had it poured down their throat to start with!

Mel & Marie-Jo - sorry about not being able to get there yesterday! It was just all too much with having to feed, express and having a sick DP.

Emma - I'm appalled that people treat you differently for having a prem baby!! Do they think you want to bring on labour early for the fun of it??? Shocking.

Queen - I should join the ABA particularly cause they are just down the road from me. I keep meaning to go into their shop.

Bugger - little guy waking up for food. Sorry for those who I've missed, I'll try and get back on later.

xx

[pookiesossige]

WOW I have missed tonns of posting! It's been crazy here and DH was home yesterday (sick... apparently!!) and he wouldn't get off the 'puter for me! Damn that Medieval Total War or whateva it's called :rolleyes:

Queen- I just want to say that ever since I saw one of your posts for the first time when I was new (here are some key words= cat, Treseme, bath) you have been an inspiration to me- and I don't mean that I started bathing my cat (even though that wasn't you!). Your determination to do what's right for Vallerie and Curtis is what will guide you through these tough times. Even though things may have calmed right down there now, and DH may have backed off a bit to avoid a confrontation, I'm hoping you get things sorted so that your don't need to live with such huge resentment and anger.. I felt so angry :mad: when I read what you have had to put up with. You deserve better and I hope that the two of you sort things out.

[Bubble*Crazy]

Queen- I just want to say that ever since I saw one of your posts for the first time when I was new (here are some key words= cat, Treseme, bath) you have been an inspiration to me- and I don't mean that I started bathing my cat (even though that wasn't you!). Your determination to do what's right for Vallerie and Curtis is what will guide you through these tough times. Even though things may have calmed right down there now, and DH may have backed off a bit to avoid a confrontation, I'm hoping you get things sorted so that your don't need to live with such huge resentment and anger.. I felt so angry :mad: when I read what you have had to put up with. You deserve better and I hope that the two of you sort things out.

Well said, Emma. As I said yesterday, I'm no good at providing advice in these situations, but that is spot on.

[Bubble*Crazy]

Scout (or anyone else for that matter!) - just wondering if you are actually steralising all your bottles and equipment? All the professionals here (ie hospitals, CHN, Dr etc) are advising you no longer need to and hot, soapy water (ie your normal dishes water) followed with a rinse under clean hot water is all you need as products such as Milton don't kill the bacteria they originally claimed they did! They've also suggested not using the plastic steralise systems (microwave) as the plastic when heated (sorry, don't quote me, but something like this) gives off toxic fumes which contaminate the bottles etc.

I've spoken to others (friends) who say this is what they've been told, but I'd just be interested to see if anyone has heard the same, or received any other advice.

[stellaj]

My midwife rang me today to see how i was going ( i had the same middy all my apptments) and talked for about 45 minutes, i was very impressed- she was so lovely. I realised i had been using her like a counsellor talking about just about everthing except the baby and i miss seeing her, do you think that is weird?

[the_queen]

Not weird Mel. I had the same MW through the pregnancy, she came to my house and would have delivered Curtis at home if I'd stayed there, she came with us to the hospital and delivered him there instead, she came to see us the next day at home, she visited once a week for the first 4 weeks. So I haven't seen her now for a couple of weeks. And I miss her!


Thanks for your support about my "situation" everyone :kiss::kiss:


Oh, and the sterilising breastpump stuff? I have to admit, I've pumped a few times now, and I haven't sterilised any of it. Just washed it in hot soapy water, rinsed in hot water, and left it to air dry. I wish I had a dishwasher (I AM the dishwasher :p) but yes apparently if you use a dishwasher, then after it comes out of there it is sterilised.

[Missus S]

Hi Everyone,

Had to take Gemma to see a Doctor today as we noticed a soft lump on the back of her head when we were bathing her last night. The Doctor said that it is a haematoma (a collection of blood) and that it could have happened from the birth. Although it is quite strange to appear now 7 weeks after her birth. He said that it should disappear within a week (it gets reabsorped by the body). When I came home from the Doctor's I researched a bit about haematoma's on the internet and just about every result come up with 'Shaken Baby Syndrome'.....so now I'm feeling a bit upset that they may think I've done something to Gemma :no: How awful

I hope she's OK. She's gone a little bit off her food today as well which has got me worried. I'll just have to keep a close eye on her. :(

I think this is going to be one of the toughest things with parenting...when your baby is ill and you worry sick over them.

[Scout]

Missus S - I'm sure if your doctor said the bruising was probably associated with birth then that is what he was thinking and what he meant. I'm sure there would have been other signs if you were mistreating Gemma. You have nothing to worry about!!! :hugs:

Ah Queen - cats, Tresemme, hair dryers......it's all bringing back memories of killing myself laughing for about 3 days. :laughing:

Mel - not weird about using your mw as a counsellor. I'm sure that you need it right now - what a huge adjustment it would be to have two to look after! And good on you for realising that you are "using" her like that - perhaps some talk therapy with a professional might be a good idea?

Mummyto2 - Bottles are always rinsed immediately in cold water and then later washed in hot soapy water, boiled for 5-10 minutes and then put into a container that I keep in the fridge. Apparently the electric sterilisers are ok but the ones used in the microwave to do not sterilise the bottles evenly therefore some bacteria may remain. Sterilising in boiling water is sufficient from what I've heard from a number of people. I'm actually happy for Saxon to get a few little bugs, eat dirt, live in a house with pets etc cause it will build up his immune system.

Has anyone had their 6 week check up at the obstetrician's? I did today and my body has returned to normal etc but the examination was a little painful....don't think I'll be rushing into making the next baby anytime soon!

[Mum-of-Preston]

keep putting her back on the same side. You should continue to let down (I have to relax, concentrate and think gooey loving baby thoughts whilst looking at bubby sometimes to get a let down!) and you'll ensure that she's getting the hindmilk that will hopefully fill her up and help her settle better.


My son is the same he kinda snacks (5 mins) so I was puting him back on the same side to empty that boob but when I went to see the health nurse for his first check-up she told me to not worry about foremilk and hindmilk and to keep swopping sides. He has put on 1 kilo in 3 weeks so it must have been working fine the way I was doing it and he may end up losing weight if I keep swopping sides.
I was wondering are you supose to feel the let down of the hindmilk? And also can you feel that the boob is empty without having to touch it to feel it? It's just I don't seem to feel anything?

Preston seems to be getting a bit of reflux starting. He's not really being sick but the horrible taste and burn in his mouth wakes him up every half hour or so, and as you can imagine were not getting much sleep. I've elivated his bassinette with blankets under his mattress but it doesn't seem to make any difference, the only time he sleeps well is on me or propped up on a pillow on the couch. I feel terrible as I suffered greatly with reflux at the end of my pregnancy. We have given him some Marina mixture which has helped with his wind but it doesn't seem to help the reflux. I have bought some reflux milk formula which I plan to give him tonight at his 12am feed and hopefully that will help him sleep through the night. It is supose to thicken up in the stomach to stop it from coming back up? I don't want to have to stop breastfeeding but how bland do I have to make my food? It's difficult to cook meals when I have to avoid a lot of things such as Capsicums I have that in most of my meals. I would a ppreciate any advice or help with this.
Donz

[Mum-of-Preston]

Scout
if you dont mind me asking but what do they do at the 6 week check up?
Donz

[Mum-of-Preston]

Hi Guys,
I did post here yesterday but I noticed both my and Donna-Maree's posts disappeared so not sure what happened there.....anywayz!


My post also disapeared, i think it was because i commented on a brand of nappies that i wasn't happy with, that gave Preston a rash.

Sorry so many posts in one go but i finally caught up on the threads although i havent had a chance to join the weight loss thread yet as I'm not getting enough sleep as yet to even think about dieting. Chocolate is the only thing that gets me through at the mo. I've managed to drop 10 kilo without trying just think what i could've done if i did try! Will join you ladies real soon.
D

[joozi]

Hey guys....

It's 8.30pm....I'm sitting up with my 9yo DD and waiting for my 11yo DS who's at a disco and won't be home til after 10 while Eliza and DP are asleep! Whats wrong with this picture???? :no: Ah well, I did tell him to go sleep, as he seems to be suffering worse than me at the mo. Even though my sleep is broken, I'm sleeping so much better when I do sleep that I'm not feeling too bad, certainly not as bad as what I felt being pregnant!

Eliza put on 250gms this week despite the thrush and latching on problems, so was happy with that.

Donz: It was a lactation centre and also my midwife that told me to make sure I feed from one side, and about the whole hindmilk thing. And from experience (with my DD#1), constantly swapping did nothing but drop my milk supply and make bubby lose weight. But.....you've just got to do whats right for you and whats working for you and your bubby. ( If I'm sounding preachy to anyone, please feel free to tell me to shut up!)

In regards to let down...yeh, I can usually feel the initial couple of let downs and can see/hear when Eliza starts to seriously 'gulp' it down. I seem to have a really good milk supply this time, I'm so lucky - I'm drinking a lot of water and making sure I have my porridge every morning ;) I don't feel a distinct 'hindmilk' let down. It's just a let down, and they keep coming in waves for as long as she stays effectively sucking, even when my boob feels soft and empty (if that makes sense). I'm a bit tired now, I may well be babbling .... sorry if I am... :ecomcity: Um...yes, reflux....you poor thing, I can't give any advice there, except to say that you sound like you're doing all the right things and I hope the feed thickener works for you. Let us know how it goes.....

DP and Eliza are now both up....;) Better go...

Jo

[cosmic]

Hi all..

will post properly tomorrow but just popping in to say the ECHN visited again today and did Annabelle's 6wk check while she was here (even though she's only 5wks - just coz they are busy and she won't get back next week). Everything is fine except she is still concerned about her weight and her fussy feeding. She keeps mentioning the dreaded Formula (I am a strong advocate for exclusive BF whenever possible) and as nice as she is, she acts like she is doing me a favour by 'holding off' on pushing formula. I told her I will express all day and night if I have to, before I put her on formula but she keeps making comments about her nutrition and her brain development. Bloody scaremongering if you ask me. :mad:

Having said that, it makes me really worried about Anna, and about feeding in general. Right now she is sleeping soundly but I am about to wake her up and feed her because I'm afraid it's been too long between feeds (5 hrs because we went out and interrupted her sleep) and because she won't have had 6 feeds in a day (I do believe that is important for supply..?).

She is putting on an average of 17-20g a day (more the lower end) so about 120-130g a week? Not much I know, but at least it is going up, not down - and she has plenty of wet nappies, she sleeps well etc. There is just this issue of fussing at the breast which I guess could genuinely be because she isn't getting enough to eat. Poor bubba. :( But surely expressing and topping up is a FAR better option than even thinking about formula which is only going to lead to more supply issues! I have started giving her top up feeds and that is really reassuring. I just always end up feeling more stressed every time the bloody ECHN has been to visit. :(

ok.. enough self-absorbed ranting from me. Promise I'll reply to others tomorrow... now I need to go and wake my soundly sleeping baby... :thumbsdown:

[cosmic]

Far out - well she continued to refuse to feed and I ended up on the phone to Tresilian at 3am this morning. Thank goodness I had expressed before going to bed so I had about 80ml to give her. Scouty - I feel your pain. Breast refusal is heartbreaking. I was so torn about whether to give her the bottle since it will make it worse, but I can't let her starve either.

Long story short - it looks like I definitely have supply problems so I will getting me one of them electric pumps to try to build it up (and feed my baby!) and getting something from the GP to increase supply too. One consolation for me was that after she had a drink from the bottle and was less stressed, she went back on the boob for about 5min before dozing off.

The Tresilian woman had no counselling skills whatsoever.
Me: "But if I give her EBM in a bottle, is there a chance she'll never go back to the boob again?"
Her: "Oh yes, that's a possibility. I've definitely seen that happen".
Me: :crying:

Lovely. It's 3am, I'm in tears, my baby is screaming in the background. Way to reassure me.

So she is back in bed - I have just finished pumping what will hopefully be enough for another feed if she doesn't go back on the boob when she wakes up and I will be pumping madly to keep ahead of feeds this weekend until I can get the supply back up and *hopefully* satisfy her with the boob.

:( :( :(

[Scout]

Oh Cosmic......:hugs:. Is there someone else you can deal face to face with rather than over the phone? Is there an ABA branch in Sydney or an LC from your hospital. DO NOT give up yet, you are just probably going to need some help with it. What about calling one of the counsellors from the ABA in the meantime - you don't have to be a member.

If you down the pump path, get the one I've got - it's a Whittlestone. I'll try and dig up some info today and call the lady that I got it from.

You'll be ok, Chicky!

(I hope that I have made sense - I've just woken up, expressing and have a crying baby that I had to hand off to DP.)

[the_queen]

C :hugs: from me too. Geez, I thought those tresillian counsellors at least did a day-course in tect and sensitivity!! And the ECHN - talking about brain development, well duh isn't breastmilk better than formula for that?? (I don't say that to make FF mums feel bad - but whatever method we use to feed our baby, we all agree that breastmilk is best if we can do it, right?) Hope you get something good to build up your supply. If I could send some of my milk over to you, I would. :hugs:

[the_queen]

Missus S - you and Gemma are in my thoughts, I'm sure she'll be fine :hugs:

[Lambie]

Hi all,

Is anyone familiar with milk blisters and their treatment? I think I have one which is causing a bit of grief.

Also, keep your chin up Cosmic, my thoughts are with you and your bub:hugs:

[stellaj]

Sorry you're having a rough time Cosmic- damn those boobies. I'm very lucky to have a very greedy baby and an oversupply of milk. :hugs: I hope you come up with a solution that works for you and anna.

gotta go to a 5 year old's birthday party now:thumbsdown: the last thing i feel like doing really!

have a good weekend beautiful mums and spunky bubs.

[Billy]

Well I had my first full night without Rhianna last night!
It was my little brother's 21st birthday drinks at the local tavern and my mum babysat the whole night :eek:

I was a little scared, but I was also looking forward to having some alone time with DH- everything went well ( she was an angel all night for grandma go figure :rolleyes: ) and DH and I were intimate for the first time since her birth (sorry if TMI)... Now THAT I was scared about because of second degree stitches :eek: but am happy to report that everything still works as well as before!! So happy about that... heard so many horror stories

Cosmic- sorry about the hard time you're having- keep at it I'm sure things will improve :hugs: and some of those people definately should not be giving advice over the phone to distraught mothers. GRRRR!!!

We had heaps of probs as well- one night she fed for 4 hours straight then slept for an hour and was back on for another hour and a half... it was like nothing was ever enough and it was totally draining.... So we started topping up on formula, but it seems Rhianna is lactose intolerant and is on special formula mostly now (one breast feed a day) and as much as I felt horrible about it to begin with, she seems so much happier now.

Well I hope everyone is having a good weekend!
Belinda xo

Me 23
DH 28
DD 10/05/06

[Scout]

Cosmic - I couldn't get onto the lactation consultant that rents me my expresser today but as I sit here and express there is a sticker on the case with info!!

Whittlestone Unipulse Breast Expresser Rental and Sales - 1800 007 578

If you want to see what the expresser looks like, go to: www.whittlestone.com It is a US site though.

If you want to keep the supply up, let me assure you this machine is the ticket. Pinky McKay said on her website that this machine could get milk out of a rock.

You don't have to do anything with the above but there is all the info, just in case.

My DP goes away tomorrow morning for 8 days. Gaahhhhhh - I'm crapping myself. I think little dude is going to be sleeping in bed with me a lot in the name of peace and quiet.

[cosmic]

Thanks everyone and Scouty - that's great thanks! Good luck with hubby being away. God, I'd **** myself too. :eek: I feel embarrassed by how reliant I am on mine - even on the weekdays!!

Got to go - will hopefully be back for longer tomorrow (or is that today :rolleyes: ) but on the whole things are looking up. She's taking the boob. *big sigh of relief* I'm still going to treat it as a supply issue and top her up with EBM until I get more milk. If it's not a supply issue, I figure I can't do any harm by increasing it for now... can I?

Pump is calling me.. and so is bed!

[Lambie]

Hi all,

I originally joined the Bub Hub forum last year during my pregnancy, and since I have posted a few replys in this thread in the past few days, thought I should formally re-introduce myself.:wave:

My name is Sonia and I am a first time Mummy to my adorable daughter Emily Alesha. She was born on the 03/05/06 and weighed a tiny 5Ibs 4oz's. My DH Jason and I live in Brisbane and have been in this country for 7 1/2 years (ex NZer's).

I look forward to more happy posting in this thread...:smiliedance:

[Scout]

Hi Sonia - welcome again (formally :laughing:). Emily was a little one! How much does she weigh now? My little guy was 6lb 6oz but we have found that he has very quickly caught up!

Well it's just after 12.00pm and I've eaten & had coffee (at a cafe), been for a walk (to the cafe), had a shower, washed & dried my hair, expressed twice, done a load of washing and tidied the house somewhat - all on my own!!! And yes, Saxon was at home with me!

It was very exciting this morning cause he batted the toys on his bouncy chair and managed to entertain himself for a good 10 minutes! Ahhhh, 6 weeks old and so grown up already. :laughing:

[tickle]

Hi everyone.
Sorry it's been so long. My DH has been in Perth for two weeks and my computer decided to die half way.:( He got in this morning and fixed it in a flash.
Hope everyone is going well with their bubs. Amelia is growing like a champ, her reflux seemed to get better (she was still spewing but not crying as much), but it has become a problem again unfortunately.
I have developed mastitis which is making me feel like cr@p. I'm so glad DH came home today, I just wouldn't have coped otherwise. I'm quite proud of the way I handled things with the 2 of them while he was gone. It was definately challenging and we missed him like crazy but I could do it.
Anyway, enough rambling. I'll try and get back and read all the posts. Have a great Sunday afternoon!:)

[pookiesossige]

...She's taking the boob. *big sigh of relief* I'm still going to treat it as a supply issue and top her up with EBM until I get more milk. If it's not a supply issue, I figure I can't do any harm by increasing it for now... can I?

Yay! :fingerscrossed: that things have got better even since you posted this, Cosmic. Nup, no harm getting that supply nice and strong at this stage, as far as I know anyway!

[pookiesossige]

It was very exciting this morning cause he batted the toys on his bouncy chair and managed to entertain himself for a good 10 minutes! Ahhhh, 6 weeks old and so grown up already. :laughing:

That's so cool Scout! I remember Ronan doing the same thing, and how I used to put him under his playgym thing on the floor, but with Ariene I don't know how to keep her safe from Ronan, so she just lives in the HAB or someone's arms when she's not sleeping or feeding. Poor thing hasn't really had a stretch ever!
I have just set up a play pen thing to fence off an area for her but in 10 mins Ronan: 1) threw all his metal cars in at top speed 2) shook the sides and whipped out the mat that was spread out inside the playpen screaming cos he couldn't get them out and 3) worked out how to climb in :eek: .

My next-door neighbours are always telling me that newborns are 'tonka tough', that they can't be hurt and not to be too soft ect, but as I'm sure most of you new mums out there understand, I go cold when I see what potential there is for disaster. Ariene being my 2nd baby makes no difference to me... Any one else in a similar predicament? How are you going with Noah, Emma?

[Missus S]

Hi Sonia :wave: Emily is a real cutie.

Cosmic - so glad to hear that Annabelle is back on the boob. I tell ya, I don't understand why nature makes birth and breastfeeding so damn hard :rolleyes:

Went out for a fantastic dinner last night for my birthday which was lovely. My parents in law came over to babysit Gemma. She is doing really well, she still has the big lump on the back of her head but she seems quite OK. We are getting more and more smiles out of her now which are almost getting her to a giggling stage.

I'm gonna stay up late tonight to try watch the Socceroos game....so will be pretty tired tomorrow :sleeping:

[the_queen]

ooh yes the socceroo's, I've given Curtis stern instructions that he is to ensure his "midnight-ish" feed begins at 1am tonight :laughing: :laughing: :laughing:

(now you watch, because I actually WANT to be awake at 1am, he'll sleep for 7 hours straight tonight......)


(not that I'd knock back 7 hours straight sleep!!!)

[cosmic]

Queenie - DH has given Annabelle the same instructions. :D

Thanks everyone.. we are still supplementing but I want to keep bottles to a minimum. Today was looking ordinary (but if I can get her on the boob for even 5 minutes I feel relieved that she isn't rejecting it completely!) but at lunchtime after an hour of screaming and me refusing to give her a bottle she attached and drank from one side for 20 whole minutes. :eek: I swear she hasn't drunk for that long at a stretch since we left the hospital!! I don't know what caused it but I hope it lasts - and preferably without the hour of screaming as a prelude. :rolleyes:

Scouty - good for you. Sounds like a fantastic day all round! :thumbsup:

And HL - I was wondering about you. I'm so sorry things have been cr*p for you. I hope it gets better. Thank goodness for T coming home - that will make such a difference. Get some rest and take care of yourself and that baby. We miss you.

Welcome Sonia.

Hi to everyone else. Got to go again...

[saara]

Hello everyone,

Hope things are going well for you all. I haven't managed to get on here for a while and there is a lot of catching up to do! I hope its ok for me to join in here, even though Cody ended up being born in June!

Well, I had a lot of supply problems with my milk as well, maybe something to do with having a ceasarian? My poor boy was so hungry all the time and losing weight, so I tried expressing and I was only getting 50ml out of both sides. So I started topping up with formula as I didn't want him to starve, but that made my milk supply drop even more. So, he's now a ff baby. I felt so bad and cried for days, but at least now he is putting on weight and sleeping a lot better as well. Maybe I gave up too easily, but its working for us.

Anyway, must run, he's crying for a feed!

Saara

[HoopDeeDoo]

Cosmic- Glad to hear things are looking a bit better. It doesn't matter if you have too much milk, except it can get uncomfortable, you can always express and freeze the excess if Anna doesn't empty your boob while eating, and then you've got spare for later if you need it. Anna was was a big baby to start with so of course she's not going to put on as much wieght as a smaller baby. My friend's little girl started out at nearly 9 pound, and she is now nearly twelve months, and only weighs 8 kilo. Noah was 5 lb 4 and he was 12 kilos ate the same age. Every baby is different, and like you said as long as she has wet nappies and is happy then it doesn't matter. Thats why I prefer to go to my GP instead of the CHC because the nurses make you worried over nothing, and create insecurities JMO

Sonia - my first was 5 lb 4, and #2 was 4 lb 7, so I know whats it's like to have a tiny baby, I know Noah caught up extreemly quickly, and over compensated for starting out so small, and Lachy is catching up very quickly, I suspect he will be double his birthwieght this week.

Emma - your post is like reading something I would write (with the same name too) things could get very confusing :laughing:
I'm so paranoid about Noah hurting Lachy, he's gentle at the moment, but like Ronan he likes to share toys, and he would figure out a play pen very quickly. I've been thinking the same things, Noah used to lye in his play gym all the time, but I'm too scared to put Lachy in it while Noah is around. Hopefully I'll get my HAB this week, I think it will be very handy

HL- hope you feel better soon, mastitus is really yucky, I had it when I was feeding Noah, all I wanted to do was lye on the couch and cry :crying:

My DH is away this week too, I'm missing him already my bed was very cold last it's FREEZING here brrrrr. I'm so lucky though my best friend who is also my brother's partner has taken the week off to hang with me, which was really sweet of her. I love her to death but she's a very strong personality so hope it goes smoothly, and we don't get sick of each other :p

[Missus S]

I finally had a chance to checkout some online photo albums today - what gorgeous bubs everyone!! :yelclap:

Tam - have you done one yet?

Pretty tired today from watching the soccer and I think we may have messed up Gemma's sleeping pattern from giving her a 3am feed. She hasn't slept at all today bar 20 mins where I gutsed down some lunch! So here I am typing one handed.

Just found out some friends of mine in Melbourne just had a baby girl 2 hours ago who was 10 days overdue - they'll be so happy she's finally arrived! :D

[pookiesossige]

Hi Emma, yeah the HAB should help out. The days I use it I have a lot less crying to deal with and most of the jobs get done :thumbsup:

Have had a fantastic day- Ronan in a great mood and I hired an auto-swing for Ariene to help with sleep/settling in these early days and for when I need to stick her somewhere while I put Ronan in bed/grab something off the stove, that kind of thing. It puts her to sleep in about 10 seconds flat! I feel like I'm cheating big time- but it's not something for older babies: I'm not going to have a one-year-old who won't sleep in anything but her automatic swing:laughing:

[KarniF00l]

I know it's a tad late but i thought i'd jump on the band wagon :laughing:


Hi All !!!!! :wave:

[pookiesossige]

Missus S- Gorgeous avatar! what a beautiful smile- my new pic is of Ariene smiling at an old workmate when I visited the office the other day, but she hasn't done a 'real one' like that since:rolleyes:

And congrats to your friends :)

Welcome Lauren!! :wave:

[Bubble*Crazy]

Hi everyone!

Well it's all or nothing for me, it seems!!!! It's taken me a while to catch up on posts since I last checked in ... I had my weekend away from my Little Man but I'm can report all went well with us all. I'm now glad I went to spend some time with just DD (and DP) and to also perve on some pretty spunky AFL players up close & personal!

Sorry, but there's waaaay too many posts for me to acknowledge everyone personally but I hope you're all well.

Cosmic - glad things are starting to improve - hope all works out as I know how set you are on BF - but Emma has a great point - Anna was a big baby, so may not need as much as other babies. Sometimes I questions what some CHN think/say :rolleyes:

Missus S - I'm such a procrastinator (sp) when it comes to these album thingy's (:o) - I've signed up with several different ones and have done bits & pieces & am then not happy with it, so go onto another one (a bit like my house & life at the moment - can't keep focused on 1 thing at a time!). But, I'm hoping to get something sorted very soon! I promise! Hey, did you have one - sorry, but can't remember? Hope all's going well with Gemma & the FF :D

Welcome KarniF00l :wave:

Emma - glad you're having a fantastic day - we all deserve these! And, NO WAY are you cheating - you do what works for you & bub and the easiest way possible!

Well, on the Ethan front, he was soooooooooo great last night (sorry, I know some of you hate me for how good a baby he really is at the best of times), but he went 8.5 hours between feeds & had a good 7 hours sleep in a row !!!!!!! We just need to delay it from starting at 6.30pm (to around 10-10.30pm) and we'll be nearly getting unbroken sleep.

Anyway, must run as have to pick up DD from school.

Take care all
Tam

ps - I have restarted my 'weight-loss plan' this week, so I'll get on board the other thread again too

pps - anyone heard from Sheree, thought she would have been back by now?

[Bubble*Crazy]

Wow, Lauren - just realised you've had #4 - a huge congrats to you. We'll sure be seeking some advice from you, I reckon!!!

[KarniF00l]

Thanx for the warm welcome mummyto2 :hugs:

Okay so i've got a question for you all.. are any of the new bubbies sleeping a full night ?? If so, do you allow them to ?

Dakota is 5wks and for a little over a week now she's been sleeping almost a full nighter.. her last feed is at 10-10:30pm and then wakes up for a feed between 6 and 7 sometimes 8ish - 9ish. She hasn't lost any weight due to this as she is making up for it during the day having feeds every 2 1/2 - 3 hours, sometimes even 4 hours. See i don't seem to mind that, this way i get my full nights sleep. :laughing:

Another thing is, my other bubs did the same thing.. sleeping full nights within no time.

So anyway.. here's the moral to the post. The MCHN seems to think it's not a very good idea :rolleyes: and didn't state any reason as to why she would think this. I mean Dakota is happy and isn't losing weight so why not ????? And then i think, it didn't do any harm to the others !!!!


What do you guys think about this ?? any opinions ect welcome.

[Bubble*Crazy]

Dakota & Ethan were born 2 days apart!:hugs:

There is NO WAY (:no: !!!) I would be waking Ethan up if he is sleeping through, putting on weight and happy and contented. Exactly my point before about why sometimes I just don't get some comments etc made by CHN:rolleyes: !!! I would think if you wake them during the night they'd also develop that habit & continue to do so... why would you do it to yourself. Sure, if they weren't putting on weight & had problems, I definately would wake them for a feed if it was going to help. But not if they are happy, content & putting on weight.

Is Dakota a FF baby? Just interested due to the big sleeps. When I put DD on formula at 9 weeks she pretty much went from waking for feeds every 2-3 hours (minimum!) to 7-9 hours straight!!! I had to gave up BF Ethan at only 5 days as it just wasn't working & wasn't going to go thru another 9 week 'ordeal' like I did with Tayla, but a positive is how much more content they are (well, mine are anyway) and how well they sleep.

The closest I've had to a 'full night' from Ethan was last night (the 6.30-3am feeds), though he's had a few 7 hours, but still at the wrong time of the night! I'm working on the time frame now!!! He too sometimes reduces his 4 hourly feeds to anywhere between 2 & 4 hours - he normally has 2 feeds between 4.30pm & 7pm and then goes off to bed. We just need to delay this a few hours & we'll get our full nights sleep :smiliedance:. Saying that though, I'm not complaining about my usual 1 feed during the night.

[stellaj]

Hi Lauren:wave: welcome. There would be no way i would wake Luca up if he slept through, i would thank my lucky stars bugger what the MCHN said as long as she isnt losing weigh or anything. Whareabouts do you live?

Kinder holidays and only Day One :eek: Caught the train to go to the bank for something to do today, Connor loved it.

Tam- Is Ethan always a good sleeper or was it a one off? I think Sheree should be back from her holiday any day, a week she said it was i think

Emma- its freezing here too, i hate cold weather and it is so much harder to think of things to do with the boy.

write later

[stellaj]

tam- you are psychic and answered amy q's while i was posting.

[KarniF00l]

mummyto2 - Dakota is FF.. has been since 2wks old. I think im at my wits end with MCHN's .. i never seem to have very good experiences with them :rolleyes:

Stellaj - Thanx darl :hugs: Im in the outter eastern burbs of melb, what about yourself ??

[min]

Aaarghh! Another useless post from me to say: I STILL haven't managed to read anything in over a week. Phoebe has been feeding like some kind of crazed miniature White Pointer the last couple of days. The 20 minutes between feeds have been devoted to going to the loo and eating ... (we haven't given her up for adoption yet, so she's obviously not pushing us completely over the edge). I am thus hopelessly out of touch! I'll try again tonight ...

[KarniF00l]

min - sounds like you need a strong coffee and lots of these :hugs: :hugs: :hugs:

[Lambie]

Hi all,

Emily had her 6 week check up today and she is growing very well. Her current weight is 3760gms (birth weight was 2455gms)...good old Mothers Milk!!:smiliedance:

But, the Pediatrician did advise that she has a heart murmur. He said it was only a small hole between the 2 chambers and in 80% of these cases the hole closes up before 12months. He said not to worry...HELLO!, first time anxious Mum here!!!! Has anyone ever heard of this, my impression was a heart murmur was something serious that needs special attention?

Welcome Lauren, my advice...let her sleep. My DD up to last Monday woke once during the night. But last week she slept right through giving me 8-9hours. Alas, this did not last very long and we have once again changed the routine to include a night feed!:thumbsdown:

[stellaj]

is Phoebe doing the thing where she flings her head from side to side as fast as she can trying in vain to bump into some boob? Luca cracks me up when he does that, he moves so fast get the rest of the time he's a slug.

Lauren- im in glen waverley, there's a few of us out this way.

[KarniF00l]

Welcome Lauren, my advice...let her sleep. My DD up to last Monday woke once during the night. But last week she slept right through giving me 8-9hours. Alas, this did not last very long and we have once again changed the routine to include a night feed!:thumbsdown:

thank-you!!! :hugs: Yeah after chatting to all you lovely bubhubbers ive decided to go with my gutt instinct on this one.. the MCHN can go jump :laughing:

stellaj - Awesome, i'm from around Knox.. so not far away.

[meljackson1]

Woo thanks Emma for re-directing me!
Cool new thread guys sorry it took so long for me to get up with it all.
i'll just paste what I said in my last post (in the when are you due thread)

Hi everyone. I hope you are all well. I came on in an effort to catch up on things but because I haven't been on in so long bub hub signed me out and I lost where I was up to in the posts damn it.
So now I have no chance.
Anyway.. time for a little brag about my Jazzi. She's an angel! I'm smitten as is her daddy.
As is everyone who looks at her. I guess she is absolutely beautiful. My DP and I can't beleive we created something so pretty!
She's a very very good sleeper providing it's in bed with me. She's good in her pram during the day but at night she won't sleep anywhere but in my arms in bed.
Therefore.. DP has been kicked out of the bed until further notice.
She's a pretty good eater too. I'm feeding her formula at every feed. All my breast milk dried up due to me not eating. I didn't realise you had to eat to produce milk. Wish i'd been warned.
She likes the formula though. It's good to see how much she's having. But the little darl has a sensitive stomach so she's on the expensive stuff! Nan 1HA GOLD. WOOO. $31.00 per tin (sarcasm)
She's doing well on it though. Put on 350g in a week.

Never knew I could love something so much!

Ahem.. excuse me ladies.
Nan 1HA Gold is only $22.00.
My mistake.

My DP is being an *** today. Doesn't beleive anything I say. Stupid man. Not my fault he didn't get enough sleep because of little Jaz. She can't help it if she's hungry the little sweetie.

Well I'm off to eat some Hungry Jacks. I'll be headed towards obesity in no time if we keep buying our dinner due to lack of time to prepare homemade tea.
What a mouthful. Bye. :wave:

[KarniF00l]

hi and welcome to the thread Mel.. im a newie too.. or maybe just slack :rolleyes:

I was going to say $31.00 for formula, where the hell do you get it from ?!!?!? :laughing:

I was about to suggest S-26 Gold lol Not to worry :hugs:

[the_queen]

FAK please excuse 1 hand typing

lambie my sister has heart murmer, doc told mum she would be "sickly, weak, low immune system" etc but that was the biggest load of bollocks!!! she was a tear-**** rough n tumble kid always climbing trees orrunning after the chooks, played heaps of sports, did girl guides, always went on every church camp and ended up asa youth leader on them when she was too old, she is still very energetic and "out there" and you'd never know there was ever antying "wrong" with her.

:D hope that puts ur mind at esae.


this msg took me abt 25 minutes to write lol

[Missus S]

Heh heh, yes the 1 handed typing aint easy. Thankfully, Gemma has finally decided to get some rest now :fingerscrossed: she stays down for longer than 20 minutes...she's just been a wriggle pop today!

Welcome Lauren :wave:

Emma - how fantastic that you managed to capture that fantastic smile of Ariene. The picture of Gemma in the avatar is actually her tongue sticking out, not a smile, take a look:

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j221/missuss/DSC03124.jpg

My camera sucks as it takes forever to capture a photo from the time that I push the button as the flash goes off about 20 times, so I keep missing the smiles. However, I've been getting lots of smiles lately whilst she's on the change table so I think I'll be keeping my camera up there for a while to try get some good smiley shots :D

Tam - no I haven't yet organised an online album. We have about 3 different cameras that we have shots on so all her piccy's are all over the place at the moment. I will have to organise it soon - its a great idea for family & friends who are interstate/overseas. You are such a lucky duck with Ethan sleeping so well. Gemma is pretty good too as we usually only get up once during the night now. I guess that's certainly one benefit with FF. I've just started adding some probiotics to Gemma's formula (I found some especially for infants in powder form and its lactose free too - she's on Soy formula as DH and I are both allergic to dairy) - apparently it makes their GI tract more like that of a breastfed baby and helps protect them from nasty gastro and rotavirus's etc.

Sonia - re the heart murmur, I agree with Queenie that's it shouldn't be a problem at all. I was diagnosed with one at an early age and my Mum was told it would only maybe be a problem when I get pregnant. Well, my OB couldn't even detect it anymore during my recent pregnancy so I must have grown out of it. Of course, some murmurs are a lot more milder than others & its natural for you to worry, but its generally nothing serious - just something a Doctor will pick up when listening to her heartbeat.

I have my first CYH appt tomorrow morning. I too have heard lots of bad stories about these nurses so it may be quite interesting. I'll be getting Gemma weighed which I haven't done for ages so will be interesting to see how big she now is.

[Bubble*Crazy]

I've just started adding some probiotics to Gemma's formula (I found some especially for infants in powder form and its lactose free too - she's on Soy formula as DH and I are both allergic to dairy) - apparently it makes their GI tract more like that of a breastfed baby and helps protect them from nasty gastro and rotavirus's etc.

Where do you get this from? Chemist only I assume? What is it called? ... Sorry - questions, questions, questions! :confused:



is Phoebe doing the thing where she flings her head from side to side as fast as she can trying in vain to bump into some boob? Luca cracks me up when he does that, he moves so fast get the rest of the time he's a slug.

Even though he's FF, Ethan does this too (not to mention, putting his hands in the way, but still expecting a bottle to get in there too!). It's quite cute, but can be frustrating if he won't 'latch' onto the teat properly. It must be a natural instinct they have?

Well, it's 9.30pm here as I'm posting, so I have :fingerscrossed: that all you eastern-staters are getting some well earned sleep at this point in time.

Take care all
Tam :)

[cosmic]

Hi all! :wave:

Sorry with all my feeding dramas I haven't been on much. Took me ages to catch up with you all and I'm sorry I won't remember everything to reply personally.

Thank you all for your words of support. I have decided to **** off the **** advice I got from the ECHN (excuse my language ;)). I'm fairly sure I do not have a supply issue - and if I did it is because I was following her "rule" about not feeding again within 2 hours. I am now offering Annabelle the boob every time she so much as frowns, pokes her tongue out, hell.. anytime she's awake basically! :laughing: And after a couple of hell days (screaming at every feed, refusing to feed etc) she is now taking it when she's hungry and politely declining when she's not.

It is SUCH a relief to have her feeding again. I decided she absolutely is not going to starve even if she does have a tantrum and miss a feed so on Sunday morning, I decided I would not cave and give her any more bottles of EBM and what do you know.. she's feeding fine (for now!). I actually think this was probably just a 6 week growth spurt and I got more stressed than usual because of all the scare tactics about her low weight gain and my possible "supply" issue.

Having said that, I did start on fenugreek and was expressing a fair bit and my boobs are much fuller already so perhaps that combined with the extra feeds I'm giving her remedied the problem.

Lauren - welcome! Nice to have you join us. I also don't think I would wake a sleeping baby if he is healthy and gaining weight. My ECHN started suggesting I wake Annabelle (she's a great night sleeper - has always only woken once during the night) and to be honest, even with her slow weight gain I have never done it. The truth is when she's not hungry, she won't drink anyway so I figure I need to trust her and follow her cues. It sounds like your bub is fine. And yes, the advice from some ECHN's is dodgy to say the least.

SAARA - I'm sorry that you really did have a supply issue. It is such a stressful thing when you are concerned you can't feed your baby. I'm pretty sure you would have had a mountain of advice (most of it conflicting if it's anything like the advice I've been getting) but I just want to say that seriously, my boobs are making more milk within a couple of days of expressing and taking Fenugreek. You can also get Motilium from the doc which apparently makes a dramatic difference to your supply in a matter of DAYS! I know you said your bub is happy on formula now - and believe me, I can relate to how much less stressful that would be for you and your baby - but I also firmly believe (and this is one of the sensible things my ECHN said to me) that formula is easier for the first 6 weeks but if you can get through that time, breastfeeding is MUCH easier in the longterm! It's so hard I know, and I don't want to cause you more stress than you've already had, but I believe if you want to BF and the only issue is supply, it can be pretty easily remedied. It might be tough getting bub back on the boob, but that can also be done. Skin to skin contact is excellent (you and bub naked from waist up) and I found when Anna wouldn't drink at all, I got in the bath with her and lo and behold she latched on and went for it. (Handling a squirmy, slippery baby while trying to keep her attached and not let her drown is a whole other challenge :D).

Anyway - good luck and do what's right for you. I just know I have read so many posts here on bubhub from mums who wish they had stuck it out longer in the beginning. So I guess my advice is, do what is right for you and don't look back or second guess yourself.

Tam, I'm so glad that your weekend went well.

Annabelle also does that head side to side thing. I'm pretty sure it's called the rooting reflex and is a natural instinct for all babies. Gets a bit hard to manoevre a boob into that flailing head at times!!

Hope you are all going well. Fingers crossed, as we approach the 6 week mark, the difficulties (for me anyway) will slowly diminish. I, for one, and loving the gorgeous smiles.

OH.. and Scouty - re: the dude tapping his toys. I have noticed that Annabelle is suddenly much more alert and really reaches out and grabs for things now - whether it be my arm (or clenches her fingers around my nipple... yeeeoooouuuccchhhh) and yesterday - no kidding - she grabbed her dummy and pulled it out of her mouth. Then she put it back in!! Then she pulled it back out and tossed it over her head. LOL. I think that one was an accident. But how cool. She also has been lifting her head for a while and it's so great when she's snuggled into my chest and she suddenly lifts her head up and looks me right in the eyes. Aaaawww... makes all the little glitches so worthwhile.

[meljackson1]

When do babies start smiling? And when should they be able to hold their own heads up.

Little Jasmine has been doing both since the second she popped out of me.
(I know it's naive but I seriously don't think the smiles are wind.)

Well mum's holding her and I miss her already so I'm nicking off for an all day cuddle.
:hugs:

[cosmic]

Mel, Annabelle was also smiling from day one - and I only thought they were involuntary because people told me they can't smile on purpose from that age - but if you ask me, they were real smiles too. I count them as 'real' from when it was really obvious that she looked me in the eye and smiled - and that started for us at about 3 weeks or so. I think "they" say from 3 weeks is normal, some start from 10 days, others around 4-5 weeks.

Annabelle also was holding her head up when my mum was here to visit and that was when she was 2 weeks old. That is fully lifting her head up on her own, but only for a couple of seconds. I don't know what's considered "normal" but again - as time has gone on, her head has got stronger and stronger and she now lifts it up and looks around the place (and smiles! :D).

I think the difference now is that it seems much more interactive because they are so alert and can follow you with their eyes.

[Lambie]

Thanks Miss S and Queen for your encouraging words regarding my DD's heart mumur. DH and I have decided that we'll not tell Nana and Grandma just yet, for fear of them both turning up on our doorstep!!!:eek:


When do babies start smiling? And when should they be able to hold their own heads up.

Mel, Emily has also been smiling since birth and I'm pretty sure that most of them are genuine as she smiles with her whole face and does not have any blue around the mouth to indicate wind. She started to hold her head up by herself from week 3 and is also quite strong with this when having "tummy time". Also, I suspect that recently her vision range has increased...or it could be the possiblilty that she hears my voice and thinks "Mmmmm Milk Truck!!".:laughing: LOL.

[Scout]

I haven't seen one bloody smile yet - soooooo ripped off!

I bought a Hug A Bub today - haven't tried it yet, I hope it does the trick better than the Baby Bjorn though.

Bugger, Saxon SCREAMING and I'm trying to express - this looking after a baby on your own thing is HARD WORK!!! I have definitely decided that I'll be following DP up to Sydney in Jul/Aug - there is no way I'm going to do this on my bloody own!

Must run....

[KarniF00l]

Sounds like you deffinatly need a hand or two scout :hugs:

I saw 'Ducky' smile for the first time on Friday and it wasn't wind !! :yelclap:
Made my heart melt. I'm sure Saxon will smile for you real soon.

Also, she's been holding her head up since day 1.. but we don't let her as know it's not good for her being this young.

[Missus S]

Scout - we didn't get proper smiles out of Gemma till she was 6 weeks so you'll be getting them very soon. Then they come in thick and fast. I get heaps of smiles when I'm changing her nappy now.

Tam - the probiotics I bought are made by Phytocare and this jar is called NeoCare - Healthy gastrointestinal function for infants. I purchased it in a health food shop for about $22 - its kept in the fridge because it is live bacteria. Although, you could probably use any acidophilus in powder form and either put a tiny bit on your finger and put it in Ethan's mouth or add it to the formula which is what I do. I was just having trouble finding acidophilus that is dairy free in powder form, and when I did and found it was especially made for infants I thought bonus! But if you don't need to avoid dairy you could easily buy normal acidophilus in powder form from most chemists or health food shops.

Had my CYH appt which went better than I expected, the nurse I had was quite good. Although some of the questions you get asked are strange - such as 'Name 3 words that describe your baby's personality or character :idea:' Not sure if they are probing for PND here or what? Gemma now weighs 4.28 kilos at 7.5 weeks (she was 3.04 kg's at birth) so she is growing nicely. Gemma seems to be favouring her right side a bit so we have to try encourage her to look towards the left otherwise her neck muscles will stiffen up and she'll require physio.

I'm going to put my heater on now - I'm jealous of you Queenslanders, I'm so over Winter already!

[Bubble*Crazy]

Gemma now weighs 4.28 kilos at 7.5 weeks (she was 3.04 kg's at birth) so she is growing nicely.

Wow - she must still be petite! Ethan was 4.5kgs 2 weeks ago when he was almost 4 weeks :eek:!! He was smack bang on the 50th percentile (however that works...). Must be boys & their food, hey?!




Ethan still has his milk spots and rash over his face and to top it off keeps scratching his face - it looks like he keeps getting into fights :crying:. I just hope they don't scar like a few of Tayla's did :thumbsdown:. I keep cutting/peeling off his nails and the hand mits don't work as he gets them off. Any one have any ideas?

Oh well, better go and organise dinner before I go and pick up Tayla - these days just go sooooo quick!

[cosmic]

Hey Tam, I must have missed your post about Ethan. What is the rash he has? Annabelle has got really dry skin on her head at the moment and some of it looks a bit rash-like especially around her eye-brows. I'm wondering if it's just the cold weather and one of those baby things or if it's something I should be concerned about. Tonight I just put a bit of pawpaw ointment around her eyebrows so I hope that helps.

C.

[stellaj]

who switched my baby? over the last week i have had a screaming, whingy boy who won't settle arrrrgghhhhh just when its kinder holidays too and DH is in Adelaide for work.:gloomy:

Tam maybe you should file Ethans nails so they dont have sharp bits?

[Scout]

Oh Mel, I take back my whinging about doing it tough on my own. You have two to contend with - yikes :eek:. :hugs:

[stellaj]

oh well Scouty , it wont kill me (might drive me insane though!).
Are you going to Sydney to live?

[Billy]

Hi all!
Hey sonia- just thought i'd put my bit in on the heart murmer too :)
I have one! Same thing too- small hole between the 2 chambers (3mm), they said most fix themselves but mine didn't... but not to worry it's never bothered me or stopped me from doing anything (except when I used it as an excuse to get out of stuff in high school hehe! :p )

Went and had a checkup at the clinic today and Rhianna weighs 4820gms (3838 at birth) and thats good apparently, everything is perfect except she said her right eye might be turning in a little. She said they don't really worry about it until over 3 months (shes 6 weeks now)- but thats one more thing for me too be concerned about now... :o

Rhianna has these little pimples on her face too, but they're not white(everything i read about milk spots says they're white)... they seem to come and go... nurse thinks they could be hormonal?? :confused: Who knows?
Hope all are well

Belinda xo

[Lambie]

Annabelle has got really dry skin on her head at the moment and some of it looks a bit rash-like especially around her eye-brows. I'm wondering if it's just the cold weather and one of those baby things or if it's something I should be concerned about. Tonight I just put a bit of pawpaw ointment around her eyebrows so I hope that helps.

Cosmic - sounds like the same thing Emily has on her left eyebrow (it's sort of yellow). The pediatrician said it was very possibly cradle cap and suggested using a few drops of olive oil to soften, then when having a bath, wipe away gently...seems to be doing the trick.;)

Tam - watch out for those little nails when feeding...OUCH!!!, my boobs are already covered in little pick marks from when DD's being fussy.:(

[Bubble*Crazy]

Rhianna has these little pimples on her face too, but they're not white(everything i read about milk spots says they're white)... they seem to come and go... nurse thinks they could be hormonal??

Sorry, Cosmic. Thought I had posted about Ethan's 'rash', but must have been my imagination as I can't find either! ..... anyways ..... Eth has the same type of pimples/rash as Rhianna as well as a few milk spots and my CHN has also said something about being hormonal/birth :ecomcity: (wish I ask more questions about stuff like this as I usually just tend to agree & believe what they say, and then think what?).

I use (when I get around to it :o) olive oil for Ethan's scalp (always did with Tayla too) as this helps really well - I use it like a moisturiser and then it washes off next bath (you don't need a lot obviously it would end up like a grease slick!).

As for the sharp nails, I might give the nail file a go as I've noticed in the past day or so he's gaining a heap more control of his hands & seems to know that they are there & has been rubbing his face, touching his ears, fingers in mouth etc, so unless I do something he's gonna end up with scratches & blood everywhere the poor bugger. The scratched boobs isn't a problem for me as he is FF so he doesn't have access to them!

Wow! These kids are high maintenance, hey! But I wouldn't change them for the world :kiss:. Thanx for all your replies, guys.

Belinda, one thing I've been meaning to ask - do you pronounce Rhianna as "Ree-anna" or "Ree-arna". As I know girls with the same spelling but different pronounciation. :detective:

**hugs & kisses ** to our gorgeous bubs & **lots of sleep** to us very clever mums!

[Billy]

mummyto2- we pronounce it ree-anna... i've never heard the other way!! I'm sure we'll run into it somewhere along the line tho!! :rolleyes:

[Billy]

Hey all!! I posted this in the fun stuff, but I thought I'd share it with all you may mummies too...
I recieved this email before I had my DD and just re-read it and realised how much more it means now... :)


Before I was a Mum

Before I was a Mum I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby.
I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous.
I never thought about immunizations.
Before I was a Mum- I had never been puked on.
Pooped on.
Chewed on.
Peed on.
I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts.
I slept all night. :sleeping:
Before I was a Mum I never held down a screaming child so doctors could give tests.
Or give shots.
I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.
Before I was a Mum I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put it down.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt.
I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much.
I never knew that I could love someone so much.
I never knew I would love being a Mum.
Before I was a Mum- I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body.
I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby.
I didn't know that bond between her mother and her child.
I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important and happy.
Before I was a Mum- I have never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was ok.
I have never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the heartache, the wonderment or the satisfaction of being a mum.
I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much before I was a mum.

And before I was a grandma, I didn't know that all those "Mum" feelings more than doubled when you see that little bundle being held by "your baby"...

And remember that behind every successful mother... Is a basket of dirty laundry!

Hope you like it!!
Belinda xo

[Bubble*Crazy]

mummyto2- we pronounce it ree-anna... i've never heard the other way!! I'm sure we'll run into it somewhere along the line tho!! :rolleyes:


I know 2 ree-arna's so thought I'd check as it is quite rare.

Also love the verse - it is so true :hugs:

Take care & good day vibes to you all

Tam :)

[Marie-Jo]

Just to say :wave: ...typing from one hand is pretty difficult.

Welcome Lauren - hope you'll be able to join us 4 a coffea next time.

Lee has been really good lately, waking up only once during the night. Went to MCHC yesterday and my "little" man is now 5400g (11lbs 14oz) and 56 cm...unbelievable :eek: There is no shortage of milk in these boobas!

Lee is pooing less and less. Yesterday he didn't poo at all. Does anyone else have this? Should I be concerned? I have read that from 6 weeks they start changing everything including their poo...anyone knows???

[stellaj]

hi marie-jo :wave: Gee, Lee has put on weigh! good work.
i dont know about the poo thing, Luca's is every nappy.

i like that poem Billy- so sweet.

no time to write much, hope everyone is OK:hugs:

[cosmic]

Wow Marie-Jo, he's growing fast!! :eek: The poos do get less and less. Annabelle used to be every nappy change, but now she is down to a few a day - I don't know exactly how many but certainly not every nappy. As time goes on, they can go for days without pooing - all very normal. :thumbsup:

[pookiesossige]

...But, the Pediatrician did advise that she has a heart murmur. He said it was only a small hole between the 2 chambers and in 80% of these cases the hole closes up before 12months. He said not to worry...HELLO!, first time anxious Mum here!!!! Has anyone ever heard of this, my impression was a heart murmur was something serious that needs special attention?

Hi Sonia! :wave: I've been a bit out of it the last couple of days and I havn't read far enough to see what responses you got from the girls. But my Ronan (turning 2 on Friday) had quite a strong heart murmur- also diagnosed at the 6 week check- and off we went to the paed's that same arvo. We then got an ultrasound, ECG (or CCG? one means heart and the other means brain. I obviously mean heart!) and an x-ray.
These things are quite common and while we were so upset about how serious it sounded, it NEVER held Ronan back in the slightest- this boy is go go go!!!. After finding out that it was a series of small holes between the ventricles (called a VSD) that should grow over before he is two and that there was no prob, we never really thought much more of it. We just let other health professionals know he had a VSD when they asked about his health (like when he needed antibiotics, ect). The paed. saw Ronan a few weeks ago... and whaddya know? No heart murmur! It no longer exists! :smiliedance: He said that most parents are kicking themselves when the child is two that they were even told about the heart murmur because of all the worry and expense it caused all for nothing :laughing:

Realistically, you will be anxious because that's how us mums are. Ronan wasn't a small baby (7pound 14oz) but was 3 weeks early.. it may have had something to do with it, they thought. A bit of trivia- everyone's heart is full of holes while in utero (kinda like a sieve)- but most of the time all holes have grown over before birth. Our bubs' just need some extra time!

Hoping you are feeling a bit more relaxed about all this (easy to say, I know!) I was going to PM you about this, but figured it could come in handy for others :)

[pookiesossige]

Well mum's holding her and I miss her already so I'm nicking off for an all day cuddle.
:hugs:

Awwwwwww!!! Gorgeous!:D

[Scout]

:eek: OMG - the Hug a Bub is AMAZING!

I don't think that I've got the technique of getting it completely right yet but I've had Saxon in it twice this evening and he has fallen asleep within 5 minutes. It's so comfortable too, none of that hideous neck and shoulder pain that I got with the Baby Bjorn.

Thanks to all the girls who have talked about them - I am converted and very happy!

[the_queen]

aw no fair I want my hugabub :p I got mine on ebay but the seller was reeeeally slack in getting her bank details to me, so now I have to wait until next week to get it in the mail. Haha I feel like a tantruming 2 yr old - I want it NOW!!


Well I hope this won't make anyone feel bad or hate me, but Curtis is now going to bed wide awake at about 8:30-9:00 and going to sleep by himself. He has a full belly, nice clean dry nappy put on, jarmy's put on, quick cuddle with me and then long cuddles with daddy in the rocking chair until he's very dozy, and then DH puts him into his cot, and he lays there looking around for a while, and then goes to sleep. Not a peep out of him. No crying, no whingey noises, no nothing. As an "Attachment Parent" I kinda feel bad !! Like I should be rocking him to sleep, or something. I feel like we've done controlled crying but without the crying :laughing: He wakes up again at about 11:00-midnight, has a feed and nappy change, then I go to bed with him, he falls asleep on my chest very quickly, and I put him into his cot (we've got it set up as a side-car so it's right next to me on the same level as our bed) and then he wakes a couple of times between midnight and morning, just for a quick feed and back to sleep on mummy. I'm getting to be good at this breastfeeding, I can do it in the dark now!! So no more getting up and watching Guthy Renker (thankfully - I nearly bought some Pro-Activ last week) or Creflo A. Dollar (seriously, a TV evangelist called Mr Dollar? I would think he'd have the sense to change that name). His daytime routine is really easy too, no hassles whatsoever.
Please don't hate me anyone :o I had it reeeally hard with Vallerie as a baby, so I know what it's like to be sleep-deprived and feel useless to stop the screaming, and having enormous breastfeeding struggles. It just goes to show that every baby is different, and if one proves to be very challenging, the next might be a piece of cake!


Marie-Jo, some breastfed babies will poo once a week, others poo every feed. I was praying for Curtis to be a once-a-week-pooer but sadly he is the other kind!! So don't worry, Lee sounds perfectly normal. You'd know if there was something wrong, trust your mothers intuition :thumbsup:

About the fingernails - I may be a real feral, but I bite Curtis'. I had baby clippers for Vallerie and faffed around trying to trim hers with them, but this time around I just bite 'em when he's asleep. He scratches himself something shocking - the other morning he woke up and had a little gash on the side of his nose, bleeding! So he's got this tiny little scab on his face now, poor thing. Didn't seem to bother him but made me want to put mittens on him 24/7!!!

Anyone else's bub losing their hair?? Vallerie did this too, she was born with a full head of blonde hair that slowly but surely fell out by the time she was 2 months old. Curtis had a full head of dark hair at birth, but now he has a receding hairline LOL but his hairline is a bit weird, he's got sideburns!!! And he's still got heaps of hair on his ears which is cute and werewolfy at the same time LOL.

Hi to everyone else, and kisses and cuddles to all our perfect little babies!!

[Bubble*Crazy]

Hi Queenie,

Why would we hate you??? I am so glad that Curtis is being such a good bub for you :D - we all deserve at least one like that. And besides, Ethan's my good bub too. Wonder if it's the boy thing or 2nd child syndrome or a combination of both. Either way I'm not complaining?

The nail thing - I've gone back to biting Ethan's too (geez, these boys are so similar it's not funny!). I always did it with Tayla, but I had a pair of baby scissors, so I guess I just wanted to "do the right thing" .... again!

And as for the hair - my poor little man has a receding hairline already, too! He's lost his hair on top, but not the sides or back (yet) and the small bit of fluff growing back on top is quite light. Eth too was very dark. Weird stuff. Just hope it doesn't turn red (no offence to red-heads intented)

Hope it's not too personal, but I notice you've reinstated "The King" on your sig - things are working out with you I hope :fingerscrossed:.

Anyway, I must go to bed - not sure if Ethan's going to wake up early tonight (he did last night, 11.30pm - the little bugger, and then again at 4am - the worst time possible as that means by the time I get to bed after his 20min feed I only have 1.5 hours till the alarm goes off for DP to get up for work :thumbsdown: )

Hope you get the BAH real soon!

Take care everyone (sorry - my post was very one sided here!)
Tam :)

[pookiesossige]

I had it reeeally hard with Vallerie as a baby, so I know what it's like to be sleep-deprived and feel useless to stop the screaming, and having enormous breastfeeding struggles. It just goes to show that every baby is different, and if one proves to be very challenging, the next might be a piece of cake!


Same here! Ronan was walked in his pram by DH from 6pm to 8-8.30pm every night through the winter of '04 (yes, that's up to 2.5 hours, and DH lost a fair bit of weight which was good!) to stop him screaming during these hours and to start off a bit of sleep which would get us through the first part of the night. I stopped breast feeding cold-turkey at 15 weeks due to a range of huge difficulties.
Ariene is totally different! Yay!!! :smiliedance:

[Scout]

Hi All - I'm being a very selfish poster this week cause I'm just not getting the time to sit down as much as I like. Mel, is your DH back yet? Thankfully, mine is coming home for the weekend!

I'm now really struggling to keep up a milk supply because I'm just not getting to sit down to express much at all. I'm trying not to get stressed about it....but I am. I haven't expressed since midnight last night so by this time in the morning I should be painfully engorged but I'm not! Damn :(.

I must have been really calm when I tried out the Hug a Bub last night cause I've tried again this morning and I just can't get it to work. :( :(

Anyway, I'm depressing myself with my post so I'm going to try and relax for the rest of this express and hope that I can get a feed or two out of it.

Thinking of you all!!!

[the_queen]

Scout, maybe you're just not engorged because of the fabulous job you're doing with the expressing, and your supply has settled into a normal routine? I don't get engorged anymore, if Curtis has a big long sleep, and the MW told me it's because he's got things sorted out with my boobies, in regards to how much and how often.

You're doing an amazing job L :kiss:


Tam - You're not being nosy :) I got a few PM's wishing me luck, kind of assuming that I'd left him. So I thought I should do the right thing and put him back in there, considering that our living arrangments haven't changed (yet). He's agreed to have some personal counselling, but hasn't done anything about it yet. And this morning he was his usual shouting abusive self. And the problem is that I find myself taking Vallerie aside and telling her that we just have to smile and do what he says, we don't want to make him angrier. :crying: And I hate myself for doing that, that is NOT the message I want to be giving her. I just wish he would grow up and act like an adult.


Anyway, I must go, Curtis has an appointment today at the C&YH to have his newborn hearing test :laughing: "newborn" but he's 7 weeks old already. I know his hearing is fine because he's starting to turn his head to look at me when I speak to him. But part of me is not looking forward to seeing the nurse, I haven't made a final decision about immunisations yet, and we're co-sleeping, so I feel like I might get a lecture. And I haven't taken him for any kind of checkup there before. So I might be posting later in tears if she upsets me, I'm in an easily-upset mood already today.

[Bubble*Crazy]

Best of luck with the appt today. Queenie. :fingerscrossed: you'll get an open-minded CHN like mine. She's mid-forties but knows that times change & that sometimes you just do what you have to go to get thru the day/night/feed etc and is far from judgmental.

(Hope things start looking up for you at home, too.)

Scout - easier said than done, I know - but try not to stress too much. Like Q said, maybe Saxon has got the routine sorted. :hugs:. I'm sure things will settle down once DP gets back home too.

A bit late, too sorry, Marie-Jo. But, Eth does his poo once per day usually - and it has gone 2 or 3 days a few times at his first feed in the morning (anywhere between 4-6am). This makes is soooo much more convenient, so I can just about be assured there won't be any surprises when I'm out & about :smiliedance:

Emma - so glad Ariene is a much better baby for you too :D

Have a good one all!
Tam

[meljackson1]

Is it normal for FF babies to get hard poo, not the liquid stuff the BF bubs get??
My poor little angel looks like she's having so much trouble when she poos, she sounds like shes in pain and often cries in between pushes so I find myself crying with her because pooing isn't meant to be painful. :crying:

Also she often vomits up yellow mucus balls.. Is this normal too?
I'm going to the doc tomorrow for the pill so he'll tell me then, but being the first time paranoid mother I am I'd like to know now. :o

Oh no crying baby on the lap better go.. Cya

[Missus S]

Ha ha Queen....yeah those Pro-Activ commercials are out of control. I'm sure one night they were on simultaneously on Channels 7, 9 and 10! So glad to hear that Curtis is an angel for you :thumbsup:

Mel - sounds like your bub is constipated if the poos are nuggetty. How often is she pooing? My GP considers a bub to be constipated if there are no poos for about 4-5 days. If bub gets constipated she recommends to give bub half to one teaspoon of brown sugar (not raw sugar, brown sugar) in 30 mls of water after a feed (so bub still drinks the good stuff). Alternatively, you can buy a glycerin suppository - I've seen these in the shops. Good that you are seeing your GP tomorrow - hope she gets better soon :)

[cosmic]

Hey Mel, I agree with Missus S. If the poos are hard, there could be a problem and if you have just gone to formula full-time it might be that she is having some trouble digesting it. My understanding is that constipation has nothing to do with how often they poo (mind you I'm talking about BF babies, not sure if it's diff for FF) but it is all about the consistency when they do poo so maybe get along to the doc and see if you can do something about it. Poor little cherub. I hope she's back to normal soon.

Queenie, Curtis sounds like an angel. Good for you! And don't worry - for all my iss-ewes with Annabelle, she has ALWAYS gone to bed (awake) in her cot in the night-time and happily drifted off to sleep in her own time. I also was worried I was doing the wrong thing (not very AP!) but she is right beside my bed and I tend to her the second she cries, so I figure if she's happy, it's ok to leave her. And the bonus is that we are probably establishing some good habits for down the road (that is, unless they go and change it all on us down the track in which case we should enjoy it while it lasts. :laughing: ).

Scouty - I agree with the others. At around this time, your boobs adjust to what bubs needs so it might just be that they've stabilised iykwim. But if you are concerned about supply, I've heard marvellous things about Fenugreek and I'm sure I noticed a difference in just a couple of days of taking it (as well as doing a bit of expressing) so maybe give that a whirl.

We've had a lovely morning. After her morning feed, Annabelle sat and chatted with daddy for about half an hour. She has so much more awake and contented time these days it's amazing. Then we put her in the car and took her to our favourite doggy park - not a peep out of her in the car - out of the car into the HAB and asleep within 3 minutes. Went for a long walk with our doggy, who was sooo happy since it's been so long! Back in the car (woke up, but not a whimper), home for a little top-up feed, then back in the HAB for another sleep. We are now coming up to 3 hours of sleeping so I'm sure she'll be making a noise soon, but OMG it is so nice that she is so placid, even in the car. I hope this lasts!! The park we went to has a really nice 7km walk around the bay which I used to do all the time so if I can take her down there a few mornings a week with the puppy dog, I will be so happy. The fresh air and exercise does wonders physically and psychologically (for my dog as well!)

oh, and Scout.. don't you LOVE the HAB!!!! :D It will change your life. If you are having trouble remembering how to tie it, go to www.hugabub.com.au and they have instructions there. I can do it in a jiffy now, and I just leave it on and put her in and out of it all day.

[pookiesossige]

Just hope it doesn't turn red (no offence to red-heads intented)

No offence taken! :laughing:

[the_queen]

Mel - another thing that works wonders for constipation is pear juice :thumbsup: and I agree with Cosmic, bubba is probably just getting used to the formula.

[pookiesossige]

Hey Mel, I agree with Missus S. If the poos are hard, there could be a problem and if you have just gone to formula full-time it might be that she is having some trouble digesting it. My understanding is that constipation has nothing to do with how often they poo (mind you I'm talking about BF babies, not sure if it's diff for FF) but it is all about the consistency when they do poo

Mel- I also read about frequency vs consistency in a Practical Parenting article the the other day. We had probs with Ronan on a particular brand and he became severly impacted after about 5 days requiring intervention by the CFHN (and I mean yucky intervention!). Apparently there are two kinds of milk protien and while you shouldn't ever chop and change the brand of formula that you buy (like during specials ect), the GP might recommend one that uses the other kind of protien and maybe changing will help. Good luck! It certainly sounds like she's uncomfortable, poor darling.

Ariene here just blasts out massive squirty fart-poos!! They are massive and followed by big long sigh.

[Marie-Jo]

Tanx for replies. Lee is perfectly fine and happy. He had a HUGE poo yesterday and went all over is back and on the nappy cover and clothes :laughing: Maman wasn't laughing at the time but...as it was early morning.

Scout, like the others, you shouldn't stress out about your breasts being engorged. They probably have adjusted to the demand.

Queen - lucky you. We are getting there too :thumbsup:

Mel - I am starting the Yoga class w baby on Monday 11:45am in Mt Waverley. 10 sessions for $130. Should be great.

[joozi]

Heya....
Haven't been posting, just been reading lately. Seems people don't often reply to what I say anyway, it's just such a busy little forum.
I've had a really unsettled bubba last couple of days, and I almost just gave in and gave her some formula because I just couldn't get her to settle and have been thinking she's hungry and maybe I don't have enough, but then I put her on the boob again, and she fell asleep and has been asleep for 45 minutes now...so all that advice I was giving Cosmic and others a week or so ago, I guess I need it back now, becaues I've just been at the end of my tether, doubting myself and my ability to feed her.
Jo

[cosmic]

oh Jo, I can so relate! And I'm sorry you feel like you don't get replies ... I think we are all a bit self-absorbed these days. :o

Hang in there with the breastfeeding. Could this be the 6 week growth spurt? I found that reading about that was really reassuring - and apparently the fussiness can last anywhere from 2-3 days to 2-3 weeks!! :eek: So just remember it's probably all normal and will stop just as quickly as it started. If you can be more specific about the problems you're having, I'm happy to try to offer some advice - I've been doing a lot of reading on fussy babies lately, trust me!!

Hang in there.. we're here for support whenever you can get online. :hugs:

[stilldreaming]

HELLO EVERYONE :wave:

I haven't been on for a chat for weeks and haven't read any posts yet so I don't know what has been happening.

It has taken me ages to find this thread (bit tired :D ) so now I haven't got time but I hope you are all well. Things are great with us just the normal sleep deprivation...............I will try to pop back tonight to catch up on everything.

Talk soon

[Scout]

Jo - :hugs:. I don't think any of us deliberately ignore one another. I hope your feeding issues work out and I'm sure they will. I think it's weird how we give advice to one another and then end up needing it ourselves! I had a friend breakdown yesterday - she very clearly has PND, so there I was handing out the advice when only a few months ago I was receiving it.

Saxon has been feeding every 2 hours today - ****, ****, **** I can't keep up with that! I'm now worried that not only do I have a supply issue but also quality. Gaaahahahah, it just won't end.

Cosmic - I swear by fenugreek, oats and Weleda Nursing Mother's Tea. I don't think any of those are going to save me now though!

[joozi]

Hey..

Thanks Cosmic and Scout, and sorry, didn't mean to whinge or suggest you were ingnoring me, it really is just so busy in here, when we're all busy mums as it is, so it happens easily enough. I'm just down generally at the moment I guess, because of tiredness and self-doubt about the feeding thing and some other stuff too.

To answer your question Cosmic, she's feeding frantically at first and getting a couple of let downs but then, even though she's still attached and happy enough, she just does this half-hearted sucking and I don't get any more let downs. If I stroke her cheek, talk to her, poke her...whatever, she still doesn't suck any better, then she'll generally just fall asleep. But then she wakes up shortly after really whingy and upset and wanting to go back on. Very frustrating stuff...and we were going so well :( Mind you, having said that, she did eventually settle and she's now been asleep for 3 hours, and I can get a run of 5 hours during the night as well. And she's putting on weight. So maybe I'm just worrying about nothing. Oh, and Scout - I have my porridge every morning without fail and I've just started fenugreek today, so I'll let you know how it goes.

Thanks so much girls...

Jo

[stellaj]

I'm sorry i can't keep up- i take my hat off to single mums as i've only been doing it one week and i'm a nervous wreck :eek: Only 3 more days to go. I'm sorry too if i dont reply to ppl, by the time i get to the end of the posts i am usually confused about who said what or a kid is screaming. I do sit here and mumble, laugh or whatever to myself about what you guys are writing. Please accept this :hugs: as personal thanks to you all for keeping me semi-sane.

Marie-Jo- Mondays there is no kinder so i don't think i will be able to come as there is no one to mind Connor. I really want to though :thumbsdown:

[Lambie]

A bit of trivia- everyone's heart is full of holes while in utero (kinda like a sieve)- but most of the time all holes have grown over before birth. Our bubs' just need some extra time!

Emma, thank you so much for this piece of information. It has most certainly put my mind at ease. She seems strong and developing very quickly so I sure in time it will be least of my worries.

Now on a personal level...is any other first time Mum having problems with their other halves or is it just me? Can I vent?....it seems, after our heated discussion this evening that he has trouble reading me and does not realise that I need him to take DD for an hour (min. if possible) each evening, so that I can spend just a little bit of me time. I tried to sum it up for him..."From the time you leave in the morning to the time you get home, I have been at our childs beck & call". Am I asking too much?:(

[cosmic]

Jo, that does sound frustrating but maybe it is just a growth spurt. So she's about 3 weeks now? My ECHN told me they have a little growth spurt at around 3 weeks and a big one at 6 weeks. Maybe she is getting more efficient at draining the breast so she is feeding for a shorter time, but the extra sucking (not to mention the extra feed 20 minutes later!) is all doing its job to increase your supply. I'm sure you'll find in a few days she'll be back to normal.

Sonia, you are not asking too much at all!! My goodness, my husband is home all day (working) and helps when he can, but those days when he's not here and I want to do anything - eat, go to the toilet etc.. and I don't have him to hand her over to, I find it so hard. I often say I don't know how I'd survive if he had a real job. :D But guess what - he just got one!! :eek: He has negotiated working from home as much as possible but he is actually going to have a fair bit of interstate and overseas travel so I'm having a mini-panic attack about that.

Some days when he hasn't been able to help or hold her at all, I get to the end of the day and have to say to him 'Just please take her for half an hour so I can have a break!!'. Which he does of course. But yes, we have occasionally had words - I think the stress and tiredness kicks in eventually. Hopefully with a bit of communication things will improve for you. When DH is trying to settle Annabelle when she's crying and he gets frustrated, I say to him "You've been doing that for 5 minutes. Try managing when it goes on for half an hour or longer. Try not having one minute to yourself for 24 hours a day (except when you're asleep)." And I think he kind of gets it. :)

[Billy]

Cosmic- it sounds like our DH's are so alike!! Mine did the same when he came home yesterday and was trying to settle DD, about 2mins into it I can hear him huffing and puffing in frustration... I got so cranky at him!! Its like if I can do this all day (and night!!) surely you can for five minutes without losing the plot!!

Sonia- You're not asking too much- mine is the same... sometimes he is so understanding and sometimes he's so frustrating!!! :banghead:
He says he gets it but I don't know... We had a big arguement the other day because he thinks I should have more time to get things done around the house, but my problem is Rhianna seems to have so much more awake and happy time these days that when it comes down to spending time with her or doing the dishes... Gee tough decision!!! :p

He keeps throwing in the 'hes at work all day' card- and I'm like "but your working day stops when you leave work!! Then you can have time to yourself to go to the loo etc..." mine, (not that I really like to call it work- but to make a point) is 24 hours a day!!
The end of the arguement came when he asked how long I was on bubhub that day... THAT, I said, is not the point... :laughing:

Oh well I've had my little vent and now I'm rambling :ecomcity:
Hope all are well xo

[Scout]

He keeps throwing in the 'hes at work all day' card- and I'm like "but your working day stops when you leave work!! Then you can have time to yourself to go to the loo etc..." mine, (not that I really like to call it work- but to make a point) is 24 hours a day!!

Billie - I think that child rearing is work! I don't think that I've ever worked so hard and it's unpaid! We may get time to jump on Bub Hub during the day but I justify that cause I think being a mum (particularly at the stage we are currently at) can be extremely isolating. And why shouldn't you get a little down time during the day - I bet when you go back to work (if you are), you'll be working twice as hard as your DH between juggling work and home!


Can I vent?....it seems, after our heated discussion this evening that he has trouble reading me and does not realise that I need him to take DD for an hour (min. if possible) each evening, so that I can spend just a little bit of me time. I tried to sum it up for him..."From the time you leave in the morning to the time you get home, I have been at our childs beck & call". Am I asking too much?:(

No, he won't REALISE it and asking him once won't do it either! You'll probably have to beat him over the head with it at least 50 times! This is something that I have faced a fair bit with my DP - I have TO TELL HIM what MY NEEDS are, otherwise I end up doing everything all the time (and hence driving myself into the ground and into a depressive state). At this stage of our babies lives, it is very easy to martyr yourself. Don't do it - tell your husbands/partners what you need from them.

And by the way, if they are settling, feeding, changing babies - let go. If it takes them 30 min what it takes you 5 to do, then so be it. The more they do it, the better they will get at it.

And there endeth my sermon which is a result of many, many sessions with my psychiatrist and six weeks of having my DP home on holidays with myself and the baby.

[pookiesossige]

Some of you may have got this today if you are a member of **********.com- Just thought I'd post it before deleting (not a 1st-time mum as required).

Dear all,

I have just been contacted by a popular current affairs program who are looking for parents of newborns to appear on their show, which is in an article about Pinky McKay’s new book, ‘Sleeping Like a Baby’ which is to be released next week. They would like babies up to about 3 months of age, and perhaps have breastfeeding issues parents would like help with. It's going to be "Supernanny" style where Pinky comes into the home and helps the parents with the sleep and feeding troubles.
They’re after “first time” parents only, who are new to parenting and would like some help. So if you would like to do this (it’s a brilliant opportunity!!!), I need your details ASAP - email me at info@**********.com.au if you can do it. For more details as they come in please read: http://**********.com.au/forums/showthread.php?p=339142

Best Regards,

Kelly Zantey
Creator, **********.com.au
Gentle Solutions From Conception to Parenthood
********** Birth Support - http://www.**********.com.au/birth-support

[pookiesossige]

At this stage of our babies lives, it is very easy to martyr yourself. Don't do it - tell your husbands/partners what you need from them.


Well said Scouty, that so had to be brought up. :yes: First time around I really did the martyr thing, resenting DH for not doing more but never making it clear what my needs were. So months went by with me struggling with my new identity as a mum at home and getting all resentful of DH- and he never knew why. He just distanced himself from me as a result. Yeah, these guys really do need us to beat them over the head with it! Interestingly, my DH said his respect for me grew when I explained just what I needed. But I had to pick my time well and not nag... I can be such a nag!

[joozi]

Hi again guys...

Thanks Cosmic - she's a bit more settled today and I've had a lot more milk, so I guess my body is working it out. Thank goodness.

Wanted to ask those of you that had episiotomies/tears how long it took for your stitches to 'dissolve'. I could have sworn my middy said only a couple of weeks at the most but here I am nearly 4 weeks later and the stitches are still there (sorry if TMI!)

Jo

[pookiesossige]

Jo, that's not TMI! I don't think so anyway. Mine dissolved at about 4 weeks both times.

I don't care what the GP says at the 6 week check about stitches being healed up, I'm not gonna go for a roll in the hay with my hubby for a while yet! :laughing: (now that was TMI!)

[Billy]

I had stitches and they healed by about week 4-5... and (TMI!!) we rolled in the hay by week 6- its all good!! :laughing:

[stellaj]

We all need to face the fact that men are pretty much useless and we can never expect to rely on them, or for them to ever put themselves in front of anyone else....can you tell i'm not impressed with my DH ATM either LAmbie.

i'm so glad i havent had stitches, sounds ouchy! I am trying to avoid my 'roll in the hay' for as long as possible , told DH we weren't allowed because my cervix hasn't healed up!!!!!! LOL

[min]

I did it! I have finally caught up on ALL the posts. Bloody hell, what an effort! (And what a small world I must inhabit at the moment, if this counts as a mammoth achievement!)

Anyway, I took some notes along my little journey, so I could try to make a decent contribution. To wit:

Queenie - I'm pleased to hear that things have settled down with DH - a bit - kind of. Well, you know what I mean. I hope you can achieve a lasting resolution (of whatever kind) very soon. (I remember it took my DH aaaages to agree to go see a relationships counsellor - in the end, we only needed one session, so I guess we were an easy case, but agreeing to swallow your pride and talk to a stranger about your 'issues' is really hard. Good luck!)

Cosmic, Jo and Scout - aaah, feeding problems. I spent the first half of this week wringing wet with tears and completely miserable. My supply just seemed to disappear (well, diminish a lot), and we realised that poor Phoebe was sooo hungry. She'd been gaining weight fairly slowly, too. She was attempting to feed every hour, and my boosies just couldn't produce milk that fast (esp in the afternoons). Anyway, after lots of drama and lots of talking (to my mum, DH, my MIL), I think we've got it sorted. Fortunately, I had some EBM in the freezer, so we fed that to her as additional feeds, and I started expressing religiously every morning and evening ... and we even gave her one bottle of formula last night (don't get me started on how I agonised for days over that ...). Anyway, all seems good now (fingers crossed). She has started putting on weight at a rapid rate, my boosies are building up more, and she's only needed one supplemental bottle of EBM today. I'm hoping we don't need to give a bedtime bottle of formula tonight - but if we do, I'm fine with it. For me, the WORST part of all this was the thought that my little girl was hungry - I'd do anything to avoid that! (Oh, and my ECHN was very supportive of this strategy - she didn't cast me into the pits of hell for admitting to buying a tin of formula - phew ....).

Donz - I think you mentioned baby reflux?? Phoeb had it in week 1 (mmm, fantastic for the first-time mum ...). We used to give her one ml of Mylanta when it got bad, and it would soothe her poor little digestive tract right away.

Slings - also loving the Hugabub! DH isn't a huge fan, though, so he's bought himself a Baby Bjorn. Each to their own ... (and he loves carting his daughter around - very cute - he could pick up chicks in a flash, I reckon!!)

I know there are other things I wanted to mention, and support I should lend to others. Please be assured that I'm marvelling at everyone's fortitude and strength - and good humour! It's a joy and relief (and occasionally a bit heartrending) to read up on your adventures - lends a little perspective to my life - hurrah!

Take care all

Min

[stellaj]

good effort Min :yelclap:

[Bubble*Crazy]

Hi everyone,

Ok. 1st up. Jo & Stitches. I had 2 episiotomies (I'm assuming that's what you say as the Dr cut me twice to avoid a repeat of my 3rd degree tears 1st labour - or do you just say episiotomy??!!) Anyway .... he said stitches should still be around for 6 weeks or so, I'm pretty sure they are still (Ethan's 6 weeks tomorrow) although I was losing tiny threads off them a few weeks back. I feel queazy just thinking about them, so I tend to forget about it!

Well the other thing. The 'rolling in the hay' bizzo. Can't believe I'm gonna say this but yes :o , we have (complete turn around from after 1st time - took 5 months) and (once again :o ) and it was completely fine.

:hugs: to all those working through any feeding probs with your bubs and I hope you get there real soon.

Now I've also lost my train of thought of things I wanted to mention. I'm sure my memory is failing me more than when I was pg!

Anyway, that time again - schools nearly over.

Take care all & :kiss: to our gorgeous bubs
Tam

[cosmic]

Min, how lovely to hear from you! Good to hear you've got the feeding thing sorted out. God, that is the worst I reckon. I am still having some terrible feeds with Miss Annabelle and today the doc prescribed Zantac for silent reflux but I'm still not 100% sure that's what it is so I'm really reluctant to give it to her. I would feel more confident if she had really done a good assessment (the doc that is) but as soon as I mentioned crying when feeding, she said "oh that sounds like reflux. Let's get her onto Zantac". :eek: umm... well I actually thought it might be reflux but wouldn't she want to know more than that?! She also has suggested I go into a day-stay thing which is just up the road from where I live and have them watch Annabelle feed so maybe I'll do that.

Anyway - I need to go start a thread about silent reflux and get some sound Bubhub advice.. catch you all later!

oh.. and we had sex the other day and it was fun! :D But I had a ceasarean so I probably don't count. Mind you I still applied the six week rule.. I figure if I'm not allowed to drive a car, then doing the wild thing is probably just as strenuous right? Anyway, our biggest concern now is contraception so I'm not sure that's going to happen too often until we get that sorted out. We love our little princess but she's enough for now!!

[Lambie]

Hi all,

Thank you to those who can sympathise with the pain and agony that is involved in modeling the male psyche!!!!! Since our blue last night DH has been extremely attentive and helpful to me and our DD's needs....it's amazing what tears can do. :banghead:

Now, on the healing and sex issue....my bub was very small so I only needed a few stitches (Dr said I only needed 2 for the graze, but said he'd add 2 extra just incase????) These healed/dissolved by week 4.......and yes, in case you're wondering, we have already tested out the extra stitches theory IYKWIM;)