July05Mommies - Baby's are arriving everyday!

[Tray85]

Sleeping - We still have her in the pack & play in the bedroom at night. During the day, she naps wherever I can get her to sleep...in the swing, in the bouncy chair, on the changing pad, couch, my lap, etc. :P

[Montaukbea]

Sleeping:

Jameson sleeps in the Pack and Play at night and during the day in his crib or on me. When your baby sleeps with you, how do you have him/her sleeping in the bed with you, on your chest, next to you?

[SAMIKE32700]

Sleeping~ Well last night Jacob slept on me in the recliner. During the day he'll sleep on the couch. This week I am going to try his pack n play and his crib.

[docoNY]

well I have my LC totally stumped with my low milk supply! I can get about 1 1/2 oz into Orla every feeding and think I will always have to supplement! still trying herbs, etc. Think its the shape/spacing of my boobs or something like that.

sleeping
Orla has been using her crib at night since the first few days home and during the day she sleeps downstairs in the pack n play bassinet or bouncer or on me. She won't sleep in the swing! grr

Teba
sorry about that lady! my pediatrician said to dress the baby like you would dress for the weather so if your dressed lightly then the baby should and luckily no one has said boo to me about that! :)

We were getting Orla's passport application in at the post office on Sat and some lady started talking to DH about keeping the sun off her legs while she is in the baby bjorn and it pissed me off :) but I didn't say anything - just continued dealing with the passport stuff.

Since she is a perfect stranger she doesn't know that my pale irish husband walks on the shadiest side of the street and her little legs aren't sticking out in the sun even if it is the sunny side of the street! they dangle at the bottom of the carrier!

we do have a hat for her head

belated congrats to JP!

[NYN]

sleep: catie sleeps in her co-sleeper at night. during the day she is either in bed w/ me or, if i nap on the couch, she sleeps in her baby papasan or her swing. i notice that lately she is starting to hate the baby papasan - i think she just likes the rocking motion of her swing better. i am afraid to have her sleep on top of me, though i love sleeping w/ her in bed. i would have her in there all night if it wasn't for DH...for some reason he wakes up in a panic everytime he knows she is in bed w/ us. it is really weird (but kind of hysterical at the same time).

airforcelove: welcome back! i'll add you to the front page as soon as i get a free moment.

marie: so sorry about the nipple confusion issue. i know what that is like so i sympathize. :rolleyes:

doco: sucks about your low supply - she has me on sage tea to decrease mine! crazy to think but i am drowning my little girl in milk. it would be fantastic if we could do a trade off and meet in the middle but unfortunately that's impossible.

tomorrow we go back to the pediatrician so of course i am nervous that she is going to tell me that the baby is not gaining enough. i don't know why i am such a worry wart but i really can't help myself. afterwards we are going on our first trip to grandma's house in brooklyn. we will see how that goes. i hope i remember to pack everything in the diaper bag.

[Jodi AKA BostonTeacher]

Well I just made my first baby purchase...

http://www.bumboseat.com/media/mainpic.jpg

www.bumboseat.com

I'm not sure if it is all that it is made out to be, but they are becoming quite popular. I just read an article in Parents about Flat Head Syndrome and it sparked my desire to have an option that will help keep him off his head more (yes, I'm neurotic like that).

He won't be able to use it for another couple months so I had it shipped to my nephew (who's 5 months) so he could use it until he is sitting up on his own.

i hope i remember to pack everything in the diaper bag.

Teba: I always worry that we'll forget something so what I did was type out a list of everything we need in the bag and laminated it. I keep it in the bag and run through the checklist before we leave for peace of mind. We've been doing a lot of overnights at our parents so I have a lengthier travel list as well.

[NYN]

jodi: that is a good idea. does anyone want to post what they have in their diaper bag right now? what i have in mine:

-changing pad
-diapers
-vaseline
-wipes
-travel bags for dirty diapers (to throw them out in)
-2 onesies
-change of clothing
-one sleep sack (for when we are in someone's house and they have glorious central air and it gets too cold)
-blanket
-(if i am not using it to carry her) her sling
-the little travel kit w/ the nose bulb, nail clippers, etc.
-mylecon drops
-purell
-my camera
-burp cloth (usually one in the outside pocket for a quick reach and another inside
-nipple pads and lasinoh for me

this is off the top of my head so i'm not sure that that is all. i'm sure i overpack but i guess it's better to be safe than sorry. i'm interested to hear what you guys pack if you have time.

btw jodi, you seem to be as overorganized as i am. i like your style. ;)

[DanaLynn]

What is in my diaper bag???
diapers
wipes
changing pad
(1) onsie
(1) outfit
(1) burp cloth
pacifier
purell
blanket

Sleep -
Emma sleeps in her moses basket during the day and at night she sleeps in her bassinet.

[Jodi AKA BostonTeacher]

Teba: Overorganized is an understatement. However, I can't function any other way. If it's not that extreme it's the other and I am a mess!

Our diaper bag has the following:


diapers
wipes
scented disposable bags (I got these as a gift and LOVE them)
changing pad
anti-bacterial wipes (to wipe down whatever surface we're putting the pad on if it's suspect)
anti-bacterial hand gel
pediatrician / insurance info
2 changes of clothes for DS
blanket
burp clothes
plastic bag for any soiled clothes
balmex
an empty bottle, a bottle of water and some pre-measured formula (for emergency use)
an extra shirt for me and DH (solid black to match anything in case we are the victims of a blow-out or spitup incident)
socks and a hat for DH
disposable camera in case I forget mine
snacks/water for us
baby kit (thermometer, asperator, comb, clippers, nail file)


One other very overorganized thing that I do and find to be so helpful is pack everything in gallon-sized ziploc bags. It makes it much easier to find things with one hand a screaming baby in the other.

[Jodi AKA BostonTeacher]

QOTD: How many hours a day are your babies sleeping?

Unless we are out and about for the day (translation: lots of car time) Camden is only sleeping 10-14 hours in a 24 hour period. This doesn't seem like much to me.

[docoNY]

QOTD: How many hours a day are your babies sleeping?

Unless we are out and about for the day (translation: lots of car time) Camden is only sleeping 10-14 hours in a 24 hour period. This doesn't seem like much to me.

good question! I was just wondering how much Orla should be sleeping. She is 5 wks as of yesterday and yesterday morning I fed her around 9am and she only slept about 20 min and then fed her again around 1130 and we went out and fully expected her to sleep and didn't sleep much - we had lunch with friends and she was awake pretty much the whole time and didn't sleep till we were leaving at 330p or so

of course when I need her to be up she is out for hours!
anyone have any idea how many hours a day they should be getting

[MaMa2D]

Delurking ... hello! I have checked in with this thread every so often as I was a July mom-to-be and loved following along with everyone's pregnancies, but have a hard time motivating myself to post anything interesting! :( I hope you don't mind if I continue to lurk here and there to commiserate with breastfeeding and hormonal meltdowns. First, CONGRATULATIONS to all of you!!! I had my son on August 2, 2005 - I was exactly 41 weeks and I am just so in love with him and my new little family. At any rate, I'm not trying to jump into the thread and play catch-up ... just wanted to let you know I may pop in from time to time ... if that's okay. Again, congratulations to all the beautiful mommies and new babies!

[jki]

QOTD: How many hours a day are your babies sleeping?

Unless we are out and about for the day (translation: lots of car time) Camden is only sleeping 10-14 hours in a 24 hour period. This doesn't seem like much to me.

Here's (http://www.babycenter.com/general/toddler/toddlersleep/7645.html) a link to BabyCenter on how much sleep babies should be getting.

One month olds are supposed to be getting 15.5 hours +/- 2 hours.

[December27JJB]

jki Thank you for the link!!! Just before I signed on here, DH asked me if we should wake up DD because hes afraid she's getting too much sleep. :rolleyes: I know she isn't and that link proved it.

[dizylizy]

diaper bag has almost everything listed above. i need to add the bags for dirty diapers and clothes. the wipes for cleaning whatever i put the pad on... clothes for us is good, too. since i have had two instances where another shirt would have been nice.....

qotd-sleeping- you knowit varies. some days Harry will sleep a lot and others, nothing morethan 30 minutes. or as soon as i put him down, he wakes up... that is very frustrating...

sleeping with us- I like this option fior the 5-6 am feeding when I am truly exhausted. but I never know how much he gets, but my boob is deflated. we put him inn the middle but I always seem to wake up on the edge. probably trying to give him room so I do't roll over him. :)

6 week pp check up- went ok. have a rash on my boobs. putting anti-fungal cremes on it, per doc and lc. reddish and a bit bumpy and itchy. lc says i got it b/c my boobs grew, now closer togethher (read: i HAVE clevage!!) and iwas relly sweaty. so basically, i have athletes foot on my chest. but Harry seems to br fine. no signs of thrush in his mouth. but i be sure to get a bit of the creme on my nipples so he gets a bit in his mouth.

DH is goin for training this week so I am by myself from tonight through Friday! augh! I hope to not go insane. some friends are coming over in the evenings to give my arms a break....

Day Care- well we have Harry set up for one day a week, Mondays, at an in home day care down the street. she is so nuce. $40 a day. I will go to work. she bf'd her two so she understand ebm.

next weekend we are having an open house for Harry at our house. Pete told the people in his office we would have one. thankfully he got the day off b/c I wouldn't be able to get that all ready by myself. we invited his office, people from church, my pt job and lots of friends. should be fun. keeping the food light and easy.

MaMa2d- you are more than welcome- lurk and read and post when you can!!

[jki]

I carried around a change of clothing is my diaper bag for a YEAR for DS - never once used them. When DD arrived, I wanted to ditch the change of clothing... but thank god I didn't.

When DD was about 3 weeks, we took DS to get a haircut. DH picked DD up, and she had a giant poo - leaked out her diaper, out of her clothing, onto DH and ALL OVER the floor! I'm so glad I had that change of clothing!

Here's what I carry for 2 kids in a Skip Hop:
- Advil
- My wallet, keys, sunglasses
- Purell
- Pen, gum
- snacks for DS - bar, goldfish or whatever
- disposable bib for DS, cloth bib for DD, restaurant mat, napkins
- diaper wipes, antibacterial wipes
- changing pad, disposable changing pad
- 2 diapers for each kid, plastic bag for disposal of used diaper
- change of clothes for DD
- powdered formula
- empty bottle/nipple
- 6 oz. bottle of water for mixing formula
- Sponge Bob straw cup for DS
- rattle or some form of entertainment

Then, in my car, I always keep:
- 2 diapers for each kid
- diaper wipes
- hat, sunscreen
- sweatshirt
- blanket
- toys
- sandbox toys
- water
- snacks

[December27JJB]

Tomorrow DD has her 2 month shots. I am SO nervous. She's gonna be screaming her head off. It is NOT going to be fun. :(

[Montaukbea]

Hope everyone is having a great weekend! Does anyone have a nursing bra that they just love and would recommend? I don't like the ones that I have, they are just not comfortable. I am hoping to get to the store that my hospital has that has lots of nursing bras and clothes, but I would love any recomm. before I go so I have somewhere to start! Thanks!

[usafwife]

Can I join??

I thought that I would join you ladies. I was a member of the Junebug thread. I'm a member of the May/June thread but I sometimes feel that everyone else is so far ahead of where my little one is. Our little girl was nearly a July baby (began to think that she was going to be one) I thought that I would join you all if you don't mind.

[NYN]

welcome usafwife. of course you can join us. me or doco will add you to the front page asap.

nursing bras: i spent so much money on two bravado bras and in the end the ones i love the most are my nursing tanks from target. even though i am very big chested i feel like they offer good support and the best part is that they cost $16. i wear them as shirts most days which is great b/c it is like walking around in my bra (which is what i do when they are in the wash, HAHA). i think the brand is In Due Time or something like that. i assume all Targets are the same, no? Target is a new thing to me so don't believe me.

wow, December27JJB, i can't believe Parker is already going to be 2 months! :eek: time really does fly.

question about vaccinations: how many of you are doing selective or delayed vacs? we decided against doing the hep b vac in the hospital and are definitely doing selective vacs but our ped is pushing us to give her a schedule and we just haven't had the time to do it (i actually moved our visit from last saturday to this saturday to buy more time). i wish i knew someone who did this already but everytime i bring it up w/ my friends they look at me as if i am crazy. i am amazed at how many people don't even know they have the option to do this. i realize this is a heated topic so if you don't feel comfortable talking about it online but would like to discuss it, feel free to email or PM me b/c i'd really like to talk about it w/ someone who is a little more informed than i am.

diaper bags: thanks for posting your lists. i especially loved jki's Sponge Bob straw cup for DS, lol. i have those scented bags that you have jodi (they come in a little dispenser you hang from the diaper bag, right?) but i HATE the way they smell. they give me a migraine! i wish they sold unscented ones but they don't (at least not in BRU).

sleeping: catie sleeps on and off throughout the day. i never counted the hours before but now, naturally, you guys have made me worry about one more thing so i'm sure i'll be noting her sleep time in my little notebook tomorrow. ;)

dizylizy: i think you are okay w/ feeding Harry w/out watching the clock. if your boob feels deflated you should be fine. i was really neurotic at first, always watching the clock, but i find that now that i feed and don't "time" it we are both much more relaxed. good luck these next few days w/out your DH!

MaMa2D: feel free!

my other QOTD: i am going to post this in the parenting page but are any of you (those of you who got epidurals) experiencing lower back pain?

[DanaLynn]

nursing bras- I have a bravada and I really don't like it. I just got a new one, it is called a noonies (I think) I bought it from my local breastfeeding store. It is so comfortable. I have the Target nursing tank too.

Vaccinations - I am no help with this. I am a believer in giving all vaccinations on time. I did it with #1 and I will do it with #2. Although my Dr. did say I could make my own schedule, I decided to follow his. My son never had any reactions and I am hoping for the same for my daughter. I actually had to get vaccinated before I left the hospital for german measles. Weird.

Sleeping - I never really noticed. I think Emma sleeps about 15 -20 hours, give or take.

QOTD My lower back does bother me, but I am pretty sure it is not from the epidural. The nurse told me it is your body adjusting itself from caring so much weight in the front.

[SAMIKE32700]

Yesterday was my 27th b'day. So we decided we are going to trade in my car for more of a mommy vehicle tonight. My brother works for a Ford company and we are going tonight to get hopefully a Ford Explorer. My brother is getting us hooked up so we don't have to pay dealer fees and some other stuff. I have a 2004 Volkswagon Passat that I love but it just seems too small now.

Sleeping~ Jacob tends to sleep alot during the day. I tend to try and keep him up for a couple hours at a time during the evening so after the bath and bottle he'll go to sleep a little easier. He tends to try and fight it sometimes. On Saturday he slept for almost 5 hours and awoke at 2am but didn't go back to sleep until 4:30am. :rolleyes:

Here's his favorite sleeping position.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d634b3127cce9320f00f924f00000016108QasW7Nw5aO

[myshel]

sleeping: Luka sleeps quite a bit thought I've noticed he's sleeping less and less. If he is sleeping soundly, he will sleep anywhere from 2-5 hours. The 5 hour time spurts tend to be at night.

nursing bras: I only bought 2 nursing bras and got both at Target. I liked them both when I wore them. The only thing I didn't like was that they made me look "droopy," but the support was really good.

lower back pain: I have had some but I don't really think it's because of an epidural. I think it has more to do with adjusting my posture. It has gotten better over time.

delayed vacs: DH and I are planning to do all of the vacs on time but my sister has chosen delayed vacs. Her boys got all of their vacs at 2 months but I believe that she hasn't given any since. (She also opted out of the Vitamin K shot at birth for her second son). The Hep B shot was not given at birth for her kids, nor was it given at 2 months. She has said that she will give shots like polio soon as she has heard that there has been an increase in cases lately. She will also give the tetnus shot when when required (usually when non-vac'ed kids need stitches). It's worked well for her kids and they're not very sick ever. The one hurdle will be school. My state requires kids to be vac'ed for school and my sister will have to sign a religious exemption in order for her boys to attend school even though it's not for religious reasons.

[myshel]

Yesterday, we took Luka to our state fair for his first really big trip. In case you're not familiar with it, the Iowa State Fair (http://www.usatoday.com/life/2004-08-15-iowa-state-fair_x.htm) is pretty well known. It was pretty crazy due to the sheer number of people that attend but we managed quite well. Luka was actually quite good the entire time we were there and was quite the attention getter. Everyone kept commenting on him which was cute.

[Jodi AKA BostonTeacher]

Teba: The bags are scented. I don't love the smell either, but poop makes me gag so I suppose I just pick my poison ;)

BACK PAIN: My back really bothered me the day after birth (and bothered me slightly after that for a few days). The nurses said to expect it. Since then I've had a pinched nerve feeling in my neck from trying to burp him on my shoulder and occasional back pain, but I think it's lack of baby-conditioning more than anything. Is it possible that the weight distribution from the sling could be causing it? DH used the Bjorn this weekend and has had a sore back since.

SHOTS: I'm torn. I did a lot of research for school on autism and the possible link with the vaccinations was scary, but statistically a child is more likely to get one of the diseases the shots are meant to prevent than autism so who knows. The MMR is the one that freaks me out. FWIW, all children in my state need the chicken pox vaccination to attend school. EVERY year we have several cases (severe) of chicken pox in kids that had the vaccine. Go figure.

QOTD: DS has been a lot crankier these past few days. He's hungry every two hours and will scream when we try to burp him (not from the burping, but b/c of the break in eating). He doesn't sleep a whole lot either. He does seem to sleep well at night (knock on wood). He will sleep for 2-5 hours, wake, get changed, eat and go right back to sleep, but during the day it's as if I've been putting espresson in his bottle instead of formula. I'm not sure if he's just more fussy and alert because he's not so new (3 weeks 2 days) and it's normal or if this is going to be his personality. Anyone else notice a change in "behavior" regarding fussy periods or sleep?

[lil_nance]

got to type quick, DS is waking up for a snack.

Bras: Target tank is great. Also have a sport style bra from WalMart that I like and the Yes Bra http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5401097090&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1
The ebay seller has great customer service. Bra cups folds all the way down and the band really does not roll.

Jodi: He may be hitting a growth spurt. Connor had one at about the same age.

[usafwife]

Thanks for the welcomes. Thanks for adding me to the first page.

What's in our diaper bag ~

diapers
wipes
changing pad/disposable changing pad
change of clothes for DD
comb/brush
baby lotion, soap, powder, destin
digital camera
water, bottles, formula
burp cloths
blanket
nail clippers, thermometer, etc.
purell, disposable hand wipes, alcohol prep pads
my wallet, keys, comb/brush, sunglasses
a couple of toys
and probably a few other things


Shots ~ DD goes the first week in September to get her 2 month injections. Not doing delayed vaccinations either.

Back pain ~ I've had some. But I'm not sure if it's related to the epidural or not. I do feel a difference at the injection site though. It itched for a quite a while after it was removed. I notice that the skin around it feels different. It was red for a while after delivery. And the injection site hurt for a while after I came home.

SAMIKE32700 ~ My DD loves to lay in almost the same position. Her feet have to be all tucked up near or just under her body. She hardly ever wants to stretch out with her legs extended when she sleeps. And when we carry or hold her the legs are in the same tucked up position.

[December27JJB]

Samike32700 Happy Belated Birthday! I hope you had a good one. Ooohh new car. I'm jealous! We are sticking with our cars right now, they're paid for but soon we will need to replace one of them.

I can't believe we ran into each other at the doctor's office today! What a small world. I thought it was you because I had seen your pictures on here before. :) Jacob is beautiful!!!!! Which doctor does he see? We see Dr. Reina, I went to him myself when I was a kid.

I hope you find the car you want!

___________________

Dr's App't: It went well UNTIL she got the shots. She weights a whopping 11 lbs 13 oz!!! 22 1/2 inches long. :eek: Even the doctor was impressed because she is breastfed. They said she is 'slightly' heavier for her age but she was 'within the range' so its ok and she was right on target with her height. She screamed so much when they gave her 4 shots :(

[SAMIKE32700]

December27JJB~ Yeah that was pretty cool to meet you today. The last time Jacob was in there he saw Dr Reina and today he saw Dr Patisti. But his primary is Dr Sokol. JAcob is a whopping 11.2 pounds. He is now 21 1/2 inches long. He didn't like the shot he got. I was surprised to hear the Dr say to feed him on demand. If he's cranky try to feed him.

I got my Explorer today. Jacob slept thru the whole deal. I hope he sleeps tonight.

[Kasia216]

Back Pain - Had some back discomfort the first week home from the hospital but it was more of a sore feeling where the epidural was. I also had some itching in the same area as well.

Shots - We plan on doing the vacs on time as recommended by my pediatrician.

Sleeping - I have not paid too much attention to sleep hours. He usually sleeps for a good 3 hours after he has his bottle. These days I feel like he's awake a little more throughout the day.

[Tray85]

QOTD 1 - I definitely have back pain where they put the epidural in. That and lots of back pain from lifting the munchkin.

QOTD 2 - Katie has had a string of very fussy days. Its driving me crazy. She screams 30 minutes after a feeding and sometimes it goes on for a while. Ugh! I'm thinking maybe the medicine for the thrush is doing it to her. I haven't given it to her today and she's been better. Anyone else have a baby that screams after a feeding??

News from my front - I have mastitis now! :( My right breast has an area that is extremely painful and swollen. I am running a high fever and have chills and all-over body aches. The doc called in an anti-biotic for me. I am already on an anti fungal for the yeast infection. DH stayed home from work today and took care of me. I am just about at my wits end with my breasts!!!

[NYN]

omg tray, i'm so sorry about the mastisis. i have to give you credit at this point for continuing w/ the nursing b/c you have had everything in the book happen to you!

fussiness: catie usually has fussy evenings. from what i understand, this is very normal. she cluster feeds b/tw 6pm and midnight - probably every hour on the hour. honestly, when she starts to scream like you describe and it is not b/c of gas (sometimes it's obvious that it is) i just lay down on the couch w/ her, turn on the tv and let her go to town. she sometimes nurses for 45 minutes but she is not getting milk the whole time. she is a big comfort sucker (hence my trying to get her to take a paci for three weeks now!). do you feed her on-demand? if you don't, you should try it, at least for the evening hours and see if that works. she might just be needy like my little girl and like to be held while she's awake.

samike: happy belated b-day and congrats on your new car! we are in the market for a bigger car too. we both have really small ones and are starting to realize we can't pull it off the way we originally intended to.

back pain: i started to realize that i f'd up my back by being stupid b/c when i nurse her at night, i do so in bed and instead of then getting up out of bed myself and bending down to pick her up, i pick her up and then attempt to get out of bed w/ her in my arms. this puts a big strain on my back, obviously. however, my doc. still wants me to see someone b/c sometimes my lower back and legs go numb - like they get all tingly - and he says this isn't normal. i was about to tell him that it only happened twice and then it happened again yesterday so i figured i better get it checked out. also a good point that jodi brought up about the sling. i have been using the snugli a lot lately and it does strain my back a lot.

today catie and i have our first la leche league meeting. i'm so excited to be getting out of the house and interacting w/ people other than my mother and husband, lol. i hope there is a good group b/c i have heard of people who attend meetings and they are one of two people there. luckily they meet right by my house so we are walking.

[Tray85]

Newyork - thanks for the sympathy! I need all I can get!
I do feed Katie on demand. The screaming thing happens during the day..not so much at night. At night she is "drunk baby" (as I call her) and I can put her back to sleep. During the day, she gets fussy & screams about 30 min after a feeding. I think it is gas w/ the way she crunches her legs up/ sticks them out straight. I have been giving her mylecon, but that doesn't help a ton. I try to burp her, but she isn't a good burper. Hopefully she will grow out of this soon.

Sorry about your back pain!!


Another question - Anyone else's baby have nipple confusion? I started giving Kate one bottle a day for the past week and it has really messed up her latch. Now she sucks poorly on the boob and doesn't empty the breast..then she's made a short while later b/c she's hungry. I'm eliminating the bottle for a while, but just wondered if anyone else had the same problem?

[maggieb]

Tray85: Marisa also fusses and cries after I nurse her. She turns red in the face, strains, pulls up her legs and just cries. Does Katie spit up a lot? Marisa does. We took her to the dr yesterday and she diagnosed reflux. I have been dairy free for over three weeks and it hasn't made a difference in her fussiness and spitting up, so we decided to see the dr about it. She prescribed Zantac and so far it has made a bit of a difference. Marisa still spits up, but it isn't as painful for her. So, she isn't as fussy while I'm nursing her or after. Marisa also is better at night and the dr said that could be b/c she is more relaxed at night and isn't aware that she's in pain. My first DD had reflux too and it's so hard. Please feel free to email me if you have any questions. maggiebello at yahoo dot com

[SAMIKE32700]

Back pain~ I had really bad back pain the first week. I guess from me straining to stay straight. Now I am pretty good. I also had a spinal as opposed to an epidural.

Fussiness~ Well thats today big time. I tried to go to Target and Jacob just screamed his head off. I turned around and walked out the store. People were looking at me like I was killing him. Well thats how he sounded. It was because he was so tired. He had only slept an hour at that point. Hopefully tomorrow he'll be better since I have to go to work for a party.

[Jodi AKA BostonTeacher]

Tracie You totally described my son. He has been screaming after feedings lately (as well as when I "try" to burp him...he's NOT a burper at all). I wish I had advice, but it helps to know that it sounds normal since you're seeing the same thing.

[Tray85]

Glad to see I'm not alone. Maggie b - Katie doesn't spit up at all (well, she's done it maybe once or twice since she was born). I wonder if babies can have reflux even if they don't spit up? Ah, the joys of figuring out our newborns!!

[NYN]

my baby is not a burper either. what is that all about? the LC told me she doesn't have to burp but if we don't burp her she screams and fusses the way you guys are describing. she is a really gassy baby, though it isn't all the time (thank god) but when she is gassy, she is GASSY. my poor tenant must go crazy on the days when catie has gas b/c she is LOUD. i went to the health food store last friday to go buy gripe water b/c the mylecon drops don't seem to do much but they were out of it so i need to go back and see if they have it.

nipple confusion: i know all about that unfortunately. i haven't given her a bottle ever since she started taking my breast b/c i'm so afraid of it happening again. if she is doing a lazy latch, try pulling her off until she latches on correctly. when catie latches on incorrectly i break the latch and say "no, no, open" and then i open my mouth and say "ahhh." she looks up at me and copies, then i bring her to my breast really quickly. one night i was really tired and i didn't correct her latch and the next day my nipple had taken a really weird shape. i didn't even know that could happen! and i also had bad nipple pain after that too which was really bad. oh also, what bottles are you using? i bought the playtex ventaire bottle at myshel's suggestion and it worked wonders for our BF relationship (that was the night she took my breast for the first time!) so you might want to play around w/ the bottles.

maggie: my sister had reflux as a baby (i don't remember this b/c we are too close in age) and my mom said it was terrible. i feel so bad for you both (though i'm sure the doctors have it more under control now). i hope everything goes well. did the zantac help w/ the gassiness too?

so i went to my first LLL meeting this morning. it was a really great experience. i got to express all my concerns and i was reassured that everything is okay. it made me feel so much better. of course catie slept the entire time! i was dying for her to wake up so i could feed her in front of the LC just to make sure that we were doing it right but she didn't wake up once! as soon as we got home, she decided to beg for food!

[msmarieb]

Wow it's been awhile! to many replies to respond to them all. SAM Happy Belated Birthday! and Tray ((Hugs)))

Just a quick drive by post. Lex Is doing well. :) Finally asleep again. His latch is steady improving. The LC taught us this training technique to do with our fingers that helps alot. He's getting big! My arms and biceps are crying some days. This week has been tough I've been doing things solo since my hubby goes back to work on Saturday...man getting up at night SUCKS I so miss my hubby doing all the diapers! I am so thankful that he was home for the first 6 weeks now. Other than that I'm ok. I've been pumping for storage.

Lex is 6 weeks on Sunday!!! SO far he is all smiles. He went from smiling in his sleep to smiling at us. He loves kneck tickles! I don't have an awake picture of him smiling yet. We're usually not prepared. He is turning over is that normal? He can go from his back, to his side, to his stomach. But once on his stomach he starts to cry cause he can't move anymore. I didn't think that turning over would happen so soon. And once on his stomach he starts to move his legs like he is going to crawl :eek: We both start crossing ourselves and praying at that point...we are not ready for him to be even SEMI-mobile. Sheesh! Anywho I'm going to my 6 week appointment next week.

Bras-I love my bravado! It's so comfy and sexy. I was a 32 b to begin with though, so it may have something to do with my chest size. I also bought a sleep bra from motherhood for like 11 bucks I love it so much I got another one yesterday...so comfy.

Heres a pic of our little guy a few weeks ago getting his smile on...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10/msmarieb/100_2857.jpg

[DanaLynn]

Marie
Lex is so adorable. I love the smiling in the sleep.

Things are going good for Emma and I. I have supplementing with formula once a day since she was not up to her birth weight last week. We go back to the dr. on Monday.

Belly Buttons - Emma still has the stump and she will be 4 weeks old on Saturday. Anybody else still have theirs??

[Nanner]

Today was my last day at home with Sam. He goes to daycare tomorrow, then I go back to work on Monday, part time. :(

I cried a few times today, knowing that I won't have this kind of time with him anymore. I am glad that I will have a couple of hours to myself each day, in between work and picking him up from daycare. But the other 4 hours of the day, I will miss him so much. Especially now that he's starting to do things like gurgle and coo, and smile and laugh (sort of), and actually look directly into my eyes. And I hate that I will surely miss other "firsts" in his life.

So in honor of his 8 week birthday, here are a couple of recent pictures:

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d639b3127cce93dc9b2f6d3800000026108QaMW7Zw0as

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d639b3127cce93dc9b476d5000000066108QaMW7Zw0as

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d639b3127cce93dc9a8eac3100000076108QaMW7Zw0as

[SAMIKE32700]

I am still bleeding. Yesterday I started to get AF type cramps in my stomach and last night they hurt so bad that I could barely walk like I just had my c/s. Is this my uterus starting to contract?? I would call the dr but right now my Explorer is at the dealership getting tinted and detailed. Hopefully they will call soon that it's ready.

We decided to let my MIL watch Jacob when I go back to work. She is trying to get disabilty from her job but if she does have to go back then at least Jacob will be over a year old. Plus it will save us $300 and MIL can still watch him even if he is sick.

[myshel]

Marie and Nanner: Your men are handsome! What cuties!

Samike: We have a similar sort of deal for childcare. My dad willl watch Luka while we work. He lives with us, so it seems pretty natural that he would watch Luka. Plus, just like your MIL, my dad is saving us $100 a week.

More later... argh. I have to go in to work for a little while.

[newyorkgirl]

Hello all! I've been lurking in this thread since last December and, after enjoying all your stories and celebrating all the wonderful births, I thought I should introduce myself and share my story.

I was newyorkgirl on WC too (although I no longer live in New York), but there are probably only a few who remember me since I stopped posting sometime in 2003. DH and I married on July 20, 2002. I stopped taking birth control pills last October and we started TTC. We weren't sure how long my cycles were, so we didn't know how long it would take to get pg. Well, as it turns out - not long at all! We got pg right away and my due date was July 26.

I had a pretty uneventful pregnancy (no morning sickness or anything - we even took trips to Asia and Arizona) until week 28, when I got hospitalized for preterm labor and unexplained bleeding. I was in the hospital twice in week 28 and once in week 29 before my doctor put me on bedrest and prescribed a medication called nifedipine to stop the contractions. I was on bedrest until week 34.

Well, DS must have really wanted out, because I went off the meds in week 36 and at 37w3d my water broke and, after 9.5 hrs of labor and 3.5 hrs of pushing :eek: , Bennett Lawrence was born at 11:40 am on July 9, weighing 6 lbs 10 oz and measuring 19.5 inches.

Here he is at the hospital a day after he was born:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d638b3127cce93d85fe8752800000025118QasmTJm4Zw

Bennett has been wonderful. We thought we had an extraordinarily good baby since he slept through the first two weeks but then he woke up! ;) Even though he started to have more fussy periods, he's still pretty good. We've been using some of the methods taught in Happiest Baby on the Block, but DH is worried about the swaddling - even though it works like magic - because he's afraid that Bennett will break loose out of the swaddling and smother himself in the middle of the night. Other than that, BFing is going well and Bennett's gained over 3 lbs by this point.

Here he is this past weekend with FIL:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d638b3127cce93d865a6f44b00000016108QasmTJm4Zw

Well, I just wanted to introduce myself - it's been great reading your stories for support and help and I hope I'll be able to contribute. :)

Oh, and here are the stats for the first page:
newyorkgirl
Me: Erika, 30
DH: Joel, 31
Married: July 20, 2002
BFP: What does this stand for? ETA: November 19, 2004
EDD: July 26, 2005
ADD: July 9, 2005

[Nanner]

DH is worried about the swaddling - even though it works like magic - because he's afraid that Bennett will break loose out of the swaddling and smother himself in the middle of the night.

Hi, newyorkgirl! Bennett is SO cute! Welcome to the board. About the swaddling, Sam usually stays swaddled most of the night, but then when he starts waking up and wiggling, he breaks loose. But he'll get his arms up and out the top of the blanket, so the blanket ends up wrapped around his waist like a toga! I would think, logistically, that this is how it would be for most babies. So I don't think you guys have anything to worry about.

Oh, and BFP = Big Fat Positive. The date you tested positive.

Welcome again!

[msmarieb]

Aww Nanner I'm sorry to hear you'll be going back to work. But I'm glad it's only part-time. I think you'll still catch alot of the firsts. ((((HUGS )))Babe and I agree with Myshel he is a CUTIE PIE!

Anyone else going back to work if so when??



newyorkgirl-how awsome! Lex was born on the 9th too and weighed exactly 6lbs 11oz they have the same birthday and almost the same weight! :D

__________________________________________________ _______________

We had a horrible night last night. Lex somehow ended up with too much sleep and ended up being awake for over 3 hours straight last night :o DH and I were at our wits end! Try humming and rocking for 3 hours...he was looking around the room happy as a clam but no sleep in sight. Which brings me back to the sleep question. From the very begining Lex has been on the lower end of sleep needs. I'll say he slept 14 hours a day at the most when he came home from the hosp now he's probably down to 10.

Oh and ETA=Edited to add

Bennett is a cutie!!

[SAMIKE32700]

I will be going back to work. I don't have to go back til Oct 10th but thinking about going back Sept 26. My MIL will be watching Jacob so I can at least go to her house at lunch to see him if I want. She's 10mins away from me at work.

[SAMIKE32700]

Pics of my little guy!!

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d600b3127cce93c34d7d49c200000016108QasW7Nw5aO
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d600b3127cce93c34d0ac88500000016108QasW7Nw5aO
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d600b3127cce93c3403a882b00000016108QasW7Nw5aO
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d600b3127cce93c341d1496800000016108QasW7Nw5aO
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d600b3127cce93c3468b889900000016108QasW7Nw5aO

[heatherlynne]

Coming out of lurkdom!!! I have been so bad about posting, but I am really enjoying seeing all the awesome pictures of these beautiful babies!!!

Sarah is the sweetest baby and I am having a wonderful time with her. She is a great breastfeeder, and will take a bottle like a champ now. She rarely fusses and has a great disposition overall. I really couldn't ask for a better baby-I am sure this will come back to bite me at some time too!!! :D

The only mysterious issue I have is that she can get out of her diaper. No, really. I go in to pick her up from her crib, she has moved down the crib, but her gown will still be picture perfect, and her little butt crack will be hanging out of her diaper!!! I have no idea how she does this, but I have started putting her in onsies to prevent a nasty situation!! Has anyone else had this happen??

I quit my job and my official 'last day' was on the 15th, although, I never actually went back. Right now, we are working on getting me over on DH's insurance and settling into life at home with Sarah.

My dad and his wife will finally be coming for a visit in two weeks and I am excited to see them. I know they are anxious to see Sarah too.

Here are my little photo additions.... Hope you are all doing just wonderful!!!!

http://images.snapfish.com/34478%3A8323232%7Ffp58%3Dot%3E2337%3D833%3D627%3DX ROQDF%3E2323%3A3682993%3Aot1lsi

http://images.snapfish.com/34478%3A8323232%7Ffp3%3B%3Dot%3E2337%3D833%3D627%3 DXROQDF%3E2323%3A36%3B85383ot1lsi
And yes, her diaper was around her knees in this picture!!!! :eek:

[Kasia216]

How cute are all the July babies!

I don't get a chance to post much but I follow along! Things have been going well. DS was 4 weeks old on Friday. Can't believe how time flies. We go back to the doctor in a few weeks so he can get his shots :o

I've been enjoying the end of summer with my little angel!

Thought I would share a recent picture:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d638b3127cce93df7b36940100000026108BcNW7Vw3b0

[dizylizy]

hi all-
love all the pictures.
things are going well with Harry. he is a bit off schedule but getting back to it.
I finally went to have my ankle looked at after 4 weeks of pain... I sprained it and should have gone in right away... nurse gave me crazy look.... silly liz, such a klutz.. have to wrap my ankle, ice it whenever it bothers me and get a lace up ankle supporter. sheesh.. harry was a trooper. was a happy baby for the nurses while I got an xray and was wrapped.
getting ready to g back to wotk in two weeks. trying to get as much done at home. but only going back part tine in the beginning. I do have two leads on two full time positions... not sure what we would do if I got them.... but the sallary is nothing to sneeze at. plus, one is 5 min from my house.... guess I will apply and see what happens...
have a great day.

[myshel]

Hi, ladies. Sorry I've been a bit MIA lately. I've been trying to get our lives here in some semblance of order. I love all of the pictures you guys have posted. Your babies look great.

I returned to work today at just over 4 weeks PP. I'm a bit crazy for doing so but as a teacher, my choices were somewhat limited. Starting the school year with a substitute would have been a bad idea. I was able to cut a deal though, and get to leave early every day for the next four weeks.

The first day away from Luka was okay. I cried as I drove to school which is funny because in my entire life, I've never cried on the first day of school. I did come home early though and got to spend the afternoon with Luka sleeping on my chest.

A newer picture...
http://photos21.flickr.com/34262334_bb20f16a23.jpg?v=0

[char473]

Hello ladies:)

All of the babies are beautiful! Here is a recent Sydney picture. She is growing like a weed!

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d602b3127cce93ebfb3df98b00000016108IaNmjNm5aM

Things are moving along here. Syd decided to try and switch her routine, and sleep all day and stay up at night a couple of nights ago, so I have been digging in my heels to get her back to normal. Other than that things are good. Still dealing with some PPD, but am trying to get out of the house (which is hard because DD hates being in the back by herself, so she SCREAMS the entire car ride :eek: ) and trying to get some me time.

Does anyone else have a hard time handing over the responsiblities to DH so that you can get some me time? It is not that he can't do things, its just I feel like I know her best. I know I have to get over this, and I am trying, but I just feel like her whole routine will go away if I am not there to keep to it. Ah the joys of hormones:)

Hope everyone is doing well. Keep the pictures coming! I love seeing all the babies:)

[Tray85]

Myshel - sorry you had to go back to work already. It is good that you can leave early though.

Handing over baby - I have no trouble handing over the baby at all. DH is great and I find myself needing frequent breaks. I have the opposite problem - I feel guilty wanting to hand her over so often. He gets home from work and is on instant baby duty so I can eat.

Katie is growing like crazy. I weighed her at home and she is 11.5 lbs! My chunk of a 4 week old.

She has become increasingly fussy though. The books I read say that fussiness peaks at 6 weeks and then should get better. Hope so!

QOTD How many hours a night does your baby sleep? I'm wondering if Katie is sleeping enough. She usually sleeps 3 hours, feeds and is up for 1 hour, then sleeps another 3-4 hours and is up again. Her morning nap isn't very long.

Another QOTD Has everyone gotten out alone w/ the baby outside of walks? I haven't. Since I had the c-section, its still a little tough for me to lift her in the carrier. I'm also fearful of her having a fit in a store or somethiing like that. Advice?

[newyorkgirl]

Myshel - Luka's expression in the photo is priceless. :)

I have no problem handing Bennett over to DH to care for, but I do find myself giving him a litany of instructions as I do so. And sometimes he doesn't do things entirely the way I would, but control-freak that I am, I've had to let go of some things, especially when I'm just too exhausted to really care that much.

QOTD: Tray, Bennett (6 wks) is roughly on the same schedule - sleep 3 hrs, feed 1 hr. Once or twice a day, he decides to stay awake after a feeding and then that is playtime (or fuss time), and it's not always the same 3 hr stretch every day. The only problem is, his daytime sleeping periods are sometimes longer than his nighttime sleeping periods and I wish I could find some way to switch them around. I've tried a few sleep solutions and he still wakes up every 2.5-3 hrs. I guess it's his internal clock telling him he needs food every 2.5-3 hours. :)

Another QOTD: We've gone out to several places. He's had a meltdown in public twice - once at Target and a second time at BRU - both times my fault because I cut it too close to his next feeding. My technique is generally to feed him right before I pop him into the car seat and head out the door. Then he usually falls asleep while driving to the destination and then stays asleep while I'm out. DH and I just experimented this past weekend with taking him out to a restaurant. We picked a casual dining restaurant chain (just in case he started crying and we had to leave), but the din of the restaurant was perfect - it totally lulled him to sleep.

[SAMIKE32700]

QOTD #1~ Jacob tends to sleep about every 3-4 hours at night up for a feeding and then back to sleep. We are starting to give him cereal in his night bottle but he hasn't slept all that much longer. He's now 12 pounds and I read somewhere that once they hit that number they generally start sleeping longer at night.

QOTD #2~ Yes I have gone places alone. But I too try to feed before leaving. Jacob does tend to scream his head off if he notices I am not in the back. Drives me crazy so I turn up the music really loud. Sometimes it shuts him up others nothing works.
I too had a c/s but haven't had any trouble lifting the car seat. If it helps use the stroller instead of trying to lift the car seat into the shopping cart.

[dizylizy]

Harry tends to sleep for 4 hours once a night 10-2. then up for an hour. then sleep for 2.5 to 3 hours. last night we tried to stretch his feeding. Pete got up at 5:30 and held him for 20 min, put him back in his bassinet and he slept for another hour! wahoo! I got a 4 hour stretch and a 3.5 hour stretch! I am a new woman!
during the day, he is a handful. but getting better. able to entertain himslef a tad in the vibrating seat with the hanging toys. I must have adjusted myslef to him so I can get things done. able to calm him, put him to sleep and run and do something before he wakes up again.

I have no problems handing Harry to Pete when he comes home. Pete typically wants to be with him. Pete is great! able to swaddle better and calm him a bit to stretch out the feeding (unless Harry is truly hungry!!!)

Going out- I love to go out. I ususally nurse and then get in the car fast. he has had a fit a few times- once in Target. I tried to use one of their carts with the seat on it. Harry hated it. screamed. went to old navy today- great, fell asleep for most of it. then there were these kids in the next fitting room over yelling and enjoying the echo... woke him up. but I was able to keep him from screaming.... then we went for a walk around a office park with a lake in the middle. that was fun.

Kids wanting to touch - this little girl saw me coming and waited at the end of the aisle for me. finally I got close enough, with harry screaming, for her to reach out and touch him. I kinda bit her head off. told her very frimly "yes, it is a baby. he is not happy, don't touch him!" then left. Where was her mother....

Losing weight- how are you guys doing? I have actually gained some back.... darn it. so I am putting myself on a stricter, healthier diet and starting to exercise more. which is hard with a sprained ankle.... I want to fit into my work clothes... but my bust is bigger so it is making my clothes fit funny.... more shopping for me...

[msmarieb]

I'm on my way to a nice long shower....

So hubby's been back to work 4 days, and I'm still here :p . He has been great about taking the baby when he gets home...mainly because he misses him so much...awww.

Today was my first day out solo with the baby and it went well. I ended up having to nurse him there (hair salon) but I didn't care. I thought I'd be more modest about my boobs in public seems like I'm on the other end of the spectrum...dh is on the other end though so he has a royal fit if even a lil boob is exposed.../tangent.

QOTD#1-Lex sleeps 1 5 hour stretch followed by nursing, and then another 3 to 4 hour stretch. Last night I was able to nurse & change him in under 40 minutes...I couldn't sleep though...my body has not adjusted to the long sleep periods.

QOTD#2- Lex had a meltdown at bealls on Sat. I took him out of the carseat and just walked around with him till he fell asleep again. I had a friend with me so it was easy. I do the feed and flee too, but I somehow always manage to stay out too long. We've been to 2 restuarants and he's screeched both times. He's only comfy in the car seat if we're moving...

Lex has a small diaper rash on his booty. I hardly noticed it. So he's been narly the couple of days so I guess this explains it. Other then that I'm OK.

Beautiful babies ladies!

[Jodi AKA BostonTeacher]

I'm sorry I don't have more time for replies girls. I've been following along and will update on life here asap. Keep the pictures coming.

Camden turned 1 month today. :)

I'm just posting quickly in regards to MsMarie's mention of diaper rash. I felt terrible when I noticed Cam had bright red marks on both sides of his "boy parts" hidden in the fold where the leg meets the pelvic area. I found Balmex works wonders!

[myshel]

QOTD 1: Luka is a strange little man for being just under 5 weeks old. During the day, he will sleep 2-3 hour stretches between feedings, sometimes 4 hours. Dyuring the night though, he sleeps 5-6 hours between feedings. So, if we feed him near 10pm, he doesn't get up until 3:30-4:00 am. After that feeding, he sleeps 4-5 hours. Pretty nice...

QOTD 2: We've taken Luka everywhere. Usually, he just sleeps. There have only been two places where he has freaked out-- Wal-Mart and the State Fair. Both times, he was very hungry, so we just fed him and that did the trick. He really seems to sleep well when we go out to eat, for some reason. Before we leave, we usually try to get a new diaper on him and feed him.

Well, I've got to get ready for work... more later.

[NYN]

sorry i have been a little MIA lately. catie has a rash on her face and i am 90% sure it is eczema. i cut all dairy, soy and eggs out of my diet and it seems to be going away and it has only been 48 hours. of course i have been very careful about everything else too so who knows what it is but i am just glad it is getting better.

we went to the pediatrician on saturday and she weighed in at 10lbs and she is now 22.5 inches. the doctor kept on asking me if i was "sure" i wasn't supplementing w/ formula. oh i'm sure all right, lol. she told me she can't gain more than 2lbs a month. okay, whatever.

catie is a really great baby. i find that i am constantly waiting for all this to change, like one day she will wake up and be the fussiest baby in the world.

diaper rash: catie had the WORST diaper rash almost since the day we brought her home from the hospital. it would get really red and raw - so painful to look at, i can't imagine what she was going through. we tried everything (doctor suggested Balmex btw - said it was better than the A&D ointment). finally i switched her from Huggies to Pampers b/c i remembered reading a thread on the WC way back about a baby who was allergic to huggies diapers. can you believe that the rash was completely gone by the next diaper change? i was amazed. i find the pampers a little bit annoying to put on her though but i will just deal. so happy the rash is gone.

losing weight: i have lost 30lbs (i had gained 47lbs total) and i feel like i *look* okay but i went to try on some of my regular clothes and boy did i get a reality check. nothing will go past my ass if it isn't drawstring or elastic waist. i RSVP'd yes to a friend's shower for the 17th of september and now i am so angry about it b/c i have nothing to wear, have zero desire to buy anything two sizes bigger than what i normally am and now i have to go.

going out: i go out w/ catie all the time when the weather isn't really hot. normally we just go for short walks to run errands and i can handle this well. we do the nurse and then quicly go out thing too. she has never asked to eat while we are out so far. one time DH and i took her to target and she started screaming in the car already so i had to feed her in the parking lot but that was my fault for not timing it correctly. yesterday we took her to the park and i had to nurse her there but i am at the point where i nurse her everywhere as long as DH is there w/ me. target must be the place for fits b/c that's where catie had her first one btw. LOL. thankfully DH was w/ me so he picked her up and calmed her down.

handing baby to hubby: i have no problems doing this though i will admit that sometimes i watch him w/ her and i want to "teach" him how to do it "right" but i NEVER say anything to him. i watch his mother when she is here, showing him how to do things "the right way" and i will never do that to him. she makes him so nervous and i can tell that he doubts himself after she is gone. i won't ever do this to him. he has his way of doing things and i have mine and one isn't better than the other. the only thing is that he worries when i am not here that the baby is hungry and he doesn't have enough food for her and sometimes i think he just gives her her milk b/c he worries so much. the other day i went to get my nails done and when i got back (about an hour later) the 4oz of EBM i had left him were gone and she wasn't "due" to eat for another hour! i couldn't believe it. i had to explain to him that just b/c the baby is awake, it doesn't mean she is hungry - sometimes she is just awake, lol.

sleep: catie has always slept one 4 or 5 hour stretch and then another 3 or 4 hour stretch. she usually falls asleep while we are burping her. we have been very lucky in that regard b/c she has always been a very good sleeper. this morning she actually only slept 2 and a half hours b/tw feedings and was then up for an hour at 6am (hence me being on here so early) but i think it was b/c the a/c was on way too high in our bedroom.

so sorry that so many of you are back at work already. i know it must suck. i am not looking forward to going back, though thankfully i have a few months ahead of me still.

btw, newyorkgirl, welcome ;). i will add you to the front page as soon as i get a chance.

all of the july babies are gorgeous. here is my catie:

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d602b3127cce93ca474658da00000015108DZuWLNs0U
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d602b3127cce93ca4294189200000016108DZuWLNs0U
my favorite picture:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d600b3127cce93c195fb09b000000016108DZuWLNs0U

[msmarieb]

HAHAHA! NYN My brother jokes all the time the Lex gives him the middle finger every time he holds him...you've got proof too funny!

losing weight:I feel the same way, I look pretty good naked but my clothes say a different story. I remember reading somewhere to just suck it up and buy a couple of nice things for yourself don't worry about the size, having something on that you look nice in will work wonders for you and it's so worth the money. So I did just that. I bought two wrap dresses they're perfect for nursing too I seem to have stopped loosing weight Dh says I'm not eating enough calories. But I don't know...

[Tray85]

I was inspired by you ladies and took Kate out for our 1st solo trip today!! We went to Target (hee), the post office and Starbucks. She was a dream! She was awake in Target and just looked around. The trip out did me a world of good. I feel like a human being again vs. a milk machine w/ my butt welded to the couch.

LOL about the middle finger. Katie does that too.

[December27JJB]

Ooohh all of the babies are beautiful!! Keep the pictures coming!

Here is DD:

In the big bed

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d605b3127cce93922839531000000016108EbNXLdoxam

On her glider

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d605b3127cce93922827530e00000016108EbNXLdoxam

[lil_nance]

I haven't posted in a while but have been following along. DH is back at work so it's just Connor & me during the day. Things are going ok. Hormones finally seemed to stabilize last week. We went to my old job today to show him off. It was weird to be there knowing I'm not going back. Sometimes I miss it. Mainly I miss the people.

sleep This has been a difficult area for me. DS will sleep 4-6hr at night which sounds great but my boobs usually don't last that long. Then the debate is wake him or pump. If I pump I then have trouble sleeping because I'm worried about when he'll wake up. 8-l

handing off to DH no problem with this. DH is better at getting DS to sleep. He's also a great swaddler and diaper king. But, I find, I can't turn off the Mommy instinct. If DS is crying I still feel like I should be taking care of him although DH is perfectly capable.

diaper rash We're dealing with our first case of this. Poor baby.

current annoying thing DS doesn't want to latch. He'll take my breast, lick, break off, go on, swallow twice, go off, etc. It's driving me crazy. You're hungry just eat!

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d605b3127cce9393329673fe00000016108Bat2Tdq0aA

[NYN]

eta: to clarify, my post is in response to your DS breaking his latch...

nance: catie does this sometimes b/c i have a little bit of an overactive letdown. she has been doing it a lot since last weekend and i find that lying in bed and feeding her works. i know it's not practical (wasn't practical when i had to feed her in the park today for example, lol) but for when you are home it should work. :mad:

[Jodi AKA BostonTeacher]

DH returned to work this morning after a wonderful 5 week leave. He has been amazing and I'll miss having all that time together. I'm also very nervous about my official start as SAHM. I'm sure once I get my groove back (translation: get Camden on a schedule) I'll be loving it.

Here is a picture taken on his one month birthday. I figure since the time I can dress him in foolish little outfits is so limited I should take advantage of it.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d602b3127cce93f44c07d9a100000015108AcuW7Vkzatl

[December27JJB]

Aww I love the cute babies!!!!

AF decided to show her ugly face today! UGH! It is so weird having my period again after almost 1 year of no period. :(

[heatherlynne]

Handing Sarah over to DH- He has been so helpful from the beginning, and it really give me a break when I'm feeling stressed. We started a thing where I feed her and DH burps her. It really helped me to get some time for myself in and relax. I am just starting to leave her with him when I go out though. I have taken a short trip to Target and another to the grocery store and that went very well. We're working up to where I can attend a bridal shower in September and leave her with him through a feeding. :D I will be leaving her for the first time with someone other than DH or I in mid-September too. Luckily, it's only my mom, but I'm still nervous! I hope it goes well!

Taking Sarah out- We were out in a restaurant the day after she came home. I have gone shopping, hair and dr appointments, to a birthday party, her baptism party, on a business trip with DH and everywhere else under the sun. I try to keep my life as normal as possible and plan around her feedings. She does very well when we go out and I just keep her exposure to people limited (in the stroller or in a bjorn) so that they don't go touching all over her. BLEH! I only have had one major meltdown at the mall on the night before her baptism. We were shopping for gifts for the Godparents and she went insane on us. :eek:

Sleep and feeding-Sarah is like a clock...During the day, she eats every three hours for about 1/2 hour and then has wake time and takes about 1 hour naps in between.

At night, she has a 6 hour stretch and two 3 hour stretches where I feed her. She eats for about 15 minutes and she immediately goes back to sleep-no awake time between 9pm and 9 am.


Sarah tends to break her latch when she gets too much milk too quickly (I have a very strong let down-like a flood!) and when she is full, but wants to still suck, she'll take the milk and then spit it back out on me every few seconds... That's when she gets a paci.

Must run, the baby is waking!!! :)

http://images.snapfish.com/3447%3B%3A6%3B23232%7Ffp3%3Enu%3D3246%3E742%3E536% 3EWSNRCG%3D3232%3B4%3C7%3A%3B45%3Anu0mrj

[NYN]

Sarah tends to break her latch when she gets too much milk too quickly (I have a very strong let down-like a flood!) and when she is full, but wants to still suck, she'll take the milk and then spit it back out on me every few seconds... That's when she gets a paci.
yes, catie does this exact same thing. unfortunately she will not take a paci! she spits it out at me like it is gross. we have tried everything and she has taken it only twice, and both times she was desperate to have something to suck on so she could fall asleep. i'm all about encouraging comfort sucking but my letdown is just too strong to allow this so i just don't know what to do.

btw, i have no idea how the angry face emoticon appeared in my last post. LOL

[char473]

We had a terrible time getting Sydney to like a paci. We tried sooo many. Finally we found that she liked the ones not shaped like the nuks. So we have stock in the Winnie the Pooh ones by First years or something. She loves our fingers, and these are kinda straight like a finger, so we have success!! She also like the big blue ones the girls from my work at the hospital gave me, but they seemed so bulky.

QOTD: Is there a specific time to try and space feedings out? We now FF exclusively, and she takes 4 ounces every 3 hours. Anyone have little ones that go longer, or for more ounces?

[maggieb]

Sarah tends to break her latch when she gets too much milk too quickly (I have a very strong let down-like a flood!) and when she is full, but wants to still suck, she'll take the milk and then spit it back out on me every few seconds... That's when she gets a paci.

Marisa does the same thing, except she won't take a paci either, just like Catie. It's frustrating for me and for her. I have found that feeding her on one breast every two feedings is really helping to regulate my supply. She actually comfort nursed last night for 20 minutes and didn't get pissed that milk was coming out. Of course, since she did that I'm sure at 10pm tonight my bbs will be extra full! Can't win.

Marisa will be 7 weeks old tomorrow and it seems like we are all getting used to each other. She was diagnosed with reflux a couple of weeks ago and is on Zantac now two times a day. It's such a PITA to give a newborn medicine.

sleep: Marisa has good days and not so good days. Last night was a great night. She slept from about 10-2, ate and went right back to sleep and then was up again at 4:45, ate and then was asleep again until 7:30 this morning. Not too bad. Hopefully, she'll continue this pattern for a little while.

cradle cap: Anyone else's baby have cradle cap? Marisa has a pretty bad case of it. She has yellow, crusty, scaly, dry patches all over her head. It's gross. So far I have just been shampooing it and then covering it with Eucerin cream. She also has a rash on her face. Dr thinks it is the same thing as cradle cap, just on her face, but I think it's something that I'm eating.

Here is a picture of my two girls...
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d601b3127cce93db96bf907700000016108AYs2TZu2cNE

[myshel]

QOTD: Is there a specific time to try and space feedings out? We now FF exclusively, and she takes 4 ounces every 3 hours. Anyone have little ones that go longer, or for more ounces?

Right now, Luka takes 4 ounces at a sitting no matter what. If he has gone a longer stretch-- say 5-6 hours which does happen at night-- he will drink 6 ounces. For instance, he went 6 hours last night (nap + awake time with Daddy) and he literally demanded 6 ounces. Sometimes, even if there hasn't been a ton of space between feedings (3 hours or less), he will need 4 ounces plus a bit more. DH and I call that the "tank topper."

[DanaLynn]

All the babies are so gorgeous.
Things have been good. We went to the Dr. on Monday for a weight check and Emma now weighs 8lbs 2oz. She turned 1 month old on Tuesday. Since she turned a month we had our first big trip. We went to the mall with both kids. I dragged my mom with me to help. Emma was an angel and Hayden was a tropper. My local mall has a gorgeous family room with individual rooms to nurse, t.v., microwave, wipe warmer, bottle warmer etc.
sleep - Emma has been sleeping wonderful. She usually sleeps 5 - 7 hours at night. I feed her and she goes right back down for another 3 hours. I just hope it lasts.

cradle cap/dry skin - My best friend told me to put some olive oil on a soft brush and massage the scalp. I have never had to do it, but I heard it works. Emma has some dry patches on her face and I just use aquaphor. I use aquaphor for basically everything. diaper rashes, dry skin etc. I swear it is the miracle cure.

here are some pictures
Emma
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d604b3127cce93f079674bca00000016108AZN2jJq5ZM9

Hayden
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d604b3127cce93f07e658a6300000016108AZN2jJq5ZM9

[lil_nance]

letdown My letdown is strong especially on the right side. I swear I gush like a fountain. However, his not latching thing has been prior to letdown lately and on both sides. He did have one fantastic feeding last night and a decent one on the left today. Hopefully things are improving.

DanaLynn Where are you in CA? I grew up near Sacramento. Reading this makes me want to move back My local mall has a gorgeous family room with individual rooms to nurse, t.v., microwave, wipe warmer, bottle warmer etc.

sleep? DS goes for 5+ hr sometimes at night. Dr said 6 is ok. Do any of you wake your baby if they are sleeping for a long time (i.e. more than 6hr since last feeding) or do you just let them sleep?

[NYN]

I have found that feeding her on one breast every two feedings is really helping to regulate my supply.
maggie, i do this too! i didn't think it was the right thing to do so i didn't tell anyone but it was the only way i wouldn't drown her w/ each feeding so i'm so glad to hear you are doing it too, HAHA.

nuk paci: my LC told me to stay away from NUK b/c then she will reshape my nipple since it is shaped so oddly. she told me this when we were having the whole nipple confusion issue so i wonder if that would still be the case? i will buy a nuk paci today and see if that works b/c she is a big fan of my pinkie, lol.

cradle cap: catie doesn't have this though she does have a mysterious rash on her face (i think we discussed this in the other thread already). i have heard to use olive oil on cradle cap.

waking baby: i woke catie up the first week only (had i not she would have slept 15 hours straight) and i heard that w/ breast fed babies, after the first two weeks you can stop waking them up. i went to an LC during week two and she told me she was gaining okay and taking a lot w/ each feeding (i think it was 1oz. every 10 minutes or something like that) so i could stop waking her up at night. she has never slept more than 6 hours though.

another bottle feeding question: i'd like to offer catie a bottle at night for her last feeding so that DH could feed her and i can get a four hour stretch of sleep since that seems to be the time i am most tired. i have no clue how much to offer her though - do BF babies and FF babies eat the same amount? Luka and Catie are the same age - should i be offering her 4oz?

[newyorkgirl]

Maggieb, Bennett had cradle cap for a while too. Before his bath/shampoo, I'd cover his scalp with mineral oil (baby oil) and scrub gently all over with a soft toothbrush. Then I shampoo twice to get all the oil out. I think I did this two or three times to get all the scaly bits out. After that, he hasn't had a problem.

newyorknovia, I pump bottles for DH to feed Bennett and I usually put 4 oz in the bottle. Generally, he'll take somewhere between 3 to 3.5 oz, although when he's really hungry, he'll take a little more, so I'll top off a little more over the 4-oz mark (I use the Avent bottles) so he doesn't take in too much air. But the ped basically said not to focus on the #s and let him eat as much as he'll take.

[char473]

Teba: Sydney didn't like the nuks (sorry for the confusion), especially when I was Bfing. The ones we went with really have no shape, just kinda like your finger. Those she LOVES:)

Cradle Cap: Haven't had to deal with this yet. Sydney has her daddy's oily skin, so I wash her hair every night and brush her little scalp alot. I was told that helps keep buildup and flakes off. She loves it, so it's spa time for her!

Can't help but take pictures of my little girl, hope ya'll don't mind:)
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d604b3127cce939fe704aa1900000016108IaNmjNm5aM

[lil_nance]

Teba Re: Bottles & BFing. I asked my ped at Connor's 1 mo. check up. He said it's a guess since I BF but probably 3-4oz EBM in the bottle. He took 4 from DH the other night.

[Kasia216]

Cradle Cap - DH does not have it. He does however have a slight case of baby acne. I ran to the doctor yesterday cause I thought it was a rash? Anybody else come across this?

Sleep/Feeding My DS is formula fed and he usually takes 2.5-3ozs every 3 hours. At night he sleeps for me longer 4-5 hours and he barely eats (maybe 2ozs?). He's 9lbs 4 oz and will be 5 weeks tomorrow.

Paci's - He likes the NUK. I really do not like giving it to DS as I'm not one for starting habits but it soothes him so I give it to him and pull it out once he's sleeping.

QUESTION: What do you do to soothe your baby when they become fussy?

My ped. told me to give DS 1oz of Chamomile tea with water.

[MaMa2D]

Beautiful babies ladies!!! I'm still in lurk-mode but have a question for MaggieB ... I read that your daughter was diagnosed with reflux and is on zantac. My son was just diagnosed and prescribed zantac, as well. I started the medication last night and was wondering how soon you noticed a change in your daughter. Also, if you don't mind me asking, what were/are her symptoms? Thanks for letting me post! :)

[NYN]

okay char, thank god i re-read your post before i went out to buy he pacifiers. i bought the winnie the pooh ones (which, btw, are by the first years) and i also bought the playtex ones b/c they look like they are shaped differently than all the other ones. lets see how she likes them.

soothing: i just give her my breast which is why i am trying like crazy to give her the pacifier. when she is fussy and i don't know what it is (and i know that she doesn't want to comfort suck) i sometimes do lunges while holding her. i look like a nut but it works 99% of the time.

i only give DD chamomile tea when i can tell her tummy hurts. (i can tell b/c all she wants to do is eat and eat. it's like she thinks she will feel better by eating). i brew two bags of tea for 10 minutes. i give it to her when it is still a little bit warm. always does the trick. my LC told me to do this. eta: i was told to only give her 1oz. per day.

we offered catie 4oz of milk tonight. DH fed her and she took 3oz., then dozed off. she promptly woke up about ten minutes later wailing and rooting for my breast. i really hope we don't have one of those situations where she thinks she didn't eat if i am not the one to feed her.

interesting tidbit: during week one she wouldn't latch on if you recall so we gave her EBM in a bottle. i always gave it to her cold, right from the fridge. today she would not take it cold so we had to wait for it to warm up to room temperature.

[Montaukbea]

Question: Those of you breastfeeding and also pumping, when do you find the best time to pump is? I am having a hard time finding a good time.

Thanks in advance!!

:p

[DanaLynn]

lil nance I live in Southern California. The family room was really nice. Most of the malls were I live are owned by the same company, but I think this is the only mall I know of that has such a nice room.

soothing - - I use a pacifier. I realy like the soothie paci. soothie.com (http://www.soothie-pacifier.com/) I don't give her my boob because I want her to know that the boob is for food and not to soothe.

pumping - I usually pump when I give Emma a bottle. I try to pump at least twice a day, but sometimes it does not work out. Usually Emma sleeps past a feeding and that is when I pump. I only pump for about 5 minutes and I get about 5oz.

[SAMIKE32700]

I left Jacob with my MIL for the first time today and went out. It was so nice. I had lunch with my friends at work. My MIL will be watching Jacob so I figure at least once a week she can babysit to get to know how he is.

[Montaukbea]

Dana Lynn-

What kind of pump do you have? I have the Avent Manual and am heading to Babies R Us tomorrow to buy an electric one. Anyone else love theirs and recommend it? I thought the hand one would be fine since i am not working and would not be using it much, but it takes forever and is a pain!

[Tray85]

Montauk - I just bought the Medela Pump in Style Advanced and really like it. I had the Avent manual and although it works, its nice to have at least one hand free while pumping w/ the electric. I have a hard time finding a good time to pump too! If I pump in the evening, Katie gets ticked because she cluster feeds in the evening. The morning works better b/c she doesn't feed as much. I also try not to completely empty the breasts. I did that a few times and sure enough, the little stinker wanted to eat. Not sure if I am doing things "correctly"..I'm just winging it. (Isn't that what parenthood is!?) ;)

Newyork - Our "Katies/Caties" are similar! When I can't figure out what is wrong, I do give her the boob. It settles her. Since she won't take a paci, I don't know what else to do. LOL on the lunges!!!

Soothing -
Walk with her over our shoulder. She's like a shark, if she's not constantly moving when she's fussy, she gets nuts. DH walks around our island in the kitchen so Katie can stare at the over head light. She loves lights.

I will also sway back & forth & that sometimes put her in a trance.

I used to do the side ways hold, jiggling and shushing as per "Happiest Baby.." but that makes her more mad these days.

Strangely enough, we put her on her back and play with her. She has gone from blood curdling screams to laughing in 2 seconds. DH figured this one out. She's a weird kid!

Take her for a walk or drive in the car. (I only do the drive thing when we have an errand to run...but it has a nice side effect).

Lastly, I give her her the breast for comfort suckling & that quiets her right down. (i.e., when all else fails....)

When she is calm, she spends a good amount of time in the swing.

[newyorkgirl]

Well, Bennett and I both had 6-week checkups this week (he'll be 7 weeks tomorrow) and we are both in good shape. Bennett weighed in at 10 lbs 6 oz - making that a 4 lb 3 oz gain from his lowest point. He has a case of infant acne that's run a 1.5-week course and looks like it's clearing up now. DH is worried about a series of stork bites that are on the bridge of his nose and at the nape of his neck, but the ped assured me that the marks will lighten up by about 10 mos. Does anyone else's baby have similar birthmarks?

For me, the OB has given me the greenlight for exercise and other (ahem!) activities. I've lost 26 lbs in all, but I don't actually know what my pre-pregnancy weight was. (The only reason I knew my final weight was because I figured I ought to know for the anesthetic reasons.) I figured I'd just work on slowly losing the weight until I feel comfortable in my pre-pregnancy clothes. (I'm still in transition clothes.) I'm also worried about dieting and losing too much weight because I've heard it can affect your milk supply.

A funny story - I belong to a listserv for moms and dads in my metro area, and someone recently posted this: I am expecting and have been given a ton of used 0-3mo and 3-6mo clothes. I am tempted to give half to my sister who is also expecting, but a friend is urging me against it. This is my first baby and I don't know how much spit-up etc to expect, so the Q is:

how many outfits for each age do I need, if I want to keep Junior in clean
clothes and do laundry every 3 weeks or so? I had a goodnatured laugh and then emailed her to let her know that she might want to rethink how often she plans on doing baby laundry. Which brings me to the question:

What is the one thing you expected after having the baby which, now looking back, was completely unrealistic?

For me, I never expected that BFing would cause me to rethink my wardrobe. Firstly, in that all I wear when I'm home is a nursing bra and some casual pants - I don't even bother putting on a top most days. And now when I look at tops, I think, "Can I access my bbs easily if I wear this?" And the other thing is that I expected to have a fairly organized and well-kept house. (Those who know me may know what a control-freak, obssessive-compulsive cleaner and organizer I am.) Now my house is cluttered - clean, but cluttered - and I don't care! (The pre-Bennett me would be hyperventilating a la Tony Shalhoub in the TV show Monk.)

Have a great weekend ladies!

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d604b3127cce93f994792b7400000016108QasmTJm4Zw

[maggieb]

I'm still in lurk-mode but have a question for MaggieB ... I read that your daughter was diagnosed with reflux and is on zantac. My son was just diagnosed and prescribed zantac, as well. I started the medication last night and was wondering how soon you noticed a change in your daughter. Also, if you don't mind me asking, what were/are her symptoms?

I'll start with her symptoms...she was EXTREMELY fussy after I nursed her, every single time. For about 30 min after I fed her she would scream and cry and her little belly would be as hard as a rock. She also spits up a ton, but my older DD had reflux too and she hardly ever spit up, she had silent reflux. Every time she spit up she would be in obvious pain. She would also fuss after about 5 min of nursing and then bob on and off of the boob. Here are some of her other symptoms, but I'm not sure if they were related to the reflux or not...explosive, mucousy poops and loud grunting.

It took a few days to notice an improvement. She still spits up, but she's not in terrible pain anymore. Zantac won't take care of the spitting, it just reduces the acid so that it doesn't irritate the esophagus.

What are your son's symptoms? I hope you see a change soon. If you don't mind me asking, are you breastfeeding or bottle feeding?

[DanaLynn]

Montaukbea - I rented a hospital grade pump from my local breastfeeding store. I love it.

[Jodi AKA BostonTeacher]

ERIKA: First of all I keep meaning to post and mention how much I LOVE the name Bennett. Very cool! I've never heard it used before and I just think it has such a nice sound to it. It's different without being "out there."

BABY ACNE: Camden has it too. He wakes up fine, but once he's cried it pops out. He's had it for 2-3 weeks. He also had a blocked tear duct that cleared up after a couple of days. It was really bad and I'm surprised at how quickly it went away because I had read it could stay like that for months.

STORK BITE: He's got this too. There is a small mark on his left eyelid. It looks like broken blood vessels. We asked the doc about it and he said that it was from birth and that it would go away. He also said, "I bet there is one on the back of his neck too." He flipped him over, lifted his hair and there it was. He also claims these will go away, however, I did have a student who still had the mark so who knows.

BIGGEST SURPRISES:
How long it takes to get ANYTHING done. DH was home on leave for 5 weeks and we had a crazy long list of things to do while he was out of work. There were landscaping plans and painting plans, etc. Needless to say not a single one got done. In fact we felt accomplished if we both took a shower and ate a meal.
sleep deprivation! I knew babies woke up in the night, but since we were formula feeding we were led to believe it would be a once every four hour thing. I thought that this could easily be a 10 pm 2 am 6 am thing and we could alternate nights with the 2 am shift. Alas, there is no real rhyme or reason to it, but in general there is an 11, 1, 3 , 5 and a bonus 6 am feeding.


That would be a great question to post in the parenting board.

[MaMa2D]

Thank you so much for posting your daughter's symptoms. I believe that my son has silent reflux. He doesn't spit up, but he freaks out after he eats (I am feeding him only EBM. Long story, but he has a short frenulum that I was told needed to be clipped by my ped and two LCs. After three weeks of struggling with him on the boob and no desire to have his tongue clipped, I am a member of the exclusively pumping group.), he arches his back and cries bloody murder, totally inconsolable, HATES to be placed on his back (I guess the acid would keep coming up), constantly wanting to eat (my ped said that is because the milk cools as it goes down - gained a full pound in less than a week), a mucousy, wheezing sound when he is placed on his back, lots of grunting. I think that's about it. He has now been on zantac for a couple of days and it seems to be helping. I hope its not just wishful thinking. We did prop up one side of his cosleeper as well, with magazines at the bottom. My ped told me to make sure he doesn't eat too much, as it will aggravate the reflux. In addition, she told me to thicken occasional bottles of EBM with a teaspoon of ground up rice cereal. OH! I also completely cut out dairy, caffeine, and soy from my diet. Its worse than my pregnancy diet, but anything that will make him feel better! :o

Thanks again for your help!

[Tray85]

What is the one thing you expected after having the baby which, now looking back, was completely unrealistic?

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d604b3127cce93f994792b7400000016108QasmTJm4Zw[/IMG]


I didn't anticipate just how hard BFing is. I dreaded it (sorry, but its the truth) and the first few weeks were so much harder than I thought. I also didn't realize that I would be SO sleep deprived day in and day out since she was born. I think I was so focused on the pregnancy and birth that I failed to think about life with a newborn. I also didn't realize how much planning and thought it takes to manage outings with the munchkin and how house-bound I feel/felt.

[maggieb]

MaMa2D I applaud you for EP...I tried it with DD#1 for three days and it was a PITA! Your son sounds a lot like Helena did at that age. She ate to soothe her hurting throat and she gained a ton of weight early on. I look back at pics of her and she was sooo fat (in a good way). From what I understand about babies with reflux, they can either overeat to soothe the pain or refuse to eat to avoid the pain. DD#1 overate and then at 9 weeks she started to refuse to nurse. For months I had to put her to sleep and then feed her while she was sleeping. It was hard. She also arched her back and fussed after she ate.

Have you done any research on putting cereal in the bottles at this age? From what I've read, it doesn't help like they thought it used to and by introducing solids so early on, there is a greater chance of food allergies.

Cutting out dairy has been so hard. I can't believe you have cut out so many things. What we'll do for out little ones! :D

I hope the Zantac helps. I know how frustrating it is when your baby is in pain and it seems like there's nothing you can do to help. The good news is that Helena was off of all meds by the time she was 11 mos old and she is completely fine now. She eats all foods and is reflux free.

[docoNY]

just sticking my nose in! I try to keep up in here! love all the pictures! must get one uploaded of Orla!

She is 7 wks now and my supply is still an issue and dealing with it ok. I think she is now 75% formula fed and 25 bf but guess a little bit still helps! she needs to pack on some weight.. she is only 9 lbs (was 8lbs 6 when born)

we leave for Ireland in less than 3 wks - we are going to see my IL's and have her christening and then my parents will take me to my side of the family (aunts, uncles, cousins and have a 98 yr old Granny). Granny has been issues since Orla was born (stroke and then internal bleeding) so hopefully she will be around in Sept.

I worry aobut getting my butt into my clothes and how she will do traveling! this definitely won't be a vacation! DH has to leave asap due to work and I will be with my MIL for 2 nites on my own with her.. ugh! my MIL is a nervous woman always flithering about so I don't need her getting worked up about what I am doing or not doing etc!

work is another issue - really unmotivated to go back due to work stuff.. do want to go back but just to a different team. Might take a longer break and have to work that all out. Don't want to lose my status (been there 5.5 yrs) if I can help it and they have had a lot of turnover so hopefully they will be thrilled that I want to just take a longer break and not gone for good! we shall see

DH has been working long hours and even today.. bleah.. so starting to feel like a single mom except between 9p-11p! he said its only for another few weeks and then should slow down.. hope so!

anyway Orla is cooing and smiling and does pretty good with the sleeping.. she has been sleeping 5+ hrs at night which her doc was thrilled about (though last night that was ruined but hopefully it was a one time thing)

And we realized we can put her down awake and she puts herself to sleep! no pacifier or anything! knock on wood! she did it Friday night at 12m and then again at 7a and this morning she went down at 430a without any fuss with her eyes open!

we are totally knocking on wood that it lasts! Her bedroom is very dark except for a closet light that we leave on and the central air acts as the white noise and we swaddle her. Haven't really see her do it at nap time cause we are out and about but we shall see

hope everyone is doing well! have a great rest of the weekend!

[heatherlynne]

Jodi-Sarah and Camden are very similar...

She has the stork bite too! When my ped flipped her over, we couldn't believe the mark on the back too! Such a funny little thing! He also said hers would go away before she's a year old... I've never seen anyone with it as an adult.

Baby acne also pops out on her when she cries hard, and she had a blocked tear duct for over a month! BLEH! Nothing like green goo in your kids eye!

Surprise-I didn't know how hard pumping would be. I guess I expected to just put the thing on there and get milk. It took me a few tries to really get it down.

Breastfeeding during those growth spurts is really difficult too.

Montaukbea-I don't pump too often (only if we're going out to an event or church), but I have a system that works pretty well. I will usually pump at her 3am feeding when she only eats on one bb and that gets a decent bottle going. I can also pump right after a feeding, but don't get as much. Then whenever I have to give her a bottle, I pump to replace it. I just carry my pump and some sterilized containers with me and go somewhere private. Usually I don't mind bfing in public though.

I just recently found that I can get alot more milk if I pump on one side while Sarah is bfing on the other. Takes some serious coordination that I don't usually have though. :)

Going to a baby party at DH's office in about an hour. He's looking forward to showing Sarah off to his friends. She's asleep right now, so I hope it all goes well. Her next appointment is next Wed. She is getting so big! I can't wait to see how much she's grown!

[newyorkgirl]

Jodi, thanks for the compliment. We really liked the name Bennett and weren't sure how people were going to react. For the most part, people have been positive about the name. :)

DH's firm has an annual meeting in Florida every November and we're trying to decide whether he should go alone or whether all three of us can all go. I'd love to go, but I'm having a hard time with the logistics. I've already called the hotel and they have very reputable babysitters who can care for an infant for the two evening events that I would have to attend, but I don't know how much baby gear to take (do we take the car seat? the stroller? what about a pack & play?) - does anyone else have experience with flying with a baby (who will be about 4 months old by then)?

[Tray85]

newyorkgirl - I have the same question. We are debating flying out to see my friend in VA w/ the baby in mid-Oct. I am dreading it b/c I've never flown w/ a baby before. Would love advice from experienced moms.

On the "knock on wood" side - Katie has slept 6.5 hour stretches for the last two nights and then went back down for a few more hours. It was glorious. I'm trying not to expect this every night. She'll be 6 wks in 3 days (and she was 5 days late) - and all the books say kids sleep longer after six weeks. Maybe, just maybe. :o

[NYN]

just a fly-by post here...i haven't had much time to write but i just wanted to say to Tray that our girls really are like twins. catie slept so long this morning that DH and I slept in, LOL. we had invited my SIL over for breakfast and the doorbell is what woke us up. when i felt myself up my bb's were hard as stones. :)

flying w/ baby: my parents traveled w/ us as infants so i know it can be done but it seems like in those days you didn't need as much equipment. DH and i were talking about going to Spain in September but i said forget it. i couldn't even figure out how we were going to get a car seat onto the airplane, much less into a rental car. it's just not as easy anymore. even sleeping arrangments are annoying b/c the bed in our room in spain is SO small (their queen size is smaller than our queen size). when it is just the two of us it is crowded - can't imagine putting our 10+lb. porker in there too. lol.

in other news, thank god for mr. gerber. after much experimentation (and desperation), we finally found a pacifier catie cat would take:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d608b3127cce93e80e0f2d4600000016108DZuWLNs0U
i am sure i am going to hate myself for wanting her to have it in no time but it is so nice to be able to lay down to sleep w/out my boob or pinkie in her mouth!

[SAMIKE32700]

QUESTION??

Does anyone know when a baby should be starting to roll over?? I think once Jacob does this he'll sleep so much longer. He sleeps on his belly but gets ticked cause he can't turn over.

[char473]

Teba: Yay! for the paci:) Syd's paci is a lifesaver. Catie cat is adorable.

Rolling over: Syd is trying really hard, and I agree with you that once she can she won't get so frustrated.

[Jodi AKA BostonTeacher]

Camden and I just had the day from HELL! He cried most of the day. I did what I now refer to as "circuit training." He would go from me holding him to the swing, to the bassinet, to me holding him to him lying on our bed to the bouncy seat to me holding him...etc.

He would sit quiet for no longer than 5 minutes and then scream until I moved to the next 'station.' Around 4 he had a much harder poop than normal. It was odd b/c although he was screaming all day he wasn't arching his back, turning red, grunting or any of that so I didn't suspect poop.

Around 5 he started sitting happily in the bouncy seat in the kitchen. I washed bottles, threw in laundry, made dinner and was cleaning the kitchen. I kind of wish DH walked home into the chaos that was the day and not the June Cleaver image that he came home to. I wanted sympathy.

TRAVEL:
Buy and extra seat and use the car seat on the plane and will then have it for the rental car
Be sure to stay somewhere with a washer/dryer so we can pack light
Wait until we get there and hit target for baby wipes, diapers, formula, etc.
We have friends in FL so I think we would borrow a pack and play from them


ROLLING OVER: I don't think they can roll over for a few months. We've been told never to lay the baby on his stomach to sleep since it can cause SIDS. I try to get in some time on his tummy for this reason. Which leads me to my question...

Do y'all do any type of "tummy time?" If so, what do you do?

[SAMIKE32700]

ROLLING OVER: I don't think they can roll over for a few months. We've been told never to lay the baby on his stomach to sleep since it can cause SIDS. I try to get in some time on his tummy for this reason. Which leads me to my question...



This I am aware of but he'll let us know if he puts his face down. He snorts and then he will turn his head to either side. I would never lay him this way if I knew he wouldn't turn his head.

[Nanner]

Travel: We are flying to NYC in two weeks. Sam will be 11 weeks old. NOT looking forward to it, but we have to do it. Family thing.

The biggest pain in the arse is going to be the car seat. But I'm trying to be upbeat and optimistic, because DH is being stressed out about it enough for the both of us!

[NYN]

i guess the car seat at this point isn't such a PITA since you can use the snap n' go, no? it's just the logistics of getting the base into the rental car that is throwing me off. and we aren't even planning on traveling until next spring or summer which means she will be in the bigger car seat and i just can't imagine what we will do short of asking my cousin to lend us his daughter's old car seat or something like that.

tummy time: i do tummy time w/ catie every morning in bed. we eat, burp, do a poopy stinky diaper change (when did i start talking like this? LOL) and then i put her on my chest (or DH's chest this week since he is home) and we "talk" and she lifts her head. i also put her in the gymini in the evenings but she isn't very into it yet and kind of spends more time licking the mat than she does looking up at me. omg, so weird and gross.

rolling over: sometimes i am afraid that she is going to roll onto her stomach while she is on the changing pad b/c she kicks very forcefully. of course if she did that she'd fall a good three feet so i make sure i never leave her there unattended anymore. crazy how fast things change. that said, i have no idea when they are "supposed" to do it. i think that before two months they can roll onto their bellies (or backs - depending on where they start out i guess) but i don't seem to recall my godson being able to roll over completely (meaning, roll over and then be able to roll himself back) until he was about 4 months old. he spent a lot of time in the gymini. not sure if this helped or hindered the process.

back to sleep: yes, they recommend you put your baby to sleep on his/her back to prevent SIDS. we do the back to sleep thing but i don't know how true it is. my brother died of crib death and my mom did put him to sleep on his tummy (this is what they recommended back then) but who is to know if that is what caused it. nobody knows unfortunately. i sometimes put catie to sleep on her tummy for naps when she is gassy (it helps). like jacob she has good head control so she doesn't smoosh her face. of course i am a worry wart so i don't leave her unattended. if your baby prefers to sleep on his tummy and you worry you can look into getting the angelcare baby monitor (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0000E262S/qid=1125366755/sr=8-1/ref=pd_bbs_1/102-3906902-8393744?v=glance&s=baby&n=507846). we got it b/c i am a huge worrier. though she sleeps on her back, i can't rest when she is in her crib. i haven't had any false alarms yet but i hear this is the only drawback to the monitor. then again, i only put her in her crib once a day (for one of her naps) so i am not an expert on the product yet.

i didn't answer the what surprised me most question...so many things. the one that comes to mind right now is how crazy i have become. i was prepared for raging hormones and all that - everyone talks about it so it's not like it's a secret - but i didn't really realize how real it would be. i told off my tenant this afternoon b/c he put the garbage out before 5pm (we can get ticketed if we do this in the summertime b/c NYC is so stinky already, they don't need your garbage out polluting the neighborhood). anyway, the poor guy was trying to do me a favor and i ripped him a new one. and then of course i had to go apologize an hour later which is even more embarassing. good lord. :o

[NYN]

this is a very stupid question but someone needs to answer it for me b/c it has been driving me crazy ever since i started visiting the parenting boards: what in god's name is Gymboree? i always thought that was a children's clothing store but b/c seem to take their children there for something other than clothes shopping...anyone know?

[jki]

NYNovia -
Gymboree is a clothing store AND a place where they hold classes for kids - art classes, music classes, baby sign language, etc. Here's a link (http://www.playandmusic.com/b2c/customer/home.jsp?dept=home) to their site. DS loved it but it's fairly pricey - $15+ for a 45 minute class.

[Jodi AKA BostonTeacher]

TEBA: We also have the Angel Care Monitor. My BIL/SIL loved their's and bought us one as a gift. Since DS is still sleeping in his bassinet we have only used the sound portion of it. However, he is getting bigger and will need to transition to the crib soon.

Did you buy a seperate board to put under it or just use it as it is? I like the peace of mind of it. I can only imagine that a false alarm would take years off my life.

[Tray85]

Newyorknovia - That's awesome about sleeping in! Katie is on the 3rd day of the 6.5 hour stretch. Its mind blowing & wonderful. LOL about her licking things. My Kate does that to her dads shirt. Why she wants to lick fabric is beyond me. Thank you for asking about Gymboree! I always wondered what the heck that was. And thanks to JKI for answering! BTW, what's a gymini?

Jodi - So sorry about the marathon cry day. Hopefully its a one-off type of thing. I end up breaking a sweat when we have times like this. Who need aerobics when you have baby circuit training!?

I forgot who mentioned Soothies pacifiers, but I got one and Katie actually took it last night! It was a miracle. DH and I were laughing our butts off b/c she went to town on that thing.

Tummy time - We just started doing this a few times a day. She's not really fond of it, so its for a short time only. I just get down to her level and talk to her and try to get her to lift her head higher.

Flying - Can you check a car seat w/ the stroller?

[Tray85]

Question for the c-sectioners - Are any of you still taking ibuprofen or any other painkiller? I cut my dosage in half and the frequency, but I find I still need it.

Question for those BFing - Anyone still have pain in your breasts? Let down feels uncomfortable/painful to me. I also still have shooting pains that seem to radiate to my back sometimes.

[DanaLynn]

Pain Killers - I have been taking tylenol. My incision does not bother me at all it is my lower back that is killing me. Once in a while I will take a vicadin for it. I have my 6-week apointment next week so I wil be sure to tell the doctor.

BFing pain - Every once in a while I get the shooting pain in my breasts, but that is it. My let down is more of a tingling feeling.

[maggieb]

bf pain: I get a tingly, pulling sensation during let-down and sometimes it's really strong, but I wouldn't say that it's painful. I know that it's different for everyone though. When Marisa was younger, letdown was a little painful.

I am really curious...how many of your babies put themselves to sleep with no help? Neither one of my girls have done this. I have to swaddle Marisa, then stand and do the baby dance with her...pat her back while swaying back and forth. Sometimes she falls asleep while nursing, but she has never fallen asleep on her own.

[jki]

BTW, what's a gymini?
This (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000067K0L/ref=wl_it_dp/103-1246206-3961401?%5Fencoding=UTF8&coliid=I5LON3GTPFR08&v=glance&colid=3I3FYFZH4AQJF) is a Gymini:
http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000067K0L.01._SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

We use the Gymini for tummy time.

I am really curious...how many of your babies put themselves to sleep with no help?
Cassidy has put herself to sleep a handful times. I put her down awake in her crib and she falls asleep. Most of the time, though, she needs a pacifier and she needs to be rocked. Other times, we can put her down with her pacifier, play music and pat her back. If we are super desperate to get her to sleep and she's really fighting it, we put her in the Baby Bjorn.

DS NEVER put himself to sleep on his own until he was about 6 months old.

Back to Sleep: Cassidy sleeps on her stomach. She sleeps so much better. She was always hitting herself in the face and waking herself up and she HATED being swaddled. She slept from 10:30 pm - 5:30 am last night.

There