Aug'05Moms: Welcome Arabella, Logan, Victoria, Ava, Logan, Aidan, Jeb, & Trenton! [Archive] - Page 13

hope0805

09-07-2005, 09:05 AM

Again, it has been soooo long since I have posted.

Update Things have been rough here for the last few days. Jonah has been SO FUSSY all day long every day since Saturday, with DH at work I don't know how I am going to keep dealing with this. I feel like all I do is hold him. The Bjorn works sometimes, but not too often (it's of course impossible to get him into it if he is squirming and hysterical, so I have to anticipate when he is going to get upset), and my other choice is to sit in a chair with him on my shoulder. Jonah gulps and swallows A LOT of air when he feeds, and it seems like he has REALLY bad gas. My pediatrician recommended Mylicon to help with that, along with holding him upright for about 30 minutes after a feeding (tons of fun at 3 am, let me tell you) but these things seems to be doing next to nothing and he is still pretty miserable.

My arms also hurt so bad with holding him all day and then for nursing too. Nursing has also been a trial, he is doing well on my right side, but latching strangely and hurting me on my left. I may try to investigate a nipple shield as some of you have mentioned, but I recall my Bfing class saying they didn't like to recommend that people use them. But if it can help, I may just take the plunge. We did introduce the pacifier over the weekend, and it helps a teeny bit, but he tends to spit it out so any relief is short-lived to say the least.

Finally, we had an ultrasound on his kidney (you might remember he had an enlargement on the left side) and it is still showing as abnormal, now in the "moderately abnormal" range. We need to go for a follow up test (called a VCUG) in which a dye is injected through a catheter into his urethra and his voiding of urine is observed by x-ray. Sounds very unpleasant to me, and I am totally freaked out about how he will react to the test, not to mention what is next on the list of procedures if this shows up abnormal too...

I'm sure I've missed tons here again, and am sorry, but wanted to do some attempt at responses.

Leslie, I like the Bjorn fine, but as mentioned above it's hard to get a crying baby into it so there is some anticipation needed. I've used it mainly around the house (he is in it now, in fact) and have gone on 1 or 2 walks with him. The walking gets a little tiring, but I can't stand being inside the house, and hey, we were carrying them around INSIDE just a few weeks ago, along with extra weight, so I figure it's not all that different to carry him around on my front now that he is here. On another topic, I know I asked for help posting pics in LJ -- if I can get to it, I will email later today, but obviously understand if you don't have time to help me get them up there.

Sarah, I'm so sorry I never got around to responding to your previous posts. Please know that I was thinking about you and Noah, and am soooo glad that things seem to be going well now that he is home. I will echo what others said -- you got way more done in a day than I have been able to do on a single day after 3.5 weeks at home!

Alice, Sorry to hear that the BFing isn't going perfectly, although it does sound like the shield is helping. As mentioned above, I'm having some issues myself. I think it helps to hear that it isn't perfect for anyone, and to share information on here. I am going to check out the BFing thread myself if I ever get the time, and am nearing the breaking point of calling in a lactation consultant to help me with the left side, where I seem to be having more trouble.

Mickey&B, Breastfeeding in public FREAKS ME OUT too. I am so afraid of the first time I have to do it. My plan has been to wait until we introduce a bottle (will probably be soon, although I am afraid of confusion issues to no end) to go out for longer than he can hold over from one at home feeding to the next, because I can't imagine just pulling out the girls in public and, since he's not so good at latching, I feel like it will be impossible to be discreet. The farthest from home I've gotten is on my back deck, and even there I felt conspicuous although I had a recieving blanket over his head!

Val, Sorry to hear about Will's intestinal/gas issues. I wonder if we will get similar news when we go to get our follow up procedure done? It sounds like no surgery for you right now, which is good, and I hope that things continue to show up as normal. It's frustrating, though, when we see them so uncomfortable, and there's nothing we can do.

Tina, I continue to be amazed with your ability to deal with twins. I am having trouble enough with one, and I don't know how you are dealing with two! Glad to hear your trip with them went well (but you have my sympathies regarding the circumstances).

We are FINALLY getting high-speed internet access tomorrow, so I may be able to hop on more often. In the meantime, take care all -- Jonah has hit the 3 hour mark since his last feeding which means a meltdown is on the way unless I get my boob out!

alex67

09-07-2005, 09:57 AM

Fly by post to say I'm reading along and staying current with all you ladies, but just have no time to post. I cannot believe Trenton is over a week old now! Things are going ok. It seems like all we do is constantly feed him and change diapers. He is having some gas issues that cause him to be grumpy, and he seems between diaper sizes right now so we have a lot of leaks, but other than that, we are just fine. He feeds about ever 2-3 hrs and DH and I are taking shifts to cover it. DH returns to work in a week, so things will change then.

I know a new wonderful journey as just begun for my family, but I am a bit sad, especially at night when thinking about the journey that just came to an end. I miss Trenton inside of me (again especially at night) and I've even cried at the thought of my DD who will turn 12 next week and my doggie who doesn't get enough attention right now. I'm not depressed, just weepy. Hope it passes soon!

LILRTL

09-07-2005, 10:30 AM

Alright, ladies. Does anyone else out there have a baby that just. won't. sleep?? He won't nap. It takes us FOREVER to get him to sleep some nights. Last night, around 8, he ate. Usually, after that would be bath, then bed for 3-4 hours. We did bath. We rocked. We read books. We ate again. He did not go to sleep until after 12. :( He ate again at 3:30, up at 6 because he was wet, down again until 9 or so. But that's it. This child will not nap. He has been up ever since! Any advice?

tracer

09-07-2005, 10:58 AM

Lora- Sounds like Tyler to a T. He is trying to transition from newborn sleep to REM sleep, I think. If he is up for more than 1 hour he gets overly tired and it is super hard to get him to go back to sleep. Luckily the past 4 nights have been good but before that it was horrible. It takes me about 2 hours to get him to restful sleep at night, that includes his bath and feeding. They go through growth spurts at 3 weeks, 6 weeks, etc. Also the dr. said 6 weeks is the prime for fussiness and restlessness. Tyler will be 6 weeks tomorrow and he hit his high on fussiness earlier than the 6 week mark. It took me about an hour to get him into a deep sleep this morning and now I have to go wake him to feed him because I have an appt...argh!

Daniel's Kitty

09-07-2005, 11:09 AM

Sleep?
I spent three hours trying to get him to calm down the other night! But then it was time to feed him again. I finally put him in the bouncer with it in the cradle position and turned on the vibrations and the heartbeat noise, and then used my toe to make it bounce a little. He finally relaxed enough that I got to nap for almost an hour before it was feeding time again. I got to drive him to the dr.s office yesterday with less than two hours of sleep.

Shh, don't tell Ben I am telling you guys this, but he let me sleep a whole bunch last night. I am managing to function. I also got to let my back relax enough that I am able to stand today.

Cosmogirl

09-07-2005, 11:25 AM

Tracy What do you mean by restfull sleep??? During the day, William sleeps, but he never like to sleep in his bed. It is really hard for me to get him in his bed. Not that he fusses, but by the time he touches the bed, he wakes up. Or he doesn,t sleep as long (like 1 hour) whereas during the night, he eats, and then sleeps until the next feeding. So I let him sleep in his chair, or in the wrap/pouch. Is the sleep that he gets during the day restfull too??

Lora Does he sleep in your arms or anywhere else then in his bed or not at all?? I think you'll find interesting reading Weissbluth's book. He is all about naps. I think he would say that it is because he is overtired, ad thus not able to fall asleep. Knock on wood, William is a big sleeper. I guess I'm lucky for that!

QOTD What activity do you do with your kid during the day??? And call me crazy, but I always feel super bad when he is awake and I don't take care of him...(leave him in his bed or in his chair) I really feel like a bad mother at those time! DO you guys always take care of your kid when he is awake, instead of eating, or doing something else for your sanity??

LeslieR

09-07-2005, 11:59 AM

Hope, that procedure sounds awful to me, too.:( I hope everything works out and Jonah's kidney is just fine.

Alex, the weepiness ended for me at around 2 weeks pp. Hang in there!

I think Luke's sleeping patterns have stayed the same at night, but during the day he is now into cat naps. 20 minutes here and hour there. I am in the process of reading Weissbluth's book and found it very interesting that he suggest only 1-2 hours of wakefulness. I try to be mindfull of this now and attempt to soothe him to sleep if it's going on 2 hours that he's been awake. He usually has a power (3-4 hours) nap every day either at night or during the day and he hasn't had one in a couple days.:confused: I did have a difficult time getting him to sleep last night. We must have put him down 4 times before it finally stuck. I usually aim for him to fall asleep around 9pm. We don't do the nighttime bath routine because it just doesn't seem to work for us. Plus he seems to be having some skin issues and I'm hesitant to bathe him every day.

During the day activities? I think that would be feeding him and changing him. lol When he's awake, I'm usually holding him and 'shhhhh'ing' him to keep him from crying. I've tried the activity mat, but he's too young to get it and loses interest fast. Same with the bouncer. The swing works sometimes when he's awake and is also sometimes helpful for putting him to sleep. I usually bathe him in the morning, so that's an activity there. I try to take him for walks outside and he really enjoys that. Usually at night. We tried to go this morning and it was way too sunny. I had forgotten a hat for Luke and decided it was best to just go back home. I can't really think of much else we do. lol Sometimes I am holding him sitting here at the computer. Sal walks with Luke a lot when he's fussy. He also tries to play Madden '06 while he's holding Luke (doesn't usually work out for him, though). When I read Lora's post where she said she read Zack books, it dawned on me that I should attempt this the next time Luke is awake and calm. It seems like the only times I eat or shower or accomplish anything is when Luke is asleep. I don't know if he's just being a normal baby or what, but he wants to be held all the time. And that can get old fast. Right now he is asleep and I should be doing laundry, but instead I sit here.:rolleyes:

Back to the baby acne...Luke's acne has gotten really bad. I am so glad he has a dr appt tomorrow because I am really starting to wonder if he has a dairy allergy.:confused:

LeslieR

09-07-2005, 12:03 PM

sarahanna115

09-07-2005, 12:15 PM

Hope Noah actually had a VCUG done after his open heart surgery, because they thought he may have the same problem with his kidneys (on top of everything else :roll eyes: ) -- it went really well and ours came back negative. Although they are still suspicious of it and he is on an antibiotic for a while just in case. Jonah will be OK - I'm sorry you have to go through that at all though. He's in my prayers! I just wanted to let you know that Noah had that done and it didn't bother him at all. :) *hugs*

Nighttime Diaper Changes We have Noah on a system where we change the diaper before feeding him. He does get upset and very fussy cause he wants to eat right then, but if we get it out of the way he is more comfortable and really sucks down his food more vigorously after being so mad at us. :D

QOTD If Noah is awake and content to sit in his bouncer looking around, I don't feel bad if I eat or do something that I really need to do. I feel a little guilty, esp if I leave the room and he's in there by himself awake! I mostly try to be with him as much as possible when he is awake because he sleeps most of the day anyways. It's REALLY hard at night when he wants to be alert and cute and I'm dying of exhaustion though!!

Alex I am right there with you on missing being pregnant. I love having Noah here, but there were a few times I started crying in bed at night all of sudden because I missed having him inside of me and I missed my big pregnant belly. (Who woulda thought?!! *gasp*) I was so depressed, esp those first few days after he was born and whisked away to the hospital and I couldn't even hold him, he felt so much SAFER when he was inside my belly. I know it will get better for us, but I definitely know what you mean. I loved being pregnant!

My little man is 3 weeks old as of yesterday. Weight is up to 7 lbs 10 oz...for us, that's big news...he gained 6 oz in 3 days and that is after we took his feeding tube out. :cool:

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/sarahanna115/P1000746.jpg

snowzilla

09-07-2005, 12:22 PM

Hope - my son had that same test done when he was about 7 years old. I hated it, but he seemed fine with the procedure. I hope that your son handles it okay. :)

QPDoll

09-07-2005, 12:44 PM

Kat, they have that mobile at Target for $39.99.

Actually, the one at Target is slightly different. Its the regular version - minus the remote I think is the big difference. BRU has it for the same price as Target without the remote. The one with the remote is $10 more. Since I often have one baby in my arms and one in the crib, we got the one with the remote.

QPDoll

09-07-2005, 12:46 PM

Oh, and another thing...how do you guys handle nighttime diaper changes? Luke only wakes up to eat and then he goes right back to sleep. He usually wakes up crying, so I pick him up and soothe him, but if I change his diaper then, he has a total crying fit. If I change him after I feed him, he wakes up, and then I have to nurse him again. How do you guys handle this???

Our guys have a fit when we change their diaper too. What we do is feed them (were on bottles) almost all of their feeding, then change their diaper, and then finish the feeding.

QPDoll

09-07-2005, 12:55 PM

QOTD What activity do you do with your kid during the day??? DO you guys always take care of your kid when he is awake, instead of eating, or doing something else for your sanity??

Mine take turns sleeping it seems, one sleeps well in the morning, and one sleeps well in the afternoon, so its non-stop awake time for the most part.

When they are awake, I do several activities depending on their mood. I sing to them - Im running out of tunes, twinkle twinkle little star is getting old so Im now onto Christmas carols. LOL They don't know or care, as long as Im singing. It also helps to calm them down when they are fussing.

I also shake a colorful rattle over them and wave it slowly back and forth for them to follow with their eyes. I have a couple dangly rattle toys and I try to show them how to bat at them, but they are too young at this point.

Yesterday, we went for our first walk around the neighborhood in the stroller. It was the only time they slept yesterday!

What else...
I give them baths every other day in the morning, after they have had their first bottle.

I dance with them, often when Im singing.
I sit on the porch with them so they can be outside.

I take them to the park for lunch. They sleep in their carseats, but I at least get out of the house to enjoy the last of summers sunshine.

I also take them shopping. LMAO Mainly its to get exercize and walk in air conditioning though.

I try to clean one room in the house a day. Not always possible, but its my goal anyway.

And yes, I feel guilty if Im not with them when they are awake.

Colic - anyone else dealing with it?

My poor little Nate, seems like there is nothing we can do in the evenings to calm him. He screams this bone chilling scream that just breaks my heart. He sucks a little on a bottle and then screams, but he is hungry. He stiffens his legs and then curls up into a ball. He gets all red faced. He doesnt fart, burp or anything, only occasionally spits up. Its like he has a tummy ache, but mylicon doesnt do anything for him. We have tried EBM that I have stored, regular formula and soy formula. It doesnt make a difference.
My DH gets really impatient with him and sort of forces him to eat, which is hell on me to listen to. The only thing we have found so far that calms him is a super tight swaddle that he cant bust out of.

It started lightly about a week ago (age 5 weeks) and last night was the worst so far (age 6 weeks). At first, I thought he was just learning to demand attention over Pete, since Pete is typically the loud and demanding one. Mainly the problem is shrill, unconsolable crying and difficulty in feeding him. Pete had the same difficulty with eating a couple of weeks ago, it lasted three nights and then he was fine (attitude we figure). Nates fussiness isnt going away though. Everyone (Grandma's and such) says it looks like he has a tummy ache, but I don't know what to do for him or how to tell if thats what it really is. He does have some awful poopies (runny like BM poop, typically on forumla its thicker) and they smell horrid, but they are starting to thicken now as he gets use to the forumla. They do smell the same as Petes, who doesn't seem to have the colic problem, so not sure if his poop is indicative of anything.

LILRTL

09-07-2005, 01:08 PM

Ohhhh I love that we are all getting so talkative again!!! :D

Diaper Changes We let Zack get mad by changing it before feeding. For us, it's the best - then after he eats, he is comfortable enough to go right back to sleep.

Activities We have the Baby Einstein play mat. We spend a lot of awake time on that, in his swing, or just laying and talking to him. He is somewhat easy to please. LOVES to be sung to. ABSOLUTELY LOVES IT!!!

Val It really depends. If he's really sleepy, he will go to sleep on his own in his crib. If he is somewhat sleepy, it takes me holding him, or him lying in his swing to do the trick. It all depends on when we catch it. I cannot WAIT to read that book!!!

Daniel's Kitty

09-07-2005, 01:09 PM

We let Ben get all upset by changing him first. Although I shove a pacifier in his mouth or he gets so upset that he bites me when we get to the feeding. There are times he wakes up just for a diaper change and could care less about eating though.

That is an expensive mobile! But I will have to find something that can calm him down when the world is ending when it comes time to go back to sleep and he doesn't want to. I hate having times where I have to hold hime the whole time until he relaxes so we can get some sleep.

Cosmogirl

09-07-2005, 01:22 PM

Leslie I change him between the first and second breast. That way, he has eaten a bit, and he is not as mad hungry, and that wakes him up for the second one, and he is able to go to bed sooner. When I cthc him being really calm, I change it at the beggining, bt during the night, I usually only wake up when he is crying... :rolleyes:

QOTD Thanks girls! Im glad I'm not alone feeling bad when he is awake alone... Usually, I leave him in his bouncey, and he is just right by me. So I guess he isn't tahe far away!
Anyways, during the day, he just doesn't want to sleep in his bed! Justy now, I fed him, and he was drowsy, so I put him in his crib, he was just no happy. He screamed until I put him in his bouncer...and now he is sleeping like a sweet angel.Do you guys think it is ok that I leave him sleep there??? Am I causing him to have some sleeping problem eventually???

Sarah Noah is SUCH a cutie pie!!! He kinda looks like mommy doesn't he?

Lora He says that you have to catch him when he shows signs of drowsiness; yarning, less activity, eyes not as awake. Then, you need to soothe him to sleep. (because it will be easier to sooth him, and he will not get overtired.) This should be within 1-2 hours of being awake. After that, he will fall into the overtired state, and will be harder to soothe because when you fight sleep, you make some chemical (adrenaline) that stimulates you. But when they reach that state, they are overtired. (even if they seem wide awake) When theyget to the point of screaming for nothing, they are overtired, and you missed the cues.
Kinda hard to apply though, and for us, like I said, William hates to be in his bed during the day, and sleeps super well elsewhere. I'm really scared to be causing him a sleep problem, but the most important thing I guess he to let them sleep any ways, so that we don't get to the overtired state.

HollyMN

09-07-2005, 01:29 PM

Night time feedings/diaper

When he wakes me up screaming, I feed him on one side. This puts him to sleep. Then I change his diaper which wakes him back up so he can take the other side. This puts him (sometimes) back to sleep again and I can put him back in his crib at this point, or if he's awake I walk him back and forth for anywhere from 30 seconds-15 minutes and then he falls asleep again, and I put him down then. It works well for both of us! The only bad part is that after he feeds on one side, I get sleepy and I hate getting up to change the diaper. After he feeds on the other side, I'm just happy to go back to bed.

During the daytime, I have DH come and do the diaper changes while I sit and wait between sides, so I don't have to get up.

HollyMN

09-07-2005, 01:32 PM

Hey, August21, we posted at the same time, and we have the same method. At this point I don't think Caleb would wake up to take the second breast without a diaper change, so I feed him immediately more for my sake as well as his.

QPDoll

09-07-2005, 01:32 PM

That is an expensive mobile! But I will have to find something that can calm him down when the world is ending when it comes time to go back to sleep and he doesn't want to. I hate having times where I have to hold hime the whole time until he relaxes so we can get some sleep.

It is. Thats why we had first bought a less expensive one, however, it paled in comparison. It didn't move, the music was terrible and the babies never even looked at it. When we forked over the money for this one, instantly they loved it and it totally captivates them.

Its extremely helpful when I have one in my arms and I need to calm the other one or hold the others attention for a bit while I finish with the baby Im holding...it also gives me an extra bit of sleep! I have woken up (without them crying) and gone in and found them awake and watching the mobile with a very content look on their faces. That alone makes it worth every penny!

Red'sGirl

09-07-2005, 01:39 PM

Hi Ladies! It's been a while for posting, but I've been reading along. I won't try to do SO individually, cuz that would take forever.

Arrena is doing well. She's now 9lbs 10oz and is filling out nicely. Right now, she's asleep in her swing (August anywhere you can get baby to sleep is fine - sleep is the most important thing). I'm actually able to write a bit.

She's sleeping better. The last two nights, she's slept from 12:30am to 5:30am, so I'm feeling more human. And I change her diaper between bb's, so she's eaten a bit, is a little drowsy - then I change her and usually make her mad, then I "top her off" on the other breast. I actually got her back to sleep pretty quickly this morning!

I've started pumping now, so that's new. It's going fine. I actually got 5 oz from a breast yesterday (of course, I had waited a long time and was ready to BUST!). I average about 2 1/2 oz to 3 1/2 oz each time. Hopefully, my milk will stay strong - I'm now drinking the Mother's milk supply tea. We'll see.

Arrena has been out a few times: Twice to a "New Mothers" meeting - which is great. A bunch of mommies with babies under 4 months old, and we ask questions or just talk. Made me feel like I was doing o.k. with the girl. Even better, my friends and I threw a baby shower for another friend. It was a long day, so Arrena came with me. She basically stayed in her sling for most of it, and slept through the decorating the room and the beginnign of the shower. I moved her to her infant seat for a while and she looked around, I fed her (discreetly) and by the clean up, she was back in her sling. 6 hours!!! And no meltdowns! I was very proud.

Everyone stay strong!! ;) And if we move over to a parenting thread, or whatever, I'll make the move. Do we have anymore mom's to give birth?? It's hard to keep it all straight.

QPDoll

09-07-2005, 02:12 PM

Im a horrible Mommy!!
I had Nate laying on the couch, head up at the back, feet towards the edgs. He was asleep. He fell off and hit his head on the cofee table and landed on his face under it. His lip is SO swollen and bruising, he was bleeding from the mouth, and he has a scratch on his forhead. The peds are out of the office for an hour, but I called and I will get in to see them first thing. I know hw is fine, but the first time I called them, they said to watch him and to call back if he gets sleepy. He fell asleep as soon as I got off the phone with them. (I can bug him and wake him up, otherwise I would have taken him to ER).

I feel horrid! I hurt my baby!!!

sarahanna115

09-07-2005, 02:25 PM

Val He looks a LOT like my baby pictures... ;)

Tina I'm so sorry - don't feel bad, it happens!! The good thing is, he's ok!!

Pumping I'm getting 4 oz each time I pump (combined both breasts), and I'm only pumping twice a day right now. Do you think that is adequate to keep my supply up for when I can actually start bfeeding?? I can tell it's diminished (I used to get 5 from one breast each time!!) but I don't have much time/energy to pump more than twice a day... Needless to say my freezer has become a milk storage container!! You look in to get some ice cream and you just see shelves upon shelves of frozen breast milk. YUM. :roll eyes:

tracer

09-07-2005, 02:26 PM

Val- what I mean by restful sleep is that deep sleep they get in. It takes Tyler about 20 minutes or so and then I can put him down in his bed. He too hates it when I put him in there before he is really out in my arms. Once he is in a deep sleep I put him in there close to the side and he snuggles up to it like its me or something.

Leslie- Tyler never wakes crying at night, so I am not sure how to handle that. He wakes and just stirs in his bed making noices. I change him before feeding. Once I feed him he goes back to sleep, I burp him and then put him back down. If you feed on both breast every feeding, try nursing him on one side, changing him then finishing up on the other side. WOuld that be an option for you?

tracer

09-07-2005, 02:28 PM

Oh Tina - I'm sorry but remember things happen. Scotty rolled off my bed at 3 months old...things happen!

LeslieR

09-07-2005, 02:50 PM

Tina, that is my worst nightmare come true. {{{BIG HUGS}}} It happens to everyone at some point, I think. I read somewhere that babies survive most falls-they're much tougher than we think!

Thanks for the replies about nighttime diaper changes. I don't always feed Luke on both breasts because he usually falls asleep on the first one. lol I think I would much rather change him when he is calm after he has eaten a bit, so I'm going to keep trying that and see how it goes. What sucks is when he wets through his clothes and needs those changed, too! He is only patient for so long-by the time I get the new sleeper on and ready to snap up, he goes into meltdown mode.:rolleyes: Today I changed his diaper and sleeper 3 times by 7am! I told him he goes through more clothing changes than Susan Lucci at the Emmy's. lol

Sarah, my instinct is to say that you probably need to pump more (I know that's not the answer you were hoping for). I have no idea how much Luke eats in a feeding, but let's say it's 2oz. They're supposed to nurse 8-12 times a day, so that would be 16-24oz a day. I imagine that Noah will work hard to get your supply up once he starts nursing, but it may not be enough at first which might frustrate him. I've also read that the best time to pump is in the morning because your supply builds up over night. I did that the other day and I got about 5.5oz out of one breast. Just some thoughts, I am by no means an expert. I would ask about this in the bf'ing support thread, I'm sure someone will have better and more informed advice for you. :)

LeslieR

09-07-2005, 02:53 PM

Leslie- Tyler never wakes crying at night, so I am not sure how to handle that. He wakes and just stirs in his bed making noices.

You're such a good mommy, Tracy! I ignore Luke until he cries.:o He's such a noisy sleeper that it's hard to tell when he is just making his sleeping noises and when he's really awake. Once he cries, then I know it's feeding time. lol

Daniel's Kitty

09-07-2005, 03:32 PM

I thought of something for the new thread. We could have a place to put our their current growth.

Leslie Don't feel bad! Ben starts screaming if no one is there with in 30 seconds of him waking up.

Tina Don't feel bad. I almost dropped Ben the other day when he starts squirming around and almost managed to roll out of my arms. Daniels mom ran Daniels head into a door frame when he was a baby and he rolled off of the waterbed one time. He survived childhood just fine.

michael'sbride

09-07-2005, 04:01 PM

Tina... Drew took the same kind of spill at 3 months and he was fine.

Val... don't worry about where Will is sleeping right now...the most important thing is that you and he both get rest. Drew slept half the night in the swing until he was 6 months old. With Evan, I'll pop him in the swing after his 4am feeding if he's having a hard time settling down. This was just fine with my Ped...especially since both my boys had/have acid reflux and they are better when they stay propped up anyway.

Diaper changes - Before I feed him...he's been falling asleep after the first breast so I don't wake him and just put him right back to bed.

Activities... We walk and talk, watch the mobile, lay on the play mat, watch the fan and the blinds, his favorites, go for walks, and try to get out somewhere to get a change of scenary for all of us.

Baby Bjorn... I love ours. I swap back and forth between the Bjorn and my Kangaroo Korner Adjustable Cotten Wrap. He likes the Bjorn better because he can see everything better.

Hey Tracy! How was the trip last weekend?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It seems like forever since I've posted. Things are crazy! Drew and I both just got over Pink Eye, Evan's reflux keeps me really really busy...add to that his very fussy evenings from about 5-9 and you have one really tired Mommy.

Evan just turned 7 weeks old and we weighed him yesterday at 13+ lbs. I can't believe this little piggy. He's getting to the stage where he's so active and alert that Drew distracts him while he's nursing. Its maddening. He pops his head off to see what Drew's doing...OUCH! Back to sore nipples again.

We're leaving on a trip to NY for a wedding a week from Saturday. Should be fun.

Cosmogirl

09-07-2005, 04:12 PM

!!!!From August 21 to Cosmogirl!!!
I had some problem with my e-mail adress, and had to change. So I actually changed also my username and all here, because I wasn't able to change my e-mail adress....whatever!

Sarah Just wanted to answer about the pumping thing...
While William wasn't doing so good at BF, and while I was using the nipple shield, I had to keep my milk up. Because, and this apply to all of you wanting to use the nipple shield-Nipple shild actually decrease milk production, and you can even lose it! So I had to keep my breasty stimulated to produce milk, and unfortunalty, I had to pump every 3 hours to keep up, so that I owuld be able to meet Will's demand. Otherwise (less then that) they were concerned that I might loose my production...Sorry sweety!

sdauer21

09-07-2005, 05:25 PM

No time for proper post, but caught Tina's post...

Tina You are not a bad mama!!! Nate will be fine, and won't ever remember his fall. When I was babysitting my nephew (he was only about 3 months old), I was changing him, leaned down to get a diaper, so didn't even leave the changing table, and he wiggled off that onto the very hard vinyl floor. He screamed bloody murder for about 30 minutes! We rushed him to the doc, but he was totally fine. Now, at 3 1/2, his mom (my sister) and I laugh about it, but it was a horrible moment for me. I know how bad you feel - don't beat yourself up!! Nate will be ok! Hugs to you!

hmmm - lots to catch up on, but have to run to feed my piglet baby. :P be back later...

bombedier

09-07-2005, 05:41 PM

Need your help on sleeping girls! Logan is 2.5 weeks old and only goes to sleep on me and in the night will wake either as soon as he is put on his back (in the co-sleeper in the bed) or about ten minutes later when he startles awake. I am now able to sleep while sitting hilding him, but DH thinks I am conditioning him for a bad habit and I don't know what to do. Is it too much to expect him to be able to sleep on his back away from me....? Is this just something that HE needs right now and it will get better? Any tips or advice greatly appreciated - I just went out and bought some books on sleeping and they all basically support what I am doing.

shellbell516

09-07-2005, 05:49 PM

outings – Other than doctor appt visits at day 3 and 5, we took Rachel shopping to get me more nursing bras at 1 week. She slept the whole time and stayed in her carseat/stroller. We’ve been to the grocery store a few times too. Today she went out with me and my mom to my dentist appt and haircut appt.

Val – I’m so glad that William doesn’t have to have surgery right now. I hope that everything will work itself out and he doesn’t have to have it down the road.

Lora – Rachel is also hard to get to sleep some nights. She’ll dose off and then wake again after 10-15 min. We’ll go through this for about a hour or so until she finally falls asleep for good. This is usually about 12 am.

I've been dealing with mastitis since yesterday. I did get some antibiotic, and am doing better. Just really tired. Rachel is being very fussy right now. We just tried to give her some EBM, but she's not taking it very well. I just really need a break.

Mickey&B

09-07-2005, 06:10 PM

Boy are we talkative again!

I don't have time to reply to all but I have been reading along and at some point I hope to have time to do individulal replies!

all this talk about sleeping/ fussiness. I am so glad I am not alone. I was starting to really doubt myself! I went from a jaundaced baby boy who I had to wake to eat, to a little guy who is cat nappin all day! It takes me up to an hour or more to get him to sleep, which yes by that time I know he is over tired, and by then it's time to feed him again :confused: I was thinking he was just gassy cause he has been screaming most of today, so I decided to give him some Mylicon drops and low and behold he had been sleeping for almost 2 hours!!!! He had been having some nasty avacado green poops too, so I guess I have to cut some stuff out of my diet and see if that is what is causing the problem!

Hooter Hider
That is so cute! I just ordered mine!!

Thanks for all the replies on taking your babies out! I don't feel so bad anymore, except for dr appts we have been house bound for two weeks, my friend is having a very low key birthday party at her house this friday, that may just have to be our first outing!!!!

Hearing you guys talk about your hotslings and how comfortable they are I think I may have to order mine today as well!

I know I missed a bunch of stuff, but I have to try to catch a shower while my little guy is sleeping!!

QPDoll

09-07-2005, 10:35 PM

Sarah Definately pump more. I know how difficult it is to find time to pump, but only pumping twice a day is why were now on full formula. My supply kept dwindeling till it was down to nothing. When I first started pumping, I was expressing 6oz a session. From there, it only took about three weeks for my supply to be severly limited. If you keep pumping, even if only twice a day, you will keep your milk from drying up...then you can work on rebuilding your supply when your able - but from my experience, rebuilding your supply is difficult (a lot of effort and frustration).

Speaking of pumping -
Does anyone want a whole pack of Lasinoh Breast Milk Storage Bags? I only used one out of the box. They are the kind with the twist tie at the top. I can mail them out to anyone that wants them. I also have a full tube of Lansinoh stuff for nipple care (I used it once) if anyone is in dire want of it.

*sigh* Babies are awake and crying to be fed.

Thank you for all of the stories and for letting me know how common it is for a baby to fall. Nate is fine, although MUCH more calm today after his fall. My DH said when he got home from work, that Nate is spinning 180's in the crib, something I didn't know. He said he guessed he should have mentioned that to me.

Off to prep bottles. G'night.

ETA:
I also have almost a full pack of Pampers Newborns left over if anyone wants them. I would rather see them go to someone who could use them than just throw them out.

BuffaloBlondie

09-08-2005, 12:47 AM

I have been following along, but really haven't had much time to post. First CONGRATS to all the new babies!! You can add me to the list of new mommies! We FINALLY had our little guy - Braden Michael was delivered on Tuesday, August 30 at 6:03pm after two long days of labor. He is a healthy and active boy! He weighed 8lb & 1 oz. when we left the hospital, but now weighs 9 lbs. & 3 oz.! I was induced on the 29th, but nothing was happening, so they had me stay over & start everything again on Tuesday. I started to have major contrax from 1:00pm - 4:00pm, but I still wasn't dialating. At 5pm my dr. came in and said that we were going to have a c/s. They gave me an epi. and he was out by 6:03pm. We are just settling in & getting on a schedule. I do have the weepies A LOT, but I do feel better with each day.

????QUESTIONS FOR THE EXPEREIENCED MOMMIES?????
~Any tricks for getting your child to sleep w/out you holding her/him? Brady is an angel during the day - eats every 2-3 hours, naps for 2-3 hours & sleeps anywhere. Night time falls around & he is out of control. Wants to eat every hour & won't sleep ANYWHERE w/out being held!!!

~If you had a c/s, how was your recovery? Did you experience a lot of vaginal bleeding (lochia)? Were you able to drive?

~Brady is a little stuffy, but the dr. didn't seem too concerned. But---it is making me sooo nervous. How do you effectivly use that nose thingy?

~Will my boobs ever stop hurting?????

philnikki

09-08-2005, 04:31 AM

I would also like any advice on getting baby to sleep without holding them at nighttime. Ava is a really good sleeper during the day, but at night she needs to be held in order to relax (although, she seems to really enjoy being laid in her Boppy, but I never leave her in this unless I am awake too).

diaper changes - We usually start the feeding, burp her after she is halfway done (she is FF baby and we are giving her 3 ounces now), change her (at which time she screams her head off), feed her the rest of her bottle, and then she goes to sleep. It seems to be working for us.

Ava had her ped. appt. today and after being jaundiced, she has gained 7 ounces in a week and 1/2 an inch!!! Her head circumference is in the 75% too! Her ped. said that there are recent studies that correlate head size to IQ. Go, Ava!! :D WE need you to support Mommy and Daddy when we are old ;) lol

Tina That is my worst fear!!! Hang in there hon. I am sure that no one (including your little one) thinks you are a bad mommy. It happens to the best of us!!

Mickey&B - Ava also does this where she grunts and stretches out her little legs and squirms like something is bothering her. We think she is a little constipated. She only has 1 BM a day (down from 5 when I was BF'ing) if that. Her ped. told us to try Karo syrup (1 tsp twice a day) in her formula to see if it helped (it didn't). We have a prescription now for a laxative that we are going to fill if it doesn't correct itself in 3 days. Hope your little guy starts to feel better!!

Qestion -- Have any of you guys left your little one yet with a babysitter???? DH and I have season (home game) tickets to Ohio State football, and our first game in this weekend! We are going to leave her with her grandma (dh's mom) who I completely trust, but I am really getting down about it. Just wanted to see if I was a bad mommy for leaving her already.

LeslieR

09-08-2005, 08:42 AM

Nikki, I left Luke with my mom for 3 hours when I went to get my hair highlighted and cut. I was a nervous wreck the entire time.:( I hope you do better than I did. lol

Luke had his 1 month dr appt this morning. He is now up to a whopping 12lbs 15oz! :eek: :eek: :eek: BIG BOY!!! It looks like we have determined that he might have a food allergy because of his acne, the difficult gas, and the rash on his butt. I'm going to cut dairy starting today and see what happens. He was so good at the dr's, I couldn't believe it. Until he got his shot and then he cried like I have never heard him cry before.:( I even started to get upset. After that we went to Target. We got a Playtex Ventaire bottle to try out on Luke. Too bad we got home and it's a Stage 2 instead of a Stage 1. grrrr. So, now we have to go back there and return the damn thing. Not cool. I also cheaped it out and bought a Snugli. I know people have said it sucks, but I figure if we don't like it, I'll return it. They didn't have any Baby Bjorns.:confused: Besides, Sal would have had a stroke if I bought a $80 baby carrier (which is why I wanted to buy it the day I was going to go out by myself!). Oh well. Maybe we'll get lucky and it will work out okay until I get my Mei Tai. :fingers crossed:

daisysue62

09-08-2005, 08:46 AM

We left Grace when she was 4 weeks old with a friend for 2 hours while we went house hunting. Our friend said she was pretty fussy the whole time but did take a bottle of expressed breast milk which was great since we were just starting to introduce the bottle. My parents are watching Grace this Saturday evening while Dh and I go to a musical that my good friend is the lead in. Grace will be 6 weeks old and it will be a litle longer since musicals aren't short! I felt kind of funny about leaving Grace, but it was *SO* nice to get a 2 hour break and do something with Dh that had nothing to do with the baby.

Nursing frequency? Does anyone else have a baby that eats frequently during the day? Grace is nearly 6 weeks old and still wants to eat every hour and a half to two hours during the day. Luckily that stretches out to nearly three hours at night, but STILL! When will she eat every 3 hours around the clock?

Kellie

BuffaloBlondie

09-08-2005, 09:01 AM

I know that I wrote a little about our little guy a page or two ago, but I forgot to include a picture!
http://images.snapfish.com/34493%3B%3A323232%7Ffp63%3Dot%3E2323%3D%3B85%3D%3C 34%3D3232%3B85%3B4369%3Cnu0mrj

QPDoll

09-08-2005, 09:01 AM

I have left them with sitters since they were about a week old - granted, it was my SIL who was staying with me to help out, not some random teenager. I have also left them overnight with her when they were three weeks old. And I felt/feel guilty for not thinking/worrying about them 100% of the time they were away from me!
When they are away from me for a length of time, Its obvious, they get a little fussy, but then they calm down to normal when they are back with us.

Leslie - we use the ventaire's natural shape, and we love them. When you put them together, they have to be completely dry though, or they may leak. We alternate between a stage 1 and stage 2 nipple depending on their mood. LOL Some days they do fine on a 2, other days they dibble everywhere!

We also use regular bottles with a silicone nipple that is shaped similar but much smaller and still resembles a regular plain bottle nipple, I wish I had the name but they came with some bottles we received (cheap bottles at that). Im going to look for more today. They have a flow thats between a stage 1 and 2, they can suck a bottle down fast but no drips. (stage 1 takes about 15 minutes an ounce - a stage 2, they can take an entire 5oz feeding in 20 minutes).

LeslieR

09-08-2005, 09:07 AM

Congrats Jen and welcome Braden!
He's gorgeous!

Tina, good to know that your boys like the Playtex. If Luke doesn't take this bottle, I don't know what else to do. I've heard good things about Dr Brown's, but our Target doesn't carry them. I have got to get this kid to take a bottle or I am going to lose my mind!!!

Cosmogirl

09-08-2005, 09:30 AM

Tina Sorry about Nate! I'm also scared thing like that could happen to me, and I can tell you you aren't a bad mommy because of it! I know how bad you must feel though...HUGS...just because!
6 oz per feeding! WOW! That was awesome production!

Leslie Have you tried the playtex natural latch??? They are really good to mix with BF!
And BTW which Mei Tei did you order?? I also orederd one and I'm waiting for it. Although I use the wrap right now, and he us kida getting cozy in it!

Buffaloblondie COngrats! On the pic you posted he looks like my little guy!

Nikki Anything that can help you stay sane is ok :p I think it is fine that you are letting her with your mom. I left William with my sister to go to our 1 year wedding anniversary dinner, and everything went super well. We were so happy to come back home and see our boy though!

Looks like sleeping is a common problem lately isn't it?? :p

jillybean_247

09-08-2005, 09:34 AM

Could someone let me know how to post a picture? I've never done it before, and I want to make sure it shows up right. Thanks! :D

sarahanna115

09-08-2005, 09:53 AM

Jen Congratulations! Braden is such a good looking, handsome boy!!!!

Thanks everyone for the pumping advice! Yeah so I guess I should try to find time pump more...pooh. But it's important to me, so I will do it!

I'm a bit sad...the nurse came today and Noah weighs the exact same as he did 2 days ago, 7 lb 10 oz. She said not to worry, but he seemed to be eating better, so I was hoping he'd break into 8 lbs...nope. It seems like his weight is really low compared to other 3 week old babies. But I guess he will catch up eventually...

Cosmogirl

09-08-2005, 09:54 AM

Jillian:
You need to have the pic online on a site like Snapfish or so. Then you right click on the pic, and copy the URL adress that is there.
Then, you reply to the thread, and click on the yellow icon (looks like a mountain...) and you paste the adress you copied there. And then you submit. It should work!

jillybean_247

09-08-2005, 09:59 AM

Thanks Val, I'll try that.
Now I can finally post some pictures of my little man! :)

adore_one

09-08-2005, 10:03 AM

Congratulations to all the new mommies and wonderful little babies.

We have been swamped here, so I have not posted in ages, but have been lurking along some days. I do not have time for personal SO, so thought I would hit topics instead and then give a little update - hope that is okay.

Taking Baby Out - oh man I have to get out every other day. Today is the mommy group I missed the group last week bec I had an appt with the lactation consultant...I so have to go this week!!! Some days it is the doctor other days it has been a quick trip to target to get something to wear.

Carriers/Bjorn - well we have a ring sling and I will be getting a pouch and mai tai asap. About the baby bjorn - I want to warn you ladies that on this board for babywearing over in yahoo groups a chiropractor (who wears her babies) posted an article about how wearing a baby in that type of carrier too young can cause trouble with the spine and hips. It puts too much weight on their young hips. Carriers that keep them in a snuggle or cradle hold at this young age are best. I would be happy to search for that article for ANYONE who is interested. Just PM or email me.

Sleeping - man I feel bad posting this, but our little guy can sleep between 6-8 hours at night and up to 3 during the day. He wakes up when hungry and is gaining so no worries there. But I totally think he sleeps so well because we have him cosleeping with us. I tried a separate bassinet the first two nights and during naps and he does not last 2 hours. During the day he sleeps in his cradle swing, papasan chair, carseat lol, or with me on the bed - I am usually pumping during naps.

Milk Supply - mine is going down - more in my update. My LC said you need/should pump every 2 hours to keep it up. Really limits my time out. I have gone 3 hours during the day and 8 at night.

Babysitter - our first venture w/o little guy will be to see Neil Diamond - DON'T LAUGH - okay laugh we go for the pure showmanship and comedic factor it is absolutely great...we like the music, but the show and how into it he and everyone is is fantastic...oh but back to the question our concert is at the end of this month and little guy will be left with the neighbors...I am worried, but not too bad. I think it is good to leave them for short times with people so they get use to others. imo

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Well we have been doing really good. Just swamped. Our only issue has been the BF. I went to the first LC appt and got some lansinoh and started using that a ton because I had cuts on my nipples. Well they were not getting better I went to another meeting and got nipple shields and started pumping a bit - still not better and in severe (very severe) pain. Well we went again on Tuesday and the LC is now convinced that I am allergic to lansinoh (I am allergic to everyhting so this does not surprise me) well trying to not be too graffic, but my nipples were swollen about 4 times the size of normal and not in an even manner either. We have been pumping and feeding EBM because I cannot have him latch on to it in this pain. THe pain has actually triggered my milk slowing down (that is our theory) and I had a clogged duct that was starting to get infected. Well now I am on a mixture of 3 prescriptions I put on the breast and they are doing so much better. I am waiting for all the cuts to heal before I go off the pump and have him back on. We are also supplimenting when we have to. The first time I did that I cried...I felt like such a failure as a mother. Also I have to do a ton of ther stuff to get my milk back up. Eat Steelcut oatmeal everyday - not the regular stuff must be steelcut, pump every two hours and ther is this boob shaking thing I have to do for 2 minutes in the middle of the pumping - yeah that is attractive, eat sleep and drink more, and drink this mothers milk tea 3x a day.
So as you can see our day is consumed with feedings and pumpings. In fact I must run because I need to get one (a pump) in before our mommy meeting in an hour.

I am here and will be back. Much luv to y'all. Oh and I am posting pics on LJ.

adore_one

09-08-2005, 10:08 AM

sarah my little guy barely has hit 8lbs and he is 3 weeks old - don't worry I am sure your little guy is perfect for him, and you have the nurse watching so I would not worry. I think it is great that you are going to pump more - if you want more detailed info on increasing milk supply just email me and I will give you the directions they gave me they are helping i have gone up 2 oz in 2 days!

namrodda

09-08-2005, 10:43 AM

I'm so glad I've mastered feeding and computer time because I would never catch up! Things are still going well for us with the nipple shield. He's not too interested when I move it but everyone says as he gets older he might, just be patient. It is fustrating to make sure its always clean, nearby and wet when I need to get it to stick...so I bought 3 more since these things are invaluable to me!

I hope it hasn't effected my supply...I think its going up if anything because hes feeding so regularly. I hardly have time to pump in between but even with my fancy rental pump I've only ever gotten 2 oz at the most no matter how long I go. Before he was latching too. So I don't have anything 'stored'...I should try again now that he's better established and see. But I think he's getting enough...he tends to fall asleep on both boobs and has milk rolling down his cheek when I move him....looks like such a guy! I would still suggest the shield for those having frustrating feedings...if its a nipple confusion thing.

Sleeping I can't help much because I have a sleeping champ...in fact the other problem, the ped said I need to wake him up every 4 hours because of his blood sugar...such a hard concept since he's so happy sleeping! But if I had any advice it would be swaddling before we put him down...making sure he's dry and full. I'm not sure about transitioning to back sleeping because he does that well. Maybe because he's not as used to his tummy....we do have him between wedges...something I got at target that also has a foam thing under his head...he's real happy in there but he scoots down the crib at night. He's slept in there from day one but believe me I check him ALL the time, its very hard leaving him....getting better. I make sure he has socks on and one of those nightgowns that covers his hands so he can't scratch his face...that helps too.

diapers Definitely change him when he's first waking up...talking to him softly helps and then by the time he eats he's zonked out again.

weepy I had a very hard time not being pregnant for the first week. Hard with how my body looks, my sister leaving, Kevin leaving (still hasn't :D ), not feeling him in me, leaving the hospital after the 4 days of being there, not knowing what to do next, not reading the BF material fast enough....and all sorts of other irrational things would set me off crying. I was even getting sad as the bruises from my IV faded because it meant it was over..crazy hormones! I can feel it getting better but sign me up for that club....

So he had his first ped appt yesterday. He's lost another half ounce but the doc thinks he probably lost a lot more with my feeding problems last week and now he's on the upswing. He's also shrunk half an inch :confused: ...I guess its how he stretches out when they measure him. Everything else checked out great...he's really strong, alert...other than waking him up to feed. Thank goodness after his rough birth. Oh and he's already turned over!!! DH put him on his tummy for tummy time and he flipped....freaked me out.

Side note...a lot of the ships that have gone to Louisiana have come from here including the ones they are using as makeshift hospitals...lots and lots of doctors and nurses from our hospital where was born have gone down there.

bjorn I just bought ours yesterday but I'd love to read that article first!

I also bought the port-a-crib...they had an extra display that was fine just missing the mobile so it was 20% off and I might be able to get another one from the manufacturer. Kevin was so happy with my inability to spend as much while on bedrest but haha thats over! Especially now we know he's a boy and I can pick out clothes that aren't yellow...watch out!

I love the Hooter Hider...I wonder if my mom could make one...

woo long post...better leave a picture!
http://images.costcophotocenter.com/34493%3C7523232%7Ffp4%3Enu%3D3235%3E792%3E538%3EWS NRCG%3D32323%3B3%3B99%3C58nu0mrj

Cosmogirl

09-08-2005, 11:19 AM

Alice Honneslty, be careful with the nipple shield. I've been warned by doc, and LC when I used it, it can diminish severly you milk production, and you can even loose it. They recommend that you pump at every feeding to keep your production, even if you don,t pump much, it is just for the stimulation that you don't have with the shield. (if uyou aren't stimulated, your brain will stop sending the signal to produce milk.) In my case, my milk production dropped a bit while I was using it. I stoped, it came back
I know it does wonders though!
Oh, and your little man is SO cute!! I love that pics. He looks realxed!

kerbahr

09-08-2005, 11:20 AM

Val - I have read that Nipple Shields can lower milk production as well... I have been using the shield since Emma came home from the hospital and my milk production is certainly not suffering. Sometimes the milk comes out so fast that Emma chokes. I am also able to pump 5-6 ozs. in about 5 minutes of pumping. I have talked to a couple of other people who used a shield too and their supply was fine. I'm hoping this continues for me with no problems. Good luck to everyone else using a shield.

Glad to see that a couple people liked the Hooter Hider, I can't wait to get mine!! We have some things to do this weekend, so I hope I get it before then!

Emma and I are fighting some sort of virus. I have been feeling pretty crappy for the last few days.. Sore throat, stuffy nose and an awful headache. Emma's had a fever over 99 degrees for the past 3 days now. My poor baby...

They did weigh her at the Dr's office on Tuesday and she is up to 11bs!!! Another sign that my milk supply is not suffering!!!!

namrodda

09-08-2005, 11:37 AM

I'm glad you said something Val because I'd really never heard that before. I just pumped and got almost nothing but thats a good idea to try after every feeding. Let him eat first and then pump a while longer...he definitely is a lazy eater, falling asleep once he's full. This is going to take a lot out of me but its important.....mooing with the rest of you! So jealous of you 5 oz pumpers!

thanks for the compliments on little man too...I wish he'd stay this sweet and innocent forever!

Daniel's Kitty

09-08-2005, 11:47 AM

We are going to buy a swing and a mobile. I need to find more ways to get him to relax.

Well we are starting to have diaper leakage issues again so I am wondering if we will have to switch diaper sizes again soon. I like the way the Huggies Supreme diapers fit, but I think in a few weeks we will be in a size two.

I may pump and feed him from a bottle part time. He likws to bite. He bit me so hard that my nipple turned white for almost a minute. Ouchie!!! Daniel said I have to make it to six weeks before I can decide about it.

jillybean_247

09-08-2005, 11:48 AM

Finally some pictures!

I hope this works, this is my first time attempting to post pictures.

Lucas in the hospital, right after being cleaned up:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d729b3127cce94401bda982100000016108CZuGLdsxcS

Lucas at home with proud big brother Dylan:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d729b3127cce944018dbd8b900000045138CZuGLdsxcS

Swinging:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d729b3127cce94400a1ad87100000016108CZuGLdsxcS

Taking a nap:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d729b3127cce9440f72698ab00000016108CZuGLdsxcS

sdauer21

09-08-2005, 11:55 AM

I don't know how long this is going to be - Abby's having a mellow moment, so we'll see how long it lasts!

I follow along, but can't seem to remember enough to do a full set of SO's - please forgive! I'll hit what I can, but I'm still up to my eyes in bad preggo brain!

Sarah I'm so glad to read that Noah is home, and he looks so fantastic!!! Don't stress about his weight! I'm guessing that if we had weighed Tallia at 3 weeks, she wouldn't have been much over 7 pounds (she started at 6' 12"). She was barely 8 pounds at her 2 month appointment. So, I think Noah is doing fine. And, he's had a rough start - his little body has been doing so much work already. I know its so hard not to worry, especially when you've had so much to deal with already.

Jen What a cute littel guy you have!! So glad you popped in to update us! I think we only need to hear from 2 or 3 more moms...so hard to believe August is already over!

Tina I just now got your PM from last week. :( I'll be emailing you...won't take up space here with it. Your boys are so adorable, btw! I'm so amazed with your energy level! I'm dragging with the two I have, and one of them is 2 1/2!

Topics that I can remember:
Bjorn We have one, and used it with Tallia, too. Loved it! More importantly, DH loved it!! He wore her around probably more then I did, especially in the beginning. He loved that he could hold her and still have his hands free (mostly to play video games, as he would point out!) Tallia didn't fit into it for a while, though - and we cheated and put her in before she was 8 pounds (I think that's what they suggest). I had no idea that there were implications on their little bodies, so would love to read that article, Stacy.

Entertaining baby With Tallia, I was so worried about this - what to do with her all day, when she wasn't sleeping. I felt terribly guilty if I wasn't constantly trying to entertain her - show her toys, walk around with her, talk to her, etc. Poor Abby - she's definately suffering from second child syndrome, as I'm not nearly as consumed by this. When she is awake, I always try to have her near me, either holding her or in her bouncy seat, and I try to talk to her as I do stuff. But, I also try to get things done around here - laundry, dishes, vaccuuming, etc. I figure we can kill two birds if I talk with her while I'm working, and I can still feel like I'm getting something done.

Sleeping Not sure I should even post about this, as we have gotten extremely lucky with Abigail. She is a pretty great sleeper, especially at night. Like her sister, she is sometimes hard to GET to sleep, but once she's out, she sleeps pretty well. We are slowly getting into a routine with her, and she is typically falling asleep around 8:30 or 9pm, and gets up to eat around 4am. Grabs a quick snack, and falls back to sleep until 6:30 or so, eats again, back to sleep until 9 or so, and then is usually up for a few hours. So I'm not one for great tips...sorry. :o

Constipation I know this wasn't exactly a topic, but noticed a few people had mentioned worrying that their babes were constipated. I was doing some reading on nursing a few days ago and came across some info on that - I think I was reading the Dr. Sears book. It mentioned that breastfeeding babies will rarely get constipated, even though they will sound like they are struggling to have a bm. Newborns will often grunt, groan, and get red in the face as they are pooing, but it has more to do with muscle development (or lack of), then being stopped up. Apparently, it takes some time, and practice, for the rectum and anus muscles to get up to par, even for the really loose stools that babies have, and so newborns have to work at it a bit more in the beginning. Sorry - a bit graphic, and probably not word for word from the book, but that's the general idea. Now, formula-fed babies are a different ball game, and I know that Tallie had some plumbing problems when we switched her over to formula, so feel free to disregard all that for those babies. ;)

Night diaper changes Again, poor Abby - total second baby syndrome!! I was doing night changes with her for the first few weeks, but have stopped, especially since she is sleeping so long anyway. This morning was different - I needed her to eat, and she hadn't woken at 4 yet, so I got her up and changed her, to get her to wake up. Otherwise, unless she's blown out of her diaper, I wait until her 6:30 feed.

General update on us: We are doing well! We're finally starting to get some sort of routine these days, and its really nice! Will is getting into the swing of classes, Tallie's loving preschool, I've quit answering the phone, so am ignoring work, and Abby and I are spending our days together! I love having time with just her during the day, and am really enjoying watching her grow and develop. I know the next few weeks are going to fly by, so I remind myself every day to slow down and enjoy her just as she is. She is changing so much already, as I'm sure all of your babies are!

I had my 6 week follow up today, and all looks good. Even by the doctor's scale, I'm only 4 pounds above my pre-preggo weight, so I was happy about that. I've been getting up at 5 (well, staying up after Abby's 4:30 feed) and walking in the mornings with my sister, so I'm hoping that will start paying off, and I'll actually loose all of Abby's weight and get to start working on Tallie's weight! I got a script for the mini-pill, which I'm really nervous to start. The mini is not supposed to effect milk-supply, but I think it might have when I took it last time (with Tallia). I'm going to see about it again, but might pick your brain Stacy for ideas on increasing supply if things don't go well again. (Sidenote - the doc made a comment that I could start taking them this Sunday, rather then wait around for AF to start up, because DH was probably antsy to get "things" going again. I didn't mention to him that we had already started again, last weekend :o ...guess he didn't notice when he did my exam earlier!) And, finally, we put Abigail on the scale to see how much of a piglet she really is. She was weighing in at 11' 13.3"! I was quite impressed!! I knew she was growing well, and figured she was over 11, with my unofficial weighing of her yesterday.

I need to wrap this up - she's actually getting ready to eat again. But, wanted to add one more thing. I've been noticing that several of us are pretty hard on ourselves, as far as our mothering is going (myself included), getting down on ourselves because our babies aren't sleeping well, don't eat enough, etc. It makes me sad that we (again, collective "we") are so critical of something that we are just learning how to do. I was sooo hard on myself when breastfeeding didn't work with Tallia - I felt like the ultimate failure, because I couldn't provide something as basic as nutrition to my daughter. But the reality is, parenting is hard work!! Being a mom isn't all instinct, and there is so much to learn in these first few days, weeks, months. Having done this gig for 2 1/2 years now and being able to look back, I can say that the first 4-6 months with Tallia were harder then anything I'd ever done! And she was an "easy" baby!! Please please be gentle with yourselves!! Remember that, as a mother, you have so much to learn about your baby, and it won't all happen over night. I think we all find this thread to be a great place to find support and encouragement, and I hope that we continue to lean on each other through the frustration and confusion, and celebrate with each other through the really great stuff. Motherhood is soo hard...we can't get through it without other mothers to help us along!! As Abby is just learning to smile, I'm reminded of what a friend told me when Tallia was just learning to smile: babies learn that trick at just the right time. They are usually just about to drive their parents into total insanity, and then they learn to smile. Its a small trick, but one that will completely melt your heart all over again. Its the only way many babies make it out of infancy - flashing a smile at their overtired, overworked, stressed out mommy at 3:00 in the morning. So, keep in mind - you (collective "you) are not a bad mama!! We've all made it this far - it really does get easier!! :D

putting down the pom poms, and taking off the cheerleading outfit!
I'm off to snuggle with my starving baby - after all, it has been 20 minutes since she ate last! Oh, new thread My only thought on that: what about replacing the belly shots/ultrasound pictures with a spot for each mom to update their baby's progress. It could include a current pic, if mom wants, and can have weight, height, current tricks, etc. And keep the master list of moms on the first post, with birth info... that's as far as I've gotten. Leslie, I'm happy to help get things set up - just let me know when you want to get started. :)

shellbell516

09-08-2005, 12:26 PM

I've finally had more computer time today and have written up Rachel's birth story. I'm feeling much better today too from going through mastitis the past two days.

Tuesday 8/16/05
We were supposed to be admitted to the hospital at 7 pm to be induced because you were almost 2 weeks overdue. Phillip’s mom, dad, sister, and grandma all came to stay at our house that night in anticipation of you being born the next day. My mom and stepdad also came to town to stay the night, but rented a hotel room near the hospital.

We called at 5 pm and there was no room for us at the hospital and said to call back at 8 pm. We all went out to dinner with bags packed in case they had an opening. I called again and still no room. Call back at 10 pm.

Back to the house again and called at 10 pm, still no room. They said to call back the next day at 8 am to check, but if they had an opening during the night, they would call me.

Wednesday 8/17/05
8:00 am
I called and still no room. Call back at noon. I was now the first on the list to get a room of those being induced.

12:00 pm
Finally they had a room for us. We quickly left for the hospital. My mom and stepdad followed us there.

1:00 pm
We got all checked into the birth center delivery room. Now I really wished we had stopped and gotten lunch. I was so worried that we wouldn’t have a room when we got there and didn’t think we had time to get lunch. Now the nurse wouldn’t let me eat anything but popsicles and juice. They hooked me up to the baby monitor showing your heart rate and my contractions. The contractions at this point didn’t feel like much.

2:45 pm
The doctor came in and inserted the Cervidil. I was not dilated at all, but 40-50% effaced. I couldn’t get up out of bed for 2 hours while the Cervidil started working. After about 1 hour I really had to pee, but held out until I could get up out of bed. I really didn’t want to use a bed pan. They were going to allow 12 hours for this to work before starting Pitocin.

5:00 pm
I was finally able to get up to pee. What a relief! We just hung out waiting for things to progress while watching TV.

9:30 pm
I was given Ambiene to help me get some rest. Contractions were getting a little more intense.

10:30 pm
I still couldn’t get to sleep with the contractions going on. I was given Stadol to help with the pain. I was also now ½ a fingertip dilated. All these medications caused me to have some really weird dreams of shapes chasing each other around.

Thursday 8/18/05
4:30 am
I got another dose of Stadol, plus they started me on Pitocin. I was told that I would be able to get a shower before this, but that never happened.

5:45 am
The contractions were much worse even with the Stadol. I was administered an epidural. I was 1 cm dilated. Almost immediately after the epidural, my water broke.

6:00 am
I was 2 cm dilated. What a relief the epidural was. Instant pain reliever!

7:15 am
4 ½ cm dilated. I was finally getting more sleep now.

8:30 am
6-7 cm dilated and at +1 station. My mom, stepdad, and Phillip’s mom all came to hospital to hang out until you were born. Phillip’s dad, sister and grandma had to leave Wednesday night because Phillip’s dad had to work on Thursday.

12:15 pm
9 cm dilated and still at +1 station. I had the epidural increased because I was started to feel more discomfort, but nothing like the night before.

1:00 pm
10 cm and +2 station. I was ready to push. They had to prep the room for delivery.

1:45 pm
I started pushing with each contraction. 3 pushes while counting to 10. It was getting difficult to get to 10 on that last push. We still had on the TV watching A Baby Story on TLC. I remember it was 2:20 pm and the nurse said we had to have you before the woman on TV had hers. I continued with pushing, but was getting exhausted. We decided to only push with every other contraction, so I could rest more. The nurse commented on how much hair you had. We asked what color it was and she said it was dark. This really surprised us all. I did use a mirror during this part and could see the progress I was making. You kept turning your head left and right while trying to come out and that didn’t feel good at all. I also felt you up in my left ribs each time I pulled up to push. We had to put something under my right side to get you to move positions, so I could be more comfortable. Both the 2:00 and 2:30 Baby Story shows came and went and we were still waiting for you to be born. Closer to 3:00, it was almost time. The doctor was called in and with a couple of contractions your head was finally out, but your shoulders were stuck. They called in extra nurses and they jumped on the bed with me pushing down on my belly. This was the worse part of it all. This was the only time that I was vocal during the pushing. I ended up getting an episiotomy and the rest of you came out.

3:12 pm
You were born! Phillip cut the cord. You had passed some meconium during delivery and they wanted to make sure you didn’t breathe any in, so I didn’t get to hold you right away. They cleaned you up as I delivered the placenta and got stitches. I asked how many was I getting and the doc said one long one. The nurse explained that she does one long stitch and I was cut about ¼”.

You weighed 8 lbs 10 oz and was 21 ½ “ long. Another nurse came in to bathe you. Phillip was the first to hold you then me. Your poor little face was so red after all that hard work of getting you out.

http://images.snapfish.com/3449434723232%7Ffp63%3Dot%3E2329%3D679%3D963%3DXRO QDF%3E2323%3A4%3B658747ot1lsi
http://images.snapfish.com/3449434723232%7Ffp47%3Dot%3E2329%3D679%3D963%3DXRO QDF%3E2323%3A4%3B657377ot1lsi

Kiley

09-08-2005, 12:31 PM

Leslie - my ped said that some bf babies are especially picky when taking a bottle. they might "require" not only having dad (or someone else) give the bottle but mom might not even be able to be in the same room or house at the time. just a thought.

Update - we're going to try a bottle this weekend. my biggest fears - he loves the bottle and ditches me or hates the bottle and I can never leave him for more than an hour. had our 2 week appointment this week. Preston is 10lbs 8 ounces and 22.25 inches. He gained 2 pounds and 2 inches in 2 weeks all on mama's milk! :) He has a blocked tear duct and is being treated for thrush but otherwise is doing great.

Red'sGirl

09-08-2005, 01:16 PM

Ladies,

Wanted to post really quickly, while Arrena is taking a nap(!).

Lora and Jen I totally understand about the sleeping problems. Arrena, too, was difficult to get to sleep. One, it takes them time to get used to it all, so she didn't get easier until 3 weeks old or so. BUT, here are a couple of suggestions:

1) Swaddle! She goes to sleep quicker and sleeps longer when she's swaddled. I'm always worried about her choking on spit up, so I put her down at an angle and make sure her head is to one side. She's fine at moving her own head to spit up, so it's just my fairly irrational fear. :rolleyes: When I do her 4:30am feeding, I unswaddle her, feed her on one breast, change her, then re-swaddle and top her off on the same breast. (the other breast I pump for storage).

2) Babies often awaken after you put them down because their beds are cold. I've started to take a heating pad and put it on her bed (a snuggle nest in our bed). I even cover it with her blanket. When she's ready to be put to bed, I take the pad off and LET IT COOL A BIT, then set her down. She doesn't notice it nearly as much as when the bed is cold. I also sometimes put a hat on her, so her head and face won't feel the cold difference of not being against mommy.

I weighed Arrena yesterday and she's not 9lbs 10oz!! I'm so proud of her! I am now 10 lbs less than pre-pg (!). Everyone is amazed by the weight loss, but DH just thinks I don't eat enough. I'm trying, but the hunger hasn't really kicked in too much. Oh well. :)

LILRTL

09-08-2005, 01:20 PM

2) Babies often awaken after you put them down because their beds are cold. I've started to take a heating pad and put it on her bed (a snuggle nest in our bed). I even cover it with her blanket. When she's ready to be put to bed, I take the pad off and LET IT COOL A BIT, then set her down. She doesn't notice it nearly as much as when the bed is cold. I also sometimes put a hat on her, so her head and face won't feel the cold difference of not being against mommy.

This is such an awesome suggestion!! Thank you so much! We will definitely try this one!!!

LeslieR

09-08-2005, 03:11 PM

Oh man, I am so jealous of all of the good sleepers!!! The ped today was saying that we should work on Luke only getting up twice a night instead of three times a night. I don't get how I am supposed to do this. Obviously he wakes up because he's hungry, right? She mentioned letting him fuss and not picking him up until he's crying, but I already do this. She also wants us to focus on putting him down to sleep before he's sleeping so that he can learn to put himself to sleep. Yikes. I've actually gotten him to do this a few times, but I think it was pure luck. lol He is the type of baby that falls asleep at the breast. Occasionally I can get him to sleep by rubbing his back if he has not fallen asleep at the breast, but more often than not, he falls asleep while nursing. I would love for him to only wake up twice a night, but I haven't a clue as how to accomplish this.

Everyone's babies are so beautiful! It's so good to see all of the pictures.

Stacy, I have heard a little bit about those types of carriers not being good, but I would love to read that article as well.

Someone asked where I ordered my mei tai from-sorry can't remember who. I ordered it from Nancy at www.rosiebaby.com.

adore_one

09-08-2005, 04:17 PM

Hey everyone here is the page woohoo I found it! Let me know if you want me to do any more searches on this, but this article sums it up.

http://www.continuum-concept.org/reading/spinalStress.html

ALSO - I think we all just have the cutest babies ever!!!

MurphysLaw

09-08-2005, 04:29 PM

Congrats to all the new mommies & babies!! They are all so preicous! Please keep the pics coming! :D

BJORN - PLEASE send me the article Stac...I'll PM/email you too....I have one and love it, but now I'm afraid to put her in there. Even though I'm sure she's at least 8 pounds, she's still tiny and not even out of preemie clothes so I'm sure she'd fit in the "too young" group if only by size. :(

Speaking of weight...Sarah, Angelina only weighed 6lbs 9 ounces at her 3 week appt!! Don't worry about Noah! He's come through everything so strongly, he's just growing at his own pace.;)

Gotta run for now, I'll try to come back and re-read but Gino works tonight so I don't know if I'll have the chance...I need to sleep when she does cause last night was a rough one. :(

adore_one

09-08-2005, 04:40 PM

kim I posted the link to the article right above your post. let me know if you want more info. basically they say until they can sit up by themselves you should not use the bjorn.

MurphysLaw

09-08-2005, 04:43 PM

TY Stac....reading & researching now.:( Now I'm all skeeved at what I've done to my baby girl!! The only thing I worry about it all the slings I've seen pictured show the baby holding it's head up and Lina can't do that yet. :confused: I guess she'd have to be placed more IN the sling? So confusing. Thanks again sweetie!

adore_one

09-08-2005, 04:47 PM

Anytime! about the position - yeah sweetie I put his head in the sling like the cradle hold and he just nestles right in there. I have a silk one that is one layer and I think it is supportive and breathable. I would get silk again in a heartbeat. for the sling you don't put their head out until they can hold it up. You would do the same with a pouch. Email me if you have any questions or want to know some good sights to get some pretty slings or pouches.

Sorry to be a downer on the bjorn, but I would hate to not tell you ladies and have something god forbid go wrong, you know? We are all trying to do the best with our babies, and sometimes we just need to know our options and the info huh?

ETA - sweetie I don't think the damage could of been much yet so don't worry!!! if you want many chiropractors have specialties with babies...you could talk to one just to have her checked out. I did because going thru birth is hard on them as well.

snowzilla

09-08-2005, 05:13 PM

Kim, when Avery is in her hotsling, she does look kinda goofy and all scrunched up, but she's happy as a bug in a rug. She does lay down deeper in it than the pictures of older babies in slings, but she'll sleep for two hours without stirring. I wouldn't worry about the time she has spent in the Bjorn so far - I'm sure she's okay!

I've finally gotten the hang of my wrap, and to be honest, I think I like it better than my hotsling now. :p Avery likes the upright, cuddly position and it has worked like a charm for settling her when she's overtired. I love having my hands free to do things like EAT! I didn't get a chance to eat anything until 2 this afternoon - I got busy and the phone kept ringing. *sigh* I think I might have to go back to shutting off the ringer like I did for the first two weeks.

Leslie, I read what you wrote about your ped's recommendations, and just wanted to remind you that while your ped has the best intentions, if his/her childrearing philosophies don't mesh with yours, don't feel pressured to go along with them. For example, my son's ped was a very strict CIO-minded doctor, and while I appreciated that she meant well, it just didn't fit into how I wanted to mother him, so that was one piece of advice I just smiled and nodded at. Hope that makes sense! :)

adore_one

09-08-2005, 05:16 PM

carla what kind of wrap do you have - I am thinking of getting one asap

snowzilla

09-08-2005, 05:18 PM

It's called a cuddlywrap, but it's just the Canadian version of a Moby wrap, from what I can tell. It's a long stretchy piece of black fabric. It took me a few tries to get the hang of putting the darned thing on, and I almost gave up on it. But now that I have it mastered (kind of) I'm glad I gave it another chance. :)

MurphysLaw

09-08-2005, 06:15 PM

bear with typos...lina in arms. i think i would like the wrap better than the slings...they look more comfy or something. thanks for posting all the info ladies! if any of you can recommend sites with pretty ones, that would be cool. i'll prob end up with black so gino can use it too though, lol.

thanks again!!

namrodda

09-08-2005, 06:56 PM

Does anyone else have a problem losing a little bit (not a lot) of milk dripping down when pumping? I seem to have a little puddle collect at the bottom of the 'cup' and its just messy when I'm done...wondering if I'm holding it wrong or something.

Thanks for the article Stacy...definitely want to ask the ped about this next time we go.

Off to research about building up my supply...I'm a little worried about this now. Jeb seems to take forever to eat because he falls asleep so much, even if I get him naked and cold first! I think thats half the problem....Sarah has this been discussed in the bfing thread yet?

HollyMN

09-08-2005, 08:15 PM

Thanks for posting the Baby Bjorn article, adore_one, my DH uses it too.

Just chiming in on the nipple shield issue - I use them exclusively and I've read and heard they can cause supply to go down and it's recommended to have the baby weighed every two weeks while on the shield. Caleb left the hospital down to 6 lbs 13, but was 8 lbs 5 oz at his two week appointment. I didn't tell the pediatrician about the shield, but she just looked at his weight and said to keep doing what we're doing. Then on Monday, we visited friends in the hospital and I took the opportunity to weigh him there, and he was 10 pounds, 12 oz. He's gaining a pound a week on the shield, but of course as long as I use it I'm worried. I haven't been in any hurry to wean him from the shield, because we've had a lot of other things going on, and I had a plugged duct, etc. But as I was reaching for it today, he started to lick me, so I gave it a try. It wasn't successful, but both he and I were patient about it at least. I use it for flat nipples, and the shield brings them out. We have an empty calendar all next week, so maybe I'll give it a try then. We're coming up on 6 weeks, though, so I'm going to start pumping a freezer stash - also the 6 week growth spurt is coming up, should I wait until after that growth spurt to wean him from the shield? So glad he has such obvious weight gain so that there's no hurry. I love that little thing, I can even latch him on when he isn't interested. I should probably post this to the breastfeeding thread.

LeslieR

09-09-2005, 08:02 AM

Calgon take me away! Luke was up this morning at 4, 5, 6, 7-9:45. ugh. During all these awake times, I had some time to think about what I would do if he slept through the night. lol It got me to thinking, though-for those moms whose babies sleep 4+ hours straight-if you bf, don't you feel like you're going to burst when you finally get up? How do you handle this? Second, what about diaper changes? If Luke goes that long without a diaper change, he wets through his clothes. Yes, I changed his clothes twice during between the time he went to sleep the first time last night and the time he woke up for good this morning.:rolleyes: The other day, it was 3 times.

Alice, I leak milk when Luke eats (I swear he has a hole in his mouth) and when I pump. What kind of pump do you have? I've found that if I'm leaking when I'm pumping, I need to move the horn up/closer to my breast to make a better suction. Hope that makes sense.

Carla, the old smile and nod, huh? And here I thought that was just reserved for my MIL.:p

Cosmogirl

09-09-2005, 08:43 AM

Holly About the shield, it was easy for me to wean him off. But IMO you have to do it, and not go back to using the shield once you are in the process of weaning him. Otherwise, he'll always cry to have it until you give in. What the doc, and LC consultant had told me was to wait until things were settled, and that baby is ready: baby gains weight, is consistent with feeding etc...
What I did was I gave him 2 minutes of the shield to start him, (so that he stops fussing) and then I removed it. I squeezed my breast the most I could so that it would go as far as it could in his mouth (Will's problem was that he wasn't stimulated enough because he was too weak, and was not strong enough to suck properly) and help him get the milk by pressing on my breast. It took a 5 minutes of fussing, and I was about to stop (they teel you to try, and stop when he fusses) but I really wanted to quit it, so I continued for 2 other minutes, and he took it. 5 Minutes of sucking non stop. Then we changed the diaper, and he didi 10 minutes non stop. So then I knew he was able to, I never used it again! :D
The first week I weaned him, he didn't gain as much weight as he should have. But since all the other weeks he was gaining so much more, it didn't really concern the doc that for a week he didn't gain as much. It took one week, and the week after, he went back to a normal weight gain. What I mean to say is it might be rocky at first as far as weight goes, but you need to be firm and consistent. Now William and I are so much happier without it. (it is a PITA to have to wash it, and find it, and put it...) And by some sort of miracle, he now latches properly!!! They had told me that some kids have problem latching until about 6 weeks, and that it resolves on its own...well it was the case for us.

Leslie Sorry about that sucky night...
Will usually is on a 3 hour schedule druing the day (so sleeps for 2-2 1/2 hours between feedings) but at night, he SLEEPS for at least 4 hours...(knock on wood that it stays like that!) Yes, my breast really becomes engorged, but I put a pad, and it doesn't wake me up. It happened once (it woke me up) but he had slept like 5-6 hours in a row, and he hadn,t taken the breast before sleeping, it was Fred's turns.. So total, it had been like 8-9 hours!!! I did woke up, and went pumping just a bit to remove the excess, and left the rest. He woke up an hour later, and I had just enough milk for him, so I thought I did really good. Anyways, I had a couple of onces in the fridge if I had miss some.(the ones pumped earlier)

Alice No problem, I would be really sad to see sombody loosing their supplies of milk after a couple of week (because the process can be really long...) and that I wouldn't have said anything. As far as leaking, I only leak form the other breast when Will eats, or I pump...

WRAPS I had seen this article while preggo, and I really didn't want to use a bjorn of whatever other thing. So I experiemented with loads of carrier, and honneslty, Will and I are having fun!

-I have a POUCH: like it because really easy to pop him in or out, and he LOVE the cradle carry!

-Since his reflux problem, I also have a WRAP: it does have a learning curve, but I find it more comfo then the pouch for long rides. The pouch eventually kills my back. But for me the learning curve is pretty much over for the standard carries, Will like the cradle much, he doesn't like the tummy to tummy because his hands are stuck in there. So I decided to try...

-a MEI TEI: LOVE IT! His hands aren't stuck, so he is a lot more happier, and it is easier then the wrap to attach. REALLY comfy to!

Kim The best wraps for newbors are the strecthy wrap .Works until about 35 lbs I think. There are also woven wraps, but they don't hug the baby as much and are more recommended for older kids, although some mom use them with newborns and love them. These one works for toddlers too over then 35 lbs, so the plus is you get to use them longer...

Stretchy wrap:
1-Hug a bub (the one I have, LOVE it. But more expensive. I bought it second hand. Love the color, and it is the most supportive strechy wrap out there IMO. So won't sag too much)
2-Moby wrap; not really fun as far as design, but not expensive. 35 $ I think. Good support, and really soft! A little hotter though If you want a black plain one, this would be an excellent choice! www.cottoncradles.com
3-Mama Kangoroo: More stylish, but a tad less support according to the moms at the babywearer site. But really huggy for baby, and not as hot.
4- Cuddly wrap: Carla already mentionned it. Again, according to the moms on the babywearer site, not as supportive then the HAB and Moby, but REALLY soft.
5-Ultimate wrap (or something like that): really stretchy and I heard not as supportive...but never saw
6-Hot mama: again, never saw, but it looks like it is the least strechy of all.

there ar TONS more, but these are the most popular ones that I heard of.

The woven: again, you can use them longer, but not as easy IMO to learn on them.:
-Ella Roo: hand woven in guatemala, nice colors, not as hot!!!
-Didymos: Hotter, but more sturdy. Again, nice colors
-Storch: REALLY sturdy, but not as soft as Didy. Hotter then the Didy.
The 2 last are really pricey!
-again, tons others, but these are the most popular one.

Good luck choosing!

WOW! I guess I had a ggod might sleep, or I'm in a posting frenzy!

Daniel's Kitty

09-09-2005, 08:56 AM

Yup, you feel like you are going to burst! In fact I got so bad that I actually squirted poor Ben in the face the other day. He looked so surprised.

We got the mobile with the shapes. He likes it, in fact I used the music to calm him down to feed him this morning, and I was watching the mobile going around. We also go the Aquarium cradle swing and I am using it right now to get him to relax since he was having his morning I don't want to be awake fussies. I think I will use it to try to take a shower today!

We figured out the side lying nursing thing last night. It was so great. It was easier on my sore back and it made him so comfy that he feel asleep for almost 5 hours!!! He didn't even wake up when I moved him to his crib! I got to sleep in MY bed!!! He was an angel last night.

MurphysLaw

09-09-2005, 09:11 AM

TY for the info Val...I actually researched for a little bit last night and ended up ordering 2 moby wraps...one in black and one in natural. I read a lot of good things and it looked easy enough to use. Couldn't beat the cost either. Now I just can't wait for them to get here so I can try it out! I think she'll like the stretchy feel too, it'll definitely be more comfy for her. :)

I *almost* got the HAB...it looked pretty cozy too..but maybe later she gets older/bigger & I need the extra sturdiness, kwim?

Daniel's Kitty

09-09-2005, 10:37 AM

I am still planning on making my ring sling! I want to finish it this weekend so I can use it. I am not sure if Ben will like it since he loves to stretch out and have his arms flopped out. He is completely happy in his stroller, but the sling would be so much easier to carry.

SD601

09-09-2005, 11:43 AM

Hi, mommas. I was a Sept mommy, but Josiah came 5 weeks early on August 15. I've been lurking here because you are all going through similar experiences, so it's been so helpful to read. Do you guys mind if I hang out here, too?

Daniel's Kitty, OMG, I'm so glad you posted that thread in parenting. I told my DH I hated breastfeeding, too. I seriously cried every day until two weeks old, and now I only cry every other day. I was committed to breastfeeding a year before, and now my goal is three months (with a possible 6 in mind). Of course, I use the nipple shield, so I don't get the pain issues--although there are issues with this as well. I feel for you! I'm glad last night was a little better.

Holly and Cosmo , thanks for telling your nipple shield stories. Holly, my DS is like yours, gaining weight very well. I have a huge supply, since he wouldn't latch at all until 2 weeks and I was a pumping fool. I actually have a huge freezer stash already and would like to regulate my supply. Still, I'm planning on weaning at about 6 weeks or just after. I will do what Cosmogirl did, but I'm not in any hurry. Yes, it's a PITA, but as long as he's thriving, then we are doing something right, you know?

Leslie, oh, my breasts kill after about 2 1/2 hours, since I've got a large supply. My DS doesn't sleep well either, but occasionally he'll give me a good three hour stretch. I actually end up pumping a bit when I get so engorged, mostly because I'm terrified of getting a plugged duct or worse.

Carriers, I have a pouch sling and I adore it. The doctor told us not to take DS out in public early on (preemie), but a couple times I've been stir crazy. At three weeks we took him out, but I felt so much better since he was in the sling. With your reviews, I'm thinking of getting a wrap, too. DS sometimes gets pretty hot in the pouch.

Mickey&B

09-09-2005, 11:45 AM

Ohh Leslie I am so with you, Aidan woke up at 2,4,6 and has been up since then (it's 10:30am) and sooooo fussy. He didn't want to eat, just hang out on my boobie! yeah not going to happen so I handed him off to daddy and got to pump and regain some of my sanity!
I am so jeolous of your babies that are sleeping 4+ hours, I know Aidan is only 2 weeks old but I pray for the day I get 4 hours of continous sleep.

Diaper changes I change him every other time he wakes up, if not he soaks through his clothes. I usually nurse him on one side and then change him, swaddle him back up and nurse him on the other side.

I ordered my my hot sling a few days ago, but it sounds like you guys like the moby wrap or the hug a bub better. I guess we'll see when it gets here, I cant wait to try it!
Were going on our first outing today, to the mall, and then to a friends house for a b-day party I hope he does okay!

Daniel's Kitty

09-09-2005, 11:59 AM

Don't worry Aiden will do great! I love going out!

I have just so far tried to time it so I would miss being out at mealtimes. I would be running to try to get to a private place, but I think I will wind up doing it this weekend or next week in public. Since I will be out with MIL next week I am hoping he latches on right.

Ben is all gassy today! I think when I eat oatmeal or granola bars he get gas!

SD601 I hesitated for about three days in posting that, but I finally had to. I have decided that I hope it works out, but the world will deal if it doesn't. But I think I may make it to six weeks now.

Gotta Run! Dirty Diaper

snowzilla

09-09-2005, 12:18 PM

SD601 Welcome! I hear you on the BF issue. This time, it is going very well for me. But with my first two, I found it very frustrating (mainly because I didn't have a clue what I was doing, and had no information to turn to, or an LC, etc) and didn't last more than 3 months with both. This time I seem to have finally gotten the hang of it, but I do understand the moms who are experiencing difficulties. Edited to add: I hated BF so much with the first two, it was the biggest issue that stressed me out during this pregnancy. I seriously cried when I worried about it. And strangely enough, I'm doing fine, but I honestly expected to have a horrible time with it. So I really do understand.

Diaper Changes: Unfortunately, Avery is super sensitive to a wet diaper, which is too bad, because her brother and sister weren't. At night, I only changed them if they had a poopy diaper, and if they were only wet (provided they weren't battling a rash) I didn't change them (this was on the advice of a ped and a couple of books that I read). It worked great, and we all got that extra rest because they weren't being overly stimulated at 3 am with a diaper change. Avery, on the other hand, gets totally ticked off if she is even a little bit wet, so I change her no matter what. But I've gotten pretty good at doing it in the dark, with only the hallway light to shed a little bit of light on things. I don't talk to her, I just do it very quickly and gently, and she barely even notices she's having it done. I nurse her after that, and she goes right back to sleep. I have to say, our nights have been very, very good, and I know I'm super lucky!

Daniel's Kitty

09-09-2005, 12:36 PM

Does she scream loud enough at a wet diaper to have world end? Ben does.

SD601

09-09-2005, 02:42 PM

Daniel's Kitty, DS screams bloody murder with a wet diaper! oh, and Josiah was SO gassy when I ate tons of oatmeal and oatmeal cookies. It actually gave me gas, too!

Snowzilla, I very impressed that you can change diapers so quickly and in dim light. I still fumble in the day time. So you nurse her back to sleep and don't change her again? Hmm...that's a good idea. Does she wake up soon after for another change?

My DS hates a wet diaper, and strangely doesn't mind a poopy one. Strange...he also won't nurse with a dirty diaper, so in the middle of the night, I change him, nurse him, change it again to wake him up, nurse him, and change him again before I put him down. My DH complains that he didn't buget in the sheer number of diapers we would use.

snowzilla

09-09-2005, 02:54 PM

Avery doesn't scream, she just gets ticked off and grumpy - she squirms and grunts and just generally looks PO'd. LOL It's funny how DH and I have both learned to interpret her different cries and expressions - we can totally tell without even checking her diaper that she's wet, based on the look on her face.

And yes, I can change a diaper in the dark, but heck, this is baby number 3, I've changed my share over the years! :p

Cosmogirl

09-09-2005, 03:04 PM

Kim Glad that you irdered your Moby, Iit is a great wrap!
I *almost* got the HAB...it looked pretty cozy too..but maybe later she gets older/bigger & I need the extra sturdiness,
I think at that point, you'll enjoy more a woven though. It'll last longer and will be more comfy for your back.

SD601 Welcome!

Breastfeeding I really had a hard time too. At one point I cryied at every feeding, and it was so painful to me, I just couldn,t bear it. I hated it, and it was a stress oh just too big for me. I seriously thought about quitting. And look at me now, things are going SO great. He latches super well, and doesn't hurt me anymore. You got to keep believing!

LeslieR

09-09-2005, 03:13 PM

Welcome Laura!:)

BF'ing-we've been very lucky. Luke latched on like a pro the first night. HOWEVER, we've figured out he likely has a food allergy, so, that's a bummer. Also, it seems his latch on my left breast has slowly become very painful and I'm not sure why. He's latching on correctly, but it hurts like HELL. Today, I was cursing while feeding him. I thought about feeding him soley from the right breast and pumping on the left, but he has been so bad today that pumping would have been a joke unless I did it while he cried.:( I have to say that I don't hate or love bf'ing. It is what it is. I do resent it a bit at times because I feel tied to Luke in a way beyond just being his mother. Since he won't take a bottle yet, it's all on me for feedings and that frustrates me.

gotta go, he's crying AGAIN! :mad:

Daniel's Kitty

09-09-2005, 03:28 PM

With the diapers if I do a change to wake him up I take off the diaper and put the same one back on as long as it is clean. He usually stays awake as long as he is hungry at night though.

It is pretty easy to change a diaper with just the hall light on. The challenge for me is to change him when he is wiggly. He rolls back and forth and his butt winds up off of the diaper. I am not used to such a wiggly little baby.

I got to take a shower while he played in his swing. He was quiet the whole time!!! I am clean and I love it.

QPDoll

09-09-2005, 04:29 PM

I am clean and I love it.

Im so jealous! :p

Im taking a break from their crying and letting them CIO with them in their bassinets (they haven't stopped crying since 9am) and so Im eating lunch. anyway, I swear, no matter how big the burp cloth or where I place it, they manage to find my shirt (or pants, or neck or cleveage) to spew down. I feel like *IM* a giant burp rag.

Question - is setting them down when you cant get them to stop crying (after hours of crying) is that CIO? Whats the definition of CIO? How do you get them to stop crying and for those that don't do CIO, how do you console them all day/night when they wont stop? Mommy is tired, so are her ears.

LeslieR

09-09-2005, 05:03 PM

Tina, I don't know, but my definition of CIO is when you put the baby down and let them cry themselves to sleep. Not sure if this is accurate or not, but that's what I think of when I hear that term. It always makes me think of that epi of Mad About You when Jamie and Paul are trying to get Mable to sleep.

What is with all of the crying babies today??? Are the planets out of whack or what??? Luke has barely slept at all. Thank God Sal is home. I was crying when he walked in the door at 2:15. I needed to get away from Luke so badly. How awful is that???

MurphysLaw

09-09-2005, 06:12 PM

Oh my dear God...can I join the fussy baby club?? :(

Angelina woke around 9:30am and fed till 10:30am.....slept then until 12:30pm and then for 4 hours she nursed on and off. I tried playing with her, talking to her, her activity mat, tummy time. NOTHING would soothe her except some BBs. So at 4:30pm Gino took over for a bit (he works on the weekends so I don't usually ask him for help). He asked about a pacifier...which is what *I* had been all day. I told him they gagged her and went to get one to try again. I then saw the hospital one which happened to be smaller and I just never realized it. It worked for a while, till she got hungry again...then he fed her. I finally got a few hours of sleep in! I just got out of bed at about 7:30 and she's cat-napped a little but this poor thing is SO tired. Over tired and I feel so bad. She's fighting it something awful and I wish she would just sleep already. Not so much for me because I finally feel rested, but she is really PITIFUL! She'll doze off but the smallest thing makes her stir. I'm hoping that she stays out long enough to really be asleep so I can put her in her swing, she slept for 4 straight hours in there last night!

In the meantime I'm NOT clean, and in dire need of some sort of MEAL!!!:rolleyes:

ETA -Twice earlier I put her in her crib to see if she would CIO...the first time she was in there for about 10 min, then "fake" cried for 15(when I went to go get her to soothe her. The next time she "fake" cried for 20 minutes so I went to get help from Gino. I say fake cry because it's more like a really sad calling then a cry....with absolutely no tears. I hate to see her cry but 4 hours on and off on my BBs just about had ME crying.:(

adore_one

09-09-2005, 06:13 PM

QUESTION -
Tummy time - when, what is it, how much, and how do you do it - oh I am a baaaad mom

MurphysLaw

09-09-2005, 06:17 PM

Tummy time: You put baby on his/her tummy so they can lift their heads and stregnthen their muscles in their necks/backs...I usually leave her down there (I like to lay on each side back and forth to encourage her) until she gets frustrated and cranky, which either means she's a little tired, or just over it. :)

ETA - And NO YOU ARE NOT A BAD MOM.;)

MurphysLaw

09-09-2005, 06:29 PM

Call me the postmonster.:o

RE: CIO - I order 4 books from Barnes & Noble yesterday..."Happiest Baby on the Block"(rated 5 stars), "The No Cry Sleep Solution"(rated 5 stars), "Secrets of the Baby Whisperer" (rated 4 stars), and "The Girlfriends' Guide to Surviving the First Year of Motherhood"(rated4.5 stars). Ialmost got the Weissbluth book, but "No Cry" had a better rating/review so we'll see. I've been told by most friends and family that we should definitely Ferberize Angelina(CIO) but it just is so hard to leave her in there crying. Everyone's said it's most effective but I want to research it a little more for myself before we actually start with ST. I think these books will give me tips in learning to read her now, but actually won't suggest ST until later...maybe a few months?

Anyone experienced moms care to share thoughts or ideas on different ST methods?

adore_one

09-09-2005, 06:36 PM

snowzilla

09-09-2005, 06:44 PM

Kim - I have the happiest baby book - it is good. really applicable to brand new newborns so read it first ;)

about ferber sleep - well - I am in the Dr. Sears camp vs. ferber. Ferber just does not seem natural to me. Sorry if I step on any toes there...but that is just MHO
Have you checked out Dr. Sears book? I am rather impressed

ITA with ya on this - both the recommendation for the Happiest Baby On The Block, and about the Dr. Sears book. But I understand that everybody has their own philosophies and comfort levels regarding the different parenting styles, and I respect that. But Ferber just isn't for me. I bought the Dr. Sears baby book after using his birth book to get ready for Avery's delivery.

MurphysLaw

09-09-2005, 06:53 PM

Stacy & Carla - I'm really leaning towards this side of thinking too. Natural instinct sends me to comfort my baby when she's upset...I mean I want her to trust me & to know that I'm there for her. I'm feeling pressure of some sorts from both camps: some people are really gung ho about ferberizing, and then some keep telling me "you cannot hold an infant too much", that's why I want to research it. I understand that every parent is different in what they believe in/what works for them, but I'm hoping I can find some light in these books. I'll have to check out the Dr. Sears book too.

LeslieR

09-09-2005, 06:55 PM

I keep meaning to buy the Dr Sears book and keep forgetting.:rolleyes: I want the Baby Whisperer, too.

I can't stand to hear Luke cry, so I doubt we'll be doing much CIO here. lol

Tummy time...Luke takes about 2 minutes of it before he throws a fit. I just don't think he 'gets it' yet when I put him on the activity mat.

Luke is once again asleep in his swing-how long will it be for this time-no one knows!:p I, too, have been nursing around the clock. How do I explain to my husband that *sometimes* babies just want to nurse like that and it's okay? He has made several comments tonight about me shoving the boob in Luke's face to keep him quiet which is frustrating me. If Luke is giving me hunger cues, I'm feeding him. Period. The kid is not going to act hungry if he's not, right? I've also tried to explain to him that Luke nurses for comfort as well as for food, which I think Sal gets, but he is just so paranoid that Luke is going to have a weight issue when he's older. :rolleyes: And that is even though the dr told us (him) not to worry about the amount of weight he has gained so far.

snowzilla

09-09-2005, 06:59 PM

Well, the most important thing is not to let anybody pressure you EITHER way. :) Everybody thinks they know better than the next person when it comes to babies..... ;)

Leslie, I'd tell Sal to take a hike. Nicely. :D Actually, I'd remind him that infants only display the rooting reflex when they are hungry. It's one of nature's gifts to an infant, so that he/she can communicate that very basic and very important need to his mother. And I know you have the Happiest Baby book too - if he's read it, he'll know that the sucking reflex is super important to an infant, and one of the ways an infant can satisfy that need is through nursing (and pacifiers, and fingers).

MurphysLaw

09-09-2005, 07:02 PM

If Luke is giving me hunger cues, I'm feeding him. Period. The kid is not going to act hungry if he's not, right? I've also tried to explain to him that Luke nurses for comfort as well as for food....

I was thinking this too, but recalled a family member reminding me not to let her use me as a pacifier. I kept thinking earlier today, "she *can't* still be hungry, but at the same time she was giving me all the signs (rooting/sucking her hands)...which made me think she was nursing for comfort/using me as a pacifier. We tried and she took the paci, and kept it for a while, then started crying when she really was hungry again (around 7:30 when I fed her, and now she's in the swing sleeping also!!). You obviously know Luke's signs since you are his mama ;) just an idea- maybe it can help/maybe not.

LeslieR

09-09-2005, 07:08 PM

Carla, good call-Sal has been using that book as his reading material lately...maybe I'll open it up to the page about sucking and leave it like that for him to find next time he's in the can. :p

QPDoll

09-09-2005, 07:27 PM

I can't stand to hear Luke cry, so I doubt we'll be doing much CIO here.

Picking these guys up, holding them, rocking them, etc...nothing makes them STOP crying. Sometimes putting them down and walking away is the only thing I CAN do...for my own sanity.

LeslieR

09-09-2005, 07:36 PM

I can only imagine, Tina. I honestly do not know how you do it and I give you huge props for that. I truly do not think that I could handle twins or even a toddler and a newborn for that matter. I doubt myself and my qualifications as a mother every day. Today I lost my temper and *screamed* at Luke to stop crying. And then I cried to Sal about it (and what a horrible mother I am) later. Don't get me wrong, there are times when I let Luke cry so I can finish whatever task it is that I'm doing. But, for me, that's just five minutes or whatever. I personally can't hack it for much longer than that or else I'm screaming at my poor defenseless newborn again. :(

snowzilla

09-09-2005, 07:42 PM

Carla, good call-Sal has been using that book as his reading material lately...maybe I'll open it up to the page about sucking and leave it like that for him to find next time he's in the can. :p

I just spit my drink out - the ONLY place DH will read anything is in the can. LOL That's why I call it the library.

Don't feel bad for getting upset about Luke crying today. It's a normal reaction to being stressed out. You're not a bad mom!

Kim, sometimes Avery nurses more for comfort than for food, and I can tell the difference because the swallowing noises are very few and far between.

QPDoll

09-09-2005, 08:00 PM

Today I lost my temper and *screamed* at Luke to stop crying.

That doesn't make you a bad mother at all! A bad mother is knowingly doing something to harm your child. I have had days like that, where we are all just a big crying, screaming mess. Thankfully, Paxil is keeping my sanity in check, I don't go off the deep end from being overwhelmed now.

With twins, its really not that big of deal though, you just do what you have to do. It has its mixed blessing. It has its positives, like aren't singletons lonely? I think of that when I put these two in their cribs at night, and when its just one in the crib, It makes me sad - one baby must be lonely, whereas with twins, they always have company.

I do get envious (thats not the right word) to think, that with one baby, when it goes to sleep, you have a moment of down time. I always have another baby in the wings (ready to eat, not sleeping, etc.). But with the difficulties comes the joys. Laughing as they pull each others pacifiers out. Seeing them hold hands.

dang. they are crying again. I wish they would just GO TO SLEEP.

MurphysLaw

09-09-2005, 08:03 PM

I can only imagine, Tina. I honestly do not know how you do it and I give you huge props for that. I truly do not think that I could handle twins or even a toddler and a newborn for that matter.
Took the words right out of my mouth. Kudos to you Tina!

Leslie you are NOT a bad mother!!! A person can only take so much stress honey, believe me...I feel like I've been on the brink of insanity all day. I find myself screaming at Gino more than Angelina though...but that's because he's at home with me everyday and he understands me. :o

Carla - Some of her nursing behavior lately (which I hadn't really noticed until today): when Lina's hungry, she looks either at me or has a blank stare at my BBs, and she GULPS up until she starts dozing off. When it's for comfort...she suckles only a few times per minute and isn't paying attention(nipple falls out of her mouth, she's being stimulated by other things, she's squirmy).

shellbell516

09-09-2005, 08:21 PM

We tried to give Rachel her first bottle of EBM tonight and she fought it for awhile, but finally started sucking on it. I got Phillip to do this because I read that the may take a bottle easier from someone other than mom. After a few min of sucking she got fussy again and we noticed that the volume on the bottle didn't change at all. We decided to check the flow on the nipple (we are using stage 1 Playtex ventair bottles/nipples) and we couldn't even get anything out. I even tried it myself with no success. There was no hole in the nipple AT ALL. I felt so bad for starving our little girl.

Phillip punched a hole in the nipple with a needle and she gobbled that bottle right on up! I checked all the other nipples that came with the newborn starter set we received and about half of the nipples are completely closed. It makes no sense that we have to punch holes in them ourselves.

books - I need to get some of those books too. Maybe we'll get a chance to stop by Barnes and Nobles tomorrow.

CIO - we haven't tried that yet. I just hate to hear her cry, but she really doesn't do it that often. Or maybe I just hold her too much and she doesn't get a chance.?

pacifier - we've been using an avent pacifier from day 1 and she does great with it. I know when she's really hungry because she'll spit it out right away. I just can't take my bbs as pacifiers too.

LeslieR

09-09-2005, 08:28 PM

Michelle, oh how jealous I am of Rachel not crying too much!

Thanks for telling me I'm not a bad mom, girls. Sal said the same thing and wiped my tears away. lol I just hate that I lose my patience like that. He's a baby-he doesn't know any better! And I know this! Luckily my screaming didn't make him more upset.:p Those moments when you're holding them and they're still crying-you don't know what else they want after you've changed them and fed them...argh! He's been asleep for two hours now.:eek: And once again I have blown it as I did not go to sleep while he was asleep. When will I learn??? I just kept expecting him to wake up any minute and shock of all shocks, he never did!

MurphysLaw

09-10-2005, 07:29 AM

Like Leslie, I didn't sleep last night when I should have been. When will WE learn(I know we're not alone Leslie!)?

However...my good news is that the pacifier worked wonders. We haven't had any problems at night(well "night" for us), but she has been a grunter since we got home. She'll have one patch of great solid sleep, then a patch or two with good length, but she grunts/whines as if she's not really in deep sleep. But not last night! From 10-1:30am, then 2-5:15, and 6-9....she started grunting/whining around 7am and after I popped that paci in, she was comforted and slept better I think. I just got up for her 9am feeding, and she's already in her swing & back to sleep. I'm going back to bed for a while...I'm hoping the paci-success will roll over into her afternoon naptime today. :)

Hope everyone is having a great weekend!!

shellbell516

09-10-2005, 08:16 AM

I have a grunter too, but paci didn't help this morning.

sdauer21

09-10-2005, 08:23 AM

Can't post long - have baby in arms...
just wanted to throw this out there: many of our babes are hitting their 4-6 week growth spurt, which might help explain some of the 'round the clock nursing. Doesn't help the nipples any, but if that's what's going on with your baby, it should ease up within a few days. :)

LeslieR

09-10-2005, 09:26 AM

Would you believe that little bugger slept from 8:30pm-1am!!! If I had gone to sleep when he did, I would have gotten the most consecutive hours of sleep since I was pregnant. grrr. Then he slept from 1:30-4!
I'm sorry you feel my pain, Kim! :(

Sonya, good call-I just told Sal that maybe Luke is going through his 6 week growth spurt early and, of course, he just brushed me off.:rolleyes:

We're attempting Luke's 3rd bottle right now. Once again it is not going well. I tried the paci earlier and he wouldn't take that either. Instead of nipple confusion, I think my child has nipple aversion!:p

LeslieR

09-10-2005, 10:30 AM

Scratch that-he took the bottle!!! Sal tried first and then I tried and I just kept at it until he took it. He drank almost 2oz and then threw a fit at the end when there was just a tiny bit left. I'm so proud! :D I still had to nurse him afterwards, though, so I'm wondering how much he eats in a normal nursing session?

daisysue62

09-10-2005, 10:31 AM

Grace had her 6 week appointment yesterday (I can't believe she's 6 weeks old today!) which meant she got the first round of vaccines. Has anyone else gone through this yet? It's horrible! I had my husband come to the appointment to help me out since seeing her hurt was more then I could stand. She screamed bloody murder and turned tomato red. She was pretty fussy last night but I held her for most of the afternoon/evening and gave her infant tylenol. I wasn't sure what to expect last night but she did sleep (in her cradle for most of the night even!), just not in as long of stretches as usual. She slept for about 2 hours at a time when she usually goes a little over 3 hours between feedings at night. Her little legs turned red and I seriously hope she's not sore today.

Here's a picture of Grace in a happier mood:

http://images.snapfish.com/344959%3A323232%7Ffp54%3Dot%3E2347%3D%3C85%3D%3B99 %3DXROQDF%3E2323%3A93969%3B%3A8ot1lsi

Kellie

MurphysLaw

09-10-2005, 11:04 AM

Michelle - Let me retract my statement...I spoke too soon. I've been up with my little stinky pants Miss "I won't take a pacifier and make a liar out of Mommy" on and off since 10am. She's a turd in the cutest form (if I do say so myself). She hasn't been fussy, but grunting SO loudly that I can't sleep anymore. So I'm up, and she's just finished feeding(which she was due) I wish, I wish, I wish I'd slept last night with her. Leslie...we have to make a pact to send each other to bed WITH the babies!!

Sonya you are so right...Angelina will be 6 weeks on Monday. A growth spurt explains it perfectly.

Kellie - Grace is just beautiful!! So sorry she had to have her shots!! :( Lina doesn't have another appt till Oct 5th...that's when she gets her first round...and that's actually more like her 2 month visit.:confused:

LeslieR

09-10-2005, 11:46 AM

Kim, you got it!:D

Kellie, Grace is so beautiful! What color is her hair?
Luke had his 2nd hep shot on Thursday and he screamed louder than we have ever heard him scream before.:(

sdauer21

09-10-2005, 12:08 PM

Beautiful picture, Kellie - Grace is adorable!! (We have the matching blanket that we got for Tallia!)

Shots Abby goes in on Sept. 30 for her 2 month appointment and will get her first round then. I was dumb and made the appointment during a time when Will can't come with me, and I know I'll be a wreck! I made him hold Tallia for ALL of her shots, and always left the room until they were over. It was absolutely worse for me then for her! A hint: give your baby a dropper of Tylenol before going in. It will help ease the pain later in the day. My peds office gave us a bottle when we went for Tallie's first shots, and told us to give it to her before the appointment next time.

I put Abby down for some tummy time after I got out of the shower, and she is FINALLY asleep, without being held, for the first time today. I guess I should get moving and try to get something done before Will gets home from work. Of course, Tallia is in a rare totally cute and agreeable mood today, so all I want to do is play with her. Will probably do that instead! ;)

Oh, and I'm sooo happy...I'm currently wearing my first pair of pre-preggo pants!!! They are a titch snug, and I need a longer shirt to cover up the enormous bulge, but at least they're on!! I never got back into pre-preggo pants after Tallie, so I'm thrilled!! :D

bombedier

09-10-2005, 04:47 PM

Books - I had the Sears book and also this week bought Happiest baby on the Block, The Baby Whisperer, What to Expect the First Year, Healthy Sleep Habits, and Sleeping through the Night. Yes - I am a maniac to get him to sleep on his own.

Cosmogirl

09-10-2005, 06:56 PM

I'm sure that I should be really happy but why is my kid the only kid in the world who doesn't want a pacifier??? Would kinda help sometimes!!! :rolleyes:

Mickey&B

09-10-2005, 07:03 PM

Geesh just trying to catch up!!!!

We took Aidan out last night and well he was okay, rather fussy, and for a minute I missed my old life :( I guess cause it was late and all my friends were outside with the music going and having a good time while I was stuck in the room most of the night nursing. I should of known he had a really bad day totally fussy, and crying most of it.
Today was much better He actually took a morning nap before we went to the park to watch DH play softball and he was right on schedule all day :D I think this was the first day I felt like I didn't have a "difficult" baby Aidan was a real champ. I got my hooter hider and it really helped although I did go to car and nurse, something about nursing in front of DH's co-workers that just didn't work for me!

I totally hear you guys on the nursing around the clock and fussiness, boy have these last two weeks been trying, thank God DH has been home to take Aidan when I just can't take the crying anymore. It is so hard when you have fed them, changed them, walked aroung the house more times than you can count bouncing them and they still cry, not to lose your mind!!! I can only hope he gets better, this little guy goes from sleeping to pissed off in about 2 seconds!!! I finally gave him the pacifier cause as some of you mentioned he was using me as a pacifier and well I just couldn't do it anymore, after about a day or so he got the hang of it, and it hasn't affected BF'ing at all when he is hungry believe me no pacifier will comfort him!

Books
I have yet to get the "Happiest Baby on the Block" but many of my co-workers (parent educators) have recommended it. I have the "Baby Whisperer" which I like somewhat, and I just started the "No Cry Sleep Solution" so far I really like it, but I haven't really gotten into it yet. Hopefully I get some more "good" days with Aidan and I can catch up on some reading

LeslieR

09-10-2005, 07:03 PM

Oh, no, Val, William is not the only one. Luke refuses to take the paci! :mad:

Cosmogirl

09-10-2005, 07:48 PM

Leslie I'm sure eventually we'll be happy but TONIGHT I'm NOT! :mad:
I guess Weissbluth was right, there is a fussy peak at 6 weeks...counting from the EDD not the birth date! Thansk god he is an ok easy kid, but god it is hard!

QPDoll

09-10-2005, 10:40 PM

Can someone explain the differences in the sleep methods that have been mentioned? (sears, weissb... etc.) I would love to know what the differences are in the philosophies before buying each book. :)

Leslie I had mentioned a different nipple type that my guys are doing great with. When they have a hard time with anything, its a sure-bet fall back for us, we just could never find more (until tonight). Its called Nuby by Luvin Care.

info (http://www.luvncare.com/db_gifs/nuby/925.gif)

Kiley

09-10-2005, 11:34 PM

Anyone else's baby puking? Preston is 3 weeks old and has probably thrown up his entire meal (breastmilk) at least a couple times a week. It usually happens within 15 mintues of a feeding but tonight it happend during a feeding. I'm almost certain he is not ill and it is definitely vomit and not spitup (judging by amount and the projectilness of it). Should I be worried? My book says that it happens, but this often?

gardenmommy

09-11-2005, 12:24 AM

Hey mommies!!

I have been reading along with all of your stories but have hesitated to post...I feel like the luckiest mommy out there...Payton eats like a champ, rarely cries, is rarely even fussy (there is ususally an hour a day or so), takes a paci from time to time but really only wants it when she's tired, and sleeps really well...she can fall asleep without me holding her, and the other night she slept from 9pm to 3:30 am when I woke up and freaked out because it had been 6 1/2 hours so I woke her up to feed her convinced she was hungry.

We have been up visiting my family for the last 4-5 days and she has been a total angel...she got a bit fussy tonight but I think it was only because it had been a very long day with lots of visitors.

The best part?? She is really focusing on my face now and when she wakes in the morning for her morning feeding after a good night sleep she is so happy and is a smiling machine...she even makes this little sound when she smiles which is a coo that sounds a bit like a giggle.

I feel like a witch posting all of this since so many of you have had bouts of fussiness or little issues, but I'm sure I'm in for my fair share of it coming up shortly.

Leslie~ FWIW, Payton usually eats about 4 oz from her bottle...we had her on 2 oz feedings and she acted like Luke did...got fussy a bit after so we bumped her up to 4 oz and she is happy as a clam. We still stored our BM in 2 oz increments in case 2 oz was enough and then the extra didn't go to waste.

LeslieR

09-11-2005, 05:38 AM

Jennifer, I am so jealous! Payton sounds like a dream!!!

Tina, thanks for the nipple info. Will definitely check those out.

I think our latch has gone bad. My left nipple is so sore and bleeding.:( And my right nipple is working on being sore.:( I just pumped the left side and it started bleeding when I was pumping. ugh. I don't know what to do. It seems like he is latched on properly-I don't know what could have changed. It's been almost 5 weeks-why am I having these problems now??? Sal suggested just giving Luke bottles all day today so that I can heal up, but honestly, I find pumping to be such a PITA! The whole sterilizing and air dry issue. How do you guys deal with that to pump frequently?

Cosmogirl

09-11-2005, 08:32 AM

Leslie Any yeast infection in Luke's mouth??? (white spot)WIll had that (on top of it all!) and it was SO painful to me!!! That could explain nipples being painfull without any changes in latching...
As far as pumping, I was washing the whole kit after each time, and letting it air dry on the countertop. I sterilised in the washing machine each night. Now since I use it about once a day, I sterilse only every day or so. But I realised lately that oumping was also really hard on my nipple. I think that now pumping is more painfull then William latching...

Jennifer I can't really complain either... I did last night because of the pacifier thing, but really William is a good boy!

NIPPLE SHIELD...I forgot to say I justy forgot to say this last time I talked about this...William was out on that because he was too weak to suck properly. The nipple on this is really long, so it doesn't stimulate them to take the breast properly. (i.e. open their mouths wide) Will was weak too, so he was relly content not to have to make an effort to open wide. So he learned to only take the nipple instead of taking the areola. Once I decided to wean him off, he thought it was the same withouht the shield...GOD DAMIT did this hurt!!! It took me a week or so to teach him to open wide and latch properly, and this was also a really had bout for me. I really thought again about either stopping, or using the sheild again, even if I didn't like to use it. But I stuck in there even thought the killing pain, and he finally learned to open wide. Now he latches like a pro.
SO girls, it might be rocky once you wean them off the shields (and maybe you won't have such a hard time as I did, wishing you so!) but hang in there, it can work, I'm the living proof for it. I had all the problem possible, latch problems, yeast infection, Bruisers, cracked nipple....I thought about quiting sevral time, but i'm glad I didn't!

William's life...
He is at the 6 week peak of fussiness right now (because you have to count form the EED), but he "fussed" (read drank more) for about 30 minutes last night. Otherwise, he isn't a fusser.(except when something is going on!) He wakes up only one time per night, and now his feedings last only 30 minutes or less, so I get some good sleep now, about 7-8 hours per night.
He always have this "fussy" periods at 8 where he drink like a mad man. I think he actually take 2 nursing period at the same time. And then, he sleeps for about 4-5 hours straight. Then he wakes up around 2, drinks for about 20 minutes, and sleeps again abou 3-4 hours straight. So then it is about 6. (which I don't consider night for a kid...) Then he goes back to sleep again, and falls back on the 3 hours schedule, so it is around 9. After he is awaken, and it is play time. During the day I really have a hard time to have him sleep in his bed, execpt when he is really tired, but at night, no problem making him sleep there SO KNCK on wood that it stays like that. I'm being really cautious though NOT to interact with him at night so that he gets that this isn't play time.

The other cool thing going on, is that he is starting to have a schedule for stools too! He doesn't poo so often, and poo at regular time. So much more fun to change the diapers!!! But when he poos, it is POWER poo!

The only thing that concerns me is that I don't think he is able to sooth himself to sleep yet... I do make efforts to put him in his bed wide awake so that he learns to be there, but he doesn't fall alseep on his own. At night he fall asleep whn I burp him, and when I put him to bed, he is strectching anf grunting, but I think this is part of his sleeping pattern, so I think he is sleeping already. I'm kinda scared that he'll never be able to sooth himself to sleep, so maybe we'll have eventually (around 3-4 months) have to try the CIO solution.
Anybody knows tricks to make them learn how to soothe themselves in their beds alone???

He has also started to make the CUTEST smiles! That is SUCH a reward! I posted a couple of pics in LJ. He is so cute when he smiles and coos at the same time!
He now weighs 11lbs 4 oz!!! I just can't beleive it since he was 6'8 when he was born!!! He nearly double his weight! SCARY! :eek:

So yeah girls, HANG IN THERE !!! Like Jennifer says, the easiers parts are coming and SO worthwhile!!!

kerbahr

09-11-2005, 12:37 PM

Mickey&B - I am so jealous, you got your Hooter Hider already?? I still haven't received mine!!!

Sorry to hear about so many fussy babies... Emma has her moments, but she's pretty content most of the time. Last night she slept from 11pm-4am and then again from about 4:30/5am-9am. It was great!!!

I have also started to wean her from the nipple shield. I still have to use it when she can't get a good latch and gets frustrated, but we are working on it!

Sonya - YAY for fitting into your pre-preggo jeans!!!

Cosmogirl

09-11-2005, 01:40 PM

Keri! I'm glad that you are able to start weaning her for the shield! Good luck to ya!

hiphopgirl

09-11-2005, 02:05 PM

I'm on the other side of the fussy period, and I'm here to report that it does exist :) I actually thought we weren't going to have a fussy period because it didn't happen until about 6 1/2 weeks. Apparently it is much closer to due date than actual age. He is so much fun. Still not a big smiler though, and that makes me sad.

He is starting to put himself to sleep for naps, but I am still having to help him get to sleep at night. He is regularly sleeping for 5 hours at night, but it is usually from 10-3. He did manage to make it from 11:30 - 5:00 one time, but so far it hasn't happened again.

I'm not going to beat myself up about the sleep stuff just yet. According to books you start working on sleeping starting at 6-8 weeks of age and that is based on due date so we still have some time.

His 2 month appointment is on Tuesday. We weighed him on our own and he is all the way up to 12lbs.!!! I guess we needn't worry about him putting on weight. I'll be interested to see where he falls on Tuesday.

Cosmogirl

09-11-2005, 04:50 PM

Hip hop: William does the exact opposite. It is super easy to put him to sleep during the night, but forget about the naps!
And about the smileing thing, again, it is around 6 weeks EED and not birthdate that they start to smile...It should be coming soon!

QPDoll

09-11-2005, 06:08 PM

I find pumping to be such a PITA! The whole sterilizing and air dry issue. How do you guys deal with that to pump frequently?

Bwhahahaha...sterilizing and air drying?? I just washed them in really hot water after each pumping (basically, rinsing it and adding soap and sloshing it around and then rinsing the soap off.). I washed it all in the dishwasher every night on a sani rinse (hot water rinse) and steam dry. But really, I was never all that good about it. I just basically washed it all really quick after each time I pumped. EAsier to wash it soon though, dried BM made it all hard to disassemble.

Pumping, for me, was nice - when I had time to do it. It gave me time to be on the computer. I learned how to hook up both bbs and pump, while reading this thread and typing, oh and eating breakfast or whatever at the same time. Talk about multi-tasking! (note that I read a lot, and didn't post, thats why!)

QPDoll

09-11-2005, 06:20 PM

Anybody knows tricks to make them learn how to soothe themselves in their beds alone???
The mobile and music on low has been a huge help for us! I also just put "Baby Windchimes" in their crib - so far they mainly just look at it, but I have seen them bat at them a couple of times.

******

Im so jealous of all the baby smiles! Other people say our guys are smiling, but it doesnt look like it to me! They have 'happy faces', but nothing like the smiles they get when they are alseep or farting. LOL

They have just started to coo a little bit though! :) My DH is trying to make them giggle. LOL

They have been staying fussy - but the the night before last, Pete downed 7 ounces before bedtime. Then he slept for 7 HOURS! (Too bad Nate didn't.)
Of course, last night Nate (who use to be the best sleeper of the two) was up at 3 fussing...and hasn't really stopped since.
We just switched his forumla today, to Infamil GentleEase. He has a gas bubble problem and is always working on getting it out. I can tell it really pains him and there is nothing that is working. I think thast why he is so fussy! So this GentleEase stuff is suppose to be specifically for fussy and gassy babies. I notice its smoother and less foamy than regular formula, it seems to me more like BM in that regard, so perhaps thats why. If that doesn't do the trick, its either goats$ milk$ or that Nutra-yada$$-yada$$ stuff. I regret not BFing, and wish we could have continued, but know that it was the best decision for us because of the difficulty in BFing two.

Cosmogirl

09-11-2005, 06:38 PM

Thanks Tina. I have the same mobile you hav, but it doesn't sooth Will to sleep! :rolleyes:

Adore There is a Hug a bub for sale on the yahoo gorupe of babywearing swap if you are interested. It is sage.

sarahanna115

09-11-2005, 06:55 PM

Bedtime - soothing themselves The ocean wonders aquarium is a miracle toy! LOVE IT! USE IT! GLAD I HAVE IT. ;)

Cleaning pump stuff QPDOLL: "I just basically washed it all really quick after each time I pumped. EAsier to wash it soon though, dried BM made it all hard to disassemble." Ditto here! Hot water, a little soap and drip dry. Yeah I leave it sitting out with my dishes even with company over. If they ask what it is, they better be prepared to be embarrassed, cause at this point, I don't give a damn! LOL.

Hi to all the moms!! I'm checking in daily and reading and wishing I could post more and definitely keep up with the SOs more. :)

Things here are going so well. Noah went to church today and did so great! No fussing, he just slept. My mom is here and we are having a blast, and I'm getting adjusted to going back out into the world again, this time with a baby in tow. He is seeing his regular ped. finally - for the first time - tomorrow. Following up with his cardiologist on Wednesday (where I'll hope they'll tell me I can start giving him some b-milk or start bf soon). He slept from 12:30-5:30 straight last night. SUCH a good sleeper, if he does get up, I give him some of his bottle and cuddle him and he's right back to sleep. He is lifting his head already (about 90 degrees) and making noises. I even got his very first laugh! He smiles in response to nuzzlings and funny faces. I figure a smile is a smile, whether he means it or not. ;)

Baths Does anyone else's baby scream bloody murder non-stop during their bath?? Noah hates them! He did fine with the sponge baths, but since his umbilical cord fell off Wednesday and we've given him a real bath on his bath sponge in warm water, he throws a fit and gets very upset. We make it really quick and once he is out and bundled up, he is back to normal. Poor little guy. I just love the result of a clean little baby though! They smell soooo good!

So how does everyone feel post-partum, physically? Anyone attempting DTD by now? DTD: yep! Hard to believe. I feel like I have never had a baby, actually, which is drop-dead surprising, cause in the few days after delivering, I felt like I would never walk normally again!! Now I am back in all my preg-pg clothes (yay! I feel like I deserve a new wardrobe *wink wink*) and starting to work out again to get that flab toned. I do have ONE prob - my tailbone hurts! I'm about 99% it's from my L&D, don't know how or why. But it kills me! Esp when I am bending over and have to then straighten back up. :eek: At almost 4 weeks pp, I am completely done with any spotting even. Everything else (ahem) feels back to normal (I got 2 stitches and they are dissolved by now). And to think of the day I was terrified to have my first post-partum BM! LOL.

Well LJ has pix and a bigger update on us, but I just wanted to stop in and say hello! Hope everyone is doing great. I know it is frustrating with fussy babies and when they are crying, but just know it is temporary and they won't be this small (and cranky!) forever! I am amazed already at how fast he is growing, and I'm trying to enjoy EVERY aspect that I can of this newborn stage. :)

LeslieR

09-11-2005, 07:39 PM

Jeez, 5 weeks pp tomorrow and I'm still spotting.:confused: We have not DTD yet-waiting for the okay from my dr (appt next Monday), but Sal is chomping at the bit.:rolleyes:

Sarah, Luke tolerates his baths. He doesn't love them or hate them. lol

Thanks for posting how you guys handle your pump accessories. Here I've been boiling them every time and what not!

Val, I did check Luke for a white tongue and nothing. I keep calling him Hoover. lol I think he has just gotten lazy with his latch and I'm not sure how to get it back on track. I try to get him to open his mouth wide, but somehow it seems like he always ends up with just nipple and no areola. I was reading on kellymom.com for some tips and they said to go back to basics with holds and latch, so I guess that's what we need to do. They also had some good tips for the pain-nurse on the side that doesn't hurt first, ice the nipple that hurts, etc. Hopefully we get through this rough patch. I want to say it's been going on for the past week now. :(

QPDoll

09-11-2005, 08:07 PM

Baths Does anyone else's baby scream bloody murder non-stop during their bath??

Yep! One tip a BTDT mom gave to me that has worked out great for us - wrap them in a light-weight towel when you give them a bath, similar to a swaddle only not tight. Take out the arm, wash, put towel back over him. Uncover legs, wash, recover legs...etc. This way, they still stay covered up and do not feel so exposed and hanging out.

pp and sex It was a couple of weeks till I felt really great again. I think it was around week 4 when I went shopping and was back in my pre-preggo clothes and felt so light, thin (relative) and flexible. my stiches really stung, but once they disolved things felt fine "down there". We DTD at week 6, a few days before my PP checkup. No problems, although I had heard how much it supposivly hurt, and was fearing it actually - just wanted the first time over with, but there was no pain, discomfort or spotting at all.

I did start very lightly spotting last week for a few days, and though AF had decided to return, but then the spotting dissappeared without her arrival. I asked my OB at my PP appointment about BC and now have a script for Orthocyclene (just have to find time to go get the script filled).

QPDoll

09-11-2005, 08:09 PM

Agh! Nate fell off the couch again. I set him down to pick up Pete and not a split second after I set him down he scooted off and landed head first (he was swaddled). He cried for a second, farted a ton of times and went to sleep again (perhaps finally relived of all that gas he was able to sleep). He slept like that last time too.

NO MORE couch time for my little spider monkey!! Im going to have to rearange my house and move out the coffee table so I have some floor space to put him on. We have a really small house, so the only real place to put him is on the couch or in his bassent (which he hates now). I have a feeling in a few months, Im going to have to sit him on the floor and put the crib over top of him as a cage...he is going to be mobile and into everything! (j/k)

Mickey&B

09-11-2005, 08:12 PM

DTD I am only two weeks pp and still recovering from the c-section, it still hurts, I can't wait to be back to normal again :( so no we still have a ways to go. I so miss it though and I feel bad for DH!! but I guess he'll survive :D

Baths Thank God Aidan loves his baths, I put the heater on and use the calming baby wash from California Baby and he just sits there in heaven, as long as he doesn't start to get cold.

Thanks for posting the pump stuff I was sterilizing every night too in the medela microwave bags, I didn't even think of the dishwasher.

Naps I as still battling this :( he does great in the car or in the stroller but at home fogetaboutit! I try to catch him before he gets over tired but man he takes forever to settle down and finally stay asleep! and we are only at 2 weeks you mean it gets worse at 6 weeks!!!! :eek:

HollyMN

09-11-2005, 09:15 PM

First solo outing

We've gone out lots as the three of us, and I've gone out alone, but I haven't gone out with just him until Friday.

The first outing was to buy some breast-milk storage bags at Target. I thought it would be easy - I only needed to buy one item, and lines are short or non-existent at this Target.

I parked right up front next to a shopping cart and loaded him in. I drove the shopping cart in. I found the breast milk freezer bag section. I was just trying to look at the products and pick which brand when he goes from silence to screaming in 2.3!

I never packed a diaper bag because we were going to be in and out. At the last minute, I had Dave toss me one of my nipple shields, just in case, although I was not going to use it.

I drove the shopping cart around the aisle hoping that that would calm him down, and I would just look at the products and grab them as I walked by, like I was picking up my luggage from a carousel...except reversed. Driving the cart didn't stop the screaming. I didn't want to leave the store....

I saw the shelf of strollers - with the display items on the top shelf, and the boxed up strollers on the bottom shelf. There was an out of stock stroller and a big huge empty space. In the empty aisle, I unhooked my bra and took out the breast shell and put on the nipple shield. I grabbed him out of the car seat and climbed in the shelf and sat there and fed him from the second, just pumped breast. He was happy with it, and we sat under there for a long time. It was pretty comfortable, my back against the wall, my knees in the air. We were there for a long time, I just watched some cute young pregnant chick in a tank top with a mother that looks too young to be a grandma doing a baby registry.

We finally left Target with our purchase. We spent much more time feeding than shopping. And that was the first outing.

Baths

I regret to say that he screamed (we went quick) through his first bath or two. DH filled the bath water, and used this little ducky to make sure that the bath wouldn't be too hot. I've set the water for the past couple baths just using my arm, and it was a little warmer and he's liked those baths. I thought his DH baths were too cold!

I'll also confess that we forget to bathe him and a week goes by....

DTDHave not DTD yet (afraid), but I have sort of exercised. The first attempt was last week when I brought my car in to get fixed and walked home. Then today, I got my shoes, my mp3 player, the ponytail, like I meant it. I listened to three songs, I walked for one and jogged for one and walked for one. I'm going to increase it by one song each time I go out until I'm back to where I once was. I was afraid of jogging for the sore boobs factor, but it wasn't too bad, I pumped first! I'm not going to do abs for awhile, because that's too depressing.

I'm happy that yesterday I was at my parents house and he took the entire right breast start to finish without the nipple shield! That gives me hope for weaning him off it next week.

Mickey&B

09-11-2005, 09:41 PM

I parked right up front next to a shopping cart and loaded him in. I drove the shopping cart in. I found the breast milk freezer bag section. I was just trying to look at the products and pick which brand when he goes from silence to screaming in 2.3!

Ohh my God that was us today, on our first solo outing as well! Thank God we were at Babies R Us and they had a mommies room. I ended up having a great conversation with another nursing mommy :p

shellbell516

09-11-2005, 09:58 PM

baths - Rachel loves her baths. see
http://images.snapfish.com/34496%3C6323232%7Ffp47%3Dot%3E2329%3D679%3D963%3DX ROQDF%3E2323%3A%3A5%3C5%3C%3B92ot1lsi
http://images.snapfish.com/34496%3C6323232%7Ffp47%3Dot%3E2329%3D679%3D963%3DX ROQDF%3E2323%3A%3A5%3C5%3C%3B95ot1lsi

smiles - she loves it when you stick your tongue out at her. Sometimes she'll do it too and other times she'll grin really big. It's still hard to capture those moments on camera though.

Who knows when I'll get into pre-pg clothes. My hips got big through all this. I haven't even tried to fit into anything pre-pg yet.

Mickey&B

09-11-2005, 10:33 PM

I should totally be sleeping but for some reason I am not tired.

I had to post cause I was so excited I just got the proof for Aidan's announcement
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d730b3127cce9472a7fd0dca00000016108AcsnLZyzZNB

MurphysLaw

09-11-2005, 11:58 PM

Shell - Rachel looks adorable!! Like she's really enjoying that...wish I could say the same for Angelina. :rolleyes:

Mickey - Those announcements are so cute!! Who did them?

DTD - My DR said that we could DTD anywhere after 4 weeks but it'll be 6 weeks on Monday and we still haven't...it's only because I'm having a 5 year IUD inserted on Tuesday. After that we don't have to worry about being careless(woohoo!!). I have too many other things to worry myself over right now without having to remember a pill everyday!!:p Leslie - RE:spotting...my DR said that some women spot up through the 6 week mark so I wouldn't be alarmed or anything. I bled/spotted pretty steady through at least 4 weeks myself.

Naps - She does SO great with naps. As long as I make sure she's all the way asleep.:rolleyes: If she falls asleep in the car, she'll stay asleep for a couple hours easy...something about that ride must be hypnotizing.

Ok she's stirring now to be fed again I think....gotta go.:)

Daniel's Kitty

09-12-2005, 07:39 AM

I am getting a sore throat, I think I may have caught a cold.

Shellbell Lucky! Ben saves his smile for my mom or Daniel's dad. She looks so cute.

MickeyCute announcements.

DTD Why? I could use that time for sleep! :D

michael'sbride

09-12-2005, 07:40 AM

Hi Everyone! I have time to do a quick catch up! YAY!

PP and Sex... I'm back to or below my Pre-preggo weight, which is a HUGE accomplishment for me becuase I never even got close to my pre-preggo weight after having Drew. We've DTD, DH was begging after my 6 week appt. My bleeding stopped at around 5 weeks.

Outings... We've been out and about since he was 2 weeks. I've done many solo trips with Evan alone and a few with both boys. Talk about exhausting! It just gets really awkward when you're trying to carry a toddler and a carseat.

Evan is doing great. He slept through the night for the first time last week...11:30pm to 7am. He's only done it that one time. Mostly I get from 9pm - 2am and 3am -7am. Not bad. He takes most of his naps in his swing, which works well for me because I have to hold him up for at least 30 minutes after each feeding because of the reflux. Sitting in the swing or the carseat count as holding him up so in he goes. Otherwise I would be holding him 24-7. He really likes my pouch too, but only if he's really sleepy.

We have our two month well baby visit on Friday. I can't believe that my little guy is almost 2 months old.

I have some new pictures to share!

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d733b3127cce9473ce27442c00000016108IcuWLZszZs

What's up, Ma?

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d733b3127cce9473cf0285a100000016108IcuWLZszZs

Happy boy!

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d733b3127cce9473c999853900000015108IcuWLZszZs

So Sweet!

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d733b3127cce9473ce6ec55500000016108IcuWLZszZs

Brothers

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d733b3127cce9473c217441a00000016108IcuWLZszZs

Cosmogirl

09-12-2005, 09:31 AM

Baths William used to HATE them. But We got in the tub with his a couple of time, and now he enjoys it SO much! Loves being in the water now.

PP and DTD I'm just over my prepregnancy weight, but I don,t think I'll go back toit. I was under my "health weight" and my current weight is now perfect for me. And I'll need a new wardrobe too :p I still have flobby abs though, and don,t really find time and energy to work that up! Sarah What type of exercices do you do??
DTD, Yeap, but itis kinda different now with a kid in the house...

Leslie Sorry about the lactching thing! I KNOW how painful it can be!!! Trust me!

Solo Outings I'm getting really good with that. I get out with William alone since his 2nd week of age. Need timing! He loved to go out, and sleeps the whole time usually.

Michelle Hummmm sombody looks like mommy! :p

Melissa Awww cutes pics! He is an handsome boy!

News here:
I' trying to get William to sleep in his crib during the day as well, and not only at night. He isn't able to soothe himself yet, and it takes me a while to soothe him to bed. Sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn't but at least I'm doing all I can to help him learn that. When it has been 2 hours since his last nap, I put him on vibration in his bouncy, and voila! Hoping that he will catch how to soothe himself on his own! He nealry did it this morning, but scared himself away by moving his arms, and woke up again. :( I really work hard not to go over 2 hours of wakefulness, but it is hard when is always wakes up after I put him down!

Got to go, need a shower...while he sleeps in his chair :rolleyes:

daisysue62

09-12-2005, 09:40 AM

I'm so excited that Grace is finally smiling real smiles now! She just spent the better part of the morning gazing and me and smiling. She really likes The Wheels on the Bus song for some reason and smiles a lot when I sing it :)

Solo Trips with Baby: I've been going on solo trips with Grace since she was 2 weeks old. The first trip was my 2 week pp appointment with my midwife and we stopped off at a natural foods store afterwards for some baby tummy medecine. We've been all over together including a 4 hour shopping excursion a week ago.

Post Partum: Dh and I had sex for the first time on Grace's 6 week birthday (Saturday). I was initially a little scared but we took it REALLY slow and it was alright. I have a feeling it could take a few more times before I'm actually enjoying it :) As for weight, I'm nearly back to my prepregancy weight but would like to get rid of the baby flab in the front. My midwife told me to do strengthening excercises for a month before any stomach crunches. I'm looking into doing pilates.

Baths: I give Grace a bath about every other day and she's really not a fan. She does ok until her face gets wet and then it's all over but the crying! She has SO much hair and it gets dirty quick, but the worst part of the bath according to her is getting her hair washed. I'm always careful to keep the water out of her eyes but she still screams. I really hope she decides to like baths eventually!

Naps: Grace naps really good, she naps several times a day. I've never really written down her nap times, but in general the max. I let her stay awake is 2 hours. She usually naps in her bouncer or swing, she very occasionally will nap in her crib or cradle but those naps are usually pretty short.

Here's a picture of Grace in her favorite napping spot (next to my shoulder of course!)

http://images.snapfish.com/3449769523232%7Ffp64%3Dot%3E2347%3D%3C85%3D%3B99%3 DXROQDF%3E2323%3A7%3B845299ot1lsi

LeslieR

09-12-2005, 10:10 AM

I am so proud of my guys! Sal took Luke downstairs at 6am this morning so I could get some extra sleep (this is our routine)-I woke up at 8:45 wondering why he hadn't come and got me yet or why I didn't hear any crying. So, I went downstairs and there was Sal with Luke calm as can be. Sal pointed to the coffee table and there was an empty bottle! Yay Luke and Daddy! He said he took the milk out of the fridge when he got downstairs and got the bottle ready just in case and the trick was giving it to Luke before he went into hunger mode. I still can't believe it! We are definitely having a much better today so far as Luke has already taken an hour nap. Hurray! Now if we could just get past this wanting to be held all the time business I would be THRILLED!

Smiles...Luke smiles quite a bit, but it's usually when he's in his milk coma. We've only caught it on camera once, though.

Mickey&B

09-12-2005, 11:00 AM

Kim The announcements are from www.metrobabycards.com I think a few of us got our announcments done by them. I am totally in love with them!

Melissa I love this picture, how gorgeous is your little man!!!
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d733b3127cce9473cf0285a100000016108IcuWLZszZs

Kellie Grace looks absolutley angelic

Smiles...Luke smiles quite a bit, but it's usually when he's in his milk coma. We've only caught it on camera once, though.

:D That is so funny I love when my little guy does this. It's like he saying "Thanks ma that was great!"

LeslieR

09-12-2005, 11:20 AM

LOL Michelle! Exactly!

Question...is anyone's baby sleeping in the crib or has anyone transitioned to the crib yet? We have Luke in the co-sleeper in our room. When he wakes up, I pick him up and go in his room to change him and feed him and then we go back to our room and he goes back in the co-sleeper. He is such a noisy sleeper that I am ready to kick him out!:p The problem is, I don't think I will sleep much better with him in his room because I will be wanting to check on him when I don't hear him. We have the AngelCare monitor, but that ticking noise drives me nuts. Last night I started feeding him around 8:45 and he nursed himself to sleep. I put him in the crib and came downstairs so I could have a little me time. I gave myself until 10 and then I went up, got him out of his crib, and put him in the co-sleeper and went to bed.:rolleyes: Part of me thought I should just leave him in his crib, but I just can't do it yet.:( Is there an average age when you should move them to their own rooms? I guess once he meets the weight limit on the co-sleeper (whatever that is), we won't have much choice. I wish I had the heart/guts/whatever to move him in there now, but I don't.

sarahanna115

09-12-2005, 11:31 AM

Melissa He is so precious!! What a cute smile!

Leslie We had Noah in his own room in his crib right away, but that's because it is literally across the hall from our room, about 20 feet from our bed probably! I felt awful leaving him alone in his crib to sleep the first night and went in to check on him to make sure he was still breathing several times. :roll eyes: You might as well keep him where you and he are comfortable until, like you said, he meets the weigh limit on it. You'll know when the time is right to move him!

----
Well I am about to break down and just cry. I was up all night and got maybe 1 hour of sleep in my own bed. I slept 2 hours sitting up feeding him. Then today my mom and I went out to get his 1 month portraits and he was AWFUL! The baby NEVER fusses and is usually so happy and alert after waking up, but today he woke up and when I set him on the table for his picture he pooped and it went EVERYWHERE! *cry* Then he was screaming and wailing. I had to change him. Then I tried to feed him. Burped him. Still he was crying so I fed him some more. Luckily there was hardly anyone else at the studio and the lady was so nice and patient. But we got ONE MEASLY SHOT. It is cute and will work but I was frustrated, Noah was frustrated, and it was just horrible. I'm off to take a nap now, but I am one cranky mom right now. This is so hard on days like this! I feel traumatized and I bet he does too. :(

maren

09-12-2005, 11:38 AM

Sarah - sorry about the potraits. I hope your day gets better from here and you can get a nap in. I actually hear Reilly screaming right now. Ugh. She's been so good the last couple days I thought we'd turned a corner, but this morning it seems like we're back to Fussy Central.

Michelle - really cute bath picture. What is the thing you actually have Rachel lying on? Did that come with the tub or was it a seperate purchase?

LeslieR

09-12-2005, 11:40 AM

Sarah, I'm so sorry. I totally feel your pain. Just know it will pass! And thank God you have your mom there to help. You'll feel a little better after your nap, too. :)

About the crib, Luke's is not that far from our room either. His door is literally around the corner from ours. I think you just put things in perspective for me that we're not that far from him and could get to him quickly if something happened. Maybe I'll try putting him in there the first time he goes to sleep at night and transition myself into him sleeping in there more. lol

Daniel's Kitty

09-12-2005, 11:54 AM

We had Ben in our room for the first almost two weeks, but now I feed him and then he goes into his crib.

When you guys give your babies a bottle how much do they take? Ben likes to get about four ounces sometimes more. He will not relax until he has had those four ounces. I know he gets that and a lot of times more from me, but I worry. He is such a little pig.

shellbell516

09-12-2005, 11:56 AM

Maren - it came with the tub. It's one of those multiple stage tubs. You can take out that stretchy fabric support in use it in your kitchen sink if you want.

Melissa - those pictures are just great! It's so great to capture those smiles, isn't it?

Michelle - I love your announcement. Did you take those pictures yourself for it?

Kellie - I know what you mean about all the hair getting dirty so quick. We usually try to give Rachel her bath every other day. Grace is too cute in that picture.

Leslie - We still haven't tried to put Rachel in her own bed yet. She is sleeping with us. I just use one of those sleep positioner things in the bed with us. It works for now, but I will eventually try to transition her to sleeping in her pack n play in our room before we try the crib.

Sarah - I'm so sorry that you had a rough night. Hopefully you can get some naps in today with your mom there.

I've just booked a portrait session for Rachel next week for her 1 mo pictures. I just hope she'll be a good baby for them. I think we'll wait until 2 or 3 month to do a family portrait. Do you all have plans for this? I'll need to figure out what we would all wear and do some shopping.

sdauer21

09-12-2005, 11:57 AM

Leslie My thoughts on moving him out - do it when you're ready! He's probably going to let you know when its a good time... his grunting will get to be more then you can manage, he'll start sleeping longer by himself, etc. And, you will get to a point where you are ready to move him, too. Granted, that first night or two, you'll spend much less time sleeping then when he's in with you, but it will work itself out! But don't push it! If you aren't ready for him to be in his room, then keep him with you! We put Tallia in her crib at nights at around 4 months. She was so noisy at night, by then, and was starting to get pretty wiggly (she slept in a cradle that rocked a lot) and I was nervous about her moving too much in the cradle. But, even with a monitor, I was very nervous about her being so far away those first few nights. Abby has spent part of the night in her crib, in her room, but when she wakes up, after I feed her, I usually keep her in bed with me (depending on what time it is) or put her in the cradle in our room.

Don't push yourself on these transitions. Luke isn't going to be little for very long, and as long as you are getting sleep and he's getting sleep, I'd say to leave him with you! ;) Just my thoughts...

Sarah I'm sorry about the portraits! How frustrating and disappointing! :( Hopefully, you and Noah will get a nice nap, and things will work a little better for you both this afternoon.

Kellie and Melissa Your babies are adorable!! They both look so happy!!! Abby is just starting to smile, but we've only caught one smile on film, and that was on the video camera. Have to keep trying, I guess. She usually saves them for her sister, though! :rolleyes:

LeslieR

09-12-2005, 11:58 AM

Okay, now I'm really starting to feel like a paranoid mom about the crib thing. :rolleyes:

We've been giving Luke 2oz in his bottles that way we don't waste any milk. However, he usually ends up nursing for a while afterwards, so I'm willing to bet that 4oz at a time would be a much better way to go. Sal gave him 1.5oz this morning and that was just a little snack to tide him over until I got up. I was surprised that he wasn't acting more hungry after only having that much to eat.

LeslieR

09-12-2005, 12:05 PM

Michelle, I actually wasn't planning on having Luke's first professional portraits done until 3 months, but now you and Sarah are making me want to get some done now! lol I think we're going to do our first family picture the week after Thanksgiving. Sal is off that week and that is one of the things we have planned. I want to do them then so we can send the pictures off with our Christmas cards.

Sonya, thanks for your input. You've really given me something to think about! It's so funny how we keep wishing for them to be bigger or to meet this milestone or that milestone instead of just enjoying them as they are now.:rolleyes:

sdauer21

09-12-2005, 12:39 PM

It's so funny how we keep wishing for them to be bigger or to meet this milestone or that milestone instead of just enjoying them as they are now.

Its only from experience that I can look back and say, "Enjoy them right now, just the way they are!" I spent a lot of time with Tallia waiting for her to hit the next milestone - when was she going to smile? was she ready to roll over? was she big enough to sit up yet? With Abby, I just have a different perspective - she'll do all those things, and do them at the rate she's ready. I don't know if I can talk Will into having a third child, so this may be it for me, with the little guys. I'm just trying to remind myself (and I have to do it every day!) to enjoy her just the way she is. On the other hand, my big problem this time is comparing her to Tallia - is she doing things at the same time, in the same order, in the same way as Tallia. As if any of that matters!! :rolleyes:

daisysue62

09-12-2005, 12:58 PM

We've been trying to move Grace into her cradle (in our bedroom) and out of our bed which is difficult enough...the crib just seems too far and it's literally on the other side of the wall from our bed. I really prefer to sleep without Grace in bed with us since I sleep better without being smashed in a full sized bed with the three of us. I usually can't get her to fall asleep in her cradle at first so we cosleep until the first feeding sometime between 2 and 3am and I move her to her cradle then. It works for us. We have actually put her in her crib a couple nights but once I didn't hear her cry right away and it scared me to death. Somehow our door closed and we had a fan in the window so I didn't hear her for awhile and I felt HORRIBLE! Probably why I haven't put her to sleep in her crib since then!

Kellie

daisysue62

09-12-2005, 01:01 PM

I'm just trying to remind myself (and I have to do it every day!) to enjoy her just the way she is.:rolleyes:

I was just thinking last night that there will come a time some day when Grace no longer wants to snuggle on my shoulder and it made me teary eyed! I may complain a little about never having 2 hands free, but I have to admit I'll be terribly sad when she *doesn't* want me to hold her all the time!

Kellie

hope0805

09-12-2005, 01:35 PM

Hi all -- cute babies abound!

Sorry for everyone who is dealing with fussiness -- it is going on here too, and I just don't know how I'm going to continue to deal with it! Jonah hits 4 weeks tomorrow (from delivery, not EDD, though, which isn't until next weekend) and I'm hoping it doesn't get worse between now and 6 weeks but just stays the same, and then gets better. I think that most of his problems are gas/digestive related, and am not sure when those things start to work themselves out. We have a pediatrician appt. on Thurs and then the VCUG next week, other than that just continuing to chill out and trying to take things as they come.

PP/DTD: I feel good, but am still 10 lbs over my pre-pregnancy weight. Maybe it's something with having had a c-section -- I couldn't move for 1.5 weeks after, so am really only 2.5 weeks out from being able to exercise. I am going for 2 45-minute walks every day, with Jonah in the stroller or the Bjorn, not to mention all of the walking I do around the house trying to calm him down. I am hoping that I am not one of those people with a body that will want to hang onto the extra weight -- at just over 5 feet tall, 10 lbs on me is a lot! None of my pre-PG pants fit, and only some of my shirts do. Frustrating! I'm interested in any tips for exercises you all have been doing to get back into shape, and will be asking my doctor at my 6-week appointment. No DTD for us yet, either -- we have been exhausted and DH is all for waiting until after the doctor says it is *really* okay at my appointment, and frankly I'm fine with that. I'm finding BF'ing sort of takes the desire to be touched out of me, even though it's a totally different kind of touching, as strange as that sounds.

A few questions for everyone:

I am going to start being better about giving him tummy time this week -- for those of you who are doing it, how much time do you keep the baby on his belly?

I think I have a plugged duct on my left side. It's tender and there is a white spot on my areola, and it hurts to nurse on that side. Other than nursing often and using warm compresses, does anyone have any tips for dealing with that? I wish the pain associated with nursing would just go away -- it is making it very hard to continue!!!

I took the plunge and bought a Pump In Style Advanced (yikes, $295!!!) and am going to start pumping regularly. We are only going to substitute a bottle at one feeding a day for now, and I know I will need to pump around the time we give a bottle to avoid engorgement and keep my supply, but I also want to start on a freezer stash. For any of you who are pumping already for that purpose, how many times a day do you add in and for how long? (And how on earth do you find time to do it and clean all of the crap???) Also, has anyone else needed to get larger breast shields for the Pump in Style? I knew I needed one size up at least, so got the large, and even those are leaving me irritated around my nipples when I pump. I wonder if I need the extra large, or if some irritation is normal and I will just get used to it ...

Sorry for all of the questions and not answering anyone elses posts, but I now have a crying baby and have to run. Take care everyone, and thanks as always for any advice/insight!

michael'sbride

09-12-2005, 02:33 PM

Hope...

I had the same thing happen when I was nursing Drew. Its a blocked nipple duct or a nipple bleb. Check out this link on how to deal with it.

http://www.kellymom.com/bf/concerns/mom/nipplebleb.html

I'm dealing with a blocked duct now also. Somehow, my underwire bra caused it. My other piece of advice is to nurse the baby so that Jonah's chin points in the direction of the blockage. Mine is on my left breast on the low side of the outside and I am nursing him in the reverse football holding position. Its been going on since Saturday but i'm just keeping the breast empty and its getting better slowly.

Thanks to everyone for the comments on my little guy. I'm so in love with him...,I can't help it!

Kellie...Grace is going to be quite a heartbreaker...what a beauty!

LeslieR

09-12-2005, 03:21 PM

I am so hesitant to post this, but I think I have my old baby back! Luke has taken 3 power naps today. I can't even believe it. I'm sitting here worrying that he's sleeping too much and that he'll be up all night. I haven't had that worry in what seems like weeks! Yay Luke! Just had to share. lol

Cosmogirl

09-12-2005, 03:28 PM

Leslie, I've got the exact opposite...WIll does NOT want to nap today. I'm trying to teach him to nap in his bed/room, and HE. DOES. NOT. WANT.TO.

What can I do, epxerienced moms to help him learn to nap in his crib???

sdauer21

09-12-2005, 03:30 PM

Yea LUKE!! :) Hoping he keeps up the good work, Leslie! ;)

Pumping Hope - I don't have much of a schedule yet, but this was (and still is) one of my biggest confusions about nursing...when to start, when to pump, when not to pump, how to change around your schedule, etc. So, here's what I'm doing now, and hope that helps in some way! Currently, (Abby's 7 weeks old tomorrow), I am pumping once, usually twice a day - almost always late at night, around 11 or so, and usually early in the morning, after her 4:30 am feed. If I don't pump last thing before I go to bed, I tend to end up engorged by Abby's next feed. What really sucks is when, like last night, I go to bed at 9, and don't wake up for that 11:00 pumping. Luckily, Abby woke early and ate at 2:30, but I was already pretty full. Last week, I was getting up to go walking in the mornings, and Abby fell into a nice convenient schedule for me - she'd wake between 4 and 4:30, eat on one side, and fall back into a nice sleep. I'd pump the other side, leave it in a bottle in case DH needed it, and head out to walk. Abby always woke again at 6:30 to feed, and I'd start her out on the side I pumped, and finish, if she needed to, on the other side. Right now, I'm getting between 2-4 ounces a pumping session. I know that I need to probably add in a session during the day, as I'm going back to work in 3 weeks, but like I said - I'm not sure how to do that, and am still trying to keep our feedings on some sort of a schedule here.

Hope that helps a little. :)

LeslieR

09-12-2005, 03:32 PM

Val, I'm sorry.:( I wish I had tips on helping Will to sleep in his crib. I am guilty of using the swing. Luke sleeps so well in there, that I put him in there before I even think about putting him in the bassinet on the playard. For whatever reason, if I put him in there for a nap, he wakes up about 2 minutes after I lay him down. But, if he's in the swing and he wakes up, he puts himself back to sleep. It makes no sense to me why he won't sleep in the playard because he sleeps in the co-sleeper at night just fine. I'm not sure if I'm creating a bad habit by having him nap in the swing, but, after the horrible day I had with him on Friday, I do not care. I'll take a good nap from him anyway I can!

Cosmogirl

09-12-2005, 03:38 PM

Of course Leslie I super understand since you had such a hard time with him!
BTW, we shouldn't be ashame of telling our kind's good shots! We always talk about the difficulties, but we are always shy of talking about the good things so that the others won,t be jaleous. For me, it just shows me that they are better days ahead!!!

And a stupid dumb question...how do you quote someobdy with the name of the person you are quoting in the quote??? (Like daisysue did??)

sdauer21

09-12-2005, 03:46 PM

Leslie I usually use the "kindergarten" test to decide if I'm forming a really bad habit or not...how many kids do I know that have gone off to kindergarten doing XYZ?? If I can answer "none", then chances are, whatever I'm concerned about probably isn't going to be a long lasting problem! Yes - I'm a budding scientist in the making!!! :rolleyes: For example, "Is it a bad thing to let Luke take his naps in the swing? How many kids do I know who go off to kindergarten with their swings, because they won't take naps anywhere else?" NONE - see, according to my method, you are not doing any great harm to your little man!! :D

Yes, this is how I make all my big parenting decisions!! ;)

Val I'll do the best I can to explain - hope it works. First, highlight what you want to quote, right click on it and "copy". Then, reply. In your reply, type [*Quote], right click and copy your quote, and at the end, [*/quote] (you need to take out the *'s that I included). See if that works...

LeslieR

09-12-2005, 03:49 PM

lmao Sonya! I love it!!! And I think I'm going to adopt it for myself. lol

shellbell516

09-12-2005, 04:43 PM

blocked ducts – I was told to take Lecithin 1200mg 3 times/day to help prevent blocked ducts. I found it at GNC.

Cosmogirl

09-12-2005, 04:59 PM

Sonya That iswhat I do, but it never writes:
"Originally Posted by sdauer21" on my quotes...?!?

Nice theory BTW!

maren

09-12-2005, 06:14 PM

Sonya That iswhat I do, but it never writes:
"Originally Posted by sdauer21" on my quotes...?!?

Nice theory BTW!

Quoting - See at the bottom right of each post there's a Quote button? Just hit that and it quotes the entire post w/ the username as part of it. :)

pumping - I'm pumping about 3 times a day. Reilly is currently 5 weeks old and we give her 1 bottle at night to *hopefully* get a good chunk of sleep out of her. I'm also trying to build a freezer stash for my return to work so I need all three pumping sessions to get enough milk to freeze and to give her a bottle. I usually pump once in the morning about an hour after her 7am feeding and I get about 3 ounces. Then I pump in between feedings at some other point during the day and get anywhere from 1 to 3 ounces. I combine those to make a 4 ounce bottle for her night feeding and anything left over gets frozen. I then also pump when she's getting the bottle and freeze that - usually about 3 ounces.

kerbahr

09-12-2005, 10:49 PM

Just a quick post... Love all the baby pics. We August mommies have some gorgeous babies!!!!

If anyopne else is planning on buying a Medela Pump In Style, this website has them for $220.

Hackley Healthcare Equipment (http://www.hackleyhme.com/default.php?osCsid=a15a40fedf422fa0ad5a5dfdd242ed5 b)

MurphysLaw

09-13-2005, 01:47 AM

I'm beat but I had to post this real quick:

Gino just walked outside (I think to take mail to the mailbox) and saw a package laying on the step by the front door...my WRAPS are here!! I just opened the package and no joke, after 3 tries I have my baby girl tucked in close to my chest in this wrap. It's the most comfortable feeling, and judging by the looks of her: she loves it. She was awake after having been fed and seemed to be fighting falling asleep. I had her on the boppy stroking her hair, talking to her...just generally trying to soothe...when Gino walked in with the package. I got him to hold her while I got tied up. When I finally got it right and got her tucked in there, she cooed a few times and finally dozed off. She feels so much closer to me since there is minimal material seperating us, unlike the Bjorn...I'm wondering if this is more like what the womb felt like, lol. At any rate, I love it...she does too!! SUCCESS!!! I want to take a pics so badly...she's just *adorable* all snuggled up in there!! :D

Alrighty...gonna go get some sleep now! Hope everyone is having a great week!

sarahanna115

09-13-2005, 06:50 AM

Kim What wrap did you get? It really sounds like Lina loves it!! I have the Ultimate Baby Wrap and when it is "wrapped on" me it makes me feel bulky and Noah didn't feel very secure (his head)...granted I have yet to really watch the video that came with it to see how the other 4 ways you can wrap up the baby work, but the one way was a little "off" feeling.

Noah threw up half of his bottle all over me and his face last night - ugh! Poor baby. Certainly makes for interesting 3 ams. :rolleyes: I wonder why he does that sometimes!! Somehow, even with that happening, I've gotten more sleep than the night before...*relief*

He had his first pediatrician appointment yesterday morning...and I LOVE his doctor! She was great. My little guy FINALLY broke 8 lbs!! He weighed 8 lbs 4 oz which is huge since he had such awful feeding issues. Even with all that he went through, from one month of his birth, he gained 1 lb 3 oz which is right on track. Yay! :) He grew only 1/2 inch, but that's ok! He is in the 10 and 20th percentile for his height and weight...he's my teeny little guy still. I can definitely tell his arms and legs are chunkier and his belly sticks out like a little Buddha-belly.

Oh and he had a great bath yesterday! Maybe the water was a bit warmer. But my mom had him in there and he was smiling and kicking his legs and looked way relaxed. *whew*

Uh oh I hear him now though....! ;)

hope0805

09-13-2005, 08:09 AM

Thanks for the plugged duct info. Melissa -- all sounds complicated and like a pain in the butt, but I am in pain so will do whatever is needed to get rid of this thing.

Thanks Sonya, Michelle, and Maren for the pumping information. I pumped last night after giving Jonah a bottle and nursing him for about 5 minutes on one side (to "top him off" since he seemed to still be hungry after the 4 oz bottle I gave him) and got about 9 oz, less from the breast I had fed him on. We are giving him 4 oz in a bottle once a day right now, so that gives me 5 oz to freeze if I pump once a day and get that kind of output. I am psyched about that, and may add another session somewhere to start building up a freezer stash.

Aaaargh for the people who sold me my Pump in Style, though, because I think that the breast shields are still too small. They sold me the "large" and I was irritated last night after pumping, so I guess I needed the "extra large." Strange, because my nipples don't look large at all except after nursing or pumping... I hope the "extra large" are big enough, since I think that is the largest they make and the large left me screaming ouch!!

I need to investigate a wrap soon -- Kim, please do let us know which one you got.

Gotta run and call the hospital to see about the larger breast shields for my pump and try to grab a shower before my hungry monster wakes up -- only have 20 minutes, so I am cutting it close! Have a great day everyone.

LeslieR

09-13-2005, 08:33 AM

Kim, you have me about sold on the wrap! I hope my mei tai gets here soon before I start buying more baby paraphernalia!

I'm still having major nipple pain. I don't know what to do-I keep trying to correct his latch, but he always just slurps my nipple in and doesn't get to the aereola. :( It's like he doesn't get it or something, which kills me because we were doing fine until a week or so ago.

MurphysLaw

09-13-2005, 08:37 AM

Sarah, Hope & Leslie - I have the Moby Wrap.

Sarah - At first it kind of felt bulky on me too. I almost got the UBW and I can't say that it doesn't look exactly the same. My material feels nice and sturdy when Lina's wrapped though. I feel totally secure, I mean it gives a little because it's stretchy..but even after wearing her for an hour or two last night it didn't give enough to have me alarmed. I had her in a position where her legs were tucked under her and she was tummy to tummy with me(more like her tummy to my chest), well pretty much the "fetal" position, like a little ball. Her head was turned to the side, tucked right in between where the two pieces of fabric met, and the opening was where I could see her face and that her eyes were closed. I also tried the "cradle hold" and the hold with her legs hanging down(like she was dangling from a parachute). Even with her legs down, this wrap seemed to distribute her weight differently than the Bjorn...I could see that. She liked it okay, butshe liked the first hold better and it puts NO strain on her little body at all. :)

I feel so fortunate (knock on wood) that I haven't had any probs with BFing. I'm almost afraid I'll jinx myself! :eek: Things have gone well though...my thoughts are with all of you that are struggling...hope things get better soon. I can only imagine how frustrating it is. :(

I have my 6 week post-op appt today and will finally be getting my IUD (and hopefully finally be DTD later on!:p). The last time was probably about 4 weeks before Angelina was born and I think both Gino and I are about to go crazy. TMI I know, lol!! At this point, I'm just wondering WHEN we'll have time...and if we DO get time, WHEN will I not be TOO EXHAUSTED to enjoy it? And what if it's uncomfortable/painful...I mean TEN WEEKS?!?!!:o

My last feeding was at 7am...WHY am I awake? :rolleyes:

MurphysLaw

09-13-2005, 08:39 AM

Kim, you have me about sold on the wrap! I hope my mei tai gets here soon before I start buying more baby paraphernalia!
Don't get me started on baby stuff....I could shop for this child for days and STILL find things I want for her. And it's only just beginning...AND it's not just me, Gino is *JUST* as bad for finding her stuff!!

sarahanna115

09-13-2005, 08:53 AM

Thanks Kim! I am going to experiment again with the wrap today and see if I can get it to work for me a little bit better...your explanation helped me a lot I think!

Noah took 4 oz in an hour today! I know, that doesn't seem like anything special, but this child has gone from eating 10 ccs in an hour to 2 oz if-we're-lucky to all of a sudden, 4 oz and that is SO cool for us! He is passed out napping now, but I feel so great now that he is eating better. He is going to have no problem now gaining weight and getting the OK from the dr! Hopefully we are on the road to me getting to try to BF him. I can only imagine how hard it will be...:rolleyes: But for now, I'm happy he's just taking a full bottle for one feeding!

LeslieR

09-13-2005, 09:03 AM

And what if it's uncomfortable/painful...I mean TEN WEEKS?!?!!

Please. I don't even know when the last time Sal and I DTD. I think at this point you can consider me a re-born virgin.:rolleyes: :p

Yay Noah!!! Keep up the good work, buddy!

Who else has the FP Papasan swing? Ya know how there is a mirror at the top of the swing? Luke looks up at himself in it all the time and yesterday I caught him smiling at himself!:D So cute!

Cosmogirl

09-13-2005, 09:09 AM

Sarah I know the UBW is a LOT more stretchy then the Moby. Maybe that is why you find it not seucre enough for Noah.

Hope Just a thought...are you sure the cups are too small and not too big?? Mine were too big, and my nipples were irritated afterwards because the "chamber" was so large, my nipples were rubbing against the plastic, and enlarging WAY too much. I bought the plastic cover that comes with the PY (I don't remember the name...but I can tell you if you want) and it is fine now.

Wraps On www.thebabywearer.com, you can find wraps gently used for sale. It is a swap place. Might be a good idea for the ones of you who want to try it out without paying full cost. There is also a yahoo swap gorup, and there are 2 Hug a Bub for sale at about half price.

William
Soooooooo what a dya yeaterday for us! After an afternoon of NOT wanting to nap, he fell asleep after the 5:45 feeding....and I mean ASLEEP! The neighbour came to mowned the lawn, and the fire alarm rang TWICE (and it is just by the door of his room :rolleyes: ) couldn't leave the room without him waking up durin the day, and now hell is running loose in the house, and he is sleeping! :rolleyes: Anyways, he slept form 6-9pm, and then form 9:30 to 2am. He ate, and then form 3-6:30, and the slept again from 7-10. It is 11, and he is about to go own again...HOPEFULLY!

But thismorning, after this shitty day, and a long feeding at 2 where he wasn't sure if he really wanted to sleep, he greeted me with one of these:
*pic removed*
How can I be mad??? Melted my heart right away!
Got to go, don,t wat to miss my cue!

shellbell516

09-13-2005, 09:25 AM

Kim – That’s great that the wrap came and you both like it! I know that Rachel loves being in the sling I’ve got. And you’re right it doesn’t take long for them to fall asleep once they’re in there. That’s the trick I use when she’s overly tired and won’t fall asleep any other way. I'm thinking about you with that tropical storm/hurricane off your coast. I hope it's not getting too rough your way.

Sarah – Maybe it was just the water temp that made Noah not like baths before. I’m glad that’s working out for you! I got spit up on 3 times yesterday. Once right down the v-neck of my shirt. Wonderful! Also sounds like Noah is doing much better eating! He’ll be fattening up soon. ;)

Hope – that’s great that you’re pumping 9 oz! Wow! I can only get 4 total on good tries.

Leslie – We have that swing too and Rachel loves looking up at herself or the moving things there. This is where she camps out while I’m on the computer. ;)

Val – What a cute smile!

sdauer21

09-13-2005, 09:25 AM

Val That picture made me "awwww" outloud! :) Their smiles are definately life savers - how can you stay frustrated/irritated/mad after getting one of those?!

Speaking of life savers, fortunately, Abby has learned to smile, as it saved her chunky butt a few times last night. I should have known better then to talk about her great sleeping - she was up every two hours last night. Grrrr...mama is sleepy this morning! And, I forced myself to go walking with my sister, so I'm definately thinking nap today! I'm convinced Abigail is growing - she ate almost constantly yesterday and then again last night, and she's squeeking again now.

I mean TEN WEEKS?!?!!
Ten weeks - girl, that's nothin'!!! We were close to 6 months, thanks to the pelvic rest I was put on in May! :P Yup, I was ready to get started again!! Of course, now I'm waiting for the pill to start working, so have been hesitant to initiate since our go at it a week ago, so it might be a few weeks, again. Good thing I'm so tired these days! ;)

Off to feed the hungry monster - our washing machine is finally coming back today! Its been broken for 3 weeks - I feel like its Christmas!!!

LeslieR

09-13-2005, 09:34 AM

Awwww! I wish we could catch Luke's smiles like that. This is the only pic we've gotten so far:

http://static.flickr.com/29/43011391_7b836f376b.jpg?v=0

notice the closed eyes :rolleyes:

Daniel's Kitty

09-13-2005, 09:40 AM

Yea for a washing machine!

Ican't imagine thinking about sex right now. I am too busy with sleep and trying to get a shower.

He feel asleep in the crib last night. I love that mobile. He was already a little grouchy so I tries to swaddle him. He actually let me! He was completely unwrapped when it was time for the 2:30 feeding though.

MurphysLaw

09-13-2005, 09:59 AM

Leslie - AWW!!! Lina had the papasan swing too & did the same. exact. thing. just yesterday!! LMAO @ "re-born virgin" seems like there are lots of us. CUTE pic! I can't get open-eyed smiley pics either.:rolleyes: Stubborn babies.

Sarah - Good for Noah eating so well!! I hope you get to try BF and that it works out for you. You'll have to let us know how the wrap goes this time around...makes sense what Val posted too.

On the site Val posted (babywearer.com) they also have a page with instructions(and pictures) of different wrap styles. That would probably be helpful too. BTW, William is such a CUTIE!!

Thanks for the concern Michelle. We have a warning that started at midnight and goes on through midnight tonight...last I heard it was a category 1...winds at 85 mph. I've seen worse, I'm more concerned with the rain at this point. I'm hoping it doesn't hit too hard north of us...they're predicting we'll actually get skipped here in Myrtle. We'd all be better off if it just took a turn back into the ocean!

Sonya - OMG!! MAY?!?! :eek: At least your hesitant because you're waiting for the pill to kick in, and not hesitant because of pain or discomfort. MAY?!?!!! Yay for the washer!! I cannot imagine a whole 3 weeks without one!

Kat - Lina only let's me swaddle her from the armpits down...she does NOT want her arms restricted. AT. ALL.

hope0805

09-13-2005, 10:23 AM

Val -- I didn't think about them being too big ... Maybe I should try the standard size ones that came with my pump before I go out and invest in the large size. Hmph, this is why I asked the lactation consultant at the hospital where I bought the pump to look at my nipples before I purchased, and she thought I needed the larger size even though I think my nipples are smaller than most people's. Come to think of it, when I was in the hospital and used the pump there (Medela Symphony) I used the standard size and didn't have the same irritation. Thanks for making me think about that -- perhaps I will save myself some pain and $$! I called already today to go back in, but haven't heard back, so I think I will try the smaller size tonight and wait to go in until tomorrow.

So, Jonah is napping now and I need to something I've been dreading -- make a list of questions to ask daycare providers so we can begin the search. The thought of leaving my little guy for 8-10 hours a day with someone else makes me weepy ... Does anyone have a list they used that they would be willing to share? I've found some on the net, but some are too long and others seem too short... as with so many things on the Internet.

sdauer21

09-13-2005, 11:24 AM

Kim
OMG!! MAY?!?! At least your hesitant because you're waiting for the pill to kick in, and not hesitant because of pain or discomfort. MAY?!?!!!
Oh no - its been MUCH longer then May. Feburary was the last I can remember. May was just when I was put on pelvic rest, so DH could justify holding out on me! :rolleyes: He did it with Tallia, too - he gets all skeeved out by the belly, and puts me in sexless turmoil for the latter part of pregnancy. It sucks, to say the least!! :P And, I'll be honest - there was definately some discomfort (though not as bad as I remember with Tallia), but nothing a little wine and a whole lotta build-up (or lube) can't fix!! ;) And people wonder why women get cranky in the last few months of pregnancy! :rolleyes:

Leslie What a little cutie!!! I can't get a good smile pic on camera, either. Of course, Abby will shoot show-stoppers at me as soon as I put the camera down!

Sarah So glad you and Noah had a better night. I don't know about Noah, but Abby has impecable aim late at night. doesn't matter the size of the burp cloth, she can always manage to find the part of me NOT covered, and hits that with deadly aim. DH loves it when I have to start rummaging around looking for something clean to wear!

Hope I don't have a list of questions for you, though I'm sure people will have great input. My one strong piece of advice, as you start the daycare hunt, is to trust your instinct!! Even if you go in to the "best" daycare in your area, if your gut tells you no, trust that. And, vice versa. We are taking Abby to a care provider, and if I walked into her place not knowing her, I wouldn't be overly impressed. However, she took care of Tallia for a few months and is absolutely wonderful, so I know her place doesn't show very well. (Does that make sense??). We also pulled Tallia out of a daycare because the quality of care had declined dramatically, and I just hated taking her there every day. I'm so glad we moved her - she changed into a different baby soon after we did. Sorry - not much help on questions, but I really feel strongly that parents need to listen to their instincts when it comes to their childs' care, both good and bad. I'll try to come up with some more helpful questions and be back with those.

And the washer...its here, but I think its still broken. :( I need to check it, and call the guy back if it still is...

MurphysLaw

09-13-2005, 11:31 AM

Oh no - its been MUCH longer then May. Feburary was the last I can remember. May was just when I was put on pelvic rest, so DH could justify holding out on me! :rolleyes: He did it with Tallia, too - he gets all skeeved out by the belly, and puts me in sexless turmoil for the latter part of pregnancy. It sucks, to say the least!! :P And, I'll be honest - there was definately some discomfort (though not as bad as I remember with Tallia), but nothing a little wine and a whole lotta build-up (or lube) can't fix!! ;) And people wonder why women get cranky in the last few months of pregnancy! :rolleyes:

FEBRUARY?!?!! Gino was holding out on me too!! :o I thought I was the only one whose hubby was skeeved....good to know I'm not alone, but MAN I hate sharing that pain with you. Good thing I've got some wine here.:cool: Heck, I've even got some mild pain meds for my incision, I would definitely be laid back (if not laid OUT:p).

sdauer21

09-13-2005, 11:41 AM

FEBRUARY?!?!! Gino was holding out on me too!! :o I thought I was the only one whose hubby was skeeved....good to know I'm not alone, but MAN I hate sharing that pain with you. Good thing I've got some wine here.:cool: Heck, I've even got some mild pain meds for my incision, I would definitely be laid back (if not laid OUT:p).

Honestly, after my dry spell, the small amount of pain really wasn't bad!!! I don't want you to be too nervous... although your pain meds might make for an interesting night! ;)

LeslieR

09-13-2005, 11:51 AM

I think I'm the only one that was holding out on their husband. lol Sal was constantly bugging me about sex during my entire pregnancy.:rolleyes: Must remember the wine and the lube for next week. I'm sure he'll be waiting anxiously for my phone call after my dr's appt saying 'all clear'. lol

Don't get me started on spit up. ugh. Luckily Luke does not do it at night, but during the day, it's non-stop. Today he is alternating between eating and spitting. No wonder this kid wants to nurse so much-he's not keeping any of it down! :p He's not wanting to nap much today, either, but thankfully he's not fussy, so I can deal (for now). lol

hope0805

09-13-2005, 12:00 PM

Here is a looong list of questions that I found, which I am going to start editing. If anyone has any thoughts on what I should cut out (e.g., if it's overkill) or more importantly anything I left out, please weigh in -- and to the extent that others have to face the reality of looking for childcare soon, maybe this can help someone else too.

General/Procedural Questions:
· Do you have an opening for an infant beginning in [INSERT]?
o IF NO -- Is there a waiting list?
§ IF YES -- How long is the waiting list and what is the expected turnover time?
o IF DON’T KNOW B/C OF TIMING -- When would you suggest that I call back to determine whether you will have an opening when I need care?
· What are your hours?
· What is the application/admission process?
· What items will I be expected to provide (e.g., diapers, wipes, food, etc.)?
· What is the total capacity in terms of number of children you will accept?
o How many total children do you currently care for?
o What are their ages and sex?
o How many are full-time?
o Part-time?
· What ages do you accept?
o How many children in each age group do you currently care for?
o What is the maximum in each age range that you will accept?
o What is the child to caregiver ratio for each age group?
· What is your policy regarding sick children?
o Do you allow sick children at the center? How do you define “sick” for purposes of when a child must stay at home?
o Do you charge for days when a child is out sick?
o Do you offer back-up arrangements for care of children if you or members of your staff are sick and unable to provide care?
· What is your vacation policy?
o Do you charge for days when a child is on vacation?
o Is the center closed for periods during the year for your (or your staff’s) vacation? If so, are back-up arrangements made for care of children?
· Do you close for holidays?
o IF YES -- Which ones?
o Do you charge for days that the center is closed for a holiday?
· What is your policy regarding inclement weather?
o Do you charge for days when you do not provide care due to inclement weather?
· What are your fees?
o When are the fees due?
o Is there a charge if you pick your child up late?
o Are there multi-child discounts and do you give priority to siblings of children currently enrolled at your center in terms of admission or placement on the waiting list, if any?
o How much notice is required for your child to leave the facility without incurring additional fees?
o Do you provide receipts for income tax credits?
o LARGE CENTER ONLY -- Do you offer drop-in daily and/or hourly rates?
Qualifications:
· Are you licensed to provide childcare in Virginia?
o If YES -- For how long?
o IF YES -- Can I see your license?
· Do you have any accreditations (NAEYC for child care centers/NAFDC for family day care homes)?
· How long has this center been in business?
· Do you have infant and child cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training?
· Do you carry liability insurance?
· What training or experience do you and your staff have? Does the classroom staff have experience and skills in child-care methods and developmental learning?
· Do all of the staff members with whom I would need to communicate speak fluent English?
· Do you or any of the staff speak a language in addition to English?
· Does the center have strict procedures for hiring caregivers?
o Are applicants interviewed by management, fingerprinted when required by state law and required to take a medical exam in compliance with state licensing regulations?
o Are background checks and written references mandatory for employees?
· Can you provide me with a list of references?
Health & Safety:
· What health precautions do you take?
o Are safe, sanitary, hygienic conditions maintained?
o Are there handwashing procedures for staff and children?
o Are diapers changed only in designated areas and is handwashing required both before and after each diaper change?
· How often are diapers changed?
· How often are the toys cleaned and replaced?
· How do you handle emergencies?
· To what hospital would you take or send my child to in the event of an emergency?
· Has a child under your care (or the care of this center) ever been seriously injured or died?
· Is your staff prepared or trained for possible allergic reactions or other special needs?
· Do you have a sign-in and sign-out sheet to ensure that only parents (or other authorized individuals) pick up children? Are the doors secure so strangers can't just walk in?
· Do you go on any field trips?
· Do you routinely transport children in a vehicle while they are in your care?
o If so, do you have a valid driver's license and what is your driving record?
· Will you notify me in advance of any outings or field trips, and will I have the option to say no?
· What is the procedure for contacting you? Are you reachable at all times by cell phone or otherwise, even when offsite or outside with the children?
· IN HOME ONLY -- Do you smoke?
· IN HOME ONLY -- Do you have pets?
· IN HOME ONLY -- Will anyone else besides you and those who help you to provide childcare be in your home while my child is there? If so, whom, and will I have the opportunity to meet them?
· IN HOME ONLY -- How have you childproofed your home to ensure that it is safe?
More Detailed Questions:
Feeding Issues
· I am breastfeeding and plan to continue to do so after I return to work.
o Do you have experience dealing with breast milk?
o Do you allow mothers to breastfeed for a short period of time before leaving their children or when they come to pick them up?
· Do you hold infants during feeding?
· Do you feed infants on a schedule or on demand?
Childcare Philosophy Issues:
· Can you describe your philosophy regarding child care?
· How did you decide to become a daycare provider?
· What do you like most about being a daycare provider?
· Is there anything that you dislike about being a daycare provider?
· How long do you plan to be a daycare provider?
· Can you describe what a typical day might be like for my child?
· Describe how you would soothe my infant if he were upset or fussy.
· Do you or your staff immediately respond to a crying infant?
· Describe how you deal with parent/child separation, particularly in cases of separation anxiety.
· Describe how you handle discipline of children under your care. How capable are the providers at being able to resolve conflicts between children?
· Describe how you handle toilet training of children under your care.
· Do you allow parents to "drop in" for a visit?
· Are parents encouraged to volunteer and participate in center activities?
· What would you do if you and I disagreed about something?
Activity Issues:
· How much time do infants spend in a crib, play pen, swing, bouncy seat, etc. on an average day?
o We do not want our child to use a walker or jumper under any circumstances due to developmental and safety concerns. Will you cooperate with this request?
· Where would my infant take naps?
· Describe how you would play with my infant.
· Describe any organized activities that you provide for children.
· Are the educational programs designed to prepare a child for primary education?
· Do you limit access to television?
o On average, how much time to children under your care spend watching television on a given day?
o What programs do you allow children to watch?
· Describe the feedback I will receive about my child at the end of the day.
· What types of records to you maintain concerning my child’s behavior?
· How do staff support the emotional development of children?
· What are some things you hope my child will learn here?
· Is there an outdoor area that is safe to play in?
· Is there space for running about freely for active play and still other space where quiet play may go on undisturbed, both indoors and out?
· What is the emphasis of the activities? To have fun? To learn? Both?
· Are the learning programs designed for each age group?
· Do the activities emphasize physical fitness as well as mental development?
· How big are the activity groups?
· How noisy is it?
· Are the toys used in the activities safe and appropriate for the children's ages?
· Do the children have sufficient rest/naptime?
Reliability Issues:
· How many days did parents need to use alternative care this past year?
· How much staff turnover has there been in the past year?
· What is the average time that members of your staff have been working at the facility?
Final Question:
· What do you want to know about me (and/or my partner and child)?

sdauer21

09-13-2005, 12:14 PM

I didn't read the whole list completely, so I apologize if this is in there

What is the staff turn over rate? (Tallia had 4 care givers in 3 months at her yucky daycare - that's one of the main reasons we pulled her from there!)

Along that line, do the children have one primary caregiver, or will they rotate amongst several?

hope0805

09-13-2005, 12:20 PM

Thanks Sonya -- your first question was on there, but the second one, which is equally important, wasn't!

Daniel's Kitty

09-13-2005, 12:33 PM

Sorry the washer might still be broken!

Daycare Trust your instinct and how they respond to your child since some places are great with some children and not with others. If there is a primary care giver see if you can observe how they are with your child before you commit.

Swaddle Does anybody use the Swaddleme blanket? I don't know whether to try that or one of the wearable blankets(sllep sacks). He doesn't like to be swaddled too much, but I want to find something that is warm and comfy for him since it is getting colder at night. Pikes Peak (CO) may get snow tonight. I feel so bad when his feet get cold.

LeslieR

09-13-2005, 12:39 PM

We use the SwaddleMe and the sleep sacks. I like them both. He seems cozier in the SwaddleMe, though. And those are easier to put on a sleeping baby. I have to fight to get his arms through the sleep sacks and that is a surefire way to wake him. :mad:

Daniel's Kitty

09-13-2005, 12:55 PM

Thanks Leslie.
He likes to be swaddled for sleep if he is tired and in a cuddly mood. I am tempted to try to get both of them if Daniel is willing to run to BRU. If he gets swaddled it has been in a flannel recieving blanket but he rolls around until it is undone. I am learning that it keeps him from getting over tired.

LeslieR

09-13-2005, 12:58 PM

If you're looking for warmth, there is a fleece swaddleme. We have a blue one. I want to say Luke likes having his arms free because he likes to suck on his hands, but the truth is, I put mittens on him at night to keep his hands warm, so he can't suck on them anyway. lol I should try swaddling him tonight with his arms down and see how he does. It would be wonderful if just that little trick made him sleep in longer stretches!

sarahanna115

09-13-2005, 01:04 PM

Swaddle Me I use mine a lot! In fact, he threw up on it today and sadly it is in the wash. I'm actually going out today to see if I can pick up at least one more. He wiggles out of it SOMETIMES because it is a little big but I just velcro the tab underneath of him and that works. It is lightweight too so I don't feel like I'm bundling him too much - he's a sweaty guy!

LeslieR

09-13-2005, 01:12 PM

Definitely get another one, Sarah. Maybe 2 more. My problem is that Luke pees through his clothes at least once a night. We have two SwaddleMe's and an EZ Wrap Swaddler from Target. Sometimes they're all dirty at once.:eek: Speaking of laundry-I have never done so much laundry in my life. My God! I think I'm washing his laundry 2-3 times a week!

Anyone's baby coming close to outgrowing the 0-3m size? Some of Luke's sleepers seem to be snug-I'm wondering when to ditch those and move up to 3-6m? I'm so over snaps and what not. It seems Luke tolerates clothing changes until about the last 5 snaps and then he has a melt down. He hates the layette gowns because they go over his head and are all bunched up around his neck while I struggle to get his arms into the sleeves. Last week I put one of the Children's Place sleepers on him and that was wonderful as it zips up, but it was a size 3-6 and a bit big on him still. I definitely prefer zippers over snaps, especially for those nighttime changes!

Daniel's Kitty

09-13-2005, 01:19 PM

I am thinking I will get a fleece one since fleece is a little stretchy. I don't know yet. I think it should fit him okay even though he is pretty big. I am either going to buy this or more receiving blankets. He seems to get cold and then wake up without anything.
I think I will try to make a sleep sack since they are expensive.
He breaks out of a regular blanket so well since he likes to roll. I can't justify the cost of the Miracle Blanket though.

LeslieR

09-13-2005, 01:22 PM

Kat, they should fit him fine. There is plenty of room for growth in there. Plus since you use velcro to keep them closed, you can make it as tight or as loose as you want.

Daniel's Kitty

09-13-2005, 01:24 PM

Ben seems to fit better in the 3-6 months than 0-3 even though they are a little big. A little big is better than a little small.

Ben and I do better with snaps than zippers. He folds himself up so I can't get to the zipper.

Thanks Leslie!

Cosmogirl

09-13-2005, 01:24 PM

Ok, so since I'm NOT a good mom (not being able to nap my kid properly, he is sleeping in his bouncy, but at least, in his room!!!)...well, I have decided that I will at least become a domestic goddess :p So since a couple of night, I have been practicing my culinary talent for dinner. Last night we had liguini with a rosee sauce with spicy pancetta, and tonight we are having pork filet on a stick marinated in a orange and ginger sauce...should be delish!
Now the only thing I haveto fit in my schedule (because otherwise I fell like the only thing I do in my day, is to feed, and TRY to sleep a baby!!! :rolleyes: ) is a bit of workout to get ridr of the flobby belly!
What exercices do you guys do to get back in shape, and loose the flobby belly???

Leslie My God! I think I'm washing his laundry 2-3 times a week!
I actually do it everyday!!!

Hope No problem! But again, for me, the standard cups wereexishield I think they call it. And the best part, is that it is made of soft plastic, and it is MUCH more comfy for the nipple!!!

Kim Thanks!!! I LOVE looking at this little guy!

Daniel's Kitty

09-13-2005, 01:30 PM

Val, Ben is asleep in his swing. He loves to take a little nap in there, and his morning nap was in his bouncer since he can curl up in it. I figure if he is taking a nap it is great. He does sleep in his crib for a bunch of naps, but I get to the point that if he is asleep I am happy.

namrodda

09-13-2005, 01:37 PM

Hello...just checking in. I've been reading along but trying to do productive things during nap time besides posting...without much success :p

You guys have me on a baby stuff buying binge! I feel like I need a wrap now and a swaddle me etc etc! I am still swaddling him in receiving blankets at night but he's starting to wiggle out of them. And I'm scared of my baby bjorn for a while, he's still under 8lbs anyway. Kim where did you get your Moby wrap? I'm sure you've said but I missed that....

Sarah congrats on the feeding success and weight gain! Noah's doing so well!

We're still happily eating through the nipple shield. I've upped my pumping but my supply isn't getting better...or at least not the part I see. I think hes getting enough because we have plenty of wet diapers (not as many bms but ped said thats ok). Once I see his weight tomorrow I guess I might meet with another LC and see what can be done. I have had breast reduction surgery several years ago...the doctor said I should be fine and obviously I'm getting milk but I am starting to worry thats effecting supply. Not waking up enough to pump (since I have such a good sleeper) probably isn't helping either. What do you guys know about these meds you can take to help? Obviously I should be in the bf thread! It does help to hear everyones pumping schedule.

Everything else is going well...pretending to try to get a schedule, haha. We try to be dressed by noon everyday. I can drive again, yaay! Not cooped up anymore. Except leaving the house takes 2 hours! I need to go to the store for like milk and bread and it takes forever! We need a drive through grocery store...

DTD I have a very skeeved out hubby! Maybe like 6 times the whole pregnancy and while he seems a little pitiful lately he's not real interested either. I'm waiting till my 6 week appt at least as things are still quite tender. He asked me last night if I still bleed a little bit, I'm like yeah everyday! He just doesn't get girls...I do know when it happens it must be dark because I feel like one big flabby stretchmark!

I do have one reason to celebrate...Kevin is never going to sea again!!! He will have to spend this weekend on-board for two nights so that will be hard but the boat is officially broken, going to the shipyard for the next few months and then he's outta there and we'll be moving to a shore duty job in the spring. Hes not committed anymore time to the navy after that so anything else at sea will be because we decide that down the road... :D

Little man is waking up, so much for getting much done this nap...

Oh quick ques, does anyone know anyone with a maclaren bouncer/rocker thing? Its pricey so want to do my research...

happy mommying!

Daniel's Kitty

09-13-2005, 01:47 PM

Congrats on getting to keep Kevin.

DTD I wish I had a skeeved out hubby. He didn't like it with the belly since it wasn't too comfy. But since the belly disappeared he can't wait. He loves it when I try to show off my old clothes.

HELP, I can't type two handed anymore!

Red'sGirl

09-13-2005, 01:59 PM

So much to talk about/respond to!!!

Right now, Arrena is fast asleep on her Boppy! I love that thing. She's happy and comfortable, and I'm able to move around. Much better than trying to put her down in a cold crib - she's up again within 10 mins. :mad:

Pumping I'm using the Pump In Style (backpack). I pump twice a day, first thing in the morning after her 7am feed, and around 10pm at night. I've been drinking the Mother's milk tea and have been getting 3-5 oz when pumping. I forgot yesterday, and all I got was 2 oz last night and 3oz this morning. Ugh. Back to the tea. Arrena only eats from one breast at a time, so I pump the other one during those times. I try to "top her off" after eating and burping with the other side, but she doesn't do much.

She actually started smiling TODAY!! I was feeding her and looking at her, smiling, when I saw her eyes crinkle up. Mind you, she still had my nipple in her mouth. Since then, I've seen the smile twice. LOVE IT!

Swaddling We swaddle Arrena up every night. It's the only way she gets good sleep (so WE get good sleep). I've even started NOT unswaddling when I feed her at 4am, nor do I change her. It keeps her from waking up too much. I have The Ulitimate Swaddling Blanket (or something like that) and it's great! It has separate little panels that hold baby's arms down so they cannot get them loose and a long tail to wrap around securely. It's also light weight - since I'm in CA and it was really warm. Now, it's getting chilly (??) but it's still snuggly for her.

Crib We moved Arrena from the co-sleeper to our bed, with the Snuggle Nest. But I've been trying to figure out how to have a better nighttime routine so she'll sleep better. I can't put her to bed t 7pm, since DH gets home around 6:30pm and wants time with her (he's afraid she forgets who he is when he's not around). But I need to get her in bed, and not just asleep, by 10pm. Usually, she's sleeping on one of us in the living room. I like what some of you are doing, by moving the baby after a late night feeding. I think I'll start moving her back to the co-sleeper at her 1am.

Last night She slept through the night!!! From 12:30am to 6am!!! I couldn't believe it. Of course, I oke up at 5am and just waited for her to wake up. Still, it was great!!1

Last Yesterday, we went to a "Mom Movie". It's on Mondays at 11am and the theater lets moms and babies come to the movies. They park the strollers in the hallway, and keep the lights up a bit. You can watch a movie and it doesn't matter if your child cries!!!

shellbell516

09-13-2005, 02:09 PM

Daycare - I'm just going with one that's a recommendation from a friend. Her 2 kids are enrolled there. One will be in the nursery with Rachel and the other is 3 yrs old. She's been going there since she was 6 weeks old. I had to be on the waiting list for months though and then I finally got the ok that we were in.

DTD - It's been about 5 weeks since we've DTD (about 2 weeks prior to delivery). Phillip didn't mind the whole big belly thing. I'm still waiting for the 6 weeks check up to get the all clear, although I have almost stopped bleeding this week. Poor Phillip. He's been very lovey and kissy lately, but he's being somewhat patient.

Daniel's Kitty

09-13-2005, 02:14 PM

WOW on sleeping through the night! So Lucky.

I wish we didn't have to worry too much about changing Ben at night but he screams to be changed once he is wet. But he goes back down right away. If he keeps this up it will be easy to potty train him.

I can't wait for Daniel to get home. I am hoping that he will let me get either a Sleep Sack, another pack of recieving blankets or a SwaddleMe. I would rather have the SwaddleMe.
I shouldn't have left the internet up since I am here instead of doing the housework.

hope0805

09-13-2005, 02:20 PM

Val -- How do you find the time to cook like that? I'm lucky if I can throw together a salad and defrost something from the freezer... I'm not sure I understand what you mean on the pump thing -- are you using a medela also? Is it the "Soft Fit" shield? I have one of those that came with my manual pump, and it fits the electric too, so maybe I will try it and then invest in a full set so I can double pump with those if it feels better. Here's a pic -- let me know if this is the right thing, if you have a moment:

http://store1.yimg.com/I/nurturecenter_1859_10897509

Cosmogirl

09-13-2005, 02:34 PM

Hope I thought you had the Ameda. But I did use the Medela while I was a the hsopital, and there are 2 possibilities.
1- A smaller plastic shield that you put in the one that you hook onto the bottle. What it does basically is narrows the chamber.
2-I think the one you posted is also doing the same job, although I haven't tried it. (but that is what they told me at the hospital...)

I,ll try to find a pic...

Cosmogirl

09-13-2005, 02:36 PM

Hope
Scroll up to :
personalfit breastshield kit (http://www.medela.com/NewFiles/brpmpacc.html#Anchor-SoftFit-49575)
You take the smaller one, and fit into the big one... Am I making sense??

And this might help:
Medela link (http://www.medela.com/NewFiles/faq/breastshield_fit.html)

alex67

09-13-2005, 02:55 PM

Update: Today Trenton had his 2 week appointment. He has gained 1 lb (now up to 8lb 8oz) and grew .5 inches (20.5 now). He is healthy and doing just fine. I also had my 2 week appt today and am 99% healed according to my doc. We took Trenton with us to my appt to show him off to the doc and staff. They just loved him. We also brought a bunch of fresh baked cookies from a famous local bakery. They loved them. I am sad to no longer go to my ob/gyn for "happy" appointments. It just is not the same when you go for your pap!

I guess all the running around really tired my little man out cause he is sleeping like a rock!

Oh, and 12 years ago today I was delivering my DD! Can you believe that? 12 years sure has flown by. Ladies, really enjoy this time with your little ones.

Cosmogirl

09-13-2005, 03:19 PM

Girls, I have this super out of nowhere question. I want to delete my journal at WC, but would love to save it on my pc first...does anybody have an idea on how to do it??
Thanks!

hope0805

09-13-2005, 03:56 PM

Thanks Val! Sounds like I need a lactation consultant to help me decide which problem I have -- but it's either too big or too small, NOT just right. Sorry, I don't know how to save WC journals, wish I could help.

sdauer21

09-13-2005, 04:26 PM

Hope I thought of something else with daycare...if you narrow your choices down to two or three, make sure you pop in on them unannounced! It is so important to try to get in there when they aren't expecting you, and can't prepare their "show" faces. We were just looking at options for the girls this summer, and we popped in on a place that looked great from the outside, and had I set up a meeting with the director, probably would have sounded great by her, too. However, we came in at lunch time and the place was a zoo! Kids were all over the place, the caregivers were just sitting around chatting with each other - I walked out and told Will there was no way we'd take the girls there. So, just another thought for you.

Hmmm -had some other stuff, but JUST got Abby down to sleep for the first time today (I think she has been conspiring with some of the other non-sleepers on this thread! :rolleyes: ), so need to spend some time with my fussy sick 2 year old. Lovely!

BTW....Ellyn Where are you???? Every time I log in here, I'm expecting to hear about your little boy. I am hoping no news is excellent news and that you are just too busy being a mommy to pop in. Stop by quick when you have a chance and let us know how you are doing!! :)

Daniel's Kitty

09-13-2005, 05:04 PM

I got a refund of the copay from my first prenatal visit since I just have to pay the big bill! It is $30 and I had wanted to buy a Sleep Sack and a SwaddleMe and now as long as Daniel agrees I have the money to buy both!! I am so excited. I hope Daniel agrees to it. I want to run by the bank if Daniel gets home and put the check in the ATM and run to BRU.

MurphysLaw

09-13-2005, 07:03 PM

Alice - I got my Moby wrap at www.mobywraps.com . I bought from them direct because there isn't a retailer close to me. It got here in 3 days from the west coast to the east coast...pretty quick shipping (probably faster than a retailertoo, because retailer processing usually takes a day or two). I was also curious about the Mclaren bouncer/rocker...let me know if you hear any good reviews.

In other news - I had my DR appt today. I had my annual pap and had the IUD inserted. Up to 5 years of birth control...in trade for 5 minutes of horrible pain and anguish. Okay, maybe I'm a baby, but honestly: I got dizzy, hyperventilated, and thought I was going to pass out. My Dr actually told me that people have passed out before...something about it being my body's natural reaction to that type of manipulation on my cervix. I've never really had bad cramps wirh my period, I've always had god awful back pain. So maybe I just wasn't prepared for the cramping he warned me about. When I was leaving, the nurses and both DRs were cutting up and laughing at reception where I went to pay & set up my next appt. The other DR asked wht I thought the hurricane was going to do..I told him it felt like the hurricane was in my uterus! Ar least they got a good laugh out of me before I left.

I'm home now, but I'm STILL cramping and I have back pain to boot. But at least I'm at home where I can relax or sleep if I like...Lina permitting. ;) They told me my periods may or may not come back while I'm still BFing(so far nothing), but that they would return upon my stopping and probably be lighter than before. The best thing? I don't have to try to remember a silly pill everyday at this hectic, ever-changing time in my life. I did fine from 16-25 taking the pill religiously, but one less thing to worry about sounds RIGHT up my alley. ;)

I'm about to dip into my stash of pain meds...but I have to admit(Sonya) I don't think there will be any interesting happenings for me tonight...even with the good pills. :p Gino just got back from picking up Chinese food (yes, takeout again for us - Val where do you find the time????) so I'm going to eat. Afterwards I'll be cracking open my books from B&N...they arrived today so I am curious to see what's in them!

Red'sGirl

09-13-2005, 07:10 PM

What are you Ladies doing about Halloween outfits?! I might be out of town for it, nd that MIGHT mean that Arrena will be out f town for it (gotta go to Svannah, GA - anybody close?) but she'll still need an outfit no matter what.

Where do you get them? :confused:

LeslieR

09-13-2005, 07:22 PM

That settles it-I'm ordering a Moby wrap! Thanks Kim! :p These sites that let you pay through paypal really make my life easier-I don't have to go find my purse and dig out my debit card! What color did you get? I'm getting the moss. Holy crap-the shipping is $20????

Luke is finally sleeping. My God, he has done nothing but nurse and spit up all day today. His naps all seemed to have been tiny catnaps. I hope this means that he/we get good sleeps tonight!

LeslieR

09-13-2005, 07:25 PM

Darrien, not positive, but Sal and I really like this one:

http://www.onestepahead.com/images//product/family/7616_v.jpg

Check out www.onestepahead.com and www.lillianvernon.com.

MurphysLaw

09-13-2005, 07:31 PM

Leslie - NO NO NO, the shipping was NOT $20 for me!! That's weird. :confused: I got both of mine for $79.75 with shipping and everything!

Darrien - there are lots of places that have teenie costumes, but the costumes I've seen that are cutest (IMO) are by Tom Arma...just do a search, LOTS of places carry them! Let us know what you come up with!! :D I'm about 5 hours from Savannah. :( I wish I was closer, but I can't brave a trip like that...I wonder what a halfway point might be...must check that out.

MurphysLaw

09-14-2005, 04:25 AM

Lina slept from 1am-5am!!!:D Feeding now then bed for us!

Lelee17/Shamoca17 shared this on LJ so I thought I would share it here:
http://a116.g.akamai.net/7/116/2088/infinite/www.gymboree.com/promo/campaign/091305CircleFriends_online.html

Very fortunate Ophelia just brought rains and mild winds.....please kep the NC & VA coasts in your thoughts & prayers...they're next.:(

Happy Shopping!! Night all!!(or Good Morning rather!)

Cosmogirl

09-14-2005, 07:04 AM

Leslie Good for getting a Moby! I* also LOVE my wrap! So comfyfor my back! Again, there are some very gently used one for sale at the baby wearer...
And I got my MT yesterday!! LOVE IT! I look forward to see how you are going to like it!
Leslie was it youhow was saying that you were scared for SIDS but didn't want to use the Angelcare because of the ticks? You know there is a way to have the monitor on mouvement and sounds, but without the tickng right??
Like the costume!!!

Hope No problem!!! Good luck finding the right one, and I'd be curisou to know what you really neede finally...

Sonya I thought about Ellyn too yesterday! I hope everything is fine with them!

Kim Well, let's say that I MAKE place in my schedule...When Will nap in the afternoon, I prepare evrything up. Cut and mix whatever I can. Then I put that back in the fridge (if it is not something that I have to put in the oven for long...) and when DH arrives, if I'm not done with BF, he just takes out everything, and cook it. So that way we have a good and healthy home cooked meal everynight. I don't used long receipes, it takes usually MAX 20 to prepare everything It makes me feel like I'm living again, instead of just surviving...Now, I need to make place for toning my belly.

Speaking of surviving...this week, I have my first appointment for waxing!!! I *USED* to have some kind of waxing down there.... :p GOSH, that is going to make me feel good!!

Halloween Will's going to ba a TIGGER!!! He should be so cute!

NOW, THE GOOD NEWS OF THE DAY:
...
William IS able to sooth himself to sleep!!! :D :D :D Did it twice last night. We had an awesome night again. He slept form 21-2, At 21:00 after a 1/2 hour feding, and then 2:20-6, and 6-well, about now (9am). But thus...it means that during the day, HE DOES NOT WANT TO SOOTHE HIMSELF!!! :mad: and does NOT want to sleep in his bed...little devil boy! :p SO I guess, I'll keep on sleeping him in his chair, but in his room. Yesterday, he naped from 2:45-5:45 in there.

LeslieR

09-14-2005, 07:53 AM

Val, I did not know that about the AngelCare. I need to read the directions. My parents hooked it up for us while they were here and I was so out of it from sleep deprivation, I wasn't paying attention. lol

ugh, I finally got Luke to sleep, just put him in the swing and now the little bugger is awake. grrrrr.

I am still having tremendous nipple pain. It is so horrible that I sometimes want to give up bf'ing. BUT, Luke will not consistently take a bottle, so this doesn't even seem like an option now. I just want to cry. Would those nipple shields help with healing my ouchies? Maybe if I use those until I'm healed then we can start all over again?

Daniel's Kitty

09-14-2005, 08:13 AM

We didn't make it by BRU last night so my little man had cold feet since he kept kicking the blankets off. But atleast he was asleep. He spent part of the night curled up in bed next to me. I woke up if I moved at all, but he was screaming in his room and I was out of patience.
We did do our first big grocery shopping trip though which is good. We were out of food. Ben was tired so he was always either fussing or screaming though. He did calm down when I was carrying him, but he was all wiggly. I wish I had finished my sling.

Ben likes the president's voice.

Daniel's Kitty

09-14-2005, 08:20 AM

Leslie From what I have heard nipple shields can cause more problems in the long run, but it might enable him to get used to what a bottle would be like. That might be nice if you couldn't get himt to latch properly. I would try the nipple sheilds to see if it would allow your nipples to heal. I understand wanting to quit though.

hope0805

09-14-2005, 08:55 AM

Sonya, Thanks for that idea -- I will definitely drop in unannounced -- that's a great way to see what REALLY goes on!

Leslie, I'm sorry you are having nipple pain. I am still in pretty bad pain on my left side too, and can't figure out whether it is a result of latch gone bad, a milk blister/plugged duct that I seem to have on that side, or a yeast infection. Have you seen or called your pediatrician or OB, or better yet a lactation consultant (probably can go outpatient at the hospital where you delivered or find one through La Leche League), to talk to them about what is going on? From what I've read, unexplained severe nipple pain can be caused by yeast infections, and both you and baby need to be treated to get rid of it. It can also cause fussiness in babies, and I think you've been dealing with some of that with Luke. Just a thought ... if nothing else it might be worth a call.

Val, I tried the smaller shields, and they hurt worse, so I got the extra large and am going to try them later today.

Sleeping Well, this is the second night in a row that Jonah has slept for 5 or more hours in a stretch and then gone right back to sleep after being changed and fed! And then, both days, he slept for another 3 hours straight! How awesome was that ... except for the fact that I woke up after the 5 hour sleep horribly engorged, I have been in heaven. Now, if I could only figure out how to change him, feed him, and hold him upright for 20 minutes (per my ped's rec. due to his gassiness) without being up for an hour, I'd be sleeping an 8 hour night!

L-O-V-E

09-14-2005, 09:22 AM

Hi Everyone!! Gosh, it's been so long since I've posted, but I have been reading along and keeping tabs on everyone! Glad to hear that things are going well for the most part, and everyone is getting to know their little ones.

Things here are good. Ethan is a peach! He's started sleeping for longer stretches this past week or so - last night was from 8:30pm - 2:30am, then 3am - 6:30am, so I am quite pleased. Our secret is to SWADDLE SWADDLE SWADDLE! We have the SwaddleMe blanket, and that combined with a fan on in the room seems to do the trick!

Breastfeeding is going well too, except for when he uses me as a pacifier. He seems to have fussy periods in the evening when all he wants to do is nurse, and I'm convinced he's not hungry - just suckling. Anyone experiencing this? He's not a fan of pacifiers unfortunately.

I took the little man for his 6 week pictures last week - here are two of the shots... These are pictures of the pictures so forgive the quality.

Hopefully I'll be able to start posting more soon. Miss you girls!
~Lori

Cosmogirl

09-14-2005, 09:31 AM

Leslie Put the button in the "ticker off" position...VOILA!
And again, be careful to nipple shield, I'd go with a lactation consultant first. You don't want to add problems...

Hope It was worth to try!!! Good luck finding the right one, although I don't think you'll be comfy right away since it is already hurt!à

Lori Awww he is so cute in those pics!

sdauer21

09-14-2005, 10:01 AM

Lori Beautiful pictures!! We need to take Abigail in for professional pics again - she had some done with her sis at 6 days, but they aren't the best, to say the least (I call them her "one eyed peeper" shots -she only has one eye open! Its so nice to get professional ones done that actually look good! Ethan is adorable! :)

Kim Sorry about the ouchies! Hoping you are feeling better today!! Hmm...not having to remember to take the pill - now that sounds like a dream! I opted for the pill because I'm ignorant - I just don't know much about any other options. I was hoping that getting on it might jump start some things with DH, but alas - I'm loosing hope on that, too. Last time, after Tallia, I quit taking them all together. We weren't DTD often enough for me to justify messing with my hormones any more. Guess we'll see how things pan out.

We had a very long day and night yesterday. Abby slept for all of an hour, put together, yesterday, and Tallia was sick. So, between the 3 of us, by the time Will got home for work, there was major meltdown. He and I rarely fight, but we had a doozy yesterday...I just get so irritated when he asks me how my days went and as I start to tell him, first he ignores me, then he gets mad because it wasn't a great day. :confused: Well, don't ask if you don't want to know! Finally, after dinner, I took Tallia on a walk and left him wiht Abigail. She was asleep in her crib when I left, and screaming bloody murder in his arms when I got back. I was exhausted by the time she finally did fall asleep, around 8:30!! I wasn't too far behind her! The upside was she didn't really wake up again until 7-ish!!! I finally woke her for a few minutes around 6, trying to get her to eat, but she really was happier to stay asleep. I had to get up around midnight to pump, and needed to pump again this morning, but at least she got some sleep!!!

The washer saga - well, I've been able to figure out a few tricks to limp it along so I can actually do some laundry, but its definately still broken. I put in yet another call to the repair place yesterday, but had to leave a message and they still haven't called me back. At least its working enough so I can sort of catch up. Add that to my ever growing list of things to do today - guess I can't sit on here and catch up with ya'll. ;)

Halloween costumes Darrien - you could check out ebay for costumes. I was poking around there yesterday and there are TONS! One thing I've found, though, is that costumes tend to be a pain for the little guys. They just always seem so bulky. Tallia was a "bear" the first year - it had this huge head/hood that was just always in the way. (Actually, I'm getting ready to sell it this year!). But, we also got her a halloween "outfit" - I use that term loosely - just a one piece playsuit that was black with bats and pumpkins. It had a really cute matching ghost hat...that was much more practical for her to wear. Here's a pic of her http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3ce24b3127cce9cee6bed59ac00000005108AcNGjho3aND The one costume we've had that I've really liked was Tallie's pig costume from last year. We got it at Lands End - I waited until pretty late, so got it cheap. But, they run out of small sizes more quickly then the big ones. They have cute costumes that just don't seem so bulky. And, Tallia wore hers around this summer. This was last fall http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b4ce08b3127cce9cee6318fcc900000005108AcNGjho3aND
Hmmm - I was just on the Lands Endd site and I can't find costumes anywhere. I'm wondering if they don't have them available yet?

Cosmogirl

09-14-2005, 10:21 AM

OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG!!!
HE FELL ASLEEP ON HIS OWN!!! AT 12:00!!!! :D I'm SO proud of my boy!!! He was fussing in his chair, and since it was 12:00, I figured it was because he was hungry. He ate for what 10 minutes, and he fell asleep on my shoulder while burping him. I thought, why not try it NOW. I didn't even change his diaper, or tried to feed him more, I put him to bed, with a kiss. He stirred for a couple of minutes, couple of cries, and now HE IS ASLEEP!!! :D OMG OMG OMG!!! I don't know if it will stay that way long, but gosh, I'm proud of him! I don't think he'll sleep long, I'm sure he is hungry, but he still fell asleep on his OWN!

Sonya Sorry abou the bad day yesterday! Hoping for a better one today for you!

namrodda

09-14-2005, 10:24 AM

Lori cute pictures! we have the same problem in the evenings, just wanting to be held and nurse when he can't possibly be hungry. Yesterday was esp painful because Kevin didn't get home until after 10 and was in bed by 11...I need more of a break than that! I just keep telling myself hes only this little once...

Kim I ended up ordering a Peanut Shell because it was sorta what I was looking for but I'm definitely going to check out the moby wraps, depending how this works out. Thanks for the info!

Halloween It seems like costumes are everywhere I look around here lately. BRU had some I know..Ive seen really cute ones but our plan...Kevin is a huge baseball fan, plays whenever he can too so he's going to dress like a baseball player and my mom is making Jeb a costume to look like a baseball (with legs) and Kevin can carry him around. I think shes using the pattern for a pumpkin but making it white. I can't believe Oct is just around the corner!

We're under the hurricane watch now....doesn't seem like people are tooo worried around here though. The Outer Banks of NC is though...most of our tv stations cover that area and its all they talk about on the news. We shall see!

shellbell516

09-14-2005, 10:24 AM

There's a thread on here in for Halloween costumes for infants. It's in the oct-dec section.

I would love to dress Rachel up, but do you really take a 2 month old trick or treating? It's not like they can eat the candy. I'm torn by what to do.

I let Rachel sleep in her bassinet/pnp last night from 12:30-3:30. She had been sleeping with us. It was hard not to have her beside me, where I could hear her breathing, but we made it through just fine. I woke up at 3 am and she was getting a little restless, but still not crying. I let her lay there for about 30 min before getting up to feed/change her. At that point I kept her in the bed with us. I missed our snuggle time.

Tomorrow I may head to work for a picnic lunch they're having. As long as it's not raining. It will be the first time folks from work have seen us, beside pictures of Rachel from the hospital. It also means that I'll have to get up before 10 am to get ready to head out there too. :rolleyes:

Daniel's Kitty

09-14-2005, 10:38 AM

Costumes I was curious about how costumes work since some of them look so bulky that picking them up would be impossible. One of our friends wants Ben to be the pea in a pod. I was going to get a jack o lantern outfit so I could still change him and feed him.

Shellbell I won't be taking Ben trick or treating, but he may go to a few neighbors houses to say hi. I will probably be holding him while I hand out candy though.

Sonya Sorry about the bad day!

ValYea about him falling asleep! Ben only does that if HE feels like it.

I thought I was having supply issues since I wasn't getting engorged, and everybody says that you don't stop having problems with that for a while. BUT I pumped after feeding him on one side and I got 6 1/2 ozs combined. He has been still getting plenty of wet diapers so I think we are doing great!

Cosmogirl

09-14-2005, 10:45 AM

Girls did any of you did actually READ the baby whisperer??? Is it worth it or not???
Thanks

LeslieR

09-14-2005, 11:10 AM

One of the nurses at the ped's office is an IBCLC, so I just left a message for her to please call me. Hopefully we can figure out what's going on.
Hope, your post made me think more about a yeast infection.
His tongue isn't white, though, so I'm not sure if that's it. Are there other symptoms? I'm pretty sure it's his latch. And I don't think it's just a coincidence that I started having pain around the same time we started giving him a bottle. :( My car is not fixed yet, so hopefully she can see us tomorrow when Sal is off and can take us to the office. I just want to cry-this is so frustrating. It seems like every week it's something-weepy mommy, fussy baby, painful nipples, etc. Today Luke has decided that he only wants to sleep in my arms. I put him down in the swing earlier, he woke up. Gave him a sponge bath in his room, nursed, he fell asleep, put him in the crib-he woke up. Did this 3 times! Now we are back downstairs and he is in the swing alternating between sleeping and waking up. :rolleyes: Why didn't anyone tell me that motherhood was going to be this hard? :(

hope0805

09-14-2005, 11:22 AM

Leslie, I'm sorry you are having a weepy day -- I've had many of those myself, and they seem to be 100% worse when you are in pain. Although white in baby's mouth is one symptom of a yeast infection, it's apparently not the only one, and you can have an infection even if there is no white in the mouth. Here are some links, although I have to be honest and say that I have read a lot about it and remain confused. I hope that you can get in to see the LC tomorrow!

http://www.lalecheleague.org/FAQ/thrush.html
http://breastfeed.com/resources/articles/thrushinfect.htm
http://breastfeed.com/resources/thrush.htm

LeslieR

09-14-2005, 11:36 AM

Oh jeez-now I think that might be our problem! ugh. It sounds like a total PITA to get rid of.:mad: Good thing I made that phone call! Thanks for the links, Hope!

Mickey&B

09-14-2005, 11:37 AM

Leslie I am sorry you are having such a hard time. I wish there was something I could say to make you feel better. Hopefully you will get some much needed help with BF'ing. On the other hand I know how you feel about being frustrated I feel the same way it's always something.

Half post DS is screaming!!!!

hope0805

09-14-2005, 12:23 PM

Leslie, Don't despair -- I talked to a friend who had thrush and just had to do the antifungal on her and on the baby for 2 weeks, plus the vinegar wash and sterilization every day. That's still a lot, but not everything they recommend on those sites. I totally freaked when I read it too, because I think we may be suffering from it, and talking to her calmed me down. I'll let you know what my ped. says tomorrow, and please share any info you get from the LC, so we can compare notes.

hiphopgirl

09-14-2005, 12:45 PM

Halloween costumes - We are thinking about getting one from One Step Ahead. They have a lot of cute ones for infants. I don't think we'll take our guy around, but our neighborhood has a parade. Maybe we'll participate in the parade.

We went for the 2-month visit yesterday. I guess I should report how that goes since I was the first one of this group to experience it. All in all it wasn't that bad. He screamed bloody murder while he was getting the shots (I'll admit that I cried a little too), but when it was all done I stuck a paci in his mouth and he was good. Then I nursed him, and he went right to sleep. He slept for about 3 hours, but when he woke up he was NOT happy.

My advice - make sure you have infant Tylenol on hand. I stopped at the drugstore on my way home so we would have it. It took about 20-30 minutes to do it's work and he was back in la-la land. He was really fussy again at night so we gave him another dose and let him sleep with us. He still wasn't really himself this morning, but his temp went down to 99.1 so I didn't give him another dose.

He's sleeping now. I bet we'll get another really good afternoon nap out of him, and then hopefully he'll be back to his old self again. He is getting to be much more fun lately. He coos and smiles a lot more. I even got a smile out of him this morning for our 9 week mug shot:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/jlormberget/9week.jpg

ETA: I forgot to post his stats - he weighs 12lbs 2 oz and is 23.25 inches. Not bad for a kid who was born pre-term. That puts him in the 55% for both height and weight. That is much better than the 25% that he was in before. I'm so proud of him for getting so big.

Ellyn

09-14-2005, 01:28 PM

I'm alive! I don't have email at home, so it took me a while to post :rolleyes:

Broderick David (we'll eventually call him Brody) was born on Aug. 30 at 5:21pm after 10 hours of labor. He weighed 7lbs 11.6 oz and was 20.5 in long.

We are all doing well - he now weighs 9lbs 3 oz (after only 2 weeks) so I'd say breastfeeding is going well. It was a struggle at first and now we've both really got the hang of things.

A short quick birth story:

My dr. appt was on Aug 30 and she was going to decide whether to induce me or leave me go another week...my body had its own plan. I went into labor on my own at 7:30 in the morning and by the time I got to the clinic contractions were 5 min apart lasting a min. The ob stripped my membranes (really hurt this time!) and said see you this afternoon! We left and were going to go home and walk, etc. but we made it halfway home and contractions were coming on very strong 3 min apart so we went to the hospital. They made me change right away and said the dr was on her way over to break my water! My plan was for no meds but contractions came on so fast and furious after they broke my water I opted for stadol and then begged for the epi. The anesthesiologist gave me the epi but unfortunately it didn't take and wore off after an hour and a half. :rolleyes: So they came back to pump some heavy duty pain meds into me (don't know what, but really didn't care at the time either! :D ) and they didn't work either. The nurse checked me 15 min later and said well that explains why they didn't work - you're ready to push! I pushed for an hour and right before he came out the ob asked if I wanted an episiotomy because I was gonna tear anyways...I said I didn't care, just do it! I wanted him out! So she did and on the next push his head literally flew out! I not only ended up with an episiotomy but tore almost all the way (I knew it was bad when she brought another ob in for a second opinion on stitching me up :( ) I am all healed and feeling great. Broderick is doing pretty well...we are trying our best to keep a routine schedule, but of course he has his own ideas. congrats to all the new moms before me! We will hopefully have internet at home by Fri. so I can regularly check in and get in on these helpful conversations! :)