Nursing Mamas TTC September - Page 9

[zoe77]

SKJ - , that is so hard.  My SIL just sent us a package this week announcing her pregnancy, due in May which is what I wanted so badly.  I'm happy for her though.  She just got married this summer and I knew they were planning to get pregnant right away so it wasn't a huge shock or anything.  My BIL just got married last month and I know they are planning to get pergnant right away also so I'm just waiting for that announcement.  Hopefully we won't be too far behind them!!  I totally understand your frustration.  I have so many friends that accidentally got pregnant while still breastfeeding.  At the time I was fine with it because I wanted to wait until my son was AT LEAST 2.  But now that his 3rd birthday has passed it's getting harder and harder.  Hang in there, our time will come!!!  The good thing is that we know why we aren't getting pregnant (nursing) and it's not permanent.

AFM, I started the weaning process this week.  Slow and steady, it will happen.  I told DS that he could choose evening or morning for milk.  Yesterday he chose morning so at bedtime I reminded him but he REALLY wanted some milk.  So I told him he could have each side for the count of 10, went really well.  This morning we had the following conversation:

Me:  Now remember, we are only going to have milk once a day now.  Do you want milk now or at bedtime?

DS:  bedtime

Me:  Ok, do you want to get up and get a banana?

DS:  No, I want milk.

Me:  We just talked about this, we are only going to have milk once a day now.  Do you want it now or at bedtime?

DS:  bedtime.

Me:  Ok, let's get out of your training pants and use the potty.  (We get back from the bathroom and he gets up in my bed like he's going to have milk).  What do you want to do now?

DS:  Have milk.

Me:  Ok, so do you want milk now or at bedtime?

DS:  I want milk now.

I thought it was pretty amusing :)  Hopefully he will remember our conversation tonight.

[SKJ2011]

Thanks Ava's mama and zoe. It really is nice to have others know exactly what I'm feeling.  I think I'm done crying (for now). I wonder what would be the case with all of us if none of us were trying.  We'd probably all be pregnant   I'll tackle the updates in a little while...

[Ava's Mama]

Zoe, I love your conversation with your DS, so cute!  My DD hasn't nursed in 3 days, that is normally the longest she will go.  We will see what tonight brings.  If she does nurse it is only for one minute, but lately this is the conversation we have:

DD "I want to nurse"

ME: "are you sure?  how about you have some water?"

DD "OK water please"

I feel like we are both ready :)

SKJ - that is part of why I laid off the temping etc, I was getting so stressed and trying so hard, that I  think it defeated the purpose!  Seriously every pregnant person I know right now got pregnant accidentally!  Crazy!  Start fresh tomorrow!  Think about how blessed you are with your DD and just try to enjoying DTD!!!

[Carlin]

Ava and Zoe, it's so nice to hear that gentle weaning is working well for you. I'm trying hard to cut DD down, but I don't quite feel she's actually ready to go without it yet. Hopefully soon.

SKJ - I know exactly, exactly how you feel. It seems like everyone I know is pregnant. My SIL, who's daughter is 9 days older than mine is due in February, and a friend who's daughter is 6 months longer is almost 11 weeks. I looked after her daughter Monday - Wednesday this week, and every day when she came to pick her up I got to listen to her complain about being pregnant. :( I'm trying to be sympathetic, but it's really hard.

AFM - I thought I was actually going to O on cd 14 this cycle, but as my temperature actually dropped significantly today instead of rising I guess I was wrong. If I could just flip my chart upside down, it would look fantastic! Hopefully my body starts gearing up to O again soon, as DH is going to be travelling for work next week, and I'd really like to get a chance at catching this egg before he leaves.

[texasfarmom]

SKJ I also know how you feel. I good friend of mine is pregnant (while breastfeeding) as well. They tried for several months though, their pregnancy was not an accident. I am very happy for her, just sad for myself. It would be so fun to have our second babies close together!

Zoe I hope your weaning continues to go well! It sounds like your son is very close to understanding what you are trying to tell him, if not actually understanding already...maybe just not liking the answer! ;~)

AFM I'm just waiting to O...many, many more days to go...*sigh*

[Batia]

SKJ- I also understand. I am happy for others but sad for myself. I am just trying to be patient and wait on Father's timing. I am glad that my days are busy so I have less time to think about it too!

Zoe- Hope your weaning is a smooth transition for you and your son! 

texasfarmmom- Sometimes waiting for ovulation is as nerve wracking as waiting for AF. It can be so worrisome! I hope it comes soon for you!! 

I have had a positive opk on Tuesday morning. Just doing what we can.. and praying over the rest! Still taking vitex and waiting to start the progestelle here in another day or so; after 36 hrs have passed. 

[sraplayas]

SKJ--Hugs to you. It is sooo hard being around other pregnant women/new mamas when trying so hard to have your own! Hope you feel encouraged today.

Zoe--I hope the weaning process goes well this weekend. Very cute conversation with your LO.:)

Ava'sMama--I think our LO's are 1 month apart? It's encouraging to know you are making progress. I really haven't made much effort with DC except at night and I may have to move him from our bed to make any real headway in terms of night weaning. Breaks my heart, though. :(

Carlin--Baby dust to you as your body gears up to O! I had that problem last month, and with DH traveling part of the month and also with a cold, the timing was tricky.

Texas--I'm with you on the waiting to O...CD3. Here we go again!

Batia--Congrats on the +OPK!

AFM: Trying hard not to get discouraged here. I had it in my head that I wanted to be 8 weeks+ preggers at Thanksgiving b/c that is when I see all of my family. DH and I were married 7yrs before I got preggers with DD and though it was faster with DS, it took a long time for my fertility to return then also. So...just feeling sad and trying not to wallow. It has been a very busy day and I'm not done yet so I take that as a blessing! Thanks for reading my ramblings!

[SKJ2011]

You ladies are wonderful!   I feel much better having your support.  It's always easier going through something with others that "get you".  So, I'm feeling really lucky to have you all in my life.

I think everything is Updated to here

 sraplayas.  I hope this next cycle is it for you!

carlin - perhaps a pre-O dip? I also get the same CF you described.  I'm not sure what to call it.  I get that a lot really.  I was calling it EW, but then I decided that it wasn't watery enough to be EW.  KWIM?

Batia - fingers crossed!

AFM - I have a feeling I'm going to O much earlier this cycle.  Not sure why, just think so.  I've been doing OPKs and so far negative, but I got some stretchy CF tonight.  I'm drinking RRL tea and green tea.  Hope today's crying/stress doesn't mess me up this cycle.  Trying to be positive.  

Oh, and I had a MONUMENTAL moment tonight.  I've dropped all daytime nursing sessions over the last few days using the don't offer, don't refuse approach.  If DD asked for it, I would have let her nurse (she's 16 months old).  But, she never asked. I don't think of it as weaning, because I'm really just following her lead.  So, I've been offering in the AM and PM as part of our usual routine.  Well, tonight, she wanted daddy to read to her and put her to bed.  She went to sleep like always, but without me or the boob.  This is a huge milestone. I wonder if it will be a one time thing, or if she's starting to wean.  Only time will tell.  

[sraplayas]

Thanks, SKJ :)

I like your approach--don't ask, don't refuse. I'm interested as to how the next few days go with that.

DS is nursing more these days instead of less. I can't figure out why. BTW--DS is 32 mo, not 38--sorry about the typo. :)

[carmen358]

SKJ: It's hard, isn't it? My neighbour is pregnant with her 3rd and her 2nd is about 4 months younger than DD...I felt a bit jealous but I do also take some comfort and encouragement knowing that it *is* possible ;)

As for the chinese herbs I'm currently taking. I'm not taking any menses herbs.

During follicular phase I'm taking:

• xiao yao san
• liuwei di nuang wan
• baishao
• shan yao

During luteal phase I'm taking:

• xiao yao san
• liuwei di nuang wan
• you gui wan
• shan yao

• tian ma

I mix 7grams of the mixture with hot water twice a day. The luteal phase ones are definitely less pleasant tasting!

sraplayas: So far, my LP hasn't gone below 11 days again (knock on wood). I would imagine that hypothyroidism would affect your LP yes, hopefully now that your meds are better and it's been awhile, things will even out. I think any acupuncturist that is familiar with fertility points/issues can help you! I feel they should spend some time talking with you every appointment and check your tongue and pulse. And I'm sorry you're having a rough time. I realized last week that I would be in my second trimester already if I hadn't miscarried last time. TTC is hard.

Afm: Busy! I keep forgetting to turn on the fertility monitor in the morning but I did set it on the right day and it doesn't usually ask for test sticks until CD9 anyway. I'm on CD10 right now and missed the first one but that's ok, I know I'm not going to O in the next few days. I feel like my supply has taken a HUGE dip in the last couple of days. DD isn't nursing that much even though I'm offering. And when she does nurse she doesn't appear to be getting much. I think her not nursing is what is making it drop. I have mixed feelings about it!

Edited by carmen358 - 9/17/11 at 9:57pm

[SKJ2011]

So, just a quick update on the psuedo-weaning.  After the night of DH taking over bedtime duties on DD's request, DD slept all night (yay!) and wanted to nurse in the am (totally usual), but then again after her nap (very unusual).  Last night, DH was rejected at bedtime  so I did the last bit of bedtime duties, but I didn't offer the boob and she didn't ask for it.  She woke up around midnight and again, no boob request.  She did request it in the morning so far today.  And, that's it.  So, I think we are staying around 1-2 nursing sessions/day.  My MIL is still here until this coming Wednesday, so perhaps the nursing will increase when MIL leaves.  I'm not pushing weaning, just going with DD's lead.  We shall see what comes of it.

[ears73]

ugh, AF started today about two days early.  :(  So move me to waiting to O.

I surprised myself with how much I had hoped to be pregnant!

My father-in-law just planned a huge family cruise for late June and the family is scattered all over so it is the sort of thing I have to go to, flying there and back...  so... it looks like I should hold off for trying the next two cycles or else I will mess up his plans with a june baby or being too pregnant to take part.  Dang I missed the may window!  :( 

This is most likely the type of thinking that does no good but I can't help but be gloomy.  Why do I think about these things?  Ack.  Anyhow.  I guess I will see what happens?

Thanks for all the details on night weaning, mamas...  We've just moved our little guy from a crib to a toddler bed.  Even though he is only in it from midnight to 4am or so, I am thinking that when he realizes he can get out of bed and curl up next to the boob we will be seeing even more of him.  Might not be a bad thing for the next three months!

[Niniel]

I got my BFP this morning!

I'm 14DPO and have had faint positives for the last couple of days. I now have a huge collection of pee sticks with varying shades of pink (and one blue) on them. 

I'm just so shocked (and delighted) that it's happened so quickly. I honestly think it's the soy isoflavones that I took which finally kicked my ovaries into action. FC for me please that this is a sticky one. 

[Carlin]

Congrat Niniel!  Snuggle in tight little bean! 

[fazer6]

Niniel congratulations, hope you have a boring and unevenentful 9 months ahead of you.

Well I had EWCM 2 days ago, yesterday creamy so I was gutted. Then today we're looking a bit EW again. So excited, but trying not to be excited. When I was TTC after losing Isabel there was another loss girl who got a 10" stretch on her CM. I can't remember who it was but all the girls who were ttc at the same time all remember. ISn't it great to be in a group where you can take joy in things like CM, and congratulate someone on good bd timing! Chart stalking means I wouldn't recognise someone if they walked past me in the street, but I know the state of her cervix!

I have a silly question. Now if Leo doesn't wean during a pregnancy do I have less chance of getting sore nipples due to dryness and early 'gettign used' to the whole bf thing? I started using my nipple cream as moisturiser as I only used it a couple of times, and it's pretty good for dry skin too. Will I need to conserve it for the next one? I'm trying to really have a clear out and use up all these bottles that have been lying around. I know I could get sore nipples due to latch issues. But if we're still nursing,or have recently been nursing then surely dry nipples won't be a problem.

Ears I know what you mean about obsessing about timing and having the right month. It's tricky to know what to do. I think with the airlines I fly on you can go up to 36 weeks I think. If you do have to wait a month to take part in the holiday can you try to make it positive and get some stomach or back or kegal exercises done so you will be in good shape for getting pregnant? I think it's the only way I can think of trying to make a wait seem like a positive thing.

[Carlin]

Well, I had a nice temp rise this morning, so hopefully I'm finally in the 2ww.  If I O'd last night, our timing was good, if it was before that, well this cycle is probably a write off. I have my fingers crossed, as it's extremely likely DH will be out of town for work at the pertinent time next month, so this will probably be our last chance for awhile. 

Fazer I was wondering the same thing about whether nursing a toddler would help prevent the sore nips, or if it's more a case of a newborn learning to latch properly. I have to admit, I've always been open to tandem nursing, but now that DD is over 2, her nursing is driving me nuts and I think if I get pregnant I may take that oportunity to wean her.

[sraplayas]

Niniel----Congratulations!!!!

Carmen--Thanks for the kind words.:)

SKJ--Thanks for the update on CLW. :)

Ears--Hope you catch the next window!

Fazer---I'm not sure about the nipple soreness--since I really didn't experience that much of it. I remember having it with both DD & DS right at first and I BF DD almost until DS was born, but it is sooo different how and how often a newborn nurses and a toddler. :) So who knows? 

Hope that ewcm is a sign of good things to come!

AFM: CD6. DH has been taking 1,000mg+ of Vitamin C, (I do, too) and I am hoping it will make a difference this cycle.

I started B Complex & EPO after AF last cycle, and also cut out caffeine and way back on chocolate. I am not sure which it was that helped, but AF pain was much less this time (on a scale of 1-10 was a 2 cf: with last month, an 8!)  Also, it looks like AF is 2 days shorter.

Finally, DS is still asking to nurse alot more and waking alot more. Ugh, I'll need to make a decision soon

[SKJ2011]

Updated to here

ears -  Sorry AF showed up.

niniel - YAY!!! Fantastic news.   I moved you to success stories.  I think I had the info under your name wrong.  Can you remind me hold old your LO is?

Carlin - Fingers crossed for good BD timing!

sraplayas - glad AF was better this time.  

AFM - I have decided to stop temping.  I had a talk with DH and he thinks that it's causing more stress than is necessary.  I agree.  It does feel more freeing.  I am still observing CF/CP and doing OPKs.  So far, I've not had much fertile CF and all negative OPKs. I'm expecting to O in the next week. I hope to O earlier than the past few cycles, but if I don't that might be better b/c MIL is here until Wednesday night so a later O would be better for BDing.  I had another round of acupuncture today and am feeling more positive about things.  

[Geigerin]

Congratulations, Niniel !!! Sending you sticky vibes.

Sorry about AF, Ears. Hoping this next cycle is the one for you.

Fazer, I've been wondering the same about nursing through pregnancy. I have ultra-sensitive nipples & still use a nipple shield with my daughter (18-mos). I'm holding my breath that bf-ing is easier with the next kiddo.

afm- No O yet. And Maddy has been nursey pants the past few days. She never nurses overnight (and hasn't since before 1 yr--totally her own doing), so I think she makes up for it during the day. I never offer, but she still asks a lot. I feel like that's what she needs, so I'm trying to be patient if this means no new baby for a while.

[carmen358]

Congrats, niniel!!