IVF Graduates thread!! - Page 38

[Kewpie80]

Keria - I had that problem too... that they'd fall asleep on me and then it'd be hard to transfer them.  I found that with mine, swaddling under their armpits helped cause they were wrapped and couldn't feel movement as well.  If yours like to be swaddled, you may try that.  DH and I have decided that putting babies to bed is an artform and we're still trying to figure it out. :)

tenszins - I'm recovering fine.  I'm just about back to normal.  I'm actually quite a bit under my prepregnancy weight, so I'm feeling rather good on that front.  My hips, knees, and low back have not recovered yet unfortunately.  I'm in a lot of pain most days, but I've been seeing a doctor.  Your bump picture is adorable!!! What a cute bump!

rcr - I'm only producing about 2 ounces of breast milk every 2 hours and the babies are eating 2.5 - 4 ounces each at each feeding every 2.5-3.5 hours.  Try as I might, I'm just not able to keep up with demand, so we've bitten the bullet and been supplementing.  When it's DH's turn to feed, he gives half breastmilk and half formula in the bottles.  Thankfully, they are able to nurse despite getting bottles without getting nipple confusion.  I attribute that to using a SNS for the first 4 weeks instead of bottles.  

lyndi - We have tommy tippees.  I like them for the following reasons: They really do have nice soft nipples that do feel similar to the breast.  They are easy to put together and the babies do seem to like them.  My complaints: My son collapses the nipple in really easily.  He does this with all bottles, BUT the tippee ones are supposed to prevent this.  They obviously don't.  Another complaint, they have a lot of parts to them.  They are similar to the dr Brown's bottles if you are familiar with them.  It's not a huge deal, but when you have a hungry baby, taking time to put it together can leave mom annoyed... All in all, they aren't bad bottles.  I guess it depends on what is important to you.  If you want something similar to the breast in feel, these definitely fit the bill.  BUT they aren't so spectacular that I'd write home about them either.  They don't seem to reduce spit up or gas so much.  I haven't found a bottle that does yet.  I think I have just about every bottle out there.  I have avent, dr brown, dr andrew weilbaby, nuk, evenflo, similac, soothies, tommy tippees, medela and probably a few others that I am forgetting.  TBH, my favorites are the 4oz medela with a simulac nipple. (because they are simple and I have a zillion of them)

Edited by Kewpie80 - 2/26/12 at 11:23pm

[TenzinsMama]

Belly and Lyndi, yay for your new purchases/getting ready!

I have a question about cribs... What do you all think about 3 in 1 or 4 in 1 convertible cribs?  We bought one for DS before he was born from Costco (along with a dresser that functioned as a change table, until we removed the side pieces last month), and though we co-slept for the first 13 months, he is now sleeping in it and loves it.  We don't plan to take him out of it and use it for the new baby... aside from any upset to what he's used to for sleeping arrangements, as far as we are concerned the whole set is his-- he can take it all with him when he moves out type-of-thing.  However, it's just occured to me that since the toddler bed uses the crib mattress, it really isn't going to be that big of a bed for him (though he's on the smaller side, it should last awhile) but eventually it will be too small... and yet to convert it to the double bed, that might be too big for him-- not to mention it takes up a lot of space.  So what do people do in that in-between stage when they have a convertible?  Put in storage and buy a twin bed?  With a twin bed, it would give a lot more space for when he is wanting to play in his room, and even maybe leave enough room for a desk for him to do schoolwork when he's older... Our rooms are pretty small in this house, but I wasn't really thinking of that when we went for the convertible type...hmmm, not sure what to think.  This is coming to mind now, because of looking at crib options for the new baby... So, convertible, or 'regular' crib?  (I've been looking at ads on Kijiji for gently-used options, and it's just dawned on me to wonder why oftentime people are selling their convertible cribs and yet keeping their dressers...maybe they are finding this, too?)

[TenzinsMama]

Kewpie, just missed your post while I was doing mine... Just want to say, I'm glad to hear that you are recovering quite well, although I do hope your hips, knees and lower back get a lot better soon.  Is it because of carrying the babies-- it just threw your alignment out of whack?  Or is it pre-existing, and was aggravated by pregnancy?

[Kewpie80]

I've always had lower back problems.  My knees and hips are from everything loosening up and haven't gone back yet.  I imagine the 14 weeks of bedrest didn't help. 
 

Originally Posted by TenzinsMama 

Kewpie, just missed your post while I was doing mine... Just want to say, I'm glad to hear that you are recovering quite well, although I do hope your hips, knees and lower back get a lot better soon.  Is it because of carrying the babies-- it just threw your alignment out of whack?  Or is it pre-existing, and was aggravated by pregnancy?

[Tear78]

Keria, DD had reflux and I spent many nights sleeping with her in our reclining sofa chair. I hope you're able to get back to sleeping in bed, but don't feel bad about doing what works!

Kewpie, have you tried to Breastflow bottles? They have a lot of parts, too, but I wonder if they would help with the collapsing. They're supposed to reduce flow and let baby control how much comes out. We love it.

[renavoo]

Lyndi, definitely no Claire! I absolutely understand about disliking a name just because of a person. She sounds really annoying too and i'm sad she's still in your life causing drama. Yah to being prepared, by the way!! I can't believe it's almost time for you...it's so exciting. By the way, I am going to start purchasing diapers and such...i'm going to follow your model of coupons and sales. :oD Did you end up buying many different types or stick to one type?

It'll be so exciting to see your babies!

Tenzi, love the pic of the belly (and the puppy in your arms) haha. You really are all belly! Yah! it always is so difficult coming back from a wonderful holiday isn't it? We all work too hard. :oD I keep thinking I need to win the lottery. That would entail playing though, which I'm not inclined to do. 

Belly, YAH for the minivan! What kind did you get? Did you get all the fixings (i.e. tvs, etc?) My DH has a company car so we'll use that but he was looking to see if he could get a minivan from the company and they don't supplement minivans. Such a shame! I don't drive so it's not a big deal for me (one of the perks of living in the city- i'm much more about walking on foot everywhere I go) but i know it's going to be a pain when we want to go visit my mom, who lives in queens, or his family, who live upstate.

Kewpie, Yah to being below pregnancy weight! I'm so jealous! Did you speak with your doctor about your back, lower knee problems? I'm wondering if they can put you on a stretching regimen to relieve the pain. As for needing to supplement, I hope you don't feeling bad about that! Your babies are still getting great nutrients from you but they just need a little extra. I'm sure that a lot of people with twins need to supplement and it's no reflection on you. You're doing great (and I can't wait to get some more pointers from you!)

Deborah, yah keep growing!

Keria and Bungalow, just thinking of you!

Rcr, yah to beginning stims!! :oD I can't wait for you and Blue to get to the 2ww and then your bfps!

Blue, how is everything going with you? glad your parents are ok and getting lots of help. Give Abby a hug for me!

AFM, Belly, I'm with you! Time is starting to fly. i mean, day by day, it feels like it is going so slowly but when I think about to the last few weeks, it seems to be moving faster than it did the first 20 weeks. i think it's also because i'm starting to worry less now that i feel a little movement. However, i can't wait until 24 weeks comes and goes... As for work, yeah I would like to ideally work from home the last couple of weeks, if it's possible but we will see. My job is odd in that there really isn't any cover from my responsibilities so they probably would prefer I be there in person. This next week (and actually, until mid March) is going to be insane with work due to a few presentations in the making) so I'll probably be MIA more. I am a little worried about working 14 hour days (including weekends) while pregnant but so far, I've been feeling ok. Sigh, oh to win the lottery!

;o)

Big hugs, ladies!

[lyndiramos]

Renavoo- I have mainly huggies because they have great coupons all the time 3.00 off then target has online coupons for typically 2.00 off huggies so combined thats 5.00 off a pack of diapers!! I really scored after christmas kmart halfed off huggies christmas diapers then 5.00 off so they were 3.00 a pack for those!!! They were size 3 but who cares!! The wipes I got one dollar off pampers wipes I always seem to find those so I have paid about .99¢ for those 60-72 count.

[deborahbgkelly]

Tenzins- This is the one I chose for the twins' nursery. I think it is 2-in-1 (crib plus toddler bed): http://www.amazon.com/Child-Craft-London-Style-Stationary/dp/B004ZWRG10/ref=reg_hu-br_item-added. We needed something a little smaller though since we will have 2 beds in one room while they are young. Also, even though we have registries, we wanted something not too expensive since we'll need two.

[deborahbgkelly]

Renavoo- Thanks! I was really amazed how much I popped between week 17 and week 18.

[BellyBean]

Tenzi, DD has a convertible (not sure if its 3in1 or 4in1), but it's a crib, toddler daybed, and full sized.  We took the front off when she was about 2 years 2 months.  She probably would have stayed in it till college, she loves the crib and never tried to climb out!  For us, we don't have big enough rooms for a full size bed and I don't care for how high the footboard would be.  About 2 weeks ago we moved her into a twin with 2 bedrails to give her some time to get used to it before the babies arrive.  She still stays in it really well (calls for me when she wakes up to come get her, instead of climbing down herself).  I kind of don't want her to know it's an option to get out of bed by herself :)  Plus, we were given the headboard and matresses, so I figured we may as well use that and then only need to buy one more crib/matteress for the twins.  But I had always planned on passing down the "baby" furniture and getting a new "big girl" set for DD...we have friends that are going to keep the older sibling in the same furniture and buy a new "forever" crib for the baby.  If you like the furniture for your DS, and he is comfortable, there is no sense messing with a good thing.

Renavoo, so cool you don't have to drive much, I despise driving...but will hopefully enjoy it a little more now :)  And a free car/SUV is an awesome car/SUV.  With only 2 kiddos you'll have plenty of room for those occasional trips!  We got an Odyssey because it is the only van that has 3 latch seats across the middle for carseats (currently).  I didn't want to have to climb into a 3rd row with DD to try to get her buckled and have the 2 infant carseats to carry/climb around too.  So this way I can push the button for the door to open :) have DD climb into her chair, walk around to snap in the infant seats, come back and tighten DD up and hop in my seat...sounds like a piece of cake right :)  Oh wait, I forgot about load the stroller (double snap and go, at first) and diaper bags! Haha, it's going to be nuts!  Your work hours make me tired to read!  I hope you get some relief later next month!!

Lyndi, great job couponing!!!  I need to get atleast a few packs of each size (even though we CD) on sale/with coupons soon.  I noticed all diapers went up by a dollar a pack at our local store :( 

Hello to everyone else!!!!  I am off to enjoy 30 min of just me time before DD wakes up from her nap!

[Kewpie80]

Renavoo - I was worried about weight since I had gained over 50 pounds, but it melted off SO FAST!  It took 3 weeks to lose all the water from the pre-e, but between that and the delivery, it was gone in no time.  Don't worry about your weight!  As long as you are healthy, I'm sure you will lose it quickly afterward too!  I did talk to my doctor about the pain and yep, I've been stretching.  It helps, but it isn't a cure-all, unfortunately.  I think a lot of the pain stems from being on bedrest for soooooo long (from 22 weeks to 36 weeks) I seriously am SO weak right now it isn't even funny.  I'm getting arm strength from carrying babies, but my legs are AWFUL.  I used to have very strong legs (I ran track for years) so this is very new for me. I'm sure it'll get better with time.  

I do feel badly about having to supplement.  I know in my head that it isn't my fault, but my heart won't listen.  I will be glad when they are on solids and I can stop dwelling quite so much on milk. 

Oh, and regarding time... my 2nd half of the pregnancy flew by but it's nothing compared to after the birth.  Oh man does time fly!  

well, Liam's rooting in his blanket, so I better go feed him.  Later all!

[Keria]

Kewpie we supplemented  on the beginning because they were losing a bunch of weight. I almost cried when I gave them the first bottle of formula. How do you know how much milk you make? I'm always worried about making enough milk for them. I'm pumping like crazy to give them a couple of bottles a day somehow it feel reassuring to see the milk going into them.

As for bottles we used dr browns, avent and evenflo glass bottles. We like Dr browns so far no nipple confusion. I'm tempted to get some of those breastflow bottles though.

Rena I gained 66 pounds and lost all but 12 pounds. I was super worried about the weight gain but the weight does come off fast.

Tenzi we have 2 convertible cribs one side cared to our bed and the other one is in their room.  thought about getting a co sleeper but the crib does the same job and we already had it so we went with that.

AFM Our sleep situation is getting better. The kids are sleeping for longer stretches at night and we seem to be getting better at transferring to the bed they still need us to snuggle them in bed but at least I can get out of the chair.

My babies were one month old yesterday, they are now staying awake for longer periods of time and are starting to get interested in other things besides the boob. They are cute as can be and we are enjoying them so much. They were definitely worth the wait.

[Kewpie80]

Keria - right now, I'm pumping and I give them that first and then give them as much formula as they want afterward.  I do nurse maybe a couple times per day.  Some days, I'll nurse before every feeding and others I just don't have the energy and I'll only nurse a couple times.  When I nurse, I have no idea how much they get, but I let them decide when they're done.  If you're nursing exclusively now, they are probably getting enough if you get at least 6-8 wet diapers a day and they are gaining weight.  If you're worried about it though, you can rent a nursing scale and weigh them before and after a feeding.  

I'll post more later... I hear Liam stirring

[renavoo]

Hi ladies,

Can't talk long because I have to get ready for work. My mantra is Tuesday right now (Tuesday Tuesday Tuesday) because that is when my first big presentation is. After that though, we have prep for another big presentation but as I'm not allowed to fly and the presentation is in Switzerland, I'm just helping to prep this time around.

Kewpie, LOVE the picture. It looks so peaceful. haha I still have an image of that night when all hell broke loose. Too funny! I'm definitely going to need some advice from you mamas once the babies are here. Keria, so glad that the sleep situation is getting better :o)

Belly, how are you feeling? 

Everyone else, HI! Sorry for the drive by. It's just crazy.

I just wanted to ask...are there any specific books you guys think have been extremely helpful books to prepare for twins? I was thinking that I'll probably need a book to educate about breast feeding (and getting them on the same schedule) as well as a book about sleep habits. 

THANKS!

[deborahbgkelly]

Renavoo- A friend of mine who had twin girls after her 2 singletons said "When You're Expecting Twins, Triplets or Quads" was like the twin mama bible (my words, not hers).

[BellyBean]

Keira, I was talking to another twin mommy recently and she was telling me she slept in a recliner with both babies for the first 6 months, so it must be a pretty common solution!  How are you doing?

Kewpie, so exciting that you'll be moving next year!  I bet it will be really nice to be back around family.  Was there a huge difference in FET success rates between the 2 clinics too?  Are your frosties slow frozen or vitrified (I think I remember them being vitrified last year)

Renavoo, I hope you are getting a little break this weekend!!!!

Hello to everyone else!

AFM, so tired I can barely keep my eyes open...guess I should probably just get used to it, but DH is traveling for work and it's exhausting not having any help for a whole week.  I am also starting to worry about finding names.  I have a long list of names, but I honestly can't find 2 I like together.for whatever reason (one is popular - one is obsure, one matches DD's - one doesn't, they both start with the same letter, or end with the same sound/rhyme, or one has my MIL's name in it but nothing for my mom...ugh)  I really feel like giving up on the name hunt.

[lyndiramos]

Quiet this weekend!! I just wamted to stop by and say how excited to say my obgyn took me off bed rest yesturday!!! Im 34 weeks tomorrow and although Im to take it easy the next couple weeks the swab test she did said my chances of labor in the next two weeks is unlikely so I was excited to make my way out of my house today!! I took my girls and we went shopping for our welcome baby party (coed baby shower after baby is here)!!!! Im pretty excited about this party. We have a huge family so we are expecting 100+ people... We will have a hall with a d.j. Ect... We decided to keep the babies weight and length a secret until the party to have people guess!! I found some great games online like bottle chugging, dirty diaper game, stuffing balloons in these huge clothes to see how many can fit!! Im excited!! If any of you have any coed game ideas let me know I would love some input!!

Hello to all and I hope you have a great weekend!! Oh I also got my c section date of April 10th!! But if I go into labor March 18th or after they will do it then!! So close Im getting nervous and excited!!

[deborahbgkelly]

Congrats on removal from bedrest and getting so close to your due date! Babies stay in for your mama!

[lyndiramos]

Sorry I said babies but its only one baby!! Lol thanks deborah!!

[TenzinsMama]

Thanks for the ideas around the crib... So, I'm looking for some feedback on my 'plan'. What we are leaning towards is using the Arm's Reach Co-Sleeper for the first while, then transitioning baby to a crib in his/her own room-- it will be a simple crib, gently-used with a new mattress. (Deborah, it's kind of like the one you are getting.)  For a dresser, we'll buy a new one that is on the more expensive side (similar to one like DS's, which is from Costco--it's really well-constructed and solid wood and it doesn't dent/scratch easily) so that it lasts a long time, and can be re-touched if it needed it. We'll keep DS in his crib (which is convertible, just to jog your memory of my earlier post) until he's ready to move into a 'big boy bed'.  At the point when he's adjusted to the new baby being here and he's okay with letting go of his crib, we'll move it into the baby's room and then the gently-used one can be just re-sold.  We hope he'll be okay with letting his crib go, because we'll have a Little Tykes Car Bed for him then (again, gently used).  The whole plastic car bed isn't my idea of what looks lovely for a child's room, but it's more important that he is excited about it and wants to sleep in it.  Anyway, when baby #2 is ready to move out of the crib, we can use the toddler bed part of it, and then when he/she is ready for a 'big bed', we'll get him/her whatever twin bed he/she wants and store the crib and conversion rails down in our basement-- until either one of the kids is ready to move into a big room downstairs, where the double bed will fit easily, and/or they move out.  And, once DS wanted to graduate to a more mature bed, then the plastic car bed gets re-sold... oh, unless baby#2 wants the car bed-- wow, I'd certainly be sick of it then, wouldn't I!

Sorry for the long post about this... I'm just trying to think it through myself... Hope it makes sense how I've written it... I know it probably seems kind of complicated to be doing it this way, but the thing is, I've read that if you have children close in age and are going to use your child's crib for the new baby, you better do the switch-out well in advance of baby coming, because otherwise it is just too much change/too hard to share on your older child's part.  But right now, my DS is just not ready to move from the crib.  And I don't know when he will be ready for that.  (He's  had major sleep issues, which only got better since the end of September-- I don't want to mess things up.)  So I reallly think we'll have both kids sleeping in cribs for a time... and it's hard to justify spending all that money on a 2nd convertible crib, when I know that we wouldn't be able to use the double bed feature for both of them anyways, with their rooms being as small as they are.  (Who knows, if it's another boy, maybe they would even want to share a room, and we'd get bunk beds at some point.)  Oh yeah, I also read somewhere that one mistake parents make is moving a child from crib to bigger bed too soon... and a suggestion was to have both the crib and big bed set up and in the room at the same time so the child can transition at his/her own pace. 

So much to think about with the ages/stages thing.  With DS, it seemed like things were less complicated... I co-slept until he was 13 months, and breast-fed exclusively until he was 17.5 months (never pumped, never bottle-fed at all)... Lots of benefits to that, but I also discovered some things that weren't so easy in the end (which is why I want to get baby used to sleeping on his own, and taking a bottle of expressed milk on occasion).  *I'm also not going to rely on the baby swing to get him to sleep... I created a huge sleep association with that, and that caused major issues it turned out... so, I'm not taking that chance with this baby.  Even if he/she turns out to be an easy baby!!! 

Anyway, please let me know if there's any flaws to my logic... Sorry this is mostly about me...

Lyndi, glad you are off bed rest-- Wow, you are getting close!!!

Belly, names are definitely hard.  We can't think of one single boy name, and we've only got a couple of girl names, and we can't decide.  Anybody-- do you have some ideas you can throw at Belly and I?

Renavoo, I don't know how you can work so hard... I'm really feeling like I'm starting to lose steam, as I near third trimester.  Is your job a great one, and that makes it a ton easier?