January 29th - ???! - Page 3 « Back to Group Discussions

[Mummoth]

When oh when will this eating marathon end?! At least I've been productive while I've been stuck here... I ordered DH some new work boots, Stephanie that sling, and a bunch of photos. The boots are exactly the same as he had before and they're hard to find in stores now. The photos I have to go pick up at the mall, but I've got a list of other stuff I need anyway. I ordered a mug with the photos that will have a family picture of all of us on it for DH for Valentines... he told me he needs a mug for work about a week ago, so I think he'll like that. I'm going to fill it with some good chocolate from Purdy's and call it done.

Has anyone noticed a big increase of what comes OUT of their baby lately? All of the sudden, Stephanie has been soaking through her clothes! I thought I wasn't changing her often enough at first but then there were a few times that I KNEW I'd just changed her an hour before. So we've started with the doublers, it's crazy. DD1 wasn't like this... she peed every 15 minutes or so and her diaper was always a little wet... I just changed her frequently. Stephanie was dry this morning after sleeping 3 hours... she went shortly after that, but that is shocking to me!

[onetwoten]

toooottttally OT, but I keep forgetting-- we were talking about nipple pain a few threads back, and vasospasms, and I think it was aerterna that suggested Vit B6-- I've been taking it in a B complex as suggested, and wow-- I can't believe the difference! Thumbs up :)  I can actually tell a significant difference when I've forgotten to take it for a few days in a row. 

[Azadehhast]

I so understand about the nursing marathons. Winter isn't nursing, but every evening from around 5 until 11, he's either crying, nursing, or sucking on my pinkie, usually the later. Once he's full, he will only take the finger, and NEEDS it desperately. Must suck mama, must suck mama. Severely limits my ability to do anything. Good thing he's so happy to be worn all day, so I can actually get a few things done!

In other news, I was mourning my baby's total, shiny-headed baldness as his newborn hair fell out, but he's growing some blonde peach fuzz now. Maybe he won't be bald for his first two years!

[onetwoten]

Originally Posted by Mummoth 

When oh when will this eating marathon end?! At least I've been productive while I've been stuck here... I ordered DH some new work boots, Stephanie that sling, and a bunch of photos. The boots are exactly the same as he had before and they're hard to find in stores now. The photos I have to go pick up at the mall, but I've got a list of other stuff I need anyway. I ordered a mug with the photos that will have a family picture of all of us on it for DH for Valentines... he told me he needs a mug for work about a week ago, so I think he'll like that. I'm going to fill it with some good chocolate from Purdy's and call it done.

Has anyone noticed a big increase of what comes OUT of their baby lately? All of the sudden, Stephanie has been soaking through her clothes! I thought I wasn't changing her often enough at first but then there were a few times that I KNEW I'd just changed her an hour before. So we've started with the doublers, it's crazy. DD1 wasn't like this... she peed every 15 minutes or so and her diaper was always a little wet... I just changed her frequently. Stephanie was dry this morning after sleeping 3 hours... she went shortly after that, but that is shocking to me!

Ummm... everything you said? lol. We've been 'strict' with DD's nursing because of her reflux (overfilling her tummy inevitibly leads to her puking it all back up), but the last few days I've started to feel like she's not gaining as much weight as she should be, and so when she wants to nurse, as long as it's been about 45 minutes, I've been letting her. Which basically means that she's nursing for 15 minutes every 45m to an hour, from 10am until midnight. I feel like all I do anymore is get on and off the couch. 

And I was going to say no, I hadn't really noticed any increase lately, but I guess yeah, around 6 weeks I did notice that we were leaking a ton, and thought it was the diapers, until we realized the inserts were coming out soping (um how do you spell that!) wet. We just bought a few hemp and bamboo inserts, so I'm hoping those will hold a little bit better, since we've constantly worried right now about leakage!

I am... exhausted. DD not only has reflux, but just colic in general. We've finally gotten to the point where I'm having to limit how picky we're "allowing" her to be. I hate the idea of not catering to her every need, but it's gotten to the point where we just can't keep up with it. She's generally 'fine', though fussy from the time she wakes up until around late afternoon. And then it's like all bets are off and she's soo touchy all evening long. We end up walking the house, while bouncing, and rubbing her back, shushing in her ear, and never stop moving, just to hold off the shrieks. Even that doesn't actually calm her, but at least she's not all out shrieking... but we just can't do it anymore. I won't put her down to scream alone, but I just don't have the stamina or state of mind to keep the whole cycle up. We've started now where we will take a few minutes to walk, bounce, etc, but if she's not calming, I'll just go sit with her in the rocker in her room until it stops. It often means that I'm sitting there hugging her rubbing her back while she claws and scratches me and shrieks for 40 minutes before falling asleep, but right now I don't feel we have any other option. I'm at my wits end! I think a lot of it is her exhaustion, but we can't get her to sleep well during the day. Nights are great (once we get her calm and to sleep, usually around midnight), and she will sleep for up to 5 hours stretches. But during the day, it is very very rare for her to sleep longer than 30 minutes, even if she's on me, and I haven't moved, barely even breathing. For instance today, between 10am when we got up, and midnight, when she went to bed, she slept on DH and I about 1.5-2 hours total. So add that to her night sleep, of about 9 hours after you take our being up for nursing and changing, and falling back asleep... and she's only getting around 11 hours a day. Correct me if I'm wrong, but that seems low for 9 weeks! That means she's up for 13 hours. Of which I'd say... a combined total of about 2 are happy, and the rest, she's fussy, if not outright screaming. -sigh-. I'm keeping my head above water, but it makes me sad to think that she's 9 weeks old and I feel like it's been so difficult that I haven't gotten to enjoy her properly. 

[AshleeS]

oh Jeninejessica  I feel for you!  My DD was totally a non stop puker and fuss bucket.  It sucked.  Felt like I was constantly wishing her infancy away.  I didn't get to "enjoy" her much.  But trust that it WILL get better.  When? Can't say.  I was always hopeful...3 mo? 6? 9?...my DD didn't start spitting up a ton until 12 mo!!!  I mention that not to discourage you, but know that it will pass - even if it's not overnight. My DD just turned 2 yrs and is still a "difficult" little girl, but SO dang fun and cute and smart :)  Have you tried eliminating some common problematic foods?  I know I would try at least dairy and soy first (absolutely all sources for at least 3 weeks).  I drove myself crazy trying to figure out what was bothering my DD.  Never found a specific link, but I felt guilty not trying.  I finally stopped all elimination diets at 6 months, but I know it can be night and day for many nurslings.  HUGS!!! 

[AshleeS]

Originally Posted by jeninejessica 

We've been 'strict' with DD's nursing because of her reflux (overfilling her tummy inevitibly leads to her puking it all back up), but the last few days I've started to feel like she's not gaining as much weight as she should be, and so when she wants to nurse, as long as it's been about 45 minutes, I've been letting her. Which basically means that she's nursing for 15 minutes every 45m to an hour, from 10am until midnight. I feel like all I do anymore is get on and off the couch. 

Oh, and have you tried block nursing?  That may help too (so she can still comfort nurse, without getting a huge volume/high feed of the lactose rich foremilk).  It may be that you're dealing with oversupply in addition to reflux (I know that was a contributing problem with my DD and her constant spitting up).  If she's being limited to a specific length of time while nursing she may not be getting enough hindmilk.  All that foremilk will cause lots of discomfort, fussiness, and GI issues too.  You probably know about this all, but just thought I'd mention it because I have to reduce my supply each baby because of the issues oversupply creates  :(

After DD my husband and I seriously considered NEVER having anymore children (she was that difficult).  But guess what?  DS2 is SO much easier than my last two and NEVER spits up!  LOL Each baby is so different.  More hugs your way...

[LilMomma83]

Originally Posted by jeninejessica 

toooottttally OT, but I keep forgetting-- we were talking about nipple pain a few threads back, and vasospasms, and I think it was aerterna that suggested Vit B6-- I've been taking it in a B complex as suggested, and wow-- I can't believe the difference! Thumbs up :)  I can actually tell a significant difference when I've forgotten to take it for a few days in a row. 

I really should try it...just because I've gotten used to it after 3 kids doesn't mean it wouldn't be better without I suppose ;-) How long did it take to work?
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Azadehhast 

I so understand about the nursing marathons. Winter isn't nursing, but every evening from around 5 until 11, he's either crying, nursing, or sucking on my pinkie, usually the later. Once he's full, he will only take the finger, and NEEDS it desperately. Must suck mama, must suck mama. Severely limits my ability to do anything. Good thing he's so happy to be worn all day, so I can actually get a few things done!

In other news, I was mourning my baby's total, shiny-headed baldness as his newborn hair fell out, but he's growing some blonde peach fuzz now. Maybe he won't be bald for his first two years!

Naomi has been nursing constantly too...I really do love it after our struggles in the beginning...but, I also really am exhausted from getting no sleep lol. I think she's been feeding about every hour...thankfully she nurses well enough that we can both sleep through it haha...of course that means huge puddles of milk on my bed :-P

I bought some rubber bands for Naomi's hair today hehe I think I'm going to try a little hairdo for church tomorrow!
 

[wendizbaby]

Originally Posted by jeninejessica 

I am... exhausted. DD not only has reflux, but just colic in general. We've finally gotten to the point where I'm having to limit how picky we're "allowing" her to be. I hate the idea of not catering to her every need, but it's gotten to the point where we just can't keep up with it. She's generally 'fine', though fussy from the time she wakes up until around late afternoon. And then it's like all bets are off and she's soo touchy all evening long. We end up walking the house, while bouncing, and rubbing her back, shushing in her ear, and never stop moving, just to hold off the shrieks. Even that doesn't actually calm her, but at least she's not all out shrieking... but we just can't do it anymore. I won't put her down to scream alone, but I just don't have the stamina or state of mind to keep the whole cycle up. We've started now where we will take a few minutes to walk, bounce, etc, but if she's not calming, I'll just go sit with her in the rocker in her room until it stops. It often means that I'm sitting there hugging her rubbing her back while she claws and scratches me and shrieks for 40 minutes before falling asleep, but right now I don't feel we have any other option. I'm at my wits end! I think a lot of it is her exhaustion, but we can't get her to sleep well during the day. Nights are great (once we get her calm and to sleep, usually around midnight), and she will sleep for up to 5 hours stretches. But during the day, it is very very rare for her to sleep longer than 30 minutes, even if she's on me, and I haven't moved, barely even breathing. For instance today, between 10am when we got up, and midnight, when she went to bed, she slept on DH and I about 1.5-2 hours total. So add that to her night sleep, of about 9 hours after you take our being up for nursing and changing, and falling back asleep... and she's only getting around 11 hours a day. Correct me if I'm wrong, but that seems low for 9 weeks! That means she's up for 13 hours. Of which I'd say... a combined total of about 2 are happy, and the rest, she's fussy, if not outright screaming. -sigh-. I'm keeping my head above water, but it makes me sad to think that she's 9 weeks old and I feel like it's been so difficult that I haven't gotten to enjoy her properly. 

Oh Jenine!  I'm so sorry you are going through this!!  My first son was not this bad, but bad enough.  I was miserable and cried often right along with him.  He cried all the time.  Holding him helped, but sometimes it didn't.  In fact, I was looking through my past posts and I started a thread about holding him and just letting him cry.  I felt like I was doing CIO because I couldn't stop the crying.  We finally resolved ourselves to just holding him like you do and letting him cry and cry AND CRY.  One good thing though, also in my past posts I mentioned at 4.5 months that he was SO much better to handle.  At 5 months I actually mentioned that he's a happy baby!!  AND he went on to be a wonderful toddler (while all of my friends with the zen babies had crazy toddlers...ha!).  Keep hope for the not-to-distant future...it WILL get better (and you may actually end up having another like I did!)

[AshleeS]

Originally Posted by jeninejessica 

We end up walking the house, while bouncing, and rubbing her back, shushing in her ear, and never stop moving, just to hold off the shrieks. Even that doesn't actually calm her, but at least she's not all out shrieking... but we just can't do it anymore. I won't put her down to scream alone, but I just don't have the stamina or state of mind to keep the whole cycle up. We've started now where we will take a few minutes to walk, bounce, etc, but if she's not calming, I'll just go sit with her in the rocker in her room until it stops. It often means that I'm sitting there hugging her rubbing her back while she claws and scratches me and shrieks for 40 minutes before falling asleep, but right now I don't feel we have any other option. I'm at my wits end! 

I forgot to mention, with my DD we used the exhaust fan on HIGH in the kitchen as well as the fan in the bathroom - they were LIFESAVERS (white noise).  We were in a TINY apartment, so I would often have her nap in the bathroom or kitchen while in her car seat (the elevation helped her not spit up while sleeping) hoping she would sleep for a decent stretch!  

[LilMomma83]

JenineJEssica - I some how missed your other post... Have you thought about taking you little one to a chiropracter? The one we took Naomi to had not only helped babies with breastfeeding issues but helped even more babies with colic. I always thought it was silly when my mama friends would talk about taking their babies to the chiro but after bringing my own LO and also talking with the chiro and so forth it makes perfect sense. Just a suggestion, if you haven't done it :-)

[AshleeS]

Originally Posted by LilMomma83 

JenineJEssica - I some how missed your other post... Have you thought about taking you little one to a chiropractor? The one we took Naomi to had not only helped babies with breastfeeding issues but helped even more babies with colic. I always thought it was silly when my mama friends would talk about taking their babies to the chiro but after bringing my own LO and also talking with the chiro and so forth it makes perfect sense. Just a suggestion, if you haven't done it :-)

I agree. Worth a shot!  We took my DD twice a week for a few weeks around 2/3 months old.  I was desperate (and I totally believe in chiro).  The chiropractor was great and specializes in pediatric/family care, but it wasn't the magic fix I was hoping for ;)  Maybe I needed to continue with it longer?  It's hard to keep paying for it though when you don't see tangible improvement.  It was worth it to me though...it can only help!!! 
 

[onetwoten]

Thanks for the support everyone. I know it -will- get better, and we're trying to just take it one day at a time. It's hard because you feel like you can't complain about it to most people, because if you're not willing to just put her down and walk away, then they feel like it must not be that bad. I get so tired of everyone's responses being to either give her formula and go out, or that she's learning to manipulate us and we need to put her down so she can self soothe. 

I'm sorry, but I really don't get how a 9 week old, who can barely even move her arms the ways she wants, is going to effectively self soothe?
 

Originally Posted by AshleeS 

Oh, and have you tried block nursing?  That may help too (so she can still comfort nurse, without getting a huge volume/high feed of the lactose rich foremilk).  It may be that you're dealing with oversupply in addition to reflux (I know that was a contributing problem with my DD and her constant spitting up).  If she's being limited to a specific length of time while nursing she may not be getting enough hindmilk.  All that foremilk will cause lots of discomfort, fussiness, and GI issues too.  You probably know about this all, but just thought I'd mention it because I have to reduce my supply each baby because of the issues oversupply creates  :(

After DD my husband and I seriously considered NEVER having anymore children (she was that difficult).  But guess what?  DS2 is SO much easier than my last two and NEVER spits up!  LOL Each baby is so different.  More hugs your way...

I've been block feeding in about 3 hours intervals, but it doesn't seem to make a difference. She still gets quite a bit of milk. I know others were talking about how they noticed their LO's have different sucks when they're just comfort nursing, but she doesn't really do that. It seems like she's always actively sucking. 
 

Originally Posted by AshleeS 

I forgot to mention, with my DD we used the exhaust fan on HIGH in the kitchen as well as the fan in the bathroom - they were LIFESAVERS (white noise).  We were in a TINY apartment, so I would often have her nap in the bathroom or kitchen while in her car seat (the elevation helped her not spit up while sleeping) hoping she would sleep for a decent stretch!  

She likes white noise, but the manufactured white noise sounds drive DH crazy, as in he can't be in the same room with them - instant headache. We had a small heater that had a fan setting and that didn't ssem to make a difference, but I think we're going to try a real fan and see if it does. It's funny thought, because like I said, she sleeps wonderfully at night- just the days she has trouble with.n

Originally Posted by LilMomma83 

I really should try it...just because I've gotten used to it after 3 kids doesn't mean it wouldn't be better without I suppose ;-) How long did it take to work?

I think I noticed a difference within like 2-3 days. I kind of assumed that was self fulfilling prophecy for it to work that quickly, but if I stop taking ot for 2-3 days, I notice the symptoms all come back, so maybe not.

Originally Posted by LilMomma83 

JenineJEssica - I some how missed your other post... Have you thought about taking you little one to a chiropracter? The one we took Naomi to had not only helped babies with breastfeeding issues but helped even more babies with colic. I always thought it was silly when my mama friends would talk about taking their babies to the chiro but after bringing my own LO and also talking with the chiro and so forth it makes perfect sense. Just a suggestion, if you haven't done it :-)

I would love to take her, but they scare DH, and I feel like I need to respect his wishes. I keep bringing it up to him, and we talk about it, but he's not ready, he's way too fearful it will hurt her (he had a very bad experience with a chiro who damaged his back more). I should look up some videos of infant chiro though and see if that helps. Or maybe even just massage.... 

She had a really good day yesterday, and then a rough night. She fell asleep very easily each time she woke up, but she was waking up much more often than usual, and I think it's because when she was nursing, she was only nursing for a few minutes at a time-- so she was going back to sleep, but she was stiull hungry, so her tummy would wake her up in like 90 minutes as opposed to our nice 3-4 hours stretches. Mama's tired today, but hopeful for another good day!

[AshleeS]

JenineJessica - one more thing I thought about doing (but didn't) with my DD was pump exclusively and bottle feed (to control the volume and have foremilk/hindmilk blended).  Looking back, I probably should have tried it, but for obvious reasons I was hesitant (ex. all the extra work and time with pumping, fear of her not taking the breast later, worried about long term supply). 

[aeterna]

So here's a fun question for you ladies: has anyone else noticed they're extra gassy post partum? I've noticed a lot more flatulence (wow this is awkward, lol) and I've also noticed it has become a lot, uhm, louder. xD

I thought it would fade after pregnancy but I swear I think it's getting worse! My diet hadn't changed at all, and it's not painful or (usually) stinky, it's just loud and frequent and embarrassing. >.>

I'm glad the B complex is working for you, too, Jenine. I think I'm about ready to wean off it, since I can skip doses without recurring pain now, but it was definitely a lifesaver for a while!

[onetwoten]

I did the first couple weeks pp, but not so much anymore. Not really sure why! It's an odd thing to think about, because you're right, my diet didn't really change that first little bit. Just hormonal I guess?

[AshleeS]

Originally Posted by aeterna 

So here's a fun question for you ladies: has anyone else noticed they're extra gassy post partum? I've noticed a lot more flatulence (wow this is awkward, lol) and I've also noticed it has become a lot, uhm, louder. xD
I thought it would fade after pregnancy but I swear I think it's getting worse! My diet hadn't changed at all, and it's not painful or (usually) stinky, it's just loud and frequent and embarrassing. 

I haven't noticed it too much this time (perhaps less gassy during this pg and pp because I have been gluten free? maybe my digestion has improved a lot).  But I definitely had gas issues pp with the first two. I kind of contributed it to all the extra food I was consuming esp nuts (which can be difficult to digest in large quantities).  But I'm always starving while nursing!
 

[APToddlerMama]

JJ-- I really feel for you.  My first sounds exactly like your dd except he also woke up every 20 minutes all flipping night long.  Have you tried cutting dairy?  This was suggested to me and I waited like 20 months to do it.  I loved dairy. Worst plan ever as DS1 was a different kid off of it.  He's still a serious challenge but food affects him majorly.  

I think I was the one who suggested b6. Just be careful you're not taking more than 50mg/day long term.   You can take 200 for four days straight and then have to cut down so you don't have nerve damage. 

Hang in there.  Getting away even to grocery shop alone or do something briefly where my ears and mind had a break from the crying helped me immensely. Trust she is yours because you are the right mama for her and have what she needs to get through this difficult time. 

[APToddlerMama]

Oh an alternative to Chiro is craniosacral therapy. It is very gentle light touch (weight of a Nickle on your skin).  Very different from Chiro but has worked well for us. 

[AshleeS]

Originally Posted by APToddlerMama 

Oh an alternative to Chiro is craniosacral therapy. It is very gentle light touch (weight of a Nickle on your skin).  Very different from Chiro but has worked well for us. 

Many Chiropractors (esp those who work with children) are trained in cranio and that actually makes up a huge part of how they treat infants.  I'm a massage therapist and have been trained in a little craniosacral as well.  With my challenging DD I had a massage therapist friend who specialized in craniosacral therapy work on her a little.  It's always worth a shot!  But I second the dairy suggestion ;)
 

[mammamo]

I third the dairy!