Postpartum mamas: how's it going? « Back to Group Discussions

[LightForest]

I saw the suggestion in the weekly chat to begin a postpartum thread - thought I'd take the bait as I type one-handed while snuggling my babe!

How's everyone doing?? I'm interested to hear about everyone's physical healing, crazy emotions, ridiculous family members, breastfeeding adventures, sibling interactions... I'm sure there's more!

Oops, babe is fussing. I'll come back on when I get a chance - there are a few things that I could definitely use support/commiseration on

[LightForest]

My main "issue" so far is just that I feel so isolated! I gave birth last Sunday morning and haven't left the house a single time. My midwife has been sort of strict with me about taking it easy, not doing any work around the house and not going for walks or anything, for at least a week. When I had my first baby, I was up and active starting at 4 hours postpartum out of necessity -- I had a homebirth then we had to take DD to the pediatric ER, and then she spent a week in the NICU. So needless to say, my postpartum health was not a top priority. My initial healing process went well, but I had residual pain for months after giving birth whenever I would physically exert myself.

This time, luckily, baby and I have been perfectly healthy so I've been able to have the "ideal" healing time... But I just don't know what to do with myself! I am fearful of experiencing that longer-term pain again when I overdo it. My midwife instructed me to take a proactive approach and make an appointment with a physical therapist ASAP. This just feels like such a hassle to me right now. I'm so bad at taking care of myself... I can't quite figure out what a physical therapist would DO for me... Tell me to do kegels??

Let's see, other than that things are going pretty well for us... My milk came in in the last couple of days and I'm dealing with that as best I can. Seems like I have a few milk blisters that I can't get rid of (little hard white bumps)... And it feels like my milk is flowing really slowly, if that makes sense. The baby has a good suck, but my breasts just don't feel like they're getting drained. His diaper output is good, so I'm mainly just worried about keeping engorgement at bay I guess. Pumping and hand expressing isn't helping much, either. I got maybe an ounce, two max, from various attempts to relieve the fullness yesterday. Could there me some connection between the milk blisters and slow flow? I've tried warm compresses followed by nursing or pumping a few times now, and haven't cleared things up yet...

[akind1]

Honestly, I never feel really drained during the engorged phase. I've pumped a little more than 3 oz just off one side. It's going to my freezer stash so it's not a bad thing.
If your babe is happy I wouldnit worry about the speed of flow.

Afm: physical healing, I finally had a decent BM, thank you hemmroids. Otherwise other than a little soreness and cramping, I feel pretty normal. I'm in my pre pregnancy jeans, almost back at pre pregnancy weight.
Breastfeeding is going great. Right now we are having about an hour of cluster feeding followed by 3-4 hours of sleep, with spurts of alertness thrown in randomly.
Siblings: my 3 yo boy is doing fantastic. So sweet, loving and gentle with Theo. I am really pleasantly surprised, as he has a tendency towards jealousy and is a mama's boy all the way. My 17 month old girl is ignoring him for the most part, but enjoying the return of her baby gear. I think she will perk up once Theo becomes more interactive.

I'm wanting to try to establish a good routine for us during my 8 wk maternity leave, but right now, it's not high on the priority list.

[Chapsie]

LightForest,

 Engorgement isn't just milk, it's also inflammation in your breasts from all that increased blood flow and "work" that your breasts need to do to establish lactation.  So, they will probably still feel pretty full (but lighter) after nursing.  Be careful expressing more than to just relieve a little discomfort.  The more milk that you remove from your breasts, the more milk you will make!  There is a protein called the Feedback Inhibitor of Lactation (FIL) that controls the "supply and demand" of nursing. So, just be careful not to over-express so you don't make too much milk which can make engorgement even worse or prolonged.  :) 

As far as the milk blisters go, they can be caused by oversupply as well!  Here is a helpful article about them: http://kellymom.com/bf/concerns/mother/nipplebleb/

If you feel like your let down is slow, try to do some relaxation exercises when you nurse.  Turn the lights down, listen to soothing music, avoid distractions, and just think about how wonderful your baby is!  

[jodieanneanton]

Lightforest-  Thanks for starting this thread.  :)  When I had DD1, I pumped while engorged and had to deal with MAJOR oversupply.  And because I was a firsttimer, I didn't even know that was my problem for months.  Booo!  So, echoing Chapsie's advice, only pump enough to relieve discomfort/pain...more than that can cause a whole other set of problems!!!

akind1- I love the name Theodore with a nickname of Theo.  It was on our short list and am hoping to use it next time.  :)  I am in my prepregnancy jeans and at my prepregnancy weight, too!!!!!!!

AFM-  

I feel really good all around.  Emotionally, great...as long as I get enough sleep, that is!!!  Naps are still pretty much a daily requirement, though. Physically, great.  I had no tearing at all and that has helped tremendously!  I was even interested in "marital intimacy" after day 3!!!  lol.  DH thought I was crazy and said, "You just had a baby!"  lol.  I had to get the midwives "ok" before he'd consider it and even still, he put it off for a little bit while HE recovered from the birth!  lol.

The girls LOVE their little brother...sometimes a little too much.  lol.  DD1 holds him most days while I shower and somehow gets him to fall asleep when he's fussing.  I'll be all rushing through my shower since I hear him fussing and I come out to a calm sleeping baby!  Such a maternal little lady she is!  DD2 is less interested in holding him but loves lathering him with kisses!  DDs have had a little bit of acting out issues separate from the baby, but porb caused by the transition, so I have been working a lot on really focusing lots of time and energy on them... ESPECIALLY when Graham is sleeping.

My only real problem right now is that poor baby is having tummy issues.  Lots of gas and straining (though his poops are normal).  It makes it hard for me to sleep.  He doesn't seem in pain from the gas, but the grunting/pushing/gas is constant.  I am thinking about cutting dairy to see if that helps... but I don't know.  Also, his latch is a little weak.  I have to do a lot of manuevering and coaxing to get him to open his mouth wide enough! I am not sure his tongue is over his lower gums when he nurses either, b/c it hurts most of the time I nurse.  I am going to go to a support group with a lactation consultant to get some hands on help with that hopefully this week!

[SamSarah]

My only real problem right now is that poor baby is having tummy issues.  Lots of gas and straining (though his poops are normal).  It makes it hard for me to sleep.  He doesn't seem in pain from the gas, but the grunting/pushing/gas is constant.  I am thinking about cutting dairy to see if that helps... but I don't know.  Also, his latch is a little weak.  I have to do a lot of manuevering and coaxing to get him to open his mouth wide enough! I am not sure his tongue is over his lower gums when he nurses either, b/c it hurts most of the time I nurse.  I am going to go to a support group with a lactation consultant to get some hands on help with that hopefully this week!

JODIEANNEANTON:  I was just talking with my good friend with a three month old yesterday and her babe had this same challenge.  For them, what helped was that the mom cut out dairy products and all was well (or at least 90% well).  I'm sure you're getting lots and lots of suggestions, but thought I'd send it along anyway.   

[MPsSweetie]

Thanks for starting this! I kind of didn't know where to post, being past the delivery phase. And actually, even though this pregnancy was TOUGH I miss it already! :/. And it was our last, so that makes it even harder. I had some serious depression before delivery, cried all the time, even had some bad thoughts. I think that's one reason my dr decided to go ahead and break my water. I started on Zoloft the next day, and haven't felt nearly as sad. But I also feel like I haven't processed the birth yet. It was so painful and crazy when it finally happened, I just can't wrap my brain around it.
Otherwise, he is just the sweetest little boy! 12 days old today. He doesn't cry much, unless he's hungry or being changed.
Oops, brb!

[MPsSweetie]

Spoke too soon! Fussy baby!

Ok, nursing is good, I was engorged for a day or so, but nothing now. He has also gained an ounce over birth weight!

He is usually okay at night, nursing a bunch but not fussy. Last night he had a bad night though. Just real restless, grunty, etc...

Brothers and sister are adjusting well! Ds2 has been a little quiet, and mostly wants dh, but he's coming around.

I was down 20lbs at one week, after gaining almost 50. I've been binding and my stomach is almost back to normal, just a little pooch and still really soft. My bum though, that's a different story! Can't wait to work that off!!

[veganyogamomma]

Hey Mommas! I haven't posted in a while because my mom has been in town and keeping us busy. Evie will be one month old on Wednesday- time is flying! She's been nursing great, gained 2 lbs already, and sleeps like a dream. I did find that trying espresso the other day upset her tummy - looks like no caffeine for me. She is mostly sleeping 3-4 hour stretches though so I guess I don't need it that badly. We've gotten past our Breastfeeding issues so that's wonderful! I can't complain, this postpartum period has been so much easier than it was with DD1. I've been more active this week and feeling great. We took the girls to the zoo last weekend and walked quite a bit. I wore Evie in the ring sling and felt pretty good. After having to rest for four months of pregnancy, it's great to be feeling pretty normal again. I haven't had a single heart episode since the baby was born! YAY! I've lost 20 lbs so far but still have 25 to go to pre-pregnancy weight. Oh how I wish I was one of those women whose weight just falls off after baby comes! Oh well...

We are going to try big girl underwear instead of diapers for DD1 tomorrow! I've got my fingers crossed but I will be fine either way because she's still so young (21 mos). But she's been showing an interest and has peed on the potty so I figure its worth a try. Especially with my mom here to help! Wish us luck

[beautifulnm]

Hi there,

Everything went smoothly for us. Pre-section I was just above the anemia range, and my levels did drop since I lost some blood of course but not like last time. No seeing spots like I'm going to pass out, wonderful! The delivery was good. I was getting anxious as we were going in, and it is an Adventist hospital, the lady taking me into the OR started praying and even though I don't share her faith it was actually really helpful. The anesthesiologist was so good too. She figured out what I had last time around when I got anxious and started seeing color blocks.. and reassured me that if I started feeling too anxious or panicky there are options and if need be they could slow down or stop until I was ready. The "blue curtain" upset me a little but there was some Jack Johnson, she talked to me about things other than the c-section, and literally as Baby E. was coming out I was thinking "this wasn't so bad this time, I could do this again!" I was able to get the catheter removed and be up pretty quickly. Day 3 and 4 were painful for me and I was a crabby patty to DS but now I'm day 6 and I feel pretty OK painwise. The pain isn't enough to put me in a bad mood and really my only complaint is my feet and ankles are more swollen than before I had her! Partly me overdoing it, and it's not the worst thing. I am so happy with the overall result and the birth center, it was just a world of difference. Baby E. is doing fantastic, she had her check up yesterday. No dramatic weight loss and nothing bad to report! I feel like myself again instead of being a big pregnant meanie and dh was teasing me it's just the hormones being extra nice trying to get pregnant again LOL. I'm just glad to be feeling back to "normal." Yay, babies ;)

Oh, and -20 lbs 6 days pp. Yay again.

[eternalw]

Originally Posted by beautifulnm 

Hi there,

Everything went smoothly for us. Pre-section I was just above the anemia range, and my levels did drop since I lost some blood of course but not like last time. No seeing spots like I'm going to pass out, wonderful! The delivery was good. I was getting anxious as we were going in, and it is an Adventist hospital, the lady taking me into the OR started praying and even though I don't share her faith it was actually really helpful. The anesthesiologist was so good too. She figured out what I had last time around when I got anxious and started seeing color blocks.. and reassured me that if I started feeling too anxious or panicky there are options and if need be they could slow down or stop until I was ready. The "blue curtain" upset me a little but there was some Jack Johnson, she talked to me about things other than the c-section, and literally as Baby E. was coming out I was thinking "this wasn't so bad this time, I could do this again!" I was able to get the catheter removed and be up pretty quickly. Day 3 and 4 were painful for me and I was a crabby patty to DS but now I'm day 6 and I feel pretty OK painwise. The pain isn't enough to put me in a bad mood and really my only complaint is my feet and ankles are more swollen than before I had her! Partly me overdoing it, and it's not the worst thing. I am so happy with the overall result and the birth center, it was just a world of difference. Baby E. is doing fantastic, she had her check up yesterday. No dramatic weight loss and nothing bad to report! I feel like myself again instead of being a big pregnant meanie and dh was teasing me it's just the hormones being extra nice trying to get pregnant again LOL. I'm just glad to be feeling back to "normal." Yay, babies ;)

Oh, and -20 lbs 6 days pp. Yay again.

[babytoes]

Resurrecting this thread... Since there are some of us who would like a place to put all this postpartum stuff. Like me!

Lucianna is a little over two weeks old. I am feeling good, but I am still bleeding, I don't understand it! With my boys, I only bled for a maximum of 8-9 days, and we're on 16 days here, what is going on? I am frustrated by this and told my midwives, but they said as long as its not heavy or bright red it was normal. I'm not sitting around eating Bon Bons, but I'm not running marathons either, just normal housework, and I take it light and slow. I just don't get it, I feel like I'm healed (I had three stitches for minor tears), and I have been wiping normally for the last four days or so. If it wasn't for the bleeding, I would almost feel like evaluating the sexual side of things... I'm annoyed.

Breastfeeding is going well (she was back to her birth weight at four days old, and then up 8 more ounces five days later), my nipples are extremely sensitive, to the point that water hitting them in the shower is excruciating and I avoid allowing that to happen! I had very sore cracking nipples the first four days, but then they got better and they look normal, but they're very sensitive. I haven't had this issue before and I was wondering if anyone else was feeling this. Her latch is a bit shallow, and she doesnt open very wide, so I usually end up gathering enough of my nipple between my thumb and finger to stuff into her mouth in order to make sure she has a good latch. She also has started choking while nursing. At first I thought it was because of my fast and heavy let down, but she'll do it even after my let down is done. I have to sit her up quickly, and she always tosses her head around trying to get air then screams once she gets a breath! It's a bit disturbing! Has anyone had a baby do this? 

I am loving the baby snuggles! She is very snuggly, and likes to be held all the time, which is fine for us, since neither DP nor myself can get enough of her! And god, don't they smell great?

Edited by babytoes - 3/22/13 at 9:59pm

[MPsSweetie]

My bleeding comes and goes, at 17 days. I was so close to taking my pad off earlier today, after a couple days dry, but just had a gush. :/
Atlas chokes on my milk also. It's scary to see, but I remember my last baby doing it also.
Ahhh, babies smell awesome!! I just smell him all day. His breath, his neck, his head. I worry myself sometime, I just want to eat him! Lol

Anybody else's baby restless only at night? I wonder if its because its quiet and dark, because he's fine during the day. We cosleep btw.

[LightForest]

babytoes, I have the same sensitive nipple issue - especially in the shower! Yowch!!! It's a sort of sharp stinging feeling. I'm having trouble getting my baby (12 days old) to open wide when he latches. I remember having the same trouble with my first baby. Am trying to be patient, but I'm also trying to consistently at least try for a better latch. My bleeding is also coming and going. Yesterday I had none. Then today I had some again. Again, trying to just be patient and take it easy.

Baby E was up to 7 pounds 11 ounces (birth weight was 7lbs 5oz) at our first doctor's visit at 9 days old. He's beginning to lose some of those old man wrinkles as he pudges up!

[veganyogamomma]

Evie chokes on my milk a little bit too! I think its relatively normal when they're so small...

I was just laying here on the couch with her sleeping on my chest, breathing in the scent of her. Oh my goodness, its heavenly. I could sniff her all day haha. The new baby stage makes me rethink our decisions to be done.

We have been doing tummy time then a quick dip in the tub at night right before bed, and shes been sleeping great for the first stretch. Last night she went six hours before her first wakeup! Holy crap, DD1 never slept that long til at least six months old. Crazy to be so rested with a new babe! We had her one month appt. yesterday and shes already almost 11 pounds! Shes up two and a half pounds from birth and already out of newborn clothes. Its going too fast!!

[veganyogamomma]

Also is anyone dealing with the least helpful family ever?? My mom came into town for ten days and helped me SO much. My DHs brother and his family live around the corner and have come over once. They asked us to watch their five year old son tonight (who has behavioral issues and is so mean to DD1) and I agreed. Then they drop him off, imply that he will stay overnight (first I've heard of this) and tell me hes sick. WTF?!?!! I have a one month old baby here. Is it a joke?! My DH is working tomorrow so now I will have to deal with an extra kid by myself, and one who is really difficult too. I am so annoyed. I made DH text his brother and tell him that he will drop their son off at five am on his way to work. I don't think I will ever agree to babysit for them again!!!

[SlimP]

Babytoes, sounds like her shallow latch is causing your sore nipples. My midwife chastised me for allowing DS to nipple-feed instead of breast-feed and since I've concentrated on getting him to open wide before latching on, my nipple soreness is all but gone. No cracks or bleeding like I had with DS1 either.
I have oversupply issues, and am still a bit engorged on day 6, so once baby is latched on I lie back so he's nursing uphill.....it helps the choking somewhat.

Instead of losing weight, baby surpassed his birthweight by 8 ounces at our first postpartum appt 4 days after birth!! Midwife had to check her scales, ha, but I recall it was the same with DS1. Red raspberry leaf tea is great postpartum also for enriching your milk and I drink it with nettle, red clover and other nutritional herbs. Seems to pay off!

After feeding every 1-1 1/2 hrs the last few days, DS slept for several 3 hr stretches, in fact there was a few dream feeds in the mix, do maybe even longer. DS1 was a terrible sleeper, he woke that often at 12 months, so any improvement on that is better than expected......

Although, baby is so far great at night, I'm up a lot myself. I wake a least once with soaked bedclothes from postpartum night sweats, bleurgh , I'd forgotten how horrible they are. I have to change clothes, make hot water bottles to dry the mattress out and have a hot cup of tea to warm me up again. And then it repeats a couple of hours later! I believe this is worse when EBF but don't know why......prolactin levels maybe?

[babytoes]

MPsSweetie I remember one of my other kiddos having a hard time settling down at night. I ended up getting some white noise into the room (I think it was a fan) and that helped a lot. Even now, we have a Sleep Mate that I can't live without. Literally, I bring it with us whenever we are staying over night any where.

VYM, That sucks!! Why would they dump a sick kid off with you and your newborn? Seems pretty insensitive to me. And kudos for making DH drop him off at 5am! Thats exactly what I would do!

LightForest and Slim, I think it is from the shallow latch. I haven't ever had this problem and it's pretty new to me. I have been trying to get as much of me into her mouth as I can, but it's hard to do, she is very impatient with me, as soon as I lay her down and start undoing my bra, she knows what is happening and gets a little "frantic" acting. She always does it, too, even when she is cluster feeding, so it's got nothing to do with hunger, I think its just her personality. I am hoping that as she gets older her mouth will get bigger and then her latch will be better, in the mean time, my poor nips are suffering! I don't know if there is anyway to get her to latch better, she opens her mouth as wide as she can, at least I think. Her ped has access to LC, maybe I should contact them and see what she thinks. I feel like I should be able to handle this, she is my fourth baby, shouldn't I know how to breastfeed by now? Maybe not, huh?

Sorry about the night sweats, I have been lucky to not get them this time, but I did have them with DS3... no fun!!

[MPsSweetie]

I love hearing about all the babies! Sometimes I can't believe he's here and I'm not pregnant anymore!

[babytoes]

I agree Sweetie! Its very strange to not be peeing every 1.5 hours... but God am I glad that's done with! It feels so good to be into the fourth trimester, I didn't think I was ever going to go into labor! 

Does anyone remember what website it was that the video of good and bad latches? I thought it was LLL but I cant find anything. I did find a lot of info on kellymom, and I have come to the conclusion that Lucy's latch is not right. Her lower lip is curled in, no wonder I have sensitive nipples! I am going to attempt to get her lower lip rolled out next time I nurse her, hopefully soon, she's been sleeping for over two hours and I'm worried she'll wake up so hungry that she'll be intolerant of me messing with her session.