Weekly Postpartum Chit-Chat & Support 11/1-11/7

[Amber Lion]

nak

Hope no one minds me starting this! I think this will be an easier way for checking in w/each other than a really long thread. I know I could use some fellow Momma love.

Addie is a week old already, how did that happen?!? It's amazing how time can crawl (like during a 3 am nursing) and still fly by. We went on our first outing yesterday to watch the Halloween parade andI'm surprised how much a little walk wore me out.

On the nursing front, my nipples are almost completely healed from figuring out her latch, but they are sore-er than ever! How can that be!? The initial latch is intense, but once under way it's fine. In between nursing though they are so sensitive to any touch. Hoping they toughrn up or whatever soon!

Got a little weepy the past 2 days, must be baby blues. I just started crying! I think I'm missing my Dh; seems our only interactions have been doing baby duties and when one of us is awake the other is sleeping. Or he's off doing something while I sit nursing. Or he's watching her while I take a quick break. He's going back to work on Monday and I feel like he might as well nt have taken a week off for as much as I've seen him. But I know that's not really true - he's spent a lot of time with Addie and is smitten.

I'm really looking forward to catching up with all of you! I've really missed the support even though I'm so enraptured by my little girl. Hope you all are doing well!

[mkmb129]

I like the idea of a weekly thread, too! Thanks for starting it

And my nipples are the same. They were never cracked or anything, just very sore. Now it's only when she latches that they're sore, unless she's being a pill and refuse to latch right (my son was just like this, he didn't like a good latch, he liked it how he did and would spit me out until he got it how he wanted it, which hurt me!). It took a couple of months with him for the pain to go away.

And I hear you on the baby blues. I've been a wreck. I'm taking fish oil, a prenatal & b complex to help. I also felt similar (missing dh) after my first was born. This time I feel it, but it's not as intense since I didn't have a ton of time with just him anyway. But they'll only be so little and demanding for so long.. soon we'll be wishing they'd spend more time with us!

AAM: My sister said she'd come stay with me when dh leaves which has relieved so much stress, and I'm really feeling the relief in my supply. I was so stressed, crying most of the day for the last week. I don't know why the thought of being alone with the two kids is so terrifying, but it is. I'm hoping to be able to enjoy his last week here now that I've got someone to stay with me. Ainsley is still sleeping so well at night, which is just a god send! And the guilt I'm feeling over messing up Colin's routine & not having as much time for him I feel slooooowly starting to ease up.

[farmerjess]

Originally Posted by Amber Lion

nak

Got a little weepy the past 2 days, must be baby blues. I just started crying! I think I'm missing my Dh; seems our only interactions have been doing baby duties and when one of us is awake the other is sleeping. Or he's off doing something while I sit nursing. Or he's watching her while I take a quick break. He's going back to work on Monday and I feel like he might as well nt have taken a week off for as much as I've seen him. But I know that's not really true - he's spent a lot of time with Addie and is smitten.

nak I felt this so strongly around day 5 or so. I broke down to dh and told him how horribly I missed him. I felt like I hadn't seen him in a week though he was here the whole time. I guess its just 1st time mamas mourning the change in our relationships.

I think Ive cried everyday of the last 14 except for one. Ive never cried this much in my life, I am mostly pretty stoic. Poor dh is getting used to the new me.

My lo is getting sloppy with his latch and being stubborn about it too. My nipples had healed almost completely, and then he stopped wanting to open his mouth very wide. Now I don't feed without manually wrenching his chin down for him. And i have to do this several times a feed every time he unlatches. Sidelying was a lifesaver for me because I couldn't sit on my butt for the 1st week, but he can't get a good latch like that anymore for some reason, and it hurts so bad, so I think I need to start sitting up to night feed. I think I need to make a LC appt for this week.

All this does get easier right??

[mkmb129]

Originally Posted by farmerjess

All this does get easier right??

YES! It's so hard to accept that it does, but it does. I had an absolutely terrible time with my first. The first 8 weeks were ROUGH. But it did in fact get easier.. so much easier, it was almost over night, too! Not all take so long to get easier. Usually it's the first 6wks that are the hardest part. You're learning, baby's learning. I'm having the same problem with latching, b/c little miss won't open her mouth wide. I can only get a GOOD latch that doesn't take 15mins if she's screaming But it will for sure get easier!

[abber]

Finn is now about 40 hours old! I've been really sad because he had high jaundice levels and I KNOW that we should be breastfeeding to help clear it out, but we were having so many problems nursing (poor suckle, my super flat nipples) that we decided to supplement. I've been pumping like crazy and he gets every drop that comes out, and we're finger feeding him the formula. The finger feeding seems to have helped his suckle a bit, he had a really weak suckle the first night.

A lot of his birth and first days were definitely not what I expected or planned. I'm okay though. He's a strong baby and he's been able to bond pretty well with daddy during feedings and we've had some amazing snuggle sessions

and really omgwtfbbq my lady parts and biceps are SO SORE.

[TaraRae82]

Thanks for starting a weekly thread Emily! Definitely a good idea considering how many of us are participating now! And we all now what a chatty bunch we are!

DH and I had our first date night since Ally Rae's birth. She went along of course but it was still nice to get out for dinner with my hubby. I cannot believe she'll be 4wks old on Tuesday! That just doesn't seem possible!

[birthdancedoula]

Originally Posted by farmerjess

nak I felt this so strongly around day 5 or so. I broke down to dh and told him how horribly I missed him. I felt like I hadn't seen him in a week though he was here the whole time. I guess its just 1st time mamas mourning the change in our relationships.

This was me, too...except on day 6 and I'm a 5th time mama. Dh had a client he had to show houses to and he was gone (albeit for 3-4hrs a day) for 3 of Iris' first 6 days. I lost it on the 6th day and begged him not to leave. It was almost like someone had invaded my body, I could not stop crying. Its definately gotten better each day but I still feel very overwhelmed by it all.

It does get easier, I promise!

[TaraRae82]

^I'm feeling that way now that DH is back at work. His job is very demanding so he rarely gets home before 7 or 8pm and by then Ally's ready to marathon nurse and doesn't want anything to do with him. So, I don't get my break and because she's attached to me, I don't get any attention from DH. It's been a rough week emotionally.

[Baby_Cakes]

Whew, what a day so far. For some reason I felt like I didn't get any sleep last night, even though I know I got at least 4 hours. The only thing I did differently was I had Nora sleep next to me instead of on my chest, and I think I was more aware of her noises and grunts than if she's just safe on my chest. She just gets so congested and snarfly when she sleeps on my chest. I think it's b/c she is inadvertently on a decline (her head is lower than the rest of her body) and her poor little sinuses just fill up.

Nora's latch has gotten a bit lazy, too. Our 4 am feeding wasn't going well b/c she was like, barely sucking. Milk was running all down me, all over her, I was like, come on, not at 4 am, I do not have the patience for this! Eventually we got a good meal in, but geez.

I'm running out today on my own (hallelujah!) to the mall to see if I can find some clothes that fit. My mat jeans are so big but I don't fit into my pre preg 6's or 8's. I think I'm more of a 12 now. Boo, hiss. It's these darn hips. But still, I need something that fits other than yoga pants!

I want to hang out with my husband too. I miss him like crazy, especially now that he's back at work. I feel like all our conversations are strained or they're about Nora. But, I make a point to ask him how work is and to actually listen to his response and try to get a conversation going. It helps to feel connected.

Nora's going to be a month old tomorrow. A month. WTH?! But at the same time I can't remember not knowing her. I feel like she's always been here, and that we've known her all along. Strange!

[audsma]

Hey, mamas. Great idea on the weekly chat. I was thinking this would be good, as I got exhausted trying to catch up with the pp thread before posting there.

I'm with you on the emotions-- cry very easily-- and on the missing DH thing. We cuddled for the first time last night, and it felt so centering to just be able to be with him without one kid or another needing something from us. Sadly, we had that chance because my FIL was reading to DD, but it reminded me of how much I've been missing DH. Before DS was born 13 days ago, we had a few hours together every evening. Now I'm just too tired, as he is, to get up again. Hopefully this will change too, for all of us.

Bryson went trick or treating with us last night-- dressed up as a pumpkin-- so cute, but we only lasted three houses in the cold and rain. Then, I had a chance to sit in the car and nurse him, then just stare at him (my most frequent occupation these days, it seems.)

My folks arrived today for a visit, and I am so bummed because I had intended to take Bryson out to his first Farmer's Market-- I only missed one, but it was just raining too hard, and had to quickly revise so I could shop at the grocery store instead. Where's the inspiration in that? And, I'm so proud of my farmers that I wanted my folks to meet them. Oh well, perhaps I get to show him off next week to all of the people who grew the healthy food that made him such a wonderful strong little guy.

DD and DH are out of town right now, so I'll probably break down crying some time tonight. I thought it was a good idea initially, but no longer, now that they are gone. Oh well, they'll be back tomorrow.

Have a good weekend, mamas!

[Amber Lion]

Glad to hear I'm not the only one with this weird feeling of not having seen Dh even though he's been here the whole time. I tried explaining it to him and it was hard for him to understand. But he's been trying to come kiss me and tell me he's "right here" more and that is helping.

The midwives just left... Addie has gained 12 oz in the past 4 days!!!! OMG I'm so proud of us! She'd only lost 4 oz, so she's way over her birth weight now at a week old. Gives new meaning to the every 2 hr clockwork feedings.

Dh, my Mom and I might break out the carseat for the first time and run to target. I desperately need nursing bras and some pants & our baby item list has grown each day. I'm a little nervous about it b/c I still need so many pillows to nurse, but I guess if she needs it I can go out to the car. When do you start being able to nurse w/out all the pillows?!

[heidirk]

DH's client wasn't available today, and I felt wickedly happy about him having to stay home with us!

I got a long nap today, because both boys napped well- Milo is still sleeping!- but it screws up my day, and now it's supper time, and I never got my shower or got to the grocery store. I'm trying not to feel guilty, because I know I needed the sleep, but golly!

Fatigue is about the only thing I'm dealing with on the PP front. . . but I wish DH wasn't gone for 10 hours every day, that just sucks big time.

[Mamja]

Originally Posted by mkmb129

Usually it's the first 6wks that are the hardest part.

Happy to hear that... Carolyn is 6 weeks 2 days and things are the roughest they've been. She was much easier when she was a couple weeks old, now she seems somewhat colicky.

But on a happier note, today she started smiling at DH and I! And real smiles, not gassy smiles! :

Emotionally, I am feeling a lot better. I had the baby blues, too, at first, but those seemed to go away around 3-4 weeks. Once we had a routine down.

[ibusymomto5]

I'm glad there's a weekly thread now.

Sorry for all of you who are dealing with sore nipples/breastfeeding troubles. It's not fun. At 1mo pp all my soreness is gone, and latching is much easier. Hang in there mamas! It'll get easier soon!

I've been a little emotional this go around too. In fact, I was feeling pretty bad last week. I started taking fish oil, and it's helped so much!

I'm enjoying a thoroughly cleaned house and empty laundry baskets this evening. Dh and the kids chipped in and got the house sparkling clean top to bottom. The kids even straightened their closets. I love it. Now my older girls are in the kitchen making fried chicken, mashed potatoes & gravy, homemade biscuits, and a cake for a dessert. I haven't had much appetite lately and keep feeling like I'm not eating enough, but I'm going to enjoy this meal!: Speaking of which.. my 8yo ds just came in to tell me it's ready.

Hope everyone is having a good weekend!

[Baby_Cakes]

Originally Posted by Amber Lion

The midwives just left... Addie has gained 12 oz in the past 4 days!!!! OMG I'm so proud of us! She'd only lost 4 oz, so she's way over her birth weight now at a week old. Gives new meaning to the every 2 hr clockwork feedings.

Dh, my Mom and I might break out the carseat for the first time and run to target. I desperately need nursing bras and some pants & our baby item list has grown each day. I'm a little nervous about it b/c still need so many pillows to nurse, but I guess if she needs it I can go out to the car. When do you start being able to nurse w/out all the pillows?!

Good work on the weight gain, mama!

Nursing gets easier. I was able to nurse in the car in the parking deck at the hospital when Nora was 5 or 6 days old. Your arms may get tired, but you can do it if need be!

Is my Target the only Target that doesn't have nursing bras or tanks??

Originally Posted by heidirk

I got a long nap today, because both boys napped well- Milo is still sleeping!- but it screws up my day, and now it's supper time, and I never got my shower or got to the grocery store. I'm trying not to feel guilty, because I know I needed the sleep, but golly!

Man, I love those long naps. There were/are days when brushing my teeth is all I get to, and I really don't give a hoot. Don't feel guilty! Please! You are feeding your baby and yourself -- you are doing your job.

AAM - I went to the mall and got a pair of "normal" jeans! Boo that they are a 12, but it makes me even more determined to lose the weight fast. I really hope going back to the gym next week makes a difference. I think it will, but we'll see. I also got 3 nursing shirts that are really comfy and a glamourmom nursing tank. So comfortable!

[Bella Catalina]

Hi mamas

Today is Day 6 and the blues have hit. With DS1, it was day 5 and after having a really good cry, I'm pretty sure I was fine again. Today I have been such a b*tch and ready to cry at the drop of a hat... and what's worse is that there's no reason (well I know it's the hormone dump but that doesn't make it easier on DH or DS1). DH doesn't get it and was teasing me, and this afternoon has been deliberately picking fights over stupid stupid things... and he wonders why I don't confide in him about how I'm feeling.

On the Jasper front, my nipples are healing but the initial latch still makes my toes curl - part of me wonders if he doesn't extend his tongue far enough. I hand express a few drops first and coat my nipples and areola, which seems to help with the friction. I also can't wait until I can shower without the spray making me curse everytime it hits my nipples.

He'd dropped 6oz around 36 hours old and was back to an ounce under his birth weight yesterday (after a huge poop!) so it's great to see that he's gaining--DS1 was still an ounce under birth weight at 18 days.

Anyway, dinner is ready, gotta run... BBL!

[AmamaAgain]

helppp! someone please take me away from here!!!

im in tears. DS has been screaming everytime he wakes up. its so loud im into the bathroom w/ him to keep the neighbors from hearing and complaining to the landlord. i dont know what to do. i really want some sleep tonight. he's fed, clean, and just seems mad to be awake, the only thing that quiets him is a bottle but i cant keep feeding him. im holding him and at my whits end....stop the screaming!!!

[ibusymomto5]

AmamaAgain - This might sound a bit weird, but one of my fussy babies liked to be carried in a sling while I vacuumed. It would soothe her right to sleep. I remember a couple of desperate times with her when I just plugged the vacuum in and let it run in the same room as her while she was in her bouncy seat so I could quickly do a little laundry or whatever. Sounds strange, but it always worked like magic. She would go from screaming to instantly quiet. Maybe it'd be worth a try... Also, maybe giving your ds a bath might help? Either in his tub or you and him both in the big tub.

Hope something works for you.. I know that's gotta be rough.

[janasmama]

Originally Posted by Amber Lion

Got a little weepy the past 2 days, must be baby blues. I just started crying! I think I'm missing my Dh; seems our only interactions have been doing baby duties and when one of us is awake the other is sleeping. Or he's off doing something while I sit nursing. Or he's watching her while I take a quick break. He's going back to work on Monday and I feel like he might as well nt have taken a week off for as much as I've seen him. But I know that's not really true - he's spent a lot of time with Addie and is smitten.

I've felt this way after having each of our children. It is a bit emotional....but it gets better in a few weeks.

Originally Posted by TaraRae82

DH and I had our first date night since Ally Rae's birth. She went along of course but it was still nice to get out for dinner with my hubby. I cannot believe she'll be 4wks old on Tuesday! That just doesn't seem possible!

We just went out on a date also. We took Annalise but had babysitters for our other two. It was fun to go somewhere with just Annalise and give her all our attention b/c she doesn't get all of it very often.

[QUOTE=AmamaAgain;12516393]helppp! someone please take me away from here!!!

im in tears. DS has been screaming everytime he wakes up. its so loud im into the bathroom w/ him to keep the neighbors from hearing and complaining to the landlord. i dont know what to do. i really want some sleep tonight. he's fed, clean, and just seems mad to be awake, the only thing that quiets him is a bottle but i cant keep feeding him. im holding him and at my whits end....stop the screaming!!![/QUOTE

Do you have a yoga/excercise ball? We use this to bounce our baby to sleep. We've used it with all three. I do believe that even newborns can get over tired. Mine does...and she'll just fuss and fuss. I either have to walk around with her or bounce her. (((hugs)))

I went into a major store with all 3 kids today for the first time by myself. It wasn't too bad since it was a BRU...I used the nursing room to nurse in and just shut the door to keep the other kids contained. I let them jump off of the nursing stool that was in there and made it into a game. It worked out really well. I bought the picture frame that has two openings, one for a picture and one for a footprint. I have the same ones for my two oldest so now I have one for all 3 of them.

Carrie - I hope you found some jeans. I'm getting ready to do some sit ups since I'm so close to being able to wear 12's.

[carolina~mom2be]

so grateful for this thread and for a moment with two hands!!! HOORAY!!!! Am I the only one still in maternity clothes?? Nothing fits right....blah! I can't remember how long it took last time to get back into my clothes, but I'm beyond ready!!! My maternity clothes are just sooo worn out looking!!!! I can't even get my pre pregnancy jeans up over my thighs....hmmm I hope they'll fit soon!

The only thing that I seem to be having trouble with at the moment is tandem nursing....Carolina wants to nurse ALL THE TIME and that isn't cool with me. We were down to nap time and bedtime for the past 6 months or so....now she asks constantly! Hopefully it'll remedy itself in time! Aurora's eyes look a little yellow to me....should I be worried? Anyone else have yellowish eyes at a week old? I feel so new at this newborn stuff even though we've been through it before! It feels like AGES ago!!!!