Weekly Postpartum Chit Chat and Support 11/8-11/14 - Page 5

[TaraRae82]

Glad you got the "Moby" figured out! It looks intimidating but is really pretty simple and very supportive if you give it a try! Absolutely copy the pic, no prob.

I think we're going to have our wedding photogs do pro pics of Ally Rae in a few more months. But, you would be more than welcome to play around with taking pics of her if you really want to!

[sonshine_rae]

Thanks Tara I'll keep a copy of the pic for me ,
and yeah maybe sometime we could snap a few pictures of Ally..

I'm such a baby sling/carrier addict... even though I've only wrapped him once in the fleece.. I'm already thinking how nice it would be to have either a jersey wrap or better yet a woven one LOL! But what I really want to learn next is how to nurse him in the wrap I've heard they are easy to nurse in, and most of my carriers are not easy for discreet nursing.

[janasmama]

Originally Posted by TaraRae82

Ally is really mucus-y and I've been wondering if BM in her nose would help any or just make her mad? She's had a booger-y nose for days but is acting normal and doesn't have a fever or anything. Thoughts?

Annie has been mucousy too. I have to suction her nose. I got a little noses aspirator. The tip is clear so you can see the boogers coming out. I like it so much better than the green bulbs.

The breastmilk will help. Annie has never minded having it in her nose. When I gave it to my first DD I tried it myself. It's a very soft feeling...different than saline. Try it yourself first so you'll know what she is experiencing. It does work great though.

Also remember that just a small amount of mucous can sound like there is alot more in there than there really is. Keep an eye on her temp...it is RSV season and with it being so wet it grows more.

[mamanurse]

: with all our dp's giving us grief. I'm mildly in that club as well.

Good morning ladies! My LO is : at Lefty right now. Horray for her first 4 hour sleep stretch at night!!! Last night dd1 had swim lessons and dh watched dd2 (asleep in the stroller) while I got to swim laps. It felt so good to get into the pool. Today is my post-hemorrhage check-up with my OB :

I'll catch up with y'all later!

[crosscat]

You guys are inspiring me to give my Moby another try. I've been alternating my Babyhawk (which I LURVE) and my PS Sling (which I'm trying to love) each day so I can get the hang of them both. I tried the Moby when we first brought Calla home and I used the cradle position. I just hated seeing her all contorted in there, even though I know it's supposed to be fine. I didn't like cradle position for the sling either, having better luck with tummy to tummy (doing that right now, in fact).

Anyway, the carry Rae and Tara and Em are discussing looks similar to the support Calla gets in the Babyhawk, so I think I'll give it a try.

Calla had her check up on Monday and the ped actually called her a "meatball" (official dx). She was nearly 12 pounds at 4 weeks old! She's gaining about a pound a week! It's really exciting seeing how much more alert and strong she is getting now, too. Every new milestone just fills my heart with pride. I love it!

We got the proofs from her newborn photo shoot last night. They turned out extremely well, especially considering all I remember from the photo shoot is Calla pooping on me twice, peeing on me once, and screaming non-stop! They did one where she is photoshopped into a calla lily, like she's sleeping in it. So cute!

Well I'm rambling since I so rarely get to post nowadays. I read this thread and most of the threads in our DDC each evening on my iPhone when I'm doing Calla's night feedings and throughout the day, too. Just never seem to have my hands free and the time to post. I really love keeping up with everyone and hearing what's going on with the babies.

For those having trying times, I hope matters improve soon. I wish everyone all the best!

[heidirk]

Good for all of you who are accomplishing so much!


I put Milo in the Babyhawk when he was screamy yesterday, and he STOOD UP in it for a good ten minutes yelling his little head off!!! He finally took his paci, and fell asleep. He slept for 3 hours!!! It was one of those things where I knew his little tummy was full, and he didn't even want to nurse, I knew he was so tired, but he couldn't organize himself to sleep.


I decided to quit trying to wean from the sheild. After a day and 1/2 of nursing without it, I got a couple of hot zingy spots so I knew he wasn't draining my boobs properly. I think I'll let him nurse w/o the sheild for as long as he'll tolerate it, and then I'll put it on so he can drain it properly. His mouth ios just too small yet, I think.

well, got to go, I have a million things to do today.

[mkmb129]

My husband was really hands off and very easily frustrated with our first. This time (before he left anyway) he was perfect! So helpful and wonderful. I think a lot of first time dads just need time. It sucks to do it alone (and now I'm alone with both, ack!) but if mine can improve, I'm sure yours will! Just give him time! My dh was also awesome this second pregnancy, too. I think knowing what to expect, knowing it's normal, having lived through it once really makes a difference on how a man looks at things. Now my dh knows this stuff will not last forever, baby will not always be so fussy and needy, etc, and that makes it easier to deal with it while it's happening.

[TaraRae82]

Originally Posted by sonshine_rae

Thanks Tara I'll keep a copy of the pic for me ,
and yeah maybe sometime we could snap a few pictures of Ally..

I'm such a baby sling/carrier addict... even though I've only wrapped him once in the fleece.. I'm already thinking how nice it would be to have either a jersey wrap or better yet a woven one LOL! But what I really want to learn next is how to nurse him in the wrap I've heard they are easy to nurse in, and most of my carriers are not easy for discreet nursing.

The Moby website where they show instructions for how to wrap and hold, there's a way you can wrap/hold for bf'ing. You might check it out. I haven't been brave enough to try it yet because I don't own any nursing clothes I could wear while babywearing this time of year (I have a tank).

Well, Ally fell asleep after a bit of fussing at about 9pm so we went ahead and went to bed since DH is out of town. She woke up at about 9:30. : I got her to sleep again at about 10 and she slept until 11. Then she was awake and screaming until at least 12:30. I just couldn't find a way to console her so we layed in bed and I cuddled her on my chest and stroked her hair and just let her cry. I think she calmed down at about 12:30 and we both passed out. Rough start to the night. She was perfectly fine after that though. She didn't wake up until about 4 to eat and then it was about every hour to eat after that until she slept from 8-10 when we got up. That's all pretty normal. She tends to cat nap after about 6am and wants to eat more frequently, just like in the evening. She's asleep again now (10:45).

We've got errands to run today but I'm always so hesitant to go because she gets really fussy if we're out of the house much. I think she just really likes home! I need to go to Target and get a mirror for the back seat so I can see her when we drive longer distances. Then we need to drive one of those longer distances (40min to the other side of the city) so I can exchange my new nursing bra that was delivered yesterday and didn't fit. : I'm measuring at a 32G and I tried on the 32F and it was just barely tight but the 32H was too big so I ordered the G. Well, the G fits JUST like the H! So, I'm going to go ahead and get the F since my BFF/doula says I'll probably get a little bit smaller as I continue to nurse anyway. It wasn't uncomfortable, I just thought the G would fit better. Oh well! Since we'll be in the area, we're going to stop by DH's/my Mom's office to see them (at my Mom's request). Then my youngest sis (17) is going to come watch Ally Rae for a bit so I can go to the gym and take a class. I don't like leaving her because I feel guilty but I feel very confident with the few people I'll leave her with and I'm never gone for more than an hour (I stay for only about 45 min of the class). Besides, she sleeps the whole time I'm gone. I just feel like I shouldn't be ok with leaving her for any amount of time this early.

OT, are we moving to the new board when this one closes I take it?

[mamanurse]

Originally Posted by crosscat

You guys are inspiring me to give my Moby another try. I've been alternating my Babyhawk (which I LURVE) and my PS Sling (which I'm trying to love) each day so I can get the hang of them both. I tried the Moby when we first brought Calla home and I used the cradle position. I just hated seeing her all contorted in there, even though I know it's supposed to be fine. I didn't like cradle position for the sling either, having better luck with tummy to tummy (doing that right now, in fact).

I hated my Moby. Wasn't convenient enough for me. I have a Peanut Shell and a bushel of mei tais. I also have an African wrap that is one small, wide piece of fabric. I haven't figured out the tummy to tummy in the PS yet and want to.

Originally Posted by TaraRae82

Well, Ally fell asleep after a bit of fussing at about 9pm so we went ahead and went to bed since DH is out of town. She woke up at about 9:30. : I got her to sleep again at about 10 and she slept until 11. Then she was awake and screaming until at least 12:30. I just couldn't find a way to console her so we layed in bed and I cuddled her on my chest and stroked her hair and just let her cry. I think she calmed down at about 12:30 and we both passed out. Rough start to the night.

Does it help to know that mine did that for 7 weeks every night from 5-12 weeks. 4-5 hours every night of inconsolable crying. The doctor called it colic and I called it heartbreaking. Everyone said to do this or cut out that from my diet. I didn't do any of the recommendations and just held her in arms or carrier. It went away on its own and she was then the happiest baby and a great sleeper. HTH.

[TaraRae82]

^yes, it helps though that totally sucks it could last so long. i figured it was normal but i agree it's just heartbreaking.

[abber]

I am starting to go a little crazy! Poor Finn is really gassy and we think he has reflux, but not painful reflux. He gets completely inconsolable sometimes and refuses to nurse (when I try and put him on the boob he scratches and hits me to get away which is the most heartbreaking thing!) and nothing makes him feel better. When he does nurse for comfort, he overeats and spits up a TON and gets more gassy because of my oversupply. We broke and bought a pacifier so he could suck and not be miserable but he wouldn't take it.

I've also had no luck getting him to latch on without a nipple shield. We're going to a nursing mom's group later, hopefully we can get some help there.

[abber]

Also, where is the new board? I would like an invite or link.

[casemnor]

I'm resurfacing after a few weeks of butt kicking at this house....we've had the plague (ok, mabye just a cold or some other yuck) for a week or so now...it's exhausting.

My addition to the carrier/sling convos: I have a baby k'tan I love...but she seems to rid pretty low in it. She likes to be held during the day, so that's where she spends her time if we are out and about.

We just bought a travel swing for her, after tryign it out at a used kid gear store. My first HATED the swing....it seems Lilith LOVES it....very cute.

[audsma]

nak
I love my Moby too! It makes errands so much easier. I wish I could (but never ever would) drive with him in it! I have yet to try bfing in it, however.

No dtd here either-- I'm still quite scared to, and may have a couple of stitches left.

On the subject of kegels, is anyone else having trouble w/ them after a 2nd degree perineal tear?

AAM: I'm still trying to adjust to the night time parenting with DS in his bassinet in the living room. I am a cosleeper through and through and don't get enough sleep when I have to sit up to nurse. He needs to be held to get any sleep from about 3 AM on, so that's tricky too. It'd be worlds easier if we had one more bedroom, and I am contemplating usurping DD's toy area and putting our twin bed there instead. Then, I can sleep there with Bryson and side lying nurse which is so much better! He's just so noisy and his grunts make Audrey get interrupted sleep which effects her moods and school work.

So I had the strangest dream last night that made for one bad nighttime parenting night! First of all, I put myself to bed at 8, b/c DH was still cajoling DD to eat what I'd cooked for dinner and bribing her with popcorn, and DS was already asleep in his bassinet, so I decided to catch a 1/2 hour of sleep or so. In my dream, the Mythbusters team was using my baby in an experiment, and when I (really) woke up to nurse him, I was convinced that they would take care off the leaky diaper, so I put him back down wet (really). Then, he got a little fussy, but I was still in my dream/sleep walking state (whatever you'd call it) and I convinced myself that the Mythbusters team would get him b/c they were testing his cries and what they meant. So, Dh finally wakes me up at 12:30 with babe in arms, having walked him back to sleep, but telling me the little guy needs to feed.

I felt terrible knowing that this was what I had done when I finally woke up. I don't know how long his jammies had been wet from his diaper leak (I'm changing him to the non-newborn liners tonight!) or if he got a good feeding when I fed him asleep. I was thrilled, however to see that DH had stepped in to help-- usually he uses the no boobs excuse.

Bryson's back to sleep now, so I'm going to take this opportunity to NAP!

[crosscat]

Originally Posted by mamanurse

I hated my Moby. Wasn't convenient enough for me. I have a Peanut Shell and a bushel of mei tais. I also have an African wrap that is one small, wide piece of fabric. I haven't figured out the tummy to tummy in the PS yet and want to.

Here is a link for tummy to tummy someone from the baby wearing board gave me:
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=Pc_sh1ujfMI

You have to tweak it a bit for good head support, though.

[mamanurse]

Originally Posted by crosscat

Here is a link for tummy to tummy someone from the baby wearing board gave me:
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=Pc_sh1ujfMI

You have to tweak it a bit for good head support, though.

Thanks for the link. I just tried it and it worked perfectly

[Baby_Cakes]

Whew! Hi guys! Just chiming in, my hands have been full all day. Nora is eating NONSTOP. Can someone say growth spurt? Problem is she just doesn't know when to stop and ends up spitting up quite a bit. Anyhow.

I hate my Moby wrap. I loved it at first when she was like, less than a week old. Now, I can't wrangle her into it. She cries and screams, she hates it. And I can't stand how much fabric there is! I get stuck on the 2nd step, pulling it behind your back and up over your shoulders. The fabric gets all twisted and I can never get it to feel comfortable.

Tara - don't feel guilty! If Ally is fine with who you're leaving her with, go do what you want to do! I know what you mean, though, I felt a tad guilty for going the gym the other night. I texted Chris (who was home with Nora) as soon as I was done asking if everything was ok, and he was like, yeah she is still sleeping. LOL. It's like, we think no one can do it as well as we can do it, and that it isn't right to leave the baby w/anyone else. But IRL it's perfectly fine for an hour or so!

I think the most annoying thing that DH does is when he finally gets home from work, and he takes Nora for a little while, it's not long before I hear, "Mommy, I'm hungry" and he tries to pass her back off to me. It's like, no dear, she's not hungry, she's fussy. Please try to console her while I *insert necessary break reason here*, thanks. But it doesn't happen often. It's just when I finally get my shower for the day, I don't want to step out dripping wet and hear that. Or if I'm finally able to go to the bathroom, and I've been away for 5 minutes, please give me that time!

Audsma - I know it broke your heart that your LO was stuck in a wet diaper, but that is the funniest dream I've heard about in awhile. I think mythbusters did a show once trying to analyze dog barks and it reminds me of that. Cut yourself a break - people do dream crazy things when sleep deprived! The other night Nora was sleeping on my chest and she was fussing like she was hungry, and I kept patting her back trying to get her to go back asleep b/c in my dream I had just finished nursing her. I was caught b/w the dream and real life and I IRL I was trying to shush her for an hour. I felt terrible!

Anybody else having trouble finding stuff to eat? I need to eat more. My milk supply is fine but I worry it'll dwindle b/c I barely eat enough during the day. I need to brainstorm or get some good ideas from you guys.

[heidirk]

Audsma- I am so sorry you dreamed that! It's kind of scary when you discover you've been on autopilot, and 'come to' and think, 'holy cow, what have I been doing?' Mostly it happens to me driving tho'. Great for you that your dh helped out!


Tara- Our first son had an hysterically fussy period from about 9-11 every night for about a month. I know it was colic, and he had to just cry in arms, because there was NOTHING that helped. You and she will come through this just fine!

Babycakes- I have been cooking extra at night, so I have something quick to heat up. I also bought a few things to eat that I don't normally, like frozen things, so that right before I sit down to nurse, I can throw one in the toaster oven, and when Milo's ready to lay down, my food is ready too.

The minute He's lay-down-able it's my turn to do whatever I need to do to stay healthy- whatever that may be. OTOH sometimes it's 'put-him-in-the carrier-and-do-what-I-need-to-do-while-he-screams-because-I-cannot-wait another-minute-to eat/pee/get a cup of coffee!'

Small portions of nutrient dense stuff that you can stash by the nursing chair, stuff like that.


It's 5:21 and my DS1 JUST went down for a nap. It was 1:30 and I was just about to put him down when Milo woke up, and it was nurse/poop/cry/nurse/poop/cry for the next 2 and 1/2 hours. I am so tired.

I'm going to curl up on the couch, and eat brownies. :

[TaraRae82]

nak

carrie, i'm having the same prob with food. i'm anxious to start introducing cheese back in next week. it's sooooo hard for me to find food when i can't have dairy. i ate a ton of dairy before!!

[mkmb129]

I've read most of this thread but have been too busy to respond. My dh left Sunday morning, and it's been tough going it alone. Emotionally & physically. Colin is taking advantage of my sitting down to nurse the baby. My boobs are ready to fall off.. I finally went to see a LC and just one minor thing she corrected with how I'm latching her and I already feel a huge difference. Miss Ainsley is doing well, nursing every 1-3hrs now, sleeping pretty good. We're finally starting to bond. It took about 3-4wks with my son, and Ainsley is 3 weeks today. I can't wait to feel that over-whelming, warming feeling towards her. I'm sure that'll sound bad to some that I don't feel it now, but we've had a rough start.. mostly on my part. Lots of vit b complex, fish oil, & daily pep talks and I'm starting to come out of my funk & being able to enjoy my children (you know, when the toddler isn't screaming at the top of his lungs because I told him not to do x, y or z, haha!).

But boy do I have a great respect for single moms 'cause this is HARD!!!! Nothing like being a married single mom, eh?