NEW PARENT CHAT THREAD

NikkiH

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Reg: Mar 14th 2009

Location: Kent

Children: A special baby boy and a beautiful baby girl

101

Saturday, July 7th 2012, 2:16pm

Need some advice girls ....

I saw HV last Thursday & Grace is not putting on weight - still only 7lb when she was 7lb 8oz at birth. Now in hospital again (second time we've been admitted for lack of weight gain) - they are trying to help with feeding & ideally keep with bf as much as possible. I have been topping up with expressed milk and/or formula but sticking with bf first. Looks like Grace has been using me for comfort where I thought she was feeding. She has had a lot of formula overnight, is not feeding for more than 10mins off me & not really expressing that much so having to supplement with formula. Worried have gone too far now with supplementing & not sure what to do next. Want to combination feed as feel that will be best for us all - hoping to chat to a bf counsellor later.

Any thoughts??

Nikki x

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Curlytails

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102

Saturday, July 7th 2012, 2:29pm

Sorry Nikki I don't have any advice but I can sympathise with Grace using you for comfort.

Hopefully the hospital will help and you can come home soon xx

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biggreeneyes

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103

Saturday, July 7th 2012, 2:43pm

Oh honey, see what the breastfeeding counsellor int eh hospital says? Have you seen one? I saw one when i was in hops for a week of my DS was born and we were struggling. I understand the feeling of wanting to breastfeed beignets for your LO, and i totally respect that as i felt it strongly too. However, it became impossible for me to cary on after 6 weeks (i got thrush in my milk ducts and was in too much agony and my DS wash;t getting enough milk) - i beat myself up something terrible about switching to formula and it not being 'good' enough for my LO and that i was failing as a mother if i did....but one day i could take the pain no more and my LO wash;t happy and it really wasn't working as it was, so i gave him bottles and i have to say that i wish i had done it sooner! It was the best thing for all of us - i wash;t in pain anymore, LO was happier and started gaining more weight and DS wasn't worrying about us both!! All i am saying is, carry on with the BF-ing if you can get the right help, but don;t beat yourself up if you can't. Having a happy baby, one you aren't worrying about cos they aren't getting enough milk or gaining weight is the most important thing at the end of the day.

Thinking of you, bf-ing is not that easy for a lot of people and its really hard when we have wanted to do it so much. Good luck with it. Hope you manage to sort things out in a way that makes you feel OK.

blowkiss

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Jasper

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104

Saturday, July 7th 2012, 3:01pm

Sorry to hear that you are in hospital again. I went through similar with DS, he wasn't gaining weight and his jaundice wouldn't clear. I tried mixed feeding but my milk supply rapidly decreased and it was a matter of days until I was only feeding formula. If you do decide to switch to formula don't beat yourself up about it. Sorry this doesn't sound very positive or helpful, but I just wanted to let you know that I sympathise with how you are feeling. :hugs:

I hope the BF counsellor can help.xx

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Curlytails

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105

Monday, July 9th 2012, 8:11pm

How are you doimg Nikki? I hope Imogen is putting some weight on now.

Have peoples tummy lines gone yet? 7 weeks on and mine is still really prominant!

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cheenab

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106

Monday, July 9th 2012, 8:33pm

I never had one on my tummy, but seemed to get a sort of mask round my eyes of freckles which my auntie said is common in pregnancy and that is still there!!! Oh and of course the wobbly belly rotf

im thinking it looks worse because of the c-section, but it just doesnt seem to be going down!!!
What sort of age clothes is everyones LO's in? Zachary is 11 weeks at the end of this week and is still in newborn and first sizes!! he weighed 11'6 last time i had him weighed so techincally according to the labels he should be in 0-3 clothing now, but they are massive on him!!!!
Hope all is well Nikki? And little lady has put some weight on xx
Hope everyone else is well? xxx

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Curlytails

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Monday, July 9th 2012, 8:39pm

Isaac is 7 weeks and is in a mixture of newborn and 0-3 months. He is long with big feet and things like sleepsuits with feet in are a little squishy in 0-3 but other items like t shirts are too baggy on him and newborn are still fine. I think I've said before I'm growing a giant rotf

He's started smiling now and it melts my heart when he does it. He has also discovered his hands and is facinated by them but it's only when he's waved them in front of himself and each time they are like a new discovery!

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cheenab

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108

Monday, July 9th 2012, 8:48pm

Zachary's exactly the same with his hands now!! It actually makes him go a bit crossed eyed when he's focused on them so much

And he keeps sucking his thumb now

Im hoping he'll start to fit in some 0-3 soon, i have so many cute outfits but there all to big

Where is the time going ay, there growing up too fast!! xx

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kat13

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109

Monday, July 9th 2012, 10:29pm

I had a line above and below my belly button, the line below has gone but the one above is still there. Lily is in newborn clothes and sometimes gets into 0~3 months, depends where they're from.
That first smile is magical isnt it, I cried lol
Lily keeps trying to suck her thumb but ends up with her whole hand in her mouth lol
I've still got a wobbly belly, infact its getting bigger not smaller :huh:

xxx

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cheenab

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110

Tuesday, July 10th 2012, 1:10pm

Ladies,

Quick question, when do babies develop 'real tears'?
I looked on google and some people were saying there's had them from 2 weeks!!
Zachary hasn't had any tears and is 10 and half weeks!!
Should I be worried? Or is this a situation where every baby is different? xx

FET August 2011-1 Blastocyst onboard :BFP:

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Curlytails

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111

Tuesday, July 10th 2012, 4:47pm

We've had real tears for several weeks but I'm sure all babies are different. I hate it when he has them :sadface:

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cheenab

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112

Tuesday, July 10th 2012, 5:34pm

I'm sure I'll be the same aswell

was just a bit concerned he hadn't had any, one woman wrote that her baby had blocked tear ducts, will mention it to the hv when she rings me next week x

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kat13

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Tuesday, July 10th 2012, 6:18pm

Think we've only had real tears once xxx

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Buzzbee

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114

Tuesday, July 10th 2012, 7:12pm

Cheenab - re tears, I had the opposite in that my sons eye kept watering recently and I thought he was suffering with hayfever but after having a nosy on google I read if they have a blocked tear duct to just massage the area around their eyes gently. I do that anyway when I am washing his face with water and cotton wool but I made a point of rubbing it a bit more (in the corner at the side of his nose) and his eye stopped watering. I guess this might have the opposite effect too and help tears come. Maybe worth a try if you're worried.

An almost 4 year old son and a 21 month old daughter

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cheenab

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115

Wednesday, July 11th 2012, 4:32pm

Thank you buzz bee, will give that a go

Does everyone do nappy free time? I had a weekly email this morning and it said to let baby lie without there nappy on once a day, I haven't done this yet!! He lays there after a bath without one on but only for a few mins!! Will start doing it for a bit longer I think, let his bits and bobs air out

FET August 2011-1 Blastocyst onboard :BFP:

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Curlytails

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Wednesday, July 11th 2012, 5:01pm

We have nappy free time although it isn't easy with a little boy :snigger:

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cheenab

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117

Wednesday, July 11th 2012, 5:07pm

I bet it's easier than a girl, atleast we get a slight warning lol
Will give it a go later, see how we get on!! Will have the towels at the ready

FET August 2011-1 Blastocyst onboard :BFP:

Zachary William born on 27/4/12 at 10.12am weighing 6lb 12oz
Shock natural BFP 15/3/15 :faint:

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Another shock natural BFP 6/8/16
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Curlytails

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Wednesday, July 11th 2012, 6:21pm

You must have faster reflexes than me :snigger:

If anyone needs summer clothes (you never know) Boots have a half price sale with some lovely items. Their sizing is quite big.

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Buzzbee

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119

Wednesday, July 11th 2012, 7:26pm

We do nappy free time every evening before bed as part of his wind down routine. We put towels on the living room floor though as he usually always wees and with a boy of course it goes everywhere LOL! Once he had a number 2! It's good to let them air though as must get very sweaty down there wearing a nappy all day. My son has never had nappy rash (touch wood) and I'd like to think the nappy free time has helped prevent that xx

An almost 4 year old son and a 21 month old daughter

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cheenab

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120

Wednesday, July 11th 2012, 8:28pm

Well he only had 1 wee rotf

literally 30secs after taking his nappy off!!!
He really enjoyed it though, kicking about for ten mins!! And first time ever held his head up when I laid him on his tummy!! He usually doesn't even attempt it

FET August 2011-1 Blastocyst onboard :BFP:

Zachary William born on 27/4/12 at 10.12am weighing 6lb 12oz
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Curlytails

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Thursday, July 12th 2012, 7:44am

I've started DS in hi reusable nappies today eeeek! I saw one of the ladies from antenatal on tues and her DS has been using them since birth so I thought I'd give them another go. He has grown a fair bit since I first tried him in them and they fit well now. I'm still going to use disposables overnight and when we're out to start with.

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NikkiH

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122

Thursday, July 12th 2012, 8:18am

Curlytails - we use reusable nappies for DS but haven't tried on them on DD yet - her bottom is still so tiny. Must admit when she does a huge poo, I'm pleased it's in a disposable

We haven't really done any nappy free time - may need to try that at night when DS has gone to bed and we can be on hand with towels!

Getting DD weighed again this morning (after her couple of stays in hospital). Hopefully all goes well and she is gaining now. She is feeding off me and I'm still supplementing with formula. I am getting some sleep at night as DH does the late night formula feed, then I do the 4am feed but just breastfeeding!

They are both screaming so have to go ...

Nikki x

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Curlytails

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Thursday, July 12th 2012, 10:05am

Which ones do you use Nikki? I've got bambino mio for him and all going well so far today. Then again he hasn't pood yet!!!

Hope DD has good weight gain today xx

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Caraz

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124

Friday, July 13th 2012, 9:37am

morning ladies

Finally getting around to catching up on some computer time - can't be long as her ladyship is starting to whinge in the next room! Everything going fine with us for the most part, little Niamh is gaining weight nicely (up from birth weight of 7lb15 to about 8lb 5 I think now). Her Next newborn sleepsuits are already too short in the leg for her!

Main problem we are having is bfing - she is absolutely fine on the right, feeds from any angle, even lying down with no problem. The left is a totally different matter. She is happy enough to latch on, but it is very painful. I've already had to stop feeding totally from it twice and rest a couple of days for the pain to subside before trying again (expressing in the meantime, she is happy to bottlefeed). I've had advice from the HV which seemed to help for the first couple of feeds, but after that the nipple was just too painful to continue :-(

I've read that it is possible to feed permanently from just one side - I think we may end up doing that, although I don't fancy being lopsided!! The supply has really diminished when I pump too - I was getting about 50ml out last week, but barely managed 10ml the last couple of times I tried, that was in about 20 minutes of pumping (get 100ml out of right in same time). I'm going to call the NCT breastfeeding help line today, see if they can offer any suggestions. Anyone else had this probem?

Other than that, and me having a uti things are going really well, DH and me both managing a reasonable amount of sleep - long may it continue

Got to go, think she is due a nappy change from the sound of it!!

Caraz

TTC since Oct 2007 (me 36, dh 41 at the start)
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NikkiH

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125

Friday, July 13th 2012, 9:44am

Curlytails - we use bumgenius nappies and really pleased with them. Unsure whether to make do with the 20 we have for DS or buy more for DD (in pinks too ...).

Sorry to hear you are having problems with breastfeeding Caraz - not sure what to suggest, but carry on expressing until you get some advice. Is there a bf support group near you? We are off to one in a minute when the kids wake up (still seems strange saying that) - to get some help increasing my supply. I had 9 hours sleep last night, so not sure going that long without feeding is helping much, but need sleep to get through the day with both kids.

Nikki x

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Jasper

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126

Friday, July 13th 2012, 10:39am

How is Grace's weight gain Nikki, has it started to pick up?

Breastfeeding is the most natural thing in the world but can be so difficult!!! I have got over the mastitus but do have a cracked nipple,it makes my toes curl when I feed from that side. I have got some cream and it's starting to get better.

The HV visited on Tuesday and when she asked how I was I just burst in to tears

I was so tired and DD doesn't like being out down, crys lots and feeds lots. All very difficult when I also have a toddler to look after. We had a really long chat and che called me this morning and I am feeling better but then my mum will make a sarcastic comment and make me feel bad again! It's like she thinks I am exaggerating about how much she cries, as like many babies when she is out in the car or pram she is quiet so she doesn't see it. Often the crying is at night and then I feel bad about DH getting enough sleep for work.

I have got some friends visiting today so I am sure they will cheer me up a bit. I am hoping to get out to some groups next week. I always used to do lots but if I am honest I feel nervous about having 2 children to look after. I am sure DD will sleep in her car seat the whole time but you never know. I also have a very sore back so getting them in and out of the car is very difficult. I may go to the doctors early next week but I doubt they can do much!

Sorry to be so moany....I am very very happy and wouldn't change things for the worl, just finding some days abit tough!

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Caraz

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Saturday, July 14th 2012, 11:25pm

Jasper, I know what you mean - I had a really weepy day today, DH was quite worried, I couldn't even get out of bed this morning

It was triggered by Niamh starting cluster feeding a couple of nights ago, and last night went into a total feeding frenzy in the evening, changed from feeding for about 15 minutes every 3 hours or so, to latching on for 45 minutes, having a half hour break then demanding another 45 minutes! She fed almost non-stop from 6pm until about 9 or 10pm - we had to resort to formula because only having one working boob, it soon got worn out! As a result I've not been able to feed at all since last night, so have been expressing, and she has had to FF all day (I don't express enough to cover all the feeds, so saving it up for overnight). I just got so depressed with it this morning, both boobs really sore, constantly leaking, I've started getting stabbing needle-like pains on the right side, and I was just generally totally fed up with the whole thing and rationalising to myself why it would be ok to just give up and FF from now on, except I feel really guilty about doing that

Felt better this afternoon - forced myself to get up, and we took the dogs out to the woods with the baby for the first time, and had a nice (if short) walk in the sun before the torrential showers came back.

I'm not going to make a decision yet, but will carry on expressing, and hopefully get her back on the right side tomorrow, and take it from there. Off to bed now, feeling totally flaked out!

Caraz

TTC since Oct 2007 (me 36, dh 41 at the start)
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; FET May 2011 :BFN:

; ICSI September 2011 :BFP:

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cheenab

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128

Saturday, July 14th 2012, 11:43pm

Aww caraz I can totally sympathise with you hun, I felt exactly the same!!
I had one hungry baby also that just wanted to feed constantly, it was getting me down and I couldn't even get showered without dp saying the baby wanted feeding again!!!
For a whole weekend I agonised over whether to change to FF, I felt so guilty didn't want to give in etc, and I also thought the hv would have a strop at me!!!

Do what you feel is best for you hun, it's your desicion at the end of the day!!
I'm glad I changed to formula in the end, i think it improved our bonding as I wasn't so stressed about it all.
Can't believe your little lady is 2 weeks already!!

Hope everyone else is well xx

FET August 2011-1 Blastocyst onboard :BFP:

Zachary William born on 27/4/12 at 10.12am weighing 6lb 12oz
Shock natural BFP 15/3/15 :faint:

Finley Thomas born on 5/11/15 at 9.39am 7lb 14oz
Another shock natural BFP 6/8/16
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NikkiH

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129

Sunday, July 15th 2012, 8:47am

Jasper - yes Grace's weight has started to increase so relieved about that. Hope you feel a bit better now - it' so hard with 2 children, in particular when Lewis has a strop when we are out and Grace is also screaming! I'm lucky that the friends I made on NCT (when I had Lewis) are so helpful, as I'm not getting any other support except my DH - end of the day is hardest with dinner, bath, story & milk etc when DH is not home in time to help.

Caraz - I'm having the same discussion in my head about breastfeeding vs formula feeding. I am currently combination feeding during the day and then formula at night so I can get some sleep (DH gives her a bottle when I go to bed and then another one before he comes to bed). She then goes around until morning (albeit sometimes an early start). I discussed at my local bf group how to increase my milk supply (so I wouldn't need to give so much formula) and the answer was to feed more at night. I tried that on Friday night and was knackered yesterday, to the point where I had to go back to bed about 3pm. Can't do that when DH is at work, so we went back to normal last night. I know it'll be easier just to formula feed, given we are already sterilising bottles and carrying everything with me when I go out - but feel like it is more to make my life easier with 2 children, than what's best for Grace.

Hope everyone else is doing OK.

Nikki x

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Lottie32

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Sunday, July 15th 2012, 9:31am

Hi Lovely mummies, Just listening in as I am due my 2nd in 2 months...Bless you all having BF issues. I had a total nightmare with my DS. I thought it would be so natural to BF, but for me and my little one it wasn't. We had major weight loss, top ups with formula, stress from my DH and the HV to FF, baby blues were very high, due to stress of it all and lack of sleep, but I stuck with it. Don't worry if it doesn't work out for you, there is lot of pressure out there to BF and yes it is handy and amazing, but if it makes your first few months with your precious one even harder then maybe have a serious think. I did suffer and our bonding suffered, so not sure what I will do second time round. I managed to improve my milk by taking moltillium and frequent expressing

in fact I kept going till I found out I was pregnant again when my DS was 9months, but I always struggled and when I moved to FF my life was much easier and more relaxed. We have all so desperately wanted our babies and it is tough those first few months, but it does all get easier and more fun, I promise.

Love to you all and take care xxx

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Jasper

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Sunday, July 15th 2012, 6:58pm

How are things today Caraz? I have found that I have a couple of days where I seem to feed constantly and then a few days where its every three hours or so. Since my chat with the HV and seeing how well she has gained weight I have felt more confident not to offer her a feed every time she cries, which is what I was doing.

Sounds like you are getting a good nights sleep Nikki and you have to weigh this up really along with the benefits of BF. Yes there are lots of benefits to BF but you need sleep to be able to function during the day! I don't know how you manage in the evenings on your own, well done!!!! My DH is out this Weds evening so I am getting my mum round to help!!! It's the busiest time of day I find, with both children needing things at the same time!!!!

Anyway, on a positive note I have had a great weekend! Yesterday we went to soft play in the morning, and the boys went to a fire station open day in the afternoon while the girls chilled on the sofa! Today the weather has held out for us to have a trip to Longleat. Both children are now in bed so hopefully we can have a nice relaxing evening and I have to say I am starting to crave a glass of wine! I will have to have a virtual one!!! :wine:

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Caraz

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Monday, July 16th 2012, 7:12pm

hi ladies

Doing a lot better today thanks Jasper, the evening feeding frenzy only lasted a couple of days - growth spurt presumably! She was weighed again today, and is up to 8lb 8, so that is about 9.5oz over birth weight. I've reintroduced the left side for feeding, but only for 5 minutes at a time, then the rest of the feed on the right, which has been ok so far today. Saw the HV again today, and she said it was fine to do bottle FF overnight, and BF during the day, that my body would just adjust to that timetable, so think that is how we are going to go. DH is back at work in a week, so the quicker we can do the overnight feeds and get her back down again the better. Feeling more positive about BFing again now - amazing the difference a lack of pain can make!! We'll see how we get on over the next few days trying it this way, and see how my left boob holds up to regular use, and reassess maybe at the weekend. At least I have realised that about 20 minutes seems to be enough for her - she often asks for more (knuckle sucking, rooting etc), but if I hand her over to DH, or just play with her resting on the my legs away from the milky smelling chest, she will often settle after 5 or 10 minutes without any more feeding. If not, a 5 minute top up seems to be enough.

Nikki - it is difficult to make a decision, especially with all the pro-BFing propoganda making us feel guilty if we even think about giving up! But there has to be a balance, and to be honest, I can't imagine how I could have coped the past two weeks with all the feeding and expressing if I had been trying to look after a toddler as well! It all takes so long, you have to be practical, and a non-stressed out mum with a bottle of formula has to be better than a tired, stressed, frazzled mum waving a boob at the baby

Got to agree with Lottie32 on this one - I realised on Saturday that I was actually scared to pick Niamh up in case she wanted feeding again, and that is not a healthy place to be, I want to be able to enjoy this time with her. Luckily the feeling wore off fairly quickly, after I'd managed a few more hours sleep!!

Took Niamh out for her first walk using the Babyhawk mei tai today - just a short one as I wasn't sure if my back was up to it, but we managed 20 minutes no problem at all, it is very comfy, and she snoozed against my chest the whole time

It was drizzling a little though, and I realised I probably need to take a hat for her, as there is no protection for her head from either rain or sun. Nice to get out though, can't wait until I am fit enough for the longer walks again!

Caraz

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sasha146

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Tuesday, July 17th 2012, 9:41am

Morning girls

I don't quite belong here yet but looking for some advice.

I had a membrane sweep yesterday, had a lot of cramping in my tummy and back and some braxton hicks but by the time i went to bed i had nothing, only had a tiny amount of bleeding and i had been up a couple of times during the night and all seemed back to normal so i started to assume it hadn't worked.

Just went to the toilet (tmi time sorry) and i believe it's my mucus plug that is starting to come away, quite gungy and tinged with brown more that red blood. Could this mean something is about to hapen or is this quite common after a sweep then nothing happens? Really trying not to get my hopes up.

Hope i'm joining use sooner rather than later

Take care x

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Caraz

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Tuesday, July 17th 2012, 10:00am

hi sasha - I had mucous appear the day after my sweep, and had a bloody show on I think the Friday morning (2 days after sweep) - went into labour late afternoon/evening, had baby 6 hours later

But the midwife did warn me that a little bit of blood is not uncommon after a sweep - I'm afraid it is one of those wait and see scenarios! Fingers crossed everything gets going for you soon and you have a lovely quick and easy labour

Caraz

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sasha146

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Tuesday, July 17th 2012, 10:23am

Thanks Caraz, i did have a small amount of bleeding after the sweep but it was a couple of spots more than anything and no mucus but since 9am this morning have been to the loo twice and its def mucus tinged with brown and red blood now.

Fingers crossed

x

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Tuesday, July 17th 2012, 11:46am

Hi Sasha, after my sweep I had alot of what your describing the nurse said its very common obviously because they've had a good rummage round up there

Hope baby doesn't keep you waiting to long xx

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sasha146

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Tuesday, July 17th 2012, 8:22pm

Thanks girls

Been having this mucus/bloody discharge all day so i'm assuming it's the mucus plug coming away, other than that nothing

Hope to be joining you all soon
x

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fuzzy bee

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Tuesday, July 17th 2012, 9:09pm

Hi all!
Firstly thanks CT for coming up with this thread. I've tried following goings on here but never had time to post properly.
Sasha I have no idea about sweeps but good luck, I hope you get to cuddle your bub soon!

I just wanted get some opinions on a few things really, any advice welcome!
BF it's so hard! how has the human species survived?!! Is anyone managing to or ever managed to bf their baby, have a routine and have them sleep through the night? Is it even possible??
What do you count as sleeping through the night? Nannies say 7-7, in my head 8 hours is great going, other sites say between 12-5. Bit lost doesn't begin to explain my thoughts!
Is anyone else combination feeding? And if so is it top ups or actually substituting feeds?

Has anyone else tried baby led weaning? And if so how was it? And those of you that are heading that way soon, have any of you thought about it?

I'm sorry for not having been on before and now bombarding everyone with questions, I feel really lost sometimes and with twins I find it hard to get out and about to baby groups so feel even more lost! And my local twins club is good but noone else is bf at all so I can't really speak to them.
Ok I will have more questions if I stay on here any longer!! and I should really give you folks the opportunity to answer first before I start asking more! Thank you for reading!!

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kat13

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Wednesday, July 18th 2012, 5:00am

Hey Fuzzy bee, pleased you've joined us :thumbsup:

Cant help with the bf question but just wanted to say you're amazing for bf for so long. I've heard of baby led weaning and plan on giving it a go when Lily's ready xxx
Sasha, hope your not waiting too long for baby

Had Lily weighed today and she's now 11lb 5oz : D

Hope everyones getting on ok xxx

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Flic

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Wednesday, July 18th 2012, 2:57pm

Fuzzy!! I did baby led weaning and HIGHLY reccommend it! Sooooo easy and far more relaxed. Plus you get hot meals and no spooning in and spitting out. For us I think that it is the reason O tries everything and eats everything. Her first food was a chicken leg!! The thing to remember with it is not to worry about how much they're eating as 'food is for fun until they're one!' and not to worry about choking because they gag a fair bit but its normal and part of their learning. I found it amazing. Plus now O has great table manners, we can eat out anywhere and order whatever and she's fine with it.

Well done on the BF. I don't know much about it but I'm sure someone will be along soon to tell you all about it.

For us, sleeping through was 7 until at least 7.

If you want any advice on the baby led weaning stuff send me a PM or check out the weaning threads!

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Monday, July 23rd 2012, 8:49am

Hi girls

Just a quick post, looking for some advice apologies if this has already been discussed.

I'm bottle feeding and i no it's very early days but when my little bundle decides he wants to feed it has to be right away lol.

Just woundering if anybody feeds there formula at room temp and if so the best way they find to do it?

Also curious to see if anybody does microwave feeding, ( heating the water not the formula) ?

Will hopefully get on in the next few days to introduce myself.

Sorry to have to bombard and dash

x

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NikkiH

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Monday, July 23rd 2012, 10:05am

Hi Sasha,

I am combination feeding (both breastfeeding & formula) and find that if I make her bottle up (using boiling water) and place in really cold water to cool it down that works well. Otherwise you could use ready made formula until you get used to the feeds? I don't use the microwave at all (not sure its recommended due to getting heat spots in milk) - but you'll get different advice depending on who to talk to

Nikki x

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cheenab

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Monday, July 23rd 2012, 1:24pm

I usually boil the water an hour before his feed is due and by that time the water is quite cooled and ready to add milk,
like nikki says though the cartons are quite handy to have around if LO is hungry there and then just pop it in a sterilised bottle

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Caraz

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Monday, July 23rd 2012, 1:36pm

sasha - I'm also combination feeding like Nikki (we usually do a FF overnight, and occasionally one during the day if it is more convenient than BF). We haven't fed straight from the fridge yet (although I'm told you can), usually warm it slightly under a hot tap for a minute or two to take the chill off. If fresh made with hot water, we stand it in cold water until it is cool enough, so she gets a range of temperatures depending on circumstances! We were told to always mix using freshly boiled water, and rapid cool if we want to store it in the fridge for a few hours. A friend was told to make it with cooled boiled water as and when needed (ie water at room temperature). It really does depend who you talk to. The ready-made cartons are really handy to have as a backup option when your out.

fuzzybee - we don't have a routine as such, and as I said above we are combination feeding. I basically just feed her on demand, we aren't trying to go by the clock at all. I know that won't work for everyone, but it suits us. At the moment, I can get about 3 hours sleep between feeds overnight (hopefully!). Late feed tends to be around 11, then DH does a FF about 2 or 3, that keeps her going until 6 or 7, sometimes later when I BF again. Some mornings I stay in bed with her just to get a few more hours of sleep, and let her snack feed as and when while I doze - BFing while lying down is well worth the effort!!

Had a problem with feeding Niamh last night, she has done this a couple of times now. She feeds fine for 15 minutes or so, then starts fighting me. She is clearly still hungry - mouth gaping, rubbing her cheeks against me trying to find the right spot, hands grasping at the breast etc, but she just won't latch on. She did this for nearly an hour last night - I'd take her off me and wind or cuddle her until she calmed down (she was getting more and more frustrated, even screaming a few times), then try again as she was so obviously wanting more milk. Eventually she settled to feeding for about 5 minutes, then fell fast asleep! It was very frustrating - not sure if she was maybe just unsettled after our weekend away visiting family (got back yesterday evening). She was fine at the hotel though. Anyone else had this problem?

We managed a couple of meals out over the weekend - Niamh was fantastic, and slept in her buggy in the restaurant no problem

And we thought we'd never eat out again!

Caraz

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Monday, July 23rd 2012, 8:08pm

Hi Sasha, my lo is the same, as soon as she feels hungry thats it, she cries/ screams till the bottle is in her mouth. When she was in scbu all her feeds were room temperature, she had jars of pre made formula. Sma do a pack of 12 jars with teats but not sure how much they are. Very handy for when your out and about. I make up enough bottles (water only) for the day and keep them in the fridge then warm for a few minutes in a bottle warmer then add the formula, I give lo a dummy whilst bottle is warming. I read somewhere that you could make up the water in the bottles and keep them out of the fridge, that way they wont get too cold, or get the next bottle out of the fridge when your doing the previous feed? I've never used the microwave incase of hot spots xxx

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cheenab

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Monday, July 23rd 2012, 8:46pm

We was told at the hospital before we came home that bottles can't be kept in the fridge because of bacteria etc or something.. Is that just a bottle with milk added to it does anybody know?? Our way works pretty well for us, but I never thought I could put the bottles in the fridge as we've always been told not to by the MW xx

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Monday, July 23rd 2012, 9:17pm

Hello

Thanks for the advice girls, really liking the ready made cartons/bottles that sma do, had seen the cartons before the bottles look quite new and reasonably priced. Olly def likes room temp better so will see how that goes

x

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kat13

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Monday, July 23rd 2012, 9:20pm

Cheenab, I think you can keep water in the fridge for 24hrs. Once the formula is added you can only keep it for 2hrs xxx

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Monday, July 23rd 2012, 9:32pm

Ooo I see!!! Thanks Kat

xx

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Tuesday, July 24th 2012, 7:46pm

Hi girls,

We put the water in the bottles ready, heat it up a bit and then add the formula. Works for us. When we are out we take a flask with boiled hot water and add to warm it up then add the powder.

We are doing blw with Cobi and he has already started to reach for things like toast, garlic bread, veg, fruit and dh's Cornetto lol. We are in no rush to get him going as he only four months but if he wants it we give it to him. Obviously with him only being four months we watch he doesn't get big chunks in his mouth. He already knows where to put the spoon if it has food on it. Kj is fussy with eating cause we spoon fed him although he wil eat anything. Give them as many different foods as possible from the start then they should eat most things.x

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