[RosieB]

Wow...it is quiet around here this weekend....

No more projectile vomiting since yesterday morning which is a relief. Olivia was quite fussy last evening but then she slept for 4 hours straight at night, so that was great!

Jaime - my doc told me to pump after the baby nurses...that way you are not taking any food away from her. I started pumping a week ago...but it made my milk increase and I was engorged and painful...so I stopped until I get more regulated...which is slowly happening. If you start pumping after her feedings...your milk might increase..making enough to start some reservs. I def was a bit more sore after pumping...but I was so sore in general, I am not sure the pumping contributed or not.

Fawn, I am sorry that DH is working so much right now. That has to be hard...is he gone till tomorrow o next Sunday? I would freak out to be home alone for a whole week. My DH has a golf outing on Thursday and will be home late, and then is going back to my MIL's house over the weekend to pick up some things..and I am already lining up visits from friends and family. Thank God DH has been coming home from work early...or should I say at a reasonable hour. He is usually gone at 5:30 am and does not get home till @ 7p...but he has been coming home around 5:30-6 to keep me from going over the edge. He also feeds the baby a formula bottle at night so I can go to bed after my last feeding and get 4 hours of sleep.

Olivia is quite the loud grunter in her sleep, so just keeping her downstairs for 2 extra hours really helps.

[Fawn]

Originally Posted by RosieB

Wow...it is quiet around here this weekend....

No more projectile vomiting since yesterday morning which is a relief. Olivia was quite fussy last evening but then she slept for 4 hours straight at night, so that was great!

Jaime - my doc told me to pump after the baby nurses...that way you are not taking any food away from her. I started pumping a week ago...but it made my milk increase and I was engorged and painful...so I stopped until I get more regulated...which is slowly happening. If you start pumping after her feedings...your milk might increase..making enough to start some reservs. I def was a bit more sore after pumping...but I was so sore in general, I am not sure the pumping contributed or not.

Fawn, I am sorry that DH is working so much right now. That has to be hard...is he gone till tomorrow o next Sunday? I would freak out to be home alone for a whole week. My DH has a golf outing on Thursday and will be home late, and then is going back to my MIL's house over the weekend to pick up some things..and I am already lining up visits from friends and family. Thank God DH has been coming home from work early...or should I say at a reasonable hour. He is usually gone at 5:30 am and does not get home till @ 7p...but he has been coming home around 5:30-6 to keep me from going over the edge. He also feeds the baby a formula bottle at night so I can go to bed after my last feeding and get 4 hours of sleep.

Olivia is quite the loud grunter in her sleep, so just keeping her downstairs for 2 extra hours really helps.

Rosie- Mine is a noisy sleeper too. He will be home tomorrow. He always says just call your mom. I am NOT one to ask for help. I am always a go getter and do things on my own. Even if I shouldnt. Like being too active after surgery and stuff. I like to keep myself busy, but I would like a rest. Dont get me wrong I LOVE my little pumpkin more than anything. I just need a few minutes of me time. That is where he is to fall in and say honey let me have the little one for a while and just go outside. I will never ask anyone to take him while I go for me time, but I wish he would offer.

Jaime-I pump on the breast after nate is finished with it. If he only nurses on 1 side, then I try and pump for a few minutes on the other side. just to make a little extra milk for storage. I am in a wedding on sept 12th & I need to have plenty of milk here for DH to keep my chunkers full. The wedding is almost an hour away, so it will be an all day affair. I'm sure I will be a wreck until I get home. Weddings are already emotional and that will be my first day away from Nate. If your breast get sore, stand in the shower and let the hot water run over your chest. You can put a wash cloth over the nipples if they are real tender that the water hurts them.

Monique- I hear ya on the daytime screaming. DH says I have Nate spoiled. Hey I will do whatever I need to just so I dont have to listen to a screaming little one. Picking him up stops the crying most of the time. Its usually gas. I only need to hold him for like 5 minutes or so to help expell the gas and then i sit him back down. Its just usually freq. My central vac is laying on my floor right now, the dishwasher needs emptied & loaded, Nate still needs his bath, dusting needs done. Its really bad, clothes in the drying & a basket in my room all need folded and put away. Plus when DH comes home from his weekend adventures I always cook him & his friend/s a big breakfast. So I have that to do tomorrow also. SOunds like our DH's are similar as in waking the baby and then expecting mommy to make it better. Mine does it and then says he's hungry you better feed him. No he is fussy cuz you just woke him up. grrrrr @ them.

Amanda-Im sorry somewhere in here I missed your birthday. So happy belated birthday.
Anabel_school? Holy cow. Are you working on a degree or just classes here and there? there is no way I could concentrate on classes with a newborn. You are a tough determined lady. Kudos to you!
Jenna- I am so sorry to hear about DH's job, I hope everything works out for you. Insurance companies suck!

[Shlify]

Hi Ladies,
Sorry I haven't posted in a long time, it's been difficult here and looking for some advice or if anyone else is in the same boat, especially those past their due date. I started breastfeeding and couldn't keep up with Ayden's hunger. Then I was pumping and still couldn't keep up. Ayden will be three weeks old on Thrusday and is eating 4 oz every 2.5-3 hrs. She is CONSTANTLY hungry! And when she's awake and not eating, she's screaming! I am just afraid of overfeeding her, is that possible at this age? When she tells me she's hungry I feed her, but it's getting insanse. The other night, she ate 7 oz in a 3 hr span!! Thoughts? or anyone else in the same boat!? I am getting beyond frustrated as I am not sure what the problem is!

[Fawn]

Originally Posted by Shlify

Hi Ladies,
Sorry I haven't posted in a long time, it's been difficult here and looking for some advice or if anyone else is in the same boat, especially those past their due date. I started breastfeeding and couldn't keep up with Ayden's hunger. Then I was pumping and still couldn't keep up. Ayden will be three weeks old on Thrusday and is eating 4 oz every 2.5-3 hrs. She is CONSTANTLY hungry! And when she's awake and not eating, she's screaming! I am just afraid of overfeeding her, is that possible at this age? When she tells me she's hungry I feed her, but it's getting insanse. The other night, she ate 7 oz in a 3 hr span!! Thoughts? or anyone else in the same boat!? I am getting beyond frustrated as I am not sure what the problem is!

My lactaction consultant said you should feed the baby when they are hungry. Nate went through a spell I was feeding him every 1.5 hrs at times. She said its all based on when your milk fully comes in and not to worry. The baby will tell you when they are hungry. I know the one day at her office, they weigh him before he nurses and after each breast. He ate 1/2 oz on the right, but 3oz on the left, so in one feeding he ate 3.5oz & was only 2 weeks old. She said they will regulate themselves, just feed them when they are hungry. DOes she settle down after you feed her? She might have reflux in addition to still being hungry if she doesnt settle down after eating. That or maybe gas. I know my little guy is a farting maching. He is worse then a grown man at times..lol. I hope this helps.

[historyteach]

shlify - i agree with fawn, feed her when she is hungry. but she also might be a sucker. i didn't want to introduce a nuk but Lyla was killing my nipples, wanting to feed for an hour and then 20 minutes later she would be sucking on her hand acting like she was hungry again, i was told that if a baby is satisfied by something that does not give them food, they just want to suck. try your pinkie finger or a nuk. it has really saved my nipples

fawn - thanks for the advice on sore nipples, i think part of my problem is that Lyla is not emptying my breast when she nurses, if that is possible. she nurses for 20 minutes on each side but now i am starting to get pain under my arm pits, i am looking forward to when we are on a schedule and things get a little easier! and seriously take a break!!! it sounds like you are trying to do too much, and i hope that DH comes home and cooks you breakfast rather than the other way around!

and ladies i hear you on the loud sleeper, i swear she just likes to grunt and growl to see if i am paying attention to her!

[waiting..patiently]

Hello Ladies,

it has been a while since I have posted. There are too many posts to reply to all but I wish all the best to those in trying times with their little opnes.

AFM, Brock is doing well despite the bout of thrush that he has that does not want to go away. Any suggestions are welcomed. Also to make things more to juggle, my DH broke his foot while building a deck on our house. That has put even more on my plate. I however will let the vaccuuming wait and the dishwasher sit until I am good and ready to do it. As well, it has been very busy here with my 8 year old still at home for summer vacation (in Canada they do not go back to school until Sept 8). I have been trying to fill his days with activity as well when I would rather just sleep. We went to the beach and it was good since there was a nice shaded part for Brock and I.

Wishing everyone a great week.

Kim

[Roxy]

Originally Posted by Shlify

Hi Ladies,
Sorry I haven't posted in a long time, it's been difficult here and looking for some advice or if anyone else is in the same boat, especially those past their due date. I started breastfeeding and couldn't keep up with Ayden's hunger. Then I was pumping and still couldn't keep up. Ayden will be three weeks old on Thrusday and is eating 4 oz every 2.5-3 hrs. She is CONSTANTLY hungry! And when she's awake and not eating, she's screaming! I am just afraid of overfeeding her, is that possible at this age? When she tells me she's hungry I feed her, but it's getting insanse. The other night, she ate 7 oz in a 3 hr span!! Thoughts? or anyone else in the same boat!? I am getting beyond frustrated as I am not sure what the problem is!

Leah went through that stage at 3 weeks. I think it is a growth spurt stage. I pump in the morning for her from a full breast and only get 2 ounces and when my husband feeds her from the bottle she is never satisfied. They are getting the same amount from your breast it just takes a much longer time for them to suck out the milk. Breast fed babies can't be overfed. They need to eat more because the breast milk is easier to digest than formula. So feed the baby when it is hungry.


Also, I saw the lactation specialist on Saturday. I had awful cracked nipples and she told me to have the doctor prescribe medicine APNO. It is amazing if anyone has cracked nipples. It heals them in no time.

[Fawn]

Originally Posted by Roxy

Leah went through that stage at 3 weeks. I think it is a growth spurt stage. I pump in the morning for her from a full breast and only get 2 ounces and when my husband feeds her from the bottle she is never satisfied. They are getting the same amount from your breast it just takes a much longer time for them to suck out the milk. Breast fed babies can't be overfed. They need to eat more because the breast milk is easier to digest than formula. So feed the baby when it is hungry.


Also, I saw the lactation specialist on Saturday. I had awful cracked nipples and she told me to have the doctor prescribe medicine APNO. It is amazing if anyone has cracked nipples. It heals them in no time.

thanks for the info, I dont need it yet, but you never know when that might be needed.

How long did everyone bleed? With my PCOS I only ever got 2 periods a year & only bleed for 2-3 days (not really a period says my RE) I am not used to bleeding this long and its driving me nuts. Just looking for a silver lining to this part. nate will be 3 weeks old wed night. I cant believe how time is flying by.

[RosieB]

I get the pain near my armpit too, when I get too full of milk. I usually try to nurse her on that side 2 feedings in a row and not switch her to the other breast. I am still trying to get the hang of all this....thank goodness Olivia is a great nurser, so it is just a matter of time before I get regulated and more on a schedule. I too feed her pretty much on demand...but now try the paci first if it is really soon after a feeding.

I just picked up the NUK pacifiers too and she LOVES them. The other ones she used to spit out, and she loves to suck so they save my nipples too! I was afraid to give her a paci but my pediatrician said it is OK if she is nursing well, and otherwise she will try and use me as the paci...ouch!

So those of you who have "grunters" do they grunt real loud due to gas and trying to poop? Olivia is driving me nuts at night with the gas and poop grunting. Before I feed her I rub her tummy and bend her legs a bit to help her get it out, and it usually works, but she is so loud, I just wonder if that is normal. She doesn't usually cry from it, but she keeps me and DH awake and sometimes wakes herself up which is frustrating!

I wish these little ones came with instructions!!!

Oh...and I am just now stopping the bleeding. It has been over 3 weeks too. It slowed down alot the last 4 or 5 days and I think I should be completly done in a few more. I know it is annoying, but at least no cramps. I get terrible cramps with AF...something I am really not looking forward too again after being on hiatus for 9 months!

[praying4peanut]

Sorry so long ladies, it's been a horrible week. Anyhoo, kim we both had thrush and the key is to sterilize everything A lot. Everytime I pumped I sterilized all pieces. It's a pain but it worked!
Shlify- I hope it's just a growth spurt for your little on but it sounds like pj's colic which is awful. If it's a spurt it should pass in a few days. Good luck!
Afm, I had my 6 week appt today and I have postpartum. It doesn't surprise me but instead of getting on meds, I am opting to wait it out and pray his colic goes away asap. There's a group of moms in the same boat and my dr wants me to at least meet with them, we'll see. On top of that because of my lack of sleep, I'm sick. I am burnt out ladies but there's nothing we can do until the colic is over

[amylynn2]

Riley is a big grunter. He toots and burps like an adult. He's so loud but he makes him feel much better when he does! My AF is horrible too. What form of birth control are you using? I'm getting an IUD put in as soon as my AF starts. My doc says I should start soon.

Originally Posted by RosieB

I get the pain near my armpit too, when I get too full of milk. I usually try to nurse her on that side 2 feedings in a row and not switch her to the other breast. I am still trying to get the hang of all this....thank goodness Olivia is a great nurser, so it is just a matter of time before I get regulated and more on a schedule. I too feed her pretty much on demand...but now try the paci first if it is really soon after a feeding.

I just picked up the NUK pacifiers too and she LOVES them. The other ones she used to spit out, and she loves to suck so they save my nipples too! I was afraid to give her a paci but my pediatrician said it is OK if she is nursing well, and otherwise she will try and use me as the paci...ouch!

So those of you who have "grunters" do they grunt real loud due to gas and trying to poop? Olivia is driving me nuts at night with the gas and poop grunting. Before I feed her I rub her tummy and bend her legs a bit to help her get it out, and it usually works, but she is so loud, I just wonder if that is normal. She doesn't usually cry from it, but she keeps me and DH awake and sometimes wakes herself up which is frustrating!

I wish these little ones came with instructions!!!

Oh...and I am just now stopping the bleeding. It has been over 3 weeks too. It slowed down alot the last 4 or 5 days and I think I should be completly done in a few more. I know it is annoying, but at least no cramps. I get terrible cramps with AF...something I am really not looking forward too again after being on hiatus for 9 months!

[MoniqueD]

Oh Em, I am so sorry honey. Maybe it would be beneficial for you to meet with other moms. It would be like chatting with us but in person!! You would actually get to meet these people and hang out. Good luck with everything and the colic WILL pass (I know...easy for me to say....).

Bleeding??? I bled for 6 weeks...just stopped last week. Can't say I enjoyed it and I DO NOT look forward to AF re-entering my life. Yuck. And as for birth control, we are going to take the chance and opt for none. We wanted to start trying again right away to get pregnant but because of the csection my OB said we are to wait for a year...don't want to rupture a non-fully healed uterus apparently! It was disappointing but oh well, my health is more important...we can wait.

Breastfeeding...I nurse and pump and I do have enough. When I pump I usually get 4+ ounces so I assume he gets the same when he feeds. I do not get extra anymore though for freezing so I am contemplating fenugreek. I have found a difference today though as the past couple of days I have been pumping more and massaging my breasts when doing so (tmi??).

As for pacifiers...Garrett will only use the Gumdrop which we got from the hospital. We were afraid that we would lose it and we cannot buy them in stores so at each hospital visit we increased our supply of them from the supply room.....You can order them online though.

Well, just about time to feed the little man and go to bed myself

[praying4peanut]

Thanks Monique, I had a breakdown today and have called in all my girlfriends for help. It took a lot to say something, I feel so ashamed and a little like a failuure. I wanted this for so long and nothing has gone right it seems. To top it off, I awoke from what I thought was a flu nap to a high fever, sore body, really painful boob with red splotches. Called my dr asap and turns out I have mastitis, infected boob, and had to start on antibiotics again as soon as dh could bring them home. They claim I can still nurse, but I've heard that story before. DH is staying home tomorrow so I can rest cuz my body just can't fight the infection...again. So were going to try to nurse still since dr said it's good for the infected boob but if pj starts hurting, we are changing to half formula hal previously pumped milk, but I pray it doesn't get that bad. So I'm doing a lot of praying for strength at this time and thank you ladies for support. It's almost funny how everyone knows but you. When I told my girlfriends about my postpartum, they all said they knew already. Only my dad and dh were shocked-that's men for ya. Dh is taking care of pj all night, I think it's quite an adventure for both ofvthem.

[MoniqueD]

Oh Em, is there no end for you at all?? You poor Momma!! I hear that mastitis is something just horrible to get, a few friends of mind have had the experience and yes, they too were told to nurse despite the infection. I can only imagine the discomfort. It makes me feel better to know you have great friends you can depend on As for you having PPD, you are not a failure, not at all. It happens, all the time in fact, don't beat yourself up over it. I actually read an article once since I have started my journey with infertility. It talked about women who experienced infertility and how likely it is for them to get PPD. We wait so long Em and have this notion of how everything is going to be perfect once we get pregnant, stay pregnant, and have our babies. As we have all discovered, this is not the case. We do get tired, we are frustrated, our babies are normal babies who cry and get sick and we are married to men, and no matter how supportive they are, sometimes that is just not enough for us. Just look back on everything you have been through leading up to this point??? The stress, the joys, the heartache, the hormones, the medications, the watching-everyone-around-you either pregnant or with their babies...IT'S TOUGH!!!! We have been through so much. Hang in there and just remember, you are doing nothing wrong. xoxo

[waiting..patiently]

Em, sorry to hear about the PPD and other issues with the masstitis. I remember feeling really blue after my first baby I had a lot of breastfeeding issues and was recovering from a c-section, all I can say is that like every pregnancy, each baby is different. This time around I have not had the PPD Blues or feeding issues so don't feel like a failure at all and don't think that these issues will haunt you for the next baby or two or three...hang in there we are all praying for you to make it through the mastitis. By the way, with my first baby I ended up not breastfeeding due to the issues and felt really guilty and bad about it at first but in the end it was the best for both of us. Take care of you.

Kim