Hi,

Congratulations on the birth of your babies, and welcome to the April 08 Parents Group!

As you can see, there is only one Parents Group, so I hope that all members of both Due In Groups feel welcome in here.

Please take a few moments to read the Parent Group Guidelines, and please remember that all EB Forum Guidelines Apply in here as well.

I am online at various points throughout the day, so please feel free to PM me if you have any queries, or you think anything needs my attention.

Once again, CONGRATULATIONS!

I'll start things off then .

Hi to all the new April 2008 Mums.

My third child, but first son Luca was born on the 7th April.

I look forward to getting to know everyone!

Hi girlies,

One handed typing whilst BF and yelling at 22month old climbing on the kitchen table

I had Anthony 08/04/08 37.5w, he is my second child and was a quick delivery.

Looking forward to meeting you all from the earlier April DIG.

Hi nzmum, SasoraK and moopey

For those who weren't in the early DIA group:
our beautiful daughter Alice Kate was born on April 8th weighing 3.9kg and 52.5cm long. She is our fourth child and third daughter.

I must change my signature. I am so excited to report that Alice slept for 10 hours last night! With a feed in the middle. Given she's been sleeping for a total of about 4 hours every night since she got home I am so excited!! I feel like a new person. I also figured that as she's roughly 600gm heavier than my lightest child at birth, I need to think of her as 12 days older than that (given they put on roughly 50gm per day). So, I'm trying to think of her as being a wakeful 3 week old rather than a sleepy newborn. That seems to help.
Okay, off to celebrate my newfound energy caused by sleep! by cleaning the house. Have a good day everyone

Hey,

Charlea Jane was born by emerg C/S on the 10th April 2008 after a long 28hrs and 53mins labour.

I look forward to getting to know you all.

Hi everyone,

Ill start by saying im technically a March parent but since he was due April and all my DIG friends are here Im joining this group if no one minds.

Cooper Jay was born on 30 March (EDD 8 April) after a 7.8 hour labour that ended with a forceps delivery after 2 hours of unsucessful pushing (contractions died off).

After sme initial jaundice and feeding issues he is now doing really well, eating sleeping and having quite awake periods, he is onyl really grizzly when he gets wind (mum must work out what she is eating that gives it too him).

Congrats to all the new mums and look forward to sharing this time with you all.

Jess

hi just thought i would pop in and introduce myself.

I had my little darlinh boy Bailey Ted on the 9th april. Have had a tough week but it is getting better now feeding is working better with the nipple shield. Typical boy is a guzzle guts and was too impatient to latch on properly and the shield is heaven.

Look forward to getting to know everyone

gotta go he is waking for his dinner.

Hi,

I will just pop in to say hello and introduce myself and new arrival Sienna Grace, born 10/4/08. I am still stalking the DIG when i have time so I may not post here much until the girls are all finished,

Looking forward to getting to know the 'new' girls too,

i had beauiful daughter isabella lee on 2 april 6.35am 3.410kg 52cm long (edd 11 april)labour was 131/2 hours 2 hours of pushing and 17 stitches inside and out

Hi everyone,

For those who don't know me, My name is Kelly and I gave birth to beautiful boy, Lincoln James on April 6, 2008.

I not only look forward to meeting a new group of wonderful people but I also look forward to continuing my friendship with all my DIG buddies!

I finally wrote up my birth story last night. I know it's long whinded but I wanted to keep as many details as possible more for myself than for anyone else. I would love to hear your comments.

http://members.essentialbaby.com.au/index....howtopic=526916

Can't wait to hear how you are all going with your brand new bundles.

Kelly

Hi April Mummies!

Sorry this is quick, DH has cooked up a storm for dinner (please can he stay home from work forever? )

I gave birth to our first baby, a beautiful boy, Henry West on the 3rd of April after a 7hour14min labor. Won't forget that in a huge hurry But he's just divine and we're soooo in love

Like everyone else I am sure, it's so hard to find the time to post, but I hope to get a little more organised and leap on here often.

I loved our DIG and can't wait to 'meet' all the other April Mum's.

Take care and hope those babies start getting in some longer sleeps.

Nxx

hi to all the new Mummies

i'm onehanded typing so will be quick ...

to those that dont know me (yet) my name is Jode, and I gave birth to my 4th child on April Fool's Day - 11pm - at 38 weeks. Had a great labour of 5 hours - from water breaking at netball training to babe in arms! Verity Jean weighed just over 7lb (3.2 kg) 52cm long, HC 33cm (i think!). She joins Eloise (nearly 9 yo), Xavier (7 yo on Sunday) and William (busy busy 2 yo) in our chaotic family.

hoping to get to know you and your babes - but not confident of getting the chance to get on here very often!!

take care and hoping we all get enough sleep tonight!

jode

Hi all,

Popping in to introduce myself too! I'm Natalie, and am still on a high after the amazing homebirth of my third child, a beautiful little girl named Cheriese Adrienne. She was born at 2:30am on her EDD, 8th April. She weighed 3.37gkg (7ld 7oz) 49cm long and head circumference was 32cm. In the end it was a quick labour, we rang our midwife at 12pm, she got here at 12:30 followed by Cheriese 2 hours later. It was just perfect.

Cheriese is settling in really well, Breastfeeding is thankfully going great and most days I feel pretty good - the tiredness is hard some days, but I'm trying to rest as much as I can while DH is on holidays.

Looking forward to chatting about our new little darlings together in here!
Natalie

Carly - you are the list queen, so I say go for it!!

Just thought I would finally pop in and say hi!

Fionnlagh was born last Wed 9 April at 6.36pm. He is the 7th baby in the house, and he is totally adored by all of his siblings! There is a fight for cuddles every day!!!



Looking forward to continuing chat with my DIG girls, and also getting to know all the early April girls! I am sure we are all going to need the help and support of each other to get through the next few months and years!!!

Hope you are all getting just a little bit of sleep! (who said they got 10hrs?? Soooo jealous!!!).

K

Hi everyone

My name is Jodie and I have 4 children 4 years of age and under (DD1 Ryley is 4, dd2 Halle is 3 and DS Kade is 1) and we welcomed our 3rd little girl Eden on the 26th of March weighing 10lb 2oz. She is being loved to death by her big sisters and brother.

We are having a few issues with her weight gain ATM as she is still not at her birth weight but other than that she is a very laid back little lady. I guess being the 4th baby in this very hectic household she needs to be.

I look forward to getting to know all of the late April mums , and continuing with all of my absolutely fabulous and lovely DIG. I may not post as much as I want to as my husband is going back to work on Tuesday and I just know I am going to be overwhelmed and run off my feet. Can I second Natasha's

Take care
Jodie

Hi Girls!

A couple of pics of Henry...

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa206/natashacb/Henry.jpg

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa206/n...weeksold020.jpg

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa206/n...weeksold022.jpg

I am SO tired Henry is feeding around 9ish, then is ready again for 11pm, then 3am-ish then 6-7am ish and I'm sure that's all normal, except he takes up to 2 hours to feed and I am just getting NO sleep

It's so hard to stay sane in the night...and awake.

DH is being wonderful and is on nappy duty and gets me fresh glasses of water etc... but gee I wish he had boobs.

Surely it makes sense for women to grow an extra set of hands and men a good set of boobs when a new baby comes along?

I'm feeding him as much as I can during the day, but he tends to fall asleep on me, despite my efforts to wake him... any suggestions or am I dreaming that there is a way to help him along on this??

Hope everyone else is getting more sleep than me!

Tash xx

I third that can he stay home forever. How nice is it getting all your meals cooked and housework kind of done .

Carly - a list would be great. I was reading your post on the 9th in the morning about who is having there baby today and i was thinking i wish, but i did end up having bailey at night. i had to have a bit of a laugh.

Natasha - dont worry i am sure most of us r in the smae boat. i think 1 1/2 hours of sleep at a time is fantastic. little bailey takes 1/12 hour to feed in the night as i seem to have less milk and only has 3 hours between feeds but in the day takes 3/4hour to feed and has 5 hours between feeds.....i want my nights and days sorted out soon!!

fluff question - what r the best and the worst things you are discovering about motherhood? (besides no sleep)

hey Tash
I think Henry is copying Verity - very similar story here! Although, she is a bit quicker at her feeds, so I am getting a bit more sleep than you (unfortunately there is no chance to catch up in the day - especially since my 2 yo has started being very difficult to get to sleep in the daytime - oh no!)

She falls asleep at the boob all the time - I have tried unwrapping her so she gets a bit colder, tickling her toes, and also a wet cottonwool ball on her face! but nothing works to keep her awake when I want. I change her nappy mid-way - since she hates being changed and will scream her head off - but once back on the boob, she drops off to sleep again - sigh! I don't think there is much that can be done... and I know from past experience that they do get much more awake and it gets easier - this is just a really tough time to get through.

Tash - you'd think if evolution really worked that Mums would have 4 sets of hands, eyes in the back of our heads and the ability to be wonderwomen on 30 minutes sleep!

Carly - list?? go for it!!

Fluff q - Best - breastfeeding (after it stops being agonising) and the love that just makes your heart swell - and the beautiful dynamic that unexpectedly appeared between all my kids. When I say unexpected, I mean that when I had my 3rd child I was surprised at how much my older two loved their little brother - and it has grown all over again with this latest addition. All 3 of the older ones just love our newest baby - it is so beautiful and wonderful to see.
Worst - Breastfeeding in the early days, and the fact that it is so so hard to have any time for myself.

luckynumber7 - how do you pronounce Fionnlagh's name please.

Jodie - how are you going with your 4?? Will you have help with them all when your DH returns to work?? I'm interested in how you do it, since I struggle with my lot ...

nite all - I'm going to try and get into bed now (8.30pm) and fingers crossed for a couple of hours before I"m required again! I have DS's 7th birthday tomorrow and the house is still a pigsty and presents not wrapped - but just can't do it all ... oh well!

Jode

Jode - Its pronounced Finlay - the spelling is the traditional Irish spelling. No, I didn't make it up!

Bubbles - hmmm... best? enjoying a newborn again. Really appreciating every moment and taking note of every single thing he does. This will (probably!) be the last one, so I want to soak up it all! And worst?? Severe SPD. I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy. Although, it does give me plenty of time to just stare and hold my little man whilst DH runs around like a mad man doing everything else!

Tash - Henry is gorgeous! He looks 'old' for his age. So cute! As for how to keep him awake? Struggling here myself. I think Jode listed everything I would do, and AM doing. Fionn just doesn't stay awake. Forever having problems with trying to wake him up!!! The nappy change in the middle of the feed works the best for me, but he still gets tired too quickly.

Jodie - gosh your guys are so close together! I have to admit that this time around I am loving the 4yr break. I haven't had this much break before and it makes a MASSIVE difference! I will be thinking of you every time I am whining about my lot! I hope you have a REALLY supportive partner!!!!

As for DHs going back to work? Mine goes on Monday. SOOOOO not happy. I am currently on crutches, and am in bed most of the day. So we are working out the plan on how he can leave everything ready for me before he goes so that all I need to do is go to the toilet. Fionn and I are going to camp on the sofa bed for the day with all our supplies around us, and Gael (4yo) is going to be gofer for the day!!! This WILL be interesting!!!! Eek!!

Anyhoo, Fionn is now asleep, so better catch a few z's myself! Sleep well with your little ones tonight ladies!

K

PS - My name is Kerrin, but I prefer to go by 'K'. So please feel free to call me that! My DH does!!!!

Hi there girls,
My name is Sarah and gave birth to my baby girl, Sienna Rose on the 8th of April 08.
I was induced at 37 weeks due to severe SPD. and am still strugging with the pain. ATM i am on crutches and a cocktail of anti imfamatorys and pain killers. i cant wait to feel better.
looking forward to meeting all the new girls
xx

Hi girls,
for those of you I haven't 'met' before, I had a georgous little boy on the 13th April named Josh. He was 53cm and 3.35kg. So long and skinny, unlike his brother and sister who were shorter and fatter!
We had another straitfoward pregnancy and labour (only about 4.5hrs this time - 58 the first (incl. prelabour!)
After some initial sucking problems he's finally starting to get the hang of BF (here was I thinking it'd be easy 3rd time around, his sister was a natural at BF - I only weaned her 6 mths ago). Now to sort out his nocturnal behaviour - he's so sleepy during the day and wants to cluster feed for 2 or 3 hours between about 9pm and 12am.
Which his sister did, but earlier in the evening so she was settled by 10pm. Ahhh...babies!

Here's a picture of the little man:
http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g188/kirstyjs/P1020908.jpg

Kristy - Cheriese has the same feeding habbits as Josh! By the time she finally finishes feeding, I'm not getting into bed until 1am. This morning she then woke up at 3:30 and then again 8:30 and I'm now expecting her to wake up any minute now. I only got up myself at 11am today, just couldn't wake myself up, luckily DH got the boys all sorted and mainly kept quiet!

Other than the night sleeping issues, she is going wonderfully - feeding really well and already looks so much bigger than when she was born (I'm not ready for her to get bigger yet though!) I too wish she wasn't so sleepy during the day, I feel like I never get to see her beautiful little eyes.

Steve had planned on going back to work during next week, but think he has decided to work from home instead. Not sure how I'd cope with being up so early with my boys just yet. Hopefully by the end of the week Cheriese is settling much better in the evening.

Well I'd better get some breakfast before it turns into lunch time! I have a friend coming to see me early this afternoon, so my mission will to also get myself showered and dressed before then too

Natalie

Thankyou, thankyou, thankyou
As I struggle along here it's so reassuring to see that it's all normal! Phew! Alice and I are struggling with bf atm. Actually, I'm struggling, she's quite happy. I don't confess this to many/any people but one breast points south and the nipple east, so it's really difficult to feed Everything seems to have moved since I last bf. Any advice welcome. I'm working really hard on positioning, but gosh it hurts! Particularly when I'm really tired in the middle of the night.
natalie - it is so reassuring to see I'm not the only one not showered and dressed til late morning. I have to start doing the school runs on Wed, not looking forward to being up and out by 8.30am.
kirsty - glad to hear I'm not the only one with a baby who doesn't sleep until the early hours of the next morning! I'm getting a bit sick of watching the clock tick over past midnight.
Sarah - welcome. I can't imagine coping with it all and being on crutches. I hope it improves for you soon.
K - I have a 3 1/2 yo doing all my hunting and gathering when I'm bf. Good luck with Monday, it makes me stop whinging to try to imagine myself immobile as well.
Jode - I can't believe you're still going ahead with the birthdays. I hope you've got lots of helpers, that Monday is a rest day for you, and that Verity sleeps all night tonight!
bubbles - I like the 'kind of done'. As good as dh is, I do like things done my way, but I would never complain. It is such a hectic time for our dh's as well.
Tash - I would agree with all the other advice about keeping babies awake to feed. The other things that were suggested to me last week (that you may already be doing) is to have noise in the house during the day eg tv, radio or in my case other kids!, and to get them out into the sunshine so that they know it's daytime so hopefully Henry will swap it all around soon.
Jodie - I've been wondering how you're going. I had 3 in under 4 years, and I couldn't imagine going back to have 4 under 5. I think I went a bit gaga for a few months, but it sounds like you're doing okay. I hope you're getting a little time to rest.

My parents came and took the older 3 for a sleepover this afternoon, so we're having a wonderful time We went for a 1 1/2 hour walk along the beachfront in the beautiful autumn sunshine, stopped for a coffee (decaf for me) and I've even had time to take the washing off the line. I might even try to fold and put away some of it before Alice wakes. Here's wishing us all 8 hours sleep tonight! (Well, you've got to have ambitions in life )

Hi everyone!

I have been sooooo slack in not posting since I got home from hospital but you know how it is!!!

Congratulations to everyone on their new arrivals, it is such an exciting time.

For those of you not from the early April DIG, my name is Brooke and I gave birth to a beautiful daughter, Poppy Louise on 8th April. She is a little sister to our darling Jack who is nearly 4.

I was induced at 40+2 as my ob thought she was going to be very big (DS was 9lb 5oz) and also we live in a rural area, yet I was giving birth in the city and we wanted to make sure I would make it to the hospital on time!!

I will post my birth story some time when I get a chance, but to cut a long story short - 2 lots of gels, synto drip, epidural, ARM then not too much pushing and our baby girl was here!!

She has settled in pretty well, but seems to have the same body clock as all the other bubs - soooooo sleepy in the day, and party time at night!! She just wants to be wide awake and cuddled at night - she doesn't cry unless you put her back to bed!! She just wants to stare up at me and make funny faces . I have finally worked out (I think) that she doesn't like being wrapped - DS would only sleep if he was swaddled SUPER tight, but she is more of a 'sprawler'! Funny how you just ASSUME your 2nd baby will like the same things as your first!

I have my first appt back at the hospital tomorrow and I am dying to know how her weight gain is going as she is such a quick feeder. 10 minutes each side (if that) and she's done. I am not super concerned as she is filling plenty of nappies, and sleeping contentedly but you still have that niggling self doubt until you know if they are putting on weight. The sensible side of me says, if she's sleeping peacefully then she's fine, the irrational part of me says, "Maybe she's so sleepy cos she has NO ENERGY!!!!!!!!". It is a bit of a relief to know that a lot of bubs are sleepy too!! Oh well, I will know tomorrow I spose! You can see from her pics that she doesn't look as if she's starving!!!

Fluff Question - The best - Not stressing so much about every little thing and being more relaxed about breastfeeding.
The worst - Forgetting how bad sleep deprivation makes you feel!!! And how long it takes to leave the house with another one to get ready!!!

Anyway, I can hear some stirring from the nursery and my boobs are telling me it's Feedin' time!

Looking forward to getting to know you all and continuing the friendships already formed.

May you all have a block of uninterrupted sleep!!

b xx

P.S. Has anyone heard from SJ? What did she name Gertie!??!!

I have attached some pics of Poppy below

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm235/t...dadandpoppy.jpg

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm235/t...ise/bigbro2.jpg

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm235/t...uise/poppy2.jpg

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm235/t...uise/poppy1.jpg

Hi girls,

one handed here

okay so i'm not alone then with the looong nights!! thanks for all the replies and suggestions, yep we've tried them all...i guess time will help.

Henry actually had a much better night last night plus we made it to bed earlier, which meant a couple of extra hours sleep trying to do the same tonight, DH is cooking up a storm again

Fluff Q -
BEST - being so in love with Henry and finding out that we can work out what he needs and keep him pretty content almost all the time.

WORST - trying to stay awake at night and the lack of sleep in the day...

Brooke - Poppy is sooo gorgeous All the bubas have such cute chubby cheeks except for Henry! He does have a little old man face

Jane - poor you with your boobs! Have you called the ABA for some advice? Perhaps you need to meet with a lactation consultant. I know having the midwife visit at home truely set Henry and I up for BF. Touch wood, we're both on top of it and he's feeding well and not hurting my boobs. Hope it stays that way!

Natalie - I know what you mean about not being ready for them to get bigger! I adore Henry so tiny. He's still about 200g under his birth weight but is putting on 22g per day...but he's obviously longer etc than when he was born. I guess it creeps up.

How do you pronouce Cheriese's name? I'm so glad you got your homebirth - I don't think I have said well done and congrats yet!!

Kiaralee - sorry to hear about your SPD. That must be so hard you poor thing. Congrats on Sienna

K - oops I'll stop complaining now about my DH going back to work. Crutches!! Poor you, how long will you be on them do you think? I hope it's not too long.

Jode- I hope your 7yo's party went well today!! Gosh, I am impressed, I'm proud just to make it out of the house! Which we did twice today. We bought coloured name letters for Henry's door - so cute to have them up!

Well I better go and join DH in the kitchen on his last cooking storm. He's cracked open Kylie Kwong's book and it's a soup on the go...my midwife told me to eat lots of soup - good for BF

Night all and thanks again for the advice and support on Henry's noctural habits!

Tash xx

BIG hugs to all the girls with SPD, you poor things

I hope you all get better very soon! I can only imagine how hard it must be and chasing after broods too

Nxx

Hi girls!!

Hope everyone had a good day and got sleep last night. I certainly didn't get much!! My little princess decided she wanted to feed every HOUR AND A HALF through the night!!! Oh well, you get that!

Had to drive to Adelaide today for my hospital appt and that went really well - She has put on about half a kilo in a week!! She was 3.89kg at birth, 3.66kg when we left hospital and she is now 4.17kg. I was so thrilled and the midwife was very happy with her, in fact she said she had 'Thunder Thighs!!' I guess she will work her sleeping patterns out soon enough. On the down side, think I have thrush on my boobs so have to get some stuff from the chemist. Nothing major but just means I have sharp pains in my boobs and they are itchy!!

Nothing compared to you poor things suffering with SPD though, I second what Natasha said, hats off to you for getting through each day, especially those with other kids at home!!

Well I'm off to peruse my freezer and see what I can find for dinner.

Have a good night

b xx

Cheriese has been feeding every 1 1/2 hours since 6pm, finally got her to take both sides and off to sleep so she is down for a few hours at least!

Natasha - Cheriese is prounounce Cher (as is Share)- reece (as is Reece Witherspoon I guess). Cherie was my mum's name (pronounced Sherry, so I adopted it from that.)

Brooke - sorry to hear about the thrush, but at least it sounds easy fixed!

SasoraK - OH you poor thing, hope your SPD settles down asap for you, must be so hard espeically with 3 other littlies that need you.

Big HI to everyone else, looks like I spoke too soon as the little miss is awake again....

Natalie

Wow 4 pages already. Thought I would do the polite thing and catch up first.

Hi I’m Chrissy (for those not in DIG) and I birthed a baby boy on the 6th April at 9:44pm. Jai Stephen, he weighed a healthy 7 pounds 15 (3.56kgs) and a short length of 49cm. He is very alert and only slept for 1 hour in the first 7 hours after being born. We had a homebirth and it was the most beautiful thing ever... as well as very quick (total labour was just over 1 hour). My first son is 18months and is such a big helper, other then his very rough cuddles and throwing missiles at the baby’s' head. I also have a stepson who is 5 on Monday. Jai is feeding and sleeping. We haven’t been clock watching to time between feeds because if he’s awake he gets a boob in his mouth. He is only feeding for a max of 10mins though. In 2 weeks he has put on 400grams.

For photos you can check out DHs myspace (click on DH). Sorry I don’t know how to put them on the thread.

I hope all those with SPD get some relief soon. Everyone else with DH's back at work good luck. Mine only got a week off then my Mum and Brother were here for a week. So now flying solo.

The best: getting the birth I want with a healthy baby. The first smile even though it wasn’t for me (DS was cuddling him and it was such a beautiful moment).
The worst: wind .... Not being able to take the pain away after trying everything. I had no experience with this and it was a huge shock to realise both boys are already different. Also DH not getting to spend much time with Jai as he is the new favourite for DS1.

Look forward to hearing more about all the beautiful Aries and Taurus babies.

Hi Ladies,

Just stopped in to say hi, dont have much time these days.

Any tips for wind/reflux? Cooper has developed a dislike for his basinette and everytime he goes down wakes constantly with wind which then gives him reflux so now will only sleep in my arms. Hard for me to sleep this way.

Glad everyone seems to be coping ok and bubs are also thriving well.

I agree, anyone heard from SJ, she been MIA sonce the birth, hope all is ok.

Take care, try to get back tomorrow.

lululamby-We don't use a bassinet but do you wrap him? One of our life savers is a nice TIGHT wrap so they cannot get their arms out. If there arms are out they seem to startle themselves awake.

Has anyone else have a really sleepy baby, it hardly feels as though she is awake at all sometimes.

Jodie

RyhalandKade - Yes we do wrap him in a tight wrap, he does well with it most of the time but it doesnt seem to make a difference sometimes. Guess its just a ohase though, fe babies seem to be doing this atm.

Cooper was really sleepy in the begining and I realised sometimes id be waking him to early, just when he was starting to stir but not yet ready to get up, makes a difference. We find by changing his nappy before a feed he is now awake enough.

Hello Ladies

Just thought I would introduce myself. My name is Heather and I gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, Carys Anne on 12 April. She was born at 33+5 and weighed 2240g, we were not expecting her until the end of May. She spent the first 10 days of her life in the SCU but is now home and is doing great.

I have a son who is 14 months old so I am guessing that life will be interesting for a while.

I will try to keep up...we are feeding EBM 4 hourly at the moment so between feeding and pumping and spending time with DS, I don't get much computer time. Can't wait until we can start attempting breastfeeds!!!

I look forward to getting to know you all.

Cheers
Heather

Hi all!

Thanks for the thoughts with the SPD. I am already starting to notice a difference in my ability to move around. Thank the lord!! I still have no illusions that it will be a long road to full movement, but being able to walk short distances without crutches is wonderful!! I can actually carry my own lunch to the couch now!!

Heather - I was reading your story only last night. Nice to 'meet' you! I am amazed that you only spent 10days in the SCU, that is wonderful!!! She must be sooo little!! I still think my little man is tiny, but of course he is huge compared to your little one!!

Tips for wind/reflux - a few things I can suggest. Small amounts (like 5ml or less) of warm boiled water either in a syringe or a bottle. It can help settle the stomach a little and get the air to the top. Raising the end of the bassinet using a rolled up blanket or something beneath the mattress. Keeping him as upright as possible after a feed, so putting him in a rocker or holding him upright for as long as possible so that the feed has time to pass through a little, rather than start coming back up and causing pain. Other than that? At this age all the other remedies aren't really recommended (Mylanta, rice cereal etc). Oh, just thought of something that DH does to get up wind - he sits them up and rubs their backs for a bit, and then tips them back and forward for a bit (so from sitting to lying down, back to sitting), basically trying to get the wind to come to the top. Amazing how well it works when nothing else has! Good luck with it! And seriously, if nothing else works, see your Dr or Health Nurse. I had one reflux baby and no one believed me until she was 4mths old. Those months were HELL. She screamed for hours and hours every day and it was horrid! Finally got a nurse to observe her and had a referral and diagnosis within days and she was so much better after that!

Sleepy baby? Ooooohhhh yes, actually mentioned this in my DIG the other day. Fionn just sleeps constantly!!! He was born at 38wks, and it wasn't until he due date (Monday) that he finally started having wake/play periods after a feed! He just slept CONSTANTLY! Have been told that it could be due to two things - first that he was induced early and so not ready to be born just yet, and also that he was coming off my ADs. He seems good now though!

Hi Chrissy! Your homebirth sounds wonderful! I would love to think that I could have a homebirth, but I don't think DH would cope with the pressure too much. He stressed far too much knowing WHEN this one would arrive because of the induction. He actually freaked out big time the night before!! I don't know if he would go for the homebirth idea!!!

Brooke - how is that thrush going?? Make sure you treat it properly and do EVERYTHING they tell you do in regards to handwashing, using the treatment for 2 weeks after etc etc. I had TERRIBLE thrush with the last two - the first they tried the treatment, but it didn't get better and so they dismissed it as being the problem, the second we realised that it WAS thrush after all, but couldn't get the correct treatment cause we lived in a remote town, and so it never cleared up. Anyhoo, it gets WORSE, a lot worse. I would cry at every feed it was so painful. I ended up giving up both times (first at 5wks, second at 8wks) and went to the bottle because the babies were losing so much weight and I was miserable. Not sure why the treatment didn't work for me the first time, and not sure if a better treatment would have helped the second time, but I know it CAN get better for most people!

Have to stop there. Kids almost due home from school. I have to admit, I've not even had a shower yet today!!! Meh - am in 'bed' (ie on the sofa bed in the lounge!), so what if I am still in PJs at 3pm!!! Really should brush my teeth though...

Talk soon!

K

just quickly

I had an email from SJ - and she and Gertie are doing fine!

also - Jane - regarding south and east pointing boobs (mine have been heading south for a loooong time! comes with feeding 3!! and now 4). I prefer the 'twin' hold (or football hold) for Verity - since my nipples point down and out to the side, and holding her under my arm seems to work best... but attachment is still tough in the middle of the night when I can hardly hold my eyes open to see what we are doing ... good luck! Also - when I had grazes on my nipples, I used the Lansinoh cream (in small purple and green tube) and found that it helped relieve some of the pain.

gotta run
jode

HI all,

I have a three week old, my first, his name is Joshua! The birth was hell! I had an epidural and forcepts in the end! I am having trouble doing the 4 am to 5am feed! I wish my life would get easier but it doesn't. My husband has to work so he needs to sleep so I am up alone doing that feed. Any advice?

Cheers all

babymum08

Hi Girls!

Just popping in to say hello

Not much to report...Henry missed both his morning naps after his feeds today but has been down for a couple of hours now...so ironic, when he sleeps I want to wake him for my boobs sake and when he's awake I just want him to sleep

He simply won't sleep in his bassenette at night...is it ridiculous to think that he doesn't like the dark? He's fine in it during the day, but the moment the light goes off at night, we have max of about 30 seconds before all hell breaks loose!

Is that silly of me? No offence taken I promise!

And he hates having his arms wrapped, we tried for a while but it's arms out and over the head for our little one.

Hi Babymum08 and Heather - congrats on your little bundles

Luckynumber7 - so glad to hear you're starting to feel small improvements - hope it continues at a great pace for you. (ps I think you're a legend for doing this newborn caper 7 times!! How do you cope with no sleep???)

Confessions.....I'm finding it really hard to stay calm at night with Henry. He just wants to feed for hours and is keeping me up for sooo long at a stretch...like almost 4 hours granted its in one stint lately, but it's so hard to sit up with him like that. I feed him for ages, then he falls asleep, so I creep to bed (he's sleeping on my chest) and the moment I get horizontal with him, its like an alarm goes off and he goes crazy for my boobs, bobbing around like a little crazy baby and crying till I get up again...we repeat this a few times until he finally goes to sleep. It's really hard!!

Tell me I'm not alone...or if I am, anyone got any suggestions on staying sane?

I keep reminding myself that he's only tiny and needs what he's asking for...but still, at 3-4 hours stretches, it's hard to feel tooo lovey dovey.

Okay, now I have confessed I'm off!

Nxx

Carly - that is such a great weight gain! I see the nurse at the end of the week, so will find out how Fionn is doing then. You can see from his cheeks (both face and butt!) that he is packing it on though!

Natasha - is it possible that he has wind? A lot of babies will look like they are hungry, but are in fact windy. Is he grunting and pulling his legs up when he gets fussy? If so, I would say that he has wind to get up. The reason I suggest this is that you said he is waking if he is laid down flat. Its possible that the wind is building over all the feeds during the day, and by the night time he is really uncomfortable. Also, no it isn't crazy to think that he doesn't like the dark! I have a dim light on all night, mainly so it isn't a shock when I wake up in the dark, but also for the baby. Some babies just don't like it when they open their eyes and can't see what is going on! Weird, but true!

Oh, as for the sleep thing? I haven't had much sleep for the last 14yrs. You kinda get used to it after a while!!!!

babymum - its only early days yet. It will take a few weeks for it all to settle, and some babies will be waking for that feed for the next 12moths or so. You will eventually learn to cope on less sleep or work out ways to catch more sleep during the day. I function well on only a few hours sleep a night (as long as I get midnight-5am I am fine) but others need to go to bed super early and have their DH give the baby EBM for the last feed of the evening before they go to bed themselves. Means you don't get much time together as a couple, but the only way to save the sanity in the first months!

Jode - lets not talk about south heading boobs, shall we!?!? You can only imagine what they are like after 6 or 7... Eeek!!!! Carly - you still after that boob job??? I could be swayed to join you!!!

K

Hi girls

Hope everyone has had a good day!

I woke up with a start this morning knowing I had something on, took me a few moments to realise that I had the home midwife visit at 9:30!! I leapt up and it was like a re enactment of that spray n wipe ad where the house is a bombshell and the crazy woman runs around with her hair sticking up everywhere madly tidying!! Well gOt it done just in time, and all went well, she has put on another 100g since Monday . Porker! What does everyone think about the survey you have to do? (or is this just in SA? ) I had forgotten from when I had DS how confronting some of the questions are!!

Natasha, Big hugs to you hon, you sound like you are having a bit of a tough time. Hang in there, it will all settle down soon and little Henry will sort a routine out. You do sound like you're managing to keep up a positive attitude though and that's half the battle so, good work!! Sounds like you have got the hang of BF too, good on you. As for your confession, it made me smile, you are definitely not alone when trying to stay 'calm' at night! Everything always seem much worse in the dark when you're sleep deprived!!

K, thanks for your advice on my boob thrush, it's not much fun is it?!! Yes, I have been religiously applying my Daktarin gel at regular intervals, hopefully it will clear up soon. As for boob jobs, I'll put my hand up too!! Do you think they will give us a group discount? Wouldn't mind a tummy tuck either.........

Well just gave DD her first massage before her bath, DS helped and she just loved it so will definitely try that more often. I put the heat lamps on in the bathroom so it was nice and cosy and we just rubbed sorbolene all over her chubby little body!!!

Well, time to put DS to bed and I hear a squawk from the nursery so looks like my pc time is up!

Carly, thinking of you tomorrow

b xx

Hi Girls

My turn to join the group

My little girl was born April 17th 6 days early her name is Addison Elizabeth and was 6lb 14oz 51cm length 32.5cm HC

Am b/f and am having some challenges with it. Am getting about 4-5 hours sleep a night, we have a witching hour from 6pm that goes to anywhere from midnight to 3am where she just constantly wants to feed.

Am slowly getting used to the lack of sleep.

Cant wait to get to know you all more

Hi all,

Welcome to the group babymum08, Heather and tancad.

Nothing much to report here. Jai still hasnt shown his Daddy his beautiful smile but dishes it out to me and DS heaps.

Natasha: Im another 2nding wind. I never had to deal with this first time around and to not be able to do anything for him when it is really bad is heartbreakimg. It is a natural thing for little ones to think they need a feed if something is bothering them. One thing I have found helpful is to have a bath with them. Both relaxing for you and the warm water can soothe upset bellies. My miracle cure for everything is a bath. I was going to mention this to those that want to wean from the nipple shields. Feeding in the bath is relaxing and as close to the womb environment as earthside will get. For 8 weeks DS would only feed in the bath without the sheild then at 10weeks he pulled it off and latched on no dramas. If no option of big bath. Can your DH bath hime and lie him on his tummy across DHs arm floating? watch the air bubbles come out of his bottom. My arms arent long enough for his so DH has to do it.

Oh we finally got our Phil and Ted Dash pram yesturday, only tthing we have brought new for DS. DH loves it was such a shock. I thought he would hate it. Must say Im finding it a bit too trendy for my liking but it does the job.

Luckynumber7: My DH sounds like your DH in regards to staying at home just before I told him that the way its gonna be. Biggest shock yet was on the day after he was born he was talking to friends saying it was the only way we should go and it was so much better then our first hospital birth. I cant believe I now have a homebirth advocate in bed with me. . On a serious note we live over an hour from nearest hospital so unless I called an ambulance on first contraction it would have been a roadside delivery.

Well got to run DS is still eating breakfast after getting up at 8am. He eats so much in the morning just wish he wouldnt eat mine.

Hi Girls!
Thanks for the replies and suggestions
I don't think it's wind....but I'll have to watch him more closely for it. It's more that he wakes up and does the bobbing for the breast thing like he hasn't seen my boobs for hours He literally crawls right up me in a frenzy, looking for them - it'd be so cute if I weren't so tired

He had a great night last night. I stayed really calm the with him and reminded myself that he's only 3 weeks old so just did what needed doing and also put Will and Grace on DVD which helped so much. Sitting solo in theliving room with no entertainment wasn't fun, the DVD made me forget that I should be sleeping and Henry was only up from 1.30-3am, and then he slept till 6am and after his feed, I put him next to me on the bed and we got another hour together!

I feel so good for it.

DH came home last night and cooked dinner too, so it was a nice night all round

Sorry for no presonals, I have a girlfriend coming over so want to feed Henry now before she gets here...I'm yet to work out how to be overly discreet

Thanks again girls, it just makes such a huge difference to me to be able to ask questions and share this time.

Oh one more question -

Sex - do you have to wait for your bleeding to stop? We were told that we had to wait at our birthing class, but I hadn't read that anywhere... does anyone know the 'rules'? Or is it just when I feel ready?

BBL (hopefully!)

Nxx

Just a quick post to say thanks for the advice Jode. I have been trying the 'football' (hate that word for it) hold but it really hurts as well. My only solution has been to roll up a face washer to lift my breast and then it is very comfortable. The only problem is that then she doesn't drain the breast properly, so I'm alternating between the two styles of feeding. With the football hold, how do you find room to put the rest of their body? What happens as they get longer and kick off the chair?
natasha - not sure about the sex thing? I guess when you feel ready. That has always taken me a while, so I try to make sure we have before I go for the 6 week check up, just to make sure everything is basically working okay. But, it can be a long haul back. Good on you if you're up to it!
Okay, really gotta go, Alice is crying. A big welcome to the newies, sorry it's not more personal than that. Hope everyone is having on okay day.

Natasha exactly what Jane said: I think it is an old wives tale about waiting till after 6 weeks. My Dr asked at my 3 week check with first DS so he didnt think you needed to wait, and I was surprised my answer didnt shock him. On bleeding: I stopped at 10 days with both my 2 is this normal? Back to sex: dont forget back up contraception cause there will be lengthy conversations at the 6 week check. I know one of friends had her period at 7 weeks after baby was born and she was still BF every 2 hrs.

Anyone know about swimming when this can be done or is that another fable?

Thanks for the warm welcome!

I agree with Jane about the sex thing, whenever you feel ready is generally ok. I would strongly recommend using contraception also....breastfeeding does not work!!

I think with swimming I would wait until after the six week checkup and ask the doc. I know it takes a while for the cervix to close and personally I wouldn't risk it.

Nuthin much happening here...DD sleeps all the time and has to be woken for feeds. Such a different experience to DS, he decided very early on that sleep was for the weak and really didn't grasp the concept until he was 9 months old! I am sure once she reaches term she will wake up...and really, I am looking forward to it! It might be a different story when it happens though.

Hope you all had a great Anzac day (that sounds weird) and have a good weekend.

Cheers
Heather

hi all

sneaking on quickly while Mum is holding the baby, 2 year old in bed, and the older 2 off camping with Dad!!

swimming - I vaguely remember hearing that you shouldn't swim until all bleeding is finished, and after 6 weeks.

Jane - I alternate the 'twin' hold (nicer term!!) and 'regular' hold also, to make sure Verity empties my boobs. I also try and massage the bits that are extra full while she is feeding too. As they get bigger, I feed on a lounge or sitting up on a bed instead - so that they can stretch out to the side (on a pillow or whatever).

Tash - what happens if you give Henry to DH immediately after the feed at night? does he wake up when DH is cuddling him?? On the bad nights here, I give Verity to DH to settle, just so I can get some sleep. I don't think it is reasonable for me to be the only one with no sleep night after night (especially when I have the job of looking after the children in the day!! - nothing more important than that after all!! My DH has sometimes sat up in the lounge watching sport on TV, while holding and rocking a dear little baby - and only brings the baby back to me when he is certain it is time for a feed. It helps me to stay calm (and I think this is essential) when I know that he can help out periodically.

okay gotta go! hope we all get some sleep!!
jode

Hi All, Sorry i havent been around to post much but i think i have finally caught up with all the posts.

Natasha: sorry you are having such a bad time with B/F but try and percervere, it usually gets easier. Also Sienna didnt like sleeping in the dark when we got home as she was used to the lights and the noise of the NICU.She would wake up the moment the light was turned off. needless to say we slept with the hall light on every night.

Carly: that is great weight that lorelai has put on, you must be thrilled.

I too was wondering about the whole sex and six week check stuff, i felt fine by day 2, but DH is holding out on me and wants to wait till 6 weeks. i guess there always has to be a first for everything LOL

Can i join for the group boob job It will be the one thing i would get done after i have finished having kids.

On us: After having Sienna home for 7 days she ended up being re admitted to NICU for " failing to thrive" She is still in there and they cant see her coming home in the next 2 weeks , she lost over 500g since birth and has so far put back on 65g in the past week. She is being fed mainly by a nasal gastric tube to try and get her up to birth weight. She is just so tired and cant seem to get the feeding thing to happen atm. She has also had some probs maintaining her body temp, but they seem to be getting better. While she has been in there they also picked up that she had a left hip that could dislocate and is now in a harness to hold it in place. has anyone else had any experience with babies and the hip harness? I am really struggling to find clothes to fit around it.

I dont have much time atm to post, between having 2 kids at home and one not here yet, but i will always check in and read, sometimes i think EB keeps me sane Good luck to all new mummys i have yet to "meet", and i look forward to a couple of weeks when i can post more, when Siennas home
and hugs to all
xx sarah

Hi girls,

Have been reading but seem to be lacking time to post.

Things are going pretty well here, seem to be managing okay with 2 under 2. My DD has accepted her baby brother but does tell me to "put it back" when she has enough, usually when I am in a long BF.

Feeding is going well and A put on close to 400g in a week. He is a little piggy and is demand feeding every couple of hours. I too am having some issues with wind, maybe I have forgotten my old techniques?, but I seem unable to get it up. I put A down and he moans and groans - no crying though. He then usually gets the hiccups for up to 20mins - tiring at 5am.

DTD- hmmmmm well I was always told 6 weeks by my Obs , first time around I wanted the 6 weeks to go forever. This time I feel far more ready maybe b/c I had no stitches this time? BF worked wonders for me I did not get AF back until DD was 11 months old. In saying that it would not be the end of the world if I fell pregnant again as I had some assistance in conceiving DD and DS and I would like to have at least one more. Am I mad, did I just say that???

Sarah - so sorry to hear about Sienna, gosh it must be tough on you and family. Feeding and growing vibes for your little one. Anthony and Sienna were born on the same day - what was your gestation??

To everyone with sleep deprivation (Carly I am NOT talking to you anymore ) it does get easier or should I say you get much better at it. My DD is still not sleeping through the night at 22 months so I have two to contend with.

Hi girls

Just popping in to introduce myself. Some of you know me already.

I am Lauren, mum to Ethan born 17th April and I have a DD who turns 2 on Tuesday.

look forward to getting to know you all and reading all about your bubs. I am in the middle of my birth story and will post it when I get a chance

Hope you and your babies are well.

Moopy: i saw that our bubs shared the same b'day
I had Sienna at 37 weeks and 3 days how many weeks was Anthony?