1 day DPO and in need of buddies :)

[korink26]

Yep, for it to start coming out. It would start with a dribble and then probably after a good 5 min. it would first start coming out steady. Then it would take me about 20-30 min. to get about 6 oz. When I would nurse KHloe directly I would get more of the "feeling/sensation" of letdown that people spoke about, but not so much while I pumped.
I just think you're doing great---try not to stress about it. You're giving her enough BM to give her those bonus nutrients! I tell myself with the next one I'm going to try and not stress myself so much about the amount of milk I'm getting and to just be ok with the supplementation.

 

[korink26]

Oh and have you tried different size nipple shields? I swear I was using the wrong size for the first couple months.

 

[confusedprego]

When I pumped - I could probably take someone's eye out with the stream..it was insane. I overflowed the 5 ounce bottles on each side in less than 10 min. I definitely need to try to have this baby set the amount and not pump for a few weeks. I bet you're making a lot more than you think and you're just not having a real let-down with the pump. I think you're doing great regardless of supplementing or not - those antibodies and extra nutrients Isabela is getting are great! Have you tried reading a book or anything while you're pumping? They even say looking at a picture of your baby can help with the milk production too.
As for AF - I really didn't get AF at all because I got mirena put in at 8 weeks post-partum and I had been breastfeeding before that so I hadn't gotten it yet. I bet Sam will have some advice on that one too.
Kels is right about the nipple shield too - make sure you have the right size!! it can make a huge difference!

 

[BeachChica]

Thanks girls for the help! I do look at pics of her and scan through the iPad while pumping. Hopefully that will help. How do I know if I am using the wrong size nipple shield?

 

[confusedprego]

They have little diagrams online that show you how your boob should look in the shield lol I know that sounds awkward but that was the only way that I knew what size was right. Mine thankfully came with two sizes. The right size helps to stimulate the glands more efficiently.

I'll post more later - late for a meeting!

 

[BeachChica]

Ok I looked at the diagrams and I think I am using the wrong size!! Ugh!! I have a lot of room on the sides when my nipple is pulled in to the shield so I think I need a smaller one!! I hope that wasn't the cause of my low milk supply!! When you see the lactation specialist at the hospital they should really measure you for this as it sounds like using the wrong size could definitely contribute to discomfort and supply!!!
I looked at Target and Babies R Us yesterday and they didn't have the 21mm so I am going to the hospital today at lunch to get one.

 

[confusedprego]

How frustrating, Jess! They really should advise people on what size to get! I found it very confusing and was thankful I had two different sizes to start with as I don't think I would have paid attention to the diagrams otherwise. How's your second week of work going?

I had a bachelorette party this past weekend up in NJ so I'm a bit exhausted right now. We stayed out in NYC until 3AM on Saturday night and had to get up the next day for the bridal shower and then I drove straight home from the shower, so I'm a bit exhausted! I had a bit of a meltdown on the way home because I thought I wasn't going to make it home in time to put Oakley to bed due to traffic and a very slow pee break due to everyone else getting off during traffic haha. Kirk kept him up for me though but that just led to a difficult settling period for him, ohwell!! I had a lot of fun at the party but felt a bit like a science project - all the girls there are very newly married or soon-to-be brides and were just asking a million +1 questions about pregnancy and were just shocked I even came to the bachelorette, etc, etc. Which I found funny because they seem to think your life stops when you get pregnant, so maybe I was a good influence on them. My pelvic bone was definitely sore after dancing all night though haha. But, I won't tell them that!!

How is everyone else doing??

Kels - your chart seems to look like you'll be O'ing or have already O'd! I bet you can't wait for AF to get onto the next cycle!

 

[pinksmarties]

Hi girls,

Lots to say from me but I'll leave that till later.

Jess - why do you all wear nipple shields? Its kinda discouraged here (although I did use one for a few weeks due to pain) as they say is doesn't help effective milk production as much as direct mouth to nipple. There are supposedly lots of things going on in babies mouths that can influence mums milk production and milk constitution depending on illness etc. I got told all this at the bf support group I used to go to. Either way you are doing a great job with bf and pumping Jess. I found the pumping to be so hard and can't imagine doing it a work, I'd have a dribble after 15 mins! I could squirt milk out initially but that slowed so I think I had a fast let down as it sometimes would come out of Benjamins nose before it slowed and he got a good sucking rhythm going! I never felt the letdown that some people say they feel but obviously B was getting enough.

As for AF I think mine first came back just before 4 months but the first one was more like spotting for a couple of days than actual AF and then they just got a bit heavier and longer till it was proper AF by 7 months. My cycles started a bit longer (33-34 days) than gradually reduced bat to my normal 28. I know you haven't asked but I don't think I started to ov etc till about 7-8 months, I wasn't monitoring etc but just going by ov type symptoms.

Linds - lol about not being able to go out when your pg. Don't you know you should be chained to the house!! Glad you had a such a fab time. Yay for O (and bump) having a male cousin to play with. Lots of boys going about again!!! Happy V day!! Can't believe your are nearly 25 weeks already!

Kels - saw on FB Poor Klhoe has the HFM virus. Hope you are both okay and it passes quickly for both of you

Rach - hope yoiu are settling in well and the new job is just right for you. Anymore appointments coming up? Is the insurance things sorted now?

Alyssa - hope your summer job is going well. Will you head home/will Rob visit for a weekend?

Hi Mar.

 

[pinksmarties]

afm - just over a week ago (sunday) B started to get a high temp that needed calpol and ibuprofen to keep down, he wasn't a well boy so Pete had the monday off work to look after him as Mon/tues was my last 2 days at work. I was off with him Wednesday as per usual and he still wasn't great but his temp was more normal but then but he has been extremely clingy still and just not his energetic self. My mum also came up that day for the long weekend (which I know lots of other people would be grateful for but my mum isn't really hands on at all with B). Anyway his nappies started getting worse, lots of them and really liquidy/mucus-y s/ and really burning his bum to the point the was crying when pooping so I got him seen by the Dr and all checked out (ears, throat, chest, tummy) all okay so the Dr just said it was probably a bad virus just working through his system (which I kinda thought it was anyway).

He has picked up now but Friday and the weekend he seemd to morph into a different child. Massive temper tantrums and has started lashing out and hitting me (only me) when I pick him up to do something or stop him doing something he shouldn't. It was really hard for me emotionally as Mum was saying things (from the beginning) that just made me feel like a crap mum and then B new behavior on top of that (and my hormones) was just getting to me.

I know he has been ill but it was such a dramatic change in him. He wouldn't do it with his dad. So tbh The weekend was just awful as I felt judged by mum and rubbish as a mum. However, he went back to nursery yesterday and he seems so much happier in him self, he still has this new wilfullness, pushing hands away if you are doing something he doesn't want like (like wiping his constant snotty nose) but I know most of this is normal emotional development.

We had our first parents evening at the nursery last night and got to see his development folder that they fill in when he does certain things appropriate for his age e.g communication skills, playing with other, concern for other, behaviour (he has a bit of the sections for 24-36 month old bit filled in for that already - the testing boundaries bit!!) We got to see some pics that they take of the him and the children doing different activities which was fab to see.

Now I am off and mum is away home I can do bits of things around the house etc done before new baby arrive. I have the dentist and hairdressers booked, got the gas man coming to check the boiler, the appointment with the consultant and scan tomorrow and a play date on Friday for B.

Sorry for the long me post just needed to get it all out.

 

[BeachChica]

Lindsay - that is funny that the girls didn't expect you out being pregnant. Glad you had a good time!

Sam - sorry you had a tough time with B and sounds like your mom didn't help. My mom already mentions Isabela's temper tantrums when she's upset and starts throwing her arms and arching her back so I can only imagine that I would get the same comments too. I don't think parents really understand, or maybe they forget, that this is all normal for them. Keep your head up, you are doing great as a mom and this time period will pass!!!

Kelsey - saw your FB post!! Ugh! Sorry Khloe is feeling so bad!!! How long does this virus take to run it's course? Are there meds she's taking?

Rach - how are you feeling? Are you getting things ready? I saw your posts about your showers? Have you had one yet or started to get some baby gifts?


Thanks for your help with the shield girls! Sam - this is really the flange for the breast pump that I am referring to, not the shields people wear when they nurse. I went yesterday at lunch and got measured and they said I definitely need the 21mm size. They said I should see a increase in the next 5-7 days so we'll see.

 

[confusedprego]

Aw, Sam! I'm so sorry you had that kind of weekend with B but I hate to say it, it may be a new pattern developing. I know you don't want to hear that but we are just now passing the 'hitting' stage with Oakley - although if I spend a few days in a row with him, it starts back up again. It definitely started with just me and has always been more towards me than anyone else and made me feel like the worst mom ever!! I didn't understand why he would hit me when I took something away from him but not Kirk, but within a few weeks, he started doing it to Kirk too. I know that they're young but as soon as he hits (or kicks) me, we take him straight to his room telling him over and over "you don't hit (or kick) mommy (or daddy, or darby lol)" and tell him he needs to think about what he did and we'll be back in when he's ready to say he's sorry. I've been leaving him in his room longer now but at first we only did probably 20-30 seconds of him in his room by himself. We're up to a few minutes now and as soon as I open that door he typically runs up to me and hugs me and says sorry. I had to do this sometimes more than 10-15x in a day because he was hitting me so frequently - it was EXHAUSTING. Now, he will hit himself sort of thing or whatever the item in question is but has mostly stopped hitting me.
If Oakley doesn't want something, he will push it away and say "No!" so we've been trying to not use the word "no" around him because it seems to be his favorite word - even daycare comments about it all the time, so I know it's a problem but I'm sure it's just a stage we need to work through, just like everything else.
Awesome that B is hitting 24-36month milestones!! That's nice they have a chart for that! Oakley has a portfolio but I've never seen it. They talk about how they have pictures of him kissing the girls in his group...I'm in trouble with him!!! haha
You starting to feel close to being ready for baby #2 in life and physically??

I got to see baby #2 today - he's looking good. They told me I could slow down on my weight gain but to not worry about it too much. Just try to stay healthy. I gained quite a bit in the last month or so - I think because I'm finally feeling like eating again that I'm just eating everything in sight! I guess that's what I get for asking if my weight was OK though - she wouldn't have said anything if I didn't bring it up. She said I've gained 17lbs and they only want me to gain 25lbs - is prob going to be more than that!!!! oops! I gained 46 with Oakley....soooo....maybe my goal should be like 30?? I got a good face picture of new baby so I'll post that after this.

Kels - I'm so sorry Khloe got the HFM virus!! Poor little booger!! I hope she has a speedy recovery!!

Alyssa - get AF yet?? You in NYC now?

 

[confusedprego]

Jess - we posted at the same time! Glad you got the right size! I hear it can make a huge difference and I noticed a big difference when I used the wrong size, so I've got everything crossed for you it will be exactly what you need!!

Baby boy G #2 attached (I hope!)

 

[babydust818]

hey girls... quick question. did any of you get a vaccine for tetanus, whopping cough and diphtheria? otherwise known as tdap? my drs office just gave me one.

 

[babydust818]

aww Lindsay he is precious! I will update on everyone later

 

[confusedprego]

They gave me my TDAP shot in the hospital the day after Oakley was born. My office preferred to do it after birth but I know it's becoming more common practice to give it while pregnant. You definitely need it! Whooping cough/pertussis has become a huge issue due to the anti-vaccinators!

 

[pinksmarties]

Rach -I got the whooping cough with B as it was on the rise about then, it does come in the 4 in 1 vaccine so had to get the others when really only the pertussis was needed. I also got it done for this one too.

Linds - WONDERFUL pic!! HE is going to be just as gorgeous as Oakley!!

thanks for all that. I am not surprised he is starting to do it and know its probably just a phase but it was all a bit too much for me the end of last week, such a shock to the system. At the moment we(me) are telling him off, saying no hitting, its not nice and hurts mummy. I then put him down and ignore him for about 30 seconds. He usually has a big cry then comes running up to me hugging my leg. I then pick him up, ask him to say sorry (which he can't atm the moment but I want to get him into the habit early! - told said It was pointless me saying that, that' the support I got from her) then give him a kiss and cuddle.

Jess - that makes more sense about the pump shield thingy. I had never heard that so might look into it with this one if I pump. I never really knew they come in different cone shapes.

I have my appointment with the consultant and scan tomorrow so we'll see what he says. As for being ready, so times I think yes than other times (like after last week) I am like OMG how I am going to do this with 2!

 

[BeachChica]

Lindsay - he is adorable!!! That is a great pic! You must be getting excited!!! I wouldn't worry too much about the weight gain! This is the only time you really have an excuse right!!!???

Rach - I got that shot while I was pregnant. It's also important that anyone that is going to be a round the baby a lot get it too... So hubby, parents etc. A friend of a friend that I follow on FB had a little boy a couple weeks before Isabela and he was hospitalized about a month ago with the whooping cough. It sounded terrible and he was in for quite some time. A local TV station is getting ready to interview them for their story, it's definitely making a come back!!!

Sam - will you get an US pic tomorrow? Can't wait for an update and post a pic if you can. Are they monitoring you closely again this time due to age etc? They really went a bit overboard with me.

Kelsey - how long has the virus been running with the other children? Do you know if they've scrubbed down the classroom?

Alyssa - how's NYC? Can you post some pics? I'm super jealous!!!

 

[BeachChica]

Girls did you see on FB what happened to Eliza? Poor little Mason, gosh that is my biggest fear!

 

[confusedprego]

Sam - can't wait to hear about your appointment! My mom makes me feel like growing up, my brother and I were perfect angels and we never did anything to embarrass her in public or hit her or do anything awful, but I know that's not true as it's just not possible. My MIL makes me feel a bit better going on and on about how awful Kirk was at Oakley's age so I guess I have both ends of the spectrum haha.

Rach - glad your doctor's appointment went well! How's the new job?! I saw your posts about dreams and I definitely have crazy dreams too but I just don't remember them for very long usually. I should write them down, they're probably pretty funny retrospectively!

Jess - how's the new pump shields doing?! I know it'll take a few days for production but it's probably a lot more comfortable with the right size!!

I did see on FB about Eliza's little boy!! SO scary!!! The pictures today made me tear up - I'm so relieved he's OK, god that's so incredibly awful!! I would just be a wreck!! It's unfortunate that it's so easy to happen! I'm lucky because Oakley refuses to walk down stairs unless there is a railing for him to hold onto or he has someone's hand. He's SUPER cautious but my BIL's kid that is 6 months younger than Oakley just barrels down stairs and will fall on his face every single time!!

Kels - how are you doing?? I haven't checked your chart in a while - I will once I post this.

 

[BeachChica]

Lindsay - the pump shields seem to be going well. I noticed a slight increase yesterday and this morning I pumped about an ounce more than I usually do at that time. Some of that could be due to my morning feeding with Isabela being slightly different and I think the dedicated pumping helps but we'll see over the next week or so.