1 day DPO and in need of buddies :)

[pinksmarties]

Jess - glad the pumping seems to be a bit better with the new shield.

Linds - I don't know about Mason/Eliza but get the impression he fell down the stairs. Glad O is very cautious, B is a lot less so but will hold our hand or the wall rail going up and down steps BUT often doesn't look where he is going when distracted.

Kels - hoe is Klhoe today, hope she is feeling a bit better.

afm - appointment a mixed bag. The scan went ok, we don;t get 3d scans as standard and the pic is so bad you wouldn;t even be able to tell what I was showing you. The baby is measuring on the small side for gestation but the placenta/cord function is okay so problems form that. I have extra fluid (polyhydramnios) so have to go back tomorrow for a GTT and some blood test to find our why it is slightly higher than normal. The main one is GD but I thought that was more likely to get bigger babies with that not smaller one.

The chat with the DR was great, such a difference from the one 2 weeks ago and although they mentioned CFM was very understanding it was my pg/labour and they would support me. So as things stand I will try for VBAC but have booked myself in for a ELCS at 41 weeks but it will be a natural CS which includes screen lowered, 'pushing' baby out, delayed cord clamping, skin to skin.

However that might change again depending on what the glucose test shows tomorrow and I also have to get another growth check again in 2 weeks.

 

[confusedprego]

How small is baby measuring? Have you come up with a name yet so I can refer to him as something other than 'baby'? ha! Let us know as soon as you do about the glucose test results - do you find out the same day? I always thought gestational diabetes gave bigger babies but maybe it could cause smaller babies? I don't know!

I've been up since 430 with Mr. O - he had croup last night. He's running around the house fine this morning with no fever but I still kept him home from daycare today as I'm sure we're in for more tonight, so I'd like to try to get him to nap a little extra today, plus it seems every time I take him to daycare when he's on the verge of getting sick, they call me as soon as my butt hits the chair at work that he needs to go home due to a fever - so might as well keep him home! He's running around like a crazy kid but I suppose he's sick...haha. I shouldn't jinx it!!

 

[BeachChica]

Sam - I had the extra fluid too remember and it turned out to be nothing but it's good they are checking just to be sure. They kept telling me that Isabela was bigger than she actually was so I don't think they really know for sure. Keep us posted. Do you have to do the long glucose screening?

Lindsay - so sorry O is not feeling well. What is croup? At least it sounds like he is in good spirits today.

Kelsey - how's Khloe doing? Does your job let you work from home at all or do you have to use PTO when you stay home with her?

 

[confusedprego]

I think they worry more about low fluid than extra fluid but def glad they're monitoring it! Curious to hear what they say today!

Jess - croup is much scarier sounding than anything else. It's a viral infection in the larynx so it causes this cough that sounds like a seal barking and causes some pretty extreme shortness of breath. Thankfully, Oakley has had it before, so it wasn't surprising or as scary and relatively easy to deal with. In the winter you take them outside in the cold air and it calms their lungs but since it's pretty hot out all the time right now, I took him in the bathroom and ran the shower as hot as it would go and we just hung out in there until his breathing calmed down. I can hear it a tiny bit in his voice when he talks today but he's running around like normal. He is laying down on my footrest right now though so I think he's about ready for a nap (two hours early - which makes sense since he was up about 2hrs earlier than usual coughing).

 

[babydust818]

Hey girls i had a question and i know i have already asked this before...... what is the best bottles to use for baby? I am going to pump and wanted to know what is best. I know advent, playtex ventaire and Dr Browns are good, but what worked best for you? Also which size bottles should i get? What size nipples? How many of each?! Are breast milk storage bags something i should get? I am just completely oblivious to this whole breast feeding thing. ANY info you can share is definitely appreciated. Such as how the whole process goes and everything. Anyone ever use the liners for bottles? Are they worth it? Thanks.

 

[confusedprego]

Rach - we used the medela bottles that came with my pump (and hooked right up to my pump) for the first month or so but since Oakley was good at the breast, he had a very strong suck and would collapse the nipples all the time due to no venting in the bottles. I think those bottles are fine at first but they end up being too slow of flow. We tried literally every single bottle Target offered and the only one that worked was Dr. Browns because it has some way of 100% venting. I would just get the 5 ounce bottles at first - we preferred the wide neck ones as in the middle of the night when you're really tired, it's a lot easier to pour stuff into them - plus the nipples are more like boobs in my opinion.
My parents used the liners and swear by it because there's no worry about 'venting' as it just crumples as the baby drinks and there are no bubbles. They can even drink without the bottle tilted back. I don't know why but I just don't like them. There is definitely less dishes with them but more to think about buying. I think that was what turned me away from them. Getting to the store can be difficult sometimes and I just didn't want to have to think about it on top of everything else.

How's everyone else? Sam - you still hanging in there?

 

[babydust818]

Thanks Lindsay! I guess all i can do is buy a few different kinds of bottles and leave it up to baby as to what he likes and what works for me too. How many storage bags last a week? How much does a baby start out drinking? What about glass vs plastic bottles? What size nipples should i start out getting? Sorry for all the questions

 

[confusedprego]

Are you going to directly breastfeed at first? The first couple weeks, I'd say they only drink a couple ounces at a time and by the end of the first month it's probably up to 3-4 ounces and kind of levels off for a little while and then will rise more gradually (at least that's how it worked with Oakley). It's hard for me to remember (already!).

The storage bags will vary from person to person. I produced an obscene amount of milk so I was making enough to feed Oakley and fill a bag in one sitting each feeding - so I was filling at least 6 bags a day at one point. I'm going to try to not get that out of control this time and let the baby set the milk production and I can try to up it later if I need to.

We bought a couple glass bottles but I ended up not using them even though they're technically better. Oakley started wanting to feed himself pretty early on and I was afraid either he would drop it or I would drop it in my sleep deprived delirium so I just stuck with the plastic.

 

[pinksmarties]

Hi all,


Still hanging in there!!

Rach - we used the tommee tippee anti colic/wind bottles but we so rarely used them as my pumping abilities where pretty pathetic and not till he was at least 6-8 weeks old. Not sure even if you get that brand over there.

I started with the slow flow teats and you can move up (medium/fast) from there depending on how fast he wants to get it down!! There are variflow teats but B could never really get the hang of them and again tbh it was only when I started dropping bf when he was 7 months that we got into using bottles and teats etc.

Linds - hope O's croup has cleared. Its one of those coughs that sound so much worse than it is and scary the first time it happens.

Hi Jess, Alyssa, Kels, mar.

afm - After B's bad virus/diahrrea 2 weeks ago he was just getting back his normal proper eating self and now he has impetigo!!! All started with what I thought was a graze on his finger which got worse and spread to his other fingers then getting the odd spots on his body!! He is on the awful tasting flucloxacillin liquid and fucidin cream. Its not too bad compared to some pictures I have seen from googling but he is off nursery again.

Glucose test was okay, didn't feel great that day it really took it out of me but my results are absolutely perfect so no GD. I have my planned cs booked for 40+6 but I am still hoping to go myself before then.

 

[babydust818]

Thank you girls so much for all the helpful advice! I appreciate it more than you know.

Sam that is wonderful news that you're in the clear of GD. I hope you can go into labor yourself so you can meet your little guy! You're about the same amt of weeks as my friend. She's due July 13 I believe. She's having a girl. I can't wait to meet all of these babies via pictures! Such an exciting time.

afm just 2 more days and I'll be on the home stretch! Seems so unreal. I told Andrew that August 22 I am considered full term and if I were to go then that it's just next month!! I am soo excited but still SO MUCH to do before he gets here. I'm getting his crib this weekend and hopefully paint. His crib bedding is coming in piece by piece through the mail. can't wait to see it all together

 

[confusedprego]

Sam - poor B!! oh my goodness!! Impetigo looks awful on google - I hope B's isn't that bad, I've never heard of it before. I hope it clears soon! O is feeling much better - he's still a faucet of snot but definitely feels perfectly fine. He gets a bit of a cough every once in a while but it's not keeping any of us up at night - thank goodness!!!
How are you feeling?? I remember feeling so uncomfortable the last two weeks so I hope you're hanging in there!! The weather has gotten really hot here and I'm thankful I'm not at the point I was with Oakley. I hope your weather is good for pregnancy!

Rach - we do have tommee tippee's like Sam was talking about here in the US and I've heard good things about them. They kind of worked for Oakley but he would collapse the nipples on those too just not as frequently. I'd say they're a good place to start though because they don't have as many pieces (to wash) as a lot of the super vented/Dr. Brown's bottles.

How's everyone else doing?? Haven't heard from a bunch of you in a while! Hope you're all doing great and have some fun 4th of July plans (for our US ladies!).
We are heading down to Kirk's family's house on the water (where we got married) for the weekend and I'm hoping it will be a good excuse to just relax and do nothing!!

 

[babydust818]

thanks Lindsay and Sam!

I'm going to my father in laws house for the fourth. we're having a little party with fireworks and food! Can't wait. hope you have fun! that sounds very relaxing!

 

[BeachChica]

Rach - I also used the Medela bottles that come with the pump. The pump comes with 4 so you should do ok with those for a while. They are the 5 ounce size and come with the slow flow nipple. Isabela collapses the nipple too but I still like the Medela bottles because they are pretty simple. I also got a pack of 3 Dr. Browns bottle (4 oz) size. I love these because like Lindsay said they are 100% venting. Isabela did not like the wide mouth bottles. Oh I got a few different kinds for my shower and tried them, when I found that Isabela didn't like them I returned them for something else. You should do that too. No sense in keeping ones she doesn't like. Also, have you gone to the Similac and Enfamil website to sign up for their free formula? Even though you are going to BF it might not be a bad idea to sign up for it just in case.

Sam - oh no, poor B! Is that something they get at day care? I've never heard of it. Glad your glucose test came back normal. You probably just ended up with extra fluid like I did. Are you all ready for your new arrival? What nursery theme did you go with?


Lindsay - Happy 26 weeks!! Glad little O is feeling better.

AFM - Isabela has started rolling over A lot!! It has me in a panic at night that she will end up face down. Last night she started doing it at 1am. A lot of grunting, snorting and shifting. Once she was on her belly for a while and got frustrated about it she would start crying. What did you girls do when this started to happen?
Oh, did you girls notice any vision changes a after pregnancy? My close up vision has gotten really bad all of a sudden. Not sure if it is pregnancy related or I'm just getting old!!!
We are going to be on the boat for 4th of July. We will see how Isabela does with the fireworks and hopefully she will have some good nights. Heading out tonight and coming back in on Saturday. What is everyone else up to?

 

[babydust818]

Thank you Jessie! I will try both. I am in the middle of sorting out insurance so I am going to ask if I get the free breast pump with this insurance. I really hope so. Wow Isabela is already rolling! Awe what a big girl! I can only imagine you worry at night. I will feel the same. The boat sounds real nice right now! Is going back to work a lot harder or easier for you now that you have a LO? I am real nervous about that. How is Isabela liking her daycare?

 

[BeachChica]

Rach - I beleive all health insurance plans are required to cover the breast pump now. Not sure which one they will send you though. Mine sent me the Medela Advanced Backpack version.
Going back to work has been hard. I want to get home and see her and it has been difficult getting out at a decent hour. Most of that has to do with the training I am doing since I came back into a different position then what I had before I went on Maternity leave. I hope I will be able to get on an earlier schedule soon.

How is it going at the Front Desk? Are you liking it? Any updates for if they will let you go full time?

 

[pinksmarties]

Jess - B didn't start to roll over till a bit later (especially both back to front and front to back), you have any early girl there!! I think once she is more adept you could relax a bit more. B never really rolled in bed till he was much older and now always sleeps on his tummy. Maybe she will settle once she gets it down pat, she is still practicing during the night. I think once she is more capable she should get herself into positions she is comfortable with.

AS for vision changes I would get it checked out if it is a rapid recent change. Do you have to put the reading material further away from you? Once you get over 40 there is a change called presbyopia, where the lens cannot change/accommodate as much as when younger which means near vision becomes more difficult. This is when you see people trying to stretch their arms as far out as possible! Any other symptoms than difficulty with vision and not just near vision?

Linds - glad O is feeling much better

Rach - the tommee tippee teats that we have had a vent in the them so the teat never collapsed. Hope you get the insurance sorted and get a good pump.


Sounds like you all have great days planned for tomorrow. Happy 4th of July for tomorrow.

afm - B's impetigo is not as bad as some of the google pictures show. He is tolerating the antibiotics quite well but I had also started giving him some probiotics after his last illness. Weather here is warm but not too hot that I am finding thins difficult with the pg.

 

[babydust818]

Sam - i had impetigo when i was younger. I think i was in 5th grade. I had bought a pair of leather sandals and it gave me this rash on my foot that itched like crazy! It almost looked like sun poisoning. It was turning almost green at one point. They had me put ointment on it to help. I sure hope little B gets feeling better. That poor little guy has been through so much lately with colds, etc. As for tommee tippee i will definitely look into that. I've heard several people say that is a great brand to buy! Happy 38 weeks! Do you think you're going to go in labor early or no? Did you settle on a name?

Jessie - i sure hope they give me a nice electric pump. Just as long as it isn't manuel, i'll be happy. I hope you can start getting on an earlier schedule for more Isabela time. I bet it's like being a kid again when you are on your way home from all the excitement you have bottled up inside to see her! She is such a doll and i really think she's starting to look more like you! Her smile is so adorable. As for the front desk... i am adjusting. I just find it hard when i don't know the answers to questions. I feel clueless most of the time and i hate it. I know with time it will come to me, but i can't help but feel worthless sometimes. I REALLY hate telling the guests when we've ran out of nonsmoking rooms or that their room isn't ready yet. They don't take that too well. Other than that, i like it. I'm glad i'm not doing housekeeping anymore bcz lately they've been having 23+ rooms a day. There is no way i would make it doing that.

30 weeks tmrw! Yay!! Finally on the home stretch. I feel him move wayyy more now than i ever have and i love it.

 

[confusedprego]

Hi Ladies!

I hope everyone had a nice weekend!

Jess - your boat pictures were just amazing! We were super jealous! I hope you had a great time! How did Isabela do? Did she like the fireworks? Was she awake for them?
As for the rolling thing - Oakley rolled from belly to back first and it took him at least 3 months so you've got an advanced one!! As soon as Oakley could do back to front, he slept on his belly. I honestly don't remember when that was but the doctor said that if he was able to roll to his belly that it was fine for him to sleep on his belly so - maybe just a quick phone call to your doc to see what they think since she's so young. I think as long as you keep the blankets/stuffed animals out of her crib for now she'll be fine on her belly if she rolls over.

Sam - how are you doing? How is B doing?? I can't wait to hear when your next bundle is born so we find out the name! Kirk and I are struggling BIG TIME on a name!

Rach - exciting about getting the crib - we had so much fun setting up Oakley's room. You guys are good about doing it early! I don't think O's room was set up until I was nearly full-term! I'm itching to get Oakley's new room set up.

Kels - how are you doing??? I hope you got to relax some this weekend and enjoy a glass of wine!!

Alyssa - hi!! if you're checking in!! hope you're having a great summer!!

AFM - we had a really nice weekend! Spent a lot of it in the water - O didn't really like the bay water but enjoy sitting on a kayak with me - he's obsessed with boats! Thinking I need his new theme to be boats of some sort!

 

[babydust818]

Awww boats would be great! Glad he had such a good time. I finally purchased the crib! I am so excited. Oh and if any of you need tommee tippee bottles go to Target! Idk how long the sale is going on for but for 3packs of 5oz and 9oz bottles is $10! I checked online and they're on sale there too!

This is the picture of the box of the crib we got. It's cherry colored.

 

[pinksmarties]

Rach - thats a lovely cot, can't wait to see a picture of the nursery all done up!!! You must be getting so excited getting all you bits together now. Do you have any baby showers upcoming? I think linds asked about the nursery for the new one, tbh we are really changing or giving it a new theme which I feel bad about but may still do. We have been concentrating on the room that will be B's new one. I am sure you will settle in with the front desk, I think only people that are conscientious get worried about not knowing everything, but you'll get there.

Linds - glad you had such a fab weekend. Is O good in water generally or was it just that bit of water he didn't like? Glad he enjoyed the boats though.

Jess - the pics on FB are just making everyone jealous lol!! Looks just wonderful where you are and Isabela is looking so cute. Hope she slept a bit better without too much rolling.

Hi Kels, alyssa,mar.

afm - finally got the wardrobe and drawers sorted for B's new room so I am going to start moving things across and filling up the B's 'old' ones with the new baby stuff. Feeling alot more relaxed now we have got the new car seat base finally sorted for Petes new car (what a palaver that has been).

Got the growth scan again in wednesday so hopefully bubs will have grown a bit.

As for names we really are still no further forward so it might be a case of see what the baby looks like and name him then!!