Beach Bump Graduates!

[Squeeker]

Hey all!

I posted this in the other thread, but thought I should post here too

DH and I are pleased to announce the arrival of Jillian Audrey on July 27 at 5:02 PM, weighing 7lb 5oz and 20.5" long! We're home and doing wonderfully!

Birth story coming soon, but the quick version is natural labor for 24 hrs with only one graze needing a single stitch.



BF is going really well, but I have a question for all of you more experienced ladies:

Jill eats every ~2 hrs for between 5 and 30 minutes from one breast, though the average feed is 10-15 minutes before she falls asleep at the breast. I try to keep her awake by tickling her hands, feet, head, body... stripping her down so she doesn't get too warm, and once I even tried wetting a facecloth with cool water, all to no avail. Burping her or switching breasts does not wake her up, neither does changing her diaper. If she's having the proper number of wet and poopy diapers, is this OK? Or am I doing something wrong? I was under the impression that feeds should take closer to an hour... BTW my milk has been in for a little over 24 hrs. Before it came in she was feeding for closer to 30 minutes and not falling asleep.

 

[gw76]

Squeeker - Congratulations! great name choice, although I am a bit partial to it being that I am a Gillian She's lovely

Fifi - my experience with my first re: BF in the hospital was pretty much the same as yours. I was in tears more than once...different nurses thrusting my boob into my LO's mouth, different nurses telling me different things about why it was or wasn't working etc. hope things settle down for you and that the BF continues to go well

Jenni -i have fallen asleep many times with hailey lying on my chest, and I completely agree with you about the feeling of being fearful, but as Eve said, I think we are so in tune with our LOs that we shouldn't worry too much

Doods - so glad Naomi has put on weight - great news!

Curlew - like Logan, Hailey can feed from early evening till late night - it is sometimes NON stop! on the upside, Hailey is sleeping 6 to 7 hours a night now, so I'm not complaining!

Amanda - my first LO was FF, and I was not happy about it at the beginning - it was a very stressful time for me and it took me a bit of time to come to terms with the fact that I was FF. I think that we (women/society) are all under the impression that BF is natural and therefore easy to do, but that isn't always the case - hope you are feeling better about it now

Eve - love the webbed toes

BV - that is a lovely photo of Jillian

MrsWez - hope Jonathan is feeding better soon - hope you get into see the doc soon..

AFM- Hailey is doing really well. She is more awake now during the day, and is making all kinds of new noises, and we are getting pretty close to getting smiles when we talk to her...

Feeding wise - BF is going well. We are still giving her a formula bottle at night - hubby feeds her at 10pm or so - I am meant to go to my bed then and try to get to sleep - and she has recently been sleeping till 4am or 5am so it is great!
She is also growing so quickly - I forgot how quickly they grow - i can't believe how many clothes don't fit her any more, already!

Well, better get to my bed - tonight will be the night that Hailey is up early and more than once, because I have been talking about how well she is doing sleeping through the night!

 

[amand_a]

aww Squeeker Congratulations!! I would be guessing that because your milk has come in she is getting satisfied more quickly, especially is she is on well. BJ's average feeds were only about that long and it took us about a week before he needed the second breast.

Jenni thank you for the offer of support. I am ok most days. But as this is also my second section I do find myself a little upset that my body didnt do what it was meant to. The possibility that it never will is my main anguish.

BV I am studying Primary teaching I also wanted to take some photos myself, there not too bad but I have a voucher for a free sitting and 10" x 13" print. Just need to resist buying any extras!

Fifi glad feeding is improving, that must have been a lovely was to wake up

Mrs wez I hope things start to settle for your little man, its just awful when you feel so helpless.

AFM I did get my assignment done now we are enjoying a bit of a mid winter heatwave here its a beautiful sunny 20 degrees. Had a picnic lunch in the backyard with DD and hot to stick my boobs out in the sun for a bit, fingers crossed the cracking is healing really quickly. Just glad the neighbors didn't poke their heads over the fence
Back to the health nurse tomorrow going to ask about other ways to increase my supply and possibly putting bubs back on the boob. I don't want to put too much pressure on myself and I know in the back of my mind that I am fighting an uphill battle but i'm sick of feeling so low.

 

[amand_a]

Thanks GW I have had similar feeding issues with both babies I just thought I would cope better this time round, just having a hard time shaking it off. I am so glad that it is working out for you tho! And well done on the sleep!

 

[caz_hills]

Congrats Squeeker!!!!

 

[mummySS]

Aaaah yes me too Mel I'm lurking at the mo - same as Caz I'm finding one-handed posting a bit tricky while feeding. Im finding verything takes twice as long when u have a baby! Lol. I miss the regular posting but I'm sure we'll get back on track soon

We didn't have bounty pics done as we have quite a good slr camera so hoping to take some good shots ourselves.

Talking of which BV your pic is fab! I really love it!

Fifi, my induction buddy, sorry to hear of your hospital experience, it doesn't sound dissimilar to mine. But I agree with you our boys are totally worth it!

 

[mummySS]

I missed a page - huge congrats squeeker! Same birthday as my Leo!

Are we just waiting for news from Emzee now??

Xx

 

[BlueViolet]

Amanda, it's great you're studying to be a teacher. I used to teach and will go back to it in a year or 2. It can be very rewarding depending on the school. Also, congrats on scoring a free sitting. One summer in high school I worked at one of those photo places. The trick is they will show you a bunch of gorgeous photos and then pick one to give you that is not necessarily the best to motivate you to buy the rest. Not very nice, I know. The ones you don't buy go in the shredder...most parents don't want to hear that. About increasing your supply, have you heard of drinking a beer? I can't find a legit source to confirm or deny this, but it's an interesting concept.

https://www.babycenter.com/400_does-beer-increase-your-breastmilk_955324_539.bc

Mummy, we have a Nikon D80 and we did get some good shots, but I still don't have the type of black and white photo I'd envisioned. I'm going to try this pose idea. Thought you might be interested too.

https://www.announcingit.com/invita...le-baby-picture-for-your-holiday-photo-cards/

Typing one handed = very slow reply ...also Jill managed to miss the burp cloth entirely and spit up in my cleavage. Classy at nearly 3am!

 

[Blue_bear]

I'm still here too, just usually got my hands full with Joshy or dogs, housework etc!

Am reading though xxx

 

[melissasbump]

congratulations Squeeker! xx

 

[Jenni4]

Congratulations squeaker!!

FYI...I went to see lactation consultant this morning...having painful left boob...assumed I was latching wrong...well, turns out I have a mild case of thrush. She said you can tell because the nipple is pink, not the same color as the areola. She told me after every feed to wash my nipple with a white vinegar solution. 1 capful per 250ml water, and to wash anything that goes in baby's mouth as well... Nipple shields, dummies etc. She said it's a good habit to cleanse your breast with this solution for as long as you are breastfeeding. Just thought i would share in case anyone else is having issues...

 

[Clareabell]

Congratulations Squeeker

 

[curlew]

congratulations squeeker. Jillian is lovely.

catch up wityh the rest later.

 

[Hann12]

Hi everyone,
I've been trying to read and post but also having trouble one handed. managed to get the laptop sorted for a feed though so here i am!

Jenni - I wondered if i have a bit of thrush so thats good to know thank you. I hope it helps and the feeding is less painful.

Squeeker - huge congratulations! I will update the front page asap. She sounds gorgeous!

BV - I love that photo you posted!

Fi - I'm so glad the BF is improving. Babies are good at finding the food aren't they?!!

Doods - great news about the weight gain and hope you have a nice day with Martyn.

Caz - how is the rash now? Hope its getting better! How are you finding being home alone?

Simmy - I saw some more photos on facebook of Leo. He is such a cutie - are they his cousins with him?

Eve - Atticus's feet sound cute! Take a photo when you can! Its great that the MW helped you with the latch too.

Amanda - sounds like you are having fun with your LO's. Your neighbours shouldn't be so nosey as to spy on you sunbathing! 20 degrees sounds much nicer than the heat we have here at the moment. Its currently 30 degrees in Annabelles room!

Curlew - I haven't tried to extend the feeds for Annabelle, sticking to demand feeding. With it being so hot she probably needs to feed more often too so I think you are right. Thanks for your help.

Wez - hope the reflux goes soon. Its not fun seeing them bring the milk up is it?! Especially as you've just spent 30 minutes trying to get it in!

Mel - we were never offered a bounty photo. We took some ourselves but the official one would have been nice. I wish I had taken more.
It sounds like you had a lovely weekend too. I've also started to write my thank you cards - we ordered some online on 'jack and jill cards'. they have a photo on the front and back of her. I need to send them though as have written them. I just need the stamps. I also need Greg to write his which is easier said than done!

AFM - was feeling pretty ill over the weekend and yesterday, had a very nasty tummy and felt faint. Think its a combination of the anti biotics and the heat. I've stopped taking them now so hopefully that will help.
I've not been up to much - just had more visitors and been trying to get normal stuff done too. I have bathrooms to clean and washing to do! Its also my first afternoon alone as Greg has a meeting he has to go in for at work. See how I get on!
We had a photographer round today to take photos of Annabelle and some family shots. Hoping they are good!
BF still going well and she is putting on weight so all good. I tried to get an appointment to register her and couldn't get one until 16th August so Greg and I can't even do it together as he is back at work then. Its annoying as all my friends got appointments in 2/3 days! I reckon the person that does it must be on holiday or something!
I had been looking forward to doing it as a family so bit sad I am doing it on my own.

Anyway hope everyone else is well, will update the front page asap and try to be on more now

 

[DragonMummy]

congrats squeeker, she's beautiful! re feeding, it;s normal for them to be really sleepy and drowsy for the first week, just feed when she wants it for now. xxx

 

[mummySS]

Hann how did your afternoon alone go? Hope it went well. I had a look at the jack and Jill cards, they look lovely

Thanks for the comment re the Facebook pics. Yes they were pics of Leo first meeting his twin cousins Ava and Aaron. It was too cute - ava was so intrigued and smiley, and aaron just had no interest at all as we had 5 remote controls for him to play with. Bless.

Afm - got the inlaws staying at the moment so limited time to post (hence during 3am feed time!). Today we have about 20 aunts uncles and cousins descending on the house to meet Leo. I have such a massive family we thought it best to get it all done in one go! Fx he behaves!

Oh and I had my pp hormone hit last night. Textbook tears and emotions about being a good mum, coping, etc. Paul recognised the signs of the irrational hormone hit and was an absolute angel, saying all the right things to reassure me. I fell in love with him (and Leo) all over again!

 

[mummySS]

Ps Hann I couldn't seem to get the beach bumps grads banner to work... I tried putting a bracket in front of the first IMG but still doesn't work. Any tips on what I'm doing wrong? Thnx

 

[melissasbump]

morning ladies,
i too am getting used to the one handed typing, Harrison just loving his cuddles!

BV, Lovely pic!!

Hann, hope it went ok on your own! ive had the odd hour on my own but not any longer yet. Hope you are feeling better too

Simmy, sounds like a busy day ahead for you! Im sure Leo will behave himself.
I had the hormone thing the other day too! lol

Jenni, hope the thrush is clearing up for you, its good that you have a lactation consultant or you might never have known!

AFM, We had a pretty good night, after Harrison being awake most of the afternoon, we finally got him down at 830pm, he then slept till 130am, had a feed and change and went back down from 2am till 6, so not bad at all. He also had his 1st proper bath last night as trying to start the routine of bath before 7pm bed. i think im gonna love bathtime!

Today gor some friends popping over this morning and this afternoon my mum and dad coming over and babysitting for a few hours so we can go see Harry Potter. that will be weird!! xx

 

[caz_hills]

Hi all, firstly sorry for being MIA for a few days. I've been reading and posting quick posts but not really responding so really sorry!

Simmy - I love your post from last night about falling in love with Paul again! He sounds wonderful, bless him! I hope the baby blues pass quickly for you, I am sure they will.

Hann - how was yesterday without Greg?

Mel - enjoy HP!!! I haven't spent more than 10 minutes away from Ajay yet but I think we should do as it's healthy to do it and have some time with your fella too!

AFM - to be honest, I have been finding things really hard. I am exhausted and really emotional and as the days go on I'm more and more worried that I'm not normal. The Health Visitor came over yesterday and Ajay has put on another 5 ozs and is doing well - he also passed his hearing test so I was really happy.

I am going to see a counsellor next Thursday for some remote support, I think hopefully preventative so that they can catch my low moods before they get worse and I'm looking forward to it. I feel a little better today (hence why I feel I can write this) and hope that things will improve every day.

Sorry for the depressing post...... big hugs to everyone. xx

 

[Jenni4]

Hi Caz... I remember feeling that way after my first was born...very emotional and teary...this is a completely normal feeling...but it is good you are going to see someone so it doesn't get worse...I remember starting to feel better in the second and third month PP. This time has been better but I still have my moments of "oh no! What have I done? My life was so good before...did I just make a huge mistake??" i also feel very guilty about bringing in another child and having to split my attention between two kids...feeling like i'm not being fair to audrey. don't beat yourself up if you feel this way....it may sound awful but it's a normal feeling. And things will get better... And once I look at my little baby my heart melts all over again. And when I see Audrey kiss her little brother I know there is a special connection and love there that she wants and needs. We are just moms doing the best we can to get by and sometimes asking for help is the bravest thing we can do....