BFP Chasers...........Feel free to join....

[Wish2BMom]

Oh miki I’m so sorry you’re having such a rough go! We certainly aren’t perfecting things here but it’s going fine.
I don’t havr to worry about T - he’s a chunker and knows what to do. But Malcolm couldn’t really care less about the breast after 2-3 tries to latch. Do while feed T, I just pump the other side for M and he gets that before supplement. Sometimes it’s 20mL, sometimes it’s over 1oz. (One boob is better than the other). T is eating so much he sometimes takes 2oz or more supp AFTER the boob!! It’s all a mystery everytime but we are trying to let them lead us. I don’t know if any of that helps you or not! But please know - I don’t think it’s goving up at all if you stop breastfeeding. I think that’s such a negative connotation. It’s not your choice - it’s what you have to do for the positives on the other side. Sleep, sanity and absolute enjoyment of these early weeks!! Jump on that ship and try to stop letting the guilt get to you! Many hugs, my friend!!

Rainy - thank you for all the tips! We are actually in a really good place right now. DH is incredible. He takes M after I pump and I have T. We each change them, feed them, clean up after them and go back to sleep for 1.5-2 hrs, then up again. And if DH needs a few more hrs bc he took a long shift, then I’ll take both. The babies are so patient with us. And it’s amazing how 2 hrs can feel so good. But cumulatively we are getting a good amount of sleep each night which is great bc I’m able to heal really well too! And I’ve already lost 36lbs!!
DH goes back to work next week but I think he’ll still participate at night and work from home a bit. Then he’s going to take a week of PTO in another couple of weeks, then the last 4 weeks of his paternity after I go back and my Mom leaves from her 2nd visit, to stave off daycare a bit longer.

Ask - how are you feeling?

TTC - I’m sorry about AF again. Are you guys just continuing to try, leaving it in God’s hands or is there a plan of attack?

 

[Wish2BMom]

Here are my pumpkins!!! After first bath time at home M is in stripes, T is not.

 

[TTC74]

Wish - M & T are absolutely gorgeous! We are just TTC the old fashioned way with me taking a few supplements. If it works, perfect! If not, I'll be a little sad, but I'll take solace in our little rainbow baby - who I can't believe is turning one in less than a month! Enjoy every minute. It goes SO fast!

 

[Wish2BMom]

Thank you!! I’m a bit smitten!

She’s one already?? Man time does fly by!!

 

[Ask4joy]

What beautiful babies, Wish! It sounds like you and DH (and the boys) are already settling into some routines - that’s great!

Miki - I am sorry you are feeling so down about BF. Whatever you choose to do won’t be giving up, it will be whatever is in the best interest of both you and Kai. I read something today that said while 85% of mothers plan to exclusively breastfeed for at least the first 3 months, only 30 some percent are able to. You are not alone and you most certainly are not failing.

TTC - wow, almost 1! Are you going to plan a big first birthday celebration or do something more low key?

I’m 10 weeks today which feels pretty awesome! Only 14 more PIO shots to go! What do you all think of fetal dopplers? I’m debating whether I should get one?

 

[TTC74]

I’m not sure yet about the bday party! I was thinking a big party initially but DH doesn’t want to open up our home for a bunch of people (we have friendly but obnoxious dogs) and I don’t want to spend a fortune for a first bday party! So, I’m completely on the fence. Any thoughts on a location for a big bash? We have a jump house place but they charge $200 and that seems ridiculous for a 1 year old. Fast food chains have no play areas locally. Parks could be cold or rainy depending on the day. Any other suggestions?

 

[Wish2BMom]

I think all first bday parties we’ve been to have been in the home and are more of an excuse to have your friends over. I wouldn’t blow a lot of money either.

You’re doing great, ask!!

 

[Wicky78]

I’m 10 weeks today which feels pretty awesome! Only 14 more PIO shots to go! What do you all think of fetal dopplers? I’m debating whether I should get one?

Hi Ask!

So exciting you're already 10 weeks... not long until 2nd trimester!!! As for the fetal doppler, I bought one and thought it was a silly "impulse buy," since I would only need it for a few more weeks, until I could feel baby moving. Well, it turns out I have an anterior placenta and even at 22w+4d, I still can't feel much in the way of movement. So it's nice to check on baby with the doppler. I will warn you that it's harder to use than you would think, so if you get one now and can't find the heartbeat, it's nothing to panic about. My OB couldn't reliably find the heartbeat with the doppler until about week 18 with me. I hope that helps!

 

[Wish2BMom]

Wicky!! 23.5 weeks already?? How are things?

 

[Wicky78]

Wicky!! 23.5 weeks already?? How are things?

Hahaha! Oops - small typo; I'm only 22.5 weeks... but it is going by fast!

I'm doing better. I was afraid to post about my nausea being better last week because I was worried I would jinx myself, but the nausea is really still better. I have my moments where I feel terrible, but they are occasional instead of ALL THE FREAKING TIME.

I'm just beginning to get uncomfortable from all the growth. While I was showing a small amount by the beginning of January, this week, I really am looking pregnant, rather than just a little rounder in the tummy. I could get away with wearing my regular pre-pregnancy pants and underwear until Monday this week. Monday night, all that went out the window. It happened so fast!!!

I can't imagine how uncomfortable you must have been in the last weeks of your pregnancy! Those boys are huge for twins I am so impressed with how you and DH are handling the feeding and general adjustment to doubling your family size! I have to say, though, now that you and Miki have your babies in your arms, I am getting a bit freaked out about how quickly the rest of this pregnancy is going to go I'm so glad Ask is also pregnant right now!

 

[Wicky78]

I have really enjoyed reading all the updates this week! It just makes me so happy to be part of this group and to be preparing for my baby's arrival!

Miki - I am so sorry to learn that you're having so much trouble breast feeding Kai and that this is causing you such stress and distress. I agree with the other ladies who have said "Fed is best." I know there is a lot of societal pressure to BF, but if it's not working for you and Kai, I hope you can feel okay with that and move on. My mom wasn't even given a choice and I was formula-bottle fed from birth. I honestly don't think it harmed me at all. In fact, it probably helped me to bond more closely to my dad because he could share equally in the feedings from day 1. Sending you so many hugs as I know you will do what is best, and once you are able to get more sleep, things will seem better. It's just so hard when you're not getting any sleep!

Ask - Yay for 10 weeks! I am so excited for you. Do you know yet when your next scan will be? I'll be waiting for details, as I'm sure your LO is doing great! I hope you are still feeling okay and can enjoy this time!

Wish - AHHhhhhh! I am so excited about your boys and how you and DH are managing them. Both boys sound unique and adorable, and I am glad all three of you are okay, after that early scare after delivery. As I recall, you're a Pats fan... I bet you are happy about the SB but sad about Gronk. Or maybe not, since you have two little boys to distract you right now!

TTC - I can hardly believe you're planning a 1st birthday party already! I don't have any great ideas, but maybe something low-key would be easier. Do you have an indoor playground anywhere near you? That might be fun, if they have an area for toddlers. Ours can even be reserved for parties for a low fee ($50), so that might be an option. I can't wait to hear what you end up doing

Hope - glad to see you back! That missile scare sure sounds awful, especially the waiting and not knowing. I am, however, very glad it wasn't real and everyone is safe! Good luck with your next steps on the TTC journey - your decision sounds like a difficult one, but it's possible that there's no "wrong" answer, just what you and DH decide is best for your family.

Hi to everyone else I didn't mention! I am getting better at being able to keep up and post, but still not posting as regularly as I'd like in order to comment on everyone's posts in a timely (and relevant) manner...

 

[Wicky78]

Hi again! I just wanted to share a couple of pictures from our scan yesterday. It was focused on the heart to make sure my diabetes didn't negatively impact cardiac development, but they got several really good pictures of our "kitty" too. The heart checked out fine, so we are basically clear of any of the major issues we worried about like chromosomal abnormalities, congenital heart defects, and neural tube defects. They can't guarantee that everything's 100% fine, but at least the big worries are behind us.

We're in the thick of trying to decide on a name. We're down to a handful and the middle name is probably set. We did the absolute "no-no" that many baby naming experts tell you to avoid: settled on the middle name first. But we're open to changing it or having it be the first name if we don't like the way it all sounds together. Here's our short list:

Agatha Elizabeth
Eleanor Elizabeth
Miriam Elizabeth
and maaaaybe Abigail Elizabeth (I hesitate because Abigail has gotten super popular and it would be similar to my mother's name, Gail, and I'm not sure I want to give her that much "power")

I'm surprised how quickly we got to a short list, as it seemed like we had dozens of names flying around before we got serious about it, and then it all became clearer and we eliminated a lot of names. I had fears about going to the hospital to deliver and still not having a clue (my first cat was not named until the day I got him, even though I had known I was getting him for 10 weeks and had been trying to pick a name all that time LOL)

Now that I'm feeling better, I am finally enjoying this time (although I feel the "deadline" quite heavily some days). The scan yesterday was really enjoyable, even if baby was a pain for the sonographer! DW has started nesting and it's encouraging to see. I can't believe my shower is in 6 weeks! I guess I'd better finish up the registry soon...

 

[mikihope]

Your twins are beautiful, Wish! Thank you for sharing their pics. Enjoy those early days with your adorable little ones, they are so precious at that stage, and the time passes so fast!

 

[Wish2BMom]

Wicky - I love all the updates and especially love that you’re feeling better!! It’s about time you got to enjoy this time. It’s so precious.
Love the unique name selection!! Miriam is adorable and one I’d never think of! And I love Eleanor (Ellie). I’ve always loved Elizabeth as a middle name too. Eeee!! I love when it gets so real!!
That’s awesome about the test results too - less to worry about. I’m sure baby girl will be perfect!

Miki - thank you! We are totally savoring every minute. I know time is going to fly so I’m enjoying having them as they are now. I realize this is actually going to be one of the easier stages bc they cry for only a couple reasons, sleep a lot, don’t try to crawl around/away or talk back we enjoy all of the snuggles after feedings, for hours sometimes. It’s all just so wonderful. Gush gush gush...sorry!!

 

[TTC74]

Love the name Eleanor! And I like Abigail, too!

AFM - I think we’ve decided to settle on a place here with a preschool activity room. I’m looking forward to hearing back from them. It’s a little pricey at $126 for 10 kids, but we’re going to suck it up!

Now, we have to decide on a birthday present for a child who has everything! Lol.

 

[TTC74]

Twiddling my thumbs at only CD8. Also, planning a big 1st birthday party for DD. We’re going with a tinkerbell theme. She turns 1 on Valentine’s Day. Time really flies!

 

[mikihope]

Thank you everyone for your compassionate posts regarding my struggles with breastfeeding. I had read about how hard the emotional struggles can be, but it still surprised me when I experienced it for myself!

Rain- I’m sorry you went through a similar situation. It’s so hard when they “reject” you and prefer the bottle. Ah well, you’re right, they have their own goofy opinions… I shouldn’t take it personally! I like your suggested plan a lot, I’ll keep that in mind!

TTC- I hope you get the venue you want for your daughter’s birthday. What a nice date for a birthday! Thank you for your kind and encouraging words. I know you’re right, gummy will be fine and happy no matter what. The only thing is that he has a lot more spit up when he drinks the formula we are giving him. We may have to change it if we plan to give him more formula in his diet…

Wicky- Isn’t it great to be feeling better and looking visibly pregnant? I miss my round belly! It’s uncomfortable, but it’s so much fun as well! Great scans, and great that your worries are basically behind you. Thank you so much for trying to make me feel better about making the choice (if I do) to move away from BF. It’s helping! I was formula fed too, as was the practice during that time. Like your dad, my dad also shared equally in the feedings. DH actually does basically all the bottle feedings, unless he has to go out to buy food or do other errands. It’s really great to see him with gummy.

Wish- Thanks for your kind and supportive words, as usual! I’m glad that things are going well for you, and it’s amazing that you and DH are dealing so well with 2 little ones! I agree, sleep and sanity are so important, plus I don’t want to be too exhausted to enjoy the precious time with gummy.

AFM- I haven’t quite given up completely on BF yet, but what I’m doing now is just doing a tiny bit of BF for each cycle, like maybe 10 minutes of it. I’m just doing this so that gummy doesn’t forget how to BF, or go to the bottle exclusively. It’s sad that he was doing so great at the hospital, latching wonderfully immediately after birth.

I almost stopped trying to make it work a few days ago, when I was trying to get gummy to BF, and he was wailing. Something inside me broke, and I decided that I was going to stop trying. I had a good cry, and then I realized I was equally relieved as I was sad. But just as I was about to tell DH that I was letting go, he told me he had booked a session with a private lactation consultant. He meant well, as he didn’t want to see me suffer. But now I feel like I’m in limbo again. I’m still so tired. And I had a horrible bout of food poisoning 3 days ago, and have only just recovered. It was torture keeping up with the 3 hour BF/bottle feed/pumping schedule during that time. Anyway, DH said to wait and see what the lactation consultant says tomorrow. I’m currently still a bit hopeful, but there’s a part of me that wants to be given the green light to move on from trying to make BF work.

DH returns to work on Friday, and I’m dreading it. He’s been doing everything else around the house, plus running errands while I concentrate on feeding gummy. Gummy’s been getting cuter and funnier, and DH and I are even more smitten. DH says that it will be very hard when he returns to work as he misses gummy even when he goes out on an errand!

 

[TTC74]

I consistently O on CD15. I developed EWCM yesterday at CD7 and still have it today. WTH?

 

[Rainshiny]

Wish— I am not sure I responded to your pics- they are soooo wonderful!!! How precious!!!

Mikki- yes, that’s it- it feels like rejection! So bizarre. If they were living in the jungle they would have to bf. Awful survival instinct these bebes have!! Mine would still bf exclusively overnight- soon he might get big enough he doesn’t need bottles overnight. That’s another possibility. I’m so sorry it’s such a struggle. In a few weeks things will be more settled and routine...

Ttc- maybe it’s a shorter cycle or maybe you’re having an amazing ovulation this time! Fxfx...

 

[Rainshiny]

And Wicky- I love the names! The scans are so amazing!!