Bumpkins & Babies Chat Thread

[Eala]

Hi girlies,

Sorry I've not been in here for a few days, the in-laws are up so it's been all systems go. They go home tomorrow (thank goodness!) so normality can resume then.

florabean - I use reusable wipes called Cheeky Wipes (www.cheekywipes.com) which are fab, I'd highly recommend them. We've not had any problems at all with nappy rash or anything similar, and it'll save us a fortune in the end

Bonfloss - we tried Aptamil comfort and don't really like it. It's thicker than the ordinary stuff, and has some kind of particles in the formula that seem to sometime stick in the teat and block it up We eventually tried using stage 3 teats to keep it flowing (Romilly has stage 2 normally) and even then, it got clogged up. We've tried it with both Breastflow and Tommee Tippee CTN bottles. We also found it seemed to make her very farty (I suppose at least the wind is getting out!) but that the farts smelled awful! That said, I know others who have gotten on really well with it, just be prepared for it possibly clogging up the teat.

Romilly is still growing well, she's 8lb 1oz now We're still having awful problems winding her. Gripe water didn't work, the infacol isn't doing anything. We're going to try something my HV recommended called Windy Pops (what a name!). Couldn't find it anywhere locally, so have had to order it from an online place, but if it works, I don't mind!

Anyways, better head off as am going round to my Mum's to get my hair cut in a bit. Will try and catch up more with this thread once my out-laws have left...

 

[eswift]

Florabean ~ I'm using the cheeky wipes too... The oil smells lovely, not a prob with nappy rash or cleaning them. Well impressed! When I got my Cotton Bottom Nappys I got some of their wipes free with the set too... They're larger, but still using the cheeky wipe oils etc... I agree with Eala after the initial outlay they'll save you a fortune; my nappies have saved me a fortune already... Paid a £10 for the complete set for Birth to potty (yep from ebay! Tommee Tippee Cotton Bottoms) Only had to buy 1 lot of disposables and that was for the first few days until CC was pooing like a new babe should... As I say I'm really impressed with both buys... So easy to use, wash, dry and to make up; so much smaller than the terries (which are too big for CC yet!)

TaylorsMummy ~ I'm sorry you feel so fed up and down. I hope your mood changes soon... It's my OH that's struggling with the new rountine; he's tired and missing everyone... I feel so sorry for him too, just not sure how to make things seem better for him... So not like him to be like this, I'm beginning to wonder if men can suffer from the baby blues?

We had a better night last night CC settled about 12 ish until OH alarm went off at 4.15am; as I need the car today I got CC up, fed and changed. Took OH to work, came home got DS sorted for school... Took CC into work to meet and greet all my work colleagues, they're so sweet; got lots of kisses, congrats and cuddles off them all. Men can be so funny! They all commented on how well she and I look; they were so proud LOL all cooing and chasing her round the office for cuddles... It was really nice to be there; I was toying it over as when would be best to do it; and it all done now. I can now just call in when I fancy a walk round the market now... LOL I did take them a big box of Thornton Chocolates too... Wonder if they'll share them nicely?

I ventured to see the couple who use to make me a brew when I was on my route; they were lovely too.. CC played up to them all here (and at work) she was very awake, not noisey or wailing; just watching everything that was going on, funny really. Everyone has been so taken by her... Bless her she's slept since LOL

Well, last night seemed to go quite well; she wasn't/isn't hungry on an evening; wouldn't entertain the bottle; sucked the milk in and spat it out! LOL Hey, it proved one thing, she's not struggling for my milk or wanting extra... She's after comfort! She snuggled in and went to sleep. I mentioned it to my Dad and he said have you thought, during the day you've got the music or tv on and on a night everything is switched off and quiet. It could be too quiet for her? I'd not even thought of that, thinking about it; it makes sense as she'll have had my heartbeat, gurgles etc when inside and all the noise of outside too... When we got to bed, everything's quiet and dark too... She's settling well during the day, and settling on my arm during the night; wakes in moses basket... Anyway, I'm not too fussed as long as she's allowing OH some zzzz's... She did very well last night...

I got a couple of pressies from friends today too, one of them has broughht her a frilly dress, knickers and Lacy socks with a pretty pink top saying "I've got the best Mummy in the world" I nearly cried when I opened them up... How sweet... And the other was a strippy matching babygrow set complete with a pink baby girl teddy... They're lovely, we've been rather spoilt by friends and family...

I've decided that when my sister returns home; I'm gonna get her to help me do CC's room; decorate with stickers and put cot etc up in there. As she's not been here to help or do anything else with CC... I think she'd enjoy that bit; I'll have to start wittering at OH to make sure our room floors done by then... LOL...

 

[pootle33]

Afternoon everyone!

Well as I made a point of posting on facebook today me and OH are celebrating getting 8 hours (or 8.5 for OH!!) sleep last night. The little man slept 1030-0230, and was back down 0300-0700! Couldnt believe it - was dancing around the bedroom this morning with energy. The world seems much less fuzzy now!!! I know it could be a one off but at least there is some hope as he has proved he can do it!! We are trying

(1) Keeping his moses basket near light during the day
(2) Having TV and music on around him and the hoover!
(3) Chatting to him a lot during the day
(4) Doing last feed sitting on our bed in almost dark with only whispers and quiet music
(5) Warming up the base of his moses basket with a hot water bottle before we place him in there - this was a tip from the MW so that when going from warmth of your body the bed is not too cold for him
(6) I also make a point of getting the blinds open in the morning when we get up to try and get across the distinction between night and day! Not helpful if its pouring of rain all day?!

Not sure if any of this has made a difference - he has generally managed at least one 4 hour stint every night since he was born but there were a couple of nights were he was only going 2 hours between waking - not sure if that was a growth spurt or what!

Last night we felt a bit cruel as I do think he prefers long cuddles before being put in his moses basket but we did let him cry it out for 10 minutes. Felt very wrong at the time but we tried just speaking to him and stroking his face and he eventually settled and went 4 hours.

The nighttimes have been the biggest struggle for us as we both love our sleep and were obviously very lazy before he came along....at one point I got so tired that I had a tremor in my thumb!

It sounds like all of our October bumpkins are doing well....I'm not sure what size Cailean is now but I reckon he's more than 10.5 lbs and 5oz bottles will not keep him satisfied much longer!?! ( I was breastfeeding for first 2 weeks but made decision to stop as was so tired and anxious that I started to feel quite depressed).

I am using tommee tippee closer to nature bottles but as first size only go up to 5oz I'm a bit concerned of moving to the 2nd level bottles as know the flow of milk is faster....has anyone else had to do this yet? He still seems so young since the tommee tippee guidelines talk about the first level bottles being for 0-3 months....LO is only going to be 3 weeks old at the weekend?!

Sorry for the ramble and thanks for any advice!

 

[aimee-lou]

Well, last night seemed to go quite well; she wasn't/isn't hungry on an evening; wouldn't entertain the bottle; sucked the milk in and spat it out! LOL Hey, it proved one thing, she's not struggling for my milk or wanting extra... She's after comfort! She snuggled in and went to sleep. I mentioned it to my Dad and he said have you thought, during the day you've got the music or tv on and on a night everything is switched off and quiet. It could be too quiet for her? I'd not even thought of that, thinking about it; it makes sense as she'll have had my heartbeat, gurgles etc when inside and all the noise of outside too... When we got to bed, everything's quiet and dark too... She's settling well during the day, and settling on my arm during the night; wakes in moses basket... Anyway, I'm not too fussed as long as she's allowing OH some zzzz's... She did very well last night......

Earl is the same....it's almost like it's too quiet for him. We have the tv on very quietly (we've always done this so it doesn't disturb us) with all the other lights off - we're trying to switch it off once he's fully asleep or a little sooner to wean him off it gradually and it seems to be working. We keep saying that the Frasier theme tune will make him sleepy when he's older! lol I've also noticed that after a feed he will almost instantly fall asleep if I or hubby put him up on our chest. Within about 1 minute I can hear his little snores!

 

[florabean1981]

Eswift & Eala: thanks for that, cheeky wipes it is then When OH gets home I will steal his bank card & buy some, lol.

Aimeelou, I hope his litle arm & shoulder get better & more mobile quickly. Does it cause him pain, or is it 'just' stiff coz of the nerves? I've never heard of it before, so i was just wondering, iykwim?

Pootle: i've been doing the opening of curtains & stiff to in an attempt to get Harry to start recognising light & dark, day & night. I honestly believe it's working, because today, he hasn't lsept at all since he woke up at 10:15 & I put him down at 5pm & he's only just falling asleep now, despite feeding like a booby monster all day.


Well, we've had a busy day. I had my flu injections thismorning, then we went for a little walk for a while because the weather was quite mild, then we wandered up to the HV clinic to get weighed. Harry is now 4 weeks 1 day old & is now up to 7lbs 4oz, which is still a bit pathetic, lol, but at least he's gaining weight & going in the right direction. He's still only in the 2nd percentile, but with the amount he's been feeding the past couple of days, I'm sure he;s haing a growth spurt & is a lot more awake & alert than he was previously, so that's kinda cool, coz I get to interact with him more.

We then went to the local church hall, where the breatfeeding mother's group meets up every weds for 2 hours. I was soooooo nervous coz I had no idea what to expect! It was really nice though, with chairs, beanbags, play mats & toys laid out informally & a lactation specialist & HV were there to ask any questions, get advice etc. You pay 10p & get a cup of tea of coffee (bargain!) & one lady even bought some ake for everyone with her, so that was a bonus, lol. (i like my food, lol) I was a bit apprehensive to feed Harry in front of everyone at first & felt a bit out of place (I felt really young, even though I'm 28), but once everyone else had their boobies out & little kids crwaling around & other babies puking & screaming etc like all normal babies, lol, I was like, what the heck, may as well! Si that was a big step for me, as it's the first time I've fed Harry in front of anyone (except my OH, my sister & my mum) else. Everyone was friendly & the lactation specialist said Harry seemed to be nursing well, so all in all, I;m happy & I will definitely go back again next week.
Was also able to sign up for a baby massage course there (3 week course for babies aged 10 weeks & over), and found out about some more local groups that I can take harry to, like the library's nursury rhyme session on a thurs for babies & toddlers & a play & music session for 0-6mths on a friday at another church hall too, so I'm really pleased, coz hopefully I'll be able to meet other mums with babies Harry's age & stuff & it'll be nice to go out & about places instead of just walking on my own with him, iykwim?

anyways, better go as I need to start the dinner & do the washing up while Harry's sleeping.

Hope everyone's okay

 

[littlekitten8]

pootle - its the teats that make the difference to the flow of the milk not the size of the bottle. We have always used the 9oz closer to nature bottles with James and just use the size 1 teat. I didn't see the point in buying 2 lots of bottles as all the babies in my family are greedy and don't last on 4 or 5oz for very long.

 

[aimee-lou]

Aimeelou, I hope his litle arm & shoulder get better & more mobile quickly. Does it cause him pain, or is it 'just' stiff coz of the nerves? I've never heard of it before, so i was just wondering, iykwim?

It can cause him pain if it's twisted or pressure put on it from the side (like how he damaged it)......basically it's loose fitting clothes, making sure he uses it, and massages every day. It's got to a stage where he can lift it up to a certain point but beyond that he wriggles and grimaces. He used to really wail when dressing too but since upgrading to 0-3 he's a lot happier We'll keep plodding on though and we've been told that because he's always had some movement it's more than likely (80% chance) he'll be better by the time he's a month old. 96% of patients make a full recovery by 6 months.

Apparently it's quite common as babies are getting bigger but mainly occurs in either long deliveries (like mine) or intervention deliveries so ventouse or forceps. The Dr's hadn't seen a case of it though as apparently most parents don't report it (not something most MW's know about either) so they only normally see the 4% of people that don't make a recovery. That's why the Dr wants to use him as a teaching case. We just didn't want it on our conscience that he couldhave permanent damage because we dismissed it. I know it was a long day yesterday but at least now we can get him the care he requires and I have no doubt that he will be throwing his weight around properly by Christmas!!

 

[florabean1981]

thanks aimeelou for explaining that, and it's good to hear that he'll get the help/treatment he needs. Hopefully he'll make a speedy recovery. I had no idea that things like that could happen; I had a ventouse & no one even metioned the possibilities of any complications, so it makes you wonder about the things that 'might' have happened & stuff...

Taylorsmummy: my sister started to tear when she had her first & without asking her, they cut her the rest of the way & she said you can definitely feel it & that it stings & hurts like hell, but that you dont care coz of all the orther pain you're in & you just want the baby out asap, lol. (she had just gas & air, btw)

 

[eswift]

Morning Girls!

CC made some good progress last night, settled at 10pm, woke at 11.30pm; settled by 12.30am and slept until 5.15am fed until 6ish and just woke for again at 8 ish... So all in all we've had a good night of sleep... OH mood definately seems a little lifted compared to the rest of the week, hopefully it'll get better...

I've decided that this weekend I'm going to try and leave him in bed until he wakes, I'm not too sure if he's working or when he's working this weekend; should be? I just kinda figure that he'll feel so much better after some quality sleep... Mind you he's now had his 3 short rest between his shift already this week, which means he's now got to have at least 11 hours rest between his shifts now.

DS has just left for school, CC is zzzing away again already; the house needs some TLC and I need a shower! Where to start and what to do 1st??? I know another coffee and then I'll make a move! hehehe make the most of the peace!

DS is going to the local fireworks tonight, Mum & Dad are going to collect him, take him and bring him back... Saved me having to get up at 3.44am for the car... I will be so releived once OH finally gets the time to fix his car! Car sharing is all fair and well, but I hate the stupid morning call if I want/need the car... Still seems a little of so much to do in so little time! Oh well, Not too long until Christmas?!?! And the NEW YEAR!?! I am so looking forward to this year being over and a fresh start, been such a horrid horrid year... Best thing to come out of this year is our little Charlie!

I was reading on the other thread about all you girls thinking about another babe; I so hear you there! I've been so lucky with the labours and how chilled CC is; I'm still quite happy to start trying for another once CC has turned a year. Was talking to OH about it on Tuesday... He's still quite up for it LOL even with the sleep deprivation thing going on at the mo... I know it'll seem a little premature planning now when CC is just 8 days old LOL, but OH isn't getting any younger! LMAO he's 46 in Feb, so the sooner the better is the case; I'm only 31 at Christmas... And having a babe when OH is 47 means the teenage tantrums will hit when OH will/should/could be considering retiring LMAO... Not that I'm saying he's an old git... (He's my old git!?! and I love him to bits...) Plus I don't really want to leave it too long again... DS told me the other week that he'll have moved out by the time we have another... As he'll be 20 (10 years make such a difference)... LOL...

 

[aimee-lou]

thanks aimeelou for explaining that, and it's good to hear that he'll get the help/treatment he needs. Hopefully he'll make a speedy recovery. I had no idea that things like that could happen; I had a ventouse & no one even metioned the possibilities of any complications, so it makes you wonder about the things that 'might' have happened & stuff...

It's ok - we've already made progress as when we were having our bath and change this morning, he lifted it up right up above his shoulder TWICE! I was so proud and was a little upset that hubby wasn't in the room (his turn to lie in!) Granted at the moment it's only when he's under stress (ie completely naked which he hates!) but at least it's a start. I'm hoping that he will now start to do it more and more without our help just like this morning.

Oh and he went 2 lots of 4 hours sleep last night.....bliss!! He is however up to 4oz at night too! Gannet!

HV is round today for handover. Hoping to be able to get the house tidy as we had a 'do nothing' day yesterday after the stress of Tuesday. I think it did us all good!

Hope we're all ok today.... x

 

[florabean1981]

awww, that's great Aimeelou Go Earl! (and Harry hates being nekkis too, lol, his repsonse is to scream blue murder, turn purple & curl up into a tight ball, which makes it really hard to wrap him in his towel & get him dry & dressd again, lol)

I had a glorious lay in today. OH got up with Harry after his feed first thing & took him into the lounge, so I was able to sleep until 10:30am!!!!! I only woke up then coz he bought hijm back in saying he couldn't settle him, looking very stressed, lol. Had to resist the urge to remind him I have to settle him 24/7 normally.
Off to look at some more houses thisafternoon. There's one we've seen that we're seeing again at 4pm- if we still like it, we might make an offer; I'm so excited!!!

 

[bonfloss]

awww, that's great Aimeelou Go Earl! (and Harry hates being nekkis too, lol, his repsonse is to scream blue murder, turn purple & curl up into a tight ball, which makes it really hard to wrap him in his towel & get him dry & dressd again, lol)

I had a glorious lay in today. OH got up with Harry after his feed first thing & took him into the lounge, so I was able to sleep until 10:30am!!!!! I only woke up then coz he bought hijm back in saying he couldn't settle him, looking very stressed, lol. Had to resist the urge to remind him I have to settle him 24/7 normally.
Off to look at some more houses thisafternoon. There's one we've seen that we're seeing again at 4pm- if we still like it, we might make an offer; I'm so excited!!!

What are men like! My OH always takes wee one when he is on day off to give me a long lie and 9 times out of ten he comes back to say she is not settling with him!!! At least they are trying I suppose.

 

[eswift]

Florabean ~ Sounds promising about the house hunting! To go back for a second viewing is a good sign...

Aimee-Lou ~ Sounds as if Earl is trying to move his arm, which I hope is a very positive thing...

Today has been a different day, we stayed in this morning; I seem to get caught out by special deliveries in my dressing gown?? Not sure I'm so keen on having so many men see me in it... Why do they always seem to knock when I'm feeding???

Little Miss has been awake quite a while this afternoon; it was lovely, ok so she's not really interacting with me yet?? But it was lovely to see her eyes open, and to hear her cooing away... She had a snooze when we went for a walk this afternoon, she only had about 30 mins in total.. Was then showing us how good her voice is... LOL...

Got home for another feed and a little more play time; I started DS's tea as he off to see the fireworks with my parents... And believe it or not she's slept while I've had my tea?!? Which is a first! (ok so I've had it at least an hour earlier than normal!) So I've not been feeding and eating or having to ask OH to reheat my food up... Made such a nice change...

 

[colsy]

Have any of you ladies tried Aptamil comfort, previously called easy digest? We are still having terrible trouble with LO from around ten pm to 3/4am. She has been on infacol for ages now. Also tried gripe water and cooled boiled water but this seems to make her worse. She is clearly distressed with the wind.

Hi Bonfloss, I haven't tried Aptamil but I just wanted to say that we know where you're coming from with the colic troubles from 10pm until the wee hours. I know that when I hear about other people with similar problems, it helps me realise I'm not the only one ... so I thought it might make you feel a bit better to know that you're not alone in this. Sorry I haven't answered your question, but I do hope things improve for you and little one. We are seeing a cranial osteopath tomorrow in the hope that he can help Monty's colic and wind problems. The osteo thinks that my ventouse birth may have led to some fixable problems with the messages that go down the nerves between Monty's brain and tummy.

Good luck! xx

 

[colsy]

Girls, I don't get much time on here any more, but I just wanted to say hello. Reading this thread helps me a lot. In the dead of night, when OH and I think that we are having such a hard time with Monty, I just have to think of a few of the posts on this thread and realise that loads of us are going through similar things together, whether it's lack of sleep, or colic in the evenings/nights, or baby crying for ages for no reason at all, or being scared stupid of going out just me and baby without OH, or baby having no routine yet, etc. etc. So many people are in the same boat, but sometimes we have to remember this because being a parent is HARD and sometimes it all seems a bit overwhelming.

Girls, you've helped me and heaps of other people through nine wonderful months, and now I hope you'll continue to help me and all the other beautiful Bumpkins through the times ahead, good and bad.

Love and hugs to you all xx (Feeling emotional as usual!)

 

[pootle33]

Girls, I don't get much time on here any more, but I just wanted to say hello. Reading this thread helps me a lot. In the dead of night, when OH and I think that we are having such a hard time with Monty, I just have to think of a few of the posts on this thread and realise that loads of us are going through similar things together, whether it's lack of sleep, or colic in the evenings/nights, or baby crying for ages for no reason at all, or being scared stupid of going out just me and baby without OH, or baby having no routine yet, etc. etc. So many people are in the same boat, but sometimes we have to remember this because being a parent is HARD and sometimes it all seems a bit overwhelming.

Girls, you've helped me and heaps of other people through nine wonderful months, and now I hope you'll continue to help me and all the other beautiful Bumpkins through the times ahead, good and bad.

Love and hugs to you all xx (Feeling emotional as usual!)

Totally agree Colsy! LO didnt settle well after feed at 230am last night but think it might be cause the room did seem cooler with the change in weather so need to heat the room a bit more tonight and really need to warm up his bed before we put him back down. Sometimes you think everyone else is having a much easier time but its not necessarily the case at all!! Poor wee thing must be unsettled or going through a growth spurt today as has taken 2/3 oz of milk every 2 hours today instead of 4 hours 4/5 oz?! Fast asleep just now!

OH goes back to work on Monday after 3 weeks off work......feels very strange like the house will be so quiet and I will be lonely.... (even though I've got plans to meet up with people 4 out of the 5 days next week?!)

I'm not feeling in a Christmas-sy mood at all yet but figured I can at least do that on the boring days!

Hope everyone else having a good day!

 

[eswift]

Evening Ladies...

Well I don't think any of us are alone in our journey of parenting; it is challenging, nobody said it was going to be easy and it sure as hell doesn't come with an instruction manual! There are so many different ways of raising children and everyone have an opinion on how you should do things. The one piece of advice I was given by my Nanna Years ago, was there isn't really a wrong way or a right way to raise your children do it your way! Advice is something that can be given but it's your choice if you choose to take it. Just learn to hold your tongue, a little when you don't agree; as it's not really worth falling out with family over things...

She's right it can/has been trying, and will happen again with CC I'm sure... LOL

OH is still at work, DS, Mum Dad have gone to the fireworks; My poor Dog is having kittens in the kitchen as there are fireworks going off over the road... Poor thing!?!? CC's sleeping through all the noise so far...

Best go check the laundry again...

 

[dom85]

Hi everyone, good to see that LO's are doing well.

I feel for everyone going through colic troubles at the mo, had the same thing with Brady and it was horrible, I hated seeing him so distressed. I changed to Dr Browns bottles the day before yesterday and they seem to have made him a hell of a lot more comfortable, although for some reason yesterday he wanted feeding every 2 hours but was only taking 2 oz but by the evening he had worked his way up to 4oz and had settled there. Thankfully he's being less sick now as well, I was getting a bit worried by how much he was bringing up at the beginning of the week. He's more awake and alert now that he's not screaming in pain all the time, it was lovely to have a one sided conversation with him today and just look at each other.

Going to get him weighed again next week, I'm sure he will have put on, he's definately longer now bless him.

I also had to take him for his BCG vaccination today, I think I was more upset than him!! He cried like twice when they put the needle in and then went back to sleep

Aimee lou - Brady does the same thing when he's fed and put on my shoulder, I have to remember not to put him there to wind him mid-feed as he just nods of and then it's ages before he's finished his bottle.

 

[Kte]

Hiya all,

Just a quick post before I am off to bed, well, you ladies know what I mean! Chloe will have her bum changed then we will try and get a little kip.

She had her first home MW visit today and she weighed 6lbs 11oz, her birth weight was 6lbs 14oz so she is doing really well. She had her heel prick test today too, horrible to see but know its got to be done.

We registered her today too, I think it funny how she was born on Halloween and Registered on Bonfire 'night'. It was so amazing to make her 'official'

Anyways, I am home, yipee!! So am back on the normal PC. I will be catching up properly at some point (I keep saying) but we are out and about tomorrow. Got some Mothercare voucers as a gift so we are off to get her something nice.

Anyways, here are some pic's of my little Chloe

https://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g110/Kitty_fantastic_o/Chloe%20Louise/th_IMG_0093.jpg https://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g110/Kitty_fantastic_o/Chloe%20Louise/th_IMG_0100.jpg https://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g110/Kitty_fantastic_o/Chloe%20Louise/th_IMG_0083.jpg

 

[eswift]

Kte ~ Chloe, looks beautiful! She sure looks well!

We've our 10th day midwife visit, hopefully that'll be the last one... CC seems to be doing really well, we had a lovely day yesterday; she was awake for some time during the day. Which was lovely as she was cooing and looking around... She almost smiled, not at me; nope at my boob! Typical, it's a food thing!?!? LOL Takes after OH he always wants affection when I give him his meals...

Best dash, it stirs... Slept well though!?!