SMEP success buddies

[smiley330]

Certain - I have a quick question. When you bf Eleanor do I feed from both sides or just one? How long does she feed for? Oh and also, how much did she weigh last time she was weighed? Ok.... That was more than one quick question!

Steph - have u had Oliver weighed recently?

Hope everyone is good!

x x x x

 

[steph1505]

Hey ladies!

Smiley - So glad Oliver has returned to his chilled wee self! Must be such a relief! I wouldnt worry abt his development checks! My hearing has been affected from when i had meningicoccal septicemia, but i was at deaths door so hopefully Oscar will be just fine!

I had Oliver weighed on last weds, he was 10lb 15oz! So hes doin well! Have u had oscar weighed?

Im not doin great these days! I am stayin with my mum and dad at the mo and had a MAJOR melt down on sat night! My dad had to lie and cuddle me til i fell asleep because i couldnt stop crying/screaming! I have never felt like that before! I thot i was doing better but i guess not... This is hard so OH was meant to be comin to stay here from thurs onwards but hes comin tomorro night now! His manager gave him 2 days holiday so he could come here!

Hope ur all doing good! Sorry for negative post! Xxxxxx

 

[CertainTurton]

Steph- aww Hun please don't apologise for neg posts were here for support. Im so sorry you are still feeling bad. I'm really hopeful your medication helps soon and I'm so pleased you have support there. I wish we you could help more! It's great that Oliver is doing well with his weight!!

Smiley- no prob, ask as many as you like! I tend to feed one side a time unless she goes less than 15mins then I do the same one again. I have a great app which helps me keep track. She used to feed for 30-40mins but now generally goes 15-20mins every 2.5hrs-3. However the last few days it's been More frequent and for shorter, I'm guessing cos of the heat. How's yours going ? I saw your status- what's up? It's hard isn't it!
I got Eleanor weighed wed last week and she was 12lb 14!! Such a guzzler!! How is Oscar doing?

 

[smiley330]

Steph - more I hope today is better with OH there as well. I was going to text again, but don't wanna keep hounding you

Certain - Thank you. I'm not really sure why i've hit a wall - just finding it a bit "full on" at the moment. We haven't really got any problems as such - he is still feeding great. I am just struggling with the frequency / unpredictabilty of his feeds. The majority of the time he goes 2 hours, but it can be anything from 1-4 (though the other night he went 7 hours from 7pm-2am!) and I keep comparing it to what DS1 was doing with his feeds. Which is silly, cuz ff babies are totally different in their feeding patterns. I just really like knowing when he's going to be hungry, but I can't work it out. I still can't express either and it's very frustrating.

Ah bless her, it's so good she is gaining well! I've got the HV coming on Thurs to weigh him (and to check everything after last week) so will see how he's doing. I can feel he's suddenly gotten a lot bigger again though so i'm not too worried. Even when he was poorly he was still managing to feed, i'm not sure what would put him off - haha!

x x x

 

[smiley330]

Afternoon - how is everyone?

I've just had the HV round and Oscar weighs 11lbs pleased to see he's gaining well again after hospital!

These past 2 days i've been having big probs with him feeding though. He has literally been crying all day, going on and off the boob but never being happy whilst feeding. He would only feed for a few mins then cry etc. Then he wouldn't sleep cuz he was hungry and just wanted to feed again - but still wouldn't feed properly! (so absolutely beside himself crying from being exhausted as well)

Anyway, I thought this was just part of the 6 week growth spurt but my HV has said it looks like reflux. Now she's said it, I totally agree with her. She said that the antibiotics he had been on could've easily upset him hence why it's just starting.

He has been being sick after feeds, but always a while after and it's always clear (so not just being sick from overflow of taking too much milk). and he is definitely crying out because he is in pain / something is irritating him. He also has been getting hiccups loads - all reflux signs.

So yeah, looks like we're heading down the reflux route with you Steph!

She got me some Gaviscon, so i'm hoping this works well but if not i'll be heading back to the docs to get something else!!

I feel bad that I didn't think about this sooner (especially as DS1 had it so I should've known what to look out for!) but I honestly just thought the extra fussiness was due to the growth spurt. I thought the crying whilst feeding was because my supply was not meeting his demand just yet. My poor boy, just though we were on our way to calm again and this kicks in!

x x x x x

 

[CertainTurton]

Oh dear smiley you are having one thing after another arent you!? poor thing. BUt well done on the weight gain! did he lose much in hosp? I really hope the gaviscon works well. To be honest im starting to wonder if thats what Eleanor has, she is still really struggling with pain and has just recently started spitting up a little but like you its often clear! I wondering if thats why its worse in the early morn - because she has been lying down all night?! hmm I think I will phone the HV about it and see. I do have a doc app on Fri next week anyway.
Re the bf, I completely understand. I also really struggle wit the randomness of it all - the last week particularily has been so hard, all over the place. I think its easier for me in that I dont have anything to compare it too but it is normal Im afraid. However you have done sooo well so dont feel bad if you feel you cant continue or need to combi feed - Im just still taking mine a week at a time but so so pleased ive made 10 weeks! (still in shock she is 10 weeks old now!)

Do you ladies have nice plans for the long weekend? were off to York tomorrow for a few days for my sisters engagement party, really looking forward to it, but a bit nervous about staying in a hotel with Eleanor, FX she doesnt cry too much in the night!
We are starting to get lots of smiles now, thought you might like to see a pic (finally managed to get one!):

https://i674.photobucket.com/albums/vv109/abbyg25/photo-49.jpg

 

[smiley330]

Oh my gosh, Eleanor is so scrummy!!! Gorgeous!

No he didn't lose any in hospital, but the gain slowed down a lot and he fell down on the centiles - but he's back up to about the 65th again. I was looking at DS1's weight at 6 weeks and he was 12lbs! I thought Oscar was huge, seems like he was bigger

Well the Gaviscon worked really well, as soon as I gave it to him he was so content for the afternoon.... but now we have a new problem. It has made him so constipated - ARghhhh! So he spent the whole night grunting / shuffling / squirming trying to poo and still hasn't managed it. So he's back to being pretty unhappy again I imagine that's mainly due to not getting much sleep rather than the constipation causing him pain as he's not crying, just can't get to sleep!

So i'm now on a quest to relieve that for him!! Hopefully this is the last of it for him, but I imagine as soon as it's sorted another thing will crop up.

Yeah definitely have a chat with your HV about it if you suspect Eleanor has reflux, it can make so much difference if that is the problem! I can't believe she is 10 weeks, it really does fly by doesn't it!! You have done so well with the bf as well

I am definitely just taking it a day at a time at the moment. I've had a couple of discussions with OH now about switching to formula. He's supportive whatever... but for some reason, i've suddenly put a lot of pressure on myself to continue bf. It doesn't make sense!!

No special plans this weekend! Some jubilee celebrations i'm sure. There's a lot of things going on at various parks and things near us, so we'll head for some day trips I think!

Hope you have a nice time! x x x

 

[Hopingitwill]

Hey girls- sorry been mia but must have accidently pressed unsubscribe. What a gorgeous picture certain. She is soooo cute!
Sorry to hear that things have been a bit rough.hope you got my post smiley. Steph - I know things are hard for you at min but try and give yourself a break by remembering this is not your fault. If anything you should be praising yourself for recognizing you were struggling and asking for help as many people bury their heads inbthe sand. Hope the medication kicks in for you soon and you start to feel better.
Beauty- not long left!!!!
Afm- coming up to halfway mark. Got 20w scan week on
Monday. Things have been quite hectic with sats and now reports to write. Iamalso marking SARS nationally so I have over 1200 papers to mark. However money from it should allow me another months maternity leave! So if I am not around as much is not because I am ignoring you lovely ladies but got strict deadlines to meet. My social life for next month will be mon existent. My mum is up visiting from Cornwall to help by cooking etc. Which is nice as is first time she has got to see bump. Am going to have a day off to go and look at prams!
Big hugs to all x
Ps good to hear all your lovely babies are putting on weight!

 

[smiley330]

Hey girls :wave:

Haven't really had the chance to get on and reply for a while. Oscars reflux had got really bad - had some 100% sleepless nights with lots of crying / screaming and then days filled with the same. On wednesday I think I just spent the whole day in tears holding Oscar whilst he thrashed around in pain.

Anyway, got to the doctors at the end of Wednesday and he prescribed nutramigen milk (Oscar point blank refused) and ranitidine. Had to wait until yesterday evening before we could get the medicine but FX I think it has helped already!

Last night he slept from 7pm until 7.45 this morning, with one wake for a feed at 2. I feel like a new woman today!

I'm praying this continues. He has been so settled (tho actually gone back to sleep now already).

Hope everyone else is ok? V.quiet over here!

Hoping - how was your scan?? Did you find out pink or blue? Hope all is well!

x x x x

 

[Hopingitwill]

Hey smiley- sorry Oscar been struggling but glad to hear things are looking up. Not had scan yet is this Monday- aim is to stay team yellow. Not bothered if boy or girl just as long as baby is healthy! X

 

[smiley330]

Ps - I forgot to say that we are definitely making the switch to formula this weekend. He wasn't feeding from me because of the reflux (just spent hours with him coming off and on and screaming) so I've been expressing all his feeds and feeding from a bottle. But I can't keep on expressing only - so going to just move to formula.

I feel really sad and guilty but I'm pretty sure that's the decision done now.

x x x

 

[smiley330]

Hey smiley- sorry Oscar been struggling but glad to hear things are looking up. Not had scan yet is this Monday- aim is to stay team yellow. Not bothered if boy or girl just as long as baby is healthy! X

Ahh team yellow is a nice team to be on, it's so exciting! Ah I thought it was Monday just gone will u be able to post pics? The 20 week scan is amazing! x

 

[CertainTurton]

smiley - sounds like you have been having a time of it. please dont feel bad about the switch to formula, you have done so so well, esp with all that expressing! You have given him the best start and it will have already stood him in great stead. Its much better to have a happy, rested mum too! Im glad the ranitidine is helping already - it must have been terrible seeing him in so much pain

Hoping - ooo team yellow...you are keeping us waiting glad all is going well and looking forward to your 20week pic!

Steph - hows things?

AFM- well me and eleanor have both got horrid colds its so hard looking after a poorly baby when you feel rubbish yourself - no sick days She has been not too bad, mainly just refusing to go down and just wants to be on me, also feeding more (exhausting!). She doesnt have a temp which is good. I do have a temp tho so think i may be gettign an ear infection sigh! oh well - paracetamol keeps me going and DH is going to take her for a couple hrs tomorrow morn so i can sleep in yey!

 

[steph1505]

Hey ladies!!

Sorry ive missed loads of chat!

Hoping - glad ur doin well! So excited for ur scan on Monday! Eek a wee team yellow! Cant wait to gender guess!!

Certain - aaaw poor u and little Eleanor!! Its so tough when they dnt feel well...even tougher when ur not well on top of that! Hopefully uz get better soon! Glad ur OH is giving u a long lie 2moro! Ul feel great!! That pic of Eleanor is jst beautiful!! She is goooorgeous! Looks like such a happy wee thing! How has she been with her wind recently?

Smiley - hows Oscars reflux been today? Better i hope? I kno exactly the pain u were goin through and i really hope he is startin to get better! Dont beat ureself up abt switching to formula ..u have done fantastically well and i seriously applaud you for even attempting to bf again! I was far too put off from last time! U gave oscar 7 weeks of breastfeeding! Thats great!! R u goin to keep the nutramigen or try a different formula? Did u try the wee trick i txt u? U are doing fantastically well...this little guy has had a tough start to his life! I dont kno how i would have coped! The reflux alone ruined everythin for me, never mind meningitis and the stress of bf!

So keep that all in mind and be proud of everythin uz have came thru in the past 2 months!!

AFM - im doin ok! Still got a long way to go i think but am getting there! I was on my own with the two of them on mon & tues and i managed to keep the house tidy, take Brandon to his gymnastics class & go out for lunch! And on Thursday i went into the shopping centre with the two of them on my own! So i feel i am slowly getting there! I was anxious as hell the whole time... But it was something i felt i had to achieve! I kno uz are prob thinkin "whats the big deal abt goin shopping?" But i seen it as a huge challenge to get them both ready, in the car, out the car and actually walk abt the shops!

Weve got Oliver into a good routine now, he is up at 8am every morning...so his bottles every day are 8am, 12pm, 4pm, 8pm (bed after this bottle) and then we get him up at 11.30 for a feed! And thats him all nite! So i am more relaxed that he is in a routine now! I crave routine!

And weve got Brandon off the dummies...finally! We planned on doin it when he was 1, then before his 2nd bday...but i always worried and we never did it! But i wanted him off it before he starts nursery which he starts in august!

Xxxxxxxx

 

[Beauty2]

Hi Ladies!!

Glad to see everyone doing well! Steph, how are you, doll? Hope things are getting back to 'normal' and you're feeling better.

Smiley - I know that had to be a hard decision to make. Thanks for the update as I know what to do if i run into that issue. This is my first time BF and I'm very nervous!

Hoping - Ooh, 20 week scan!!! YAY!!! I hope it goes well. Nothing wrong with Team Yellow. Will be exciting to see your LO.

Certain - Baby Elenanor is a doll!!! How cute!!! I'm sorry you both have horrible colds...ugh, no fun! I hope you both get better soon.

AFM - I'm doing okay. So tired of my job and being preggo. I'm super stressed out which is terrible but I can't help it. I worry all the time! Praying everything works out. Anyhoo, LO is kicking like crazy today. I think he's ready to come out since he's 'full-term' and all today! YAY!!! 37 weeks!! Someone must have a big head about being 'full-term' thinking they can just go nuts in the belly since they've 'matured' .....LOL!

So I finally have an induction date....Friday, June 22nd in the afternoon!!! YAY!!!!! I decided to get induced because my hospital is almost an hr away and OH work nights so, didn't want their to be chaos when I go into labor. I'm so excited but so unprepared so, now I'm in panic mode. Trying to find the most inexpensive baby stuff to buy in a short period of time. Any suggestions? We are on a tight budget right now.
Planning to take maternity leave on the 20th to get some rest. Over the weekend we moved and I did WAAAY too much to be 9 months pregnant. Moving heavy boxes, packing about 70% of our belongings, etc. and I've been exhausted all week. Can't stay awake I figured since I can't seem to slow down now, I'll take a few days before induction to catch up on some sleep. Hoping everything works out!

Does anyone know where I should go to do research and learn BF??? I have no clue what to do! Ugh!

I hope all you ladies have a wonderful weekend!!!

 

[Beauty2]

OH, Steph!!!! What an accomplishment!!! I'm very proud of you!!! I completely understand how chaotic having two little ones could feel like. So glad you were able to do it!!! You are awesome!!! It'll get easier with time...trust me! I'm so glad things are looking up for you!

Have a wonderful weekend and continue to take it one day at a time. You'll be less overwhelmed that way! Congratulations, my dear!!!!

 

[smiley330]

Hello!

Certain - Ah sorry to hear you and Eleanor aren't feeling well. I hope you are feeling a bit better today? It is so draining when you aren't well, you're right - there are no sick days for mummy's I hope you enjoyed your lie in though

Beauty - Hooray for full term!!! I can't believe it!! That's so exciting about having your date already, I imagine you are on major countdown now then?! When will you go on maternity leave??? That's good going to still be in work! Re: BF - I just spent a lot of time on the bf'ing board here, and just googling really. Just trying to get as clued up and as prepared as possible for everything!! It's good to look on the boards though as you get a good idea of the usual things that people have probs with, you also get a good idea of what is totally normal.

Steph - OMG, you are amazing!! I still panic at the thought of taking the two boys out on my own, in fact I think i've only done it once and that was only over to my friends house for the morning. I cannot even begin to think about taking them both out shopping or anything!!!

I am the same about routine, I LOVE it. I just love knowing where we all stand and what is meant to happen at what time! We are not totally there with a routine but we have been having similar feeding times these past few days.

Oscar goes to bed between 6 and 7, has then slept till 2am for a feed, then got up about 7.30/8ish. but last night he woke at 11.30pm as well - which instantly makes me on edge. Haha - just want him to do the same thing every night!

AFM - So for 7 weeks and 3 days Oscar was EBF. Today is the first day of the switch. I'm a bit (a lot) sad. Oscar hasn't noticed one bit though!!

I didnt try again with the Nutramigen as the ranitidine seemed to be working fine. I am saving it should we need to try it again though. His reflux is defo better with the medicine, just hope it continues to work. I don't think it's totally fixed, but is a million times better!!

Anyway, hope you all are having a nice weekend x x x

 

[steph1505]

Hi ladies!

Certain - how r u feeling? Any better? I hope so

Beauty - oh my god i cant believe ur full term already! That seems to have gone sooo fast! Probably not for u i suppose im so excited uv got ur date as well! Eek! What kind of stuff do u still need to buy?

Smiley - how was oscars first full day on formula? And how r u doin? Hopefully uz had a good nite! Thats so good that the ranitidine has made a huge difference! Im so relieved for uz!

AFM - well me and OH decided to have an early night and i set an alarm for half 11 to get Oliver up for his feed! My alarm didnt go off and I was woken up at half 3 with a very hungry boy! I was raging! Lol i was so annoyed our routine had been changed! But it'll be back to normal today lol! Il make sure of it!

OH told me yesterday that his shift on Tuesday has been changed! Hes workin til 10pm which means im gonna need to do bedtime by myself! I have NO idea how im gonna manage! If i do Oliver first it means id need to leave Brandon playing by himself for a bit... If i do Brandon first it means hes gonna go to bed earlier than normal and that i wont be able to go in if he shouts (because il then be doin Olivers bedtime)

Its so hard being totally outnumbered! Lol! Smiley, if u had to do bedtime...wot would u do? Xxxxxxx

 

[smiley330]

Oh my gosh Steph - Monday night I do have to do bed time by myself- I have no idea how it is going to work!!! I am panicking hard! Haha! I will also have to do it again on Sat and then the first week in July OH is away with work for a whole week!!!! I'm trying to play the 'don't acknowledge it, it won't happen' card!!

Well oscars first formula day went fine in fact really well! I feel a lot happier, he is happy, we're all happy! He is sleeping much better at night now the reflux is ok, I heard him wake a few times but he put himself back to sleep. Such a good boy

x x x

 

[Hopingitwill]

WOw congrats beauty will all be done soon and you will have your lo in your arms.
Glad to hear you had a good first day on formula smiley. You did really well to bf at all as many can't.
Certain must say that picture of Eleanor is gorgeous. Hope you are both feeling better.
Steph- welldone you. What an accomplishment! Keep taking each day as it comes. Each victory no matter how small you tjink it is is a step in the right direction!
Can I ask what happened at your 20w scan. Someone told me oh arenot allowed in until the sonographer has done all the anomaly tests. Is this right? Did you have to drink water beforehand?