Tot M(o/u)ms Buddy Group

[amynorange]

Hi Amy! So far it's just the four of us, but I'm sure others will join soon. So what interesting things have your LOs been doing lately? Jax has really been testing his boundaries. He knows he's not supposed to climb on the coffee table or the side tables but he gets up there and as soon as one of us goes to get him down he laughs and jumps off or tries to. He is a very good climber! I took this video of him this past Sunday on the slide...it's one of my all-time favorites as it makes me laugh every time:

https://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv28/mmolenda06/Jackson%20Anthony%20-%20Year%202/Month%2016%20Feb8Mar72012/th_VIDEO0134.jpg

That is a great video! Made me laugh too! What a gorgeous little boy you've got there! Gotta be so proud of him, eh?

Aww Marg - Jax is SO cute!!

Did your birth not go well either Amy? Care to share?

Not using cloth here no - have considered it but not taken the leap. Might do with the next one

Actually my birth went really smoothly. I really enjoyed it, well as much as you can enjoy it I suppose But yeah, I knew I had to do it, no one else could do it for me and my body was made to do it so I trusted it. I think I was in slow labour for a day or 2 maybe.....
On Monday 9th August 2010 (the day before my due date, the 10th) I ran myself a bath as I was getting stomach pains (which were I'm guessing actually contractions lol) and had a soak in the bath for a bit, it was really quite early in the morning as well if I remember rightly about 6.30-7am-ish. I told OH and I then phoned the hospital and told them what I was experiencing, I told them however that I had timed them and they weren't regular, from like 3mins apart to 15-20mins apart. This was another reason as to why I didn't think it was labour, and my waters hadn't broke either. They said that if I wanted to that I could come in and get checked over and so the put me on the list to maybe expect me in at some point. I put up with the pain anyway and carried on as normal as I could. My OH (his name is Andy btw) suggested we go for a walk as maybe that would ease it up and so we took my mum and dads dog on the field which was just down the road from them (we were living with my parents at the time). That helped a little but some of the pains were coming a lot stronger at that point, late afternoon-early evening and kept a track on how far apart they were coming. We then decided to go and see Andy's mum at her work and tell her what was going on and she was scared that I was going to give birth right there in the shop! Anyway, we went back home and maybe an hour or so later decided that it would be best to go in hospital and get myself checked over. Around 8pm-ish we arrived at the hospital and got checked over. Turns out I was already 7cm dilated and the nurse said I had done very well to get that far and still be smiling and laughing! After being checked I was pretty quickly moved into the delivery room and was given gas and air. The nurses were very good and came in to check how I was doing every 15mins until it was nearly time for me to give birth. I managed on gas and air and breathing through contractions until about 40mins before I gave birth when I decided it was too much and so they gave me a shot of Pethadine (fat lot that did really as it takes around 30mins to kick in! haha I could have managed without, didn't seem to make a difference anyway!). While I was in there I also used the birthing ball, which I found really great and eased the pain a lot too! I breathed and pushed when I was meant to (and how I was meant to after a couple of 'wrong pushes') with the excellent support of Andy there with me, I couldn't have done it without him. At 2.13am on Tuesday 10th August 2010 at 7lb 6 and a half oz my beautiful little boy, Drake, was born. I didn't need any stitches or anything and I was just a little grazed. I had skin on skin contact with him straight away and I think around 20-30mins later (not sure on the exact timing there due to the gas and air but I think it was around that. I didn't even like the gas and air either ) I breastfed him for the first time. He was great and got the hang of it and latched on pretty quickly. He is everything to me and a little superstar! I love him with all my heart!
That is the first time I have ever done a kind of 'birth story', I hope it wasn't too rambly and that you maybe even enjoyed reading it.
Thanks for reading anyway!

 

[TySonNMe]

That's a great birth story. I've seen gas and air on this forum a lot, but what gas do they use? Is it some sort of pain relief?

My birth story is kind of simple. We did Bradley classes and I fully intended on having a med-free birth. I woke up Nov. 8 feeling period like cramps, nothing painful just felt something. So I took the dogs for a very long walk and actually had to stop two or three times to breathe through a contraction. At that point I was timing them. I called OH to come home from work. I got home and tried to watch some TV but the contractions were coming on a bit stronger by then so I went and got in the tub. My water broke in the tub and I figured I'd better take a shower before it gets really bad. We called the doctor and were sent to the hospital, threw a few last minute items in the hospital bag and left. By this point, I as feeling every contraction coming on and they were strong. We got to the hospital and they checked me and I was 7cm. I was admitted and she checked me again and said I had a lip of cervix left and not to push. Right about that time, I got the overwhelming need to push and both the nurse and OH are in my face telling my not to push. After what seemed like a little while, I was finally fully dilated and after maybe 15 minutes of pushing my son was placed on my chest. I had a birth plan which outlined everything I wanted for my birth and the nurse was super cool with everything. I got to hold my son for 20-30 minutes (I needed a few stitches) and then she helped me latch him on for his first feed. When he was done and almost asleep she took him to weigh him (8lbs, 8 oz). They wrapped him up and OH got to hold him. I was up and walking around within the hour. I felt like a million bucks.

The first 3 months were really hard on me. I had no idea what I was getting myself in for as far as sleep deprivation. I had the baby blues and cried all the time. There were more than one occasion where I wanted to quit breastfeeding so I could sleep. There were also a couple of times where I had this complete feeling of panic/dread like 'what have I gotten myself into?" Luckily, my mom could relate and she helped me soo much! I'm glad the newborn days are behind us though and now I love waking up to my little man smiling and talking every morning.

 

[amynorange]

That's a great birth story. I've seen gas and air on this forum a lot, but what gas do they use? Is it some sort of pain relief?

My birth story is kind of simple. We did Bradley classes and I fully intended on having a med-free birth. I woke up Nov. 8 feeling period like cramps, nothing painful just felt something. So I took the dogs for a very long walk and actually had to stop two or three times to breathe through a contraction. At that point I was timing them. I called OH to come home from work. I got home and tried to watch some TV but the contractions were coming on a bit stronger by then so I went and got in the tub. My water broke in the tub and I figured I'd better take a shower before it gets really bad. We called the doctor and were sent to the hospital, threw a few last minute items in the hospital bag and left. By this point, I as feeling every contraction coming on and they were strong. We got to the hospital and they checked me and I was 7cm. I was admitted and she checked me again and said I had a lip of cervix left and not to push. Right about that time, I got the overwhelming need to push and both the nurse and OH are in my face telling my not to push. After what seemed like a little while, I was finally fully dilated and after maybe 15 minutes of pushing my son was placed on my chest. I had a birth plan which outlined everything I wanted for my birth and the nurse was super cool with everything. I got to hold my son for 20-30 minutes (I needed a few stitches) and then she helped me latch him on for his first feed. When he was done and almost asleep she took him to weigh him (8lbs, 8 oz). They wrapped him up and OH got to hold him. I was up and walking around within the hour. I felt like a million bucks.

The first 3 months were really hard on me. I had no idea what I was getting myself in for as far as sleep deprivation. I had the baby blues and cried all the time. There were more than one occasion where I wanted to quit breastfeeding so I could sleep. There were also a couple of times where I had this complete feeling of panic/dread like 'what have I gotten myself into?" Luckily, my mom could relate and she helped me soo much! I'm glad the newborn days are behind us though and now I love waking up to my little man smiling and talking every morning.

That is a wonderful birth story! Im glad you liked mine too Sorry to hear you had a bit of the baby blues in the beginning but its great to hear you had support through it from your mum How long did you bf for or are you still? I was also a little overwhelmed in the beginning as it seemed like it was always like just one very long day, with all the broken sleep and stuff. I bf for just short of 4months and then switched to formula as he wasn't getting full and just wanted to constantly feed I wanted to try and bf up to him being 6months and then change to formula but it was best for him to switch when I did.
I find it brilliant watching how he is/has grown up and I look forward always to what the next day is going to bring.
Also we still need a name for this group!

 

[Lownthwaite]

I really liked reading both your birth stories ladies!

It's reminded me that some births can go smoothly and it's made me feel abit better about thinking about number 2

Been at work today - I love getting home to see my little girls face, her running up to me shouting "mummy, cuddle!!"

 

[amynorange]

Aww thats lovely! I know what you mean, my little boy gives me the bestest cuddles ever! Its an incredible feeling!

Glad we made you feel a bit more optimistic about thinking about giving birth a second time!

 

[TySonNMe]

Amy, I breastfed until about 3 or 4 months actually on the boob. I went back to work full time when Jax was 14 weeks old and pumped and eventually I stopped BFing and only pumped for him. Almost immediately my supply started dropping and I had no luck boosting it up by pumping alone. While I was home with him I built up quite a freezer stash so he would get some frozen milk mixed with freshly pumped milk in a bottle. Then around 6 months we ran out and I started mixing breast milk with formula. Around 9 months, he started getting only formula. My initial BFing goal was 3 months and then 6 months. So I really accomplished what I set out to do.

Aw Lisa, that's so cute! Since there are only a few kids at the daycare and I'm the only one who rings the doorbell (everyone else knocks apparently) my son knows when I'm at the door. She always leaves the windows cracked and as soon as he hears the doorbell he runs to to the window with a huge smile and starts dancing! I'll have to catch it on video, it's so cute! She said yesterday he nearly fell from her arms to go to the window!

Amy, we do need a name for our group! Any ideas? I have none!

 

[amynorange]

Amy, I breastfed until about 3 or 4 months actually on the boob. I went back to work full time when Jax was 14 weeks old and pumped and eventually I stopped BFing and only pumped for him. Almost immediately my supply started dropping and I had no luck boosting it up by pumping alone. While I was home with him I built up quite a freezer stash so he would get some frozen milk mixed with freshly pumped milk in a bottle. Then around 6 months we ran out and I started mixing breast milk with formula. Around 9 months, he started getting only formula. My initial BFing goal was 3 months and then 6 months. So I really accomplished what I set out to do.

Aw Lisa, that's so cute! Since there are only a few kids at the daycare and I'm the only one who rings the doorbell (everyone else knocks apparently) my son knows when I'm at the door. She always leaves the windows cracked and as soon as he hears the doorbell he runs to to the window with a huge smile and starts dancing! I'll have to catch it on video, it's so cute! She said yesterday he nearly fell from her arms to go to the window!

Amy, we do need a name for our group! Any ideas? I have none!

Congratulations then! That really is an accomplishment! Well done to you! And I have absolutely no idea either! Haha! Oooooo actually what about "Talking Toddlers".....actually you know what thats a bit naff I don't like it SCRAP THAT!

 

[TySonNMe]

LoL! I have nothing...Lisa? Low?

 

[Emsbambino]

Hi, I'm Emma my gorgeous son Oliver turned 1 on 21st February. I have been married for 4 years this year to my wonderful husband, we have been together for 9 years. Oliver is our first baby and although I would love another my birth experience was also traumatic amd so was my recovery from it. It's been lovely reading good birth experiences...gives me hope!
Oliver is our world and I couldn't imagine our life without him. It took us 20 months to conceive but he is worth every moment x

 

[TySonNMe]

Hi Emma! welcome!! We're just trying to think up a name for our little group...any ideas? Do you care to share your birth experience?

 

[amynorange]

Welcome Emma! :wave:
Sorry to hear you didn't have an easy birth or recovery
Look forward to getting to know you

 

[Lownthwaite]

Welcome to the group Emma

Well done on your breastfeeding milestone Marg! We are at 20 months and counting. After my awful birth experience it's like breastfeeding is the only thing I managed to get right! If that makes sense?!


I'm at at a loss for group names today - been at work all day, my brain is fryed and to make matters worse my washing machine has gone to appliance heaven!

 

[TySonNMe]

20 months is an impressive milestone! How long do you plan on nursing?

 

[Lownthwaite]

20 months is an impressive milestone! How long do you plan on nursing?

Thank you

I'm hoping to let her self wean.

 

[TySonNMe]

Bravo..I don't think I could've done it that especially pumping...God, I hated dragging that thing everywhere and sterilizing it everyday. It was such a pain!

 

[Lownthwaite]

Bravo..I don't think I could've done it that especially pumping...God, I hated dragging that thing everywhere and sterilizing it everyday. It was such a pain!

I stopped pumping in the end - moved onto hand expressing so I didn't have to cart my pump to work.

 

[amynorange]

I'm at at a loss for group names today - been at work all day, my brain is fryed and to make matters worse my washing machine has gone to appliance heaven!

Argh! Doesn't it always happen at the worst times!

 

[Lownthwaite]

I'm at at a loss for group names today - been at work all day, my brain is fryed and to make matters worse my washing machine has gone to appliance heaven!

Argh! Doesn't it always happen at the worst times!

Yep! and I have my boiler service next week (2 days before pay day!!)

3 adults, 1 child and 1 todder in the house with no washing machine!

 

[Emsbambino]

Hi ladies thank you for the welcomes.

As for a name I will have a think!

Yes of course I will here it goes:

My waters broke on my due date 19th at 10.50pm, I was just dozing and I heard/felt a pop and I dived out of bed, we went to birthing centre to e checked and I was sent home as I had no contractions.
My contractions started around tea time and were extremely strong from the start, they became regular at 4am*(only got 30 mins sleep) we went to the hospital. I was 2cm, the contractions were all very close together, i had no pain relief until mid afternoon at this point i was checked and I was 4 cm
I had to be on a monitor so had to be led down which just felt like the worst position for me, I was given the choice of gas and air diamorphine or an epidural which I opted for they also induced me to move things on quicker. After 20+ hours of contractions and over an hour of pushing I had to be taken to theatre due to Oliver being back to back and his head wasnt coming down, I was prepped for a csection but had a forcep delivery and an episiotomy. Oliver was born 20 mins short of 48 hours from my waters breaking #longesttwodaysever
The episiotomy made me extremely sore, swollen and uncomfortable**I couldn't sit down properly for weeks and it took me a good few months to feel normal again. I think I found this the worst bit and puts me off having a 2nd as it took so long to recover.
*

 

[amynorange]

Sorry to hear that you had such a hard birth! Hope little Oliver and yourself are both well now though and nothing serious was caused for either of you. Don't let it put you off having another LO as the way I see it all births are different, there are no two the same, just like babies are