-
@StrawberryBee: glad it's starting to feel better.
-
1. Favourite thing about being a new mom? Being with DS 24/7 and watching him grow!
2. Most frustrating thing about being a new parent? The lack of sleep, hence my lack of participation on here lately. I miss you ladies!
3. Cutest thing your LO does? When he smiles whole heartedly. And this week, he's cooing. *swoon*
4. Something you can brag about? DS latched on and breast fed when he's been strictly bottle fed expressed milk until week 6 like he was doing it since birth!
5. Something you would like to improve? His sleep and be more calm/patient. I get a lil frustrated when he doesn't sleep well or stays awake for hours on end... (>_<)
-
1. Favourite thing about being a new mom?
Watch LO grow and change everyday! What a difference in 3 1/2 weeks!
2. Most frustrating thing about being a new parent?
Lack of sleep and lack of time to take care of myself. If I am up am showered and dressed by lunch, I consider it a win!
3. Cutest thing your LO does?
Smiling while awake started this week - I love her toothless little grin. Her burps are also pretty cute - sometimes they're super dainty and other times they can be heard from the next room!
4. Something you can brag about?
H is STRONG! She's had control of her neck since day 1 and can now push up off my lap with her legs. She planks during tummy time so that both her arms and legs are off the ground!
5. Something you would like to improve?
Napping somewhere other than my arms. Last week I had started a routine of putting her in her crib anytime she was really out... But this week my IL's are here and they (FIL especially) want to hold her while she snoozes. Hopefully I'm not back to square 1 next week when they go home! -
1. Favourite thing about being a new mom? Feeling the overwhelming love for this new little daughter of mine
2. Most frustrating thing about being a new parent? Sleep. When her little eyes pop open rather than sleeping...gah! And it affects my mood, she becomes cranky, I feel like I can't go anywhere, I miss DH because we need to sleep in shifts to make sure I get a decent amt of sleep. I can't wair until this early phase is over!
3. Cutest thing your LO does? Heehee, she does this baby bird thing before latching where she waves her head side to side looking for the breast.
4. Something you can brag about? Paige likes all the baby props. Car seat, swing, bouncet, playpen. Makes my life easier.
5. Something you would like to improve? Sleep. I'd like her to go 3-4 hours at a time.
-
@Grace: I hear you on the sleep. L sleeps 2 hours during the day with one 3 - 4 hour stretch first thing at bedtime. Then it's back to 2 hours! Lately he's also been wanting to nurse every 1.5 hours! I dunno what's up.
-
@.twist.: That's exactly the same "schedule" Paige has. Is it bad that it makes me feel better that she's not the only one?
-
@Grace: haha nope. I feel the same way. And my mom keeps saying "oh, that will slow down now" and " he's still feeding that often" and "he isn't sleeping through the night yet" raaaaawr!
-
@Alivoo01: S also just started latching on and breastfeeding this week at 5 weeks like a pro! I haven't had to give him any formula today! He has been drinking formula and expressed milk from a bottle since day one and now he doesn't even want the bottle. It's a great feeling, isn't it?
-
1. Favourite thing about being a new mom? Ugh...everything. Like others have said - just the overwhelming feeling of love for this little being is pretty darn amazing and spectacular.
2. Most frustrating thing about being a new parent? Not feeling like I am doing enough for her when I just let her sleep/hang out in her swing.
3. Cutest thing your LO does? When she finishes eating she does a bit of a touchdown pose like she is very satisfied...so cute!
4. Something you can brag about? She's just generally pretty good. She fusses occaisionally (this is her witching hour) when she just wants to be held but all in all she is really good. Also - we have done great at breast feeding...she has a good latch.
5. Something you would like to improve? I just want to continue to get more and more comfortable with her. Especially going out and about. Also, I need to work on nursing with a nursing cover so I can venture out more!
-
Ok two brag pictures! First is K all stretched out showing how big of a girl she is! Second is the adorable centerpieces my mom and I made today for my sisters shower in a few weeks!
-
Sorry I haven't been around lately! I get behind so quickly and then it's hard to catch up. I promise I'll be around more!!
@Mrs D: She is so cute and that centerpiece is amazing!!
1. Favourite thing about being a new mom? Knowing how much comfort I bring her. I hate when she cries but I love that when I pick her up she nuzzles into me and stops crying.
2. Most frustrating thing about being a new parent? Sleep deprivation.
3. Cutest thing your LO does? When she first wakes up in the morning and I unswaddle her and she stretches and makes the cutest little faces. She also just recently started smiling socially and I love when I am nursing her and she pops off and looks at me and gives me a big smile
4. Something you can brag about? She's a pro at breastfeeding and has put on a ton of weight since birth...she is quite the porker!
5. Something you would like to improve? Constantly doubting myself/my decisions/having mommy guilt. I wish I could just be more confident!
-
@Mrs D: I feel the same way about not feeling like I'm doing enough when I plunk her in the swing to get some 'me' time.
I also feel like a giant slug-a-bed :P. Her 'bedtime' is 2am, and so to compensate we sleep pretty late into the day. As in, I can sometimes still be found in bed by noon (usually wake up for two feedings after the 2am one). Obviously this won't fly when I go back to work in 5 weeks!
On the plus side, I just counted my freezer stash and I'm up to 40 oz. Not amazing, but a good start? She's 6 weeks old and I'm getting about 5 oz during my one pump a day. I should probably up it to two pumping sessions, but I can't seem to get it together for more than one.
Oh, and we've officially busted out the CD stash
-
@Mrs D: Too adorable, I love it when they stre-e-e-etch out
-
So for you women breast feeding...when did you start pumping to store up extra? I have been reading to wait until 4 weeks but am wondering if it matters that much?!
-
@Mrs D: I started pretty early, but didn't go crazy with it because I was afraid I'd send my supply into overdrive. I pump roughly once a day (sometimes skipping a day) depending on her feeding schedule. @lawbee11 had a great article about how to create a stockpile.
-
@Mrs D: I started immediately. Although he was in the NICU so I didn't really have a choice. I pump a lot less now.
-
@Mrs D: I think I first pumped around 3 or 3.5 weeks, but I've only been pumping on days when I will be gone for a little while and need to leave a bottle for DH or my mom. I wouldn't worry about waiting unless you have an oversupply--then you may want to wait until your supply regulates a little more. Here's the article @strawberrybee is talking about. I plan to follow this once I start building a stash.
-
@StrawberryBee: @.twist.: @lawbee11: thanks ladies!!! I don't have an oversupply issue now (I still have never felt engirged) and I think K is a super efficient eater so I am not too worried about adding pumping in to start building a stick! I def will follow that article when the time comes....everything else I have read indicates that pumping in the morning is best at first!
-
@Mrs D: I used to love the "milk drunk" look. I wish my meals were as satisfying as hers seems to be.
@Mrs D: I didn't start pumping to store it until part way through week 5. Before that I did it occasionally just to make sure milk was actually coming out and for stimulation, but was too scared to actually not feed her most of it. But I don't have to go back to work until next August, so there was no worries about needing the milk for daycare or anything. I just want a few bottles worth for date nights or if I get sick. I do pretty much what that article says. My right breast has WAY faster flow than my left and responds much better to the pump (anybody else notice this?) so I pump that one before she wakes up and feed from the left. If she's still hungry I'll get her to finish the right. I may or may not pump again that day though depending how busy I am with other things. I'm more inclined to do the second pump when DH is home.
-
@Ocean girl: welcome back
and welcome to your little girl! Look at all that hair! Our babies share a middle name. You must be in Canada with a mat leave like that. I am too, but am sharing the leave with my DH so I'm going back to work late march but will have next summer off too.@Grace: I think when it comes to naps there is a big range of normal. I found the chart below and look at that for guidelines. I was worried LO was napping too much because she was only awake for an hour between naps but that falls in chart. The duration of your LO's naps looks about right too!
@StrawberryBee: ouchy! Glad you had your appointment. Hope you are feeling better today. Did you get the yeast infection from BF? Thrush is common when BF and it can turn into a yeast infection "down there". Hopefully the doc checked your LOs mouth for signs of yeast in there too or you could keep passing back and forth!
@Mrs D: I just started pumping last week when she turned a month old. I have a couple weddings in October an a bachelorette tonight so we needed to try the bottle. I'm mildly obsessed with pumping. I like to see how much I can get each pump. Every time I put another 3oz bag in freezer I secretly high five myself. DH tried the bottle last night and after some major tears and screams, Liv took an ounce. We will try a couple more times today before I venture for my first night out tonight. Right now I am just using the medela Harmony manual pump but also have an electric which I'll try soon.
@lawbee11: that's a good article! I kinda do what it says. Overnight when she wakes I just have her eat from my left side and then after a couple feedings my right is pretty enforced so I pump it. I got 5oz this morning from RS alone. I still usually pump one time in afternoon because I am trying to store 6 oz a day.
Here's the sleep/nap chart:
-
@delight: thanks! Elizabeth is now a 4th generation middle name in my family and also happens to be my MIL's first name! Yes, am in Canada (Ottawa) - I feel so fortunate to have a year off... DH would have loved to take some time as well however he's in a residency training program and time off now would hurt his chances for fellowships and jobs when he's done in a couple of years. I'm glad to hear you've had some success with pumping! My goal this week it to figure out my pump, get everything sterilized and have DH give H a few bottles. It will be so nice to be able to leave her for more than a couple of hours to do errands!
Have any of you ladies started exercising again? I've been doing brisk walks with the stroller and our dog but am anxious to start running again. I tried a little bit yesterday and it did not feel good at all! I will be 4 weeks PP on Tuesday.
H slept for almost 6 hrs straight last night! It sort of scared me because she has consistently been waking every 3 hrs to nurse thru the night... It seems a little young to have such a long stretch, no? Have any of you experienced the same??
-
@Ocean girl: Elizabeth is our family middle name for first born girl! As for sleeping, Liv has slept 6 hours in a row for last three nights. I hope I'm not jinxing it. I was in a panic the first night but then I just enjoyed it! Every baby is different but as long as H is gaining weight it should be fine! She'll probably just drink more during day to make up for it!
ETA: haha I just realized the chart up above is my entire screen shot. If any of you are wondering why I was looking up "dirty scartegories" it's for the bachelorette party I'm going to
-
@Ocean girl: I'm 7 weeks pp today, and have yet to start exercising again. I don't know when I'll start running since the bouncing doesn't sound like it would feel good on my nursing boobs. So maybe biking and swimming for me for the next little while.
Also, yeah, around 4 weeks I stopped setting a 4 hour alarm because N was waking up on her own prior to that. Then a few days into four weeks she slept for 6 hours and it freaked me out too. But it only happened one night (sorry if you were hoping this was a permanent thing) and only started happening again now that she's 7 weeks. I spoke to the dr about it at our appt a few days ago, and she said now it's ok to just let her sleep as long as she wants as long as it seems like she's eating sufficiently in the day. -
1. Favourite thing about being a new mom? Having a child and my love for her. Seeing my husband love her more than anything. Seeing her grow and watching for new looks and sounds each day.
2. Most frustrating thing about being a new parent? Finding a new routine. I used to have the best time management skills... now it's currently noon and I haven't done anything. I feel bad as hubs works all day and I can hardly get the house cleaned.
3. Cutest thing your LO does? Aside from everything? haha. Her expressions, she has a lot of personality that's really showing.
4. Something you can brag about? I feel bad bragging about this.. but she sleeps really well. She's been sleeping from 11pm-7am for a while now then has cat naps until about 10am. Occasionally she wakes up at 5 but not too often anymore. I put her to bed awake and she falls asleep on her own.
5. Something you would like to improve? I need to work on letting my MIL see her more. I can't stand how possessive she is with B and it gets to me. I need to let it go and try and invite her over or for coffee or whatever more often.@lawbee11: I like that info on pumping, I find if I pump at her 7am feed I can get about 3oz on one side and then 1-2oz on the other. Any other time of day I can only get 1oz for whatever reason. I have to admit, I've added new milk to a bag in the fridge though
did't realize you shouldn't do that. B has her 8 week vaccinations on Wed. I'm so scared, I'm gonna cry. 3 needles and an oral med. I read somewhere that if you breastfeed while they get the needle it can help, anyone else hear of thatI?
-
@delight: haha I did laugh at your open pages
@Ocean girl: I walk lots and hike lots. I've been thinking about starting crossfit but don't want to be a hurtin' unit trying to take care of a baby.
-
@Ocean girl: Yup, E sleeps that long sometimes as well.
@delight: @Ocean girl: I was tempted by "Elizabeth"! It was my grandmother's middle name, but I already have an aunt named Elizabeth and a cousin with that as her middle name, so I went with Ella instead.
@MrsB2012: Someone else asked about nursing while vaccinating on HB the other day, and the consensus seemed to be you don't nurse while the shots are being given, but rather immediately after. Our 2 month appointment is on the 10th. Good luck to you, I'm sure it will be fine! (PS: we were told by our doc to have some baby tylenol on hand, so you don't have to run out and pick some up after the shots are given. I specifically asked if I should give it before the appointment was told not to, since it's weight-based dosing).
http://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nursing-during-shots
So, I know I'm not the first person to do this, but I totally just had a MacGuyver moment lol. All my Medela bottles are in the process of being cleaned and I absolutely had to pump right now (we were out, she had some of a bottle as well as nursed from me, but I'm still engorged). So I just taped two lansinoh bags to my pump parts and started 'er up. I may just do this from now on; saves on cleaning the bottles! Plus I can get closer to the computer desk without those rigid bottles in the way (priorities, of course).
-
@delight: Oh my gosh. Looking at that sleep chart makes me *convinced* that my baby is defective.
She napped this morning in the carrier for an hour. She napped at 1:00 for an hour. And she has been FIGHTING sleep ever since. She literally has not slept for more than 2 minutes in almost six hours.
Anyone experienced this?
-
@delight: Great chart! Thanks for that!!!
@Ocean girl: I am terrified to start working out again. I am starting to take long walks with LO but my hip joints hurt like hell by the time I get back.
Definitely not ready to jog. DH told me to chill out about my weight loss until at least my 6 week appointment so I think I'll be in time out from my jogging or 30DS plans until then. For now, long walks will have to do, and I may start doing some core work.Wow - 6 hours is amazing. I dont know what I'd do with myself! I am just thrilled when she goes three hours from when she finished eating as opposed to started. Granted she is only 2.5 weeks but still its good to know whats could be coming in a few weeks.
Does anyone know if hind milk looks any different then fore milk? This may be weird/tmi but I feel like some times my milk looks thicker (more solidly white) than others (more watered down) - just wondering if this is hind vs fore?
I think after her Dr appt on Tuesday I may try pumping for the first time using the info from @lawbee11: on stocking up! I'd love to build up a stash early on. DH is definitely interested in being helpful as soon as possible!
-
@Mrs D: Yes fore milk is thin/clearish and hind milk is more milky
completely normal
-
1. Favourite thing about being a new mom? Knowing the comfort I bring him, that just me picking up makes him feel better. And those chubby cheek smiles.
2. Most frustrating thing about being a new parent? Feeling lonely, I don't have any family around me and most of my friends were work friends. It's getting better, but some days can be so long until DH gets home from work.
3. Cutest thing your LO does? I love after his early morning (5-6ish) feeding when he snuggles right up on my chest. He props his head on his hands and looks so adorable.
4. Something you can brag about? Breastfeeding, it has gone so well. And I know that is not always the case. I feel very lucky that (knock on wood) it is going so well.
5. Something you would like to improve? Get on somewhat of a schedule. Right now we are all over the place. Most day feedings are 3hours apart, but sometimes 2 and sometimes 4. That and work on losing some baby weight. I need to fit back into my clothes.
-
@MrsB2012: I had heard of this. We had our two month appointment this week. I almost cried. The nurse left right after and told me take my time. I immediately starting nursing J and it totally calmed him down. I gave him Tylenol that night, ut he was fine after that.
-
@redsmarties:
sorry that the chart made you feel bad! Liv has days where she doesn't nap very much as well. I just had my first night out without her and I've been gone 5 hours and she only napped 30 mins. The rest of the time she was pretty fussy for DH. She took 3 small bottles though and he didn't call and make me come home so I count the night as a win!
-
@redsmarties: Mine does that sometimes as well. Like today she woke up at 6, and didn't go back to sleep until 2pm! Then only slept for 45 minutes and has been up since (it's now 9pm), despite me constantly trying to rock, bounce and soothe her and she screams bloody murder every time I put her down. It's been a long day. My arms and back are killing me. DH just walked in from work 30 minutes and I hate when I just want to meet him at the door and shove the baby into his hands after his own 12 hour shift... but that's how tired I am, and now she's passed out on his chest, so maybe she was just sick of me!
-
@JamieLee: Whoohoo on the breastfeeding!
@delight: Thanks for the chart! I've seen it begore actually, but apparently I'm a freak that needs to be constantly reassured! ;). And lol on the dirty scartgories!
@Ocean girl: I was going to start walking with LO in the ergo but then I passed this huuuuuuge clot and freaked myself out. Although today I seem to have almost stopped bleeding, so maybe it was a coincidence and not due to overdoing it?
@MrsB2012: Wow - that sleep sounds amazing!! How old was she when she started doing that?
-
@delight: Ugh, thanks for the thrush info! I knew that thrush was also a yeast infection but didn't know that it was connected to the other sort of yeast infection. LO wasn't with me so no one checked her out. I don't see anything strange in her mouth though?
I cried at my last medicine dose as well :(. I will never, ever do anything other than pills ever again. That was torture. Here's to hoping that it clears up and thrush doesn't rear its ugly head.
-
@Grace: yikes!! I think I'm going to wait until my 6 week f/up before I really get back into it. Long walks seem to be okay for now.
@redsmarties: H is so inconsistent on a day-to-day basis! Some days she seems to sleep all day, others she will be wide awake for long stretches (like 2-3hrs)... We need to establish a better routine!
-
@StrawberryBee: I'm really hoping that it doesn't turn into thrush for you and babe. I've been going on a month now with thrush and it is ruining my experience with breastfeeding. To the point where I just started giving him formula to get a break from the pain. I've had two bottles of their prescribed meds for him and we've both been on a cream. Just today his bum rash started to get bad again, and I'm on the last day I can give him the medicine. I'm totally at a loss. So, I'm going to try a more natural route and see if I can kick it on my own.
-
@Ocean girl: already trying to run? You go girl! I'm six weeks pp and haven't found the time to even go for a walk more than a couple times! As for the sleeping, S had one night where he slept almost five hours when he was three or four weeks old. Scared the crap out of me because it was so unusual. But it was a fluke. I'm sure it was just that the stars aligned for her to sleep longer. Enjoy it while you can although maybe it will be her new normal!
@delight: I totally noticed that tab on your browser window! I'll admit I was wondering a bit! Lol!
@MrsB2012: I'm sure you have accomplished a lot before noon...like caring for you LO! That's important work! And I hear ya on the MIL thing. I'm in the same boat. DH keeps encouraging me to call her and invite her over, but I just keep resisting. And I didn't realize the thing about not adding warm milk to refrigerated milk...I've definitely done that. I wonder what the reasoning is..
@redsmarties: S has had some times when he was awake for really long stretches like that. It's usually when or after we've been out and about. I think his routine gets messed up and he can't settle. Hope it worked out for you guys!
@.twist.: so sorry you're having so much trouble with the thrush. I haven't experienced that yet, but my nips hurt so bad I was crying while nursing him this morning, so I can commiserate. I have given a couple bottles of formula since we started breastfeeding to get a little break for my nipples...
-
@.twist.: yeah, I saw your post in the thrush thread :(. I really feel for you , it sounds miserable! I'm debating taking some probiotics. I hope things start working for you two ASAP!
-
@delight: thanks for posting that sleep chart. I always wondered how much sleep she was supposed to be getting.
@Ocean girl: that's awesome that you're already exercising! I've been taking M on walks in the stroller and once I got the all clear at my 6w appt I started doing ab exercises and lifting light hand weights again.
@MrsB2012: @JamieLee: I didn't know about the not adding warm milk to refrigerated milk until I read that either. I did some research and it seems the reason is because the fresh milk warms the refrigerated milk making it more likely that bacteria will grow. You can refrigerate the fresh then combine. I also read you shouldn't combine from different days. So complicated to keep track of all the "rules"!
@MrsB2012: M has her two month checkup on Friday. I am so excited to find out how much she weighs but I am not looking forward to the shots. I am planning to nurse her immediately afterwards. That's what I did when she had her heel pricked and she calmed down right away.
@Mrs D: yes! Hind milk looks like watered down milk and fore milk looks more like actual milk.
@StrawberryBee: sorry about the infection and pain
I am hoping you'll be pain free and back to normal very soon!@.twist.: Ugh, so sorry about the thrush...that sounds awful. I hope you and L kick it soon!
did't realize you shouldn't do that. 
Definitely not ready to jog. DH told me to chill out about my weight loss until at least my 6 week appointment so I think I'll be in time out from my jogging or 30DS plans until then. For now, long walks will have to do, and I may start doing some core work.
- Google Plus
- Stumbleupon
- Twitter
- Facebook
- Pinterest
- Favorite4
1923 comments