Pregnancy Thread - Thursday, June 2nd

[metroames]

shelly.....................Ethan Cole.................... Born 03/05/05
JennPayton.............Natalie Grace..................Born 03/09/05
blueyedgrl...............Reilly Grant ....................Born 3/23/05
Dar20.....................Alison Rozeta .................Born 04/06/05
Heather123..............Chad Avery....................Born 04/09/05
Marthad..................Logan Harold .................Born 04/23/05
Jefinner...................Ezra Franklin .................Born 05/05/05
GoJackets................Hamilton Wood...............Born 05/05/05
mom2twoboys...........Melissa..................... ....Born 05/06/05
chels_hoff................Payton Wayne................Born 05/08/05
Mandyhoward...........Spencer Cole............. ...Born 05/23/05 @30 weeks
Denise85.................Paige Loralei...................Born 5/19/05
tekla.......................Zachary Alexander..........Born 5/26/05

azktycat......................W40..............05/31/05....Girl
Luna...........................W39..............06 /04/05....Girl
nbecker.......................W37..............06/17/05....Girl
Vixendrop....................W37...............06/18/05....Girl
naerenaenae................W37...............06/18/05....Girl
jehcekah.....................W37...............06/22/05.....Boy
gilbabe75....................W36...............06/25/05.....Boy
Miss Gigl......................W36...............06/26/05....Girl
thopki00......................W36...............06 /28/05....Boy
rooney........................W36...............06 /31/05....Boy
Acutepenguin...............W34...............07/10/05
allibaba.......................W34...............0 7/12/05....Twins (Boy & Girl)
kclynn.........................W33...............0 7/22/05....Boy
Tbugs..........................W32...............0 7/21/05
melos...........................W31............... 08/01/05
SmileyAmy....................W30...............08/05/05....Girl

StarFire........................W26............... 09/5/05....Triplets !!!
Ketosisgirl.....................W24.............. 09/22/05.....Boy
vjfreddi.........................W23.............. 10/01/05
jeepifer.........................W22.............. 10/04/05 .... Girl
Karingreen.....................W22..............10 /08/05
jojolw...........................W?............... .??/??/05
Tammeli........................W20..............10 /17/05....Girl


Karalynne7....................W?................ ??/??/05
Jai...............................W14............. ..11/27/05
Kaillean.........................W13.............. .12/06/05
cjthedog64 ...................W13...............12/10/05
Diabolique......................W10............... . 12/24/05
lcfortified.......................W10............. . .12/31/05
jadefox26......................W?................. 12/??/05
Trailboss.......................W6................ .01/20/06
Louise...........................W5............... 01/27/06
Portia...........................W5............ ...01/29/06

Green12........................................... .....Trying!
2BFitHourglass.................................... ...Trying!
lil miss.............................................. ....Trying!
StrawberryGirl.................................... ....Trying!
AnnieO............................................ ......Trying!
speckle........................................... .......Trying!
Alissaliz......................................... .........Trying!
AZParalegal....................................... .....Trying!
DasiyNYC.......................................... .....Trying!
Nikole............................................ ........Trying!
daisy73........................................... ........Trying!

[metroames]

Hey GoJackets. You got a lot of great advice yesterday and I hope you get things worked out. There was a few things I wanted to comment on based on my experience.

Originally Posted by GoJackets

qoute
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dena -- Lord knows I don't know what I am talking about personally, but I did just read the section on breastfeeding in The Baby Whisperer. Did you read that yet? She says even though it's common in the US to change breasts during a feeding, she does not recommend it. She recommends alternating breasts with each feeding. The reason being that it takes a while for the really rich milk to let down, so if you're switching after 20 min, then baby is never getting this really rich stuff.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Yes, I did read that and tried it. I just ended up with one engorged boob every six hours. It made sense to me about the hindmilk and all but I asked my pediatrician about it and she acted like the calorie difference wasn't enough.

I only feed Grant on one side at a time. I have always let him feed until he unlatches. This was stressed big time to me by my doula to do. The first week I always offered him the other breast after a feeding, but he was never interested, because he was satisfied. After that first week I gave up offering him the other boob. Yes, the other boob was engorged, but after about a week that went away, because my body learned that I wasn't going to feed him on both during a feeding.

I totally believe that there is a big calorie difference between the foremilk and the hindmilk. LOL, I haven't measured it myself, but I can see the diffence in how long I pump. When I only pump for 10 minutes there is only a thin layer of cream that separates from the milk, but when I pump for 20 minutes or longer, I would say about a third of it is cream. And when I get a second or third letdown it is even more! When Grant gets bottles that don't have as much cream in them he ends up eating more or is hungry sooner. So I try to mix them evenly as I pump longer at one session at work than the other.

I think somebody on this thread had breastmilk that didn't have enough calories. Perhaps this may be an issue for you? If it is you may have to continue to supplement with formula. But, I bet if you let Hamilton feed on one side until satisfied he will be alright.

If he does get satisfied on one breast I wouldn't push the formula, because if he gets overfull he will spit up. I'd try and feed him with the breast until he is satisfied every two hours and see how he is over a couple days. He's got a tiny tummy, so eating more often might be better. If he is still not gaining weight then I'd check to see if your breast milk doesn't have enough calories. If you get a good pump it is possible to make double cream bottles that can up the calories. Might be something to look into if you want to soley breastfeed.

Anyway, if he is latching on well and feeding every few hours I think you are doing great and will be successful. But I would strongly caution the use of formula, because more times than not it seems that leads to the end of breastfeeding. Hope that little guy starts gaining weight and you can stop worrying and enjoy the breastfeeding soon! It is so rewarding IMO.

Ames

[metroames]

Originally Posted by GoJackets

I do think the books screwed me up. I just think I wasn't feeding him often enough. I got worried about schedules instead of feeding him when he was hungry. I misunderstood some of his cues. Screw schedules. He can have what he wants, when he wants it. If he becomes a spoiled brat, we will cross that bridge when we get there, but I will not compromise his health for my convenience. There was a baby in the office that was the same age as Hamilton and was 6 pounds at birth, just like Hamilton. The little boy was already up to 8 pounds!!! My poor boy has a net gain of 3 oz. since birth. That just sucks. I think there comes a time when you have to just go with your instincts.

LOL, ok one more comment. This is exactly what you need to do. Feed on demand! They will work out their own schedule soon enough. Grant would feed about every 3-4 hours ovenight and in the morning, but come afternoon I was the snackbar! I literally would feed him every hour in the evening those first few months. My husband accused me feeding him too much, but he is growing right on target for his percentile curve and my supply is great, so I must have done something right! If he wants to feed every hour or two let him. He knows what he needs. Grant was eating probably 12 times a day and now he is down to 6 or 7 with evening feedings being the longest.

Hang in there. It will get easier, I promise!

Ames

[metroames]

Originally Posted by Smilin Mary

Hello,

My name is Mary and I had posted a question about being overweight and pregnant. I was advised to come in here because you all are a wealth of knowledge.

I am 9 weeks pregnant and 251 pounds, before I got pregnant I was 246, I have been struggling with an eating plan and could use any advice I can get.

Thanks.

Would you like to be added to the list? If so, when is your due date?

[GoJackets]

thanks Ames. i don't have any objection to nursing on one side. if you think about it, that's what twins have to do. i was just taking the advice of the pediatrician. hopefully, the lactation consultant will offer some advice on which is best for us. he nursed 20 minutes on one side this morning and 30 on the other, took two ounces of formula and spit a lot of it back on me. fun morning. now we are working thru some hiccups.

[allibaba]

Morning,

~Ames - Great advice, I remember the cream on top and could definitely see a difference.

I'm heading to the OB shortly. I was MISERABLE yesterday! I was SOOOO swollen and I didn't really get to lie down for long enough in the afternoon. I had company ALL day and it was too much. I am going to beg the OB to schedule me, so I have a date to look forward to. We'll see I guess. WHINE WHINE WHINE .

Hope everyone has a good day .
Alli

[allibaba]

Hi Dena,
Sounds like he doesn't need that extra formula if he keeps spitting it up. He must be full. I'd try what Ames suggested and see what happens . Hang in there, you're doing a great job.
Alli

[GoJackets]

Originally Posted by allibaba

Hi Dena,
Sounds like he doesn't need that extra formula if he keeps spitting it up. He must be full.

this is the part that is confusing because the dr. said to give him what he will take in formula...well, he took the 2 ounces. I thought it was going to be too much, but he was an eager beaver when I offered him the 2nd ounce. guess he eats like his mama (gorges).

[GoJackets]

Alli - hang in there, i bet it won't be long with the swelling. when is your next appt.?

[metroames]

Originally Posted by GoJackets

this is the part that is confusing because the dr. said to give him what he will take in formula...well, he took the 2 ounces. I thought it was going to be too much, but he was an eager beaver when I offered him the 2nd ounce. guess he eats like his mama (gorges).

Maybe wait a half hour or so before offering the formula? I guess I don't understand why you need to offer formula at all if he is eating on the breast till satisfied and you offer him the breast every couple hours or more if he seems to want it.

Ames

[Jefinner]

He also might be taking so much formula because it's coming out faster. He doesn't realize how much he's getting till he's too full.

[Louise]

Good morning, ladies!

Well, I went to bed at 8:30pm and got up at 7am. Hopefully that was enough sleep.

I just wanted to stop in and say hello. I am going to try to get some work done before I run out of energy.


louise

[karatejen]

Dena~ Ames has very good advice. It is exactly what I would also suggest. If you drop the formula all together, would your ped's office let you drop by every couple of days to weigh him to ease your mind that he is gaining weight from bfing alone?

I know you said yesterday that you want to bf to save money. You will still save money if you buy a moderately priced electric pump. Medela makes middle ground pumps that are designed for occasional usage and are priced accordingly. Ames and I have top of the line because we need a heavy duty Hoover for everyday high-volume usage. Heck, even we will save some money in a year's time buying the higher end model.

Ames~it sounds like we have had exactly the same experiences with pumping. I have always tried to follow the rule that says to continue to pump 2 - 5 minutes after milk has stopped flowing. Boy, I was amazed a few months back when I went longer than the 5 minutes and got several more let downs. Sometimes I will take a day's worth of pumped milk and put it in a large cup to distribute the cream between all the bottles evenly.

[Trailboss]

Morning

Metroames-Great advice!

GoJackets-I hope today is a little easier on you! You are doing a great job. Hang in there.

Alli-Good luck at the OB. I hope you get a date to look forward to and can relax today.

Jefinner and karatejen-I LOVE YOUR AVATARS

Louise-We are in the same boat energy wise. I hope we snap out of this soon!

I am a new aunt today. My SIL had a c-section late yesterday 4 weeks before her due date because of toxemia. The baby is small but fine and my SIL is in ICU due to all over body swelling-including her brain. The doctors are confident that with major rest she will be fine. I can't wait to see her this weekend.

Have a great day everyone.

Jackie

[SmileyAmy]

Dena ~ Sorry I don't have a whole lot of advice for you. But with regards to the comment you made about "I couldn't feed him when he was in me, why do I think I should be able to when he is out of me." (or along those lines) Don't be too hard on yourself girl!! You always yell at me when I would get down on myself. This is not something you can control. And although you did have the issues with the placenta, you in no way made that happen. You took care of him as best you could and now he is here and I am sure he is doing great even with these struggles. Just take it easy on yourself. You will figure out what works for you both - and that just proves how great a mom you are. You are willing to do anything to make sure your baby is fed properly.

Smilin Mary ~ Nice name!! I started off this pregnancy at about 251lbs. Don't stress out too much about weight. I mean obviously, just like anyone else of "normal" weight you can't go crazy. But, as long as you eat normally and healthy with maybe a few treats here and there, you will be fine!! Who knows...you may not gain weight, you may lose. You just don't know. I was so worried about coming out of this pregnancy bigger than I already was/am but I have been eating fine, no overindulging and I have actually lost 7lbs! Everything is fine with baby - that is just how my body reacted.

Alli ~ Sorry you are so miserable. Let us know how your appt goes!

Meg ~ Sorry about your BP issues. I hope they get it straightened out and they don't try to talk you in to getting induced. I will cross my fingers. And LOL at the apple juice comment!!

Hi Amy ~ How is Grant doing?

Mandy ~ Hope Spencer is doing well and you and DH are enjoying your time together!

Conrats Auntie Trailboss!! You will be posting pictures...right!?!?

So, my appt went fine yesterday. No weight gain or loss. HB is fine - measuring fine. All that good stuff. Thyroid came out normal, so Dr wants me to try to eat something high fat/protein right before bed to see if maybe getting that extra fuel into my body at night will help me in the am.

I have to start doing my kick counts. She was saying as long as she kicks ten times in ten hours. Sara kicks most of the time 10 times in 20 minutes! Anyone else have that??

I was also given stuff to read over about when I give birth and I have to sign it and bring it back next week. It asked about a birth plan. I am not really sure where I stand on things though. I need to go buy some books or something. I am not one of those women who cares a great deal about how things are done. I guess I have faith that the doctors know what they are doing. The only things I do want to mention is about the breastfeeding and possibly episiotomys.

I am thinking that I do not want an episiotomy unless there is some sort of emergency reason. From what I have heard, read, if your body needs to make space, you will tear and that tearing is now seen as better than being cut with regards to healing, etc. Any ideas on this??

Also, as of this morning...the saga continues with my previous landlord. I won't go into details - I am sure you are all totally bored by this all, but I gave her until th 31st to give me the money she owes me. Well, she sent me a certified letter telling me that I owe her $1544.00 for damages!! She is crazy. I will leave it at that and talk to you all later!

[Trailboss]

SmileyAmy-Glad your appointment went well. You only have about 2 months left! Birth Plans can be overwhelming. Just do some research and write down what you are comfortable with. I totally agree with you on the episiotomy. The only change I am making from my first birth is no pitocin. My DH has orders to use whatever means necessary to prevent pitocin from entering my room. Good luck with your former landlord.

Jackie

[Dar20]

Hi, girls Internet was down this morning so I actually got work done.

Dena, hopefully all the advice isn't too overwhelming. One thing about formula vs. breastmilk, and Jefinner made an excellent point about formula is easy to get.. formula is the same from beginning to end. Breastmilk changes, as you know. The hindmilk is higher in calories, so baby starts to feel full and knows when he's done. With formula, you have to help baby know he's full. With Alison (she averages about 4 oz. per feeding), she gets burped every ounce for the first 3 ounces. On that last ounce, she eats alot slower, so she'll get burped more often - every 1/4-1/2 ounce. Sometimes, I'll just hold her up, pat or rub her back lightly for a short while, then offer her the bottle again. It just takes a few minutes, but sometimes she realizes she's full. This has reduced the spit-ups, but not 100%.

Congrats, Jackie! I hope your SIL gets out of ICU soon.

Amy, I tried kick counts once, just to try. It was impossible. Alison didn't really "kick", she would flutter, roll, quiver, get the hiccups, etc.. but I never could feel a definite kick. She was constant movement.. still is (even in her sleep).

[Jefinner]

About the Pitocin thing... I have decided that should I have another kid (not planning on it ever, but y'know), that I will refuse it unless me or baby is in serious danger. I cried when I found out that the pitocin contractions cause the baby minor distress. And on a selfish note, natural contractions are NEVER as bad as pitocin ones. Even with Ezra... His contractions were VERY bad since he came so fast, but not as bad as they were with Allison. Plus, my epidural wore off with her, so EEK! LOL!

Oh my... I have been reading about Unassisted Childbirth, and lemme tell ya. I think these women are brave. I'm definitely not a candidate, because I don't trust myself enough. I want someone there to guide me a little. Maybe it's because I had such wonderful midwives that I was completely comfortable trusting them. The thing that weirds me out though is that while UC is not illegal in any state (I'm not saying it should be either, BTW), but Licensed Midwives are illegal in some states. I just don't get that. Does make me glad I'm in TX though... Supposedly, we're one of the more midwife friendly states.

[gilbabe75]

Hey gals.

I'm here. I'm icky, I feel like I'm going to have this baby soon. 3 1/4 weeks to go, but I don't think I'll make it that long. I don't know if that is my body telling me something or just wishful thinking. I'm starting to just feel generally unwell. I remember this with my other kids. I cleaned like crazy last night. I have to fold a mountain of laundry and do the 2 upstairs bathroom floors and the kitchen floor and I'm mostly caught up. I will do the checkbook and schedule the bills to be paid via internet. I just feel the need to be ready this weekend.

Dena-what kind of bottle are you using?? I would suggest getting some avent bottles. They come with a 0 nipple that are VERY SLOW. Might be what he needs. My DD needed a faster one but didn't spit up. Good luck. I hope you can get together with the LC soon. I'm sure she will help you IMMENSELY. And if she doesn't...find a new one.

Amy- I can't believe your landlord. And on the tired thing...I hate to tell ya... but it might just be pregnant tired. What do you eat in a day? Are you eating high carb? I can tell ya, some days I just can't lift my arms up. I hope they can find a reason that can be fixed for ya. Are you having any caffeine? I always have some each day...need it to stay awake. LOL

Ladies, I'm really nervous about trying to BF this baby. I really think I'm setting myself up for failure. How can I possible feed a baby 12 times a day while taking care of a very active 3 yo and a very "need to be challenged" 5 almost 6yo plus taking the puppy out. I just don't know how much everyone else is going to be able to sacrifice to do this.

[GoJackets]

Originally Posted by gilbabe75

Dena-what kind of bottle are you using?? I would suggest getting some avent bottles. They come with a 0 nipple that are VERY SLOW. Might be what he needs. My DD needed a faster one but didn't spit up. Good luck. I hope you can get together with the LC soon. I'm sure she will help you IMMENSELY. And if she doesn't...find a new one.

Ladies, I'm really nervous about trying to BF this baby. I really think I'm setting myself up for failure. How can I possible feed a baby 12 times a day while taking care of a very active 3 yo and a very "need to be challenged" 5 almost 6yo plus taking the puppy out. I just don't know how much everyone else is going to be able to sacrifice to do this.

Very good to know!!!! I am using Avent that was given to me, but we are using a 1 nipple. Didn't know about the 0!!!!

I admire you for trying. Would it be easier for you to pump at your convenience and bottle feed on demand or does that defeat the purpose? From the breast is probably more convenient. How about a sling or carrier and nurse while having your hands free?

[Louise]

Becca to you. I don't really have any advice. Do you have anyone that could help you out for a couple of weeks? Family? Friends? I am sure it will work out somehow!

Amy--Sorry about the landlord!

Jackie- Congrats, auntie!!! I hope you SIL gets better soon.

Hello to all the mommies posting today!

Alli--Hang in there! I hope your appointment goes well.


I am sitting here trying not to throw up. Ick. It is almost time for lunch. I am not even hungry but know I have to eat. I really hope I don't throw up for the first time at work!!! I'd like it to be this weekend (if I do end up throwing up). I'd like to know if I'll have time to get to the bathroom, etc. Especially since I am not planning on telling anyone at work until mid July.


louise

[Trailboss]

Jefinner-I went from have no contractions what-so-ever to pitocin

Becca-Sorry you don't feel well. Sounds like you are nesting. I applaud you for trying to BF with all the distractions. I agree with GoJackets-try a sling if you can. I could never make it work right but I was much heavier at that time.

Louise- I have the feeling like I will throw up any minute now too. But all I end up doing is burping Maybe we should be eating a light snack mid-morning?

Jackie

[Louise]

Originally Posted by Trailboss

Louise- I have the feeling like I will throw up any minute now too. But all I end up doing is burping Maybe we should be eating a light snack mid-morning?

Jackie

Well, I guess I should be happy I am not burping. I am eating a morning snack. This morning, I ate breakfast at 7am, then a banana at 9 (ick, not buying those again), some walnuts around 9:30, and an apple at 11. I am used to eating 6 small meals a day, so I am hoping to sort of stick with that plan.

Now it is lunch time. Nothing sounds good. Plus, I am waiting for DH to be ready to go. I hope it is soon.....


louise