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PS Mommy Thread-Newborn to 12 months!

Pandora-Thanks for sharing your experience. I''m hoping this is all because of the growth spurt. She has been sleeping since 6 this morning only waking to nurse. She woke up around 1pm and stood awake for an hour and is now sleeping in her swing. She seems to sleep better when she''s in her swing which I hate because I don''t want her to get in that habit. It seems like she won''t sleep in her bassinet at all now. Mr. Fiery moved into the living room this morning at 5 and I put her in bed with me. She slept well and only woke to nurse.

China-I ditto choosing the 18th as your induction date. Also, I wanted to throw this out there and the other moms can chime in if they don''t agree. **If** you know that you want the epidural (You don''t have to say whether you do or don''t on here because I know its a personal decision), I would request that they administer before the pitocin. Again, if you know you''ll want the epidural there really is no point in going through the hell that is pitocin. I think some hospitals won''t but most will give you the epi before the pitocin. When I finally decided to get the epidural, I had dealt with the pitocin contractions for several hours and I was exhausted. Then I had to wait for 2 bags of IV which would have taken a really long time except that my nurse was literally squeezing it all into me so that I can get the epi. Once they did administer, it was really difficult since the contractions were coming strongly every 45 seconds to a minute and I had to sit really still. My nurse had to hold down my entire body (Mr. Fiery wasn''t allowed in the room while they administered the epi). You can certainly use your techniques to get through the contractions so I''m not suggesting that you can''t but just throwing it out there in case you want the epidural.
 
China-I ditto choosing the 18th as your induction date. Also, I wanted to throw this out there and the other moms can chime in if they don''t agree. **If** you know that you want the epidural (You don''t have to say whether you do or don''t on here because I know its a personal decision), I would request that they administer before the pitocin. Again, if you know you''ll want the epidural there really is no point in going through the hell that is pitocin. I think some hospitals won''t but most will give you the epi before the pitocin. When I finally decided to get the epidural, I had dealt with the pitocin contractions for several hours and I was exhausted. Then I had to wait for 2 bags of IV which would have taken a really long time except that my nurse was literally squeezing it all into me so that I can get the epi. Once they did administer, it was really difficult since the contractions were coming strongly every 45 seconds to a minute and I had to sit really still. My nurse had to hold down my entire body (Mr. Fiery wasn''t allowed in the room while they administered the epi). You can certainly use your techniques to get through the contractions so I''m not suggesting that you can''t but just throwing it out there in case you want the epidural.


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Ugh, Fiery, that''s exactly one of the reasons I would rather not be induced. Thanks for the info, though, something I hadn''t even thought about.

And thanks everyone for chiming in, much much appreciated.
 
Chinacat - I made it to 8cm without the epidural while being induced. My doc was pretty sure I would have made it the whole way if it weren''t for the baby''s head not dropping (no pressure on the cervix). So you can be induced and still go without pain meds. The only reason I did have one was they thought it would help relax me so he could turn. He was just too big to be flipping around at that point, but in the end it did make the c-section easier
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China Fiery<s description of waiting for the epi when you are on pit is exactly like mine. It is terrible. But it doesn`t last long. I found having my mom stand in front of me and help me focus really went a long way and allowed me to manage the pain while sitting, which is a challenge to say the least. Anyways, if you want an epi all along go with what Fiery said, but if you don`t want an epi, don`t let the worry about how bad the pain will be when you finally get it deterr you. Childbirth without pain meds in painful no matter what, and you will get an epi in the end most likely if you are induced -- I know women who have gone all the way on pit with no epi but they had fast labours. If you labour quickly you can go without, but if labour is slow then eventually you will want the epi. Only you will know when you are ready for it -- before, soon after, or never. You can do it mama! Don`t worry about being induced, it isn`t so bad and you get a baby in the end! PS -- I vote for the 18th too.
 
I vote for the 18th too, because I was in the same situation and I wanted Romeo out before (god forbid) things were not "ideal" anymore. Not to be a fear monger, but the baby is fully baked - and you and the baby are both in optimum shape. Why push your luck?

I have an aquaintance who waited too long, and the baby did not make it. Just saying....

Also, I was induced with (intervals of) pitocin, and was able to make it 11 hrs before the exhaustion set in. Like MustangGal, the epi made my C-section much easier
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How long did you all wait before taking your LO out regularly?

The IL''s are visiting, and have spent most of their visit sitting around our apartment or just hanging out at their hotel. DH and I are both EXHAUSTED and don''t really have the energy to go out and do things that aren''t necessities. It''s been raining nonstop, but today it actually looks nice out, so the IL''s want to know if we will take them to the boardwalk at the beach. I definitely don''t feel up to it because I''m so tired, but exhaustion aside, I don''t know if I''d feel comfortable taking Jacks on that kind of outing yet anyway. It takes a while to get there, it''s hot out, there''s no good place to feed/change him, etc. But maybe we could compromise and at least go out to dinner or something, but even that seems like it would be difficult in my current state.

In other news, Jacks decided last night that he didn''t want to sleep in his crib. He slept well in it all day during naps. At about 8, we fed him again and he was OUT. We put him in his crib, and all of a sudden he was fussing and awake. This continued throughout the WHOLE night...no matter how totally out he was, as soon as one of us put him down, he woke up fussing. So we each got a little bit of sleep while holding him on the couch, but that''s about it.
 
Sabine I took them out very early on but it was for my OWN sanity-not someone else''s. If YOU want to get out of the house and go somewhere by all means you should go. But don''t let the inlaws force you. They need to understand that this visit isn''t a normal one and YOU aren''t going to entertain them. THEY need to entertain themselves.
 
Date: 8/15/2009 11:24:18 AM
Author: Sabine
How long did you all wait before taking your LO out regularly?


The IL''s are visiting, and have spent most of their visit sitting around our apartment or just hanging out at their hotel. DH and I are both EXHAUSTED and don''t really have the energy to go out and do things that aren''t necessities. It''s been raining nonstop, but today it actually looks nice out, so the IL''s want to know if we will take them to the boardwalk at the beach. I definitely don''t feel up to it because I''m so tired, but exhaustion aside, I don''t know if I''d feel comfortable taking Jacks on that kind of outing yet anyway. It takes a while to get there, it''s hot out, there''s no good place to feed/change him, etc. But maybe we could compromise and at least go out to dinner or something, but even that seems like it would be difficult in my current state.


In other news, Jacks decided last night that he didn''t want to sleep in his crib. He slept well in it all day during naps. At about 8, we fed him again and he was OUT. We put him in his crib, and all of a sudden he was fussing and awake. This continued throughout the WHOLE night...no matter how totally out he was, as soon as one of us put him down, he woke up fussing. So we each got a little bit of sleep while holding him on the couch, but that''s about it.
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Sabine, I''m sorry to hear Jacks didn''t sleep so well last night! I remember Sage doing that as well - I found that she needed some movement to settle down if she wasn''t being held so I would put her in her swing or in the co-sleeper and I would jiggle the co-sleeper a bit so that she had a vibrating sensation. Perhaps that would hep Jacks as well. Re: taking him out. I think we took Sage out as early as 2 weeks. She slept easily in her car seat wherever we were no matter how loud it was so we were able to go out for dinner without any problem and it was nice to get a change of scenery. Perhaps you would consider letting your IL''s and DH take him to the boardwalk while you sleep? I know it''s hard to be away from the baby but you might find that some good solid sleep without having to worry about him would do you good.

Mrs
 
Date: 8/15/2009 11:46:02 AM
Author: neatfreak
Sabine I took them out very early on but it was for my OWN sanity-not someone else's. If YOU want to get out of the house and go somewhere by all means you should go. But don't let the inlaws force you. They need to understand that this visit isn't a normal one and YOU aren't going to entertain them. THEY need to entertain themselves.
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well said, Neat! I agree 100%
 
Thanks ladies, for all of your input.

I think I''m going for the 18th, you are all right, it just makes more sense and I keep forgetting he should be cooked by now.

Also, thanks for the insight/experience on the pitocin/epidural. Always interesting to hear how it worked for others.

Sabine- Just wanted to say I love that you call him Jacks! So cute.
 
China, I was induced at 40 weeks and 6 days and the induction part was a wonderful experience. I think my little one would have gotten pretty sick if she stayed in much longer. According to my doctor once you hit 41 weeks there are more risks than benefits of waiting. Also, I WAS in the hospital during the weekend and had no problems. Whatever date you decide everything will work out. i actually had to have cervidel (sp?) and that alone throw me into labor. My water even broke on its own. Good luck!
 
hey mamas. For those of you who like babylegs, I wanted to share with you this link on how to make your own babylegs. There are some other tutorials on line but this was the easiest one. I don''t have a sewing machine but yesterday I was able to hand stitch two pair from some cute striped girls knee socks I got at marshall''s for $2.50 each. Hope this is helpful to some of you.

best, Mrs
 
Sabine-I took Sophia out 4 days after she was born. We had dr appts every day for about two weeks because of her jaundice. On the 4th day I was in the mood for some ice cream and since her pedi office is across from the mall we went. Honestly this is YOUR time. If you aren''t up for going out then they need to understand that. They shouldn''t be expecting anything more from you. Ugh that''s just like my MIL who expected me to entertain her family 3 days pp.
 
Sorry hit submit on phone too soon. Wanted to say sorry about Jacks not sleeping well. I know how much that sucks. Could it be a growth spurt? How old is he now? I know they go through one at 3 weeks.
 
China - I ended up with an induction despite being very much in labour as the ctx just weren''t doing anything and after 40 hours I was getting very tired, in pain and since waters had broken before labour started I was already on IV antibiotics.

I asked for the epi before they started the pitocin and the midwives said that they totally thought that was a good idea. The epidural was really easy - I''ve had four already due to my spine so I knew what was coming. It sounds horrific but I think it''s no more painful than having blood-drawn, in fact possibly less. The main thing is to stay calm and relax as much as possible while they put it in.

One extra positive to having the epi is that ''if'' things don''t go according to plan then there is no faffing about trying to get one in. If I hadn''t had one I''d have ended up with a GA.

I also vote for the 18th. DH and I spent a lot of the hours while we were waiting trying to choose between the 16th, 17th and 18th (not that there was much choice
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) by looking up what happened on each date on Wikipedia - 17th won by a mile!
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Sabine - I got very agrophobic after Daisy was born. I would only go out with her if DH was there. The first time I went on my own was at 6 weeks for my GP appointment. I talked to my social worker about it and she said it was very normal to feel like you wanted to stay at home and that 100 years ago women wouldn''t be allowed outside for the first 40 days.

You should totally do what you feel like doing - don''t be pressured by anyone.
 
china I was induced. It was not a good experience for me, but it was necessary. I won''t share details because I don''t want to be discouraging. I know many ppl have better experiences with induction than I did. I ended up with a C section. I had feared it, but in the end, it was not that bad (nor was the recovery). I just wish I had been able to skip a really grueling labor had I known I was going to end up with a C section! Regardless, we are both healthy and that is all that mattered. I wish you an easy labor and delivery.

sabine we took A out maybe around 2 weeks for brief outings, but that was for my sanity, as Neat said. Do what YOU feel comfortable with. The inlaws will deal. I wish A had been one who was content in the carseat, but he was not, even from an early age. Once we discovered the sling, it made it easier to take him places.
 
china~Just popping in to give you more hope for a smooth induction.
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I was induced and it was great (I almost hope I can be induced again with this one because it was such a good experience and I''m a planner)! Good luck!!
 
Thank you everyone for the well wishes!

Sabine..we took our LO out the day after we were home from the hospital....I like too use a pouch sling, wrap, or a mei tai to keep intrusive hands away from the baby. I think as long as you are not allowing people to manhandle your baby you will be ok taking baby out in public. I am also not afraid of using the straight arm technique to keep super nosy strangers at arms-length...... I don''t know why people think it is ok to just maul newborn babies that don''t belong to them!
 
We didn''t end up taking him out...they didn''t get back from sightseeing until close to 8. I think that was my biggest concern...I don''t mind taking Jacks out during the morning/early afternoon, but I feel like the later it gets, the more likely it will be to mess up his evening sleep. And I''m glad we didn''t mess with it last night because he slept from 1-4 and again from 5-7:30, and then dh got up and fed him at 7:30 so I got to sleep till 9! Wow, what a difference getting some sleep actually makes!

Still having issues with the swaddle though...those of you who suggested the miracle blanket, did your LO''s still TRY to get out of it? With the swaddleme blankets, Jacks can''t really break out of them, but he tries so hard that he wakes himself up at times and then seems to cry because he wants his hands up but can''t get them up, so I can''t see the miracle blanket being any different.
 
Sabine, I''m so glad you got some sleep! re: swaddling. We learned pretty early on that Sage didn''t like to be swaddled when she was falling asleep. If we were putting her down to sleep she wanted to be able to move her arms; however, once she was asleep, we found that the swaddling with the miracle blanket helped her STAY asleep. Like Jacks, she would struggle to get her hands up and would get really worked up if she was not fully asleep. But if she fell asleep and THEN we swaddled her, she would sleep for longer stretches of time since her flailing arms couldn''t wake her. I don''t know if Jacks is like Sage is this regard, but you might see how he does falling asleep without the swaddle.

I think my biggest challenge with her sleeping like this was the fear that she would overheat in her nightgown AND a swaddle since I didn''t want her to fall sleep without wearing anything. She was find with the layers though.

re: swadlemes vs miracle blanket, we weren''t able to get a good tight swaddle with the swaddlemes for a while since she was relatively small so we didn''t use them until later. The miracle blanket will probably give you a chance to get a tighter swaddle which would probably help. If the swaddle isn''t tight enough, they have a little wiggle room which is just enough for them to move their arms and wake up. When the swaddle is snug enough, they realize that there''s no wiggle room whatsoever so they might as well not try to move their arms.

Hope this helps!
Mrs
 
Sabine sometimes I would swaddle him with his arms out, using the swaddleme. Sometimes he seemed happier that way. he would NOT stay in a regular receiving blanket swaddle. Glad it worked out OK with the inlaws!
 
Sabine, Daisy wouldn''t be swaddled for anything - very annoying as I''d bought 3 lovely swaddling thingys that I''ve never used - even two midwives couldn''t get her swaddled. However, she has always been a side-sleeper so didn''t flail her arms around and wake herself up. I also think that having her in the mini co-sleeper helped her feel quite snug and cosy especially as I always put a rolled up blanket behind her so she didn''t roll over.


On the family/no family for the first week thing, I''m another oddball. I definitely didn''t want anyone else but DH there - luckily our house is so small that no-one could stay even if they wanted to! Once I got out of hospital we went to visit family rather than them coming to us - that way we could escape when we needed to.
DH did one formula feed when we were in hospital and will occasionally take Daisy for an hour or so on weekend mornings so I can have a bit of sleep, but otherwise I do everything myself. I work on the basis that my job is looking after Daisy and his is going out to work so it would be unfair for me to expect him to be sleep-deprived due to helping at night - I can nap during the day whereas he can''t. Once I got the breastfeeding sorted it''s been fairly easy at night as she normally just wakes up, feeds and back to sleep - my body has also adjusted to her waking up at 3.30 so I now wake up in anticipation!

I took Daisy caving this afternoon - she was so excited and kept bouncing about in her sling and making little happy noises while we were waiting to go down. She was really good for the first hour and then decided she was hungry and screamed for 5 minutes solid - not great in echoey chambers! In the end I did some mega clothes adjusting and managed to shove a very squished boob in her mouth! Do I get a prize for breastfeeding 50 metres underground? After that she was all bouncy smiles again. DH got some great pics so I''ll post some up when I get them off him.

Quick question - In the last few days D. has developed this horrible high pitched scream thing when she does or doesn''t want something. It''s a really nasty bratty noise and I don''t want her turning into one of these kids that screech everytime they don''t get their own way. At the moment I''m just saying No! and taking away anything nice (ie if we are reading a book together, then the book goes away), but it''s really hard not to give in in public.

I know she''s only 13 weeks, but she knows what she is up to and I really want to nip it in the bud. Anyone BTDT and have advice?
 
The Intrepid Explorers as promised...
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my own little trogladite...
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Thanks to EVERYONE for commenting on being induced. It really helps to hear your experiences, both good and bad. As of now, I''m going for Tuesday. Again, thanks for your advice. See you guys on the flip side!

EBREE- Happy Birthday!

PANDORA- You are amazing, you crack me up. Those pictures are incredible and possibly a PS first!
 
Date: 8/16/2009 11:13:36 PM
Author: ChinaCat

EBREE- Happy Birthday!
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Why thank you!
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As you know, I had a relatively easy, successful induction with Pitocin. Though I'd been having contractions (almost back to back after they gave- and quickly removed- the Cervadil), I was progressing veeeeery slowly on my own. I think I went to three centimeters in ~30 hours. Once they gave me the Pitocin, BAM- I was at ten pretty quickly. I believe I was given the epidural before the Pitocin, so I felt no increased pain. I hope you have a similar experience. My labor wasn't great, but I couldn't have asked for a smoother birth. I wish you the best of luck!
 
Pandora! those pics are priceless!!!!!! I love your sense of adventure.

Romeo pulled one of those squeely tantrums two days ago. DH and I laughed because he''s so small to be pulling rank on us. lol. He did it because he wanted to fall asleep at the boob but I wouldn''t let him.
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I had to hand him over to DH to quiet him. I don''t know what you should do, but I''m interested in what the BTDT''s will advise...

Happy belated B-day Ebree!

Good luck China! thinking of you.....
 
Pandora Not much of a BTDT mom, but I think that she is too young to really learn from negative/punative conditioning (i.e., saying no or taking away things). That is also a learning method that is the least effective. I would probably either ignore it knowing that babies are noisy, or I would use distractions to break her concentration on making the noise. Then give her lots and lots of smiles and tickles and love and attention when she is *quiet* or when she makes noises that I want. Positively reinforcing the behaviour you want will likely teach her more quickly at that age than trying to punish the behaviour you don''t want.
 
Sabine - I started taking Kyle for walks at 1 weeks old, and on errands at 2 weeks. I think we went out to dinner for the first time at about 6 weeks, he slept through it all. But, it''s whenever you''re ready for it. For swaddleing, maybe Jacks is ready to go swaddle free? I hear not all babies like it.

Pandora - BFing in a cave, that''s awesome! No advice on the screaming though, good luck.

Kyle survived his 6 month appointment. He was 16 pounds 10 ounces (37%), and 26.5" (60%). So long and skinny. The doc was a little surprised at how well he sits on his on now. He did really well with the shots, only cried a second, then fell asleep in the car seat and was back to normal by the time we got home. He did tell us to just stick with 2 feeding of solids a day until 9 months, I thought we''d have to start doing it more often, but I guess not yet. And we got a new toy that he loves. It''s an activity table with lots of buttons and lights and sounds. We took the legs off for now and have it sitting on the floor, then he can sit next to it and push everything. It''s been keeping him entertained for 20-30 minutes at a time
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Date: 8/10/2009 1:43:47 PM
Author: mela lu
Kelley - your family is SO gorgeous!

Mustang - I do think he''s too big for the miracle swaddle. Do they sell larger ones? his feet ''hit'' the bottom of the sack! How long did it take Kyle to learn how to sleep without it?
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Don''t do up the bottom. They don''t need it. Just do the arms part. I stopped trying to get her completely in the sack way early on. The only thing that is a problem for the babies is the arms.
 
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