Poll for mommas w/outside babies

Fergie+1 · January 2011

I just want to see how everyone else is doing... maybe I'll feel a little less like I'm not doing this right! Please take a moment to let me know how you're handling things!

How old is LO? Lucian is a week old today!

Are you BFing or formula feeding? How's it going? How often is LO eating and is DH/SO helping feed LO (if he can)? I'm BFing, pumping as well so DH can help and I can get some sleep. Little guy must be going through a growth spurt because he wants to eat nearly every hour.

How much sleep would you say you manage in a day? Anywhere between 4-7, if DH has enough milk in the fridge to feed LO a few times.

Have you had any baby blues so far? Yes... mostly because I can't eat and I feel so guilty that I'm shortchanging Lucian's nutrition. It hasn't been too bad; it's definitely worse on days that I get hardly any sleep.

If you have anything else you want to add, please do... Some days I feel like a zombie, others a crazy lady waiting to break. Don't get me wrong; I love my son a million times more than I could have imagined... this is just much, much harder than I had imagined as well.

gusjaim · January 2011

How old is LO? Colt's one week

Are you BFing or formula feeding? How's it going? How often is LO eating and is DH/SO helping feed LO (if he can)? I'm breastfeeding. It's gone really well minus some sore nipples. He eats at least every 3 hours. Sometimes starts getting fussy between two and three but he stays pretty scheduled. If I'm really sore DH is really quick to jump and and be able to feed him (formula).

How much sleep would you say you manage in a day? I actually have had really great nights. Colt wakes up to eat, get changed and then we put him right back down. So far so good.

Have you had any baby blues so far? Not really, I've been good but also I have had a lot of help. DH was off with us last week and my mom is off all this week. So we'll see come monday.

If you have anything else you want to add, please do... I really miss being pregnant. I absolutely love being with Colt and wouldn't trade him for anything but it's hard to believe he is the same lil poker I used to have inside me so I feel like i just lost a big part of me. All the stuff that was just us from kicks to lots of peeing and even being uncomfortable. But i know I have so much more stuff to come with him and just watching him sleep is amazing.

nmeissner25 · January 2011

How old is LO? 5 weeks 4 days

Are you BFing or formula feeding? How's it going? How often is LO eating and is DH/SO helping feed LO (if he can)? formula feeding. she eats every 3 to 4 hours, and SO isnt helping with feedings.

How much sleep would you say you manage in a day? Depends on how she sleeps some nights are better than others, but i'd say around 5 hours a night.

Have you had any baby blues so far? I think i did in the begining when i first got home, i blamed myself alot for how things happened during her birth. I blamed myself for needing the c-section because i took the epidural, which i say because about 20 minutes after i got the epidural her heart rate dropped dramaticly and because of that i needed to have the c-section right away. I came to terms that it wasnt my fault and the epidural didnt cause that to happen just her not being able to handle active labor anymore. Ive been feeling back to normal and happy now for the past few weeks, so hoping it stays that way.

racheldaigle46 · January 2011

How old is LO? 5 whole days old!

Are you BFing or formula feeding? How's it going? How often is LO eating and is DH/SO helping feed LO (if he can)? exclusively breastfeeding. Not pumping yet, I probably wont introduce a bottle until about 4 weeks, when DH will start helping with some of the feedings. A little bit of soreness, sometimes we will get a bad latch, but we re-latch. he has some trouble falling asleep at the boob while feeding. so far, LO eats every 2-4 hours!

How much sleep would you say you manage in a day? well its only been 5 days but im starting to get 4-6 hours per day (in intervals)

Have you had any baby blues so far? yes, especially during the night. I get this weird anxious feeling! sometimes i feel like crying for no reason, but for the most part my "baby blues" just sort of feels like pms.

I try to make my self do "normal" things at least once a day. I like to cook and clean while the baby is sleeping during the day, because it gives me some type of routine. and taking a shower and putting some eyeliner and mascara on is helping me keep my sanity!

So far, Im mad in love!

kensbride08 · January 2011

Fergie+1:

I just want to see how everyone else is doing... maybe I'll feel a little less like I'm not doing this right! Please take a moment to let me know how you're handling things!

How old is LO? Briggs is 2 weeks old today!

Are you BFing or formula feeding? How's it going? How often is LO eating and is DH/SO helping feed LO (if he can)? Its going well but I am EP which is pain because I have to come downstairs in the middle of the night to pump. DS eats about ever 2.5 hours and about 2-3 ozs. DH is definetly helping a ton, especially with our daughter.

How much sleep would you say you manage in a day? I try to nap during the day and at night I get about an hour of every 3 hours..

Have you had any baby blues so far? No, more just teary cuz Im overwhelmed but not depressed. Ive had a lot of help and I try to get out if I start to feel stir crazy.

If you have anything else you want to add, please do... Some days I feel like a zombie, others a crazy lady waiting to break. Don't get me wrong; I love my son a million times more than I could have imagined... this is just much, much harder than I had imagined as well.

broccolitree · January 2011

y'all are gonna haaaate me. I mean, if you don't already, heh.

How old is LO? One month one day. Miss Princess WOULD choose Christmas Eve. :P

Are you BFing or formula feeding? How's it going? How often is LO eating and is DH/SO helping feed LO (if he can)? BFing. Initially it was difficult because her mouth was too little to latch properly, and especially in the hospital where it was both Christmas, a weekend, and snowy in GA, we had issues. In the NICU, we gave her formula, which I felt icky about at the time, but it helped her get through her first sets of hurdles without stressing her out like a hardline BF-only approach would have, so I'm glad we did it in retrospect. I finally got to talk to a lactation consultant right before we left, and as soon as I got a nipple shield and switched my nursing style to deal with how I was producing it was smooth sailing.

How much sleep would you say you manage in a day? Like 10-12 hours, depending. She's slept for 4-6 hours at a stretch at night since I figured out BFing, but sometimes I'll do something dumb, like the day I had leftover chili for lunch and burritos for dinner, so got to stay up with a screaming gassy baby for a lot of the night. But usually 10-12. I said you all would hate me, lol.

Have you had any baby blues so far? In the hospital I had a really hard time. Between having an emergency C, a baby in distress with no frame of reference to cling to at all (seriously, we had people telling us she'd be with us by the end of the day and others saying she'd be in the NICU til her due date, which was last week), plus all my residual stress about Christmas, all the family coming to visit etc, I was a mess. After we found out she was going to be okay and we got to take her home I was fine, but I totally still get misty when I think too hard on that week.

Seriously, easiest baby ever.

BrittKav · January 2011

How old is LO? 2.5 weeksAre you BFing or formula feeding? How's it going? How often is LO eating and is DH/SO helping feed LO (if he can)? BFing, and it's going very well. She eats every 1-3 hours during the day and every 4ish hours at night. I do pump, but just to build a stash. DH has fed her expressed milk in a bottle once. He would do it more often but I prefer to BF.How much sleep would you say you manage in a day? 7-8 hours average.Have you had any baby blues so far? I've only cried irrationally once. I'm feeling pretty good.

MrsYam · January 2011

How old is LO? 2 weeks this coming Thursday

Are you BFing or formula feeding? How's it going? How often is LO eating and is DH/SO helping feed LO (if he can)? FF, she's eating 2-2.5oz every 3 hours or so. The other night she was an eating machine, so I think she hit her first growth spurt.

How much sleep would you say you manage in a day? 5+, I can't nap unless my hubby is home because of our 2 year old.

Have you had any baby blues so far? Nope. I had PPD last pregnancy and I got on my medication as soon as I got discharged from the hospital this time.

williaw · January 2011

Fergie+1:

How old is LO? 2w5d

Are you BFing or formula feeding? How's it going? How often is LO eating and is DH/SO helping feed LO (if he can)? I'm EPing. It's going OK, my supply went from waay too much to slowly drying up. Avery is eating at least every 2 hours, usually 3 or 4 ounces at a time. DH loves to feed her, so he usually takes about 1/2 the shifts.

How much sleep would you say you manage in a day? Maybe 4-5 hours, in one hour incriments.

Have you had any baby blues so far? Yes...I was worried for a while that it was changing into full blown PPD, but I manage better when DH takes longer shifts and lts me get a little sleep. It started out with BFing issues and went downhill from there. I also tend to get seasonal depression. It's getting better, though.

izzourclue · January 2011

Fergie+1:
I just want to see how everyone else is doing... maybe I'll feel a little less like I'm not doing this right! Please take a moment to let me know how you're handling things!

How old is LO? Nora is 3 weeks and 3 days

Are you BFing or formula feeding? How's it going? How often is LO eating and is DH/SO helping feed LO (if he can)? I'm EBFing now. Started with supplementing because my milk was delayed. DD eats about every 3 hours. We often have to wake her to get a feeding in. She goes about 5 or 6 hours at night.

How much sleep would you say you manage in a day? I'm not getting too many naps during the day in, but we get to bed about midnight after her last feeding, and set the alarm for 5 am for her next feeding. Then go back to bed and sleep until about 8 am.

Have you had any baby blues so far? Some. I've had a few crying jags, mostly just mourning our old, care-free lives. I miss my husband (he's around, but we are so distracted by DD that I miss "us"), sex, exercise, fresh air and even just going to the grocery store. I had a c-section so I have to be very careful not to over do it and a trip to the grocery store can increase my bleeding or make me very sore. I think it will get better once I can get out more.

If you have anything else you want to add, please do... Agreed its the hardest thing I've ever had to do. Can't even really describe it. Also BFing is really hard and painful. I've seen a LC and its not a latch issue, you just got to get your nipples broken in. Also DD has a high pallet so that could be an issue too.
Bonding doesn't happen immediately (at least not for me). I don't know if its the c-section or just the fact that they don't really interact with you much the first few weeks. They just need. But I think she is close to a real smile and makes more eye contact now. I just bought a baby gym because she seems to be more interested in her surroundings. So don't feel bad or think there is something wrong if those first few weeks aren't a magical experience where you feel completely in love with the need machine. You love them, but its hard to explain. I'm just starting to looking forward to waking her up and spending time with her. Before I just wanted her to get to her next nap so I could eat, sleep, shower, change my underwear. Also, c-section recovery is a b!tch the first 10 days or so and that made that first week that much harder.
Oh and the umbilical cord stump can hang on a lot longer than they tell you. Still on there and we are closing in on a month. My pedi says he's seen them on there as long as 6 weeks. Sucks because we want to start a bed time routine with warm baths and we are still in sponge bath he!l. DD hates it too because its cold.

JPed* · January 2011

How old is LO? Just over 2 weeks

Are you BFing or formula feeding? How's it going? How often is LO eating and is DH/SO helping feed LO (if he can)? I EBF. The first week was hell... cracked nipples, bleeding, stabbing pain the whole time. Thanks to Lanolin and a nipple shield those issues are all worked out. She eats all. the. time. Pedi says to feed every 2-3 hours, but LO has other plans. More like every hour. It's exhausting.

How much sleep would you say you manage in a day? LO does let us sleep at night as long, as she's in her miracle blanket. She wakes up twice for feedings/diaper change. Usually I get about 7 hours of sleep total. It she's not in her blanket, she will only stay asleep for EXACTLY 10 minutes.

Have you had any baby blues so far? I cry a few times a week, but it's 100% related to BF. I am so jealous that DH gets to sleep/leave the house/eat in peace, when all I do 24/7 is BF. I want to switch to forumla SO badly, but my mind just won't let me take the plunge. I ordered a manual pump so H can feed her once in a while and I don't feel so tethered to LO. We'll see how that goes once it gets here.

Every once in a while I catch myself still talking to my belly. Then I look down and realize she's not in there anymore

JPed* · January 2011

izzourclue:
Bonding doesn't happen immediately (at least not for me). I don't know if its the c-section or just the fact that they don't really interact with you much the first few weeks. They just need. But I think she is close to a real smile and makes more eye contact now. I just bought a baby gym because she seems to be more interested in her surroundings. So don't feel bad or think there is something wrong if those first few weeks aren't a magical experience where you feel completely in love with the need machine. You love them, but its hard to explain. I'm just starting to looking forward to waking her up and spending time with her. Before I just wanted her to get to her next nap so I could eat, sleep, shower, change my underwear.

Well said. I wish someone told me this in advance. It gets overwhelming really fast when you feel like you're just a food source for the first couple weeks. I gets better every day, but it's definitely a slow process.

pixieprincss · January 2011

How old is LO? Vaughn turns 3 weeks today.

Are you BFing or formula feeding? How's it going? How often is LO eating and is DH/SO helping feed LO (if he can)? We are EBFing after a rough start the first week where I did a very small amount of formula supplementing to stave off dehydration until my supply got established. I pumped a lot that first week to get things going, but have not pumped too much since--just enough to keep an emergency bottle on hand. I need to start building up a stash.

How much sleep would you say you manage in a day? DH takes V from 9-11 pm, so that is 2 hours. Then V and I stay in bed until about 10 am, but I probably am up for 3 hours of that with feedings. So, I am doing well--normal amount of sleep--just interupted. The first week was NOTHING like that, though.

Have you had any baby blues so far? I have awesome days and terrible days. Sunday and Monday were terrible. I cried pretty much all day yesterday, forgot to eat, etc. Today is a good day. Those bad days are really bad, though--and it is all hormones because I am freakishly cold and shivering and other things that are just strange.

My big issue is back pain. I have had it every day since the brirth and it stinks. I am going to a chiro on Thurs and amd trying to get an LC to come to the house to give me pointers. The 4 LCs I've seen not at my house just put me in their chair and I do fine. That is not happening at home on our couch, chair, bed, etc.

izzourclue · January 2011

JPed*:
Have you had any baby blues so far? I cry a few times a week, but it's 100% related to BF. I am so jealous that DH gets to sleep/leave the house/eat in peace, when all I do 24/7 is BF. I want to switch to forumla SO badly, but my mind just won't let me take the plunge. I ordered a manual pump so H can feed her once in a while and I don't feel so tethered to LO. We'll see how that goes once it gets here.

Every once in a while I catch myself still talking to my belly. Then I look down and realize she's not in there anymore

This. I resent DH every day because he is the one that gets to run errands and walk the dogs or even gets to go for a bike ride or to work. I can't be away from DD for more than an hour. Its a weird feeling to feel so trapped.

RHitch · January 2011

Fergie+1:

How old is LO? Christopher is 5 days old!

Are you BFing or formula feeding? How's it going? How often is LO eating and is DH/SO helping feed LO (if he can)? I am formula feeding. he eats every 3-4 hours during the day and every 2 hours at night. Needless to say, he still has his days and nights mixed up.

How much sleep would you say you manage in a day? About 3-4 hours per day. I think it will get better (prayerfully) once i can get him to eat less frequently at night.

Have you had any baby blues so far? No, not really. I had the same issue with DD, so I sort of amped myself up for the worse this time around. Thankfully, DH has been a God send!! I don't know what I would do if he didn't have DD during the day. This will all change once he goes back to work, but hopefully my nights will get a little better over the next week.

If you have anything else you want to add, please do... Thankfully, things have been much better this time around than it was with DD. I think I was a little more prepared going in this time. DS cries all night though, which drives me crazy, and it sometimes makes me feel like a failure. However, I keep telling myself that he is still new to this as well, so I have to see things from his perspective.

I also want to add that I had a very difficult time with DD. We had BF issues, she developed thrush, and she was gassy/fussy due to the formula I was supplementing with. Once the thrush was gone, and I switched to Soy formula (she was 3 weeks old), my life changed tremendously! I know it is difficult right now, but hang in there. It does get better once you get through the 2 week wakeful period.

IncogNeato · January 2011

How old is LO? 6 weeks! My Jan babe showed up early!

Are you BFing or formula feeding? How's it going? How often is LO eating and is DH/SO helping feed LO (if he can)? I'm BFing. We're past the hard part and it's going well except that we have thrush which sucks.

How much sleep would you say you manage in a day? Anywhere between 4-6. 6 Week growth spurt SUCKS!

Have you had any baby blues so far? Surprisingly, no. Although now that it's been 6 weeks with very little sleep and I have stabbing pains in my boobs from the thrush, I'm starting to get moody but it's not hormonal, just exhausted and frustrated.

LizzyB11 · January 2011

How old is LO? Nora is 9 days old today.

Are you BFing or formula feeding? How's it going? How often is LO eating and is DH/SO helping feed LO (if he can)? I'm FFing. It's going a lot better than my attempt at BFing went. She took to the bottle right away, and I love that others can help feed her. DH enjoys spending that time with her every day, which is awesome. Nora eats about every 4 hours, depending. She will eat about 3 or 4 ounces. She is a little hungry baby!

How much sleep would you say you manage in a day? I have been staying up during her fussy time (until about 2 or 3AM) so that DH can sleep since he's back at work. On days when he's staying home, we take turns napping. When Nora sleeps during the day, then I crash on the couch. I'd say I get an average of 7 or 8 hours due to taking advantage of the nap times.

Have you had any baby blues so far? I've cried over silly things (stepdaughters reading books to Nora, my boobs swelling with milk, etc.). I suffer from regular depression, so I'm definitely being watchful of signs that I need my medication back. I'm glad to be FFing in case I need to get on my meds right away.

If you have anything else you want to add, please do... Sometimes I feel like I am overwhelmed by this feeling of the baby being here and changing things forever. I wish that I could go to bed with DH and have our usual snuggle/talk time. I am anxious to see what life is like when I have no more help here with me. MIL is coming next week, but after that I am on my own. I worry that I will fall apart then or that things will get more difficult then. But I still consider her the most amazing thing I've ever done!

MaddysMama07 · January 2011

How old is LO? Elise is 3 weeks old today.

Are you BFing or formula feeding? How's it going? How often is LO eating and is DH/SO helping feed LO (if he can)? We are formula feeding. It's going well now that we found a formula that she tolerates. This is the 4th formula she's been on already! She eats 3oz every 2-3 hours. DH does help with feedings.

How much sleep would you say you manage in a day? Maybe 4-5 hours. I'm dragging horribly. DH is getting up with Elise all night tonight and I can't wait.

Have you had any baby blues so far? Yes... but I also suffer from depression and anxiety anyway. My anxiety is way worse than my depression and my anxiety is much worse right now trying to deal with 2 kids vs. 1. I've had a hard time trying to take care of Elise and still give Madelyn plenty of attention.

cess525 · January 2011

How old is LO? 3.5 weeks...I can't believe it

Are you BFing or formula feeding? How's it going? How often is LO eating and is DH/SO helping feed LO (if he can)? FF, He eats 3 ounces every 3-5 hours. Sometimes he takes 4 oz sometimes only 2 but usually no more than 20oz a day. DH and I tag team the kids. During the night he preps the bottles and changes William and I feed him. During the day we both feed William.

How much sleep would you say you manage in a day? 7+, I nap while DD iss at preschool and of course at night:p between bottles. Thankfully William and I are on the same sleep pattern (well except for the feedings:p)

Have you had any baby blues so far? Nope. With DD I would cry at randome thingsbut not this time. This time I am still dealing with sciatica pain. Go to the doctor on Friday and I hope he has an answer.

mchupie · January 2011

How old is LO? 4 weeks

Are you BFing or formula feeding? How's it going? How often is LO eating and is DH/SO helping feed LO (if he can)? BFing here, and it's going really well. LO eats about ever 2 hours during the day, and every 3.5-4 hours at night.

How much sleep would you say you manage in a day? I would say about 6 hours.

Have you had any baby blues so far? A little at first, but I'm feeling pretty good now.

kimberly_ann81 · January 2011

How old is LO? Patrick is 1 week and 1 day

Are you BFing or formula feeding? How's it going? How often is LO eating and is DH/SO helping feed LO (if he can)? I'm BFing, and it is going a lot better. I have a flat nipple that caused problems latching on. Using a shield to help pull out the nipple. Now I just need to work on getting him weaned off the shield. Patrick usually eats every 3 hours during the day and 3-4 during the night.

How much sleep would you say you manage in a day? About 6 hours between feedings.

Have you had any baby blues so far? Yes, some. Was having feelings of frustration and failure because of breast feeding issues. Cried for no reason the second night home. Feel like crying right now for no reason; stupid hormones.

PeetiePie · January 2011

How old is LO? 4 weeks tomorrow

Are you BFing or formula feeding? How's it going? How often is LO eating and is DH/SO helping feed LO (if he can)? I'm BFing, but haven't started pumping yet. It's going great. I think she eats around 9 times a day, but it's been a bit more the last few days.

How much sleep would you say you manage in a day? At night I usually get two 2-3 hour blocks of sleep. I also manage to get at least an hour nap most days.

Have you had any baby blues so far? Yes.

a-beautiful-mess · January 2011

How old is LO? Holden will be 2 weeks old tomorrow.

Are you BFing or formula feeding? How's it going? How often is LO eating and is DH/SO helping feed LO (if he can)? I am now EPing, and it is going pretty well. I was an emotional wreck when he was just on the boob. On average, he eats every 3 hours, but he also cluster feeds sometimes. DH takes one of the night feedings, and he helps with feedings during the day when he is here.

How much sleep would you say you manage in a day? About 5 hours.

Have you had any baby blues so far? For the first five nights or so, I had a really hard time coming to grips with my L&D. I wanted and prepared for natural childbirth, and I did it with no epi but did have one dose of Nubain. However, it was a million times harder and more painful than I thought it would be, and I was sort of traumatized by the experience.

I had several meltdowns before I switched to EPing. I literally cried all day and night for about 3 days straight because I felt so trapped and guilty that I hated feeding our baby. Once we made the decision that I would pump, things got a lot better.

Now that DH has gone back to work this week, it brings a whole new set of challenges. I am beyond stir crazy, and I miss doing normal things that make me feel human, like showering whenever I want, exercising, taking care of the dogs, going out to eat, socializing, running errands. Even though I'm exhausted, I have so much pent-up energy. I just want to put on my running shoes and run through the neighborhood or something.

WestCoastMommy · January 2011

How old is LO? Keria is almost 4 weeks!

Are you BFing or formula feeding? How's it going? How often is LO eating and is DH/SO helping feed LO (if he can)? Breastfeeding and it's going great, so much easier this time then last. DD eats about every 2hrs unless she is on a sleep strech. I don't pump so DH doesn't/can't help.

How much sleep would you say you manage in a day? I don't get sleep during the day because I have another kid to take care of. At night I get anywhere from 2 to 6hrs of sleep. It all depends on Keira.

Have you had any baby blues so far? No

Moghra · January 2011

How old is LO? Salman is a week and 2 days.Are you BFing or formula feeding? How's it going? How often is LO eating and is DH/SO helping feed LO (if he can)? I'm BFing. It's going alright. But it's been tough trying to keep DS awake. If he doesn't feed properly, he's up in an hour trying to eat again. Otherwise I have him on a 3 hr schedule. The pedi wanted it that way because he was losing too much weight in the beginning. DH isn't helping feed, mainly because he can't right now. But he does take DS to burp him or just hold him upright to prevent reflex. How much sleep would you say you manage in a day? I'm trying not to focus on it or I might realize it's not enough...lol. At night I get about an hour between feedings, but I also try and sleep during the day. I got a good 2 hr nap today with my older one. Have you had any baby blues so far? Not really, but I am feeling guilty. I have a 3 yr old. He got sick the night I went into labor and was staying at my MIL til he got better. He just came back last night and I think he's having a hard time adjusting. I'm not sure if it's because of the new baby or the fact that he hadn't really seen me in a week. He wants me to do everything, though his dad is right there and they are pretty close. And he was in a pretty bad mood all day today. I'm hoping things start getting better as everyone adjusts.If you have anything else you want to add, please do... I'm really excited that my parents are coming on Thursday to see both kids and help out.

debperdoo · January 2011

How old is Lo: Kain is 2.5 weeks old

Are you BFing or formula feeding? How's it going? How often is LO eating and is DH/SO helping feed LO (if he can)? I am breastfeeding and it is going ok, but I truly just do not enjoy it. Dh wants to feed as well so I plan to try pumping and see how that goes - otherwise I may throw in the towel and go with formula.

How much sleep would you say you manage in a day? About 5 hours.

Have you had any baby blues so far? So far things are going ok for me. I own my own company and get several calls a day on my cell phone so it has been very hard to take time just for me and baby. I thought I had things set up so that I could take a few weeks uninterrupted with work calls. That frustrates me, today I gave in and went to work with Kain for a few hours and feel sane again.

mrsblueeyes · January 2011

How old is Lo: G is just about 4 weeks old

Are you BFing or formula feeding? How's it going? How often is LO eating and is DH/SO helping feed LO (if he can)? I am breastfeeding and it is going well. I feel like my supply is good even without pumping all the time after feedings, this has really helped me feel more comfortable. DH has given the baby one bottle so far, but does all her burping so I can go right to sleep after feeding.

How much sleep would you say you manage in a day? About 7 hours during the normal nighttime hours, but not consecutively

Have you had any baby blues so far? I feel really well this time and no baby blues. With my first I had baby blues and felt awful. I only the wish the weather was nicer out so I could go for walks.

AlphaKat · January 2011

How old is LO? Oliver is 4 weeks.

Are you BFing or formula feeding? How's it going? How often is LO eating and is DH/SO helping feed LO (if he can)? I'm BFing, pumping as well...give the occasional bottle of formula before bedtime. He eats every 2-3 hours during the day with cluster feeding basically every night. DH gives a bottle sometimes but my mother has been the most help. She comes over during the day and helps take care of DS while I shower, pump, etc... DH isn't the biggest help. Sad

How much sleep would you say you manage in a day? DS sleeps 4 hour stretches at night so I get about 6-8 on a good night. Very blessed. The first 2 weeks were a different story!

Have you had any baby blues so far? Yes... the first two weeks I cried constantly. I felt helpless and resentful. I took out my emotions on my husband and just didn't want to be around him, lol. We had a lot of issues with BFing early on which def contributed to the way I was feeling. Now, things have started to level out. I have more energy and BFing is going better which is great.

I def never realized how hard it would be. I have taken care of children for years so I thought it would be a piece of cake. Turns out it is a lot different when it is your own child!

starsmaycollide · January 2011

How old is LO? 3 weeks and 1 day.

Are you BFing or formula feeding? How's it going? How often is LO eating and is DH/SO helping feed LO (if he can)? We are FF. LO eats every three hours or so, typically. DH feeds him as much as possible. During time off, we took turns at every feeding. Now that he's back at work, he feeds him when he gets home at night.

How much sleep would you say you manage in a day? Believe it or not, 6, or 7! We've been lucky because DS is not a very fussy baby overall. The 5 S's have worked pretty well most of the time. But what has really allowed me to get sleep is taking turns feeding. If DS eats at 10 PM- I take the first night feeding around 1, DH takes the next one around 4, and I take the next one in the early morning.

So typically, I got to sleep for around 2 hours, get up with DS, then get about 5 more hours. DH gets to have the 5 hour stretch first, then the 2 hours before he gets up to go to work.

Have you had any baby blues so far? A few times. It's easy to get negative at times when it feels a little overwhelming. It comes in a bit of a sudden wave and goes away. I am so thankful it's just mood swings/moments and pass quickly. It's horrifying thinking about feeling that way all the time or for weeks. It really is tough adjusting at times, but it's good knowing feeling that way is normal.

ETA: Agreed with above about bonding. It's strange and hard to explain. I know I love him, and worry about him, and think he's beautiful. I cried the moment he was born. But at the same time, I've had times when I haven't felt as much like I expected to- and I'm definitely not in the totally in love phase yet because I'm just so focused on what he needs. The more he can interact, the more I think that will get better. It's definitely a process.

AppleMomma · January 2011

How old is LO? Rebecca is 2 weeks 1 day today!Are you BFing or formula feeding? How's it going? How often is LO eating and is DH/SO helping feed LO (if he can)? EBF'ing, I haven't touched my pump nor has DD touched a bottle of formula which is awesome for us since DS supplemented with formula. She's awesome. On my milk alone she's gained 1 pound 2 ounces in 2 weeks. She's eating anywhere between 2-3 hours during the day and 4-5 at night right now.How much sleep would you say you manage in a day? Max of 6-7 hours.Have you had any baby blues so far? Not really. I've had my moments of frustration here and there, but that's a given with a newborn and a toddler in the house!

dNoodle · January 2011

I am new here (lurked for my entire pregnancy though!) so I'll do this poll by way of introduction:

How old is LO? 3 weeks

Are you BFing or formula feeding? How's it going? How often is LO eating and is DH/SO helping feed LO (if he can)? I'm BFing, but pumping out some so that DH can give him a bottle a day. Long term goal is to make it so that he primarily nurses, but takes a bottle a couple times a day as needed. He eats almost every 2 hours.

How much sleep would you say you manage in a day? I shudder to think. Maybe around 5 hours, if I piece it all together. Not gonna lie - there have been 0 hour days.

Have you had any baby blues so far? So, so much in the first two weeks. I would spontaneously cry - maybe I had a reason, maybe not - and not stop for hours. I also had TERRIBLE anxiety. I would get butterflies in my stomach as soon as the sun went down and would be awfully anxious all night long. I would watch DH sleep and sob because I missed him so much. While I was looking at him. Just weird emotions.

I am pleased to report (and I know that it was all I wanted to hear when I was going through this) is that it has gotten SOOOOOOO much better in the last week or so.

HugginAngel · January 2011

How old is LO? Stephen is 3 weeks old Are you BFing or formula feeding? How's it going? How often is LO eating and is DH/SO helping feed LO ? I'm nursing and pumping to build supply for when he starts daycare. But I do supplement with formula if he's nursed and still seems really hungry. How much sleep would you say you manage in a day? Hinslty not sure I keep waking up at night anticipating him getting up but he sleeps so well that I'm up more than him lol Have you had any baby blues so far? I also have felt bad that I'm barely hungry that I'm not doing enough for him dh keepslecturing me on the extra 500 calories since I'm probably barely even getting my normal needed calories but I'm just not hungry and when I do eat I'm full quickly. Ive lost 43lbs and I only gained like 20 the whole pregnancy. I also feel guilty that dh has to work so much and do the snow and I feel like I do nothing to help meanwhile he says be feels like he doesnt do enough to help me. lol

ladipale · January 2011

How old is LO? Ellie is 1 week, 5 days

Are you BFing or formula feeding? How's it going? How often is LO eating and is DH/SO helping feed LO (if he can)? BFing. Its going well. Due to jaundice, she dropped a lot of weight so we had lots of catching up to do and I think I may have been overfeeding for a few days. She gained 1.5 lbs in the last week! Yikes!

How much sleep would you say you manage in a day? I seriously have no idea

Have you had any baby blues so far? YES! My birth went nothing like I planned, I wanted 0 interventions and had every one possible, including a C-section and I'm kind of grieving the birth I had envisioned. Lately, I'm also feeling short changed on one last long weekend with DH. I had my 39 week appt on a Tuesday and my doc and I were discussing how he thought I would be overdue and need to be induced. So I made plans for the weekend, had stuff to get done, etc. Then on Friday, I had a NST, Ellie 'failed' and I was sent for an immediate induction. I miss my husband and I'm seriously grieving the outcome of the birth. It does seem to be improving each day, and hopefully I can get out of the house soon. No driving for a few more days and it is so cold and foggy I don't want to walk with my baby girl outside quite yet.

Thankful1121 · January 2011

How old is LO? Addison is 5 days old. Are you BFing or formula feeding? How's it going? How often is LO eating and is DH/SO helping feed LO (if he can)? I am BF but going to start pumping soon, I too am going to start needing DH's help and I had no idea how painful it was. I guess I was so naive about everything

How much sleep would you say you manage in a day?On average I am getting between 5-6 hours. She eats at about every 3 hours so the nights haven't been too bad!Have you had any baby blues so far? Yes, but mostly because we have had a rough few first days. I felt like I failed at delivery and was starting to fail at breast feeding. I started panicking that she was getting enough food because she hadn't had a dirty diaper since Tuesday, (she is getting plenty of wet ones). She finally had a BM today and talk about one proud mama!!! haha.

Want a personalized experience?

Poll for mommas w/outside babies

Re: Poll for mommas w/outside babies

Choose Another Board

Search Boards