As a FTM I was completely unprepared for the pp emotional roller coaster. I had heard about "baby blues" but didn't realize this could entail crying at literally nothing at times. I wish more people talked about this. The lack of sleep definitely doesn't help. Hormones....
@rikopy , I remember just sitting on the couch and then crying... and through my tears trying to convince DH that it was normal... "No.... this is normal... i'm fine...sob-sob-sob" Ooft... One thing that would really trigger me was food... if my food got messed up, I lost it! If I went through a drive through and my order would be the only one missing or messed up, holy cow, the anger and tears and despair would hit me. The good news is, it was better with baby #2.
Why oh why does baby A seem extra fussy at night? She also eats a lot more than during the day. I just put her down after breastfeeding her for a little bit as she had the hiccups and wouldn't sleep. She finally fell asleep and I didn't want to wake her up so I gently patted her on the back hoping she'd burp. She hasn't but I am not going to chance her getting up again!
That and her continuous newborn grunts...will indeed keep me up all night.
Seriously I cannot get over her grunts. FTM's - it's totally ok if you think your newborn sounds like a t-rex. Apparently this phase will pass over time but I am so not used to sleeping through them.
@AliKay20 I have heard the grunting is a common preemie thing too. DS1 never did that my OMG, E grunts nonstop. The nurses all laugh because they can hear him grunting from the hallway. Does A have reflux?
@AliKay20 this morning I woke up and realized Levi spit up in his sleep... and I didn't hear him. There's a good possibility he was choking on it a little too. He chokes when he spits up more often than not. But he doesn't spit up much. It scared me and made me feel terrible that I did not wake up. I'm really hoping it wasn't scary for him, because it was a big wet spot so although waking up to every noise kinda sucks, I wish I would. I did with my first, but I wonder if her being a nicu baby put my mommy instincts on high alert, or if it was a ftm thing. I kinda want that back now! Lol I do feel a little better now that we got the angel care monitor set up last night. Hopefully it never has to alarm though
@AliKay20 my little guy grunts a lot too!! He's not considered a preemie but was 3 weeks early. He also had been sleeping for 5 hour stretches at night up until the past two nights
Aside from the little noises that newborns make, what I didn't like was that every time I laid back down after a feeding/changing, was I would dream that DS was crying and then I would wake up and he was quietly sleeping.
Me (32) DH (34) | | BFP #1 4/5/12 | Natural m/c on 4/18/12 (6w1d) BFP #2 8/23/12 | DS born 5/3/13 BFP #3 12/6/15 | DD born 8/23/16 BFP #4 2/22/19 | EDD 10/28/19
These afterbirth contractions while nursing have been NO JOKE! I've seriously had a few that were worse than labor and nauseatingly painful. New moms: stay on top of the pain meds while in the hospital and at home! We're starting day 3, and I'm taking Motrin, ibuprofen, and oxycodone around the clock. I definitely feel it when I've missed a dose!
I was talking to my mom today about just trying to mentally prepare myself for post partum so that hopefully I don't get so overwhelmed this time around. She made a good point and said that there's really nothing you can do to prepare yourself for it, it's like a roller coaster you just have to ride it out, not fight it and it'll be over soon. That first month or two is just so freaking hard you just have to go with the flow or you risk being completely overtaken by the hormones.
Omg @bananers maybe it is more common in preemies. She is starting to get reflux more and more on a regular basis (more so during the night than day) so each time I feed her, I don't put her down right away. Instead, I hold her vertically and gently pat her back for a little bit.
I wonder if she gets uncomfortable gas at night and she's crying but DH & I just think she needs to eat more or something (I mean, she takes it so we assume she's not full?). Then the reflux occurs and I'm thinking, "did I give her too much?" Ahh the guessing games don't seem to end these days!
First of all, yes, @AliKay20 about the grunts!! We've started (lovingly) calling the baby "Little Piggy" because of how much he grunts. And like many of you, I have spent plenty of time on Etsy window shopping for "Little Piggy" onesies. He was two weeks early--I wonder if that puts him on the borderline of being qualified as a preemie such that might explain the grunting...?
Secondly, I just wanted to say a huge thank you to the people on this thread for helping me out yesterday! Baby E slept for his longest consecutive hours yet (not on a chest) in the Rock & Play! He slept from 2-5:30 and then 6-8:30. I know it might not seem like much, but those are hours that DH and I got to sleep without worrying about falling asleep with him on our chests. Thank you all so much.
@entropicallyfavored ...Levi sleeps 1 to 4 or 5 and then right back to sleep until 8 or so. It's more sleep than most mom's hope for at this point! Hope your Lil guy keels that nice schedule! I've felt great since Levi started that schedule last week. It helps with the crazy hormones too I think.
@Stephanie7693 It's the best moment ever. And even if you see your sweet baby in a sonogram you still don't really see them until they are in your arms. Soooo much love in one moment. Best feeling ever for sure!
@stephanie7693 I love the nipple shield as well! Do you have a plan for getting your son weaned off of it? I'm worried that DS and I might be getting dependent on it and will need to see an LC to address the root cause of our problems, but he's only 4 days PP so I'm not sure if it's something to fuss about at this point... Maybe I should just be happy that something is working for us!
@stephanie7693 I love the nipple shield as well! Do you have a plan for getting your son weaned off of it? I'm worried that DS and I might be getting dependent on it and will need to see an LC to address the root cause of our problems, but he's only 4 days PP so I'm not sure if it's something to fuss about at this point... Maybe I should just be happy that something is working for us!
I was told by a lactation consultant at the hospital that babies wean themselves off them between 2 weeks and 2 months. So my plan is to try without it a couple times a week until he latches good on his own. My friend used them with her son, and after a couple months she tried without one and he just latched. And has been fine without them ever since. He's 4 months old now. She called it his training wheels lol
@stephanie7693 I love the nipple shield as well! Do you have a plan for getting your son weaned off of it? I'm worried that DS and I might be getting dependent on it and will need to see an LC to address the root cause of our problems, but he's only 4 days PP so I'm not sure if it's something to fuss about at this point... Maybe I should just be happy that something is working for us!
I was told by a lactation consultant at the hospital that babies wean themselves off them between 2 weeks and 2 months. So my plan is to try without it a couple times a week until he latches good on his own. My friend used them with her son, and after a couple months she tried without one and he just latched. And has been fine without them ever since. He's 4 months old now. She called it his training wheels lol
This was what happened for me with DS1. I can't remember how old he was, but around 2 or 3 months I just tried it without the shield and he was fine!
@stephanie7693 I love the nipple shield as well! Do you have a plan for getting your son weaned off of it? I'm worried that DS and I might be getting dependent on it and will need to see an LC to address the root cause of our problems, but he's only 4 days PP so I'm not sure if it's something to fuss about at this point... Maybe I should just be happy that something is working for us!
I was told by a lactation consultant at the hospital that babies wean themselves off them between 2 weeks and 2 months. So my plan is to try without it a couple times a week until he latches good on his own. My friend used them with her son, and after a couple months she tried without one and he just latched. And has been fine without them ever since. He's 4 months old now. She called it his training wheels lol
This was what happened for me with DS1. I can't remember how old he was, but around 2 or 3 months I just tried it without the shield and he was fine!
Omg that'll be the day. I drop it and lose them constantly lol. Just ready to whip out my boob and not add an accessory lol
Currently struggling with raw nipples and engorged boobs. Anyone else have a belly binder post c-section? If so, which one do you have and do you like it?
Hi @skelly1990, I didn't have a c-section, but I am right there with you on the nipples. Sadly,it has gotten so bad for me that our pediatrician said we had to give baby a bottle today (he's only two weeks old!) since his weight is so low and I can't feed him enough because I am in too much pain.
So not that I'm an expert or anything (I'm clearly failing at breastfeeding), but don't push through the pain! It only gets worse. We're seeing a lactation consultant tomorrow.
1 day PP! I've only read the last few pages so forgive me if this has already been discussed. I had 2 2nd degree tears and am very very swollen. Holy cow it's sore down there! It hurts to sit and when I stand there's so much pressure and soreness. I'm using Dermaplast and ice but any other suggestions? How long does this soreness last? Thanks ladies!
1 day PP! I've only read the last few pages so forgive me if this has already been discussed. I had 2 2nd degree tears and am very very swollen. Holy cow it's sore down there! It hurts to sit and when I stand there's so much pressure and soreness. I'm using Dermaplast and ice but any other suggestions? How long does this soreness last? Thanks ladies!
I'm 4 days pp (had one 2nd degree tear). Today is the first day without some pain. Definitely use the dermaplast. And ask if they have a donut pillow you can sit on!
Apparently there is a flip side to the "you're still pregnant" questions. Tonight I brought DS1 to a local concert. I had fed the baby right before leaving and I was gone an hour and a half. Almost everyone I saw was shocked I was there. I wanted to do something special just me and my little guy since I was at the hospital for 4 days and DH has been doing almost everything with/for him. I'm feeling good so why couldn't I go, sit and watch him dance around with his friends??
@skelly1990 No advice on the belly binder, but the key for raw nipples is to apply lanolin before AND after nursing. It is safe for babies to ingest and made a huge difference for me. (I found nursing DD1 excruciatingly painful at first). It reduces pain and aids in healing. The first two weeks of nursing are by far the most painful and then things get much easier/more comfortable. Just keep at it for those first two weeks.
You may also want to check for tongue or lip ties to make sure those aren't causing a painful latch. A good lactation consultant should be able to check for them.
1 day PP! I've only read the last few pages so forgive me if this has already been discussed. I had 2 2nd degree tears and am very very swollen. Holy cow it's sore down there! It hurts to sit and when I stand there's so much pressure and soreness. I'm using Dermaplast and ice but any other suggestions? How long does this soreness last? Thanks ladies!
Hi, I am so sorry that you're in pain. I am now 14 days pp and also had a 2nd degree tear. I regret that I waited until about day 6 or 7 to try the Sitz bath that they gave me when I left the hospital--it took a lot of the swelling down for me. I enjoyed using it at least once/day!
I also used ice packs, but not beyond about 6 or 7 days. I have been on a pretty consistent ibuprofen/Tylenol regimen and I recommend that if you don't mind taking medicines.
Lastly, I found a lot of relief from the witch hazel wipes (Tuck's, specifically), but learned the hard way that using them all of the time delayed healing since I was never really letting the area dry.
I will say that there is light at the end of the tunnel! I'm at day 14 and can now do almost everything (except long walks, those still induce lots of swelling) pain-free! Hang in there mama!
@skelly1990 My nipples hurt so badly the first 5 or so days I'm 8 days PP and it's getting better. Once my milk came in it helped (day 4) and day 5 was just leftover sore from days before. My LC gave me hydrogel pads and told me to freeze them and then apply, it's heavenly until they completely thaw and then you forget they are there. Lanolin has helped me a lot too. I am using nipple shields (ugh now DS won't even latch to MY nipple) so I'm not sure if they makes a huge difference in terms of pain. It hurts but stick with it. Everyone I know and nurses I talked to at the hospital said it hurts regardless of what the LC says. First few weeks suck! When i talked to my LC I felt much more confident which seemed to help me accept the discomfort. I knew his latch was good. I knew I was doing right and it just was going to hurt for awhile. I had two nights where I cried because of the exhaustion and pain, but here I am. Thinking of you and sending you strong nipple vibes lol!
11 days pp and my nipple have just start to hurt in the last couple days. I think using the shields gas helped a lot as far as pain and chapping, but still, they only do so much. They just hurt all the time, even just touching my bra. I've been using cream and I'm hoping things will start feeling better soon.
@squishy0511 ugh, I totally empathize with you! I sprayed dermoplast on my pad and then put witch hazel wipes on top after I used up all the ice packs hospital gave me.
I would also recommend that you not be on your feet a lot if you can help it! I'm 4 wks pp but I just started feeling better - lighter and easier to move around.
Getting in and out of the car, rolling out of bed, and even sitting down and getting up were all too painful! Hang in there - it does get much better.
In other news, does anyone else feel bruised where the epidural was given?! I don't feel it all the time but when I'm sitting up or sitting indian style on my couch or bed, I feel this pull/soreness on my epidural spot. Takes a few mins to go away after I walk it out. Weird!
@AliKay20 I don't have the bruised feeling but the nurses told me it could happen for several weeks pp. I thought I had it but it turned out to be a uti that spread to my kidneys. Speaking of which... I'm now on my second uti ppm, anyone else?! ETA I didn't have any during pregnancy!
Sometimes I read this thread so I enjoy the perks of being pregnant a little longer. All you ladies who are recovering and taking care of newborns are champs! I am soaking in your tips and ideas for when I get to this phase in a few short weeks.
*TW Spoiler*
DD: Aug '16
10/2017: Twins confirmed with TTTS at 22 weeks. 10/10/17 Twin B passed after in utero placenta surgery 11/2/17 Twin A & B born 11/26/17: Twin A passed after 24 days fighting in the NICU Benched 6 months BFP: 6/28/18 MC:7/16/18 BO BFP: 10/2/18 EDD 6/15/18
My hair is extra thick and dry...I heard about the hair loss thing but I just want to cut it and get some light layers. My only hesitation comes from my logic that if my hair is bound to fall out in a few weeks or less, would I regret cutting my hair off now? I just can't stand it with this heat and all!
Re: All Things Postpartum!
not to mention the intense cramping when he nurses.
@Curls919
The good news is, it was better with baby #2.
That and her continuous newborn grunts...will indeed keep me up all night.
Seriously I cannot get over her grunts. FTM's - it's totally ok if you think your newborn sounds like a t-rex. Apparently this phase will pass over time but I am so not used to sleeping through them.
BFP #2 8/22/12 | EDD 5/5/13 | DS1 born 5/9/13
BFP #3 4/25/15 | EDD 1/7/16 | MMC 7/2/15 @ 13w1d | D&E 7/8/15
BFP #4 12/9/15 | EDD 8/22/16 | DS2 born 5/18/16 at 26w2d
Just keep swimming.
Me (32) DH (34) | |
BFP #1 4/5/12 | Natural m/c on 4/18/12 (6w1d)
BFP #2 8/23/12 | DS born 5/3/13
BFP #3 12/6/15 | DD born 8/23/16
BFP #4 2/22/19 | EDD 10/28/19
I wonder if she gets uncomfortable gas at night and she's crying but DH & I just think she needs to eat more or something (I mean, she takes it so we assume she's not full?). Then the reflux occurs and I'm thinking, "did I give her too much?" Ahh the guessing games don't seem to end these days!
Secondly, I just wanted to say a huge thank you to the people on this thread for helping me out yesterday! Baby E slept for his longest consecutive hours yet (not on a chest) in the Rock & Play! He slept from 2-5:30 and then 6-8:30. I know it might not seem like much, but those are hours that DH and I got to sleep without worrying about falling asleep with him on our chests. Thank you all so much.
So not that I'm an expert or anything (I'm clearly failing at breastfeeding), but don't push through the pain! It only gets worse. We're seeing a lactation consultant tomorrow.
Good luck! I hope you get some relief!
You may also want to check for tongue or lip ties to make sure those aren't causing a painful latch. A good lactation consultant should be able to check for them.
BFP #1: 08/17/2012 DD1 born 05/01/2013
BFP #2: 07/31/2015 M/C 09/23/2015 (11.5 weeks)
I also used ice packs, but not beyond about 6 or 7 days. I have been on a pretty consistent ibuprofen/Tylenol regimen and I recommend that if you don't mind taking medicines.
Lastly, I found a lot of relief from the witch hazel wipes (Tuck's, specifically), but learned the hard way that using them all of the time delayed healing since I was never really letting the area dry.
I will say that there is light at the end of the tunnel! I'm at day 14 and can now do almost everything (except long walks, those still induce lots of swelling) pain-free! Hang in there mama!
I would also recommend that you not be on your feet a lot if you can help it! I'm 4 wks pp but I just started feeling better - lighter and easier to move around.
Getting in and out of the car, rolling out of bed, and even sitting down and getting up were all too painful! Hang in there - it does get much better.
In other news, does anyone else feel bruised where the epidural was given?! I don't feel it all the time but when I'm sitting up or sitting indian style on my couch or bed, I feel this pull/soreness on my epidural spot. Takes a few mins to go away after I walk it out. Weird!
ETA I didn't have any during pregnancy!
DD: Aug '16
10/2017: Twins confirmed with TTTS at 22 weeks.
10/10/17 Twin B passed after in utero placenta surgery
11/2/17 Twin A & B born
11/26/17: Twin A passed after 24 days fighting in the NICU
Benched 6 months
BFP: 6/28/18 MC:7/16/18 BO
BFP: 10/2/18 EDD 6/15/18