All Things Baby thread

Curls919 · August 2016

there's a thread about postpartum but I feel like questions and other posts about our babies should go in their own thread. Does that make sense?

Curls919 · August 2016

I wanted to post our experience so far because it's been a lot of ups and downs. Last Monday as I was getting ready to be discharged I got a call from the pediatrician that A's bilirubin levels were high so they needed to test him again that night. As I was literally packing to go home (I had received my discharge instructions) they called to tell me he had to stay overnight under the phototherapy lights. So I had to go home and leave my baby

(it was the regular nursery so there's no option for parents to stay over like some NICUs have). After I spent the next day in the holding room off the nursery so I could feed A throughout the day we were sent home on Tuesday.

Wednesdy we had his weight check and his temperature was super low. They made me come back because the inability to regulate his temp could mean some serious infection. Thankfully it had gone up a bit but I had to bring him in on Thursday for another temp check (went up more so thankfully it was nothing to worry about). Friday was another weight check (he's gaining slowly) and the doc noticed he was yellowish again. Off to the lab we went where we found out that his bilirubin level was only 2 pts off from needing more phototherapy. I had to supplement with formula over last night and went back in for another blood draw to check his level this afternoon. Thankfully the level went down again.

So basically tomorrow is the first day in the week A's been alive that we don't need to take any of his blood or bring him to any doctor or worry that we need to have him readmitted to the hospital. It's been an exhausting week to say the least!

Stephanie7693 · August 2016

I know exactly what you're going through. Levi started to look yellow the day after we came home from the hospital. He hadn't pooped in over 24 hours, so I took him in. His bili was too high, and they sent phototherapy lights to our house that night. He spent 2 days on them at home. We had a home nurse visit both days, and I was supplementing with pumped milk at every feeding he would take it because it helps the jaundice and his weight hit the 10% loss . Finally 2 days later at his next bili and weight check his numbers were good and he had gained weight. All this in his first 6 days of life. He had blood drawn 5 of them. It was such a hard week for us. Thankfully he's kept improving this week, so I think we're in the clear, but I freak out a little if he goes too long without pooping.

runsoncoffee · August 2016

Oh my I feel you!! A few hours after discharge we were back in the ER because I had a fever of 103 (it was a UTI that spread to my kidneys) the next day when I followed up with my ob they noticed baby was yellow so off to the pediatrician we went followed by lab work for baby. We ended up with the bili blanket at home for the weekend and on Monday his bilirubin levels were even higher so he was admitted to be put under the lights. It was an awful mommy experience. They spent an hour trying to get an IV in his foot and I had to sit in another room listening to him scream. I did get to stay overnight with him though and we only had to stay 24 hours. Between my long induction, the infection, and jaundice we were also in the hospital/at doctors for over a week!!! It's been wonderful getting on a more normal schedule now!

Curls919 · August 2016

I'm sorry you guys also have been dealing with this. If his levels had been high i would have asked to do any treatment at home. @court5608 I'm glad you guys are back home now!

ShanRum3 · August 2016

With both of my older kids, (6 and 11) they told me to get them in the sunlight to help lower bilirubin levels. That's tough with Winter babies, but I would nurse them in the kitchen, where the most sunlight shone through the windows. It helped.

cait5413 · August 2016

Any tips for tummy time? I had read that in the beginning it is good to get down on the floor with them, but since I had a c-section, getting down on the floor seems like a bad idea and trying to get her down on the floor or back up off of it seems like a no - no. Today, I just put her tummy down across my knees, but I have also considered putting her playmat on our couch. The cushions are pretty firm, and I wouldn't leave her unsupervised, of course.

Stephanie7693 · August 2016

@cait5413 my doc said when they're this little putting them on your chest is enough. As long as they are moving thier head and holding it up on their own, they are getting the point of tummy time.

SkiChic626 · August 2016

I'm right there with all of you bili moms. I know it could be so much worse, but i hate seeing him like this. Are any of your babies lethargic under these lights? Ever since we started the phototherapy yesterday he's been a really lazy feeder. Very sleepy, where before we had to come back here he was my little cluster feeder.

SkiChic626 · August 2016

@cait5413 just put him on your chest...that counts! My DD HATED tummy time on the floor so we didn't do it, she was sitting up on her own by 4 months and had no issues with the shape of her head, so don't stress it too much

runsoncoffee · August 2016

@SkiChic626 my little guy had to be woken up to eat before the lights too, but I think he was extra sleepy under the lights because of how warm they kept it! I hope your little one doesn't have to do it for long! I think it was much harder for me than him!! They look so pitiful

cal031686 · August 2016

Sorry for disappearing lately ladies, we've been Adjusting to our new family dynamic.
I'm Joining the jaundice baby club. We were discharged Saturday after DD#2's birth on Thursday. She was a little jaundice but Dr said to keep an eye on her and we would wait and see. Went to her checkup Monday and Dr. Sent us for another billi check. Her levels had risen quite a bit so we have been readmitted to the hospital. PP hormones and lack of sleep are kicking my a$$, making me a blubbering mess. I know jaundice is common and not a big deal in the grand scheme of things but talking my hormones down right now is ridiculous.
In addition to jaundice, DD has lost over 10% of her birth weight so I now have to supplement with formula after every feeding. Again, not a big deal but mommy guilt is making me feel like a failure for my milk not coming in soon enough and being able to provide what she needs at the time. Hopefully DD has a short stay and we can get out and stay out of the hospital.

Stephanie7693 · August 2016

SkiChic626 said:

I'm right there with all of you bili moms. I know it could be still much worse, but i hate seeing him like this. Are any of your babies lethargic under these lights? Ever since we started the phototherapy yesterday he's been a really lazy feeder. Very sleepy, where before we had to come back here he was my little cluster feeder.

Lethargy is from the jaundice. My son slept constantly when he had it and while he was being treated. We were able to treat him at home, but honestly I think I would have preferred him being admitted again. I think the hospital treatments are faster and more comfortable for baby. It was not easy, but he was better in a couple days. Hope your little one is better soon too!

Stephanie7693 · August 2016

@cal031686 my pp hormones got the vest of me too in the first week when we were dealing with jaundice and treatment. We had to supplement as well, but I was lucky enough to be producing enough breast milk and use that. It was just barely enough. If this had happened with ds1, I wouldn't have had my milk yet. Baby also hit the 10%mark and the docs were worried. But after 2 days of supplementing and then back to just nursing once he was done with the lights, he started to gain, and gained a lot pretty quick! Hope your LO does the same soon! As much as it sucks it shouldn't last long

tisunge602 · August 2016

cait5413 said:

Any tips for tummy time? I had read that in the beginning it is good to get down on the floor with them, but since I had a c-section, getting down on the floor seems like a bad idea and trying to get her down on the floor or back up off of it seems like a no - no. Today, I just put her tummy down across my knees, but I have also considered putting her playmat on our couch. The cushions are pretty firm, and I wouldn't leave her unsupervised, of course.

The other thing you can try for tummy time is putting her chest up on a Boppy pillow and kind of propping her up that way. But like PPs have said, on your chest is fine when they're this little.

Curls919 · August 2016

SkiChic626 said:

I'm right there with all of you bili moms. I know it could be so much worse, but i hate seeing him like this. Are any of your babies lethargic under these lights? Ever since we started the phototherapy yesterday he's been a really lazy feeder. Very sleepy, where before we had to come back here he was my little cluster feeder.

When they kept A overnight under the lights he went s 6 hour stretch between eating (which I was a bit posed about, as was his ped). The lights definitely make them sleepier.

nanner26 · August 2016

Where do you guys put the car seat? I've read middle seat is safest, but I've seen friends and family put them on the side.

Passenger side, driver side, or middle seat?

texasmama2014 · August 2016

Right now we have our daughter behind the passenger seat, I think we will be putting the infant seat in the middle.
I should really start thinking about things like this.

Stephanie7693 · August 2016

Hannah0726 said:

Where do you guys put the car seat? I've read middle seat is safest, but I've seen friends and family put them on the side.

Passenger side, driver side, or middle seat?

Middle if you can, but when you have more than one child obviously you cant. Some middle seats don't let a car seat sit right either. And in my truck, the back seat is captain seats, so there's no middle at all. I think there are some studies as to which side is safer, but I think the difference is pretty small

Sekerambo · August 2016

I currently have my toddler in the middle. I plan on putting the baby in the middle and moving dd1 to the side. I really wish there was a such thing as two middle seats in a car. My anxiety is freaking out a bit over moving one to the side.

slycat · August 2016

I had my car seat professional installed by a non profit group called safe kids. They told me the safest place for a car seat depends on the car. I thought I would put it in the middle but upon inspection of my car the safest location was on either side not the middle. It had something to do with anchors and seat width. If you have a safe kids branch in your area I highly recommend paying them a visit. I learned a lot about car seats, buckling, and what clothing can not be worn inside of a car seat. I had no idea that kids should not wear coats or bulky vests in car seats. The staff was awesome and the service is 100 percent free.

gadzooks_3 · August 2016

We put ours behind the passenger side. We referred to our owners manual and center seat was not advised for our car. I recommend reading your owner's manual to see which seat belts are anchored properly for the latch system.

ShanRum3 · August 2016

We put our infant seat in the middle. DS2 is still in a booster seat and is behind the drivers seat. DS1 sits behind the passenger seat, but he's 11 and out of a booster.

Curls919 · August 2016

Baby is on the passenger side and DS1 is on the driver side. He used to be on the driver side but I moved him when we put in the infant base.

Sekerambo · August 2016

Another thing to realize about car seat installation is that the latch system is not any safer than using a seat belt. The most important thing is getting a proper fit. My husband and I both have convertible car seats in the middle back of our cars. One is installed properly with a seat belt and one using latch. Reading the owners manual for both the car and car seat will tell you the best location for the car seat.

nanner26 · August 2016

Thanks guys! We have a Ford Explorer right now. We'll try the middle seat first and see if it fits properly and go from there. Good idea to check out the owners manual too.

jamiesc58 · August 2016

My pediatrician told me that if you have more than one child, the one whom is most protected should go on the outside. That is normally baby as their car seats protect them greatly. We have a van that has captains seats in the middle then the long seat in the back. The two youngest sit in their seats in the captains seats and the two older ait in the back.

AliKay20 · August 2016

Baby A got her second dose of hep B shot today but ever since, she's been crying with extra rage. I checked her temp but no fever at 98. As a FTM, I don't know what to expect but I assume babies also feel soreness after shots? She got poked on her leg but maybe she's just overall irritated from it all. As long as she doesn't have a fever, I am not too concerned. Just wondering if any of you are familiar with your babies acting this way after shots!

jacmkelley · August 2016

AliKay20 said:

Baby A got her second dose of hep B shot today but ever since, she's been crying with extra rage. I checked her temp but no fever at 98. As a FTM, I don't know what to expect but I assume babies also feel soreness after shots? She got poked on her leg but maybe she's just overall irritated from it all. As long as she doesn't have a fever, I am not too concerned. Just wondering if any of you are familiar with your babies acting this way after shots!

Yes! They can be achey afterwards. DD sometimes would be a little lethargic after she got hers. I would say as long as there is no fever or rash you're good. Unless it continues for days and then I'd call the pediatrician!

Bookhousegirl · August 2016

AliKay20 said:

Baby A got her second dose of hep B shot today but ever since, she's been crying with extra rage. I checked her temp but no fever at 98. As a FTM, I don't know what to expect but I assume babies also feel soreness after shots? She got poked on her leg but maybe she's just overall irritated from it all. As long as she doesn't have a fever, I am not too concerned. Just wondering if any of you are familiar with your babies acting this way after shots!

Yes, DS1 was always extra fussy after shots, and the ped said it's probably due to soreness. It usually only lasted for about 24hrs. Poor baby A!! I hope she feels better soon!

tresamigos · August 2016

Anyone have experience with an umbilical hernia? I think my son may have one. Just noticed it this evening, called the after hours nurse, and based on my description this is what she thinks it is. Going to call my Pedi in the morning, too. I'm a FTM, so naturally I freaked out when I noticed it today while changing his diaper.

bearsandbeets7 · August 2016

Somehow I forgot that all newborns do is eat and sleep. I keep thinking something is wrong with this kid because he is just eating and sleeping, you know like newborns are supposed to do.

Stephanie7693 · August 2016

Anyone use gripe water for their babies? Not sure if it's worth using or not.

Curls919 · August 2016

Stephanie7693 said:

Anyone use gripe water for their babies? Not sure if it's worth using or not.

We used it a few times when DS1 seemed uncomfortable. Otherwise we didn't.

Sekerambo · August 2016

@Stephanie7693 - I used it on dd1 when she was a couple months old and it worked well. She had horrible pain from gas because of an intolerance to dairy.

haboobjob · August 2016

@rikopy my friends daughter has one. Her pediatrician said that there is a chance it could go away over time, or she may need surgery to correct it. Her aunt had one too when she was a baby and ended up getting surgery when she was a toddler. They didn't seem too concerned.

bananers · August 2016

rikopy said:

Anyone have experience with an umbilical hernia? I think my son may have one. Just noticed it this evening, called the after hours nurse, and based on my description this is what she thinks it is. Going to call my Pedi in the morning, too. I'm a FTM, so naturally I freaked out when I noticed it today while changing his diaper.

E has a small one. He also has a scrotal hernia. The doctor said both may resolve on their own, but if they don't, we may do surgery at some point to correct them. They brushed it off like it was NBD, so I'm trying not to worry either.

squishy0511 · August 2016

How much gas is normal for a newborn? As soon as baby starts eating I hear his intestines starting to rumble, and when he finishes eating he starts getting fussy and looks like he's in pain. Then he will pass a bunch of gas and/or poop and he's fine. But this happens almost after every feeding- is that normal? I am breastfeeding.

No more Miss! · August 2016

@squishy0511

Yes it is normal.

Mfuller76 · August 2016

@squishy0511 Sounds like what happens when our little guy eats too. He tends to eat fast so I think he's swallowing a lot of air. I've been reclining back when I feed him, and then keeping him upright for 10-20 minutes after he eats. Seems to be helping but he's still a pretty farty baby!

ballofmeat · August 2016

Does anyone else's baby not like their arms swaddled? DD keeps putting them by her face and with the newborn mitts on, I am
afraid she is going to cover her nose while I'm not watching.

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