Quick Questions- Baby edition

mom2adoodle · August 2016

Thought we could have a thread where we could discuss all things baby. We could of course have spin off threads (the feeding thread, sleep thread, etc etc) but for now I thought we could have a search one and done stop.

mom2adoodle · August 2016

Is anyone else's LO cluster feeding at night? Finley will eat every 3 hours during the day but during the fabulous hours of 12am-7am he will want to eat every 1-1.5 hours. ZZzzzzZZZZzzzzzzzz

It's paying off though, he was born at 4lbs 6 ounces and is now a whopping 6lbs 2 ounces!

UnwritteN12 · August 2016

Yeah. It's not fun. During the day is when they sleep the absolute best. But come midnight, it's party time and they're way more hungry than they were during the day. And to top it off, I'm trying to get into the habit of being up with them during the night on my own (since H works overnights). Soooo tired.

marikkita12 · August 2016

I have nothing to contribute because FTM but I just want to tell you that you're both rocking this motherhood thing. I hope you get some sleep soon and figure out a routine that works!! Keep at it mamas!!!

frogdog06 · August 2016

@mom2adoodle Wait, so what happened to us last night has a name? Haha. The lactation nurse did tell us that 11p - 5a are babies' happy time, and parents sad time.

Oh my gosh, super mom @UnwritteN12 ...I'm so exhausted with just one.

Where do your babies sleep?? Bassinet? R&P? Crib? In your arms?

mom2adoodle · August 2016

@frogdog06 I'm sleeping in the nursery (we have a full size bed in there) and Fin sleeps in the Halo bassinet next to me when he's not eating lol. I alternate doing skin to skin nap/sleep time with him and laying him down in the bassinet. He doesn't mind where he sleeps which I am thankful for, but sure enough he won't sleep longer than 2 hours at night. And he is SO noisy when he sleeps! I am constantly grabbing my phone to light up the bassinet and check on him. I feel more at peace when he's on my chest so I can at least see what's going on. He's a grunter, makes cooing noises and has the preemie talking voice thing going on. So I'm not sleeping lol. What about your LO?

@UnwritteN12 WOW how are you doing it with two? I don't mean to sound silly but seriously that's amazing. Can you hold both at once? I'm legitimately curious how you handle it. Are you nursing?

jensou · August 2016

We have a plan for night #2 at home. I'll update tomorrow with success / defeat.

My right breast is huge and uncomfortable. So I've been using a heating pad and punching a knuckle down in the worst of the tight swollen parts while using my manual pump to let some milk off. It's so tight the baby can't latch on that side. Left Breast - doing great.

we decided that with this little bit of extra milk (I have 1 oz so far LOL but it is white milk now, not yellow colostrum) I'm going to go to bed early tonight, right after feeding Victoria. My hubby usually stays up til 11pm or MN so he's going to bottle feed this milk and let me sleep though that feed. Then I'll do the next feed and we'll evaluate how it went.

I know the lactation consultant would really not like this idea but we've got to do something about my ginormous breast and about no sleep since last Sunday night which was the last time we slept in our own bed before the baby came. If I could just get 4 straight hours that would be heaven

frogdog06 · August 2016

@mom2adoodle Same thing!! After feeding (from the bottle and some nibbles at the boob), she'll poop, we change her diaper, then have her upright chest to chest to burp for about ten minutes. That only gives us an hour or two to sleep in between - and she'll only fall fast asleep on our chests. In the bassinet, she'll move around and make her swaddle shift upwards towards her face. I feel a thousand times more at peace with her sleeping on our chests so we know she's still alive. I'll switch off with DH though (~3 hours on, 3 hours off). I know back is best, but it's really challenging right now especially given the cluster feeding and that she'll move around so much in the bassinet. We also have a rock and play downstairs and she naps during the daytime in that perfectly fine; however, I'd rather not use that as her nighttime bed. For a sec I thought we were on a schedule (feeding ~2oz every 2.5-3 hours), and then the cluster feeding started and now we're back to being sleepless.

[Stuck in a box..]

frogdog06 · August 2016

@jensou Shoot, I'll even take 3 hours of sleep right now. Four just sounds luxurious. Are you guys "sleeping" in the living room?

Also, are you all supplementing with Vitamin D? If so, what brand?

PSUBecky23 · August 2016

@frogdog06 we used Carlson d drops. Just a drop on your nipple before a nursing session.

rfrazier611 · August 2016

@jensou I had a LC that told me the same thing about your plan (swore up and down my milk would dry up if I started doing that) but we tried it anyway, and it worked great for us until baby started sleeping through the night and we didn't need to bother anymore. I hope it worked for you!

izzetoot · August 2016

@jensou how did that work out for you? Also, my LC told me that I could start pumping once a day in the am to relieve the painful engorgement. Im also leaking all of the place and my boobs are so hard LO cant latch. I pumped 1 oz yesterday to soften my left side and then put baby next to me and he latched easily right away and nursed for 15mins on that side. With me its reverse, the left is the trouble maker and my right boob is smooth sailing. I did pump both sides this morning and yesterday morning and got 5oz total each time. The milk is not white though, more yellow, and I put it in the freezer to use once we start introducing a bottle around 3-4 weeks. Does the milk have to be white to save?

UnwritteN12 · August 2016

Thanks guys. Ummm, it's all a bit hazy still so I'm not even sure. LoL! We're actually sleeping in the living room too. We tried having the PnP in our bedroom but R&E were waking up in the middle of the night due to the crying (the babies, not me

). @mom2adoodle - Remember the butterfly position where your knees are bent and the bottoms of your feet are together? If I'm bottle feeding at the same time, I do that and put a pillow at my feet to prop them a bit and it works really well. I'm able to BF them at the same time but that's new. I could do it with R&E but DH had to be there to help get all of us situated. I'm glad that I can do it on my own now because I don't feel so trapped if I'm home alone and need to BF.

@frogdog06 - So glad it's not just me. When R&E were born I lost it with DH when he fell asleep with either baby on the couch. I was so afraid of something happening and felt so much better with them being in the PnP. There are a lot of times though with O&J that they just want to be snuggled. They're not wet, messy or hungry, they just want to be held and I'm exhausted. I can't tell you how many times they fall asleep on me while I'm laying on couch or the recliner.

@jensou - How was last night? Good for you for doing what you feel is right for you guys. Our lactation consultant 6.5 years ago was not very forgiving so I really struggled with opening up to one after these 2 were born. Glad I did though because her bottom line really is, "Just make sure your babies are fed!"

jensou · August 2016

Thanks, all, for the encouragement! We made it to 3h 45m that night. I tried again last night but she wanted to nurse after her almost 2oz I managed. she's eating a lot more yesterday / today, maybe a little growth spurt. She's nursed for at least 20m each side mostly whereas before she would tire out after one side and have to rest for a bit before starting the other.

my right breast is doing a lot better. I kept on with the hot compress, massage, and pumping. I still have what I feel is a clogged duct up toward my arm pit. But the rest of the tissue is more comfortable and nursing her on that side is a lot easier today.

The first night my husband bottle fed Victoria, he said that she sucked it down almost immediately (granted this was just 1oz). We're using Avent natural, and the bottle came with a newborn nipple, size 1. We bought "first flow" nipples Sunday, size 0 and he said she didn't feed as quickly last night. Feel like that was a good move. She's got a pretty vigorous suck and the bottles are a lot easier than moms engorged boobs.

We had our two day weight check at the hospital and she is only 10grams under her birth weight. We had to wait a while so I fed her after being weighed. When The NP evaluating her came in, she asked if I wanted to know how much she weighed after the feed - sure do! It's not exact but she gained 30g after eating on one side for 20m. That made me feel good knowing all this hard work that I can't see is actually working!

@frogdog06 Vit D supplement has been ordered for our babe but the stock at our pharmacy has been recalled. Waiting to hear what they want to switch it to. I may just buy some, saw they had it at BRU

@izzetoot the milk doesn't have to be white to save, to my knowledge. And the yellow tint is totally normal. I'm really glad things are resolving for you and it sounds like you're starting up a good stash!

Flowr4246 · August 2016

If your LOs are getting day/night confused you can try to make the days less comfortable for them... Keep windows open so lots of sunshine pours in, especially in the rooms where they might be napping. Do housework around them, even if they're sleeping (vacuuming is the best). Don't make a point to talk lower than you would normally.

Then when you want them to sleep, make it as dark and soothing as possible. Set up a pre-nap/bed routine early so they'll start to know what's coming next (being laid down to sleep for a large chunk of time).

It's not an exact science and it doesn't always work right away. But it helps.

frogdog06 · August 2016

@jensou Recalled?? Do you know what brand?

After I visited three other drugstores, DH went out found DDrops at a local CVS. Score.

Anyone have experience donating or casually sharing breastmilk?? I have a surplus that is fast filling up our freezer and would rather give to someone who needs it than pump and dump. We just have a regular fridge, so I am not sure the freezer temperature would qualify.

JennM205 · August 2016

@frogdog06 I "donated" a ton of frozen breastmilk after DD weaned...but it was to my own sister so it was pretty easy. I'm not sure what the requirements are for publicly donated milk. In your regular freezer, the shelf life will definitely be shorter than if it had been in a deep freeze. I would suggest reaching out to a local donation organization to see what their requirements are so you can start planning towards that. BUT I would also caution - don't give your milk away too soon. If your supply somehow doesn't keep up with Layla, having that freezer stash could be necessary! Give it some time before you decide you're ready to purge.

reesaXden · August 2016

When is ok to do gas drops?
Evin literraly never makes a peep but she moaned a lot in her sleep last night and seems super uncomfortable today.

Flowr4246 · August 2016

reesaXden said:

When is ok to do gas drops?
Evin literraly never makes a peep but she moaned a lot in her sleep last night and seems super uncomfortable today.

Pretty much from birth. We used to give Connor drops after most feedings and it really helped keep him comfortable. You can also try keeping her inclined to sleep too. The FP rock 'n' play is my favorite for that.

reesaXden · August 2016

@Flowr4246 Thank you!

Flowr4246 · August 2016

reesaXden said:

@Flowr4246 Thank you!

No problem!

mom2adoodle · August 2016

@reesaXden We started using the gas drops with Fin. Can't say I notice a difference honestly... He's much more of a farter than a burper so I am always concerned about getting a good burp in. In the NICU he didn't burp much either and they said as long as he's given the opportunity to burp, then it's okay. Idk though lol. I do bicycle his legs and hold him up a lot after feeds just for peace of mind.

Has anyone dealt with stuffy noses yet? Finley has been SO congested! The ped said it was just his body trying to clear amniotic fluid. I have tried a humidifier, saline drops (provide minimal relief) and the bulb syringe if I see a booger. Any other advice??

yellowrose314 · August 2016

@mom2adoodle Everyone I know with babies swears by that weird Swedish snot sucker thing... The Nose Frieda? I watched my friend use it on her baby and it's kind of crazy how much better it works compared to a regular bulb aspirator. If you can get over the fact that you're sucking your kids snot out via your mouth suction, go for it. There are filters so you don't actually get snot in your mouth. I got one from BRU on sale for $12

abberson · August 2016

Yes to the nose frieda! It works magic. Snotty, grody, mucous removing magic.

AnnaS930 · August 2016

@mom2adoodle - First, I had a super congested kiddo.. he also had some reflux issues and that can present at congestion because the milk can reflux all the way up to the nose. First, limit the use of the nasal bulb as much as you can.. overuse can inflame their little nose and make it worse. Also.. as other have said.. Nose Frida. We would do saline drops/mist (when a bit older) and let that loosen things up for maybe 5-10 minutes, then suck away. My husband can barely stomach it, but I don't know.. it never really bothered me and was pretty rewarding to see the cause of congestion come out. (we bought ours at Target)
Babies (and I'm sure premies) have tiiiiny little nostrils, they're bound to be pretty congested. We'd focus on decongesting more during colds, and just before feeds (never after.. the suction can pull milk up through their noses) and before bedtime if it was interrupting his sleep.

PSUBecky23 · August 2016

The nose frieda is amazing!

ElcaB · August 2016

Glad to see glowing reviews of the Nose Frieda. I registered for & received one and I can't wait to suck some snot! #thingsmomssay

ansley0319 · August 2016

I may have a super weak stomach compared to you all, especially STMs but I cannot fathom putting my mouth on the Nose Frieda. Maybe because I haven't had my baby so obviously he hasn't needed it in which case I may do anything for him to find breathing relief but for now I am totally sicked out by this. Although the logic and popularity are definitely there !

BTW, I am enjoying reading this trying to "suck" up as much knowledge as possible from you all prior to my baby's arrival.

marajay6 · August 2016

Like @AnnaS930 said, overuse of nasal bulbs or even the Nose Frieda can do more harm than good since it can dry out the nasal passages. Squirt some saline up the nose, keep the baby inclined/upright and wait a few minutes. Often, the saline will loosen things up and it will drain on it's own so you won't need to suck the snot out. We have had a lot of nasal congestion with DS so now we use a daily saline mist as a preventative.

ansley0319 · August 2016

@marajay6 did.not.know. Makes perfect sense though. I have seen countless times people trying to get all the dried stuff out and the baby just cries and cries and tries to squirm away. I bet this is a life saver for a toddler that is used to the mist !

AnnaS930 · August 2016

@marajay6 we are huge fans of boogie mist especially when he has a cold, like right now. So easy. Also love boogie wipes to keep his little nose from getting super beat up when we are de-crusting in the morning!! The grape ones make me extra happy since sick kiddos are kinda smelly

mom2adoodle · August 2016

Thanks, ladies! I have the Nose Frida but somehow thought it was to use only if I saw boogers/runny nose. I don't see anything, just hear it! We actually just went to the pediatrician and she mentioned he might be having some reflux issues @AnnaS930 so that might be part of it! Would you see actual boogers with E? A huge green hard one just came out of Fin's nose! And his wheezing stopped. The good news is he's not sick...but I want to ensure it doesn't come back. What helped reflux for you? Fin doesn't spit up much but he is in noticeable discomfort (grunting, twisting and turning) a lot of the time. Nothing really seems to help. The doctor said it might be that he's becoming more alert and it's regular newborn stuff but Idk....

frogdog06 · August 2016

@marajay6 @mom2adoodle We too were gifted the NoseFrida, but I don't think we've encountered any occasion during which we would have to use it on LO? She turns 14 days today. & @mom2adoodle how did the hard booger come out?? On it's own? You saw boogies?

mom2adoodle · August 2016

@frogdog06 The pediatrician had mentioned he would probably cry out the stuffiness. He doesn't usually cry. But low and behold, he had a huge blow out yesterday and started crying when we were changing his clothes. Out crept a bit of the green booger! I used the syringe and took it out. Ta da! He hasn't been stuffy since! Knock on wood.

NashBelle · August 2016

With my first I used the blue aspirator we got from the hospital and also had a couple others that we received from our registry. The hospital grade ones work soooo much better than anything you can buy at the store. I am one that can't bring myself to use a Nose Frida. But after a few months with my first I started using saline drops to moisten his nose before I used the aspirator and that combo seemed to work the best for us. And now that he is a toddler we use the saline drops almost daily and they help keep him pretty clear. We make it part of the diaper routine- I lay him down and put in the drops first, then they have time to run through the sinuses while I change his diaper. I have even been using the saline myself to deal with congestion at night at I am pretty amazed at how well it works.

jensou · August 2016

@mom2adoodle I feel like "and out crept a little green booger" sounds like a good start to a children's book

mom2adoodle · August 2016

@jensou I'll make millions!

marikkita12 · August 2016

For all the moms using the hospital nasal aspirator, keep in mind that you cannot take them apart and clean them so they get moldy on the inside. Consider buying one that you can separate and wash and let fully air dry before the next use.

AnnaS930 · August 2016

@mom2adoodle - no we couldn't see the boogies, they were deeper than that, just could hear them when he was breathing/snorting. A lot of it was just keeping him upright for as long as possible after feeds, trying to get good burps out of him (really rubbing his back in big circles.. also starting at his lower back and kind of shimmying our hands up to try to work out the low ones), and eventually he went on ranitidine (Zantac) to help decrease the acidity.

izzetoot · August 2016

Two breast feeding questions... One, what tricks have you guys been using to keep baby awake while bfing? My LO has been going about 15 mins on one side every 2 hrs, but more often now keeps dozing off and then starting again which is getting pretty painful and making our nursing sessions last up to an hour each time. And two, when are you supposed to start pumping and how often? On the advice of my LC, I started pumping once a day in the morning since 5 days pp if I am really engorged and LO can't latch. But I've read that pumping too soon or too often can lead to supply problems? Any advice/experience with that?

Should we start a BFing thread?

Sporty1216 · August 2016

@izzetoot -- for keeping awake, I would stroke lo's cheek and/or chin. Or, if that didn't work, i would rub his chest with my knuckles. Or, if all that didn't work,I would strip him down to his diaper so he wasn't quite so cozy.

usually just the cheek thing would work pretty well though.

Pumping always confused me--I didn't start pumping until I was close to returning to work and then I just added a session in the morning a few hours before LO was up for the day and then pumped at work when I was missing feedings. But I'm sure others will have better advice for you!

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