PAIF Graduates - New Mommies - October 2018

safire3 · October 2018

I haven’t been here for a week and there were 200 new comments so I did my best to skim through lol. Last week I went back to work and it was awful. I had a bit of a break down Sunday night because I was so exhausted and couldn’t imagine starting another week like that. Ozi was also sick with hand, foot, mouth disease last week and I had to work the weekend so that made it much harder. It’s also so hard leaving him with the sitter for like 10 hours. DH and I decided we will see how this week goes and talk about taking more time off but I feel like we need the cash and I’ve already made the commitment to my job (signed a new contract) so I can’t change anything now although I feel it would be better for me and Ozi. It’s so hard

I see reading through that I’m not the only one dealing with these issues so that helps.

@wildrainbow congrats and I’m so happy to hear that Matthew is doing well. He is too cute smiling in that pic!

mtpbadger · October 2018

@wildrainbow omg seeing clothes on them for the first time is amazing!! They look so much more like little babies then! I cried when I saw Abigail in clothes for the first time. Glad he’s doing so well!!!

wildrainbow · October 2018

@safire3 I'm so sorry your babe has been sick. I can't imagine how hard going back to work would be, especially when they're sick. Hugs.

sarzee2 · October 2018

Hi Ladies! I had such a dramatic afternoon...DH and I got home from a run (MIL was watching Carter) and ConEd had accidentally turned our electricity off while they were doing work outside our house. I was so anxious about losing my milk...I had about 20 oz in the fridge and 40+ oz in the freezer! I had to go out to the car to pump (I have a Spectra so have to be plugged in, luckily I bought a car adapter last week) and DH put all my fridge bottles on ice. Luckily the electricity turned back on after ~4 hours and everything was still cold/frozen so all's well...ConEd would have gotten a very strongly worded letter from me if I'd had to dump over 60 oz of milk!

mbradfo2 · October 2018

@safire3
Going back to work (part time though) was an immense transition for me. I'm lucky that I get to work from home a great deal, but it was still super stressful -- a fussy baby and deadlines are not a good combo!! I felt like I was shortchanging everyone -- the baby, my work, etc -- and I felt majorly incompetent for awhile. I'm just now starting to get the hang of balancing everything -- and that's 3+ months in! Some days are better than others, but you'll gradually feel more comfortable.

@wildrainbow
i'm so happy to hear all of the progress he's making! What a sweetie! He looks so happy and cozy

My clinic is having a Halloween get-together for all of its babies but since I'm going to miss it as we are going out of town, I'm bringing Anne by at the end of this week to say hi to everyone (in her costume, of course!). I haven't seen them since I first brought her by in June and I'm excited to show how much she's grown since then!

2MomsHoping · October 2018

Yay Matthew. I just love your updates and seeing your little guy get stronger each day.

@safire3 I’m sorry the work transition isn’t going well. You definitely aren’t the only one. I’ll be going back in a couple weeks too. Im so not ready. I hope it gets better

Hopeful_mom · October 2018

@wildrainbow yay how exciting he’s bf way to go!! So glad he’s doing so well! Let it only continue!! He’s so sweet!!

@safire3 sorry ur having a rough go on top of him being sick must be torture! I commend all u working moms! I’m beside myself with just her cold there’s no way I would be able to focus on work! Push comes to shove I guys get it done but I know it just be so hard! Hugs!

safire3 · October 2018

Thanks everyone. For those who were breastfeeding and went back to work did your supply go down? I asked work for time to pump and got one 15 min slot in the morning. Usually I pump at lunch and just pray I go to lunch on time. Wednesday’s are my only full day though and yesterday I was so uncomfortable by the end of the day (5pm) because I hadn't pumped since 1pm. I hope it won’t make a difference since it’s only one day per week but I’m so scared my supply will drop. I used to be so nonchalant about BF, even said I may stop when I go back to work but now that I’m doing it I want to keep it up and I feel guilty when he gets more formula during the day which I know is dumb. I’d like to at least go to 6 months if I can.

mtpbadger · October 2018

@safire3 I haven't seen a decrease in my supply (yet) and I usually pump 1-2 times at work (I feed her around 5.30am; pump at 9-9:30am; will either pump or feed her on my lunch break around 12:30-1) and then I am able to pick her up and get home to BF around 4pm.

The law states: What must an employer provide to workers who need to express breast milk in the workplace?

ANSWER: Employers are required to provide a reasonable amount of break time and a space to express milk as frequently as needed by the nursing mother, for up to one year following the birth of the employee’s child. The frequency of breaks needed to express breast milk as well as the duration of each break will likely vary. The space provided by the employer cannot be a bathroom, and it must be shielded from view and free from intrusion by coworkers or the public.

So you should legally be able to take an afternoon break to pump. The law does indicate that the pumping breaks do not have to be paid. I'm lucky that I have my own office so I can just strap on the hands-free bra and still work while I pump - would that be an option for you?

safire3 · October 2018

@mtpbadger that’s good to know. I will have to push for an afternoon break to pump or ask to end a little earlier. I share an office but I only sit there for short periods and during lunch. The rest of the time I am going from room to room. I bought freemies to make pumping at my desk more discreet but I can’t really walk around with them.

cashewchicken · October 2018

@safire3 Is there a meeting room with a lock that you can use to pump? I work in a cubicle but my company set up a spare office/meeting room as a nursing room. In the past when we didn’t have any room to spare, my coworker who was nursing at the time was given a document room to pump. It had a desk, a chair, and a locked door so while it was not fancy, it was okay.

As for supply dropping... yes, it did for me but only because of my lack of time management skill and forgetting to stay hydrated. To keep the supply up you do need to pump often and drink lots and lots of liquid! I only pump once at work even though I work 10 hour days (including commute) and it’s not good. My baby is also 6 months old, so I also lost a bit of motivation as well. My initial goal was 6 months of BF so now I feel like any milk I get is extra.

mtpbadger · October 2018

I second the staying hydrated at work. I really have to make a conscience effort to make sure I drink enough at work and also make sure I'm eating enough throughout the day. I've even set reminders on my phone for having a snack and some water. Thankfully I schedule all my own client appointments so I've marked off in my appointment book my pump times so I don't accidentally schedule someone during my morning time and then I'll do it at lunch or just after. It's definitely not easy though!

Just remind yourself that as long as he is getting ANY of your breastmilk, he's still getting the benefits!

wildrainbow · October 2018

So, Matthew has had a tiny bit of a setback. He got bumped up to 2 liters and around 23% oxygen. They have been doing all PO feeds (by mouth), but I think it's wearing him out. Today, he was too tired to even try much BF. So they are going to every other feed PO. I'm hoping this will help him get stronger and maybe be able to stay constantly at 1 liter and 21%. Today, he was so tired, he literally slept through taking his bottle. I'm hoping that by doing this we don't have a major setback, and we can still continue progressing.

mtpbadger · October 2018

@wildrainbow hang in there momma! Nicu life is often one step forward two back. He’ll get his strength up, all this is so new to him still! He’s so freaking adorable. How are you doing?

Hopeful_mom · October 2018

@wildrainbow how scary this all must be I’m sorry!! Hope ur doing ok and tomorrow is a better day!

wildrainbow · October 2018

@mtpbadger I'm doing a lot of compartmentalizing. It's the only way I can make it right now. Between being there and leaving a piece of my heart behind when I leave and trying to be there for ds1, I'm keeping my head above water. We are on day 10 and I feel like we have so much more to accomplish before we can even think of coming home.

mtpbadger · October 2018

@wildrainbow I know exactly what you mean. I think I was on autopilot for while during our nicu stay bc I just couldn’t think about it. One day (soon!) it’ll be like the flip switched and he’ll just “get it”. With Abigail, she would tire so easily from a bottle (we didn’t even get to BF while in the nicu) and one morning we walked in and she had taken all her bottles overnight and she just took off from there. Nicu life is SO hard but hang in there, he’ll be home soon!

mbradfo2 · October 2018

@safire3
I agree that legally you should have an afternoon break for pumping. People who smoke take cigarette breaks, right? I would just bring it up to your supervisor or HR depending on who would handle it. They might want you to cut your lunch a little short to make up time, but they do have to give you the opportunity - compensated or non-compensated. We let our BF moms pump over their lunch breaks and whenever they need throughout the day, provided it doesn't impact patient care or inconvenience other providers in the group.

@wildrainbow
I can't even imagine how rough this is on you! You're doing awesome. Feeding is often very taxing for newborns so I'm not shocked that he had a bit of a tired day after starting to breastfeed. How is your older boy handling everything? How old is he again?

You're doing double duty so don't worry about being supermom

You give your best and that's all your kiddos need.

----

wildrainbow · October 2018

@mbradfo2 he's 2. He does ok. He cries ever timewe leave and acts out when we get home and is extra clingy. Really he is being good and is being a typical toddler. I just wish I could give them both equal time.

Aera11 · October 2018

@wildrainbow aw he's so cute! Hang in there mama, you're doing great.

Have any any of your babies had prolonged colds? I feel like she's been sick for a month now! The stuffy nose, then runny nose & cough all kind of subsided but now the runny nose is back. I know babies get a lot of colds & we're doing everything we can (nose frida, humidifier, etc) but it's tiresome. She's acting fine & is happy as can be, the congestion just makes sleeping hard for her.

Hopeful_mom · October 2018

@Aera11 sorry ur lil one is sick too, these colds suck all around!! Ugh she’s had it for a month! I’m just a few days almost a week and it’s torture!! Now I have it too so hoping we don’t Keep giving it to each other now ugh!!! I wish I had advice but I’m in the same boat, just trying to keep her elevated but it’s hard when she sleeps and she doesn’t like it.

@wildrainbow I can’t even imagine how tortured u must feel right now I’m so sorry!! At least u kno he’s being well taken care of when ur not there... extra hugs to u!

mtpbadger · October 2018

@aera11 hopefully the cold is on it's way out! Glad she's been acting/feeling okay though! It's so tough to see our little ones not healthy!

Woke up this morning and I think Abigail has a clogged tear duct - her eye was all goopy and crusty. No pink in the white part so just put a warm compress on it. REALLY hoping it's not pink eye! This weekend I'll massage it and I've already read to put a little breastmilk in the corner of the eye to help it heal. If it doesn't seem to be clearing over the weekend or gets red/pink at all, looks like we'll be making an appt early next week. Any of you deal with clogged tear ducts?

Aera11 · October 2018

Sick but happy at least

Thank you @Hopeful_mom, hope your little one is on the mend soon!

@mtpbadger aww poor Abigail-- we've had goopy eyes no pink but I think it was cold related, but I did put a drop of milk in the corner.

mtpbadger · October 2018

@aera11 what a happy girl!! And that outfit is so adorable! Good to hear that milk in the corner isn't some weird thing lol! I'll be doing that tonigth! She might be coming down with a cold - she's taken a few nice long naps at daycare today, usually she sleeps for about 30-40 minutes and today it's been two 1.5 hours naps, which is good!

wildrainbow · October 2018

@Aera11 Omgoodness! She is darling! I love her little head wrap thing!

stella_700 · October 2018

@aera11 That cuteness was just want I needed to perk up my day. I hope that she starts to clear up, fall's interesting with the temperature swings, its messing with the twins a bit also.

@mtpbadger My son had one, I just took clean warm washcloths and wiped his eye often during the day and it cleared up in 48 hours or so.

@wildrainbow You are doing amazing keeping it together. My mantra was that sleeping time was growing time.

safire3 · October 2018

@mtpbadger Ozi had a blocked tear duct when he was about one month old. I massaged it and it cleared up quick. You can watch YouTube videos of where to massage. It was just goop from the eye, no redness

@Aera11 she is so adorable! At least she looks happy. She may just be catching multiple colds although if it’s not better after about a week you can bring her to the doctor to make sure it’s just a cold. Sounds like you are doing everything else you can at this point. Hope it gets better soon.

@wildrainbow Don’t be discouraged. Feeding is tough work for them so he may just be exhausted and need some time. I hope by tomorrow he’s back to his usual schedule. He’s a tough guy and he’ll be home before you know it. Just take it day by day.

As for pumping at work. It’s hard when you work for a small company in a small office. There’s no conference room or HR department. We do have an office manager so I will bring it up to her

Hopeful_mom · October 2018

@Aera11 that is one cutie pie omg!! Glad she’s still so happy hope she feels better soon!!

@mtpbadger mine was born with a clogged duct and I needed drops besides the warm cloths and such. Try on ur own and if it doesn’t clear then I’m sure the dr will give u some drops.

mtpbadger · October 2018

Looks like it was a clogged duct! Did some massage, warm compresses and a little breastmilk last night and it already looks better this morning! Not crusted shut this morning but she did wake up with a little but cough. It’s a rainy, dreary day here so a good day to hang out at home and just relax.

wildrainbow · October 2018

Last night they had Boo in the NICU. The nurses made costumes for all the babies and dressed them up. They had a photographer come in and do pics and refreshments for families. It was pretty special. Matthew, is struggling to get rid of his oxygen completely. He can get off of it for a few hours, but has to go back on, sometimes on higher liters and O2 percentage. I didn't get a chance to BF him yesterday morning because his O2 was too high. We have been in the NICU for 12 days, and I swear the hallway to those double doors is getting longer. Like every one else, I'm just ready for him to be home. He will be 38 weeks tomorrow, hopefully this week will bring lots of changes for the better.

mtpbadger · October 2018

@wildrainbow that is the cutest thing ever! Matthew makes a mean Batman! It sounds like you’re in an awesome nicu. I’m sorry to hear Matthew is still needing the O2 and hopefully this week he’ll get that much stronger and be closer to coming home.

mbradfo2 · October 2018

@safire3
We have a very small office too, but luckily pretty much just ladies haha. Our office is basically just the largest room in the practice with desks lining the walls -- more like a doctor's lounge or breakroom than anything else. I've gotten so used to the whirring of breast pumps! Our moms who pump usually do it over their break, before starting to see patients and then whenever they get a break during the day (gap between patients, charting time, etc). They'll typically pump right at their desk but they have the option to go to an open exam room, etc. Being a pediatric practice, though, we all understand the importance of pumping and BF'ing so maybe that's why we were so much more flexible about it.

@wildrainbow
As mtpbadger said, NICU is often 3 steps forward, 2 steps back. Perhaps a small break from BFing will give him a chance to build up more strength! Little babies, preemies and term alike, often find feeding very taxing -- I know it's just very disheartening for you to see. Are you having a good experience with the doctors and nurses? Having a good relationship with them will pay off in dividends for your emotional stamina, I think. Hopefully you feel free to ask questions or just cry a little with them. They understand. They may be Matthew's doctor, but you are their patient also. Also, if possible, maybe ask the nurse about anything Child Life at the hospital can do for your older boy? They might be able to talk and do some fun games with him so he feels special - coloring pictures to hang up around Matthew's area, or just being a friend.

[Deleted User] · October 2018

@wildrainbow How precious is your little fighter! ❤ I know it must be so hard to have to keep going into the hospital to see him, like you live in the NICU now. But its not forever! Before too very long, he will be home, and you will be looking back on this time, no longer in the thick of it... (((HUGS))) and Courage, mama!

hottietoddy · October 2018

Hi all, been a busy week but I've been following everyone and keeping up on Facebook. This weekend I have to work for the first time to finish up a project. It is really hard to leave the house and I think I'm going to take an Ativan to help me stay calm with the transition. I tend to take it out on my husband if not.

In other news, I have caught back up with my milk and have a few bottles worth stashed in the freezer for days I need Ativan.

William stopped pooping last week. We had to use a qtip to massage gently and it got him to go. Apparently it's pretty normal, but pediatrician said we can use qtip to help every few days. We he goes it is smooth and yellow and all good.

One tip for the diaper rashes, we have started using a hair dryer at every change. William loves it and helps make sure he gets 100% dry. On warm setting if course. His rash cleared up well after we used the cream from the doctor for acidity. It was $45 for a 30oz so saving for later.

Doctor was also being weird about milk allergies. He thinks the rash could be from this. He gave us milk free formula which has no cow's milk to try. I am not trying it and just did the cream for a while. I did try and stop drinking as much milk, but the majority of my protein commonly comes from cheese and stuff. So sticking with that as my diet is going well.

2MomsHoping · October 2018

@wildrainbow little Batman Matthew looks adorable. I’m sure you are torn in two between the nicu and home and your reserves are dwindling with back and forward NICU dance but I just wanted to tell you what an awesome job you are doing. When I think back to your first update he has already come so far. hugs to all of you.

@aera11 that little outfit is so adorable. Such a happy girl!

@hottietoddy wonderful news about your milk stash. Best of luck as you start transitioning back to work I hope it all goes well for you. Lucy seems to love the sound of the hairdryer too it helps her fall asleep.

DW has her first friends night out since baby and got rear ended. She’s okay just bumps and bruises but it really freaked me out. The person just drove off. Fortunately another driver saw it and got the plate. They had seen the car swerving all over the road for miles so the person who hit her was probably under the influence. This lady stayed with her and got her calmed down, got her some water, talked to me, gave her info to the police. Turns out she only lives a few blocks from us so she even followed her home to make sure the car was drive-able. I feel like there was a real angel watching over my family last night and I’m just so thankful for good people in this world.

wildrainbow · October 2018

@2MomsHoping Oh! How scary. I'm glad YW was ok. Thank, God there are still kind people in the world. I hope the police were able to catch the douche bag who rearended her.

Hopeful_mom · October 2018

@2MomsHoping so glad everyone is ok how scary!!! We live in such a scary world!!

@wildrainbow what a cute Batman!! Hoping he gets stronger with each day!

@hottietoddy glad us milk picked back up that’s awesome! Good luck with ur transitioning back to work I’m sure u’ll do great!

now I’ve got baby girls cold even worse, it just sux! Don’t like how her cough sounds but since I caught her cold from the beginning they say it might get worse before getting better

hottietoddy · October 2018

Hi again everyone, wondering everyone's thoughts on starting a sleep method. William is 2 months now and at his 2 months appointment the pediatrician gave us their standard packet of info they give us each time. Since he was born the packet has been saying that he should sleep in the same room with us. Not Co sleeping in same bed but in bassinet or crib until 1 year old. Well this month it said he should be in his own room. They said if he's in the same room we need to put up a screen so he can't see us? I'm just not ready for that at all and I planned to keep him in our room for 6 months if not the whole year. I have a co-sleeper bassinet that I put by my bed next to me or about 10 feet away. Sometimes I put down the side to snuggle William or hold his paci, but not all the time and I'm very careful. Once he starts rolling over I won't be doing that.

Secondly they said to start making good sleep habits. We rock William to sleep and have to hold his paci for it to stay in his mouth. Then he falls asleep lightly we take out the paci and put him down. He usually wakes up and then self soothes to fall asleep. It is working pretty well he sleeps 5-7 hour blocks now. I just don't see the point in changing our routine unless something changes. So I haven't changed a thing and just continuing on as we are for now....

I read up on a few 'methods'. I'd say if we did one it would be maybe highly modified cry it out or the ''fade out' method.

Would like to know everyone's thoughts.

In other news, I've been careful to eat fruit or vegetables every time I eat during the day. I think this helped because William started pooping on his own again yesterday. My husband had to do the qtip one more time, but then things got moving. The pediatrician says that some stool just gets blocked a little at the opening and needs to be broken up and also it stimulates his little muscles to push also. Sorry for TMI poop talk! Haha

JWatt5 · October 2018

@hottietoddy We kept Parker in our room until 6m. I wasn’t ready to move him prior to that. He slept beside our bed and then at 6m transitioned just fine. At least here in Canada - we are asked to keep the baby in the same room until minimum 3-4 months but everyone does something different. Once he moved to his own bed we’ve co slept when he needs it.

2m is pretty young for a real sleep pattern but at that age we started “bedtime” routine at 7-8pm (which was really more of a nap until the next feed at 11pm). We rocked/fed him to sleep until he was around 5m then we started putting him down awake for nap and bed. We aren’t a CIO family and more of a go with the flow type - that’s what worked for us. Most nights it worked. Some it didn’t. But by 6-7m that’s how we were able to put him to bed and still he goes to bed that way - he hangs out until he’s ready to sleep. We liked the “Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child” book.

mtpbadger · October 2018

@hottietoddy Abigail is 5 months and still in our room in a pack n play and will stay there until after Christmas (so just over 7 months). We’re travelling a bunch for the holiday and she’ll be sleeping in a pack n play while we are gone so didn’t want to get her used to her crib and then go back and have any issues while we’re staying with family. We don’t do CIO. If she fusses or cries after we put her down, we go in, rub her tummy, replace the paci if needed and try not to pick her up but will if she doesnt calm down. Rarely do we have to pick her up anymore. We started a bedtime routine around 3ish months, pjs, bottle around 7-7.30, book and bed. Add a bath in before pjs every few nights. Now, she’ll let us know when she’s ready for bed and sometimes it’s as early as 6.30 to start the routine (if she hasn’t napped well at daycare or had a busy day). Girl takes after her mommy and loves her sleep lol! Id be in bed every night at 8pm if I could!

PAIF Graduates - New Mommies - October 2018

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