Postpartum Support 6/26

[Deleted]

Starting a new thread since the first one is getting so long

[holliberry28]

I've been MIA because, despite trying to prepare myself for how hard it would be, it still is that much harder. LO has been so gassy and screaming, often in the middle of the night and it's so hard to console him. We started keeping him upright for 20 minutes post feed which hopefully will help.

I notice that his chest rises and falls quickly/deeply at times. Is this something to be concerned about? We went to the Pediatrician monday and wednesday and they said all was good and he was healthy. DH has been such a help but I'm so scared how I'll handle everything once he goes back to work next week. I want to be happy and enjoy every moment but all I want to do is cry all the time.

[stinybean]

Aww holliberry28 ((HUGS)) I have no advice, but totally feel for you.

[a5swanson]

Jun 26, 2015 15:16:31 GMT -5 holliberry28 said:

I've been MIA because, despite trying to prepare myself for how hard it would be, it still is that much harder. LO has been so gassy and screaming, often in the middle of the night and it's so hard to console him. We started keeping him upright for 20 minutes post feed which hopefully will help.

I notice that his chest rises and falls quickly/deeply at times. Is this something to be concerned about? We went to the Pediatrician monday and wednesday and they said all was good and he was healthy. DH has been such a help but I'm so scared how I'll handle everything once he goes back to work next week. I want to be happy and enjoy every moment but all I want to do is cry all the time.

Hugs. It gets better!

As for the breathing chest issue... My LO was in the NICU for 3 days for respiratory issues so I'm psycho about her breathing. I brought the same thing up to my pediatrician and she said that sporadic heavy breathing is totally normal for infants and not to worry.

[billyhorrible]

Jun 26, 2015 15:16:31 GMT -5 holliberry28 said:

I notice that his chest rises and falls quickly/deeply at times. Is this something to be concerned about? We went to the Pediatrician monday and wednesday and they said all was good and he was healthy. DH has been such a help but I'm so scared how I'll handle everything once he goes back to work next week. I want to be happy and enjoy every moment but all I want to do is cry all the time.

With everything baby related try to remind yourself that for 9 months they had to do nothing - even the breathing was "practice breathing" not necessary for survival. The first month(s) their bodies are adjusting to the outside world. So erratic breathing is part of that.

[wegrowsheep]

holliberry28 DS#1 was a fussy baby, and it was just about the end of me. Keep your chin up, I promise it won't always be this way! One day at a time, and have you tried walking around with him in a football hold (on his tummy)? Mine also was extra grumpy if I had caffeine (I know, salt in the wound).

[holliberry28]

Thank you everyone for your responses! It's made me feel better and more optimistic that I can do this.

[baileybaileybne]

Yep I had a crying moment this morning because yesterday was such a great day: first time out to eat and LO slept through it like a trooper so I took her for a walk this morning and she lost it. So I lost it because I can't seem to keep my hormones and head in check when I hear her cry. Then half an hour later I felt ok again. It's a crazy roller coaster that's for sure. Just keeping on looking ahead and remembering it will pass. Fingers crossed we can get through it without too much grey hair!!

ETA: weird auto correct.

[mcp6286]

So I woke up for LO's first feed and was insanely itchy on my legs/feet. I've got what looks like a hundred bug bites across my feet, calves and a little bit on my thighs. Sound like PUPPS? ..ladies who have had it, what did you do to remedy? I'm going to call the dr in the AM but can't think of what else it could be! I haven't been anywhere that I could've gotten poison ivy or anything. Ugh this is so not what I need right now!!!

[turtletyme]

H had the 1 am feeding, and I woke up at 1:45 to a screaming baby and him freaking out because he couldn't settle her. I have been up holding her ever since, and my shift starts now. I am so exhausted and annoyed by my husband overreacting (he keeps saying shit like "she's got colic" and "she's inconsolable" but to me it seems it's just days/nights screwed up.) I'm really too tired to assuage his neuroses. Aren't I supposed to be the hormonal one?

[jcprn]

holliberry28 I'm sorry for your frustration. I've been there and unfortunately DH has probably gotten the brunt of it. Your LO is just as new at this as you are so be patient with them and yourself. DH told me something similar to billyhorrible that was both eye opening and kind of sad but before being born your baby has never not had their needs met immediately. They never felt hunger or anything like that before so it's understandably upsetting for them. I have a gassy baby as well and he's certainly trying our patience because of it. Leg exercises at every meal have been helping G with his gas. Hang in there!

[bruunk]

I cannot tell you all how much I needed to read this. While I know I'm not alone in what I'm going through it's nice to read others are in the same boat and that it gets better!

[baytosa2013]

Jun 28, 2015 1:58:18 GMT -5 turtletyme said:

H had the 1 am feeding, and I woke up at 1:45 to a screaming baby and him freaking out because he couldn't settle her. I have been up holding her ever since, and my shift starts now. I am so exhausted and annoyed by my husband overreacting (he keeps saying shit like "she's got colic" and "she's inconsolable" but to me it seems it's just days/nights screwed up.) I'm really too tired to assuage his neuroses. Aren't I supposed to be the hormonal one?

DH does the same thing! It's almost easier to just take to MOTN feedings because I've been doing them all week and me and the kid have it down to a less than 30 min science. He gets frustrated and upset easily if she doesn't settle or makes a weird nose and yells for me. I'm like its ok, you're ok, she's ok just keep trying. I'm like the opposite of the type a mom who keeps taking the baby cuz he's not doing it right lol I want him in this hell 100% with me!

[dogmama22]

Jun 28, 2015 0:28:56 GMT -5 mcp6286 said:

So I woke up for LO's first feed and was insanely itchy on my legs/feet. I've got what looks like a hundred bug bites across my feet, calves and a little bit on my thighs. Sound like PUPPS? ..ladies who have had it, what did you do to remedy? I'm going to call the dr in the AM but can't think of what else it could be! I haven't been anywhere that I could've gotten poison ivy or anything. Ugh this is so not what I need right now!!!

What I've read is that they recommend Benadryl and hydrocortisone cream as treatment. Either or both should offer some quick relief.

[mrsmonogrammed]

Jun 28, 2015 0:28:56 GMT -5 mcp6286 said:

So I woke up for LO's first feed and was insanely itchy on my legs/feet. I've got what looks like a hundred bug bites across my feet, calves and a little bit on my thighs. Sound like PUPPS? ..ladies who have had it, what did you do to remedy? I'm going to call the dr in the AM but can't think of what else it could be! I haven't been anywhere that I could've gotten poison ivy or anything. Ugh this is so not what I need right now!!!

I had the worst rash the first week and a half PP, my dr suggested Benadryl but I held out because I didn't want to mess with my milk supply....hydrocortisone, Benadryl cream, and ice packs were life savers for me! Also avoid hot showers, it'll feel good at the time, but heat makes the rash more itchy!

[missjenniebean]

Had my 6 week check up last Monday. All was good and he said he'll see me at my pap in November. Well, now I am bleeding and have been since Friday evening after SO were having a little fun but not all the way BC I didn't feel 100% about it. I dont want to call the doctor but I probably shouldn't be bleeding this much? Le sigh.

[gilder40]

Jun 28, 2015 13:53:11 GMT -5 missjenniebean said:

Had my 6 week check up last Monday. All was good and he said he'll see me at my pap in November. Well, now I am bleeding and have been since Friday evening after SO were having a little fun but not all the way BC I didn't feel 100% about it. I dont want to call the doctor but I probably shouldn't be bleeding this much? Le sigh.

Apparently there is something called the "6-week bleed" that some moms get. It's not necessarily your cycle, but it's just your body cleaning itself out to make sure everything is in working order. Or something like that. I had it about a week and a half ago....just at 6-weeks post partum.

[missjenniebean]

Jun 28, 2015 14:13:44 GMT -5 gilder40 said:

Jun 28, 2015 13:53:11 GMT -5 missjenniebean said:

Had my 6 week check up last Monday. All was good and he said he'll see me at my pap in November. Well, now I am bleeding and have been since Friday evening after SO were having a little fun but not all the way BC I didn't feel 100% about it. I dont want to call the doctor but I probably shouldn't be bleeding this much? Le sigh.

Apparently there is something called the "6-week bleed" that some moms get. It's not necessarily your cycle, but it's just your body cleaning itself out to make sure everything is in working order. Or something like that. I had it about a week and a half ago....just at 6-weeks post partum.

Well, that's interesting BC it is eerily similar to a period.

Thank you!

[ladysif]

Jun 28, 2015 0:28:56 GMT -5 mcp6286 said:

So I woke up for LO's first feed and was insanely itchy on my legs/feet. I've got what looks like a hundred bug bites across my feet, calves and a little bit on my thighs. Sound like PUPPS? ..ladies who have had it, what did you do to remedy? I'm going to call the dr in the AM but can't think of what else it could be! I haven't been anywhere that I could've gotten poison ivy or anything. Ugh this is so not what I need right now!!!

I am nervous I am getting this, too; right now it is just my stretch marks that are angry red and itchy, so I am waiting to see and using ice packs. But I read Sarna lotion is helpful so I might try that if it worsens. Def call your doctor!

[mcp6286]

Jun 28, 2015 14:28:16 GMT -5 ladysif said:

Jun 28, 2015 0:28:56 GMT -5 mcp6286 said:

So I woke up for LO's first feed and was insanely itchy on my legs/feet. I've got what looks like a hundred bug bites across my feet, calves and a little bit on my thighs. Sound like PUPPS? ..ladies who have had it, what did you do to remedy? I'm going to call the dr in the AM but can't think of what else it could be! I haven't been anywhere that I could've gotten poison ivy or anything. Ugh this is so not what I need right now!!!

I am nervous I am getting this, too; right now it is just my stretch marks that are angry red and itchy, so I am waiting to see and using ice packs. But I read Sarna lotion is helpful so I might try that if it worsens. Def call your doctor!

I slathered myself with Caladryl last night and this morning. I'm down to just a few itchy red spots. Maybe I dodged the bullet. FX you don't have it!

[gilder40]

Jun 28, 2015 14:18:14 GMT -5 missjenniebean said:

Jun 28, 2015 14:13:44 GMT -5 gilder40 said:

Apparently there is something called the "6-week bleed" that some moms get. It's not necessarily your cycle, but it's just your body cleaning itself out to make sure everything is in working order. Or something like that. I had it about a week and a half ago....just at 6-weeks post partum.

Well, that's interesting BC it is eerily similar to a period.

Thank you!

I know! I freaked out thinking I had started again already, when I've heard of ladies not starting until 4-6 months post partum. I thought it was insanely unfair. I believe @amyg told me about this on the breastfeeding board. She probably could explain it better than I could.

[Deleted]

Jun 28, 2015 18:02:30 GMT -5 gilder40 said:

Jun 28, 2015 14:18:14 GMT -5 missjenniebean said:

Well, that's interesting BC it is eerily similar to a period.

Thank you!

I know! I freaked out thinking I had started again already, when I've heard of ladies not starting until 4-6 months post partum. I thought it was insanely unfair. I believe @amyg told me about this on the breastfeeding board. She probably could explain it better than I could.

It could be your period.

It could be the pap smear/check up and ST aggravated a sensitive area, where cervix is sometimes still swollen, and is still open a bit and you may get some bleeding.

The 6 week bleed thing happens to a lot of moms, kind of like your body doing a big clean out of any leftovers and then if the hormones are not right due to bfing then you don't actually start cycling and having your period yet.

You won't know for sure til next month if it's your period for sure.

if you are bleeding a lot, changing a pad every hour kind of thing, then call your dr. but otherwise it's all in the realm of normal.

[gilder40]

Thanks @amyg! I knew you would be better suited to explain than I was.

[missjenniebean]

@amyg thank you!

I'll keep an eye on it

[txngrl31]

How many of you ladies are home alone with LO while your SO goes back to work? What are you doing, besides napping/taking care of baby, to feel sane during your day? I'm five weeks PP so I feel like I'm out of that first ,"oh my goodness, what do I do?" stage. I feel like now, as a FTM, this is when I feel like,"whoa, my life has really changed."

[sabrinaml]

Jun 29, 2015 11:28:49 GMT -5 txngrl31 said:

How many of you ladies are home alone with LO while your SO goes back to work? What are you doing, besides napping/taking care of baby, to feel sane during your day? I'm five weeks PP so I feel like I'm out of that first ,"oh my goodness, what do I do?" stage. I feel like now, as a FTM, this is when I feel like,"whoa, my life has really changed."

I've been home alone since LO was 5 days old, he is 4 weeks now. (Hubby had to go back to work the day after LO was born). We like to go for walks and I'm not scared to take him out shopping. I've gone and visited my coworkers a few times.

[jcprn]

Jun 29, 2015 11:28:49 GMT -5 txngrl31 said:

How many of you ladies are home alone with LO while your SO goes back to work? What are you doing, besides napping/taking care of baby, to feel sane during your day? I'm five weeks PP so I feel like I'm out of that first ,"oh my goodness, what do I do?" stage. I feel like now, as a FTM, this is when I feel like,"whoa, my life has really changed."

After taking 10 days off when G was born DH is back to work for almost a month now. I'm unable to nap because I keep seeing things that need to be done around the house. I'm actually surprised that my days have been flying by so quickly. I try to go to bed around 9-10pm and I sleep in until 9-10am because I'm waking up for at least 3-4 feedings during the night. Then with feeding him and cleaning during the day I find I don't have a heck of a lot of down time. If I have something to do like a doctor appointment or seeing family, that's usually my outing for the day. I'm trying to walk around the neighborhood daily when it's not raining. I'm finding that it's nice because every time I go out with him on low pressure outings I feel more confident about being out with him in general.

[kemdupuis]

Today is my first day on my own, and I'm not going to lie, it's been pretty hard. DS woke up for his 4am feeding and has been fussing/constantly nursing since then. Ugh. Both DH and I cried when he had to leave for work. All I want is a nap and a shower, but I'm pretty sure that isn't in the cards today. It's been so good to read your posts though- I knew this would be hard but i had no idea how isolated I would feel.

[carolyngrace]

Jun 29, 2015 12:34:58 GMT -5 budders said:

Jun 29, 2015 11:28:49 GMT -5 txngrl31 said:

How many of you ladies are home alone with LO while your SO goes back to work? What are you doing, besides napping/taking care of baby, to feel sane during your day? I'm five weeks PP so I feel like I'm out of that first ,"oh my goodness, what do I do?" stage. I feel like now, as a FTM, this is when I feel like,"whoa, my life has really changed."

I was home alone with V the past two weeks. We would play outside with the dog and we did an outing every day, usually to Target.

Ditto this. Some kind of outing every day. Target, grocery store, coffee shop, walk... The rest of the day just feeding, napping etc. I start to go crazy after more than one day just at home. Even though it's a lot of work to go out, it's worth it.

[wegrowsheep]

Jun 29, 2015 11:28:49 GMT -5 txngrl31 said:

How many of you ladies are home alone with LO while your SO goes back to work? What are you doing, besides napping/taking care of baby, to feel sane during your day? I'm five weeks PP so I feel like I'm out of that first ,"oh my goodness, what do I do?" stage. I feel like now, as a FTM, this is when I feel like,"whoa, my life has really changed."

Home with three, and juggling it all, lol. I'm up at 6:30, with LO and usualy DS#1. Then I feed LO, and toss some cereal to the older kids, and let them watch a movie for a little while. If LO goes back to sleep, I clean or do dishes and laundry like a crazy person. Having #1 was a life adjustment. Having #2 was further adjustment, and the general removal of "me" time. Having #3, well, now I have more kids than hands. And no free time (except to get on here while LO eats...)!