Mastitis
Where have the past 2 weeks gone since my last post? I believe in a whirlwind of baby and toddler care with Al back at work. Throw into the mix a bout of mastitis that was really rather sore - imagine - red to look at and red hot to touch (not to mention the flu like symptoms of aching joints and a temperature) that required 2 days of expressing (I couldn't even wear a bra let a lone let a hungry mouth clamp on) for every feed as this hungry boy needs both sides each feed and there really doesn't leave a lot of time left to blog!
Any how I'm pleased to say that 48 hours after starting antibiotics things were much improved - not fully gone - but enough that I could feed Harris on both sides again - about time too - feeds were taking 2 hours and Murray was not impressed, plus the temp and achy joints had passed. Thank heavens for antibiotics!
Weight
Any way the wee man has clearly not suffered as I got him weighed yesterday and he is now 10lbs 4oz - wee porker - that works out as just over 1/2lb a week!
We are (fingers crossed) getting him to feed at about 7pm ish and he'll last any where between 2.30am and 4.30am (probably the reason for the mastitis as he dropped the 11pmish feed) so we are moving in the right direction. I will def be glad when he extends it as he takes a good hour to feed and burp on a good night (last night because he wouldn't settle was 2.5 hours).
The next thing to work on is getting him to self settle as it really takes him a long time to drop off. Last night I'd had enough of burping and soothing him and swaddled him and put him down and it took a good hour! Phew - not great at 4.30am. I'm trying to get him to do it during the day too, but he really fights it! That said he's asleep just now and as Murray is at nursery and I've done a tonne of chores this am I'm getting 5 mins to sit and type in peace - nice!
Walking
I even got for a decent walk with him the buggy this am - almost 3 miles and feel really good for it as it is a gorgeous crisp wintery day. I have my 6 week check up tomorrow so hopefully I'll be cleared to drive - yeah and cleared to go swimming. I've no idea how I'm going to get out to go swimming, but I'm sure I'll work it out!
Self Affirmations!
I do feel pretty proud of myself for being able to manage the mastitis and keep feeding and learning that he will take a bottle, but then it is such a different situation when your baby feeds well. Still giving myself little pats on the back none the less!
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
4 Weeks and First Day With Al back at Work!
Harris is 4 weeks today.
Someone asked me today if it had gone fast and I replied - yes and no. Time takes on a different dimension with a newborn, especially when you've had a tummy bug and sore throat and your hubby has had a chest infection and your newborn has also had the cold, all while your toddler has also had a tummy bug, but then become v v well and high energy again!
The up side of Harris having the cold is that his ferocious feeding has settled down a bit as he has been v sleeepy. He's getting better now though and has had 2 v awake periods (while happy as opposed to crying) between 7.30am to 10am and 3.30pm - 5.30pm and still there has been bigger gaps between feeds, so perhaps the previous week was a mix of getting sick and growth spurt all in one.
The best thing that has happened the past 2 nights is that I have got a 4 hour block of sleep!!!!! Come on little man - keep extending those night time sleeps please!!!!!!
Today Al went back to work (luckily from home so it is a shorter day) and we have all survived! I managed to get us all out to toddlers almost on time despite Harris needing a feed just before we needed to leave, but then at least he slept for most of the time. In the afternoon, my friend and her toddler came for a play date which was great. Pretty proud of myself coping with a hungry Murray just as my friend was leaving all while Harris needed a long feed. Managed to read Murray 3 Thomas stories and encourage him to play with his musical toy, to keep him from getting into mischief. This also had the benefit of avoiding a repeat of his morning time intrigue of my boob, so was able to feed Harris without Murray prodding my breast at the same time LOL!
Harris has had 2 mat times and Murray has really enjoyed this time, giving Harris big cuddles (had to explain it may not be best to cuddle over his face as he needs to be able to breathe - ha ha) and shaking his toys for him to look at. I saw Harris really watching Murray today - so nice to have in house entertainment for him.
Here's some new photos:
Al's sister sent over some presents from America for the boys. Here is Murray drinking from his spaceman 'cup'!
Someone asked me today if it had gone fast and I replied - yes and no. Time takes on a different dimension with a newborn, especially when you've had a tummy bug and sore throat and your hubby has had a chest infection and your newborn has also had the cold, all while your toddler has also had a tummy bug, but then become v v well and high energy again!
The up side of Harris having the cold is that his ferocious feeding has settled down a bit as he has been v sleeepy. He's getting better now though and has had 2 v awake periods (while happy as opposed to crying) between 7.30am to 10am and 3.30pm - 5.30pm and still there has been bigger gaps between feeds, so perhaps the previous week was a mix of getting sick and growth spurt all in one.
The best thing that has happened the past 2 nights is that I have got a 4 hour block of sleep!!!!! Come on little man - keep extending those night time sleeps please!!!!!!
Today Al went back to work (luckily from home so it is a shorter day) and we have all survived! I managed to get us all out to toddlers almost on time despite Harris needing a feed just before we needed to leave, but then at least he slept for most of the time. In the afternoon, my friend and her toddler came for a play date which was great. Pretty proud of myself coping with a hungry Murray just as my friend was leaving all while Harris needed a long feed. Managed to read Murray 3 Thomas stories and encourage him to play with his musical toy, to keep him from getting into mischief. This also had the benefit of avoiding a repeat of his morning time intrigue of my boob, so was able to feed Harris without Murray prodding my breast at the same time LOL!
Harris has had 2 mat times and Murray has really enjoyed this time, giving Harris big cuddles (had to explain it may not be best to cuddle over his face as he needs to be able to breathe - ha ha) and shaking his toys for him to look at. I saw Harris really watching Murray today - so nice to have in house entertainment for him.
Here's some new photos:
Al's sister sent over some presents from America for the boys. Here is Murray drinking from his spaceman 'cup'!
It is so big, I have to lift it off the table for him to reach the straw!
See....
My 2 Gorgeous Boys!
Brother Sofa Time
"Hello, little brother"
Friday, November 9, 2012
Harris' 3 Week Weight
Harris was weighed yesterday at 3 weeks and 1 day and is now 8lbs 8oz. He gained 11oz in a week - no wonder I'm shattered! I genuinely feel like I'm being sucked away! We've transitioned from 1 to both breasts at every feed, so if he wants on really close together, it is tough going.
I must admit I am really looking fwd to getting more than 2 or sometimes 3 hours of kip at a time. Perhaps once we are fully established, Al can give him a bottle at night so I can get a longer sleep at some point. I am tired and I can only imagine how more tired I'm going to be once Al goes back to work and I have to cope with both boys on my own!
I am really looking fwd to wearing non maternity clothes or track pants. I'm quite swollen above my scar so can't wear normal trousers yet as it is too sore. The scar is healing well though so it'll happen in time.
I have fed Harris out and about 3 times now - can't say I'm terribly discrete, but it can only get better surely?
It has been a v tiring few days as apart from 1 block at night feeds have been 2 hours (from start of feed) apart or less, but today I've had 1 block of 3.5 and another of 2.5 hours and so have actually got a chance to rest.
Not wishing time away, but looking fwd to being able to get into an evening bedtime routine as I definitely miss my evenings.
Al is off Mon and Tues and then back to work on Wed - yikes! We've got Toddlers in the village in the am and a friend is visiting in the pm. On the Thursday I've already lined up meeting with friends in the village in the am and hopefully my dad can visit in the pm and then mum's coming to help out on Friday and then it will just be another 12 days until I can drive and hopefully get back to swimming and a bit more of normal life.
I must admit I am really looking fwd to getting more than 2 or sometimes 3 hours of kip at a time. Perhaps once we are fully established, Al can give him a bottle at night so I can get a longer sleep at some point. I am tired and I can only imagine how more tired I'm going to be once Al goes back to work and I have to cope with both boys on my own!
I am really looking fwd to wearing non maternity clothes or track pants. I'm quite swollen above my scar so can't wear normal trousers yet as it is too sore. The scar is healing well though so it'll happen in time.
I have fed Harris out and about 3 times now - can't say I'm terribly discrete, but it can only get better surely?
It has been a v tiring few days as apart from 1 block at night feeds have been 2 hours (from start of feed) apart or less, but today I've had 1 block of 3.5 and another of 2.5 hours and so have actually got a chance to rest.
Not wishing time away, but looking fwd to being able to get into an evening bedtime routine as I definitely miss my evenings.
Al is off Mon and Tues and then back to work on Wed - yikes! We've got Toddlers in the village in the am and a friend is visiting in the pm. On the Thursday I've already lined up meeting with friends in the village in the am and hopefully my dad can visit in the pm and then mum's coming to help out on Friday and then it will just be another 12 days until I can drive and hopefully get back to swimming and a bit more of normal life.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Harris is 2 Weeks Old
I can't believe Harris is 2 week. Time with a newborn both flies and elongates - the latter mainly because you are up feeding half the night!
The midwife came out on Monday to weigh Harris and he weighed 7lbs 6oz, so had gained 5oz in a week and is already 4oz above his birth weight. What a clever boy!
We had a really rough Sunday. Saturday night Harris fed 5 times and I struggled to resettle him and it continued into Sunday. He slept for 3 hours max between 7am and 9pm! Wow and did he cry! Bless him, he had terrible wind plus it turns out from the midwife coming yesterday that his nipples had become engorged. Poor wee soul. Apparently it is a result of withdrawal from your hormones and can take a few weeks to subside, but can upset them a bit. I thought we were in for a hell of a night, but by some miracle he did settle (thanks infacol) and only need fed at 12.45, 4 and 7. Miracle. He was a lot better yesterday, but still a little windy, but he's been a bit unsettled again today. Thankfully Al took him for a walk in the buggy and he slept as did I as Murray was at nursery this am. The afternoon wasn't bad but the evening was rough and Al had to do the cliche of driving Harris around to get him to drop off and let me go to bed. He has been really good today though, which has really helped me to recharge the batteries.
Murray has settled down a lot and has been super excited when we have all got out as a family. On Sat we got to the soft play area just up the road for an hour. His face was full of smiles and he kept saying: 'baby Harris in the car, mummy in front'. I asked him if he was excited and he replied: 'Yeah! Yeah! Too cute! Then yesterday we got out to the playroom at the Hydro and he was so happy again. He has also asked to cuddle Harris a couple of times. Too lovely and both moments needed to be captured by photo. Yesterday he also said, Harris is my brother. So sweet.
Al's paternity finished today, but thankfully he also has two weeks holiday as there is no way I'd be able to cope without him yet. If it was just Harris, possibly, although it would be pretty hard work, and I wouldn't be able to drive anywhere, but with Murray to run around after, there is no way. I get v tired by the afternoon and sore, plus I couldn't lift Murray at all.
To celebrate Harris' 2 week birthday we all went to Toddlers this am for the Halloween party. Murray went as a Sheriff, while Harris was a pumpkin. Both boys are just so cute.
The midwife came out on Monday to weigh Harris and he weighed 7lbs 6oz, so had gained 5oz in a week and is already 4oz above his birth weight. What a clever boy!
We had a really rough Sunday. Saturday night Harris fed 5 times and I struggled to resettle him and it continued into Sunday. He slept for 3 hours max between 7am and 9pm! Wow and did he cry! Bless him, he had terrible wind plus it turns out from the midwife coming yesterday that his nipples had become engorged. Poor wee soul. Apparently it is a result of withdrawal from your hormones and can take a few weeks to subside, but can upset them a bit. I thought we were in for a hell of a night, but by some miracle he did settle (thanks infacol) and only need fed at 12.45, 4 and 7. Miracle. He was a lot better yesterday, but still a little windy, but he's been a bit unsettled again today. Thankfully Al took him for a walk in the buggy and he slept as did I as Murray was at nursery this am. The afternoon wasn't bad but the evening was rough and Al had to do the cliche of driving Harris around to get him to drop off and let me go to bed. He has been really good today though, which has really helped me to recharge the batteries.
Murray has settled down a lot and has been super excited when we have all got out as a family. On Sat we got to the soft play area just up the road for an hour. His face was full of smiles and he kept saying: 'baby Harris in the car, mummy in front'. I asked him if he was excited and he replied: 'Yeah! Yeah! Too cute! Then yesterday we got out to the playroom at the Hydro and he was so happy again. He has also asked to cuddle Harris a couple of times. Too lovely and both moments needed to be captured by photo. Yesterday he also said, Harris is my brother. So sweet.
First Brotherly Cuddle
Another Cuddle
Al's paternity finished today, but thankfully he also has two weeks holiday as there is no way I'd be able to cope without him yet. If it was just Harris, possibly, although it would be pretty hard work, and I wouldn't be able to drive anywhere, but with Murray to run around after, there is no way. I get v tired by the afternoon and sore, plus I couldn't lift Murray at all.
To celebrate Harris' 2 week birthday we all went to Toddlers this am for the Halloween party. Murray went as a Sheriff, while Harris was a pumpkin. Both boys are just so cute.
Murray, The Sheriff of Muthill!
Pumpkin Harris
Friday, October 26, 2012
First Week at Home.
My first week (well 5 days) at home have been pretty exhausting. Murray has been pretty challenging swinging between being desperate to crawl all over me and naughty behaviour. It's been quite upsetting to see him upset and also to not be able to lift him whenever he's wanted a cuddle. That said, I was able to do his story time last night and he has been much more settled today, so fingers crossed that continues. I think the more I'm able to do the less wobbly he'll feel, but I must be careful as I have a bit of swelling above my scar again (coupled with pretty rough pain) that came back last night after being pretty flat, so steady, steady.
The midwife weighed Harris on day 5 and he had only lost 1oz so he (and me) are doing really well with breast feeding. When she came out today she was going to re-weigh him, but she decided not to dishcharge me and let my normal midwife who has been on hol come out on Monday to see me and weigh Harris then. I'm looking forward to finding out f he has gained - certainly from the amount of feeds, he should do.
The first couple of nights home were a bit rough with cluster feeding, but the past 3 have been perfectly acceptable for this stage - I go to bed about 9 - 10 ish and Al brings Harris through for a feed about 11.30 - midnight ish. Then another feed between about half 2 and 3 and then another between half 5 and 6. Then Murray is up so it is breakfast for him and me and before I know it another feed. During the day Harris will swing between feeds 1.5, 2 and 3 hours apart depending on whether he sleeps or is awake between feeds.
The night before his 1 week old birthday, we gave Harris his first bath at home.
This evening activity seemed to help him sleep so we've been getting him awake every evening either with a bath or mat time. It is so lovely when he opens his eyes.
Today I managed to venture out of the house to the cafe over the road for hot choc and lunch. It was lovely to take Harris out and helped me to feel a bit more confident about getting out with Murray soon (he was at nursery this am). I was shattered after though and crashed out for an hour so must keep that in mind if going out.
The midwife weighed Harris on day 5 and he had only lost 1oz so he (and me) are doing really well with breast feeding. When she came out today she was going to re-weigh him, but she decided not to dishcharge me and let my normal midwife who has been on hol come out on Monday to see me and weigh Harris then. I'm looking forward to finding out f he has gained - certainly from the amount of feeds, he should do.
The first couple of nights home were a bit rough with cluster feeding, but the past 3 have been perfectly acceptable for this stage - I go to bed about 9 - 10 ish and Al brings Harris through for a feed about 11.30 - midnight ish. Then another feed between about half 2 and 3 and then another between half 5 and 6. Then Murray is up so it is breakfast for him and me and before I know it another feed. During the day Harris will swing between feeds 1.5, 2 and 3 hours apart depending on whether he sleeps or is awake between feeds.
The night before his 1 week old birthday, we gave Harris his first bath at home.
This evening activity seemed to help him sleep so we've been getting him awake every evening either with a bath or mat time. It is so lovely when he opens his eyes.
Today I managed to venture out of the house to the cafe over the road for hot choc and lunch. It was lovely to take Harris out and helped me to feel a bit more confident about getting out with Murray soon (he was at nursery this am). I was shattered after though and crashed out for an hour so must keep that in mind if going out.
Monday, October 22, 2012
Harris Stewart Nicholl
Welcome to the world little baby Harris!
He was born on Wednesday 17th October at 2.13pm, weighing 7lbs 2oz.
Despite a UTI diagnosed 4 days before my scheduled section date that was causing contractions I made it to my date without going into labour.
On Wednesday 17th October I arrived at the Labour Suite at Ninewells hospital feeling terrified, relieved that pregnancy was nearly over and excited to meet my wee babba. Despite having to be there at 9am I wasn't taken into theatre until about half 1 ish (I was STARVING!) and little baby Harris Stewart was born at 2.13pm weighing 7lbs 2oz.
We were able to watch Harris enter the world as they lowered the drapes for us at our request, and it was truly one of the most amazing experiences of my life.
The section was very overwhelming as the spinal works incredibly quickly and you sort of fold in two as they lay you down. It can also cause various side effects like low BP, pain in chest, blinding headache and itching. Unbelievably I got them all! Fortunately they are able to give drugs to counteract them but it does mean that your system has been pumped full of a tonne of drugs. The only one that can't be treated completely is the itching and unless it is awful they let the spinal wear off slowly so you keep the pain relief and just give you pirotin which helps but doesn't remove it, so you spend the next 24 hours itching. I had forgotten I had that last time too, but my sis reminded me. I was expecting it to be painful after, but I don't think you can ever be fully prepared for when the pain block wears off - phew! That first night was a bit rough until they upped the drugs a bit. I'm now at the stage where I know when the pain meds have worn off and I remember it is pretty sore, but that first night it was sore even with the drugs!
The team in the labour ward at Ninewells were absolutely lovely and I cannot fault them in anyway, but crickey as soon as you go up into that postnatal ward it is bedlam. Midwives and doctors disappear to get drugs/second opinions and don't return! Again I got NO sleep as there are just so many babies crying and you're in pain etc... Luckily the pain reduced enough the next day to be able to get up and get back to PRI where once again the standard of care is magnificent in the midwife unit. I even had a private room this time. I am so glad to have taken the time to recover as hard as it was to be away from Murray as it has allowed Breast feeding to get going and so far it is like night and day compared to last time, plus I've been able to reduce my pain levels significantly without a toddler wanting to crawl all over me. I got back today and I left PRI feeling quite good, but by the time we arrived home after a 30 min drive I was wiped and I had to feed Harris immediately and then read Murray a story. Thankfully Al's folks took Murray out to the Park then and I was able to lie down and within about 1 minute I was asleep!
When I woke up I came through to Harris needing a feed and Murray stroking Harris' head. Too cute! Even cuter was before he had gone to the park he had wanted to help Al swaddle Harris and it was just too gorgeous to watch him handing his daddy the ends of the blanket to wrap around his little brother.
Vital Stats:
Head Circumference: Harris: 33.3cm Murray: 33.3cm
Length: Harris: 49cm Murray: 47.5cm
Weight: Harris: 7lbs 2oz Murray: 7lbs 15oz
APGAR Score: Harris: 9 @ 1 and 5 mins Murray: 9 @ 1 and 5 mins.
I am so blessed to have 2 beautiful, beautiful, healthy boys.
He was born on Wednesday 17th October at 2.13pm, weighing 7lbs 2oz.
Harris and Mummy
Harris, Mummy and Daddy
Family Nicholl - What a lucky Mummy I am!
Despite a UTI diagnosed 4 days before my scheduled section date that was causing contractions I made it to my date without going into labour.
On Wednesday 17th October I arrived at the Labour Suite at Ninewells hospital feeling terrified, relieved that pregnancy was nearly over and excited to meet my wee babba. Despite having to be there at 9am I wasn't taken into theatre until about half 1 ish (I was STARVING!) and little baby Harris Stewart was born at 2.13pm weighing 7lbs 2oz.
We were able to watch Harris enter the world as they lowered the drapes for us at our request, and it was truly one of the most amazing experiences of my life.
The section was very overwhelming as the spinal works incredibly quickly and you sort of fold in two as they lay you down. It can also cause various side effects like low BP, pain in chest, blinding headache and itching. Unbelievably I got them all! Fortunately they are able to give drugs to counteract them but it does mean that your system has been pumped full of a tonne of drugs. The only one that can't be treated completely is the itching and unless it is awful they let the spinal wear off slowly so you keep the pain relief and just give you pirotin which helps but doesn't remove it, so you spend the next 24 hours itching. I had forgotten I had that last time too, but my sis reminded me. I was expecting it to be painful after, but I don't think you can ever be fully prepared for when the pain block wears off - phew! That first night was a bit rough until they upped the drugs a bit. I'm now at the stage where I know when the pain meds have worn off and I remember it is pretty sore, but that first night it was sore even with the drugs!
The team in the labour ward at Ninewells were absolutely lovely and I cannot fault them in anyway, but crickey as soon as you go up into that postnatal ward it is bedlam. Midwives and doctors disappear to get drugs/second opinions and don't return! Again I got NO sleep as there are just so many babies crying and you're in pain etc... Luckily the pain reduced enough the next day to be able to get up and get back to PRI where once again the standard of care is magnificent in the midwife unit. I even had a private room this time. I am so glad to have taken the time to recover as hard as it was to be away from Murray as it has allowed Breast feeding to get going and so far it is like night and day compared to last time, plus I've been able to reduce my pain levels significantly without a toddler wanting to crawl all over me. I got back today and I left PRI feeling quite good, but by the time we arrived home after a 30 min drive I was wiped and I had to feed Harris immediately and then read Murray a story. Thankfully Al's folks took Murray out to the Park then and I was able to lie down and within about 1 minute I was asleep!
When I woke up I came through to Harris needing a feed and Murray stroking Harris' head. Too cute! Even cuter was before he had gone to the park he had wanted to help Al swaddle Harris and it was just too gorgeous to watch him handing his daddy the ends of the blanket to wrap around his little brother.
Vital Stats:
Head Circumference: Harris: 33.3cm Murray: 33.3cm
Length: Harris: 49cm Murray: 47.5cm
Weight: Harris: 7lbs 2oz Murray: 7lbs 15oz
APGAR Score: Harris: 9 @ 1 and 5 mins Murray: 9 @ 1 and 5 mins.
I am so blessed to have 2 beautiful, beautiful, healthy boys.
Thursday, October 11, 2012
38 Weeks - comparison pics!
So I took my last pregnancy pics with Murray a couple of days shy of 38 weeks.
The second set of photos with babba 2 were taken at 38 weeks + 2days.
The second set of photos with babba 2 were taken at 38 weeks + 2days.
Murray Pics
Babba #2 Pics
I reckon I'm lower and further out front, but poss not as wide???? Perhaps it is just perspective. All I know is my poor wee belly button has actually turned right the way out and hurts!
I am ready to be done. I saw the midwife yesterday and she told me not to go too far afield as I was 3/5ths engaged. I am almost waddling (really trying to engage 'abs' to prevent myself) but baby's head is def v v low and it is getting pretty hard not to just want to move about on all 4s! LOL!
It is HARD going with a toddler - at this stage last time I could just sit down if I wanted to, but Murray is not terribly understanding of that (although he does come up to me now and rub my back while saying, 'rub it better for mummy' -awwwww too cute) so toddler classes etc still have to be attended.
Mum and dad have been fab and dad rescued me today and let me get a sleep this pm as I had only managed 3 hours last night thanks to some pretty rough Braxtons that had me thinking perhaps the time had come, but did ease off. Trouble is by that stage I could not get back to sleep until some time after 5am. Rough!
I am looking forward to meeting baby now though, so...watch this space so to speak.
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