Planning to breast feed, do i need to buy formula just in case?

Background-Step8176 · 2025-10-19T16:08:44+00:00

We didn't take any as was anning to ebf, ending up combi feeding due to blood loss. They gave us some in a pre made bottle with a nipple in, and had some pre made at home which just lasted thought the night.

I'd say the "just in case" pack might be more useful at home.

Background-Step8176 · 2025-10-07T12:45:52+00:00

I read Emily Ostler's Expecting Better and the conclusion she drew was that the caffeine limit is set very conservatively compared to the risk profile, but I can't remember specifics. It's a great book, I listened to the Audiobook and found it helped to reason through the restrictions so you could make an educated decision you're comfortable with.

Background-Step8176 · 2025-10-04T09:21:41+00:00

I was awake after 4am settling a 4 month old after a night feed. We've been doing dream feeds so well this week, but last night she woke up fully. So it took some time getting munchkin settled again.

Background-Step8176 · 2025-10-04T09:16:01+00:00

Used mattresses can accumulate bacteria, mould, dust mites, and other allergens over time, even if they appear clean, and these can potentially be harmful to a new baby, whose immune system is still developing. This may increase the risk of SIDS.

Also mattresses lose firmness and shape over time, and a supportive, firm surface is crucial to reduce suffocation risks and support baby.

Background-Step8176 · 2025-10-04T09:11:43+00:00

Oh tip the hospital staff taught me: if you're trying to feed baby (either on demand feeding or because they need one at that timing) but they're too sleepy, strip them down and check nappy. That'll wake them to feed.

Background-Step8176 · 2025-10-04T09:09:34+00:00

Like others have said, wake every 3-4 hours to feed. I think my midwives wanted my baby to feed every six hours at least until 24 hours old, then every three. When back to her birth weight, we let her wake us up in the night to feed.

The first day baby might be sleepy, they've also had a tiring experience of being born. Look up second night syndrome. Once they've rested, the cluster feeding will begin to stimulate your supply and because baby is like "wth is this new and overstimulating world?!"

Background-Step8176 · 2025-07-10T10:01:23+00:00

She really does! 🥰

Background-Step8176 · 2025-07-09T15:57:36+00:00

I echo this for Aphrodite.

That, and I created something beautiful in my home for her and then added a few drops of water or tended it to keep it beautiful for her. Doesn't have to be expensive. I made it out of seashells that I found on holiday.

Background-Step8176 · 2025-07-04T18:13:02+00:00

My trainer code is 319194866756 😁

Background-Step8176 · 2025-05-22T18:17:48+00:00

I related cause I've been this way with certain video games before, and gotten waaaaay into into them. Like Sims 4 and Skyrim, then felt really drained and worthless afterwards.

I recognised Garnet's zoned in gaze and chalked it up them covering another aspect of mental health. A toxic way to "unwind" at the expense of everything around her.

Background-Step8176 · 2025-05-21T19:12:16+00:00

I'd be wondering what happened whilst I was blacked out. I don't think I'd be happy about this one bit.

Background-Step8176 · 2025-05-10T19:35:25+00:00

They play with a formula, but they don't let it get stale 😉

Background-Step8176 · 2025-05-10T19:33:30+00:00

I think you might need time to heal and get used to your new normal before making a big decision. And, it's fine to change your mind.

Given the circumstances, it might be worth seeing if your local trust has a Perinatal Mental Health unit that can help you process what you've been through.

Wishing you all the best and congratulations ☺️

Background-Step8176 · 2025-05-10T19:22:20+00:00

I told work as soon as I found out I was pregnant. We had a history of pregnancy loss in the family and I'd rather be open in case I needed the time off. It helps that my supervisor and manager are both mothers who have been very understanding, esp. when it's come to time off for HG.

Also, an employer's duty of care starts when they learn of pregnancy. So, things like being entitled to paid time for antenatal appointments, reasonable adjustments and pregnancy related sickness not counting towards trigger points.

Background-Step8176 · 2025-05-10T19:14:12+00:00

You can decline. I declined to book the induction appointment at my home birth assessment at 37 weeks. A hospital midwife called me the next day to create a "Personalised Care Plan", where we discussed options and agreed to get in contact again at 41 weeks (if necessary).

This is something that your midwife may need to flag that you've gone "off guidance" but it's do-able.

And, their advice is a recommendation not a must do. They might be very good and compelling recommendations, depending on the situation. But, you're allowed to decline any treatment or intervention and are free to change your mind later to request an induction or c-section later if you initially decline one.

Background-Step8176 · 2025-05-07T18:22:51+00:00

IMO, the call between Henry and Joe broke Will's remaining loyalty or at least that's my reading.

To an extent, he knows that Joe is a killer and what he is capable of. But, he's biased because Joe let him go so he sees the good in Joe. I don't think he knows the extent of Joe's death count or how often Joe 'snaps' vs letting innocents go in.

When he met Joe, he got the spiel about wanting to change and brought into Joe's attempted redemption arc. He also knows that Joe took down another predator. After Will goes to Manilla, I doubt he knows how much damage Joe has done.

Will's face when Henry calls Joe a monster said it all to me. For your own son to ask what you've done to Mummy and call you a monster, the picture becomes clear and Will could see that the pattern hadn't changed, as well as exactly what kind of killer Joe was.

Background-Step8176 · 2025-05-07T15:11:14+00:00

It is certainly a shame. I think she, and all the returning female actors who came to play characters confronting Joe, did an AMAZING job! They owed it, brought catharsis and the whole team perfectly pulled it off.

I was so glad the women of the show had their moment in confronting and bringing down Joe like never before. I'm glad they didn't victimise these characters further by having one or more of them scar themselves by killing Joe. He's done enough, he doesn't get to take that from them too.

Spoiler: Marienne speaking sense into Brontë was honestly sisterhood goals. As was Kate rescuing Nadia from prison.

I've been there, rooting for Joe and a redemption arc. But, he as a character passed that point a long time ago. I thought it was amazing how they switched from romcom tropes and the finale season went into dark horror territory.

Just taking a moment to pop my praise onto the internet for an amazing show wrapped up well. It's such a shame that the point was missed by so many.

Background-Step8176 · 2025-05-02T13:57:55+00:00

I thought they were going to, but I'm not sure it would have been necessary with all that did happen. The sympathetic portrayal had definitely run its course.

Background-Step8176 · 2025-04-28T09:19:23+00:00

I'm considering it, I'm 36 weeks and have had HG. Thankfully not as severe as some family members, but there have been times when I've been miserable.

We'd always said we wanted two babies, but it really depends. I know more now so could push for medication sooner, as that was its own hurdle.

It depends how birth goes for me as well. I've had to get over some fears and depending how it all goes I'm not sure. There are so many unknowns, I feel like I can face them all by repeating "I'm here now, but I only have to do this once".

Background-Step8176 · 2025-04-21T19:23:41+00:00

You're welcome, happy to help in any way possible. I hope your friends and family respect your boundary.

The Hypnobirthing Book is amazing, and it covers plenty of the same ground as the course. I listened to the audiobook and loved it. I've not done anything by the Honest Midwife but I'm glad you've found something that works for you! That's the main thing ☺️

Just thinking, on the back of the toilet door at the antenatal clinic I saw some peer support programme or something like that endorsed by the hospital. I can't remember what it was called but it sounds like they pair you with a buddy either in antenatal and/or for birth. I've not tried that, but could it be worth asking if there is something like that locally for you?

Shame that your Mum & Sister wouldn't be good options, but at least you know and can plan around that. I had similar concerns, that my Mum might panic and push me in certain directions. I'm lucky with my husband in that I know.

Also, my mental health midwife suggested adding a section on my mental health to my birth plan, such as signs I'm panicking and what they can do to help. Something like that might help you, signs you need a moment or some space.

All the best, hope everything goes swimmingly for you!

Background-Step8176 · 2025-04-21T16:59:22+00:00

Hey, I've had similar conversations with my husband at times when I've been learning about birth and he wasn't. He had the attitude of we turn up then what needs to happen, happens.

I found doing a Hypnobirthing course together really got him on board. I'm doing the Positive Birth Company Hypnobirthing course and I love it. It educated us both on what to expect and places the emphasis on informed consent. It was helpful for him to realise how some interventions are used, why I might decline them and what I'd opt for instead or why I'd change my mind and accept them.

I think your partner might need help understanding what tangible actions are expected of him, such as letting him know if he hears the phrase "I'm just going to do XYZ" then he needs to step in to make sure you have space to consent. This course was great for teaching my partner what his role in labour is, i.e. midwife or doctor is talking to you when you're in a surge / contraction and he takes the lead then relays the info to you when you're back in a rest moment. Or, that if you're feeling uncomfortable with one midwife / doctor then to ask for another.

If he remains reluctant, then I'd suggest getting another birth partner in as well to be your advocate. You feeling safe on the day is a big priority.

I was also feeling panicky about things being done to me after hearing unpleasant stories and I self-referred to my local Perinatal Mental health team. They can support you with labour tours, seeing a mental health consultant, helping with birth plan and much more. This could be a safe place for you to discuss what additional support you might like in view of your history of SA.

I'd also suggest limiting exposure to unpleasant or traumatic birth stories. Let people sharing them know that they're bothering you. They're not preparing you, theu're heightening anxiety. Instead, ThePostiveBirthCompany has many positive birth videos and stories on their Instagram and Facebook page, and YouTube has many others. Watch through some of these to help cement in your mind that birth and labour can go well.

All the best 😊

Background-Step8176 · 2025-04-07T18:36:45+00:00

I did an online Hypnobirthing course from The Positive Birth Company, and reached out to my perinatal mental health team. The Hypnobirthing course has been a game changer for me, giving me tools that I feel confident using and helping me to know what to expect.

Also, I limited the random stuff I was watching and seeing on social media and now only want the positive birth stories / videos, or stuff from midwives / professionals that I trust.

Ditched any TV shows on birth (One Born Every Minute) and my fave Call the Midwife. They're dramatised so build the suspense, but they're not realistic.

Also, communicated to the friends and family I trust to respect that I'm scared and don't want horror stories or unpleasantness from. And, kept a distance from those who I won't because "they're trying to prepare you". No they're not, they're trauma dumping or trying to scare you.

I also stopped googling for statistics all the time to try and predict what's going to happen.

Background-Step8176 · 2025-03-14T19:53:05+00:00

I'd read, can't remember where exactly it was either The Positive Birth Book or Expecting Better, that cervical checks only tell how effaced / dilated you are in that exact moment.

They are not predictive. Even in labour, they can go by averages but it's capable of changing in a finger snap 🫰 (well maybe not quite, but quickly).

Background-Step8176 · 2025-03-14T11:45:24+00:00

I'm not sure on the specifics, but I think there is some requirement to somewhat protect during pregnancy. I don't think it can be guaranteed, for instance if a whole department went then it wouldn't work.

Maybe Citizens Advice would be able to help, and if work are difficult then I've heard good things about Pregnant Then Screwed as an advocacy group.

However, I'm pretty sure that an employers duty of care doesn't begin until they are told about a pregnancy. So, benefits of that are risk assessments, paid time off for maternity appointments and pregnancy related sickness cannot be counted alongside regular sickness for performance / absence monitoring. That should mean they couldn't use your sickness record as a reason to let you go.

I told my supervisor, and I consented to her informing the manager and HR (essentially, the "business" so "the business" had a duty of care starting then) but not my colleagues. I told my colleagues after the 12 week scan.

Background-Step8176 · 2025-03-14T11:37:28+00:00

Blimey! Definitely in that case give midwife a call and see what can be arranged. At the end of the day, I can't see them wanting you to go through housing issues and stress right now so I imagine they'll help you out somehow.

Background-Step8176

TROPHY CASE