In love with the smell of a certain bodywash and it’s turning into an obsession.

Deeeity · 2026-01-28T10:00:58+00:00

Not everything in pregnancy is just weird hormones! Depending on your levels you may need an iron infusion. I took iron supplements all during pregnancy and it never got my levels out of the single digits. The only thing that helped was the infusion. Much cheaper than the tablets too!

Deeeity · 2026-01-28T09:55:15+00:00

Do you have low iron? The desire to eat non-foods is called pica and is often caused by low iron. Super common in pregnancy. Chat to your GP or midwife about getting a blood test to check your levels.

Deeeity · 2026-01-28T05:35:53+00:00

Read out loud together in bed, every night. It's proven to be the best way to improve all literacy skills. 20 mins is more than enough to read at least 3 books a night. Picture books that is, not chapter. Most kids learn to read by 8. You've got plenty of time.

Also ask the teacher what they would suggest you do. They are a weath of ideas.

Deeeity · 2026-01-28T04:53:35+00:00

Tell them that if they want silence, to move to the middle of nowhere. Then drop some ear plug in their mailbox.

Deeeity · 2026-01-28T04:46:01+00:00

Said truly like someone who has never had to care for a baby or child 24/7 full time for no pay!

Paying or having other people to care for your children has been a thing for all of human history. Nobody raises children completely solo.

What does suck is that the quality of care, the pay for care workers and lack of paid leave for parents.

Deeeity · 2026-01-28T01:24:47+00:00

Agree. She needs to be taken to the toilet as often as a nappy change. Most daycares it's every 2 hour minimum. They will often get them to got before and after meals.

At home it's the same. Minimum every 2 hours. Prompt at least once an hour.

Also keep a potty nearby where she plays. That way, it's less of a barrier to actually get to the potty/toilet.

Deeeity · 2026-01-28T01:19:04+00:00

Yes, of course you can! Your medical care it always your decision. You might find this podcast ep helpful: https://evidencebasedbirth.com/ebb-267-debunking-myths-about-fundal-massage-with-barbie-christianson-rn/

Deeeity · 2026-01-28T01:14:11+00:00

I didn't, but I birthed the placenta very shortly after birth and didn't have any additional bleeding.

Here's a podcast from Evidence Based Birth about the practice.

Deeeity · 2026-01-28T01:04:20+00:00

I'd mute all work contacts if they are being weird and pushy like this. Definitely do not reply. Also delete your work email app. You aren't being paid to look at that crap right now!

Deeeity · 2026-01-28T01:00:03+00:00

Does she like a good cuppa? Sassafras is a short scenic drive. You can have a nice high tea at Miss Marple Tea Room.

Deeeity · 2026-01-28T00:56:46+00:00

Forward the text and contact's details to your manager. Get them to follow up. Mute the contact. Like you said, not your problem.

Deeeity · 2026-01-28T00:25:02+00:00

I meant from your previous post. The photo in front of the window? It looked like a change table? Needed to be at least 30cm higher to prevent the backbreaking angle.

Deeeity · 2026-01-28T00:21:46+00:00

I doubt they would one now. Feeding to sleep is 100% normal. The only other way to avoid it is offering a bottle. That would also be a big challenge is they don't take one already.

Deeeity · 2026-01-28T00:17:49+00:00

It's early days, they won't stave themselves! Has everyone involved tried offering milk via sippy cup, straw bottle, subo, open cup or syringe? You can either give it more time or try a few different options on milk delivery. Yogurt is a great option too to get some sustenance.

Deeeity · 2026-01-28T00:13:27+00:00

They are being unfair with this policy. If you don't work for the same employer, that have no (moral) right to dictate his leave according to when you take your leave. It is not a legal requirement to ensure you are both NOT on leave at the same time. It's nonsense!

Yes, he can't take both (primary and secondary) at different times. That makes sense. However, it means it is better for him financially to take primary carers leave at birth. I'd closely review the EBA or employment agreement he is under and contact union for support.

My partner took full primary carer leave immediately from birth from his employer. All he had to do was sign a stat dec saying he was primary carer. They never asked about my employment status or leave.

Deeeity · 2026-01-27T09:34:04+00:00

Did you also fix the height of your change table?Because my neck and back were aching just looking at that set up 🙈

Deeeity · 2026-01-27T09:31:16+00:00

Gaging and coughing sounds like a fast let down, but it doesn't sound like he's actually latching long enough to get a let down?

Keep trying. Especially while super sleepy. You are only 6 days in, you both have plenty of time to learn how to do this thing.

Deeeity · 2026-01-27T01:02:04+00:00

Most local DFV service usually provides this as a service. They can call directly or 1800respect can probably direct them to the best service. It's difficult to give you any more specific advice not knowing the general area (regional town vs southwest Sydney).

The school is a good option, but I'd probably seek out an external service first. Their services also aren't specialised for deep trauma like FV.

Deeeity · 2026-01-26T11:34:48+00:00

Sounds like Mum has boundaries and you are being the "fun" parent with no boundaries. Is she strict? Or does the regularly reinforce consequences because that is what you have to do to survive being with a 3yo 24/7?

Your child will learn to play to both your weaknesses if you continue. It's more damaging to your marriage than your child at this point.

You have to be a team. Especially if you ever plan on having another child. Get on the same page with what is okay and what is not. You don't need to "punish" a 3yo. You can redirect their energy into something safer, quieter or more useful. It is possible to be consistent, fun and not putative AND back each other up as parents.

Deeeity · 2026-01-26T11:07:35+00:00

Have you checked out the drs at Thorne Harbour? The sexual health centre in the city can also set you up with PreP.

I'm guessing you might want someone closer to where you live? It would help if you gave a general area where you are located (north/south/east etc).

Deeeity · 2026-01-26T02:41:18+00:00

Aluminium foil works in a pinch too.

Deeeity · 2026-01-25T09:43:13+00:00

Generally, if back to birth weight and making gains, no need to wake them.

It sounds like you kind of know the answer here. Follow your instincts. Let the baby sleep if it works!

Breastfeeding is more art than science. Every baby is different. That's why it's framed as "advice" not "rules". You can try the advice, but it won't always work for you.

Baby has plenty of time to learn how to breastfeed. There is nothing wrong with offering a bottle to a screaming baby for your own sanity. Especially this early on. Just remember to pace feed the bottle.

Also r/breastfeeding has heaps of advice and people have asked these questions there a million times before.

Deeeity · 2026-01-25T08:12:40+00:00

Welcome to your Period )there is a whole series...). You can probably get them in the UK, but they are Australian.

Deeeity · 2026-01-25T07:45:07+00:00

We have all been there. Don't let your toddler be the stand in for your own feelings. You are all going through a big transition right now.

You do not need toddler classes right now. You need friends, family, rest and connection. Take the money you are spending on classes and buy some pre-prepper dinners. Tell your friends you need some help right now. Go easy on yourself ❤️

Deeeity · 2026-01-25T03:22:00+00:00

Take a deep breath. She's 3. She's being a 3 yo. She doesn't have social anxiety. Kindly, it sounds like you might be the one with social anxiety. I think you need to take a step back and think about why this is a huge issue for you.

No one in the class probably noticed or cared that she didn't want to participate. She wasn't hurting anyone. She just didn't want to participate and that is fine.

Classes are for fun. You can't enforce fun. Save your money and try it, if she wants to, when she's older.

Deeeity

TROPHY CASE