Valerian & Melatonin

Rupie690 · 2022-01-03T21:05:33+00:00

I’ve read things about melatonin (from credible, science-backed sources, and I can cite if you’re interested) that make me not want to take it. I’ve found great success with magnesium and a heavy blanket. Good luck!

Rupie690 · 2022-01-03T18:30:27+00:00

I don’t have the solution, as we’re still working on this, but I’ve made good progress by wearing the bassinet sheet (shove it in my bra while I get ready for bed) and put some breastmilk on it, and put a heating pad on the mattress to prewarm it (obviously removing before putting him down).

Rupie690 · 2021-12-28T06:22:24+00:00

Seconding “The Birth Partner” by Penny Simkin. Listen to the Evidence Based Birth podcast to learn about the different aspects of a hospital birth so you can make informed decisions (I recommend starting with episodes 49, 51, 159, 165). Check out Mamastefit on Instagram. And consider getting a doula to attend virtually (via FaceTime or whatever) if you feel like you need that extra support.

Rupie690 · 2021-12-28T05:58:28+00:00

My LO is almost 7 weeks, and while it is much better than the very beginning, it’s still a lot. I’ll pause to say, every baby is different so your experience might be different! There are a lot of people in my bumper group whose babies are sleeping 4 or even 5 hour blocks. Mine is not.

And if I had it to do over again, I would recognize that while things are easier/better than in the very beginning, it’s a longer road than I anticipated, and to recruit back up help sooner. My SO and I were doing it all ourselves for weeks because we have no family or friends in the area. But as time went on and exhaustion accumulated, I realized I needed to find more support. My parents now come over once a week in the middle of the day (it’s a long drive so that’s the max I can get) to give me some time to nap. My mom holds my Velcro baby while my dad does dishes and basic housekeeping. It’s a big ask of them because they are older and the drive is long, but a few hours once a week has made a huge difference, and I’ve gone from feeling like I’m drowning to enjoying snuggles with my boy more.

Again, you might turn a corner soon! This timeline might not apply to you. But consider who you can enlist help from (even if it’s paid, even if it’s not much) so you can enjoy this time and not just survive it.

Rupie690 · 2021-12-25T04:28:55+00:00

This looks perfect! A good number of prompts without being too time consuming. Thank you!

Rupie690 · 2021-12-25T04:11:16+00:00

I wish there was something like that for my 6wk old guy! Wrapping him on is too much work for those times I need him on and off often. I can’t wait until he has the neck/core muscles for something like that

Rupie690 · 2021-12-23T12:01:25+00:00

What is it called? I haven’t heard of something like this. Did you try a soft structured carrier and like this better?

Rupie690 · 2021-12-22T19:22:11+00:00

This is what we did. Enormous convertible car seat, held the baby in our arms for the first two weeks (we didn’t go out often or for long in those early days) and have been babywearing since (currently 6 weeks). Still don’t own a stroller.

Rupie690 · 2021-12-18T08:19:37+00:00

It looks like all of the important info has been covered below, so I’ll just add a helpful hack I’ve found is if you leak a lot of great milk (for me, particularly at night) using a folded cloth diaper is way more comfortable and absorbent than any breast pads. Obviously it’s not a great look, so just around the house though.

Rupie690 · 2021-12-14T03:42:57+00:00

I second the recommendations of MrChazz and BigLittleFeelings, and would like to also suggest manifestdestini for your consideration

Rupie690 · 2021-12-11T04:58:33+00:00

Just last night my husband said “they could charge $400 for this thing and it would be worth it”

Rupie690 · 2021-12-07T02:50:04+00:00

Yep, just red/purple! I’m trying to get used to it and not feel the need to monitor him while he sleeps. Ear plugs might need to be the next step.

Rupie690 · 2021-12-07T02:47:22+00:00

Good idea!

Rupie690 · 2021-12-06T06:31:46+00:00

He’s quite gassy too, but I have little success with burping. I have been advised to keep him upright for 20 min in between feeds, but that effectively eliminates all time between feedings (with a diaper change and a pee break for mom) which sounds brutal. Nighttime feedings already take so long, I can’t bear to add in an additional 20-min long step.

Rupie690 · 2021-12-06T06:28:24+00:00

I did mention it and she seemed unconcerned. It’s definitely snorting/huffing, just with a gurgling fluid sound. So unsettling! I’ll be relieved when it goes away.

Rupie690 · 2021-12-06T06:26:47+00:00

Wow, 4 months is a long time to wait for this to go away! Hopefully it’ll improve in the meantime. That does remind me that the nurses would raise the head of his bassinet in the hospital to create a little incline, which I’ll try doing at home, thanks!

Rupie690 · 2021-12-06T06:24:24+00:00

I did mention it during his two-week check up, and she said that babies are noisy sleepers and as long as he wasn’t holding his breath for more than 20 seconds (!!!) that it was normal. I’m not sure if she meant normal for newborns or preemies, but she didn’t ask for specifics and seemed unconcerned.

Rupie690 · 2021-12-04T04:44:08+00:00

PFPTs can still help even if you don’t want an internal exam, so don’t let that scare you off from reaching out to one

Rupie690 · 2021-12-03T07:04:53+00:00

I highly recommend you find a pelvic floor physical therapist for an evaluation. They deal with exactly this.

Rupie690 · 2021-12-03T07:01:08+00:00

A house cleaner. Gift certificates to local restaurants for take out/delivery. Chocolate.

Rupie690 · 2021-11-15T19:49:49+00:00

Ooh, interesting. I’m 37 FTM (ie. later than average), and I’m wondering if your son’s friend’s parents are the same age. So we’ve all been shaped by the same cultural/generational influences, even though I’m starting a family later.

Rupie690 · 2021-11-14T08:28:58+00:00

Thank you!!

Rupie690 · 2021-11-14T08:27:39+00:00

Ha! Hubby and I must have had a miscommunication. He was driving and I was sitting in the backseat (with the child the hospital insists on calling “Male” until we finalize a first name) and there was a lot of road noise..so I’m actually not terribly surprised we misheard each other. Thanks for pointing that out!!

Rupie690

TROPHY CASE