oldie44's profile

oldie44
	Age: 44 Country: - Province/region: - City: - Partner: husband of 25 years Children: Yes, 2 Pregnant: Not anymore Occupation: RN
	Online: 2 days ago. Last updated: 16 days ago. Member since: 213 days
\| Profile \| Photos (0) \| Children (2) \| Blog (0) \| Polls (0) \| Agenda (0) \| Comments added (85) \| Notepad

Members

More....

My name is Irena. I am 44 and have 3 childen, 23, 18, and 5.5. I am going to celebrate 25 years anniversary on Feb. 19. I can't believe it is going to be a quarter of century soon! My last baby girl was born on April, 10, 2002, 3 days before my husband's birthday. The baby I am carrying right now will be born (I am afraid to think so far in the future, afraid to jinx it) is due July 6, a week before my 45th burthday. This pregnancy was a surprise for for both my husband and for me. Actually, it will be a surprise for my husband when I tell him, right now he is still in a happy bliss of not knowing. I try to spare his feeling as long as I can, because I am very, very sure he will not be happy and it is a very mild way to put it.

I think there is something spiritual in my conceiving this child. We have not been using birth control for over a year now, somehow I was sure I could not concieve any longer. My mother told me she had early menopause and since my periods decreased to 1.5 days, I thought I was immune too. But something happened - first, very very sad: my co-worker, a briliant, vibrant, always happy and charming girl 36 years old died suddenly while working out in her GYM. She had an artificial heart valve that was due to be replaced, but she was putting it off. She left so many things and projects unfinished (she was a clinical nurse specialist, very involved in many projects in my hospital). She also left 2 small children and a devastated husband. Her wake and funeral was on Oct. 5th; after which I came home and I told my husband that we have to have sex every day, while we are still young, healthy, and alive, because nobody knows what happend to us tomorrow. Well, we did not last more than 2-3 times of every day, but I missed my next period. When I discovered my positive pregnancy test, I suddenly heard her name like somebody said it in my mind. I am not very religious person, but in this case I felt something misterious. The door of this lady's office is still the way she left it, with all the paers for her to sign and a big paper rapping the door has all the wishes and thoughts that people felt and wanted her to hear after her death.

So, if this baby will be born, I decided to name it in her honor, and, even though I am worry every day and every second about this baby's health and life, I feel that if She and G-d wanted it to happen, they will lead us to a happy end.

Comments on oldie44`s Profile
Leave a message for oldie44 in the right column where it reads `Add comment`

Comments 1-25 to oldie44
1 Next

mama40 - 6.1 hours ago
By the way, wipes can be a problem. The ones that they gave me in teh hospital had at least 3 ingredients that can irritate skin. And think that we put those ingredient on wet, damaged baby skin in most sensitive areas. I later bought natural wipes that have no bad stuff in them, but still I try to wash away as often as possible. As for bare-bottom time - you don't have to keep him this way for long. Chose two 10-15 mins session and make them after he eats and after those first times after feeding when he poops and pees a lot. Do some gymnastics with him - gently tug his legs, let him grab your fingers and gently pull his arms to make him flex his muscles, do some feet massage etc. The skin needs to have at least some time to dry up and aerate. It will makes loads of difference. And also don't dress him up too warm and keep temperature in his room reasonable. Too hot combined with too humid provoke diaper rush.

mama40 - 17.5 hours ago
Irena, don't stress yourself about milk supply - it will only make matter worse. It is very similar to male sexuality, when a pressure to perform or a fear of failure can make perfectly capable man unable to make love. Let me tell you a story. My husband bought me ISIS manual pump, because we didn't want to spend loads of money on electric one at once. First I was deeply disappointed since after hour of hard pumping I was able to produce about 2 ounces of milk. It was soo slow and painful. But when I became more relaxed and got used to the pump, my milk started to flow more and more easily. Now I can pump 80-90 ml in 10-15 mins and without much effort since it flows so freely. But I know that my milk supply didn't change - it was my breasts reaction to the pump that prevented me from good pumping. So when you are stressed or worried if you have enough milk, it can make you breast to hold back milk, so it would be difficult for your guy to get it. But if you relax, accept yourself the way you are, and won't torment yourself for suplementing with formula when you need it (there is no harm in it, as long as you give the baby some breastmilk), it will be easier to achieve good milk flow.

marie - 30.7 hours ago
My daughter had the same eye problem.

her Dr. did not seem concerned as it was not red or swollen. She had it from about 1 wk. old for a few weeks.
i just cleaned the area with warm water every day and kind of suddenly I realized it wasn't happening anymore. I really think it was an immature or clogged duct. Hope this helps, she is 2mos. old as of this past Saturday and is doing fine.

mama40 - 42.3 hours ago
I also from time to time battle diaper rash. NOt too bad, but some redness on the bottom. Michael poops a lot - I don't know how many times a day. To my opinion - giving bare bottom time several times a day is the best treatment. I usually put him on his tummy without any clothes over receiving blanket on waterproof mat. Also I always wash, not wipe the poop. I think that wipes may not do good job and some stuff remains on the skin. Sometimes I use lansinoh cream that is for cracked nipples for baby bottom. It is pure 100% lanolin - and do not believe bad thing you may have read about it. It is natural, chemicals free and been used for skin disorder for a long time. Good for niples too.
We also have problem. Since birth he had stuffy nose at night and some episodes of rapid, shallow breathing. In the hospital and at his 1 week check up, I brought up this question and they told me that it is common in newborns. But he is 3 weeks now - and all these problems are still there. Don't know shold i call doctor again? How is Anthony's eye by the way? Michael's is better with those drops Dr gave him. Take care.

newbiemama - Tuesday, 22 July
Hi sweety, I just read a loasd of info that says a couple drps of breast milk is good for a clogged duct and a cold too. Well that's neat. Sorry i was wrong!

newbiemama - Tuesday, 22 July
Hi again! No bother vent away! Seriouly! We have a lot in common. I had prenantal depression and PPD it was just awful!!!! I know how irrational thoughts can be. Your husband is right a happy mom is a better mom so perhaps supplementing is a good thing to do. I'm also on meds 100 mg of Luvox and have been told it's safe. There is a website with info called motherrisk and there are drugs that are compatible with nursing... I know you worry but once they kick in you might feel differently the baby does't recieve a signifiant amount. Or alternatively you could supplement it's not a big deal. You need to see a doctor though and get treatment regardless. I know what you are going through but YOU WILL GET THROUGH IT! take care. Call on me Anytime sister. Lots of hugs!!!

MilMom2Be - Tuesday, 22 July
I use the playtex vent-aires, and love them, but they don't make a medium flow nipple for them! So I poke an extra hole in the slow flows... Also, if it is not coming out, have you made sure the nipple is open all the way? And the other thing is take the disk and stretch it to open up the holes... Sometimes they are sealed shut...

newbiemama - Monday, 21 July
Hi! I just read your post. You have a lot of interesting questions I'll share what I've learned. First of all I am a total breast feeding advocate and recomend that you breast feed as much if not exclusively but I understand you watn to supplement. You should contact a lactation Consultant to help you. but I'll share what I know, First of all, it's very unlikely that you don't produce enough this is rare. You need to feed feed feed from the breast as much as possible this stimulates production. If you skip feeding your breasts think that the baby doesn't need the milk. It's based on supply and demand. The best way to tell if your baby is getting enough is by checking to see how many wet diapers your baby has in a day. They should be 6-8. but 2 big full ones heavy wets.

basically supplementing only depletes your supply. there are no rules about when to do it as far as time of day or feeding times.

good luck honey hope things go well! Your milk is the best babe!

samiamulrich - Monday, 21 July
I too have heard that Dr. Browns was good. We are using Mam's Sassy Bottles...the nipples are designed just like the breast, and honestly it taught my son how to breastfeed. It's really good on the whole air thing too. I've seen some really crabby babies due to gas, and we really don't have that problem...you can get these bottles online at target.

starby - Monday, 21 July
After trying literally 10 or so bottles/nipples, we've found that the Dr.Browns bottles are the best for out little one :) They definately work in reducing air intake, there are a few more parts to clean but thats the only bottle we use now. Avent was horrible and just spilled milk everywhere and we like the playtex airvent but just like you said the flow was too slow and the fast nipple was too fast...I could go on with all the ones we tried but I'm sure that'd be boring, hee hee. So yeah, Dr Browns is the best for us and you can even get them BPA free now for a lot cheaper than other BPA free brands! Hope that helps :)

boymom - Monday, 21 July
I just read your profile after I posted...very cool story. I have older kids and a big gap too. We are ttc so our 8 month old won't have to grow up "alone" w/o any siblings around. Good luck with your baby :)

boymom - Monday, 21 July
you are right that breastmilk can help... you will find that advice on nursing websites. I am suprised that the nurse told you no - weird. But, my last baby had discharge and it didn't clear up with home remidies so we went to the dr. We had to use drops to clear it up and it never came back. Good luck and enjoy your tiny!

newbiemama - Monday, 21 July
Hi! Sounds like a clogged tear duct my son had this it spontaneously went away. DON'T put anything in the eye!!!!! but you can "lightly" massage the duct put that scares me too. nonono breast milk in the eye!!!

mommy-at-home - Monday, 21 July
My 2nd daughter had a clogged tear duct. The doctor said to massage the corner of her eye gently for a few seconds a few times a day. I didn't have to put any meds. in her eye. It will clear up soon.

mama40 - Monday, 21 July
Hi, Irena, my boy has the same thing with the eye. And yes, I was told it is because of blocked tear duct. The Dr gave me some eye drops. I use them for over 4 days now, but some yellow discharge is still there. I haven't tryed any of home remedies and I never heard of using milk for the eye (although I know it is great for skin wounds and sores). I would just take medicine that your doctor gives you, and there should be no harm from chamomille or tea, but I really don't know about milk. Michael is really restless lately and I have very little spare time those last days. I think he has gases - and he poops very often.

ozbaby - Monday, 21 July
I honestly would not be too worries. Babies tear ducts are not formed properly for the first few weeks that is why they dont cry tears yet.
Make sure when you clean it you use cooled boiled water and wipe with a cotton ball from the inside of the eye to the outside edge and only wipe once using each ball. This will stop it spreading.
It gets better. If Emersons has not gone by our next Dr appointment i will get drops but will use breastmilk for now. I only used it once so far and she didnt mind it. I always forget as i clean it before i feed her!

ozbaby - Sunday, 20 July
My 4 week old daughter still had a blocked tear ducttand we have to clean her eye wevery few hours as well. She has had it since we were in hospital. It is normal. I was told by a nurse that you can go to the Dr and get cream or use your breastmilk. Breastmilk works best and saves a trip to the Dr. A lot of babies have this so dont worry too much.

phonics - Sunday, 20 July
My baby had the same problem. We went to the doctor nad she gave us an RX to put in her eye and it stopped. She sai it was a clogged tear duct though and that we could also just take a warm washrag. Clean out the eye with it first. Then with a clean side of it gently massage the corner of her eye for ten seconds to help unclogg the tear duct.

mama40 - Friday, 18 July
Hi, Irena, glad all is well with your boy. My milk came in plenty and I am leaking a lot - use loads of breast pads. I breasfeed exclusively now, but I just decided to put up with not so perfect latch - I just bear the pain when he pulls at the nipple. You see, I am lazy - it is easier for me to endure some pain then to work on a latch. So I let him to sort it all out for himself. He gains weight well - already passed his birth weight. Doctors says everything is well. My only concern - he is not a happy camper when he is awake. His little face mostly very serious and he cries or grunts and wriggles almost all the time when he is not sleeping or eating. Colics? I hope he wil discover the joys of life when he grows a bit. How is your husband now? Is he glad that he has another son? Does he help you at night? Mine is sleeping through all baby crying, so at nights I am on my own. I watch so not to fall asleep with teh baby in my bed during night, but I usually sleep together with him in the mornings. I hope that my morning sleep is lighter and there is not so much danger to roll over him. Still cannot get used to call him by name. Come to think of t - still have to wrap my mind around the fact that I indeed produced another little person and that this little bundle is my son. Well, it seems he is awakining. Have to go:)

mama40 - Saturday, 12 July
We had hearing test yesterday. Everything is well. My husband was worried about this because baby Michael remain cool when dogs are barking. My own dog is pretty loud and sometimes my friend with her huge dog comes and they bark together. And baby never startled or jumpy or anything. I explain to my husband that bay got used to dogs before he was born, but he cannot believe in it. Now he knows that baby hears well and hat he is just very used to barking. My milk came in plenty. Now I have problem that I leak all over my clothes. A night my bed and nightgown are wet (I think it is time to sleep in bra) and when I breastfeed, I am leaking the moment the baby lets go of breast. Now I now why in English, the woman who breastfeed the baby instead of mother "kormilitsa" is called "wet nurse" I am wet indeed:)

mama40 - Thursday, 10 July
Congratulation! I am glad you had your baby a bit earlier and were able to push him out. Who knows how big he could get by July 8th. Yes, feeding big baby is a challenge, but I advise you not to give up at least now. There are loads of good substances in your milk that baby will benefit from. Will prevent allergies and many infections later on. It was actually my pediatrician (also Russian) who told me not to listen to anybody and feel free to supplement with bottle when I feel totally drained or need some rest. She said that "nipple confusion" is a myth and that it is perfectly ok to combine bottle and breastmilk, as long as baby is getting at least some breastmilk. That bottle will spare me ruined nipples and nervous breakdown and that it is better for the baby not to cry from hunger for too long. And so I feed breast until I am able to, and then give bottle if he is still restless. At night bottle is lifesaver since he sleeps longer. But my milk already came, so I use bottle mostly during the night. To encourage milk supply, drink plenty of fluid - ask your husband to buy you variaety of juices and keep bottle with plain water near you all the time. Soak yourself with fluids and you'll feel milk coming. Our baby name is Michael Steven - and I also still cannot get used to it and just call him "rebenok". We decided to give him entirely American name (first and middle) since we plan never return to Russia. And his Russian grandparents can call him Misha if they like. We let my daughetrs pick up his midle name since nobody actulaly uses it anyway and it stays on papers only. Among many names they came with Steven was the one that everybody more or less agreed with. (Other options for middle name that they offered were Robin, Maximilian and Tobias - none I liked). Hope to see your pictures - send them to my email when you have time. Well, it is entirely new life for us all over again. I try to appreciate every moment, but most of the time I am too tired:)
We also have hot weather now (not as hot as in texas of course), but we have portable conditioner in our room.

mama40 - Tuesday, 8 July
Tomorrow is your induction day. I wish that everything will go smoothly. Write as soon as you can. Good luck! Soon yoy'll have your baby and start this new wonderful life of "young mother". It is tiresome, but still great.

mama40 - Saturday, 5 July
Hi, I wish I'd asked for elective induction. It would save me nerves and I would avoid c-sec. He weghted 9 lb 2 oz, and had big head and wide shoulders. By the way, it was very good that you changed my mind about husband being in the delivery room. I was so against it, but I was so glad thay he stayed. It was really very comforting. Especially when tehy couldn't get the baby out for hours and when they weeled me to c-sec. It would be much more difficult to be alone. So big thanks. I hope you will have your baby soon too and also hope we will continue to stay in tocuh:)

mama40 - Saturday, 5 July
Hi, just got home. I had my baby on July 2nd. It was not smoth - I ended up with emergency c-sec because the baby got so big it wouldn't come through despite all effort. I will write more later. Hope you'll have your baby too soon.

More comments:

1 Next

Leave a message for oldie44 in the right column where it reads `Add comment`

Photos
No photos added.

Children

Latest blogs
No blogs added.

Agenda