MSE Newborn to 1 year (& beyond!) baby club 3

Saffagal

I agree with MrsH, it was something I said I'd never do (just like using reins was) but co-sleeping saved my sanity and meant we all had sleep so were better during the days too.

So long as you follow safe practice guidelines, it is safe. We didn't do it regularly, and once A was in her own room, I always started her off for the night in her cot so didn't have the transition of having to get her used to sleeping in her own room later on. I used to use it when she woke during the night/ early hours - would bring her into bed with me then else it was a VERY long day!

Over the past nearly 3 years, I have found lots of things that challenged my previous ideas of parenthood. You have to find what works for you and your child - and it may not be what works for the next person and their child. I swore I'd never use child reins - started using them as soon as she started toddling (10 months old) and it became so routine that I would put them on her as we got out the car so when she was walking more it was never an issue - it was just what we did. Used them right up until she was 2 and a half.

Mrshaworth2b

I've heard alot of people say about reins saffa can I ask what your issue with them was before?

We used reins from the moment he started toddling, he never wanted to go back in a pram as soon as he started to walk so reins was the only way to keep him safe. We don't use them now but I never thought about not using them so wondered what your thoughts were?

BTW good luck on the birth of your second mine is 9 weeks and the resemblance between him and his brother is uncanny. It's amazing

Saffagal

BEFORE children, I thought using reins was akin to putting your child on a leash like a dog... I am so much wiser now! Reins are an absolute lifesaver! I never used a pram/buggy - I babywore and once she was walking, she walked everywhere/as far as possible. By starting reins early she never fought them when going through the "don't want to hold mommy's hand" phase as they were just the routine.

Thank you - can't wait till next Wednesday when I get my date (elcs) though as A is still in nursery a day and a half, I am quite enjoying having that time to myself at the moment - it is sheer luxury if I'm honest! Still, on the other hand, can't wait to have baby out and be able to play for hours on the floor again - 4 weeks to go!

A seems really excited about becoming a big sister; I'm hoping the excitement lasts once baby is actually out my tummy. She said tonight at dinner that daddy will have to take me to hospital to get the baby out then daddy and Abi will come and fetch mommy and baby to bring them home!! Any tips to ease the transition from only child to sibling MrsH?

Mrshaworth2b

I read a lot about helping transition only child to sibling and most of it was about including the eldest in thing's with the baby, giving them lots of attention when baby is settled or asleep.

My eldest loves his brother so much and loves mopping him up when he's been sick and telling him the bottle is coming and kissing his head and stroking his hand. However we have has some behaviour issues which I think is coinciding with age related issues. Terrible twos and all that. He's very patient when I'm feeding his brother and sorting him out however it seems no matter how much attention I give him he wants more.

Sure A will be a brilliant big sister

Saffagal

Thank you MrsH, I expect some deterioration in behaviour and a certain amount of clinginess too - last night she woke after I was in bed needing a wee, OH went into her and she went from calling to a full on screaming tantrum in about 5s. OH couldn't do a thing; I went in and there was immediate cessation of the tantrum and she took herself off to the bathroom. So I do expect this.

I have been including her so will keep on doing so. Spoke with nursery this morning and they're going to talk about baby too and if she wants to bring her baby into nursery will "help her look after baby". She already does that quite a bit.

I guess it is one of those things you worry about as a parent - especially as we have such a good relationship and she's relatively easy going with me; changing the status quo.

Bamama

Can't believe you're all still over here! Hey girls. Long time no see. Is there a new pregnancy group? Number 2 will be with us in June!

MrsH2b... finally just MrsH!!! Woo.

Saffagal

Hallo ladies

So number 2 is just over a week old and I am so much more relaxed this time round! Don't know if it is because I am more chilled or because he is a chilled baby, but he's breastfeeding really well, only lost 7% of his birthweight and is now putting weight on.

A loves her new brother and just wants to cuddle him/ kiss him all the time! This is almost more of an issue than if she was just ignoring him as every time I put him down, she's trying to cuddle him/ or stroking him or kissing him. He is very chilled out and I can put him down awake or sleeping and he's ok with it... I never managed to get A down! E's also being very kind to me regarding nights; the past few days he feeds around 10pm, half midnight and then sleeps until 5!

I'm having a slight issue with A's behaviour in that she just isn't listening to anything we ask, unless it is helping with her brother. So she empties out her toys in the playroom, and then refuses to tidy them up instead just screaming whilst before E arrived she'd happily tidy them away. I "confiscated" a selection of her toys yesterday as just can't cope with the constant mess. I do understand she is adjusting to having a brother and sharing my attention but do find this behaviour very challenging. She is still loving nursery, and behaving in public, so am trying to just last it out being patient at home; it has been just over a week so early days still.

Hope that everyone else is well x

moneypenny21

Hello I'm just gate crashing here

Can anyone offer any advice about breast pumps please?

I had a Medela Swing single pump for my first child. I sold it thinking there would be something better out there if I ever had a second.

My questions are:

1. What breast pump (if any) do you have & would you recommend?

2. Does anyone have experience of using double pumps? What are the pros/cons?

3. Anyone have any experience of Medela Swing Double or Medela Freestyle Double that they would be willing to share?

Thanks in advance

Saffagal

Hi Moneypenny,
sorry, no advice on pumps. I had a manual pump as only used it very occasionally with my first. I bought an avent electric this time round but haven't used it yet so can't really comment on it.

I have heard very good things about medela swing but for my infrequent use couldn't justify the price.

lazywife

Sorry no pump advice here, only that when I did try one it didn't seem particularly effective, do b00bs have to get "used" to a certain type to have effective expressing?
Saf, congratulations, hope you Mr Saf, A & E are lovely and happy and enjoying your little family