Author
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Topic: Prox's Horrible, Nasty, No-Good, Awful Night
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proxieme unregistered
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posted May 17, 2004 01:46 AM
Since yesterday my back's tensed up or something...I can barely manage to lift anything, bending down and picking up/carrying/holding anything (including babies) is a screaming pain, I can't stand up straight (if I do, I pretty much collapse) so I'm a loverly S-Shape, I can't stand for any length of time, I have a pounding headache (have since about mid-way today), and Meghan just will not go to sleep...and if I set her down in her bassinet, she throws up or starts screaming (yes, I've burped her ad nauseum). Right now she's in my lap, wide awake and raring to go. I've tried placing her near the dishwasher (white noise), feeding her - she's eaten over 4 ounces now - (I even tried some Enfamil that we have knocking around thinking that she just might have a distaste for my current batch of breastmilk; she gave me the nastiest face I've ever seen a 3-week-old make), putting her on my chest to sleep (no dice, she roots around and squeals...and then won't take any more milk), singing to her, speaking to her, reading to her, putting her beside me to sleep (she stares at me). I would try driving, but my back's been spasming with the pain of whatever's wrong with it...I don't want to risk a wreck. Can't go for a walk...that would last all of about 3 minutes; I'd then be in a heap on the ground unable to move (hey! I could low-crawl!) with Meg in the stroller. Oh, yeah. And yesterday we ripped my episiotomy (you can guess how). The Doc on call (not mine, won't be in til Monday) left a message to my desperate call saying, "Don't worry, it's no big deal as far as long term effects go. Call the office on Monday." I felt like saying, "Close your eyes...now imagine that YOUR SCROTUM HAS RIPPED." I bet that that would qualify as a big deal to him. So, yeah, that hurts, too. ![](http://www.linda-goodman.com/ubb/angry.gif) Can't wake Jase up. He's about to start Primary in flight school right now...which is kinda like having a firehose put into your mouth and turned on full blast. He hasn't been sleeping well b/c of the stress as it is (people say the funniest things in their sleep), so I won't put him under any more. IP: Logged |
pixelpixie Knowflake Posts: 5301 From: Ontario Canada Registered: Jun 2005
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posted May 17, 2004 02:17 AM
Oh sweetie pie, you just let it all out here. terribly sorry about the events. *In a helpful tone* Maybe a warm sitz bath? It would help both the tear (ouch) and the spasm-ing, and Babe's are especially fond of water. Place her on your chest? Warm soft washcloth? Tickling water on her little baby back? Might calm both of you. Oh... I'll bet Jase wouldn't mind if you 'burdened' him... He loves you and is concerned for you as much as you love him... Your needs are just as legitimate. Sorry about the episiotimy tear.. that especially sucks. Stupid doctor. Did anyone give you teething pain numbing solution for the babe, that you could *ahem* ??? Just a thought. ![](http://www.linda-goodman.com/ubb/angel.gif) IP: Logged |
Xelena Ben Knowflake Posts: 263 From: New England Registered: Jun 2002
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posted May 17, 2004 09:31 AM
what a night - this one should've posted under Labors of Love!hope the doctor was able to fix all your *ouchies* today. (were you tempted to give his scrotum a good squeeze? ) babies don't have their own energy boundaries yet, so meghan might just have been reacting to your own uncomfortable energy - hopefully she'll calm down and rest once you get your pains under wraps. sending lots of healing (and resting!) light your way ![](http://www.linda-goodman.com/ubb/angel.gif) xb IP: Logged |
trillian Knowflake Posts: 4050 From: The Boundless Registered: Mar 2003
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posted May 17, 2004 09:43 AM
I was once doubled over with back pain, proxie. And the chiropracter fixed me right up. Would you consider chiropractic?Hoping you're well soon... ![](http://www.linda-goodman.com/ubb/blueheart.gif) IP: Logged |
proxieme unregistered
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posted May 17, 2004 09:51 AM
Thankya pixelp & Xelena ![](http://www.linda-goodman.com/ubb/biggrin.gif) Well...my headache's gone this morning ![](http://www.linda-goodman.com/ubb/biggrin.gif) That's something. I've resigned myself to at least a partial bedrest. I can't go full-throttle on this, but it'll do. If it doesn't get significantly better by the end of the day, I'll call my PCM (Primary Care Manager...yaaaay, military medicine) to see what can be done. pixelp - She ended-up drifting off (shortly) at 2 AM, woke-up at 2:30 AM, and went back to sleep from 3-5:00 or so. So I got some sleep. It wasn't that bad. I sooo should've tried the warm bath, though - she loves them, almost going to sleep while in her little tub - but I didn't read your post til this morning. Re: Jase: Yeah, I know, but I'm being stubborn and getting him his sleep. Flight School really is tough and he needs to be as awake and aware as he can be for it...and, heck, I mean, at least I have the potential to grab a few catnaps during the day. If he tries that, he'll crash. Just say no to crashing helicopters. ![](http://www.linda-goodman.com/ubb/wink.gif) Gaw, how are things going with you? I've been so preoccupied w/ everything that I've lost track of the cool peeps on here. Xelena - Thankya for the healing energy I've only read a few of your posts, but I like your vibe. Eh, re: the episiotomy tear. It doesn't hurt that much today, and I'm pretty sure that I couldn't drive myself in as is. I have a few friends that might be able to, but probably not on such short notice (everyone near me has a couple of their own rugrats that must be scheduled around, sedated, etc.). Though I like your idea of what to do to the Doc...
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proxieme unregistered
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posted May 17, 2004 09:53 AM
Trillian - Yep, I'd definitely consider it; but every doc that I go to must be cleared through my PCM (see above). If they can get me in, I'm all for it. If not...well, we just paid off the over $1000 remaining from the threatened miscarriage last fall (we discovered that flippin' flappin' INOVA sends you to collections 6 mos after the fact even if you've been paying portions monthly...bahstahds) so we can't swing it out of pocket.Thank you for the recommendation, though - I hadn't yet thought of that ![](http://www.linda-goodman.com/ubb/smile.gif) PS - How're things w/ you, too? Ew, I've gotten behind on everyone. IP: Logged |
pixelpixie Knowflake Posts: 5301 From: Ontario Canada Registered: Jun 2005
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posted May 17, 2004 09:55 AM
*admonishes* Yes, Proxieme, how dare you lose track of us here, do you think you have more important things to do or something? GAWD!!! Talk about self absorbed!!! ![](http://www.linda-goodman.com/ubb/biggrin.gif) *shakes her head* IP: Logged |
lovely libra Knowflake Posts: 132 From: garland texas usa Registered: Mar 2004
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posted May 17, 2004 10:42 AM
Proxime both my little ones were fussy babies. I used to give them watered down sleepy time tea, nice and warm in a bottle. Bathe them with me in warm water (Some companies have come out with lavendar baby wash it is very soothing, Dr.Bronner's Magic soap also has lavendar. Before Jonson's did lavendar I used to mix Dr. Bronner's Lavendar and baby soaps. The directoins say dilute!)I also did baby massages(sounds like you need one too)------------------ ~Renee ~indecision may or may not be my problem IP: Logged |
Kells Knowflake Posts: 47 From: CO Registered: Apr 2004
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posted May 17, 2004 12:48 PM
Hi, Prox!My first DD was a preemie, and had a hyper-sensitive, overloaded nervous system. She screamed 20 hours a day for the first year. Yes, she's still alive. But it was no cakewalk. Here are my tips: Sometimes you just have to walk away, and let her cry. I know it's hard; you've been hardwired to not do that. Try it anyway. Earplugs are good. If you are drinking lots of milk, cut way back. Sometimes babies don't like that. My DDs pediatrician had stop drinking milk, and start drinking a beer or two a day. Really. Truly. Or, you can try brewer's yeast, but the beer is much better. If you have a La Leche League, call them. Or, your hospital probably has a nurse in the Labor / Delivery area who is a "Lactation Consultant". She'll have some ideas. Good Luck! I PROMISE it will get better! ![](http://www.linda-goodman.com/ubb/snail.gif) Kells IP: Logged |
Twin Lady Knowflake Posts: 624 From: USA Registered: Jan 2003
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posted May 17, 2004 04:18 PM
Proxime ![](http://www.linda-goodman.com/ubb/blueheart.gif) For what it's worth, I do understand. My first child had colic the first month of her life and I was getting so little sleep I actually hallucinated. Hubby was on 3rd shift so I would try and get a few hours after he came home in the morning. She cried and screamed for hours on end, but by trial and error we learned a few tricks to help her (and us, lol) get some rest: Warm baths...yes, very good one. I'd hold her in my arms and trickle warm water over her and it soothed us both. And yes, baby massages. I used a tiny bit of baby oil. Car rides...we'd drive around every evening. Long walks in the stroller (once you're feeling better; hope it's soon!). A major life saver was the baby swing. We had one that interchanged from a seat to a cradle. I'd crank it up, and the motion along with the soft "clicking" sound would enable her to take a brief nap each afternoon. It seemed that DISTRACTING her other senses away from the tummy ache was what helped. Oh, one other thing. If it's hot, don't be afraid to just dress Meghan in a diaper. My first daughter was born in June and it was particularly HOT that year. As a new Mom I made the mistake of overdressing her and she got prickly heat. I felt so bad, then my Mom told me she did the same thing with ME (also born in June). Anyway, it cleared up within a day or two of taking the clothes off and letting the skin breathe. And yes it WILL get better, I promise too! As June passed into July that year, one morning when my daughter was about 6 weeks old, I woke up ON MY OWN (without the sound of a crying baby) and raced to her crib to find her awake, rolled onto her back and cooing at the little animals of the mobile over the crib. It was 7:00 am. She'd slept straight through, from about 11:00 pm the night before. After that, we all "settled down", lol. So hang in there. ![](http://www.linda-goodman.com/ubb/heart.gif) Good luck, you are all in my thoughts. ![](http://www.linda-goodman.com/ubb/smile.gif)
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Nephthys Moderator Posts: 3800 From: California Registered: Oct 2001
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posted May 17, 2004 10:18 PM
proxi,I hope you are feeling better now and getting some sleep. I can't give any baby advice since I've still not had children yet. I would also suggest a Chiropractor. I had problems with my legs and feet for 2 years, my medical coverage Doctor's could not help me, so I am paying out of pocket now for a Chiro who has pretty much cured me. IP: Logged |
lioneye68 Knowflake Posts: 6062 From: Canada Registered: Apr 2003
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posted May 18, 2004 04:20 AM
What more could I say, these ladies have all given you such wonderful and time-tested ideas that...all I need to say is,.... Yup, that's what the first couple months are like. But as Baby get better adjusted to life on this planet, it all mellows out - the sleeping thing, that is (and kids need much more sleep than grownups do) Anyway, You'll be human again, I promise! ![](http://www.linda-goodman.com/ubb/heart.gif) IP: Logged |
FishKitten Knowflake Posts: 1033 From: on the trail of the Old Ones Registered: Aug 2003
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posted May 18, 2004 01:58 PM
Hi Proxie. I'm glad to hear that you are surviving the first weeks of motherhood. When my son was Meg's age, the same problem occured. My grandmother said, "Feed that child, he's hungry. He is big and growing bigger every day. Give him some real food, not just milk." Of course, I called my doctor. He said that current advice says not to give a baby solid food for the first four months, but he hated to go against a grandmother's wisdom, so if I wanted to try it out, give him rice cereal with a bit of warm mashed pears right before evening bed time. I tried it (frankly I would have tried anything at the time) and it worked beautifully. All crying and fussing stopped immediately. By the time he was one month old, he was sleeping through the night. I have heard that giving a baby food too early can bring about alergies later on or immunity problems, but Dave is 23 now and has rarely had a sick day in his entire life. He is strong, healthy, and happy. It worked so well that when a friend of mine had the same problem a couple of years ago, I told him Granny's advice. He is a Professor of Ancient DNA studies and had access to all kinds of info. He said he had never heard of feeding a baby so young, but at that point (like me) he and his wife were willing to try almost anything. His wife's doctor had never heard of this either, and wasn't sure it was a good idea. But a person can only stand letting a baby be uncomfortable for so long, so they tried it. Once again, it worked like a charm. His daughter's problems disappeared and she, too, began sleeping throughout the night. (He and his wife felt this was a major miracle and were suggesting possible canonization for Granny.) He checke4d around after that and told me that apparently some babies need to eat earlier because their stomachs get full of breast milk, but they are growing so fast that the milk alone isn't enough to supply all their needs. So their stomachs are full, maybe even over-full, but their bodies are demanding more nutrition, which causes them to fuss and feel bad. Just try to live on a liquid diet for a few days and see if you don't feel the same way. So the upshot is...it will probably cure itself if you feed the kid. Of course, I would never suggest you do anything that you and your family feel is not right, so ask around. IP: Logged |
LibraSparkle Knowflake Posts: 6034 From: Vancouver USA Registered: May 2004
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posted May 18, 2004 06:01 PM
You poor dear! First of all, I suggest you see a Chiropractor. Even if you have to pay out of pocket, it would be worth it. I know I couldn't live without mine. My problem isn't an S-Shaped spine, but the 10 pound sack of potatoes I carry around on my chest . As far as baby goes, there's this great naturpahic medicine company called Hyland's. They make colic tablets (and teething tablets, but that will come later ). The tablets are in a lactose base, and are made up of mostly chamomile. Babies love the way they taste, and they calm down quickly after given a couple tablets. They're not very expensive. Here they're $4-5 for like 100 tablets. You can find them at just about any health food store, and many pharmacies. Baby is very susceptible to your every feeling. If you feel even slightly frustrated by the situation, it's your best bet to put her down and let her cry. She will eventually tire her little self out and fall asleep. My youngest was a fussy baby. I used to put her down to fuss and go into the bathroom and run the shower so I couldn't hear her screams (else I wouldn't have been blubbering right along with her). Someone suggested ear plugs. The idea is to keep you from hearing the cries so you don't feel the need to save her. She's fine, and believe it or not soon that sweet little angel's cry will hardly even phase you. Hope you're feeling better ![](http://www.linda-goodman.com/ubb/smile.gif) IP: Logged |
lioneye68 Knowflake Posts: 6062 From: Canada Registered: Apr 2003
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posted May 19, 2004 05:21 PM
How's it going with baby now Prox? Any better? Have your evenings been any more peaceful at all?I was thinking...it could be something you've eaten that is giving her an upset stomache. I know you don't drink, or eat onions, but what about things like dark green veggies, or lentels, or carbonated drinks, maybe even coffee? I realize you're smart enough to know that whatever you eat, she eats...but sometimes certain foods that seem innocent can actually upset a breast fed baby's tummy. foods that can make you gassy could give her a bloated, distended stomache, which really can be painful for a little body like that. There's also gripe water, for baby stomache upset. I was pretty lucky, my baby bull wasn't too much of a fusser, unless I gave her an upset stomache by eating spicy food or something, but I learned quite quickly what foods seemed to bother her. My mom suggested mixing a little pablem with her milk to add some gentle substanence to it, but I didn't need to do this until she was at least 2 months old. IP: Logged |
proxieme unregistered
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posted May 20, 2004 11:40 AM
Sorry it took me so long to respond; until yesterday I had put myself on bedrest, only leaving for short periods at a time. I'd go on the comp, but as it hurt to sit up I could only stay on for a bit (not long enough to answer this thread).THANK YOU to everyone who's helped and/or sent well-wishes lovely libra - How old were they when you began them on tea? Yep, I have some lavender baby soap (love, love, love it...the only problem being that while she does fall asleep during the bath, she screams once she's pulled out). Do you have a website re: baby massages? Yes, I need one, too ![](http://www.linda-goodman.com/ubb/smile.gif) Kells - Dearlord, I'm not sure how I would've handled "cholic" like that. It may have been the milk that day...I did go on a bit of an Ovaltine binge :-/ She's back to at least taking bottles of my milk now, though (oftentimes I'm too...umm...engorged for her to get a good latch and she's not willing to wait til I express some). Twin Lady - I will definitely have to try the car ride idea if she's like that again one night (military housing's safe, but I still get creeped out pushing a stroller through it at midnight). And there's no question - Miss Meg will sport a diaper, sans clothes, for long stretches of the upcoming, hot-arse Alabama summer. My Mom did that for me, too, and we were only in Virginia. I will hang in there, and thank you. Nephthys - My back's doing much better, but I'll still look up a chiropractor for preventative purposes. FishKitten - A lady at the hospital recommended the same thing (I wasn't there for anything serious, just to get a prescription) upon hearing how much and often she eats (a good ounce more than the pediatrician says she "should" and with an hour less in between). Do you think putting a very thin dilution of it in milk and then feeding her with a modified nipple would work? LibraSparkle - Yep, I know that problem...my sack of potatoes is up to larger than a DD cup filled with heavy flippin' milk. Hylands? I'll keep a look out for it. Re: her crying: Yeah...Jase and I already think that we're bad parents for kinda making fun of her a little bit when she cries on the changing table. "Oh! Yes! Being a baby is *horrible* I know! I knoooow!" ![](http://www.linda-goodman.com/ubb/looking.gif) lioneye - What's gripe water and pablem? Silly Canadians... ![](http://www.linda-goodman.com/ubb/wink.gif) I haven't eaten anything on that list (OK, garlic...but I've eaten that for a while)... But she really is doing much better now. All I have to do now is learn not to give in and put her on my chest so she'll drift off...that'll get painful by the time she's 9 or so. Op, gotta jet now. We got a dog ("On top of a newborn???" you say. Don't ask.) and it's time for her and Meg's walk. IP: Logged |
FishKitten Knowflake Posts: 1033 From: on the trail of the Old Ones Registered: Aug 2003
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posted May 20, 2004 12:10 PM
Hi Proxieme. I found that the rice cereal always plugged the nipple immediately. I found a tiny spoon that was coated with some kind of soft plastic and just shoveled it in. It was so funny, because by the time he was 2 months old, Dave would put his tiny little hands at his side and open his mouth as wide as a baby bird when he saw that spoon. IP: Logged |
pixelpixie Knowflake Posts: 5301 From: Ontario Canada Registered: Jun 2005
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posted May 20, 2004 07:02 PM
Fishkitten~ Very cute, that story about the spoon.Prox~ That's awesome!! A dog and a baby growing up together, protecting and loving each other. ~#Makes my heart swell#~ IP: Logged |
Nephthys Moderator Posts: 3800 From: California Registered: Oct 2001
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posted May 20, 2004 11:41 PM
maybe you could tell us about your new dog in Heathcliffe's Corner, and post his/her webpage at Dogster! IP: Logged |
PinkPearls&Stars Knowflake Posts: 82 From: San Diego, Ca, USA Registered: Apr 2004
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posted May 21, 2004 02:34 AM
I'm sorry about your horrible night! My advice would probably be negative, like vicodin helps! Or go buy chocolates or splurge on a pretty dress! Positive advice: put your pic on a purple plate? Plan a day off? Sorry, not so good advice I suppose. I just hope things have gotten better by now!IP: Logged |
LibraSparkle Knowflake Posts: 6034 From: Vancouver USA Registered: May 2004
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posted May 21, 2004 12:53 PM
Hi Prox,Here's a link to the colic tablets at drugstore.com http://www.drugstore.com/qxp30632_333181_sespider/hylands/colic_tablets.htm You can at least see what they look like, so you know what you're looking for. Bright Blessings! Danielle IP: Logged |
Kells Knowflake Posts: 47 From: CO Registered: Apr 2004
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posted May 25, 2004 11:39 AM
I had zero luck with the colic tablets. But the earache tablets were a minor miracle. I reccomend against the rice until at least 6 mos., but that's a personal opinion, shared by the pediatrician. This wonderful woman was MY doc way back when, and is still practicing. She's the mother of 5, and grandmother of 8 (so far) herself, plus all her professional experience. I have a lot of faith in her.If you haven't got one, look into a baby bounce/vibrate seat at Walmart, or the PX/BX, or Target, or whatever is there. We were given one by a friend, and it saved my baby's life. (Kept me from bouncing her off a wall) It's a bouncy seat with a vibrate mode -- but it's NOT a swing. They run about $25 or so. Light weight, and easy to pick up and move. I think the "Barcalounger" was the only reason I got to take a shower for the first 6 mons.! Try an ice pack on your back in 20 minute intervals. It's not soothing, but it DOES help. You are in my thoughts. <sending sleepy light your way.> Luv, Kells ![](http://www.linda-goodman.com/ubb/snail.gif) IP: Logged |
lioneye68 Knowflake Posts: 6062 From: Canada Registered: Apr 2003
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posted May 25, 2004 12:00 PM
Pablem...that's the powdery cereal that you feed to babies. You know, the kind you mix with water, that generally looks like mush? I guess you guys just call it rice cereal, huh?And gripe water...it's a sweet liquid medicine that you feed to babies with a dropper. It's meant to help with stomach upset and cholic. What do you guys call that stuff? IP: Logged |
LibraSparkle Knowflake Posts: 6034 From: Vancouver USA Registered: May 2004
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posted May 25, 2004 12:33 PM
Mylicon drops? Those help little tummies too. Mylicon is a brand name... I think. Something else just occured to me... I couldn't eat broccoli when I was nursing. Gave my babies the worst gas ever... also anythings with lots of spices, like spaghetti sauce.
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