Well, I must say we had a very calm first two weeks w/ Victor. He was the perfect baby...never cried, always happy, calm and peaceful. He slept at night and during the day too. Very laid back and sweet.
He's still sweet but unfortunately, he is becoming quite fussy. He eats well and has gained a whopping 2 lbs and 3 oz since birth! Yesterday at the doctor we discovered this. He also has grown one inch in length so he's 22 inches long now. However, I think over the last few days my let-down reflex has strengthened or something because when it happens, Victor gasps and chokes. He sometimes spits up in projectile-fashion, a problem which plagued Johnson from the beginning. I think he's getting alot of air which prevents him from falling asleep while he's eating and stresses him out alot. He can't seem to settle himself down to sleep afterwards (day or night) so I have to take the time to rock him until he can relax himself somewhat. This, of course, prevents me from getting ANYTHING else done so my house is a wreck, my boys are freaking out from the lack of attention, and I can't cook a meal to save my life! I'm also supposed to be working now but I know I will be 'dealt with' if my efficiency doesnt pick up since I'm currently having to work while holding a fussy baby which means I have to type with one hand. Heh heh. Poor little thing, he really just wants to go to sleep I know. It's pitiful to see.
Anyway, on a positive note. He's very healthy and round. And hopefully this stage will pass quickly. Quickly enough to prevent my strangling my other children, losing my job, or pulling my hair out.
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Hang in there Mama!! I have some inkling of what you're dealing with currently. It was much the same with my Morrin (which was also VERY different from Reed, who had no problems). Of course, it's heartbreaking & frustrating when an infant is clearly uncomfortable & can't communicate WHAT they feel. Morrin would arch her little back & whimper while nursing (& then bite me!) Then she'd pull away & SCREAM! Some would label it as colic, but since I've never heard a clear definition of WHAT colic actually is, labeling it was of no use to us. I just wanted a happy baby. Infant massage was sometimes helpful (I had a little pj suit that showed good spots to massage for certain effects). I would lay it next to Mo, & then massage her bare skin with oil, such as Burt's Bees apricot. Something I didn't probably try enough, too was using different positions while nursing. Perhaps that could help you & Victor. I know the Baby Book by Dr. Sears had some great info & ideas about alternate positions. I'm sure there are other sources, too. I sooooo sympathize with the other incidental things that add to your stress. Work-related stress can be frustrating, particularly when there is a lack of understanding on the part of an employer or client. Most people are not good at putting themselves in someone else's shoes. And children don't always realize how a parent feels or what they are dealing with. I'm still dealing with both of those types of challenges. So, the best I can say is that I will keep you in my prayers!!! You are clearly a great Mom- Don't forget it!!!!
Thanks so much, Jodi. I actually think I helped a little by starting him out nursing in a reclined position. The let-down rarely ever occurs on the 2nd breast too so I can hold him in the normal cradle hold on the 2nd side w/out much difficulty. I tried this at 9am and it seemed to help a little though he did fuss a little afterwards. He's been sleeping in is swing for about an hour, albeit a little restlessly.
Colic is just 'unexplained crying' per my doctor. He doesnt put much stock in the term either. Whatever it is, Nathan had it for sure. Hours of crying for most nights until about 3 months or so. Hopefully, Victor's situation won't develop into that.
I love that Burt's Bees apricot oil...I use it in lieu of lotion after my kid's baths. It's just delicious smelling! I'll try the massage thing and I might get some Mylicon drops at the store this weekend though I cant say they ever did much good in Johnson's case.
I hope this does pass quickly for y'all. You must be so stressed out. I wish I lived close to you, I would come clean for you or do something to help out.
The newborn stage was so difficult with Ava. She was very fussy. It is much nicer now that she is a little older and even though still can't tell me what's wrong, seems much less fragile and less fussy too. Most of the time anyway. If you ever need some adult conversation give me a call. I remember how it was when Ava was new, I felt so afraid to get out and lonely because I had no one to talk to except kids.
I'm sure it will Heddo, thanks for all your sweet words. Yesterday wasnt too bad. He seemed a lot more 'in control' when I reclined during the initial let-down and I noticed a marked difference in his fussiness last night. Even though he is more fussy than he was the first two weeks, it's still NOTHING compared to what we went thru w/ Nathan...not yet anyway. Hopefully it will not advance to that stage.
With Nathan, I remember renting many many foreign movies from Netflix because it was impossible to watch TV when he was having one of his crying jags. So we watched lots of foreign movies w/ subtitles and dvd's that had a subtitle option for the 'hearing impared'...haha.
Do you remember my friend Susan? She had a baby boy today and named him Victor.
Susan Preston? How cool!
Its funny because around here the only people that I've told his name to that DON'T think it's odd are hispanic. There's a sister in our hall that barely speaks English and when I told her his name she said 'Veec-tor? Mine bra-thor is Veec-tor!' She seemed so pleased! Ha.
Ok, I had to come back and post right away. The person that told me that the baby's name was Victor had it completely wrong. I talked to Susan tonight and they are still debating whether the first name will be Kyle or Holden. I'm not sure where they got that his name was Victor.
LOL...oh well. That's funny.
A "healthy and round" baby sounds like a happy baby. :) They're so cute when they're chunky. I hope things calm down a bit for you. Pulling one's hair out never sounds like any fun.
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