The new "New Moms" thread!

[beckmrk04]

Hi Moms!

This is my first time on this thread (I can't seem to take myself away from the "moms to be" thread just yet.

Our little Abigail is about to be 6 months (on 05/08) and still nurses exclusively. Our Ped. doesn't want us to add solids until after her 6 month shots.

Here is the question I have. We think she is teething (her bottom jaw has two little distinct tooth shapes coming up in the front). She was miserable this past weekend (so was mom and dad). She was up every hour on the hour starting at 11 p.m. This is a child that goes to sleep at 8 and gets up at 5:30 - 6 every morning.

She was congested this entire weekend. Kept waking up because she couldn't breathe because her nose was all stopped up. We used the steam in the shower, the cool mist humidifier, Little Remedies Cold rub on her chest, and a little tylenol. The Ped said we did everything right and just let it run its course.

When your little one was teething, did you notice the congestion? We used the cool/frozen teething rings and she was constantly gnawing on them. Also, the only one she wanted was Mommy this weekend. Which was great, but mommy needed a little break too!

Are there any other suggestions on things to do to help relieve the congestion issue?

Congestion and a little cough due to drainage is THE signal that Vaylie is teething. Her poor little nose runs like a faucet. We do steam in the bathroom, run the humidifier, lots of saline drops/nose suction- which she HATES, and motrin when she needs it. We're working on teeth 7 & 8 right now. Poor kiddo. She is so cranky and just doesn't feel good.

 

[HollyJoy]

Hi Moms!

This is my first time on this thread (I can't seem to take myself away from the "moms to be" thread just yet.

Here is the question I have. We think she is teething (her bottom jaw has two little distinct tooth shapes coming up in the front). She was miserable this past weekend (so was mom and dad). She was up every hour on the hour starting at 11 p.m. This is a child that goes to sleep at 8 and gets up at 5:30 - 6 every morning.

When your little one was teething, did you notice the congestion? We used the cool/frozen teething rings and she was constantly gnawing on them. Also, the only one she wanted was Mommy this weekend. Which was great, but mommy needed a little break too!

Welcome aboard!!! That's perfectly normal to have such congestion when they are teething. Unfortunately, I have no remedies to offer you. Hopefully her teeth will come in fast!

It's been awhile since I've posted. Spencer is 7 weeks and amazing. Here are a couple of photos:

So cute!!! This one is my fav!!

 

[kellyf2626]

Amber - Spencer is adorable! I can't believe you were able to catch such a great pic of him smiling at such a young age! I love it!!

 

[ashjohnson80]

I took Ellery to the doctor yesterday. It was past time for her four month appointment, I'm almost a month behind, and also she had a cold. I didn't think she would get her shots yesterday because of the cold, but the doctor wanted to give them to her anyway. It's not been good. She started screaming and running a fever yesterday about 4pm. Evidently I'm just supposed to give her tylenol and keep an eye on things, but I haven't slept and have been so worried. I can tell she is just miserable.

On a lighter note, she is "off the charts" with her height and weight for her age. She weighs 19 lbs 7 oz and is 27.5 inches long. I guess I'm going to have to get one of those carseats that can be turned toward the back or the front of the car. Are they called convertible car seats? Anyone have any suggestions for a good one?

Oh, and as promised here is a new picture of my big girl.

 

[Tiggerlover91]

I took Ellery to the doctor yesterday. It was past time for her four month appointment, I'm almost a month behind, and also she had a cold. I didn't think she would get her shots yesterday because of the cold, but the doctor wanted to give them to her anyway. It's not been good. She started screaming and running a fever yesterday about 4pm. Evidently I'm just supposed to give her tylenol and keep an eye on things, but I haven't slept and have been so worried. I can tell she is just miserable.

On a lighter note, she is "off the charts" with her height and weight for her age. She weighs 19 lbs 7 oz and is 27.5 inches long. I guess I'm going to have to get one of those carseats that can be turned toward the back or the front of the car. Are they called convertible car seats? Anyone have any suggestions for a good one?

Oh, and as promised here is a new picture of my big girl.

Hey Ally! I'm sorry Ellery didn't do well with her shots. Mo was a pro yesterday! Didn't cry at all!!
Yes they are called convertible car seats. Mo is pretty close to needing one VERY soon. His little feet are touching the seat of the car. He's about 26 inches long and 17.4 1/2 pounds. I think hubby and I should purchase him one this week. I should probably also get one of those buggy covers. He's sitting up pretty well, but still falls forward very quickly. I'll have to strap him in and hope for the best. I'm looking at getting a GRACO one. I'm not trying to spend tons of money, but I don't want cheap either. GRACO is what we have right now and we are very happy with it.

 

[Mickeyluver37]

I took Ellery to the doctor yesterday. It was past time for her four month appointment, I'm almost a month behind, and also she had a cold. I didn't think she would get her shots yesterday because of the cold, but the doctor wanted to give them to her anyway. It's not been good. She started screaming and running a fever yesterday about 4pm. Evidently I'm just supposed to give her tylenol and keep an eye on things, but I haven't slept and have been so worried. I can tell she is just miserable.

On a lighter note, she is "off the charts" with her height and weight for her age. She weighs 19 lbs 7 oz and is 27.5 inches long. I guess I'm going to have to get one of those carseats that can be turned toward the back or the front of the car. Are they called convertible car seats? Anyone have any suggestions for a good one?

Oh, and as promised here is a new picture of my big girl.

Aw, that stinks. I hate all these shots. The Tylenol did seem to work for Grayson. At first I thought the shots didn't affect him at all, but a few hours later the fussiness kicked in. I hope Ellery is feeling better soon!

I did quite a bit of reading up on car seat message boards when I was pregnant, and it seems as though the Britax Marathon is the most highly recommended one. The ones manufactured in 2008 can be rear facing up to 35 lbs., and foward facing through 65lbs. I was going to wait, but there was an online sale in March so I went ahead and got one, but don't plan on using it til he's closer to a year old. My little guy is on the charts though- but barely! We're right at the 95% for both height and weight. I still think the Marathon will last him until he goes into a booster at 3-4.

 

[DMickey28]

He is suppose to get his shots soon and I am getting really nervous about it. His doctor said there is nothing to worry about, but I'm still not sure. I am considering splitting some of them up, but then I feel bad making him go multiple times. Thoughts?

Spencer is adorable!!! Alexander had all his shots up until 12 months on schedule and I wish I had done more research. Dr. Sears has a really good book that breaks down each vax into normal information. He is pro-vax but on a reduced/seperated schedule. I am following most of his plan from this point forward and will most likely do a selective vax schedule with the next babies. Yesterday, at our one year appointment, we only did the last of the prevnar shots. We are holding off on chx. pox for a while and we will wait on the MMR for a while as well. I have Alexander's schedule for the past year as well as the book infront of me if anyone has any specific questions.

I took Ellery to the doctor yesterday. It was past time for her four month appointment, I'm almost a month behind, and also she had a cold. I didn't think she would get her shots yesterday because of the cold, but the doctor wanted to give them to her anyway. It's not been good. She started screaming and running a fever yesterday about 4pm. Evidently I'm just supposed to give her tylenol and keep an eye on things, but I haven't slept and have been so worried. I can tell she is just miserable.

On a lighter note, she is "off the charts" with her height and weight for her age. She weighs 19 lbs 7 oz and is 27.5 inches long. I guess I'm going to have to get one of those carseats that can be turned toward the back or the front of the car. Are they called convertible car seats? Anyone have any suggestions for a good one?

Oh, and as promised here is a new picture of my big girl.

Ellery is beautiful. Big girl!! Alexander has always been an 'off the charts' baby until now. He is now back on the chart with weight but still off with the height. We moved him into a Britax Marathon when he was 4.5 months old. It gets great reviews and one of the most popular. Ours rearfaces to 33lbs but now they are up to 35lbs. DS is going to stay in it as long as possible. I figure once he is about 3-4 he will have a baby brother or sister that can take the seat for a year or so and I'll move him into a forward facing 80lbs 5 pt. harness seat. He is just under 27lbs right now. His feet do hit the back of the seat but he seems comfortable still and the dangers of his legs getting hurt while rearfacing in an accident are much prefered over the alternative of him getting injuried forward facing too soon. www.albeebaby.com usually has good prices and clearance sales. I think just last week or maybe still there was a britax sale at Target as well.

 

[Pollito916]

I took Ellery to the doctor yesterday. It was past time for her four month appointment, I'm almost a month behind, and also she had a cold. I didn't think she would get her shots yesterday because of the cold, but the doctor wanted to give them to her anyway. It's not been good. She started screaming and running a fever yesterday about 4pm. Evidently I'm just supposed to give her tylenol and keep an eye on things, but I haven't slept and have been so worried. I can tell she is just miserable.

On a lighter note, she is "off the charts" with her height and weight for her age. She weighs 19 lbs 7 oz and is 27.5 inches long. I guess I'm going to have to get one of those carseats that can be turned toward the back or the front of the car. Are they called convertible car seats? Anyone have any suggestions for a good one?

Oh, and as promised here is a new picture of my big girl.

Cute picture - I hope she is feeling better soon! DS was also pretty big, so we got him the Britax Decathlon, and I am very happy with it. I got a discontinued pattern off babycenter.com, and managed to get it cheaper than a Marathon, but that was last year, so just keep your eyes out for deals, b/c they can get pretty pricey. I also highly recommend Baby Bargains for all the car seat reviews - it is the best book!

 

[goudaman40]

We had to get Abigail the Convertible carseat back in March also. Found out Britax does an online sale in March and September and allows businesses to discount their prices then. The in store purchases are different (Sears had the Roundabout for $50, but I couldn't get there quick enough).

The one we got for Abigail is the LSU seat cover (the collegiate ones were $40 less than the traditional ones) It was manufactured in December 2007, so I feel we did pretty well.

The seat is really soft and I love all of the adjustable straps. It was a little pricey, but I figure that I will be using it at least 4 or 5 years, so I will be getting my moneys worth.

Abigail was up at 11:45, 2:21, and 5:00 last night and this morning. She nursed for an hour at 5. I gave her to her daddy so I could shower and get ready for work (hubby is a full time student right now). As soon as I finished, I was going to express then get dressed and take Abigail to daycare and go to work myself. Well, she had a different idea. She wanted to nurse more. The thing about it though, she wasn't really nursing, she was more pacifying herself. I think I am her "gum soother" since she is teething now.

Well, we are taking Abigail on her 4th trip to Disney this weekend (first time out of the womb ), so we will see how that goes. We live only 2 hours away, so it will be a long, relaxing weekend.

I'll post photos after we get back and hopefully I will be able to find ears that will fit her little head!

 

[kellyf2626]

Ellery is so cute!!! Sorry to hear about her shots. Brady cried hysterically for about 3 hours after his 6 month round. It was awful.

We also gave Brady all his vax on schedule for the first 6 months, but will be following Dr. Sears from 12 months and on. I highly recommend his book, The Vaccine Book. It is very informative, gives you all the facts, and also alternate vaccine schedules. Great read!

We have the Britax Boulevard for Brady in both my car and one in DH's car. Brady is a big/long boy, and it accomodates children up to 65 lbs (I believe). I know it's the Britax version that holds the biggest child. Britax is unparallel for safety.....WELL worth the extra $$. I know my mom got the Britax Diplomat which is a bit smaller in size, but same style as the Boulevard (side impact head guard, etc..). The Diplomat is made to fit in sedan's, whereas if you get the Boulevard, you really need a bigger-sized SUV or minivan since it is very tall and takes up more space.

 

[DisneyDreamer8]

Hi ladies

Can I join you guys over here?

All your little ones are so cute!!! I can't believe how big they are all getting.

Chase had his shots yesterday. We decided to break them up so he goes back in next month for two more. So far he has been doing well. Just a low grade fever that comes and goes.

I'll try and catch up on the thread during his naps.

 

[Mickeyluver37]

Are those of you who are delaying vax's getting support or resistance from your peds? My ped is very pro vax, and I already know she would argue with me about that one.

 

[kellyf2626]

Hi ladies

Can I join you guys over here?

All your little ones are so cute!!! I can't believe how big they are all getting.

Chase had his shots yesterday. We decided to break them up so he goes back in next month for two more. So far he has been doing well. Just a low grade fever that comes and goes.

I'll try and catch up on the thread during his naps.

Hi Rebecca! Great to see you over here! Chase is so cute!!

Are those of you who are delaying vax's getting support or resistance from your peds? My ped is very pro vax, and I already know she would argue with me about that one.

I know my ped is going to give me major attitude about delaying the MMR and chx pox. But hey....I am the mom....and I am educated about this. Also, I plan on discussing it with her at Brady's 9 month appointment about what our plan is going forward. He is not due to get any shots at his 9 mo, so it will be a good "neutral" time to have the discussion. I have actually made a spreadsheet with what my ped gives at each age, what the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends, and what I plan on doing with Brady. He is actually getting all his shots within the AAP timeframe, just not the MMR and chx pox. (If anyone is curious how this all maps out, let me know! I will pm you the chart!).

Things that I learned in Dr. Sears book that I thought were VERY informative:

1. The early ones (DTaP, HIB, Prevnar) are given at those ages for a reason, and really shouldn't be delayed more than a few months. They are protecting our little one's from illnesses that could be deadly when they are small infants. If you delay them past 1 or 2 years old, there really isn't any use in getting them.

2. Many people decide to split up the MMR vaccine because many autistic kids have a viral-induced inflammation in their intestines. When tested, the vaccine-strain measles virus is present in their intestines. Their non-autistic siblings did not have this infection in the studies that have been conducted. Soooooo, there is a worry that the measles portion of the MMR is the part that is not safe for smaller babies/infants to have. So when you split them up, you should be giving the Mumps part at 12 mo, the Rubella part at 24 mo, and the Measles portion last - at 3 years - so that the LO's system can handle it appropriately. All three are LIVE viruses, which can be more reactive and harder for our LO's to handle (same with chx pox).

BUT - many don't realize that if you do split up the MMR, you are exposing your LO to all the chemical ingrediants in the shot 3x - once for each part. Each separate dose of the vaccine still contains all the ingrediants/preservatives/chemicals that the combination one does.

Sooooooo....basically.....if you do decide to split them up (and can find a ped that will order them separate for you....which is very hard to do) you want to make sure you are giving them a year apart (not just a few weeks) and that the measles portion is LAST. Splitting it up a few weeks apart does NOTHING and basically you should just give the combo MMR. It can take up to 8 weeks for reactions to occur with this live vaccine.

Phew....like there isn't enough for us moms to stress about!!!!

 

[mrs.explorer1977]

Hey Ladies!

I can't believe how quickly the time is going! Everyone's little ones are getting...well, not so little! Colin is just over 9.5 months old now and I'm so not looking forward to going back to work in July!! I know I shouldn't complain, since I've had a year off, but still...it sucks.

Colin's new trick today is learning how to open the cupboards...yay! Guess those locks are going on this week! That kid keeps me hopping!

Tomorrow, I'm into work for the day and my MIL is looking after him. It's going to be weird not being with him all day.

Only 2 weeks until our little trip to Disney -- so excited! Making lists and starting to organize the packing. Did anyone have to change a diaper on a plane? Were there change tables? My biggest worry is that our flight time is right about when Colin usually makes a stink, so I'm sure I'll be in the bathroom, balancing him on my lap because there's no change table!

And, since we're sharing pictures, here are some new ones of Colin.

The puppies in the second picture are my parents' -- they breed Golden Retrievers and have a litter of puppies that are just about 8 weeks old...I think they were about 3 in that picture.

 

[Pollito916]

Are those of you who are delaying vax's getting support or resistance from your peds? My ped is very pro vax, and I already know she would argue with me about that one.

Can you try to search around for a ped in your area that would support your view?

 

[Conservative Hippie]

Are those of you who are delaying vax's getting support or resistance from your peds? My ped is very pro vax, and I already know she would argue with me about that one.

My pedi is pro-vax, but she is also pro-parent. She is really good about listening to your concerns and letting the parents make the decisions.

She only gives two vaccines at a time, and she only uses vaccines that are in single dose vials, so they do not contain preservatives. She will split up the MMR if you ask. You can also opt out of the Hep B.

 

[DisneyDreamer8]

Chase goes to a Family Dr. and she is the one who suggested only giving him three instead of five. He didn't have the Polio or Hep-B. She has an autistic niece so she trys to take every precaution she can to make sure the LO's she sees are vax'd as safely as possible. So he will go back in about 3 weeks for the Polio and Hep-B.

 

[Jen_in_NH]

Carseats: I liked the Britax for the safety reports, but the price killed me. I ended up getting the Fisher Price Safe Voyage. Made by the Britax folks, doesn't have all the padding and cool patterns. But, for $100 less, I'm happy!

Vax's: I opted out of the Rotavirus ones when he was little, and he didn't get a flu shot, but up til now, he's done everything else. I will be skipping the Chicken Pox one, and delaying the MMR for a while longer. For now, I'll do the MMR as one shot, but not until he's 3 or 4. That way, he can finish the series before school starts, so I don't have that battle The doc so far has been OK with him not getting some stuff.

BTW - you all have adorable babies!!!!!

 

[Mickeyluver37]

Can you try to search around for a ped in your area that would support your view?

I have been thinking about feeling out other doctors in the practice first. I'd hate to do so, because my other kids have been seeing her for 4 years and I really, really like her. But she's already rubbed me the wrong way about the nursing to sleep thing, too. Maybe I should just give her a call and start the conversation with "What do you think of Dr. Sears?" But yes, we do have a PPO and live in a very bustling area, so I have other options.

 

[HollyJoy]

Luckily, my Ped is very Pro Parent. It's a small practice (only two docs) and they definitely gives there opinion on things,as well as all the facts/study results, etc... but flat out tell me it's my decision. She actually talked me OUT of giving the Rotavirus! Deemed it unnecessary! Not sure I coud leave her practice, for we've been going to her since my oldest DD (almost 11) was born!