I had to supplement for a day shortly after DD was born as she wasn't putting on enough weight. We continued to give 1 oz for a few weeks right before bedtime thinking that it would help her sleep better at night. We used the samples of formula but only used one type. I don't know that I would switch up the different types of formula in the beginning since there are so many different types of formula. If you have a baby with a sensative stomach or that's colicky or prone to allergies it could be a PITA trying to figure out which is the culprit. I would more than likely be more inclined to do this later on when DC is much older.

I BF and EBM for DD (DD is 5.5 months old) and recently thought about all of my unopened sample formula and these are the options that I came up with: trade the formula for unopened formula of the type/brand you do use. Another option would be to donate it, I'm sure there are some groups/shelters that could give it to someone in need.

BTW, my sample formula is still in my cupboard so if anyone is in need of any please feel free to contact me.

DD is 5.5 months old and is a lil chunky monkey, she's about 20lbs (big I know, she's in the 95% for height & weight). She started to eat baby food & cereal shortly after her 4 month check-up and just started having lunch with the nanny during the day (last week). DD is only with the nanny a max of 6 hours during the day of which she is nursed shortly beforehand and will generally take anywhere from 4 to 9 oz of EBM during that window. It will really depend on how soon beforehand I had nursed and when I arrive.

As many of the PP have said I think it varies with the child. My guess is that if your childs care provider is asking for more that the baby may be asking for more. It couldn't hurt to ask why they're asking for the increase - does baby still seem hungry?

Another thought - does your baby nurse a lot more during the day on the weekends or when with you? If it's the same all throughout the day on the weekends and less in the AM & PM during the week that should tell you something, just a thought.

We have the Papasan swing too and DD is 5.5 months old. She really likes the swing and the nice option is that you can rotate the swing to go either side to side or back and forth. Now that she's older we have to go back and forth and she was starting to lean too much to the side as if she was going to fall out; must be a phase though. The other nice option is that it has different melodies and you can also turn the music off (it can wear on you after a while).

I agree about the batteries being expensive and needing D batteries. If you're really going through them a lot you may want to consider rechargable batteries (I would recommend either having a second set as you wouldn't want to be without). We buy our batteries at Costco which helps with the cost some. I'm amazed at how many toys that need AA batteries. Holy cow!!! We always have a stock of batteries on hand and a phillips head screwdriver in the kitchen drawer.

Best of luck!
Christina

I too had the same fears and than some. I would worry that the dog would harm or kill DD (she's now 5.5 months old), I would worry that I would inadvertanly drop her on a hard surface or that I would tumble down a flight of stairs with her in my arms. I was a little concerned and asked my therapist if this was normal, she assured me that it was and not to worry. I can recall when DD had a slight cold I thought for sure she was going to stop breathing in the middle of the night. We have one of those Angel monitors that detect if baby stops breathing, and yes I did use it with that setting but honestly it was a pain in the neck.

I don't remember when exactly all the fears faded but they did at least a couple of months ago.

Note: We do take precautions with our pets and DD.

Ha, thanks...obviously I will try to avoid the comments too. I think you're right, it's a different bond.

Not to mention that when they're so little they don't piss you off, unlike DH at times.

So last night when I was holding DD (5.5 months old) I said to her with my DH present "You are my most favorite person in the whole world.". Well, guess who threw a tantrum? DH said that was a ridiculous thing to say and how could I say that. My response was "Well, I hope she's your most favorite person." This ended up going back and forth, although I guess it can be insensitive but holy crap...he makes comments all the time saying she's the smartest, prettiest etc... WTH? Was I out of line? I've been known to be a little insensitive at times but I think he just blew it out of porportion.

Needless to say DD was DEFINATELY my most favorite person in the whole world after last night.

OP here. Thanks everyone, it makes me feel a little better knowing that it can make a difference when baby is sleeping through the night. DD sleeps (and I rarely pump at night) on average 10 to 11 hours a night, so all in all I guess having a menstrual cycle is easier to deal with than baby not sleeping.

Have a great weekend!

My DD turned 5 months last Friday and guess what I got as a little present. Yep, my menstrual cycle. WTH? I BF her and pump some during the day while she's with the nanny (no supplementing) and she get's one feeding (cereal, etc...) at 6:00 PM. Just curious what everyone else has experienced.

Thanks!
Christina

My DD who is almost 5 months old prefers me slightly more but I think that's because I've got the boobs. ;o) She does get the bottle from the nanny (at most 30 hours a week) and occassionally from my husband. I don't recall when we really noticed a difference though.

Tonight we saw our neice who is 7.5 months old and she ADORES her father. Will actually cry if he leaves the room, not so much if her mother does though - she's strictly a bottle fed baby. Not sure when she exhibited the preference of daddy over mommy.

It probably varies with the individual. However with me it depends on when my DD (she's almost 5 months) was last changed, burped and fed. It will also vary with me as to my level of tolerence to the crying. She will now occassionally cry (melt down) for no other reason than the fact that she's bored, tired or plain just not happy and wants to be held and soothed. So I guess what I'm saying is that with me there isn't a steadfast rule on if I'll pull over or wait until we get home, unless she's crying uncontrollably for more than a few minutes - then I definately stop. I just can't take that kind of crying, which RARELY has happened and then it's for a reason. (ie: dirty diaper, hungry, etc...)

Best of luck!
~Christina

Thanks, I'll call the Protocol school tomorrow.

PP, what's/who's Mrs. Simpson and Capital Cotillion? I'll see about contacting them as well.

Best,
Christina

Okay ladies, you're not going to like this answer but I honestly don't believe any of those suggestions work unless the baby is ready to come. I was at risk for pre-term labor starting from week 20 (cervical shortening). By week 37 my OB let me up from bed rest and was allowed to have sex. I was also dialated by about 2 cm. I had sex, walked for a couple of hours a day, ate spicy food, even had my membranes stripped on two occasions and guess what? My DD wasn't coming because she wasn't ready.

All the sex did was make me uncomfortable (cramping and contracting afterwards) and the stripping did the same. My DD came 1 day after her due date and 1 day before I was scheduled to be induced. So basically she was coming on her terms.

Some said to try the castor oil or teas...I'm glad I didn't since I didn't want to be crampy and have diarrhea. Not to mention that would not have been a pretty sight if I had gone into labor....diarrhea while giving birth. Hmmm, I'll pass thank you! ;o)

Best wishes,
Christina

I am looking for a recommendation for a etiquette/finishing school or person who is willing to work with an 18 year old more in a one on one setting. I can be reached via e-mail at christina@timeforawalk.com

Thank you!
Christina

Oh, good question! All ages are welcome. My DD is a little over 4 months old and would love any great advice and tips from mom's with older children.

Christina

Just a quick reminder that we're still on this Thursday 6.19. Please RSVP if you would like to attend.

Best,
Christina