Pregnancy #53

[Laughalong]

?? Where do you all live bleeping hell I need to move to your areas. Getting an appointment here is awful even when something IS wrong. Out of hours scans?!

Miscarriage story trigger warning

Spoiler

On the day I miscarried I’d been bleeding sporadically for a few days already, cramps started at 3pm on the day it happened so I rang 111 instantly who got me into A&E. Doctor looked at me for one second, says I seem fine (cramps were getting worse and worse) and told me they don’t do ultrasounds at this time - it was 5pm so to come back the next day for one. He gave me a number to gynaecology to ring if it got worse. It did. Rang them and they said there’s no point coming as again they can’t see me anyway so I’ll just bleed and be in pain there! No one had even mentioned the possibility of miscarriage. So I didn’t even think of it. I bleeping wish someone had as I’d of at least got mentally prepared, despite the fact a doctor saw me and cramps/bleeding are the two main symptoms??? Unsurprisingly I then kept cramping and bleeding and miscarriaged at home that night. No it couldn’t have been helped, but the medical attention could have been way better / availability of a scan could have told me something.

 

[Jasminexx02]

?? Where do you all live bleeping hell I need to move to your areas. Getting an appointment here is awful even when something IS wrong. Out of hours scans?!

Miscarriage story trigger warning

Spoiler

On the day I miscarried I’d been bleeding sporadically for a few days already, cramps started at 3pm on the day it happened so I rang 111 instantly who got me into A&E. Doctor looked at me for one second, says I seem fine (cramps were getting worse and worse) and told me they don’t do ultrasounds at this time - it was 5pm so to come back the next day for one. He gave me a number to gynaecology to ring if it got worse. It did. Rang them and they said there’s no point coming as again they can’t see me anyway so I’ll just bleed and be in pain there! No one had even mentioned the possibility of miscarriage. So I didn’t even think of it. I bleeping wish someone had as I’d of at least got mentally prepared, despite the fact a doctor saw me and cramps/bleeding are the two main symptoms??? Unsurprisingly I then kept cramping and bleeding and miscarriaged at home that night. No it couldn’t have been helped, but the medical attention could have been way better / availability of a scan could have told me something.

The scan isn’t out of hours, the out of hours GP just referred me to the EPU for hopefully a scan tomorrow if they have the availability. I’m so sorry for your horrendous experience, I feel that a lot of women’s issues specifically are majorly dismissed and underfunded, it’s disgusting

 

[George01]

Out of hours GP was so lovely, didn’t seem concerned but understood that I’m anxious so referred me to EPU so can hopefully have a scan for reassurance tomorrow. Now a bit cautious about having scans so close together though if I have one tomorrow and then my private one on Monday, did anybody else have scans close together?

I had quite a big bleed on New Year's day and went to EPU and they scanned me everything was fine and my 12 week dating scan was literally the next day, all good though, I'm sure of it was something to be concerned about they wouldn't have scanned me so close together. I hope you get some reassurance soon xx

 

[Jasminexx02]

I had quite a big bleed on New Year's day and went to EPU and they scanned me everything was fine and my 12 week dating scan was literally the next day, all good though, I'm sure of it was something to be concerned about they wouldn't have scanned me so close together. I hope you get some reassurance soon xx

Thank you so much, that’s reassuring so glad everything turned out to be fine in your situation xx

 

[rainbowunicorn9]

Did a feeding class tonight and the midwife said she strongly advises against Tommee Tippee prep machine as well as Tommee Tippee bottles. I knew the machine was controversial but thought the bottles were one of the best? Wondering now if I should buy Mam bottles instead?

 

[raspberryjuice]

?? Where do you all live bleeping hell I need to move to your areas. Getting an appointment here is awful even when something IS wrong. Out of hours scans?!

Miscarriage story trigger warning

Spoiler

On the day I miscarried I’d been bleeding sporadically for a few days already, cramps started at 3pm on the day it happened so I rang 111 instantly who got me into A&E. Doctor looked at me for one second, says I seem fine (cramps were getting worse and worse) and told me they don’t do ultrasounds at this time - it was 5pm so to come back the next day for one. He gave me a number to gynaecology to ring if it got worse. It did. Rang them and they said there’s no point coming as again they can’t see me anyway so I’ll just bleed and be in pain there! No one had even mentioned the possibility of miscarriage. So I didn’t even think of it. I bleeping wish someone had as I’d of at least got mentally prepared, despite the fact a doctor saw me and cramps/bleeding are the two main symptoms??? Unsurprisingly I then kept cramping and bleeding and miscarriaged at home that night. No it couldn’t have been helped, but the medical attention could have been way better / availability of a scan could have told me something.

That’s terrible. I’m so sorry you were treated so badly

Editing to add my early pregnancy care was good but it’s been shocking since. I started bleeding at around 16 weeks and it’s taken for my midwife to ring the hospital yesterday to give them an earful for them to actually provide proper care. I’ve been admitted again now at 25 weeks and it’s probably the first time they’ve actually given me any actual reassurance. Last week they told me to monitor my bleeding at home myself and weren’t even going to see me until I phoned them loads of times, and then they sent me home again to monitor at home after a quick check over which is against protocol. Whereas other areas get admitted for any bleeding, extra scans etc. So I think every area probably has their tit bits yours sounds extra crappy though

 

[Laughalong]

Did a feeding class tonight and the midwife said she strongly advises against Tommee Tippee prep machine as well as Tommee Tippee bottles. I knew the machine was controversial but thought the bottles were one of the best? Wondering now if I should buy Mam bottles instead?

Prep machines are an absolute no from all the research I’ve done. It CAN be fine for your baby but more often than not it causes issues as the water isn’t hot enough to kill bacteria in the formula. Doesn’t sound worth it enough to risk it. I think I’m going to get two Nuby rapid cools and do it mostly using them. They take three hours to cool down between use that’s why I’ll get two in case I need another one sooner. And I’ll only put the water in there not formula so it doesn’t need sterilising constantly.

I also see that much good stuff about Mam bottles, and basically never negative so don’t even want to bother with tommee bottles don’t see the point. If you’ve already got them you could try first? I don’t think they’re as controversial

 

[Pontiac_Bandit]

Did a feeding class tonight and the midwife said she strongly advises against Tommee Tippee prep machine as well as Tommee Tippee bottles. I knew the machine was controversial but thought the bottles were one of the best? Wondering now if I should buy Mam bottles instead?

The shape of the tommee tippee bottles and teats can sometimes be an issue - we tried moving baby bandit to a tommee tippee bottle and he really struggled with it, and when we asked the infant feeding specialist she said the wide-base bottles like that aren't great for a lot of babies and recommended the tall, slim bottles you get at supermarkets and in Boots. I hear good things about Mam bottles but have never tried them, we've just stuck to the cheap tall bottles as baby bandit took to them well!
---

Prep machines are an absolute no from all the research I’ve done. It CAN be fine for your baby but more often than not it causes issues as the water isn’t hot enough to kill bacteria in the formula. Doesn’t sound worth it enough to risk it. I think I’m going to get two Nuby rapid cools and do it mostly using them. They take three hours to cool down between use that’s why I’ll get two in case I need another one sooner. And I’ll only put the water in there not formula so it doesn’t need sterilising constantly.

I also see that much good stuff about Mam bottles, and basically never negative so don’t even want to bother with tommee bottles don’t see the point. If you’ve already got them you could try first? I don’t think they’re as controversial

We've got the rapid cool set of two that comes with a flask for storing hot water on the go and two formula pots for our and about - we don't use them as much anymore but they were great in the earlier days, especially overnight when baby needed a feed and I was too tired to stagger downstairs! The only potential issue with just using it for water is that it cools the water quickly so by the time you add the water to the formula it may be below the recommended 70°c for sterilising the formula. The NHS website doesn't recommend preparing formula in advance but says if you need to, to cool it ASAP and store it in the fridge, and use within 24 hours - it may be worth having a pre-prepared backup in the fridge so that if baby needs more milk before either of the rapid cools are ready you've got one that you just need to warm up?

 

[Jasminexx02]

That’s terrible. I’m so sorry you were treated so badly

Editing to add my early pregnancy care was good but it’s been shocking since. I started bleeding at around 16 weeks and it’s taken for my midwife to ring the hospital yesterday to give them an earful for them to actually provide proper care. I’ve been admitted again now at 25 weeks and it’s probably the first time they’ve actually given me any actual reassurance. Last week they told me to monitor my bleeding at home myself and weren’t even going to see me until I phoned them loads of times, and then they sent me home again to monitor at home after a quick check over which is against protocol. Whereas other areas get admitted for any bleeding, extra scans etc. So I think every area probably has their tit bits yours sounds extra crappy though

I’m so sorry, that’s absolutely shocking

 

[Kaybethkay]

The only bad thing about mam bottles is how many parts to them there is!
Doesn’t take long to assemble them but washing them all out is a pain

 

[littlepup]

Re bottles, Mam self sterilising are great for cleaning, albeit fiddly, but can't be stood in water to warm as they suck the water up.

Spoiler: Merail re adjusting expectations

I did everything by the book 1st time, took all the advice on board and was really strict with it. Scoffed at the prep machine, baby nests, blankets, forward facing etc but gradually realised you have to have some flexibility.
Breast fed Baby took both Mam and Tommee Tippee (was never told they were bad) until I stopped offering them for a while then wouldn't take ANY bottle (or cup) at all and I tell you I tried EVERYTHING! I'd have stuck them directly on a cow if I could've, but then they wouldn't drink cow's milk anyway! We also had to forward face earlier than I'd have liked when it came to a head with a 2 hour stand off in a car park which ended in both of us crying. And my child REFUSED to drink plain water when we stared weaning.

The thing with TT bottles is that they are everywhere, if you lose one while out you can always find one and they are comparatively cheap. I'd always start with your ideal but be prepared to make your own decisions because you'll find yourself so strictly adhering to advice only for that advice to be recinded later. If someone can't afford Mam baby isn't going to suffer and I think it's unfair to put that pressure on Mums when there is soooooooo much to take in.
Obviously there are non negotiables like a safe sleep space etc but what I mean is don't feel like you're not doing your best for baby by giving them what's probably one of the best selling bottles, because the pressure can be immense. I know this and I'm still looking at Nanobaby and wondering if I'd be 'doing the right thing'.

 

[Hinchhater1442]

We've got the rapid cool set of two that comes with a flask for storing hot water on the go and two formula pots for our and about - we don't use them as much anymore but they were great in the earlier days, especially overnight when baby needed a feed and I was too tired to stagger downstairs! The only potential issue with just using it for water is that it cools the water quickly so by the time you add the water to the formula it may be below the recommended 70°c for sterilising the formula. The NHS website doesn't recommend preparing formula in advance but says if you need to, to cool it ASAP and store it in the fridge, and use within 24 hours - it may be worth having a pre-prepared backup in the fridge so that if baby needs more milk before either of the rapid cools are ready you've got one that you just need to warm up?

The best away around this is to ‘hot shot’ the formula so mix the formula with a little of the boiled water first. Then only cool the rest of the boiled water and add it in, if that makes sense

 

[Laughalong]

The best away around this is to ‘hot shot’ the formula so mix the formula with a little of the boiled water first. Then only cool the rest of the boiled water and add it in, if that makes sense

Yes this is what I’ve seen on every video. Hot shot with the formula with around 1oz-2oz depending on how big of a bottle you’re making, and Nuby the rest. I guess it doesn’t help if you’re wanting to use the flask though

 

[watermelon sugar]

If anyone is after any Mam bottles they are currently on offer at Argos

 

[calmyourritas]

Did a feeding class tonight and the midwife said she strongly advises against Tommee Tippee prep machine as well as Tommee Tippee bottles. I knew the machine was controversial but thought the bottles were one of the best? Wondering now if I should buy Mam bottles instead?

Prep machine was a life saver for me. I couldn’t have coped without it. Just made sure it was regularly cleaned. Also Tommee Tippee bottles were the only ones my daughter would drink out of, she didn’t get on at all with Mam

 

[aggytha]

With all of this chat about bottle prep etc I’d love to hear people’s experiences of how they make formula/what works for them/what they’re planning on doing!

I’ve breastfed my first for 3.5 years and she never took bottles or needed formula so I feel absolutely clueless!

I’m hoping to be able to combi feed the twins, but I am fully open and accepting to the fact that will likely change. Does anyone have any tips on how to make formula quickly and make life easier? The thought of having 2 babies screaming at me desperate for milk gives me huge anxiety 🥲 what do people do at night time and when out and about? Am I going to have to spend a small fortune on finding bottles they like, flasks etc?! TELL ME EVERYTHING.

 

[ScoutFinch]

With all of this chat about bottle prep etc I’d love to hear people’s experiences of how they make formula/what works for them/what they’re planning on doing!

I’ve breastfed my first for 3.5 years and she never took bottles or needed formula so I feel absolutely clueless!

I’m hoping to be able to combi feed the twins, but I am fully open and accepting to the fact that will likely change. Does anyone have any tips on how to make formula quickly and make life easier? The thought of having 2 babies screaming at me desperate for milk gives me huge anxiety 🥲 what do people do at night time and when out and about? Am I going to have to spend a small fortune on finding bottles they like, flasks etc?! TELL ME EVERYTHING.

I combi feed my boy and I use the little ready made bottles of formula. As I’m only topping him up I don’t need as much as if he was solely FF and they are the easiest things in the world as they can be given at room temperature - literally just crack them open and go!

 

[raspberryjuice]

BIL has 2 month old twins. They use the hot shot method but also keep loads of ready made formula for when they’re both awake and hungry at the same time, for going out etc. It obviously costs a little bit more but they’ve found it so much easier so far than having to make up double bottles when both babies need feeding together.

 

[fudgebox]

With all of this chat about bottle prep etc I’d love to hear people’s experiences of how they make formula/what works for them/what they’re planning on doing!

I’ve breastfed my first for 3.5 years and she never took bottles or needed formula so I feel absolutely clueless!

I’m hoping to be able to combi feed the twins, but I am fully open and accepting to the fact that will likely change. Does anyone have any tips on how to make formula quickly and make life easier? The thought of having 2 babies screaming at me desperate for milk gives me huge anxiety 🥲 what do people do at night time and when out and about? Am I going to have to spend a small fortune on finding bottles they like, flasks etc?! TELL ME EVERYTHING.

I make a few up at a time and keep in the fridge and warm up when needed! I’ve recently bought the dr browns formula mixing pitcher and it’s a game changer! You can make up to 32oz at a time and keep it in the fridge and just pour how much you need! Out and about I did used to use the ready made bottles but they got expensive so I keep a couple in my bag just in case but I take out a flask of hot water and nuby rapid cool and only takes a few minutes to make a bottle that way!

 

[Lucyxxxx]

I always got a kettle boiled some water and put it in a flask. Left the rest to cool down and put it in another flask. When it came to making bottles I'd pour some of the boiling water and do the rest with the cooled boiled water. I've always used Dr Brown's bottles.