Mommy's Stressed
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Feeling pretty overwhelmed today. Scout has a rash on her back, neck, and shoulders. At first, I thought it was prickly heat when it was only on her neck. We have since turned the air conditioning on, so I don't think she's getting too overheated anymore. The midwife thought it could be contact dermatitis and asked what I've been washing her clothes in. Dreft. I thought that Dreft would be mild enough for baby clothes (since it is baby detergent, and all).....but maybe not.
I also had the thought that it could be a reaction to something in my diet. I have decided to eliminate dairy from my diet, and possibly wheat. It's not just the rash that makes me think it could be something in my diet - she has been extremely fussy lately. I think in the evenings she gets reflux or a tummy ache and then she wants to nurse and nurse and nurse to soothe herself. Then, her belly gets too full and she fusses more and spits up numerous times. Sometimes she gets mad and screams at my nipples, but then acts like she wants to latch on at the same time. She still won't take a pacifier. When I try to coax her into sucking on it, it makes her furious and she screams like someone's hurting her. I used to be able to put her down in her bouncy seat for a little while every now and then to have my hands free, but lately she's been protesting that as well. (She did lay in it for about 15 minutes while I took a shower before she started fussing, praise the Lord!) I just wish I knew what the problem was so I could fix it and her belly wouldn't be in pain (if that's what it is) anymore.
I'm planning on going to a friend's house for lunch today, and I'm nervous because Scout rode in the car on Saturday and she screamed and cried quite a bit. I think part of what she hated about the car ride was getting in and out of the car seat. We have one of those convertible car seats that fits baby from 8 lbs to 65 lbs, and it does not unclip to carry around like those infant bucket carriers do. I think it would be smart if we switched out the convertible seat with the used infant carrier seat we have. I'd like to do that before I drive anywhere today.....but how is that possible? How can I take care of Scout AND fumble with a stupid car seat at the same time? Uuughhhh.
She is not crazy about the concept of babywearing. She seems to dislike the sling (although I haven't tried again since our first attempt), she only tolerates the Moby Wrap for a little while, and she flat out hates the Ergo with the infant insert. I just don't think she enjoys feeling confined......which makes sense, because she was not a big fan of being swaddled either. Seems like the only place she feels content is curled up in my right arm, snuggled against my shoulder. She takes almost all of her naps there, sleeps there at night, and rides contentedly there while I do things (one-handedly) around the house. I LOVE holding her. But part of me wonders if I am shooting myself in the foot by carrying her around all the time.....but if I didn't, she would cry, and I am not fond of the "cry-it-out" philosophy or Ferberizing or whatever they call it.
On top of all that, she has a diaper rash. Sheesh.
I also had the thought that it could be a reaction to something in my diet. I have decided to eliminate dairy from my diet, and possibly wheat. It's not just the rash that makes me think it could be something in my diet - she has been extremely fussy lately. I think in the evenings she gets reflux or a tummy ache and then she wants to nurse and nurse and nurse to soothe herself. Then, her belly gets too full and she fusses more and spits up numerous times. Sometimes she gets mad and screams at my nipples, but then acts like she wants to latch on at the same time. She still won't take a pacifier. When I try to coax her into sucking on it, it makes her furious and she screams like someone's hurting her. I used to be able to put her down in her bouncy seat for a little while every now and then to have my hands free, but lately she's been protesting that as well. (She did lay in it for about 15 minutes while I took a shower before she started fussing, praise the Lord!) I just wish I knew what the problem was so I could fix it and her belly wouldn't be in pain (if that's what it is) anymore.
I'm planning on going to a friend's house for lunch today, and I'm nervous because Scout rode in the car on Saturday and she screamed and cried quite a bit. I think part of what she hated about the car ride was getting in and out of the car seat. We have one of those convertible car seats that fits baby from 8 lbs to 65 lbs, and it does not unclip to carry around like those infant bucket carriers do. I think it would be smart if we switched out the convertible seat with the used infant carrier seat we have. I'd like to do that before I drive anywhere today.....but how is that possible? How can I take care of Scout AND fumble with a stupid car seat at the same time? Uuughhhh.
She is not crazy about the concept of babywearing. She seems to dislike the sling (although I haven't tried again since our first attempt), she only tolerates the Moby Wrap for a little while, and she flat out hates the Ergo with the infant insert. I just don't think she enjoys feeling confined......which makes sense, because she was not a big fan of being swaddled either. Seems like the only place she feels content is curled up in my right arm, snuggled against my shoulder. She takes almost all of her naps there, sleeps there at night, and rides contentedly there while I do things (one-handedly) around the house. I LOVE holding her. But part of me wonders if I am shooting myself in the foot by carrying her around all the time.....but if I didn't, she would cry, and I am not fond of the "cry-it-out" philosophy or Ferberizing or whatever they call it.
On top of all that, she has a diaper rash. Sheesh.
Labels: general complaining
posted by Unkempt Mommy at 10:47 AM
4 Comments:
You cannot do any harm by holding her all the time! The only thing you need to worry about is yourself and finding ways to get things done that are really important (like showering and resting). It seems to me that the more you hold her, the sooner she will be ready to be held less, because she will be so secure in the knowledge that you are there and will hold her if she needs you. I don't personally believe crying it out works at all, but it definitely doesn't work with small babies.
As for the rash - we use All free & clear. I am sensitive to perfumes and dyes in laundry soap. Maybe Scout is too. I hope so, because that would be such an easy change to make. And for her tummy, have you tried Gripe Water? I used to make my own: put a little fresh ginger and some fennel seeds in a small pan of water and bring to a boil, making a mild tea. Add a squirt of agave nectar to sweeten and cool. Keeps in the refrigerator for a week. We gave it to Sam with a syringe from a commercial bottle we'd bought before I decided to make it myself.
I agree 100% with Annika. Except for the fact that I've never heard of Gripe Water. It sounds like a good idea, though.
In addition to using a dye/fragrance free detergent you can also try putting vinegar in you wash. You can either add it when you would add fabric softener or put it in a downy ball type thing. The vinegar helps get the soap residue out and softens you clothes. And don't worry, the smell goes right away, so Scout won't smell like a cute little pickle!
I also wanted to add that I think you are doing a fabulous job and I am very proud of you!
I pretty much held Sorley all the time for the first 3 months, though I was able to carry him about in the sling sometimes. I know its not easy, esp when trying to get things done but it won't be forever and by-the-way you're doing a fantastic job :) Do you feed her lying down? I found I had to have Sorley sitting up during feeds and for at least half an hour afterwards because he had bad reflux - that sorted his feeding out and his wind.
You are doing a fantastic job! She may end up liking the sling later on. Holding her constantly right now is fine, except when you need a breather. You need to take care of yourself or you will go nutty. It is okay for her to cry for a few minutes while you take a time out. You aren't being cruel. You love her and show her constantly that you do by how you take care of her.
I think choosing a detergent that is fragrence and dye free is a great idea.
Air out her butt by laying her on a diaper and just letting it breathe. If you can finagle it, try to get some sunshine on her butt. And only use water and a clean wash cloth. The wipes might be too harsh. Max had that problem.
As for the cluster feeding at night and the pulling off and crying and relatching...yeah, that is common and I went through it with both kids. Mostly I found out for us, that the kids were tired. So I would feed and then try passy and blankie and finally pat and rock and jiggle and walk around and rock and jiggle and pat and sway and sit on the birthing ball and bounce in a darkened room and baby will calm and go to sleep. Pray all the while that you will have wisdom and discernment in what to do. You are doing great and these first 3 months are crazy hard with all the changes. You aren't alone in what you are experiencing and at about 3 months, Scout will be on a schedule that you can figure out. As far as waking and sleeping and feeding. The cluster feeding thing about killed me both times, and the fact that both kids seemed unsatisfied and crying...but you'll make.
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