2nd Pregnancy Week 13

Now that we’re into the second trimester, I can definitely feel an improvement in my symptoms – less nausea, and less fatigue.  Another thing I’ve noticed over the last couple of weeks is a change in Gavin’s nursing pattern.  Although he still asks to nurse, I’ve notice the nursing time has decreased.  He also asks for water at night and sometimes for “milk” (i.e. cow’s milk) as opposed to “nen” (which is his term for breastmilk).  However, after the water or milk, he will resume nursing.

I have read that if you are nursing an older children during the pregnancy, there will be changes in your breastmilk as the pregnancy progresses.  Such changes may be a drop in quantity, altered taste, and consistency.  Gavin’s increased his consumption of fluids can only lead me to conclude that my milk production has dropped.  He obviously has no issues with the taste or the consistency because he is still asking to nurse.  We have also asked him if he still likes the taste of my breastmilk and he says, “Yes.”

Gavin’s appetite appears to have increased yet again.  It almost seems insatiable, although he doesn’t appear to have increased the variety of foods he consumes.  Hubby thinks it is because he is no longer being filled by breastmilk, although I do wonder if the Probiotics we’ve been sneaking into his breakfast also had some role to play.

The one thing I am grateful for is the fact that Gavin now takes regular cow’s milk (as opposed to formula – which he has never really liked the taste of anyway) so it makes it a lot easier for me at night.  All I need to do is bring up a packet of milk to our room rather than having to prepare bottles of formula – phew!

On the flip side, I’m wondering if the fact that he is no longer getting as much breastmilk has something to do with it being a lot harder to get him to sleep these days.  For quite a while now, I’ve been able to get away without carrying him to get him to sleep, but these days, I feel I need to rock him to help him settle down or he’ll continue to climb all over the bed in a frenzied fit of restlessness no matter how tired he really might be.

Other symptoms and developments:

• Gastrointestinal disturbances – I really don’t know what else to call it.  I’ve been seized by these intense urges to run to the toilet almost as if I’m about to have diarrhoea, except that the sensation eventually passes and nothing comes out.
• Gastric reflux – yes, it has started!  I had a snack recently (a muesli bar – that’s all!) and went to lie down almost immediately after and had reflux!
• My taste buds are still foreign – I can’t think about eating chocolate and still only want to drink sweet liquids.
• My sense of smell is still incredibly sharp and it is difficult to ignore smells that never used to bother me.  Now I know why hubby grumbles so much about certain pungent odours (he’s always had a more sensitive nose than me).  I’ve been put off eating Maggi instant noodles because the smell reminds me of Gavin’s diaper in the morning.
• My memory is desserting me – so if I’m repeating my descriptions of specific symptoms, you know why.
• My chest has expanded – even my bras are tighter now – and my waist and hips are non-existant.  I’ve given up trying to wear even my “loose fitting pants” and gone to stretchables.
• I get breathless walking up the stairs – gosh, didn’t think it started this early…
• I still forget to get up slowly sometimes and get twinges of sensitivity in my pelvis and abdomen when I do.
• I think I’m starting to look “pregnant” as opposed to just “fat” so I can at least use the “pregnant” checkouts at Jusco supermarket without getting dirty looks.