Mumsnet Discussions - Due Dec 08 -- Getting Ready for final push (in every sense!)

Pixsix congratulations!!!!!! What lovely news, looking forward to hearing how it all went.

Kayz how exciting that the baby is starting to engage - I wish mine would!

Verso we've just submitted our applications for primary school. Our local primary is excellent and very oversubscribed so hoping both of mine get in - we are situated very close so fingers crossed. The girls have been at the pre-school for the last year and I know all the mums so would be sad to have to start again somewhere else.

Yorkshire ladies - I am North Yorks, about 40 mins North of York itself.

Jumpjockey huge hugs, hope you're feeling better today.

Waves to everyone else- pregnant brain has had to scroll down 300 times already and I forget what everyones said by the time I scroll up again!

I am happy today as girls slept through for first time in weeks last night - woohoo! So apart from a few loo trips, I actually feel rested! And I finish work today - woohoo!

Forgotten already who was saying they were lying on the sofa for their maternity leave whilst DC at nursery. I know the feeling well - I keep thinking I should go shopping or for a walk, but I just can't be bothered. Am looking forward to a few simple things, getting a haircut, getting a pedicure, lying on the sofa lots and sleeping. And utter peace and quiet whilst DD's at nursery!

Hello! katie - with you on the night sweats! I thought it was due to my PJs so swapped to nightie, but alas the problem persists. I'm all drippy, especially in the under-boob area and want the windows open - thankfully it doesn't affect DH as he abandoned me for the spare room/ nursery to be several weeks ago!
I've heard that the whole loose poo ting is the body getting ready for labour, kind of clearing you out in advance, so maybe it's not far off for you guys...exciting!
Saw my MW this morning and she said she couldn't really wobble the head much so it must be just engaged, then wrote 4/5 engaged, so I think that must mean 1/5 in, 4/5 out!
Have got my antenatal class this aft - on feeding I think. Will waddle off to town now...catch up with you all later (if I have a spare 2 hours to read everyone's posts!)
xxx

Effie and Jump - get a room grin

Oooh Effie we can talk classification and other stuff! Can you say anything about your archive without giving too much away? I work in a very large university library (cryptic... not!) which is fab, we get lots of readers but also lots of researchers so a really interesting bunch of people. My first job was in an archive of theatre history which was great fun, fanstatsic material to be working on, except that I only had one coilleague, who didn't like talking much, and cataloguing all day with no conversation... email was my saviour!

jj: I love Frankie Boyle but would have been v scared in a live gig! I'm an archivist, which may have even more piss-taking value...

Love the thread title suggestions, too brain dead to think of any myself so I leave it to the rest of you to decide grin

. You have about 30 posts left...

<sends delaying vibes to Veggiebaby>

right i'm off to class hopefully catch up some tonight

Or how about "Oh come all ye babies, poo-ful and triumphant"? (I've got a big book of carols upstairs so can come up with plenty more if needed...!)

Morning all, am feeling a lot more cheery this morning (only just got up which probably helps!). I'll add ice cream to my shopping list in case anyone else needs the magic touch wink

katie congrats to your friend, lovely name! We haven't started that job either, not even any shortlists. All that happens is I say "Ooh Hamble's a nice name" and H vetoes it, then he says "What about Rumpelstiltskin?" and I say no. So we know plenty of names we don't like!

cravings for lettuce sound great - as long as you're not covering them in mayo wink

but what a shame about not being able to eat chocolate any more shock

Frankie Boyle was very good (but massively late, didn't start til 10.30 so I was only just awake!) and completely merciless with hecklers, I think he went a bit far. The routine was pretty funny though, he kept trying things out and saying "Oh so that's where the bar is in Cambridge, well I'll be getting lower soon!" eg a joke about Kerry Katona was fine, but diss Stephen Hawking and you're in big trouble! He was asking the guys in the front rows what they did for a living and had about 8 software engineers and a statistician - in fact at one point it was brilliant, he asked the stats guy what he was working on and it was clearly not very funny as he said "I seem to have stepped hip deep into a comedy pothole with this guy" grin

- we were in the third rown so I was vvv glad he didn't get as far as us, he'd have ripped the p*ss out of me for being a librarian!

I do like that one Enchanted!!!

DS is having one of those days where he is driving me around the wall!!!

Morning everyone!

CatDean I've been having the night sweats as well. Not sure what that's all about. But I usually wake up and have soaked through whatever I am wearing.

chutney I am also frustrated with the maternity clothes. The one pair of jeans that fit me the best are starting not to fit anymore. The bump band has become really tight and uncomfortable. I'm also starting to have the same issue as veggie with the bump sticking out from under my shirts. I feel like I am constantly pulling down on my shirt. But I don't want to spend any extra money on clothes at this point.

katie Congrats to your friend. Glad she had the baby finally!

Can't believe we are almost through this thread!!

I think my December title idea was...

Due Dec 08 - Christmas inductions ... The Holly and The I.V.

grin

Can you believe that on the next thread we will all be typing birth announcements!!!!! shock

Yippppeee!!!

Im getting soooo excited now!!

Justified Arti!!!

Cat- i am really sweaty, it is bad eough how much i seem to smell lately without sweating profusely during the night.

Having frequent bowel opening now too not happy veggiebaby must wait in there until monday. To make matters worse apparently, on sunday when we are planning to drive back, snow has been predicted. Oh well if it kicks off in London i'm going to Tommies a friend works there she won't be on shift but will drag her along, she delivered DS so will be good for this one too.

but it is not going to happen just have to keep thinking that.

Morning All - What are you all doing with your maternity leave? This is day two, and DD is in childcare, so I could do anything - but what I am doing is sitting on the sofa MNing and watching Jeremy Kyle. Is that justified or lazy? Yesterday I lay around all day except for one quick trip to the shops where I brought ingrediants for a lovely dinner. However, I never got round to cooking it. When DH got home from his whole day's work he cooked it while I watched TV! Then he cleared up while I went to bed. I am such a slattern and DH is a saint.

Morning all,

Sorry no time to do a proper catch-up but hope everybody's well.

Off to the South Coast for the weekend this morning - birthday tomorrow. Just been googling maternity units nearby in case (38 weeks on Monday) - scary!

On the toilet front, I didn't realise that you were supposed to go more frequently in the few days before. My bowels went on strike for a few days before DS arrived - quite a present for the midwife on the delivery table I can tell you...

Thanks for the link to the mattress stuff by the way Bisou - funnily enough that was last night's insomnia fodder so it was very useful.

Anyway, must dash - have a good weekend everyone. I wonder how many more babies there'll be when I get back on Monday.

how about...
Christmas is coming...the Dec ladies have got all fat...time to have our babies...the novelty's worn flat!

Morning, I can't believe we're nearly through this thread already - it seems like it only just started (just checked and it is only 3 weeks old). And we have 2, hopefully 3, babies already as well. I like jams suggestion of once we pop we can't stop, but I remember enchanted's made me laugh too (but just can't remember what they were). Although at this rate, we'll need at least 2 more to get us to Christmas ...

I've also noticed increased frequency of poos, but mine are still solid. I assumed its cause babyZJ is squashing my stomach so I can't store as much in there these days - I hope it's not a sign that he's coming - I'm only 35 weeks, still at work and haven't packed my hospital bag yet - aargh, guess what I'm doing this weekend?!

Mibbes: re nursing clothes, you don't need anything special. Vest tops under loose tops work well, you hoick the top one up and the bottom one down IYSWIM. In the winter I'd be less worried about flashing my norks than exposing my tummy. Also pj tops or nighties either with strappy tops or buttons are good for night feeds (and lounging around in bed).

Veggie: am also popping out of maternity tops, bought some large and comfy clothes from Gap to tide me over the last weeks

.

Verso: glad you have the postnatal doula sorted, sounds a very good idea (someone to look after you rather than just the baby). I was thinking seriously about hiring a doula this time round, but we can't really afford it so haven't. The thing I'm worried about is going into labour on Xmas Day - it's the one day our emergency childcare can't cover so if things move too fast for MIL to get here (she's about 100 miles away) I'll be without a birth partner as DH will be looking after Willliam. Hopefully that won't happen.

Mibbes It is meant to last a few days, something to do with the hormone being produced that makes you have contractions.

I also read that it is the baby that decides when to come out. They produce a hormone that gets into your blood stream which then makes you produce the hormone that starts labour. I'm going to start pleading with him now.

jam LOL at peeing peas !

Veggie genius move eating icecream and solving JJ's problem ! If anyone else has a problem am very willing to try eating icecream for them wink

chutney LOL at 'ceremonial bonfire' - I had been looking forward to wearing old clothes (eventually) but then remembered that I'll have to wear BF-friendly tops for a long time (assuming BF works out ok).... any ideas ? I have some nursing vests with the wee clips on them for easy access, anything people can advise to protect my modesty ?...

Katie congrats to your friend - ouch, big baby !

Well I had an episode of the 'runs' last night... given that I am on iron tablets and have been suffering from the opposite problem I was convinced I was going to go into labour during the night - every twinge or tiny cramp was being analyzed ! However, so far nothing else to suggest baby on the way. Is the runs thing supposed to last for a few days or would I expect things to kick off soon afterwards?.... Off to see MW this morning so I'll find out if the pressure down below is an engaged head grin

Congratulations for your friend Katie.

I can't wait until the next baby is born.

That's great news about your friend, katie, hope they're all well. Am v envy

of people who have names ready. I'm afraid ours will be called Fella until the last minute...

Bisou what about once we pop we cant stop. Or where is enchanted she had some excellent christmassy ones.

Katie thats fantastic news. grin

I have been getting sime very horrid cramps in my bump tis not contractions but it feels like someone is stqabbing a hot poker through my belly generally in the middle of the night - bloody painful. But amazing sleep last night went to bed at 10.30 and didnt wake till 4!

JJ see the power of mumsnet and people kindly wink

offering to eat ice cream for you.

SL is your DH mad cycling at 10pm!

Morning all, maybe tmi over the cornflakes, but has anyone else been sweating at night loads in this last trimester? My DP says it's freezing and I wake up soaked, especially my boobs blush

. Weird...
Also struggling to find fitting maternity tops, Veg. Maybe linked to the above, it's all getting pretty huge.....Off to work, second last Friday before ML, hurrah!

My friend had her baby boy at 1.15 this morning. 9lb 10oz, called Elliott. Can't wait to go and see them later today and then DS is insisting on having a picnic tea party...outside hmm

Morning,

No ideas for new name I'm afraid. I slept all night for the first time in ages. But I dreamt I was in labour and it was so real. So I was really disappointed when I woke up.

I will be posting my secret stork today! I promise I will remember to do it. I really love what I have got my secret stork so I might have to buy one for myself too.

Bisou I was just reading your post and I thought 'going shopping at 20 to 6' and then I remembered that it wasn't 20 to 6 over there.

Good morning Verso! You must be living on Australia time too

Sorry to hear about yr troubles finding a good night nanny - you'd think with 3 at least one of them would have gotten back to you! Have you thought about starting up a separate thread on mumsnet to ask others if they know of anyone good? Hopefully if that doesn't work out then you'll at least be able to sort the day help.

kays that's good they check you there too for PND. I had to do a big questionaire here when I booked in to the hospital, and almost every time I have an appt they remind me that if I'm feeling 'low' there's a number on my card to call. I'm not sure about after-checks but I assume this would happen at the post-natal appt. Thanks for the advice about babies often sleeping well the first night too, I wouldn't have guessed that, but it makes sense really.

I'm just about to go out shopping to get some stuff for dinner - I bought some really nice white fish yesterday so I'm going to make my own goujons & tartare + sweet & normal potato wedges and perhaps some homemade mushy peas for my hubby (who loves em, but you can't buy them here).

We're going to need a new thread soon too, anyone want to volunteer a new thread name?

P.S. On the subject of cravings (kayz pizza - yum!) I am having the weirdest one ever at the moment. With DD I was TOTALLY into plain bars of Cadbury's Dairy Milk. This time round I can't eat it because - get this - it tastes of chlorine! So what am I craving?

>drum roll<

Lettuce!
Mini gem lettuces.

I swear I've eaten about eight of them since Tuesday. Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. Anyone know what this means? (Apart from me turning into a rabbit, I mean.)

Ah, chutney, the joys of the Purley Way! I know it well. I was there earlier this week - Mothercare, Sainsbury's and Argos grin

. I think I'm going to be frustrated not being able to drive for six weeks after the birth, having really got back into it in the past few months since I got my wee car. Hey ho!

JJ Your DH sounds sweet. Sorry you're feeling rubbish though. Was Frankie Boyle good? He's one of my guilty pleasures - makes me laugh SO much but then I feel bad for some of the things he says are sooooo borderline!

Beans have a {{hug}}. I am fed up of weeing all the time too. Every time I stand up I swear the baby's head bounces on my bladder hmm

. I hope you feel better after a good night's sleep. I'm ready for this baby to come out now too I think - although sometimes I wish I could just stay pregnant as it's much easier (despite the leg cramps - grrrrr).

Despite the early hour I actually feel ok - probably because I fell asleep on the sofa for an hour after dinner last night!

i am so sick of my mat clothes too don't want to buy anymore but am havig to wash so often as i keep spilling stuff on them and i am really smelly. Is anyone else getting bad BO.

I just realised today that i have been wearing the same clothes to the thursday Gymnastics session for DS for the past 3 weeks, the other mums must think i have no other clothes.

Also the tops i have, all proper maternity ones, aren't cutting it with my belly bump, it keeps popping out from underneath.

Sympathies to all feeling crap. I've had a glass of wine for all of you this evening grin

.

Verso - bad luck on the night nanny. Your second may well be a little angel who sleeps and feeds like a dream. Mine is, which is a shocker after DD1 who STILL can't always do a whole night in her own bed at 3.6! BTW, I didn't mean this Mon / Wed for meeting up - more like Mons and Weds in general. This monday I have the purley way to conquer. Mothercare, ToyRus and ikea are all to be hit. And I know you'll be otherwise engaged on Wed wink

.

Pineapple - tried with DD1, spent a sodding fortune in M and S on the fresh stuff, still had a rotten old induction. My obs told me lobster and champagne was worth a try. Apparently the champagne is to ease the disappointment if the lobster doesn't work. Did you know you can get lobster for a fiver in Lidl, my new fave shop? Might be worth a shot.

Apologies to those still waiting for their secret squirrel. I haven't bought mine yet, but promise to do so over the weekend.

Piles - they do itch, and Prep H is indeed a godsend. If you can bear it, the suppositories are really good. I have been going to the loo a lot over the last few days so hope that this doesn't mean things are happening over here. I've still got a million things to do, and the poor thing needs somewhere to sleep and some clothes to wear (all bought etc, but need to go in a drawer). Have put my neighbour on standby to rescue me some decent clothes and bits if I do have to go in unexpectedly as no bag packed here and god knows what DH would choose. BTW, is everyone heartily sick of their mat clothes? If I have to alternate the same 2 pairs of jeans for much longer, I'll go mad. Looking forward to the ceremonial bonfire in the garden once I've got my old bod back (c2011 at this rate).

HVs - saw one with DD1 for the last time when she was 3 months old. Got summoned by a HV for a "chat" about her when DD1 was nearly 3 after she ate some glue in M and S over christmas and had to go to A and E. Still refused to see her, though, as I didn't think there was much she could usefully add to my guilt. DD2's last weight was 9lb something. Given that she's over 1.5, you can tell how long it's been since I've clapped eyes on anyone for her.

Must away to bed. See you in the morning. I wonder if we'll have any more babies by then <<hopeful, so long as it's not mine>>

see JJ i ate the ice cream for you and it got better didnt it your DH came home. Magic.

I also like veggies thoughtful "I will have some icecream for you". grin

. If I had any icecream I would have it too.

awwwwwwww.....crossed posts. Lovely DH.
Mines not back though ...he is naughty.

God I sympathise JJ our house is the same, carpets fitted today and there are bits of carpet off cut everywhere, we had to empty cupboards to get carpets fitted so stuff out of cupboards everywhere, washing up everywhere, house looks like bomb has hit it in general. And i feel totally awful as I have this cold, dunno why oh why I went to work today, should have stayed at home, I really cannot face tidying up anything, or even getting out of bed for that matter. And DH has gone out mountain biking, unlikely to be back before 11. I really wanted house to be tidy before midwife comes round tomorrow as I don't want her to think "where the hell are you going to have this homebirth then?" but it ain't gonna happen. However, I have decided that DH is getting up early tomorrow to do some tidying up. I will do more if I feel up to it after he has, but he can do any bits that involve lifting stuff (he still doesn't get that I shouldn't lift heavy stuff, he wanted me to carry big chest of drawers down the stairs with him last weekend!!!)
I think you should put your feet up and get him to do it another time.
I am sitting in bed playing sudoku and NOT going to feel guilty.

And I really should write my birth plan before midwife comes tomorrow but am feeling too crap to do that as well!!

Argh! Now i feel even more guilty, he's just come in having said to the reast of the choir that he had to leave at 9.30 to get home to his pregnant missus sad

and is upstairs hoicking stuff about and told me to sit on the sofa and order a pizza for tea.

Poor guy can't win! Makes me cry either way

Jumpjockey just leave the washing up for tomorrow, it won't hurt. Have something easy to eat and hit the sack, everything will seem better in the morning.

oh JJ poor you should be being spoilt. i will have some ice cream for you.

Boo. Going to have a bit of a me me me post, sorry.

Today was my last day at work - went out for a few farewell drinks last night then met up with DH to see Frankie Boyle so we were out all night.

Today, I'm a bit tired and emotional what with the end of work etc, not seeing my mates every day for a long time. Got in from work at 7 and have only just managed to sit down, and I feel guilty about this. We've got the guy coming tomorrow to finish up the carpet so I've been trying to get everything moved from middle room (nursery) to back room - loads of books, computer, chairs, etc etc. H is off at a choir rehearsal which is fair enough but it's at a mate's house so he probably won't be back til 10.30 as they always have a few drinks afterwards. I went into the kitchen to make a start on tea but the washing up from Tuesday is still there [grim] which is usually DH's job - I cook, he washes up.

I just want to put my feet up at the start of mat leave and have a nice bath but there's so much fecking stuff to do for tomorrow and DH not around to help - and I don't think it's unreasonable that a 8.5 month pregnant woman probably shouldn't be doing heavy lifting anyway. And I've got to go and wash up and make tea otherwise we'll both go hungry (and the baby too).

sad

Its also very annoying because I know DH has about £50 in his wallet but he is at work.

ooh Kayz maybe you are nearly there when I went into labour with DS I was crying because DP wouldnt get me a pizza he eventually caved in then a few hours later it all kicked off.

I am really craving a pizza. Its driving me mad. But I have no money on me, well £5 but you have to order over £7!!! Its so annoying, I might eat the menu!!

hmm it would be interesting to pea peas but in fact was peeing pees grin

Dont even talk to me about weeing. I woke up hourly last night to pea a teaspoons worth, then all day today have felt totally dehydrated from all the d&v yesterday which has also given me raging heartburn. grrrr.

TYV glad to see you was wondering whether you had popped.

Katie i'm with you on the bowel movements (and the piles unfortunately blush

) Being pregnant is actually good for me that way (not the piles!)i was never regular before, now i'm always on the loo! I was the same with my first, and he was a little bit early, so you never know grin

Preparation H gel is quite good by the way.

Does anyone on here live in Harrogate, and has scuffed a wheel on their car? My hubby's just had an email from someone enquiring about having a wheel repaired, but they're expectng a baby next week so needed someone to come out to do it, he said 'is it one of your mumsnet mates'? grin

hello well i'm not pooing loads so hopefully that means labour isn't imminent i just want to get past this weekend and if possible wait til at least the birth pool arrives. The MW supplies it but she has another lady due on the 28th so she gets it first. Wandering if we should maybe hire one ourselves. I just made mexican polenta pancakes to have with a veggie fajita thing i do was soooooooooooo yummy but am very full now. Might have to wait a bit for dessert.

ayz- i am weeing heaps but when i go the smallest dribble comes out even though i feel like i am busting to go. This babies head must be so squishing up my bladder.

I am with you on the weeing. I am still really thirsty so I'm drinking loads so weeing loads.

I was so excited about moving and having the bathroom upstairs so I didn't have to come downstairs in the middle of the night. BUT now I have to go upstairs during the day! I just can't win.

Sorry, whinge whinge and now I'm heading off to watch Apparitions - love being scared!

xx

PLUS! I'm done with weeing every 15 mins!!!!

katie - I'm with you on that. I'm pooing quite a lot too. Hope I am having mine soon - I feel quite ready for it! Not really, but ready in that I'm keen to get the baby out, much though I love being up the duff.

Feeling a bit low this evening. Think I need to get a bit more sleep, having been a bit smug yesterday about having lots! It's very weird having DH at home this week - not quite as relaxing... Plus he keeps having jobs for me to do - doesn't he know I'm all fat and uncomfortable (you'd think so, I bore on about it so much!!!).

oh my god babies!!! Congratulations pixsix and mrsmattie

I am having terrible computer trouble and can't post at the moment but I am lurking (and still pregnant grr)

Yeah put your feet up!!

I just dug out my pregnancy for dummies book and it does say it in there too.

Flippin 'eck Kayz not sure that's what I wanted to hear! I am keen to get this one out but am hoping that I can hang on for my C-section. Shall put my feet up now and tell DH to cook supper smile

You apparently have more bowel movements when labour is a few days away. So could be soon.

Warm baths are very good for piles and also putting your feet up and relaxing.

*TMI alert*
Sorry about this, but is anyone else having more frequent (ahem) bowel movements than usual? And does it mean anything? I have to go about 5 times a day at the moment which seems a little ridiculous.
Also, I appear to have piles, or at least that's what my Mum reckons because my backside is very itchy. Is that a symptom of piles? And is there a household rememdy for it to relieve the itching before I can get to the chemist tomorrow? It's driving me insane.
Still no news from my friend who is now 13 days overdue. She texted me earlier to say that the hospital has started the process (I presume she means induction) but that they might have to wait 48 hours for anything to happen. Poor thing.

Hi - no follow up from pixsis then?
Artichokes wow - didn't know you were at the same hospital as me and due on the 10th!! If you're on time u must visit me! I hate hospitals and will be desperate to get out.... I'm in Wimbledon - where do you live?

Yeah I think it means 1/5th with me too. I was so hoping it meant it would be happening in the next few days.

Mine says 4/5th palpable (which means 1/5 engaged).

I am not sure it means much in terms of when the baby will come - a good friend has been fully engaged for 5 weeks with her second! They told her labour was imminent but she has yet to feel one twinge.

She just said he was engaged and then I had a look at my notes and it says 4/5ths.

Good evening ladies....and...babies!!!!
CONGRATULATIONS PIXSIX!!!!!!

How exciting! And well done Bisou on the list keeping...I don't mind where it is held.

Great to see some of you yesterday. Lovely lunch! Think it was worth meeting up just to see the shocked look of the poor waiter as he ushered in so many big bumps!

Had a nice morning at a friends (DS was at nursery) where there were babies of 8, 9 and 10 weeks old.
Another crap night with DS though. Think I am going to find it interesting to say the least with two!
Spent this afternoon cleaning the oven hmm

and organising the babies room. Very fun!

Also managed to fix my robot hoover...was playing up and now working like a dream. Everyone neeeeeeeds to get one. Means you can be 'doing the housework' whilst sitting on your backside! They really really work and it was definately the best present I ever got! (from my mum before you wonder at the romance of DH!).

Off shortly to put DS to bed, having his last Charlie and Lola and he promises that he will then go off no problem...we'll see!

Did they say yours was fully engaged Kayz?
Mine had gone in and out. She was 3/5 engaged two weeks ago, then out again and now 1/5 engaged. Apparantly that is common with second babies, they can bounce in and out!

It is so confusing. I want to know if he is really low down and ready to come or if he is just slightly engaged.

kayz not sure about the actual terminology someone on here said it depends on the midwife. I think mune meant that it was very 3/5ths of it's head was engaged so when GP felt it he thought 1/5th more was engaged therefore he could only feel 2/5ths. whatever they think it has to wait until monday and actually longer wold be better as we don't have a pool and the tens hasn't come yet. In fact we have nothing remotely resembling anything in the house that could set it up for a home birth except some old towels and the MW has dropped over all her 'tools'.

Verso- i can get DH to ask his bosses wife about night nannying. She is apparently doing some school work at the moment just casually so would be available i think. She is very nice though of course she would also have references from all the families she has looked after. Se is def well liked the last big job she had as a live in nanny the family liked her so much they paid for her and her DH's wedding (at hampton court palace) and the round the world first class holiday inc luxury accomodation. All i got from my work when we got married was a whip around for Selfridges vouchers.

well that took me ages to catch up...congratulations pixsix! Sooooooo exciting!!!
DH and I are currently sitting having the baby name conversation ....again!!!! Think we may finally be getting somewhere this time! Although dd1 had a name as a bump which didn't suit her when she was born so she got a different one, so I guess we'll see when this one pops out.
My friend had a baby today so I'm all squishy and excitable and want mine now!!! Although still haven't got some of our old stuff out of the garage so maybe we ought to do that!

I would love a pineapple but you need to eat 7 before it has any affect. I love pineapple but nowhere near that much.

The daytime help is indeed a postnatal doula - so I think I'll be sorted, one way or another >crosses everything<.

Went to the supermarket today with Mum and she randomly asked me if I wanted a pineapple (?!). When I said I didn't want the baby any earlier than Tuesday she looked very confused - she had no idea pineapples have that reputation!

I cant remember the engaged stuff. Does 4/5ths mean she could feel 4/5ths of his head or she could just feel 1/5th?

yay hooray Pixstix well done you. looking forward to your birth story, thanks for letting us know so promptly

So many posts today it took ages to catch up hope not more behind because i reading them all.

Nolda- we haven't seen a HV for DS since he was 8 months. Thank goodness by the sound of it. He is 3 now and still gets up to come into us during the night. sometimes at 1am sometimes at 6am. We gave up viewing it as a 'problem' because really it doesn't bother us. If it is a problem with the eext one being in there too then we'll just have to take him back to his bed or....get a bigger bed.

A bit nervous now that Pixstix has had hers a little early. On tues the MW said she would be surprised if go fullterm and that baby is 3/5 engaged. Today i went to GP to sort out order for blood tests. For some reason he decided to do a full exam dipstick & BP heartbeat and bump feel even though all done on tuesday. He also agreed that baby is not far off coming and said he is even further engaged than tuesday but very mobile. DH and i are now a bit nervous as i am going to Wolverhampton for my course alone tomorrow then out with friends in Nottingham in the evening and then we are driving down to London on sat to sort out viewings for the flat and then going to DS' friends birthday party on sunday arvo then driving back up to Derby sunday evening. So hoping veggiebaby stays in there. No curry, pineapple, or sex until monday.

Oh pixsix - that's amazing news! WOW! And so weird to think that when I first joined here, you and I were due on the same date!!!! Well done you!

Have you got a name? I'm so so happy for you!

How was St Thomas's????!

Big love and smiling like a loon now!

xxxx

Verso I think Effie's idea is a good one. I will keep everything crossed for you that this baby likes their sleep.

Verso: have you looked into a postnatal doula? Not sure if any do nights. Though if you can get daytime cover at least you can nap during the day if necessary (which I think I would find easier if bfing rather than expressing and all that).

Sorry about the night nanny Verso that's really miserable. You never know - this one might be a sleeper...

Went through exactly the same panic when we first got DS home as everyone else - in fact still worry from time to time when I remember that we are parents and the poor soul is stuck with us (if that makes sense). Now can't quite believe we're doing it all again.

Many many congratulations to pixsix can't wait to hear all about it. So exciting the babies are arriving.

Hope everyone else is feeling better - am sure those of you with heartburn have tried everything by now - but if you can sleep sitting propped up as near to upright as you can manage it does help. Or at least did help me. There's a yoga position that helps to ease it too - but trying to describe it here is beyond me, sorry. Veggie hope your GP was some help.

Chutney and Verso really feel for you with decisions on schools coming up. Makes me anxious even thinking about it and we're ages off. Fingers crossed you get what you want.

Lovely to meet people yesterday.xx

Ooooh the postlady has just been(very late) and my secret stork is here!!!!

It is a little blanket with a rabbit. It is gorgeous!!!!! Also I got a Wispa and some fudge!!!!!!!

Thank you ever so much, I love it!!!!!!!

Also a quick update on the night nanny situation here - it didn't work out, basically

. THREE different nannies failed to return my calls. Obviously I must be notorious for having 'difficult' babies or something! I'm really disappointed - and also worried - because if I have another baby that doesn't sleep for months on end I guess it's PND here I come.

Hey ho. Had a bit more luck with daytime help though (I think - though still need to check out references) - so at least that's something.

Bisou thanks for sorting out the birth list - it's splendid!

To (in a rare moment of madness) defend the NHS slightly, they've checked my wee every time I've been, and I've only had so few appointments because I've had a baby before. Now I think everyone knows my opinion of midwifery/postnatal care on the NHS here hmm

, but I do have to say that is one tiny thing they've got right for me. Mind you having said all that it varies so much from postcode to postcode...

just wanted to say big thanks to beans for organising yesterday's lunch - it was great to put faces and RL names to people.

very exciting that people are beginning to sprog. can't wait to hear people's stories.

re: list - my preference would be to have a separate birth list with the actual and due date (interesting to see who is late/early). i'd love to keep it on this thread as i am lazy, but bow down to everyone else's opinions.

oops try here for the link.

Am off to bed (it's 2.30am in Australia) - sorry for the prolific amount of posting from me tonight! smile

Bisou They do it here to but not until about 10 days after you have had the baby.

DS slept through the first night. I was awake all night sat on the floor next to his crib. The MW came to see us the next day and she said that a lot of babies sleep through the first night as being born is very tiring for them too. I wish they would have told us that before so I could have got some sleep.

Cot mattress 'wrapping' page http://www.pnc.com.au/~cafmr/sprott/avoid.html here

hiccy most of the clothes I've bought for DS are of the kind that button up the front as I hate having to pull things over babies' heads! I get scared I will somehow fail to support their little heads/necks during the process <paranoid emoticon>

And in other news... (boring catchup warning)
Sorry most of this is so overdue, as per norm with me blush

Indith, the pattern I used for the nappy in my pics came from a lady who ran the nappy making class here in Oz. Unfortunately she didn't give me a copy, but I will either get it from her via email, or from unpicking the nappy apart sad

or I'll just find one similar online. I'll let you know if I get my hands on it.

veggie thanks for the tip about the meconium poo & cloth nappies - I didn't think of that. The hospital here told me I could use a couple of their cloth nappies at first (so they'd have to wash them, hehe) and I'm inheriting some eenies so that might be an option for dealing with them too. Or a disposable liner to minimise the damage. Or at worst, an eco disposable. Did you know that there was a nappy produced here in Oz that was marketed to be 100% biodegradable but the company was taken to court by the ACCC for false/misleading marketing conduct? Link

rosmerta if you ever want cheap tix to the opera, you can always get them on the day (but you have to be prepared to queue in the morning of the performance). I saw my very first opera at Covent Garden (Madama Butterfly) by getting a £7 standing ticket, but then whipped into an empty seat in the balcony once the lights were going down. I think the person next to me paid quite a bit more for their ticket than I did! grin

Opera is much better live of course. I fall asleep if I try and watch one on TV or listen to it (what a bad opera singer I am!)

veggie my best shag ever (apart from DH of course!) was a ballet dancer. He had the best legs & bum EVER! Not that you want to think of your brother in that way of course...

LadyT can't wait to see your bub in the reindeer suit! I have now bought a total of 3 Christmas outfits... they are so cute, I just can't say no blush

Twiga if you're reading this, hope you have your new rental house/accommodation sorted out by now. What a nightmare!

poisondwarf I have a urine check for protein & glucose every appt - they have these little indicator stick things in the bathroom and you just pee on them and compare them to the colours on the bottle. I'm surprised they don't do this for you as it's one way to keep an eye out for conditions like gestational diabetes & pre-eclampsia. I'm now on weekly appointments too, can't believe that some of you won't get checked regularly leading up to the birth! shock

and

at the NHS! PD I'm also really sorry about your brother & dad. It must be a really difficult time for you <hugs>

mibbes I've got that Cosatto nursing pillow! Had to order it from the UK, and I've been using it as a back support on the couch now for months now too. It's great for breastfeeding - I tried it out in the UK with my niece (just resting her on it though, not breastfeeding her obviously!) wink

veggie mmmm M&S fish goujons. I miss those. And good country sausages - as good as the food is here, you can't beat good British sausages. For the goujons I used to make a homemade tartare with organic mayo, squeeze of lime, chopped up capers and fresh chives. Wish I had some now.

kayz - you managed a shag? Hats off to you! I must confess DH & I have pretty much abstained for 9 months blush

Tried it a few times but it was a bit uncomfortable for some reason, and now I think neither of us are really that interested. Luckily we've always been pretty well matched in the libido department though - we either both want it, or we both don't! Hope you're feeling cheerier soon too, it must be hard feeling so rubbish all the time. On a related noted you should get assessed for PND (post natal depression) if you haven't already, as that's really important. Everyone should have that done (it's standard here in Oz).

mibbes I remember someone talking about lavender oil for rubbing on the temple/pressure points? I bought a soft squeezy bottle recently too as someone said it's good for filling with water + tea tree oil to squirt on stitches if you have to have them.

I somehow managed to trim my 'lady garden' last week, using a mirror and a lot of patience! It's been much nicer down there as a result, and less irritation from the horrendously large amount of CM I seem to be producing. I have to change underwear at least once a day, or wear a liner. Blugh. (sorry for TMI!)

trace I was told today that I'm positive for strep B too. It's good to know, as it's pretty simple to deal with as effie said, they just give you antibiotics at least 4 hrs before you give birth. My midwife today said they could do it 1hr before but 4hrs was preferable. It only takes a few mins supposedly so shouldn't intefere too much with an active birth. I'm glad I know though, as my mum (midwife) said she once saw a baby die from it. It's not common, but it does happen so at least this way I feel more secure in knowing I am at the least over protecting the baby rather than under protecting him from a particularly nasty virus.

Amy123 and hotmama my mum also said placentas have a 'shelf life' of about 40wks which is why they monitor you more closely after that, but she didn't say it was an age related thing. I got the impression that all placentas deteriorate after that time.

hiccy shock

at the HV and leaving you worried about cot death being hereditary! I read recently that in NZ they recommend 'wrapping' cot mattresses as they can let off all sorts of nasty things when the materials that make up the mattress mix with bacteria/mould. Don't want to scare anyone unnecessarily of course (as it does seem 'convenient' that the same people sell/ market the wrap you can buy). Any one else heard of this? I'll try to find a link.

I can remember when Ben was born i really panicked, i'd read all about pregnancy and birth, and for some reason i'd focused on reading how to bath them, and top and tail them, but that was it. I didn't read anything about what to do when they were actually here! I panicked in the hospital about changing nappies, and whether or not i'd dislocated his little head when i struggled to pull the babygro off grin

Luckily DH calmed me down a bit and assured me they don't break that easily grin

mibbes I'm just in denial about parenthood, and kind of vaguely hoping that maybe I'll just stay pregnant for ever and can keep on enjoying little bonding kicking/prodding sessions with babyZJ, which will be the extent of the mothering I'll need to do ... is this likely to happen??

Bisou thanks for doing the list missus, it is so exciting and kayz IKWYM about it hardly seems like any time since we were starting off on this journey and we're nearly there !!

I also totally agree that DP and I will be at a complete loss as to what to do with baby when we get home - we are both total novices so it will be the blind leading the blind - hope you ladies are ready for my flood of questions wink

I can't believe we're having babies now. It doesn't seem that long ago we were having morning sickness and our first scans.

Its just so exciting - I'm very impatient to find out which DC's will be DD's and which will be DD's. And we've got 8 weeks or so of this excitement until all the babes are born grin

Bisou i have to say you're doing a grand job smile

BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENTS

14/11/08 - MrsMattie - Baby Girl "Bella" C/S (due 28/11)
20/11/08 - pixsix - Baby Boy (due 01/12)

*MIA**
*Flumpybumpy - scheduled c/s 19/11 (due 02/12) DC#3, (GIRL!)

Verso - I aim to please! How's this for a compromise? Have put the birth dates at the start, with the due date in brackets at the end (as it will make it a bit easier to keep the births in 'order' the way they happened?):

I like seeing the due date and then the birth date as it's interesting who goes early and who goes late - but maybe I'm just making life difficult ;-)

Don't be sorry arti I like seeing who is next too! LadyT have you noticed that you've now at the top of the 'due' list? grin

I wonder if anyone else will beat you to birth the next bub...??

ooooh this is so exciting, I can't WAIT to meet my bubby grin

Sorry! X-post. I will stop sticking my nose in Bisou - it must be a nightmare. You are doing a great job smile

For now it is quite interesting to see the due threads. We can work out who was early and who was late. I would leave them until we move to post-natal.

BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENTS

MrsMattie - Baby Girl "Bella" born C/S 14/11/08
pixsix - Baby Boy born 20/11/08

MIA
Flumpybumpy - scheduled c/s 19/11 (due 02/12) DC#3, (GIRL!)

hmmm, I should have probably taken the due dates off them and just left the birth dates.

Lets try that again...

New list for births a good idea I think!

The due list probably won't change very often from now on (though I suppose people may get scheduled for sections). I don't mind if it's in this thread or a separate one, I have the thread set up to load all the messages in one page when I view it, which means it is easy to find, but those people who have it on paging mode may find it easier in a separate thread?

Here are the birth stats at the moment (I've taken these people off the 'due' list). If someone would like to start a new thread with them, that's no problem. I do agree about starting 'fresh' with a new postnatal list - should this go in a different section though? As in, not 'antenatal clubs'? <confused>

MrsMattie due 28/11 DC#2 - Baby Girl "Bella" born C/S 14/11/08
pixsix due 01/12 DC#1 - St Thomas', London - Baby Boy born 20/11/08

*MIA*
Flumpybumpy scheduled c/s 19/11 (due 02/12) DC#3, (GIRL!)

Oops, x-posted - and the list is there before I even got my comments typed, so ignore me, and thanks bisou!

argh sorry hotmama that one slipped the edit. Want it changed now or is next update ok? (there was actually 8 changes in that list update - I try to do them in bulk to save posting the list too often)

I agree with starting a new list for births - I joined this gang when I was about 4 months, and there are people on the list I've never seen posts from. I hope they and their babies are doing fine.

arti LOL at sleeping with your head at the foot of the bed, that made me smile. But tell me again about it in January and I bet I'm doing exactly the same thing!!

jj I don't finish til next week, but have been given a cardi today, I'm going to miss being at work, everyone is so lovely [hormonal emoticon] (which is worse: pregnant lady blubbing and saying 'I love you all', or a drunk one doing the same?? grin

)

hiccy my Mum was originally a Wakey lass, but I live on the east coast. I think hatty is in west yorks?

ooh sorry arti just read yr post (after posting list).

I do take your point about the 'due' list. I guess I like it as I know there are a couple of people who don't post regularly, but who still appear and surprise with an obscure post once in a blue moon, so I guess there are no doubt many lurkers too (I know I am somewhat guilty of this myself). Also I wouldn't want to take anyone off the list, but perhaps we could move it to a separate thread as Effie suggests, and then just post the birth announcements on here? I have only been updating as I'm interested in the stats and knowing who is next, and also because people keep asking to have their info updated.

What is everyone else's thoughts on this? Keep the 'due' list here or move to another thread? I'll vote to keep here (cause I am lazy and just like to check one thread, and also to even up the vote, hehe). Lets say first to 5 votes is a decision?

Wow KMP I have just noticed that you are having a c-section at Queen Charlottes on the date I am due to have DD there. Maybe we will be on the same post-natal ward! (What area do you live in? We must be close).

My cs is for the 15th of December smile

I like the idea of a birth stats list.

Macca - you must be a Notts girl as well! smile

I live in WB.

QMC is closer to me but I have had my dd's at the City - as has most of my family.

Know loads of people who have babies at QMC - no bad stories I hasten to add - and there are better visiting hours than the City.

I'm 41 and both my dd's were late and the placentas were fine - are problems with the placenta age related?

LadyThompson scheduled c/s 25/11 8AM (zzz) (due 03/12) DC#1 - St Mary's, London, (GIRL!)
Verso scheduled c/s 25/11 (due 04/12) DC#2 - St Helier, London
daisydora/cc21 scheduled c/s 25/11 (due 03/12) DC#2
LadyOfTheFlowers due 30/11 DC#3
badkitty due 01/12 DC#1
twinkle183 due 01/12 DC#3
pwcbird due 01/12 DC#2
rosmerta due 02/12 DC#2 - Homebirth/West Mid, W London
RawChocolate due 02/12 DC#3
melissa72 due 02/12 DC#1
Modernlove due 03/12 DC#1
DonnyLass due 03/12 DC#2, (BOY!)
Doozie due 3/12 DC#1
penny99 due 3/12 DC#1
amy123 due 3/12 DC#3
Katie3677 scheduled c/s 3/12 (due 14/12) DC#2 - Hereford County Hospital
goneundergroundtillfamilyknow due 04/12 DC#3
Hanni22anni due 04/12 DC#2
BrightShinySun due 05/12 DC#2
Nolda due 05/12 DC#2 Princess Anne, Southampton, (BOY!)
mibbes due 06/12 DC#1 - Stirling Royal
majormoo due 06/12 DC#3 - Royal Sussex, Brighton
elenamaesmummy due 07/12 DC#2
jenduck due 07/12 DC#1
Beans33 due 07/12 DC#1 - St Thomas', London
Ebs26 due 07/12 DC#1 - Darent Valley, Kent, (GIRL!)
hiccymapops due 07/12 DC#2, (BOY!)
poisondwarf due 08/12 DC#2 - Homerton, London, (GIRL!)
toratora due 08/12 DC#3
Mina30 due 08/12 DC#2
lal07 due 08/12 DC#2 - St Thomas', London (GIRL!)
jumpjockey due 08/12 DC#1, Homebirth, Cambridge
JezzaJ9 due 08/12/08 - Hope, Manchester
JamInMyWellies due 09/12 DC#2 - St Johns, Chelmsford
Natalie537 due 09/12 DC#2, (GIRL!)
hennaly due 09/12 DC#7
theyoungvisiter due 09/12 DC#2
ChutneyMary due 10/12 DC#3
Artichokes due 10/12 DC#2, London, (GIRL!)
Kmp1 scheduled c/s 10/12 (due 17/12) DC#1 - Queen Charlottes, London (BOY!)
Webbi due 11/12 DC#1
Bisou due 12/12 DC#1, Australia, (BOY!)
fishnchips due 12/12 DC#3
Jackstini due 12/12 DC#2
kayzisexpecting due 12/12 DC#2, Malton, North Yorks, (BOY!)
Alliebongo due 12/12 DC#3 - West Suffolk
KutilPutil due 13/12 DC#2
traceface due 13/12 DC#2
cococat due 14/12 DC#1
pootleflump due 14/12 DC#2
monkeydops due 15/12 DC#2
Veggiemummy due 15/12 DC#2 - Homebirth, Derby, (BOY!)
abbymeg scheduled c/s 15/11 (due 21/12) DC#2 - St James, Leeds, (BOY!)
hotmama scheduled c/s 15/11 (due 21/12) DC#3 - Nottingham City Hospital
bunnysgirl due 16/12 DC#2
chinchi due 17/12 DC#2 - Calderdale Royal, Halifax
Purple79 due 17/12 DC#1 - St Thomas', London, (GIRL!)
IceCube due 18/12 DC#1 - Homebirth, Cheshire
snorris due 18/12 DC#5, (GIRL!)
SummerLightning due 18/12 DC#1 - Addenbrookes, Cambridge, (BOY!)
Twiga/okaythen scheduled c/s 18/12 (due 26/12) DC#3
moaningminnie2020 due 20/12 DC#2
reban due 20/12 DC#4
Ninii due 20/12 DC#2
Indith due 20/12 DC#2 - Homebirth, Durham
RhinestoneCowgirl/MaeWest due 21/12 DC#2 - Homebirth, Bristol
waitinggirl due 21/12 DC#1 - Whittington, London
preggiejane due 21/12 DC#1
georgiepig due 22/12 DC#2
NineUnlikelyTales due 22/12 DC#2
hattyyellow due 22/12 DC#3 (GIRL?)
Turniphead1 due 24/12 DC#3 - St John & Elizabeth's, N London
zoejeanne due 24/12 DC#1 - Scarborough
HollyMiranda due 24/12 DC#1 - Chelsea & Westminster
anjlix due 24/12 DC's#1&2 - St Thomas', London (TWIN GIRLS!)
Missmama due 25/12 DC#3 - Birmingham Heartlands
EnchantedWithEdwardCullen/DisenchantedPlusBump due 25/12 DC#3
kitkat9 due 25/12 DC#3
Annagt due 25/12 DC#1
strikey due 25/12 DC#2
GettingBiggerBird due 25/12 DC's#2&3 - Homerton, London (GIRL & BOY!)
purplepansy due 25/12 DC#3
PinguRocks due 25/12 DC#1 - St Thomas', London
Lowrib due 25/12 DC#1 - Homerton, London
mybumpsaboy due 25/12 DC#1, (BOY!)
Jollybear due 26/12 DC#1
tm2 due 26/12 DC#1
GordontheGopher due 26/12 DC#2
LitterBug due 26/12 DC#3
Crazycatlady due 26/12 DC#1 - Homebirth/St Thomas', London
Olipop due 27/12 DC#2 - West Middlesex, London
simmo14 due 27/12 DC#2, (GIRL!)
rowergirl due 27/12 DC#2
CatDean due 27/12 DC#1 - Homebirth/Homerton, London
feb due 28/12 DC#2
babblington due 29/12 DC#3
emmanbump due 29/12 DC#1
Kimberly1979 due 29/12 - St. John's and Lizzies (BOY!)
EffiePerine due 30/12 DC#2 - Homerton, London (BOY!)
march29 due 31/12 DC#2
TheInvisibleHand due 31/12 DC#2 - Royal Free, London

The problem with the due date list is it includes loads of people who never, ever post and it is so long. I have no problem if people want to keep updating it on this thread but it is sort of out of date as we do not know what has happened to 50% of the posters.

Why not start a birth list on this thread (it will be much shorter as it will only include people who still post)?

Quick update - no longer a low lying placenta from what they said it sounds like it was the sonographer's fault last time and it had never been low lying!Blood pressure was high so kept me waiting for blood test results until 7.10pm!!!
Now have to go back on 1st December for what sounds like a sweep and then they're talking about inducing me beause I'm 40 I have more chance of the placenta failing - honestly if it's not one thing it's another!
Hotmama I'm booked in at Queens!!!!
Macca

That's an idea. Although then I'd have to check 2 threads frequently rather than one which is kind of more work too (stick lazy emoticon here)!

Shall do though if others agree. What does everyone prefer? I shall post them both here for now, and perhaps if people prefer we can start another thread with stats

Bisou: what about putting the stats as a separate thread in this section? It is a pain to scroll through all our waffle intelligent conversation to find it.

I had a little 'possible breach' prediction today too hotmama but they did a scan and decided he was head down after all.

I shall update the list, as there are a few other changes to add too! grin

I'll also start a 'birth list' so we can keep tabs on our lovely new arrivals. Probably best to keep it separate I reckon as the other list is SO long...

Hi ladies - hope you are all well. smile

Congrats to Pixsix and Mrs Mattie - have there been anymore births?

Quick update on me. Ds1 (DC3) is breech and after my birth history with the dd's I am now booked in for a c-section on the 15th December. Will be at Nottingham City Hospital.

Feels really bizarre knowing when my baby's birthday will be. smile

Don't break up from work until next Friday - as assumed ds1 would be late as dd1 was 9 days late and dd2 was 12 days late - so I will have a whole 2 weeks off before ds1 comes - I will have to get a move on! shock

The next time the due date list is updated could someone change my details (I don't know how to do it! blush

[muppet emoticon])

Will post more when I have broken up - like I'm going to have more time! wink

Our Hvs are pretty useless too to be honest, when i was expecting Ben, i told the health visitor that came to see me that my brother had had a cot death, and she said 'i'm sure that can run in a family, i'll have to check' !!!!! shock

She then rang me 3 days later and told me she was wrong! I could've killed her. Luckily a different one came this time.

I'm glad you're feeling better smile

Oooooooooooh congratulations pixsix grin

Hope the lunch was lovely yesterday girls.

Hope everyone is ok. Sorry busy at work again sad

not getting a chance to catch up properly.

Congratulations Pixsix! 10 days early!. I can't wait to hear your birth story.

Penny99 - the first night we brought DD home, DH and I put her in her moses basket, got into bed and just stared at each other and laughed as we had no idea what to do next. Then I was scared I could not hear her breathing (she was in her basket right at the end of the bed - 6ft from my head!) so for the next three weeks I made DH and I sleep with our heads at the foot of the bed so that our ears were within inches of her. I hope we are a little more relaxed this time!

kayz - glad your MW made you feel a little better.

nolda - what a load of bollocks from your HV. If you are happy with DD's sleep and you aren't too tired then why deprive her of the affection that she wants? I never once got one piece of throughtful advice from our HV.

Well I am now officially on ML! I don't feel like this baby is going to come for weeks so I am busy filling my diary. Today's tasks involve a trip to Rigby and Peller for a nursing bra fitting and an attempt at creating a Jamie Oliver Thai monkfish curry for DH. Wish me luck!

Hiccy Nope never even heard of it. But then again the HV's here are pretty useless. I think knowing his head is engaged has cheered me up loads.

Congratulayions pixsix grin

Hope you're both doing really well xxx

zoejeanne i'm in Wakefield. I didn't realise there were quite a few of us Northeners either grin

Hope you're feeling better Kayz, has your HV done that prenatal questionaire with you about how you're feeling before the birth? Mine came out last week, they didn't do it before i had Ben, but apparently now they check to see if you're feeling quite down before the little one arrives too. You seem to have been quite ill with one thing or another lately, so hopefully you'll start to feel better soon. <sending hugs>

Nolda i really feel for you re: the sleeping situation, Ben is just over 2, and he's always been the most terrible sleeper, up at least a few times a night. The HVs have never really offered us any advice except to do CC (which i can't) So we've resorted to trying him in a little toddler bed, which i can't believe seemed to be helping (although it's only been two weeks) then last night he got out about 4 times and curled up on his nursing chair chattering away to himself, so at 4 o'clock i took him into bed with me, which meant at least an hour and a half of him trying to play until he eventually went to sleep! I'm very nervous of coping with two little ones through the night!

rosmerta you really made me giggle with the starjumps thing grin

How on earth you could prove that labour actually started there i don't know! My waters broke continuously throughout the morning, if it happens like that again i'll have to decide where to go grin

Hope everyone's okay

I'm having a complete mental block. We aren't allowed to put our names on our secret stork presents are we?

Verso: DH had the same conversation with a friend who had her babies about 20 years ago - she said she and her DH were expecting the police to come round to take the baby away as they were obviously incompetent! Mind you, she got to stay in hospital for several days and the night before she was discharged she was sent out to have dinner with her husband while the baby was looked after in the nursery, on the ground that they wouldn't manage that for a while grin

well, I'm trying to work from home today (in between GP and MW appts) but my web access to email has died. Ah well. Might do something useful and wash a few baby clothes and get on with the knitting

Congratulations, pixsix! Really brilliant news. (Made me well up a bit too!)

LOL @ Indith "Real ones that they let you take home and everything?" grin

penny99 what you described is pretty much exactly what DH and I thought when we first got DD home from hospital. It feels astonishing that they do in fact "let" you go home with an infant... and no manual!

Just "nested" my wardrobe - putting away maternity clothes (my work ones in particular) and getting out things that might be stretchy enough to work post-natally. Feel very misty-eyed at the thought of this pregnancy coming to an end. It's been so so much better all the way through than my pregnancy with DD (I had very bad SPD with her but have been spared this time) and I've loved feeling the baby kick inside me. Very very sad this is probably the last time for me

.

kayz I'm sorry you've been feeling really down. Me too. I think late pregnancy is such a rollercoaster ride hormonally and life-changingly that it's almost normal to feel wibbly from time to time. I hope your MW appointment went ok.

chutney I don't think I'll be able to meet up on Wednesday wink

but might be able to do Monday if you're around - although I reserve the right to cancel at the last minute given that it's the day before and I might feel the need to stay close to home. Whereabouts are you? I take it Clapham is quite easy for you to get to? email me if you fancy it.

nolda I don't think I've ever met a sensible health visitor - which is depressing but true. I think if what you're doing sleepwise suits you and your family then she should butt out!!

Still so excited for Pixsix, maybe not as excited as LadyT though grin

MW was great, kidney infection has gone, I feel much better from just talking to her and she said I'm not alone in feeling fed up all the time.

HIS HEAD IS ENGAGED!!!!! I am so happy about that and she said it could be anytime from now!!!!

I have bought the secret stork present so I DH will get it wrapped and I will post it tomorrow.

Hooray for pixix and her little boy! Huge congratulations - can't wait to hear more about it.

So exciting now babies are arriving...

CONGRATS pixsis !!!!Looking forward to to update!!
grin

@ Penny - I'm the same, DH and I keep forgetting there's a baby coming at the end, rather than just a bump forever! We keep talking about stuff to do and forget there will be a small person in tow!!
LadyT grin

!
Yes it was good to meet everyone yeaterday - some of us are closer than I realised so hope we will stay in touch after the little people arrive!
I had another crap night of sleep so got up early when DH left for work and went back to sleep until just now....
Have to trek around today looking for suitable nearby B&B for family members coming soon. Nice not to be at work though... smile

Congrats pixsix on your baby! Fantastic news grin

How do they define "going into labour" for the purposes of lots of freebies? Could I fake a contraction and claim that's it? Or maybe keep a tiny water balloon up my skirt and burst it and say the waters have gone... hmm

It's my last day at work today grin

and have been given lots of lovely pressies - including the cutest little knitted hat, nobody's owning up to being the secret knitter but I really want to know! I'm just tidying the desk really, handing stuff over to my HoD so that the replacement person knows where to find everything. It's really odd to think I won't be back for a year sad

I really like my job!

Had the scan this morning as well to check position for HB, much like SL's experience all is fine, head well down and it's very slightly under average weight at the moment so they're not anticipating any problems at the moment. Fingers crossed it stays the same

Oooh this is all so exciting! Thread babies starting to arrive all over the place

Fantastic news pixsix & welcome to the wonderful world of motherhood - hope mum & baby are doing well.

Re nurseries and childcare, I have the opposite problem in that DS misses his CM when he's on holiday - am not looking forward to moving and trying to find an alternative. We're keeping him with her one day a week from January until we move, which I hope will help with transition to the new baby. We've got a while yet before we need to think about schools thank goodness, the options would make my head explode!

Woohoo Pixsix!! Congratulations on your little boy - look forward to hearing the details later

LOL at LadyT and her excited phone posting

Traceface: I got a suspected GBS + result, have jsut had another urine sample which came back negative but the GP has taken a swab to double check. Bascially, it't not a prob until you're in labour, but once you are they will give you a big dose of IV antibiotics (you won;t be stuck with the drip, they stick a canula in for the dose then take the line out). If you have your baby at least 4 hours afterwards they do nowt, apart from keeping an eye out. If you have your baby in less than 4 hours the baby gets a dose of ABs as well.

So, a) get to hospital sooner rather than later to get the ABs, and b) reckon on being kept in for 24 hours so they can monitor the baby.

The risk is that the baby will develop pneumonia, hence the ABs and the monitoring. But not all babies born to GBS+ mums have problems, it's all precautionary

.

The only other thing I was thinking is that if I am GBS+ I want to put on my birth plan that I want to keep the baby in with me for any treatment, I don't want them to whisk him away to another ward. HTH

Congratulations Pixix. Another real baby - we have given so much thought and chat to the pregnancy bit leading up to the baby arrival but what happens next.... I can imagine bringing baby home and then looking at DH saying, well what do we do now!

It was great to meet up with some of you at lunch yesterday and thanks again to Beans33 for organising - great effort!

There's been no sign of Lowrib either for ages either!?!

Congratulations Pixsix!!!

I want my baby now ...

Many thanks to my secret stork for the lovely bubble bath. I've a funny feeling the seaweed & arnica one is going to come in particularly useful.

Note to self: must remember to pack and post my secret stork present today.

Busy day planned today - general cleaning and nesting. Must actually pack hospital bag instead of having stuff spread over my side of the bedroom.

My DD had her belated two-year check with the health visitor last week. Everything fine but she was a bit concerned about her sleeping habits. She usually wakes at least once in the night and I get in with her and give her a cuddle till she goes back to sleep. HV suggested that DH takes over this role. Unfortunately, DD just wants her mummy. I had forgotten just how rubbish HVs can make you feel but I guess she does have a point with the new baby and night feeding and all. Don't know what we can do about it really. Guess I'll just fall back on the old burying the head in the sand and hoping the problem will go away!!!

Awwww - fabulous Pixsix. Huge congratulations!! Can't wait to hear the details of this lovely baby boy!

LadyT really was thrilled wasn't she grin

.

Sorry to those feeling ropey.

I am happier because I finally found and washed my box of newborn babygros and vests. In clearing out another drawer I came across a list I had made of the contents of all the boxes we had in storage (still unpacked 10 months later blush

). That held the answer (it was within another large box labelled vaguely "Assorted Kids Clothes") All very well making lists - but you then have to REMEMBER you made 'em.

Also off for a pedicure and facial that my builder got me vouchers for last year during our house refurb. His wife owns a salon in Winchmore Hill - and its only taken me 11 months to get round to it....
Would have loved a massage but she doesn't have the facilities for the likes of us sad

Have a good day all. Off to empty some more damn boxes.

Pixsix congratulations. Can't wait to hear more.
Verso I've just done the school applications thing and had the same panic as you as our village school is rubbish. We only get to put two preferences so fingers crossed he'll get into one of those, we won't find out until January. I did talk to one of my teacher mates when we were applying and she said that they do try to make sure that you get your first choice wherever possible, shouldn't think that helps much, sorry.
I too have awaoken with a ripper of a cold. Feeling really rubbish and am so over this pregnancy thing.
Have a good day everyone.

<<thunk>>

You mean people are having actual babies? Real ones that they let you take home and everything?

Huge congrats Pix

awwww...pixsix congratulations!! that is so great!

anyone heard from theyoungvisiter as well, she was due early in dec and hasn't been on for ages?? [miss marple emoticon]

pixsix congratulations! How exciting smile

I wonder who will be next?!

hope all those of you who are poorly & suffering feel better soon. It's hard enough being pg without feeling crappy on top of that [hugs]

Good morning everyone!!

pixsix YAY!!! Congratulations!!

I can't believe we are having babies already!!!

kayz hope your appointment goes well today. Has your kidney infection cleared up??

verso hope your not coming down with anything serious... maybe it's a mild allergy and will pass quickly.

Going to get a haircut today!! I REALLY need one badly. Trying out a new place.. hope it doesn't get botched. Also have my 34 week scan today!!

pixsix congratulations, that's great news to wake up to this morning, I'm so pleased for you and hope the birth went well for you! But gosh, these babies are starting to arrive thick and fast this week - that's 3 already. Wow!

Massive congratulations pixsix. grin

pixisx congratulations ! OMG it is all starting.... who'll be next...?

Any word from Flumpy yet ?

Pixsix - I am THRILLED for you and your baby boy. I secretly had my money on you being one of the first. Posting this from my mobile and it is bit unreliable so not going to write much, but just wanted to send you all heaps of love and say sorry to miss you yesterday xxx

Congrats seconded, that's fantastic news! And thanks for coming straight on to MN to let us all know. x

pixsix conratulations, thats fantastic news and has started my day with a smile!!!! Suddenly it seems to me minutes ago this thread started and now the babies are arriving grin

verso hope you can sleep off whatever bug is lurking, and feel better soon.

kayz hope MW appointment goes well and that you start feeling better about things soon.

Had a great nights sleep, although DD did wake at 6! Thankfully DH is off today and got up with her leaving me in bed a while longer - feel nearly human again smile

OMG, it really is starting to happen. We're having babies!!!

Oh my god, Pix, that's fantastic! Am tear-ing up now! Many, many congratulations! Look forward to hearing all about it.

It's really going to happen now, isn't it?!

CONGRATULATIONS PIXSIX!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Awwwwwwwwwwww

Quick message from my phone - I had my baby this morning! It's a boy, we haven't named him yet. Can't believe he's really here, morr details to follow. Love to you all! Xxxxxxxcxc

Verso - I am shutting my mind to the school thing. If we don't get into our first choice, our second will be full as it's tiny and we'll end up at the really rough school in Brixton. I don't quite know what to do then. Because of the credit crunch, lots of the private schools have places, but a. I don't really want DD1 to go private yet and b. we can't afford it three times over from age 4. I'll have to ebay one of them! How was the school you saw yest? You missed a great lunch, but am sure we can do it again. I am really up for pottering around on Mon and Wed when I only have my boy so coffee, lunch, park etc all good. Lal's little boy is GORGEOUS and so well behaved, but my girls, wonderful though they are, are not so docile.

Group B strep - I had that with DD2 but didn't need IV ABs as she wasn't a vaginal birth. I had it diagnosed via a swab but you can do a urine test via the Dr's laboratory (can't do links but you can google) which is supposed to be more reliable.

Both DDs now awake. Back later.

Morning,

Sorry you aren't feeling very well Verso. Sorry I can't help with the schools thing. But it does remind me I need to go get DS registered at the school. He isn't even 2 yet and they've said I need to do it ASAP or he wont get in.

I didn't sleep at all really last night. DS thought it was time to get up at half 2. Then I couldn't get back to sleep until half 4.

I'm at the MW's at 9. She needs to take my blood sad

Its making me feel sick just thinking about it. I'm going to talk to her about feeling so down and fed up all the time.

Hope everyone is ok.

verso - have just been through the primary school admission thing. We applied in the Spring - dd starts full time in January. We're lucky because our closest school has a good reputation and when I went to look around I was really impressed - also they are slightly undersubscribed, so we got out first choice. Our next nearest is naff so I didn't even put that as an option - we put down some other local village schools so not sure what would have happened if we'd not got in to the first choice. Not much help really am I?! There is an appeals process and a criteria for allowing people in (well in York anyway), eg, catchment area, sibling in school, distance from home...Really hope it works out for you. Hope your symptoms don't develop into full-blown anything - it's rubbish when you can only have paracetamol.

Morning, everyone!

(That sounds much perkier than I feel.) DD woke me up about an hour ago demanding a blanket - despite her duvet being on her feet (she had kicked it off). She was half-asleep but when I put her duvet back on she was insistent she wanted a blanket - and then wouldn't let me leave the room. Not sure what's at the bottom of this as she's never usually like this - maybe picking up on mine and DH's anxiety as the D-day gets closer? Anyway I haven't been able to get back to sleep since

.

Also getting a sore throat and the sneezes, which I have to say is spectacular timing. Great!

Anyone else been through primary school applications? I keep stressing that we won't get into our first or second choice - and don't know how to choose the lower ones, because there are some schools very close to us that aren't that great. Did you get the school you wanted?

Couple of really quiet days ahead, thank goodness, so I'll be going back to bed for a nap later. Hope the meet up went well yesterday. (I'm not envy

at all!!

)

Urgh still feeling like death warmed up. I'm hoping the football will cheer me up.

veggie think I'll join you in the cafe - imagine how much coffee and cake you can get for £250! So much better than boring old B&Q vouchers grin

veggie - you have a wealth of useful information - have made a note of the acidophillus - thank you!

not sure about the strep B Trace. Someone on here also had that, but it was diagnosed late from a wee spec due to a mix up. It might be worth getting them to do a 2nd swab just to be sure it's correct you don't want IV abs for nothing. But if you do get yourself some acidophillus powder to take after the AB's as you will be quite prone to messed up normal bowel and lady garden flora (bugs) with the pregnacy and birth and all that.

SL- DH & I were quite pleased cos of all the crappy looking boys bikes in the store DS chose the Giant kids bike. It is a really cool matt black colour. My commuter bike is a Giant, and DH's racing bike is a Giant so we all match now.

LOL Cat at the selfridges labour, i think i'd go in for a going into labour in a cafe somewhere, imagine all the free coffee and muffins.

I mean group B streptococcus. Missed a word there!

Evening All!
A York B+Q meet up sounds good to me, especially as it's a few minutes drive (or 30 mins waddle) from my house!
Katie - that's so rubbish for your friend. Hope it gets sorted soon and that she gets to meet her baby very soon.
daisy - it may have been a typo for you but in my case my bum has dropped at least as much as my bump!
Well I've spent the day with stabbing pains really low down in my pelvis every time I'm vertical. Very odd. Makes me sit down again. I'm assuming that any odd pains are normal these days!
I got a letter from the hospital today informing me that I have Group B - it was picked up from the swab they did when I had a bleed last week. They say I will be advised to have IV antibiotics in labour to try to prevent it affecting the baby. Hmmmm. Guess I'll do as I'm told. Does anyone know mmuch about it?

Feeling sick today for some reason, don't know why, didn't realise you could get morning sickness at this stage - or maybe it's that undercooked chicken coming back to haunt me shock

.
Have come into some raspberry leaf tea but still not entirely sure what it's meant to do - is there any indication it actually works?
Do you think I could arrange for my waters to break in Selfridges jewellery dept??

Veggie, typical, I'm the other side of the midlands - Hereford. That could me a long meet up journey!

Kayz/ Veggie I'm with you. Really, really fed up now and have even stopped looking forward to going to bed as I get such little sleep. Poor DH is now sleeping in the garage (which is also my office/spare bedroom) because he's fed up of my snoring and thrashing about - apparently I am hitting him a lot - serves him right for doing this to me I say!

However, just to put all of our suffering in perspective, my friend who was due 12 days ago is having a nightmare. Midwife tried to give her a sweep on Monday, but it didn't work, and her baby has disengaged. She went to hospital yesterday to be induced, but they wouldn't do it as they were too busy, sent her home last night and asked her to come back in this morning, she went back in and they had no room again so she was told to come back in at 2.30 this afternoon. Now waiting to hear the latest. God forbid that happens to any of us.

lol veggie, crossed posts with you there, your silly DH grin

hi all, been off work today, but managed to do sod all as I am feeling rubbish!!
Mostly heartburn in my case too. Gaviscon doesn't work any more! Or it does a bit but not properly. I went for a bike ride yesterday to meet my friends in the pub (not very far), and I think it may have been a bit much.

Also went to the dentist god that was awful, had to ask to sit up as I thought I was going to be sick/pass out while he was doing the cleaning thing. Lying on my back in a hot room not good. I can't remember who was asking ages ago about the sore gums thing, but I asked him about that and he took a look and said that my gums were not excessively sore for someone during pregnancy, but decided to poke each one individually to check. Yes, they are sore. Thanks for verifying! He basically said to floss even more carefully and to not stop brushing even if they bleed (which whoever was asking probably does anyway!)

Off to see Frankie Boyle tonight at theatre, hope I can sit through it!

Awww veggie on your son's bike. Haha, DH and I have already argued over who is going to teach ours to ride properly!! We both want to, can't wait until he is big enough to have a bike.

Incidentally had scan today, and he is the right way up (had 3rd opinion that it is a he, so am now going to call it he for sure!) and right size, slightly below average (woohoo). So should be on for trying for homebirth if I want to (which I am pretty much decided i do!)

Sorry to everyone feeling rubbish, not long to go for all of us at least. Not looking forward to working tomorrow!

V amused at the B&Q thing. At 250 quid they will have women in light, unestablished labour going to B&Q to claim it started there! Personally I hope mine starts in private at home, not out somewhere!

poor DH i told him about the B&Q thing and e got a bit confused and thought you had to actually give birth there. His response was but we have already paid the midwife to have a home birth????

Thanks Veggie I look forward to going to bed but once I get there its horrible.

Kayz- wish i could give you a hug. I know what you mean about heartbur it is really getting me down sounds so simple but it is driving me crazy, i don't look forward to going to bed anymore.

one good thing is that in the evenings my little veggiebaby is wiggling loads so starting to really feel his little personality somehow, think i might be falling in love with him, cheeky monkey.

DS's bike arrived today and we got it ready for him while he was at nursery. He was so excited when he got hom. DH will take him to the park with it tomorrow. Also good news so far (thought things could change) DH is working from home until my due date hooray, so no more nights away until well after baby comes (hopefully)

[veggie puts her hand up and waves from Derby] where are you katie?

£250 it would be worth camping out in the car park for that. Might sort out a little flask and some Thomas The Tank Engine DVD's in the car and pop over at the one at Pride Park for the next few weeks. I actually i think there is a mothercare there too. Maybe i could start off in B&Q then wander over to Mothercare looking like i'm not in labour and then suddenly scream out 'i'm having contractions' or maybe just throw some scanky looking water on the floor below me.

Apparently M&S give you vouchers or a hamper or something if you go into labour in one of their shops too.
Hope the London meet up was fun, very jealous, but don't miss being in London, even after two years living in a very small and narrow minded village! Jealous of the potential Yorkshire meet up to, and there any other West Midlanders out there?

We could meet at the big B&Q in York!!! It would be so funny.

My cousin's girlfriend had her baby girl this afternoon. She was born at 2.13pm, 6lb 9oz and she is called Sophia Ava.

Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!!!!

He he - loving the thought of us all at B&Q - maybe we should plan few meet ups there, although would B&Q get suspicious if too many pregnant women showed up at once, all with flasks of raspberry leaf tea?? grin

hiccy didn't realise you're a Yorkshire gal too, whereabouts in Yorkshire are you? I agree kayz, they maybe enough of us to meet up (stop me being envy

of the London Mum's having fun today)

I've had a lovely day today and met 2 new babies - this morning I went to catch up with someone from my ante natal class who's DS is 1 month now, and this afternoon I've been to see my Gran who has my cousin and her new DS staying - it's made me excited about what's to come smile

Seems to be everything at the minute Hatty I totally agree with the ribs feeling like they are going to snap. It feels like his head is pushing down on my bladder and his feet are pushing into my ribs. Then there is the heartburn, nothing is working anymore.

I would give anything to go into labour tonight.

Maybe I'll go to B&Q at the weekend.

Kayz sending you huge hugs. Is anything in particular getting you down( sorry for ignorance am finding it so hard to keep up with the thread at the moment!).

Rosmerta lol at the b&q baby vouchers! Hope my DH doesn't see it or I'll be down there doing high jumps with you!

Didn't realise Charlotte Church was due again in December - I wonder if she's on our thread incognito!

I am so uncomfy too, my ribs feel like they're about to snap any minute if they get pushed out any further. Have agreed with my client and DH that I'm going to finish working Friday when I'll be 36 weeks. Was going to struggle on into next week but my brain is like jelly and I'm so tired I can hardly move.

The extra money would have been useful but I feel so much better knowing that I can start having some brief breaks during the week whilst the girls have their nursery mornings.

{B&Q car parks up and down the land filled with Dec 08 MNers looking tired and a little shifty} grin

Look where dh is planning for me to spend the next couple of weekends
doing starjumps

grin

Hope everyone had a lovely meet up today.

I didn't realise there were so many of us in Yorkshire, we should maybe meet up once the bumps are babies.

I still feel pretty crap, I am so uncomfortable I just want to cry, it doesn't matter how I sit or where nothing works. I'm so sick of it now. I feel so sorry for my DH who has to put up with me feeling so down. Going to talk to MW about it tomorrow.

Veggie that's so sweet of you to think of your neighbours. Hope you get someone nice.

Hiccy I am another London girl turned Yorkshire. Miss London but you're right the traffic certainly isn't something you miss!

I still make DH laugh (he's Yorks born and bred until he went to uni in London) by arriving places really early to make sure I get a parking place- before realising that there's pretty much always parking places in the middle of some country village!

I am worrying about the sleepless nights and dealing with toddlers as well. However, my sleep has been so rubbish in the last 9 months with getting up with DD's a couple of times a night plus 300 loo trips - it can't be that much worse when the baby arrives..can it?!

Hello everyone smile

Hope you had a lovely time on the meet. I'm originally a Londoner, but now in Yorkshire. My family still lives there though, don't see them as often as we should because i DO NOT miss driving through London grin

Loads of sympathy to everyone's sleepless nights. My ds is still up sometimes through the night, add to that toilet trips and heartburn, and i'm now a walking zombie! How am i going to cope when bumpy arrives?!

I thought we were all organised when my birthing pool arrived yesterday, but the connecter thingy for the tap isn't big enough, so i hope the baby hangs on till we get another one grin

Hope everyone's doing okay, i still can't believe the babies are starting to arrive, i feel like i've been pregnant forever, but it doesn't seem like two minutes since we all started talking on here. Does that make sense?

he is 3 and suddenly hit the terrible 2's albeit a bit late but very cheeky lately, and mouthy.

We suddenly have loads of interest, quite bizarre nothing for weeks and then several people at once. we are down in London this weekend and are going to line a up a few people to take through. One guy has already seen it and is very interested but he doesn't actually want it for himself but wants to sublet it to friends he seems quite nice but we are a little nervous about the subletting thing. we aren't that precious about the house more that we have very lovely neighbours and one is quite old so a bit vulnerable ad so we don't want dodgy people living next to her making her feel unsafe.

Veggie I think your DS is the same age as my DD's isn't he?

I know what you mean about Christmas, my two will have had my mum and two of their uncles plus DH's parents around for a good week - and then suddenly it will be everyone gone, daddy back at work, tired mummy and them back at nursery!

Glad you have potential tenants for your flat- hope they are as nice as the last ones - great to have one thing off your mind.

that deep place sounds great, I haven't been to Yorkshire since we moved to midlands we should come up for a weekend.

My DS sometimes gets a bit sad when he has had more than a week off for holidays and then has to go back. A bit nervous about when he goes back to Nursery after Christmas holidays as he will be starting 5 mornings a week and the baby will (hopefully) have been born just before he goes on holidays and his Nanna-pippy (my mum) will have been to visit him during that time so we are keeping him off for the first week to spend more time with her, and of course there is also the excitment of christmas. So in all he will have been off for 3 weeks and had so much excitement and goings on during those 3 weeks.

Omigod! I can't believe we have our first December baby and maybe even second one by now. Congratulations MrsM and hope it goes really well for Flumpy*.

*Trace, Zoe and Kayz other Yorkshire lasses (sorry brain gone emoticon) - we are Yorkshire too. Went to the Deep back in March with the DD's. Absolutely loved it - very peaceful.

DD's seem to have finally recovered, but lots of tears about going to nursery this morning. Does anyone else find this with their pre-schoolers, that if they have a break from nursery/pre-school they get very unhappy and clingy about going back? Ashamed to say there were tears from me as well - I haven't had a morning off for so long and I was so over excited about the thought of going back to bed! Am such an overemotional tearful mess!

Hope all you London girls have had a lovely lunch

lol Daisy at your bum dropping

afternoon all. crap night again, and spew this morning. I have to make an appointment with GP tomorrow to sort out some bloods so might talk to him about Ranitidine or something.

Beans it's nice to hear you had a good sleep nice t know some of you are.

Jam sorry about the D&V, not nice, vomiting is quite difficult with a big bump.

looking forward to hearing from Flumpy, wow amazing to think it is all gonna be happening soon.

I read a really interesting article on the 3rd stage of pregnancy and cord cutting etc (my MW knows i'm a bit of an information and trivia head so keeps giving me stuff to read) amongst other stuff it said in some studies premmie babies who had had the cord cutting delayed by just 30 seconds had had much lower rates of respiratory distress and problems due to receiving a bit more oxygen rich blood. Also the theory that the baby got too much blood if the cord was left to stop pulsating was a old one that had never been proved. Some babies can get mild jaundice apparently but as it was not severe it was not see as a bad thing but quite normal. According to some studies it's believed the baby somehow regulates how much blood it receives post birth so it will always be enough, and if the cord is cut too early the baby can be left without enough blood and even miss out on some of the stem cells that wander down to the bone marrow to help make new blood. Sorry this is all probably quite boring i just found it all very amazing esp in view of the fact that hospitals tend to cut the cord early seemingly against what the research says.

Have just read my thread - I mean my bump has dropped not my bum grin

flumpy - good luck for today - look forward to hearing the announcement. And of course congratulations MrsMattie

Have fun all of you meeting today. Am a bit envy

still stuck at work.

My last day is shaping up to be ridiculous - so far, I have a breakfast meeting planned, possibly a very big meeting with a regulator and then yesterday someone suggested I might want to go to Brussels for an evening Xmas do...nice idea, but...

Many sympathies to those up in the early hours. I feel like a walking zombie most days right now.

flumpy good luck for today.
jam hope you feeling better soon.

Saw MW this morning for last antenatal before c-section nx week. She did my bloods for it so I'm all ready to go now. She also said baby's bum was engaged shock

. I did think that my bum had dropped and that I felt a lot more pressure in my pelvis - now I know its a squidgy bum!!!!!!!

Have a lovely luch all you London Ladies smile

Oh and have a lovely meet up you lucky london ladies!

Hello everyone

Flumpy will be thinking of you today! Our first thread baby!

I had a scary realisation this morning. I currently weigh 50% more than I did 7 years ago. shock

At the time I was coxing at a very high level and was pretty skinny, this was in the days when it was considered better to be tiny for university level sport than meet the international minimum weight rules. I put on a good few kgs when I stopped, but this baby has really hefted me up the scales! I know it's all healthy and nothing to worry about but it really struck me this morning. 50%!

olipop - mmmm french fancies! If you've got any pink ones you don't want I'll happily help you out wink

Hi All - honestly, it's so busy on here - I love coming on for a catch up, but now finding it quite hard to respond to messages! I hope everyone has recovered from their bad night's sleep? I'm quite annoying and had the best night's sleep I've had in weeks - 10 hours with only 4 loo stops and now feeling brilliant! Can't wait for lunch!! here - only getting one high chair - hope that's right?

Is Flumpy having her baby today! Oh my GOSH - good luck!!!
xxxx

Morning!! Yay...day off today! Just dropped lovely DS at nursery and came back to eat 3 french fancies whilst catching up with you all (I'm allowed 3 as I think they are certainly no more than half the size that they used to be!!!!).

Trace - I love your see through tummy dream. It does odd things to you this pregnancy lark. I dreamt that there was a tiny baby tiger, giraffe and other animal running around our living room. Woke up this morning and the cat has a big scratch on his face...wonder if it was the tiger!

Jump - I think you should make an appointment too. I am seeing someone every fortnight now for BP and wee checks.

Kimberly - LOL at your pencil sharpener baby!! DS was doing that during birth hmm

. It was the weirdest thing...not that I was much aware of it. Apparently every time I pushed, he came down a bit but was rotating. DH said it was fascinating! They even called a few people in to have a look... hmm

again!

Ros - sorry you had a bad night. DS keeps waking too and I am seriously concerned about the shape of nights to come. Oh well...too late now! I didn't realise you weren't going to make the meetup. I might not see you now before the big pop! Unless you are free for us to nip in for a quick cuppa next tues pm? Let me know.

Looking forward to seeing those of you who can make it at the meetup.

PS - got my secret stork a week or so ago...thank you!! DS tried it out and liked it!

x

flumpy good luck for today!

verso*/*chutney I'm with you on the bad night. Ds woke up, dh got up but just brought him into bed with us. I ended up on the very edge of the bed unable to move! Oh well, quiet day for us I think as ds is very tired as well.

jam sorry you're not well, hope you get better soon

Hope everyone who's meeting up today has a good time. Considering last night its probably a good job I'm not coming as ds will no doubt have a meltdown at some point today!

Morning,

Sorry to Verso and Chutney that you didn't sleep well. I only woke up once so it wasn't too bad.

Oooh today is the day Flumpy*.

*Jam Sorry you are ill. I hope you feel better soon.

Hope everyone has fun when you all meet up and you don't scare anyone. I would imagine a large group of pregnant ladies walking into a restaurant would be quite frightening.

Yeach have aquired DS' V&D bug feel quite literally like a bag of poo.

Good luck Flumpy and congrats Mrs Mattie

I headed back to bed shortly after posting so didn't see yours, chutney. Hmm... the music is difficult! Any suggestions anyone?

By the way we have a running joke at work about Lionel Ritchie songs - I'm not quite sure how it started hmm

- and I was saying just before I finished work how appropriate it would be to have "Hello! Is it me you're looking for?" playing at the birth grin

. NOT SERIOUS!

Have just put DD1 back to bed for the second time. Verso, I feel your pain. Now I can't get back to sleep either.

Just think, this time next week, your baby will be here.

Any more thoughts on the music?

Bit of a rubbish night here

. Up twice to go to the loo, then DD wanted a tissue (and DH obliged, bless him) but then he came back to bed and couldn't stop sneezing so I'm wide awake...

Busy busy day ahead as well. Meeting the postnatal doula for a coffee and chat, going to visit our top choice primary school and then taking DD for her 3.5yr booster vaccinations.

Eek, managed to eat half a breast of undercooked chicken tonight before I realised but as not vomiting guts up assume it's all ok.
Night all, hope you manage to get better nights' sleep tonight.

Most of my family live in or are moving to Oz. I keep saying I want a cheap holiday. I couldn't imagine moving to the other side of the world. I used to live in Norfolk and moving to North Yorkshire was strange enough.

yeah it is nice to live out where the air is cleaner. and we actually are financially better off living here. the poor people who have to pay the rent for our place in London i think can only do it coz they are sharers. I don't know if we will ever live there again. But yeah i did loved it. but we have a nice lifestyle now. I think we are actually going to get a shock when we move back home to Sydney and have to start paying to live there compared to Derbyshire.

I would love to live there Veggie. I love it around Canary Wharf. I always try to go there when I go to London. But I doubt I we could afford it in a millon years and I like the countryside too much.

hi kimberley- it's just near south quay DLR station, it has a great view of canary wharf. I'm loving living here but sometimes miss living there it was a great place to live. And if i still lived there i would be meeting you all for lunch tomorrow envy

Hey everyone!

daisy I've been having similar pains at the top of my bump. Feels like the tummy muscles are ripping and it's a bit tingly. Very weird... wish it would stop as it can be very uncomfortable at times.

mrsmattie Congrats on your new little one!!

veggie YAY for the intrest in the London place! Maybe someone will rent it soon!! Where is it again?? What part of London?

Baby is moving around a lot today. I keep thinking his head is going to be shaped all funny. Feels like he keeps spinning in circles on my pelvis... kinda like a pencil sharpener! Hopefully he won't be a cone head.

I'm excited about lunch tomorrow! Just need to figure out how long it's going to take me to make it all the way over to the west side from here.

good evening, have had a busy day MW came around and was here for ages with lots of chatting about birth plan (which we only got part was through) and listening to heartbeat and feeling around. He has now swapped over and is on the left and head down and apparently very engaged,and quite ready, MW thinks veggiebaby may come early!

then had yoga and then after DS's nursery we went for a walk into town to look at the christmas lights which DS loved.

Kayz- DH & I had a little dabble into passion a couple of nights ago, not sure if it was all the talk of sex on here or whether i just wanted to feel a bit desired again.

After having no interest in our London place we suddenly have several people wanting to look at it so may well rent it by the end of the month.

Veggie baby is currently going crazy and my tummy is quite tight and a bit sore not sure if thats BH's or not.

Hello everyone smile

Just wanted to wish Flumpy all the best for tomorrow. We're actually starting to have babies!!! grin

Congratulations MrsMattie Glad all went well.

waitinggirl that's lovely news, it's really nice to hear other peoples good news smile

I've only had a quick skim throught the thread, so i'm off for a proper read.

Yay, our first baby grin

– Bella sounds lovely, well done to MrsMattie (and to kayz for spotting the announcement.

And best of luck to flumpy for tomorrow – baby number 2, so so exciting grin

kayz/trace I’ve been to the Deep and love it there – apparently a special sort of ray has just been born there, the first ever to be born in captivity, and they’ve got an impressive new shark too, so hoping to go and see both of those guys. Haven’t been to the Sea Life centre though (well at least for 20 years), so will add that to my list of places to go.

I've been thinking again about aromatherapy oils, since mibbes mentioned them. I know clary sage is recommended if you go overdue - if you used it when in labour, would it speed things up, or should I stick to the lavender to keep me relaxed and calm? So much to think about

Aww WG thats lovely news. It does seem like the accupuncture worked for both of you.

beans - am missing off tomorrow's list - have written on the meet up thread.

congrats mrsm!!! wonderful story of a cs.

and we've had some good news - my sort of brother (am only child and he was born 3 days before me to my wonderful godmother - brought up with him pretty much) and his wife had 2 miscarriages recently (like we did). he phoned to day to say they are now 16 weeks pregnant - hurrah!

i recommended accupuncture to them, simply because it worked for me (whether by coincidence or by magic) and it seems it worked for them. so so happy for them.

maybe see some of you tomorrow!

Lovely to read MrsM's story after her late pg worries

Thanks to those who have mentioned the Secret Stork, my mind is now at rest <taps nose>. I was worried as I didn't put a return address on it and I don't trust Royal Mail <darkly>

LadyT: I think a test in the New Year is much better, I can;t imagine getting my head round driving at this stage, let along the discomfort.

Good luck to Flumpy!

I just stood up too fast and I got stabbing pains in my bump. Must remember not to get up too quickly next time.

Good luck for tomorrow Flumpy

Just dropping in quickly to say good luck for tomorrow Flumpy, congrats to MrsMattie and have a lovely time all those who are meeting up tomorrow - would love to have come along. Oh and Jam if you're interested it looks like CatDean, Effie and I are meeting up in East London next Wednesday, although I suspect DP is going to try & railroad me into going to Colchester instead as his family have just moved back from Spain at the weekend and as we're away at the moment next Wed will be the first opportunity they'll have to see DS. Will keep you posted.

Yeah I thought that Rosmerta. Especially with your first when your labour is likely to be long. Though I didn't eat much when I was in labour with DS, I had a bite of a Mars Bar and felt sick.

kayz, you should be encouraged to eat & drink during labour if you can as it keeps your energy up. Not eating is likely to leave you more tired & this is more likely to lead to interventions! Vicious circle really. Hope she's ok though!

And congratulations to missmattie

Hey ladies,

Nothing untoward has befallen me - I've been visiting friends in Sheffield since yesterday lunch. They have girls aged 2 and 5 so it seems to have been an orgy of ballet and swimming lessons and collecting them from school and nursery. Also I have been more or less forced to wear a Cinderella tiara and cloak for most of today. Am I up to this in the years ahead? [doubtful emoticon]

Arti, sorry about your awful disappointment re: your birth plans. I DO so hope it can be worked out. Only crumb of comfort I can offer is that I read that interventions are much less likely in a second pregnancy, so even if you're on the doctor floor, it may not be so bad. But crossing fingers for you very tightly.

Verso, sorry you had a bad appointment...you'd think they'd be a bit more on the ball given your history. Muppets. Don't worry about the cs. I PROMISE you we will have a laugh about it next week. Say by about...Thursday wink

Talking about shaving, my consultant said I was banned from shaving myself - because they use a 'special razor' (yeah, right) which avoids any tiny nicks in your skin, which can cause your incision to get infected and cause major trouble. But if they are going to use a Bic, dry, (which frankly does not thrill me as it sounds like something from Prisoner Cell Block H), that's more risky than anything I can do at home imo. But I daren't as I have been sternly and specifically TOLD. DP says he is hoping that an attractive Eastern European nurse is going to do it hmm

Oh lumme, this week is too darn busy. Did I say I'd been offered a driving retest for Friday but couldn't do it? I have said I could do Thursday at a pinch, but would have to have the refresher lesson tomorrow morn or last thing tomorrow afternoon because of our lunch grin

To be honest though, I hope they don't find me one. I CAN'T BE BOTHERED and I think I will fail again because of sheer size and painful bits.

Saw consultant before I zazzed off to Sheffield. LadyBaby was transverse for ages and after finally becoming head down, she is now resolutely face up. So that cs could be a real blessing. She isn't even a fraction engaged yet either (another bad sign re: the posterior positioning). [trying not to think about scalpel accidentally cutting her face emoticon]

Oh, Secret Stork - I have sent but not received! Have provided my country address rather than London one.

Flumpy, if you are on (doubt it) the best of British for tomorrow! We eagerly await details. Right, see some of you tomorrow. Off to check that thread now. I have Chutney's phone number in case of emergency (I think) and she has mine.

MrsMattie who joined the Due Dec thread at the start has had her baby!!!

Birth Announcement Thread Here

Trace and Zoe have you been to The Deep in Hull? It is really good, I loved it and the fish just amaze kids.
I love animal places too. When we went to Devon this summer we went to a zoo, a cider farm that had loads of pigs and a falconary park where we all held an owl.

My cousins girlfriend is in labour!! She was due last Monday and was getting worried about being induced. She has been told not to eat anything though incase she needs an EMCS. I was never told this and was encouraged to take in high energy snacks.

Oops! Double post - apologies, my point wasn't worth making twice blush

same here mibbles - feel like I need a wee or poo all the time! I seem to be using my non-existent abdo muscles to try to hold in my baby! Maybe it means they're engaged? Will have to wait till MW on Fri to find out!

I've started to get the same thing, mibbles, asked my doc about it this morning and she said it could be the head engaging early, or it could be the pressure on a nerve, or a mild form of SPD (can't remember what it stands for exactly). But whatever it is, its really annoying as it feels like I need a wee as soon as I leave the house when I know I don't really!

ZJ thanks for that, I think that was what the lavendar oil may have been for !

My secret stork came at the weekend (I did mention it then), it is lovely, a wee hooded towel for baby and some Elizabeth Arden body cream for me grin

- thank you so much stork ! Are we guessing who gave us our gifts..? The person I sent mine to should have been able to guess from post stamp thingy as I think I'm the only one in Scotland wink

The pressure/pain I am getting down below is getting worse and walking is becoming very painful and uncomfortable - any ideas what it could be ? Am hoping it is baby getting engaged and ready to come make an arrival !

zj - with you on the animal places! DH and I spent most of our honeymoon looking round little farms and zoos - and that was pre-children! Most of our honeymoon pics are of Trotters + Co Animal Farm!!!! You're in Scarborough aren't you? Have recently tried out the SeaLife Centre with DD and she loved it. It's great having an excuse to go to all the kiddy animal farms, and now with number 2 on her way we'll have to do them all over again!

mibbes the mw advised a couple of drops of oil in the bath in early labour to help relax me – but she suggested mixing it with a spoonful of milk before pouring it into the running water. This helps it mix right through the water rather than sitting on the surface.

kayz sorry – I laughed out loud on your theory of not being in proper labour cause your bag isn’t packed yet! Mine isn’t either, so I must get on with that, I’ve written a list though. And well done on the sex, we’re another couple on a drought right now (apparently last time we did it I bent DH at a painful angle cause of my size and now he’s scared of me blush

)

jj just laughed even louder at your friend’s ferret dream, still laughing now, that’s a classic!

arti you poor thing, being forced onto the medically led ward, so sad to be refused your wishes

beans your day out sounds so much fun. DH and I love animal themed places, with aquariums being a current favourite (and we don’t have any DC’s yet, so hopefully will be getting lots of trips out to this sort of place in the future)

I must apologise to my secret stork person as the parcel seems to have gonbe missing from the place I ordered it from. angry

Have ordered more from somewhere else as if the original turns up I can use it myself and I don't want to have to wait for the minimum time before being able to claim from post office but it may delay it a bit.

Still crazy, no idea what you lot are chatting about but now have a child tugging my sleeves so go!

Arti poor you. Even if in worst case senario you have to have the baby in the medically led unit stand your ground and request as least intervention as possible. Really hope the lady who is your last hope is sympathetic! Hugs!

Verso angry

at the hospital messing you around and letting you get upset on them. You would really think they should know better esp when dealing with very pregnant ladies.

Hugs all round (passes round Jam's half eaten box of roses).

Oooh ooh, I've got a secret stork! I got some GORGEOUS L'Occitane Mum and Baby Balm and a really sweet little fishy photoframe for first baby pic! Thanks whoever it was - are we allowed to come clean and say who sent it?! So exciting! Mine is going in the post this afternoon!

How is everyone fixed for tomorrow meet up at Clapham Junction? I've updated the list today: is this right?

How is everyone doing today? DH whisked me away for a last blast bit of time together yesterday... We went to Whipsnade Safari Park and walked round it. It was brilliant - suffice to say, was knackered yesterday, but it was such a laugh. Then we stayed in a B&B last night and had a delicious meal. Feeling really chuffed now!

Can't wait to meet people tomorrow - I actually dreamt about it last night!!

Thank you to my secret stork! I can't wait to try them out! Plus I've posted mine today.

verso - sorry you had such a predictably bad appointment, but at least a few things have been done...don't worry aboutb the public tears - you probably needed them xxx

arti - gutted for you too with your birth plans - hope they really listen to you and let you follow your instincts. keep us posted.

Am in my hour-long gap while dd is at her school taster session - just enough time for a quick MN catch up then back out to pick her up! Thankfully the sun is shining in York today so I think a trip to the park is in order while we still have the chance!

arti sorry to hear that they are now saying they will not accept you. I am going to see a birth centre on Thurs (suddenly considering driving an hour to get to one to avoid the rubbish post natal care at the local hospital) but am worried they may say no as DS's shoulders got a bit stuck on the way out. Hope this last woman you speak to is helpful and you manage to convince them

arti about the birth centre, it might be worth contacting the Head of Midwifery as well if they haven't already suggested them. Plus if you can get an advocate for you, either a doula or independent mw, that might help. My birth centre say that although previous history is taken into account, decisions are more based on your current pregnancy. I guess it just depends on how much fight you want to put into it at this stage.

Thanks for the info on B12, I'm just worried its going to affect the chances of me having a homebirth. I'm on double iron tablets anyway atm so don't think this will help.

Oh arti. Have a big hug. If you're sure that it was the interventions that caused bleeding (not sure exactly of the story) then is there any way you could be considered for a home birth? I know you said you'd rather not but if you were able to have a natural labour without forceps etc you could well avoid any problems. And being at home is the best way to avoid interventions - plus if you were able to have a home birth specialist midwife (rather than one of the interventionist types from the medical delivery ward) they would be able to put you as much at ease as possible and help avoid the need for intervention.

Is everything ok with this pregnancy? Is the hospital a long way from your house in case you did need to transfer? If you explained to your MW about your fear of the hospital and what happened last time she may be able to look at your notes and see if hb would be possible? It's really not on that they should blame you for bleeding if the interventions were what caused that.

Thanks Effie - I have been given one last woman to appeal to but it does not sound hopeful. I can refuse to go to the medical ward but I cannot make them accept me on the midwife led unit. So basically I would have nowhere to go (except home - and I am not that brave).

Oh arti

. Can you talk to them about it? I'm presuming you can refuse to go to the consultant-led unit if you have to, even if they aren't happy about it. Or could you agree to be transferred in X circs?

I am gutted. I have just been speaking to the Birth Centre Manager at my hospital (they have two delivery wards - the birth centre which is midwife led and the delivery suite which is medically led - they are one floor apart).

I had really hoped I would have this baby in the midwife led unit where there are pools and hammocks and midwives sympathetic to avoiding intervention. My last birth was totally intervention based. Anyway, they have just called to say they will not accept me as they had not realised how badly I bled last time sad

.

I am so upset, I am sure I bled so much due to the induction, forceps and other interventions and if I could avoid that this time I would be OK. Even if I wasn't the doctors are one floor away. I am really scared that if I go to the medical suite I will end up with all the interventions again and won't get to use a pool or the hammocks and other things sad

I bought my secret stork this morning. Sorry to those waiting! blush

I haven't received one yet either though.

jam I had to resist buying some bargain chocolates in Sainsbury's this morning and now I wish I hadn't... mmm... Roses (Homer Simpson voice).

Well the hospital was as crapola as expected. I turned up at the MAU and they said they only have one midwife who has "done the course" for pre-op assessments and so I'd have to go home. I burst into tears!!! blush

Just wibbled on about how I HATE going into the hospital and am scared of the c-section and my daughter's birth was so awful and how can I get ready if I can't get my bloods done etc etc etc

They panicked a bit and went off to "get a leaflet" and the result was I've had my bloods done and got my ranitidine tablets for the day before. They couldn't do the consent forms, but will do them on the day.

Mildly embarassing I suppose but I couldn't help myself. I hate going up there at the best of times, and I just KNEW they were going to mess me about.

thing is, I can get a replacement easily if it has gone astray - I sent 2 parcels at the same time and I know the first has arrived safely.

Effie I haven't got mine yet. I also need to buy mine to send. I know exactly what it is but I have forgotten the last 3 times I've been into town blush

I will have to write it on my shopping list.

I'm sure it wasn't you Jam - think is I don't want to say who it was as it's meant to be anonymous! Maybe if people can say if they haven't received their Secret Stork (I haven't!)

Effie I got mine yesterday smelly oil pulse point things posted about it further down the thread.

I was wondering about Theyoungvisitor not seen her on here for a bit and am sure she posted she had had a show a couple of wks ago. Are you out there TYV or are you all babied up?

Have just eaten half a box of roses blush

Really should get on have masses of stuff to photo for ebay.

re: the secret stork, am a bit concerned that the parcel I sent might have gone astray... if you have had yours could you say?

Oooh! Postie has just been - thanks so much to my secret stork! Some gorgeous "mum and baby bonding" bath smellies, am very tempted to give it a trial run before Footy arrives, just to make sure it's as lovely as it smells wink

daisy - ouch! That sounds painful, do take it easy.

rosmerta - not heard of vit B12 being a problem before, can you have lots of toast and marmite perhaps?!

Hi Rosmerta - I don't know what happens if you have a B12 deficiency in pregnancy but I think it might be similar to aneamia. I do know that B12 appears in foods like meat, fish, milk, cheese and eggs so vegans and veggies often take supplements.

Hi All,

Working at home today so am sneakily MN-ing smile

sorry so many of you are having rough nights. Hmmm I have all this to look forward to.

Just back from my 34 week MW appointment. All well head down measuring spot on but had a little bit of sugar in my wee but nothing to worry about so far.

So exciting that flumpy is having her baby tomorrow and then 3 more next week.

Was spying on all the lovely little babies at the clinic when I went for my MW appointment this morning. Felt all emotional, really happy but teary all at the same time. grin

I've just had a call from the mw to say that my Vit B12 levels are very low - does anyone know about this? I have to go to the dr next week to get some supplements.

Re piles, I went to the pharmacist & spoke to them. She recommended Preparation H gel which is fine for pregnant women (even says so on the tube!). It has helped quite a bit even in a couple of days.

Morning all,

Immac sounds like a better idea than the razor i think!!!

Have just spent all morning cleaning the oven, the car & finally the garden...nesting instinct maybe! Although when I did that with DD my waters went that night shock

. My bump is very poainful this morning - feels like something is ripping below my skin on the top part. Although I did roll over a bit too quick in the
night and did feel something pull, hope its nothing.

Off to the Debenhams sale tomorrow in the hope of finishing off the Christmas shopping,I wish I was this organised every year.

Hi everyone!!
You lot are getting even more chatty! I just can't keep up, though have been reading, not had time to post. Still at work but only a couple more weeks to go!

Re all the sex talk, yikes to having sex in the hospital. I think it will be a while for me. Not much action going on chez moi at the moment either!!

jj i have heard they are super busy in December round cambridge too. I would just ring GPs and ask what they can do - they might be able to send you to another surgery to a different midwife for an appt (I have def heard them doing this with blood test appointments at my surgery, but maybe not with midwife ones I guess), or like you say to see the GP.

cat I have the Tara Lee yoga dvd that veggie mentioned and it is very good. I did notice it also has a tendency to start doing something and then flash up a bit late "Do not do this if you have groin pain" though (I don't have it so I am ok, but I thought it was a little odd!)!! I don't thinnk it has much in it that it tells you not to do in the last trimester though (just says to take it easy for certain things)

mm...i know there were loads of other things I wanted to respond to, but need to get back to work!! Oh, yes kimberley sympathies on the kidney stones, I have heard they are v painful!!!

Morning All,

Cat - I think the average weight is around 7.5lbs. I would not put too much weight on your doctor's predictions - 24 hours before her birth the doctor told me DD would be average or just below average. She was 9lbs 4oz which was 98th centile!

JJ - Def go and see your GP for urine and BP check. You cannot wait that long between appointments. I am being seen weekly now.

Effie and lal - Sorry about your bed invaders. DD woke at midnight but I admit I mediseded her so I could stay asleep. I then dlept brilliantly as I did not pee once better midnight and 7am!

Hatty - How are your girls now?

Rosmerta - Glad I am not the only one trying to get things moving. I have to admit that everytime I get on the ball the sofa soon beckons me back!

Kayz - You have had some horrible infections this pregnancy. Glad you are feeling well enough to do the deed now grin

.

LadyT - Is all OK? Unless I have missed it you have not been around for a couple of days. SOrry you also had a bug at the weekend. I have a (mild) one too but its the last thing you need at this stage of pregnancy.

Flumpy - Good luck for tomorrow!!!

I have had a bit of an upset tummy for a few days so have not made it into work yesterday or today. I am meant to be starting ML at lunchtime tomorrow and I will try and go in - then I am free! I'm so excited. I feel bad I was not there yesterday as there was a posh dinner being held for me and they had to cancel it at the last minute sad

. Now they want to re-schedule for next week - not sure they understand how I feel right now, all I want to do is vegitate. Its a lovely thought but they have no clue about pregnancy.

Hi all, sorry to hear about bad nights n aches n pains. I can't begin to imagine what it's like having to look after a little un as well as a bump, hats off to all of you doing this for the second/third time....
Just got back from docs after she asked me to come in and see her - Jump I totally sympathise with the appointment scenario. I had 6 weeks due in between appointments, doc saw this and said I should make a normal appointment as all the antenatal ones were full. So would def try and get whatever sort of appt you can, they won't think you're time wasting and it will show up the situation for its underresourced crapness!
Asked doc if she could tell roughly what the baby's birthweight would be but just said he seemed average. What is the average birthweight these days anyway?!

Morning everyone!

Good luck to flumpy grin

can't wait to hear your announcement.

trace if you're seeing the doc anyway for two things you're worried about, you may as well just mention the bum as light relief - "Oh yes doc and I've got these piles as well, any cure for those while you're at it?" wink

they'll have seen it all before, honest! And what a fab dream. A mate dreamed that instead of a baby she gave birth to a ferret and when everyone said "Hang on mate, it's a ferret" she said "Yes but doesn't she have the most beautiful soft fur" ??!!

kayz very impressed with your efforts, we had a go at the weekend but it was DH who claimed tiredness and gave up! shock

lots of sleep vibes for everyone who's having bad nights. Massage before bedtime maybe?

I'm still notsure what to do about the MW situation - obviously she can't magic another appt out of nowhere, and has been very laid back about the whole thing which I guess is good, but I am mildly worried about not being checked for 3 weeks. Would it be out of order to see my GP for a quick BP and wee check? Have got a positioning scan* on Thurs which is good in case it comes early, at least we'll know which way up - apparently it's being a little bit back to back so lots of hands and knees for me!

* I keep calling it an orientation scan, as if they're going to have a look and say "wonderful! You've got a beautiful little lesbian in there" wink

now I know these things can be indicated fairly early on but not before birth!

Ooh Oli I'd forgotten about chocolate raisins. Yum - must stock up. Remember eating my way through packets and packets of them last time (after extensive research I decided M&S were best).

Veggie your chips sound lovely. If only I could be bothered to cook anything..Still am going to do baking with DS this afternoon. Is my absolute default parenting - he's perfectly happy playing about with measuring things and watching the mixer go round for hours. And beloved DH will clean the kitchen up afterwards. Hurrah.

Effie we also had small invader in bed last night - who similarly ignores DH but spends most of time trying to get me to turn around and face him (can only sleep on my lhs now) by pulling on my shoulder/find his blanket/cuddle him/his teddy. Have no idea how we'll cope with two.

Am going to finish off Christmas shopping and find some nice scented candles for birth. Have a good day everyone. Can't believe there will be babies so soon. Hope you're feeling ok flumpy

mibbes: not sure about pads, but a few drops of lavender oil in the bath is good for soreness and stitches. ML starts in 3 weeks - am beginning to count down the days... poor DH is getting it in the neck atm through no fault of his own! I'd think about leaving earlier, but those dates work well re: annual leave plus I have a fair amount to do before I go, Speaking of work, had better get on with it wink

morning all!
Well what an odd dream I had...I dreamt that my bump went see through and I thought the baby looked ready to come out, so I asked the doctor (who is a paeds dr who I work with, rather than an obs!) who said it was fine to take it out. The baby was kind of pulled out through my belly, c-section style but without an operation (?!) and I tried to breast feed, but the baby didn't want it, so I offered it hot buttered toast and the baby loved it!!!!
Must have had too much cheese yesterday me thinks!
Have finally got round to making myself a GP appointment for the things that I'm worrying about, namely weird lump in chest and odd mole on cheek (facial!), which I've convinced myself is malignant...however have still not had the guts to get my piles sorted because I'm too embarrassed!!!!
I hope those of you still at work manage to get through another day...just think of all the time you get off after the baby is born.

Morning ladies !

Effie sorry you had a rough night, you sound quite stressed, do as your DH says and try to relax. when do you start ML ?

Jam sounds like lots of us are having trouble sleeping - I am just so uncomfortable with this huge bump, no position is good so I just lie there fidgeting (tossing and turning is an impossibility now !)

kayz woohooo well done managing sex, get that bag packed just in case ! I'm afraid we are having a major passion-drought and have been for months as DP is horrified at the thought of it with a baby in there ! thankfully I'm not interested either due to feeling enormous so we are completely abstaining blush

Oh and I have an embarrasing question - I got so carried away reading all of the hospital bag lists and ensuring I have all of the essentials packed that I have just realised that I have packed lavendar oil but have no idea what I am supposed to do with it !!! blush

. Is it something to do with maternity pads and healing stitches ?...

Hi all,

jump am shock

at your friend's h (can't bring myself to add the d). I'd have slapped him I think!

ladyt just rub it in about DC why don't you? grin

. We're going to try again next week when my mum's down again!

veggie the cord cutting is for me but I would never have thought about doing it if I hadn't started the course iyswim

arti I've started my 'get the baby out' campaign as well! Unfortunately whenever I try & sit on my birthing ball or yoga stool ds takes them away as they're his!

kmp am shock

at the hospital suggesting you express & they feed the baby to start with. I had difficulties bf ds & I did express with a syringe & feed him but afaik its something to do when you are struggling, not to start with! Do you have contact details for bf counsellors/clinics etc? Its worth getting the numbers now for things like that just in case.

penny I read both GF & the Baby Whisperer (Tracy Hogg) but I found the best thing to do was to watch ds over a few days & I realised he was settling himself into his own routine & that worked much better than me trying to impose one on him. But just seen that veggie expressed that much better than me grin

wg a bodysuit is short-sleeved that fastens under the legs, a sleepsuit is a long-sleeved suit that covers the legs & feet, grobag is like a sleeping bag that you can use instead of sheets/blankets. hth

kayz how annoying for you to be sent around in circles! Hope you feel better soon.

And after writing all that, I've realised you've all beaten me to it anyway!! Oh well

I've been having lots more niggles again, just backache & cramps, I have 2 weeks to go but am ready to have this baby now!

Kayz: I think BH's after sex are pretty normal - tell your DH not to freak out!

Katie: hope the baby hangs in there for a little longer.

Another one with a restless night here - DS woke up at about 2:30 and DH (in his wisdom) decioded to put him in bed with us, cue him kicking and fidgeting all night! I wouldn;t mind only DH can sleep quite happily while I get demands to hold his hand, turn around, have a cuddle, sort his covers out and so on... I know I'll miss the snuggly stage when it's over but at 3am I WANT MY SLEEP! Especially as his little brother will be taking on the night-time duties pretty soon.

Sympathies to all those dealing with stresses, I'm getting paranoid that we won't sell the flat and will have to organise renting with a newborn (or else squeeze us all into this tiny place for longer than planned) - DH keeps telling me to relax! PLus I am getting huge and finding work tiring and painful, especially in the afternoons when I just ache all over. Roll on ML!

Morning all,

I too was awake most of last night tis just so damn uncomfy now.

On the old lady garden, last time round I religiously got brazillianed every 6 wks throughout the preg this time round couldnt be bothered so a couple of wks ago DP attaked me withthe immac am sure I will get him to do it again before d-day.

Have a good day all off to mums & tots in a bit as A hasnt been sick since yesterday morning.

Morning,

I can't believe how close we are to having babies on our thread. Just 24 hours for Flumpy.

We had sex this morning!! For the first time in ages, but I'm now having BH's and DH is worried I'm going to go into labour. But I can't as I still haven't done my bag!!!

Sorry some of you had bad nights. I was really thirsty last night so I was awake alot.

Hope you are all ok this morning.

chutney you meanie - you have just made me cry with your description! (This is NOT difficult so don't take it personally.) So what music would I choose? Hmm... that will be today's project I think! grin

On the shaving subject, I was just going to do the top bit. I was wondering whether it might be easier to use hair removal cream instead, as I won't be able to see what I'm doing with the razor... but I'm not sure if it will be really sore if I do that. The joys!

olipop and katie sorry to hear you both had bad nights. I was up twice, but that's quite good for me. I had some compensation though... I had a hilarious dream because my friend and I confessed yesterday that we both quite like Gordon Ramsay blush

. I'm blaming it on the hormones!!! grin

I'm off to the GP this morning for my final (!) antenatal appointment!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Getting a bit fed up now, I am so knackered but sleep seems to be impossible as I am so uncomfortable. Had to get up five times to wee last night thanks to almost constant Braxton Hicks. I am convinced that I am not going to last until my CS date and very jealous of those due this week. Best of luck to Flumpy, Verso, *Lady T* and Daisy by the way.
My FIL is coming to visit us today as he is over from France for a bit, so am going to have a very excited DS on my hands. Hope everyone has a good day.

Morning ladies

Just think, tomorrow, we'll have our first baby (go Flumpy!) and this time next week, at least 3 more birthdays. Am feeling quite emotional for Verso, LadyT and Daisy!

Veggie, sorry about this chips. Sound tasty though. No one wants to see me at all until my section - I have a pre op appointment to do my consent forms etc next Wed though, so presumably they will do wee, BP then. If not, I'll get the practice nurse to do it.

Katie - you need to do the top inch or so. I got the MW to do it last time as I couldn't see and I didn't want to give DH the erotic job after his months in the sexual wilderness! Plus I have a keloid scar so I didn't want him to cut on the day. MW did a fine job with a new bic.

Oli - poor you with the non sleeping. Can you put a DVD on this afternooon and catch 40 winks while DS is engrossed?

Verso - IKWYM about the music but remember you will be having a lovely calm experience with only positive memories afterwards smile

. I was so glad I chose something for DD2's birth as the CS was a bit longer than planned and I could concentrate on singing along as I lay there rather than on what was going on behind the screen! Whenever I hear it now, I feel terribly happy and joyful. I can also pinpoint the exact moment her wee head came out and remember the rush of love I felt on the day. DS is getting either Don Giovanni or Tom Jones - an ageing lothario, or an ageing lothario! I'm taking both on the day and will decide based on mood. I had my spinal put in to the Scissor Sisters last time, which always makes me laugh when I hear it now.

Happy Tuesday, everyone.

Morning!

I had a really rough nights sleep. Just constantly needing to go to the loo but totally pathetic effort when I got there! At 2am I couldn't get back to sleep and ended up getting up at 3 to eat banana and yoghurt! Took me back to middle of the night munchies when feeding. Little tip, make up a bowl of nibbles to have next to you in the night. I used to cut up cereal bars into bite size bits, interspersed with chocolate covered raisins! They are easy to grab whilst feeding. You get really hungry!
DS woke at 5am so I think I am going to be feeling a bit jaded later on today!

Turnip - We had a fire safety check on Friday night. They did bring the nee nor!! DS got to sit in the back!

Hatty - sorry your little ones are so poorly...that is all you need right now I am sure.

Kayz - Your poor old kidneys have been through the mill. Hope you are feeling a bit better and the antib's have kicked in.

Veggie - The late onset sickness sounds horrible. I don't ever want to go back to the early days morning sickness (although I am sure it is like labour and your brain makes you forget about it so you do it again!

Right - off to make DS's breakfast. He wants toast with marmite, peanut butter and jam!!!! Makes a change from spaghetti with pesto though I suppose!

Sorry, naive question. Do you have to shave the whole thing, or just the top bit? I don't fancy the blunt bic much so will get DH to do it, but not sure that I trust him to do the whole lot.

just devoured all my chips (with Dh's help). watching a chinese movie but having trouble keeping up with the subtitles, and DH now thinks the translation isn;t very good so no wonder i can't work it out. I think i need something sweet.

i don't see why they have to fully shave you can't they just take a bit off the top.

I don't think i am going to get around to a manicure so DH is going to have to paint my toenails for me.

sorry veggie it was lal who said about the sheepskin blush

I'm def going to shave or get shaved before going in - 3 weeks Wed seems very soon...
Fam arrive the day before!

i can't believe there are no appointments left for someone in last few weeks.

I'm on weekly from this week onwards but have just checked the schedual that the NHS has now in my NHS notes (still haven't handed them back naughty me) and it says fortnightly from 34 weeks.

I have just cut some potatoes into wedges and chips covered them in olive oil and veggie stock powder and popped them in the oven, Who'd have thought Chutneys extolling her nonsexual 'virtues' would have ended with me having to eat chips right now...pregnancy.

lol veggie I never gave it much thought at the time, as it was an emergency. It was just before she put my catheter(sp?) in. DH was horrified didn't know where to look - that was quite funny tbh grin

daisy that's the same date as me and LadyT! grin

Incredible to think we'll all be having our babies on the same day!

chutney I would love to meet up but am going to another school on Thursday morning so can't unfortunately. Would def be on for meeting up six weeks after the birth though (ie once I can drive again!) Re CDs for the birth - DH and I talked about it but couldn't think of one that would set the right mood or that we wouldn't mind forever being associated with the birth. (Unfortunately I can't now listen to Enya at all as I took it in for DD's labour and it's been rather badly coloured for me ever since

.)

jj glad that midwife has cut her nails! Is this your first, btw? I have had hardly any appointments this time round, unlike last time where they were weekly at the end (apart from, like you, when I tried to make an appointment and the next available one was after my due date hmm

). I have to see the GP tomorrow because there were no m/w appointments left, but that will be my last appointment (barring any complications).

I tried to call the MAU today but no one answered. I need to get this pre-op assessment sorted!

A DRY SHAVE!!! OUCH thats a bit unnecessary daisy!!!

DS loves sausages and fishfingers, have managed to get him into more vegetables lately but good thing about living out here in the almost countryside is locally made sausages from the farm shops. i get those Omega fish fingers too but also look out for M&S fish goujons when they are on special or 2 for 1 and pop them in the freezer.

mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm chips!

Verso my section is on 25th Nov (first on list tahnk goodness). No one mentioned birth plan to me....best get something written down.

Might have to ask DH to do the honours re: the shave as well. They did a dry shave with a bic with DD, althoughh it was new - I saw her take it out of the packet wink

turnip DD would starve if it wasn't for fish fingers ( I get the ones with Omega 3 in, makes me feel better grin

)

chutney i feel like a bag of chips to eat now.

kmp it's not me that mentioned the sheep skin, i'm a bit anti-animal skin, not so much because i'm vegetarian but my dad had loads of cow skins around the house when i was a kids & they scared me a bit. However, if anyone is interested a few people sell them on ebay some from Australia and NZ and others locally.

Cat- you should have asked about the yoga on here, i had a really crap DVD for last pregnancy so i really looked into it this time and got the Tara Lee DVD a few other girls on here did too and have found it really good. I haven't een doing it so much lately as have been doing a yoga class that is also mixed with an active birthing class and have found it good, but a little tiring so not much more energy for anything else.

By the way anyone looking for a post natal yoga thing, the Baby Om book is great it's expensive so if you can find it on ebay cheaper it's might be worth it.

KMP, sorry you are having money worries. I get quite panicky when I think about cash, so I try to avoid it whenever possible. Sympathies too on the tenant thing. Hope it resolves itself quickly.

Colostrum - I have never heard that with either baby. I would only bother expressing if there were a reason why the baby couldn't have milk from the boob. I would also hand express as otherwise it'll all get lost in the pump. A MW will show you how if you need to do this.

Amount of clothes for newborns - I would say I've got about ten vests and ten babygros. A lot will depend on whether or not your baby vomits a lot as possetted milk really stinks. Mine didn't but the BF poos are very runny and can be a bit leaky so I'd be changing the vest and gro fairly frequently. Plus if you are knackered you don#'t want to HAVE to do a wash because there is only 1 gro left.

Kimberly and Kayz - sorry to hear you have been in the wars. Hope you are both feeling better now.

Turnip - fishfingers, beans and vegetables is the specialita della casa chez mary. It's what I cook whenever we have DDs' friends over for the first time as most children will eat at least some of it. Mine would eat it every day and, as you say, probably will fairly soon. If you buy decent FF though, I think it's actually an OK meal.

Bonking - I am as likely to fly to the moon as have sex in hospital or indeed in the first few weeks. If there is any time for that kind of malarkey, I'd rather be in the bath or asleep. I think you are advised to wait until you have stopped bleeding but other than that, go for it once you feel ready. Be warned, though, that BF can alter your hormones and make you rather, er, dry downstairs (sorry for TMI) so you may need a bit of KY or something. Plus DON@T rely on BF for contraception unless you are doing it very frequently (the BF not the sex), inc overnight, the baby is under 6 months and you have not had a period. I didn't rely on it, but have not had a period since June 2006 and only have had unprotected sex once in that time - here I am expecting baby no 3! You have been warned grin

.

Hatty, I think my DH would die and go to heaven if I showed some wifely compassion wink

soon after the birth. Trace, I am as sexual as a bag of chips just now, and have been with each pregnancy. Am the size of tescos, knackered, have thrush and am warding off piles. Arms and legs rival the michelin man's. Randy I am not - and neither is DH thank GOD. Some women are rampant and others just not. I'm just not - well, not when pg anyway.....

Verso, I do have a birth plan for my elective section but it's very short. Simply covers what I will tell them anyway - don't wash the baby, let me have skin to skin asap, let me have my own CD on in theatre rather than radio 1 (this really helped with DD2), give me an anti emetic as soon as the baby is born as I vomit really easily, don't let the baby and my DH leave theatre without me unless they need to for medical reasons. Makes me feel much more in control to have it written down.

Looking forward to Wed - Verso, do you want to meet for coffee another day? I could do a quickie on Thurs am if you are free? Otherwise let's hook up with our babies in tow.

Hello everyone else, hope you are all well. LadyT am deeply envious of the Fat Duck. Be sure you let us know what you both ate. I have had 7 funsize crunchies over the course of the day, so I think Heston's gastronomy would be wasted on me just now.

Evening all!

kayz hope you're feeling a bit better.

trace you're the second person I've ever heard use the word ziphisternum, the other was a singing director talking about which bits you feel moving up and down when you breathe! I'm sure it's nothing to worry about but can you get your midwife/doc to take a look at your next appt?

veggie that's such a good example of mother's instinct, it's really encouraging to think how well you get to know your own baby's cries and how to tell exactly (well sort of!) how they're feeling.

Had my 37 week appt today. According to the schedule of care I'm meant to be checked every week now, but the next appt she's got free is on my due date! shock

just how many babies are being born in Cambridge this December?! She said to phone if I've got any questions, and of course DH is very handily medical, but still I feel a bit uneasy... And have realised I don't know who I call if labour starts - not the delivery ward presumably as we're planning an HB. Time to give her a call methinks!

The MW is very calming and relaxing and went through the birth plan without a single titter at any of the home-woven muesli type of stuff I've said wink

so I really hope she's the one free when the time comes. AND she's cut her fingernails since I last saw her! grin

kmp: my email is personal not business at gmail dot com

I'd get about 10 vests and sleepsuits in the small size and see what your baby is like - you can always buy more if needed

. Also top tip from someone about not washing stuff before you need it, then you can swap for a larger size if necessary. People will prob buy you things as well.

Hi all - crap day here - tired, worrying about £ when go on SMP, plus tenant problems - anyway, I have forgotton who said what but I remember a few things!
Veggie my M&D are bringing me a sheepskin over from Australia - grey one - yay! They are getting the bigger size one rather than the buggy one so I can also use it as a rug like you did
I've really opened a discussion about the colustrum / syringe thing haven't i shock

and I can't remember who said what but someone mentioned they may have been referring to if you are choosing not to BF so now I'm wondering if that is what they really meant as I did glaze over for a short part and seem to have a very short atention span these day - but that makes more sense! I might try and do a bit more research on it or make a call to the midwife who ran the course.
Also - on the baby clothes things / terminology subject.... how many of each do the 2nd timers advise getting (vests short and long sleeved / sleepsuits etc?)
Also I would like to join the email list but can't find the original post with your email address Effie?

Oops I meant to say "go down well" but said "go down"...How freudian is that???

Cat sounds like you will be well up on what kids like to eat.... grin

my Dc would eat fishfingers every night if I let them (indeed come early Jan that may indeed be what they will eat every night because it's easy)

Loving the Foxy girl crush !!!

As for nipples, well they never go back to what they were before, bf'ing or not. But they don't look quite so dark or big once all the pg hormones gone. Oh - and your tummy button will never look the same again either. There will always be this tiny pooch of skin just above it. (Of course I will get that sorted when I get the tummy tuck and designer fanjo.... wink

).

For those dying to get a flat tummy back (I don't think I have ever had one...) be sure not to do any sit ups etc before 6 week check as the muscles are separated and you can end up with a point cone shape from doing it too early. As with sex, I don't find the 6 week "rule" on exercise a hard one to abide by I must say.

Was a bit shock

at the friend of a friend who was at it in the hospital. I do remember my old secretary at work saying that her and her Dh did it on the kitchen table on arriving home from hospital. Given that she said that most of the time she had a hard time getting him interested in it, I did wonder at the time was it some kind of reclaiming her body on his behalf...

Anyway - each to their own. I did think Hatty's twin book advice would probably go down with most DPs and would be a lot less errr...messy than the full monty IYSWIM

Mmmm Cat that sounds good. We're having fish fingers, peas and macaroni cheese and I don't have any children yet either!

Just watched a truly awful pregnancy ypga DVD, bad production values were the least of the problems, but they'd tell you to do stuff and then tell you after doing it that you shouldn't do it after 7 months! I'd bought it as was fed up shelling out 10 pounds a pop for yoga classes but - eugh - terrible. I just find it hard going for walks now as head is engaged and keeps making me think I need a wee 2 seconds after leaving the house when I don't!
Fish fingers, peas n mash for dinner tonight, mmmm. And no, I don't have any children already!

Oooooooh just been on Facebook and the countdown thing says 25 days!!!!!!!!!!!! ARGH!!!

Ohhhhhhhhhhhh!!!! DOH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hello! >waves< You told me that before I think. I am stoically blaming my poor memory on pregnancy hormones. (Although obviously it's actually YOUR fault for changing your name and challenging my poor pregnany brain grin

cause back in 05 we both went thru a lot of trauma postnatally. [t'is kiskidee / alux]

foxy I never knew you cared! blush

kayz what with the cold and the kidney infection and the NHS messing you about it sounds like you've had a rubbish time of it. I hope you start to feel a bit cheerier soon. (I find chocolate oranges work wonders... which now I come to think of it probably explains my potato face hmm

.)

I went to visit a friend today who had her baby two weeks ago. He's so CUTE! I'd forgotten quite how small they are when they're new (even though I've washed all the babygrows recently). Perked me up no end seeing such a happy contented baby

.

daisydora what day is your c-section? Have you done a birth plan? My NCT lady said I should, even though it's an elective c/s but I'm not quite sure what to put (or whether to bother!). Anyway - I hope all goes well for you next week - exciting times!!

As for shaving etc I think I should - because apparently if you don't then the m/w does it for you with a blunt Bic shock

but I can't reach. I'm sure DH would do the honours... but I don't like the thought. Can't believe I've already been through one birth - which pretty much removes any sense of modesty - and I'm being prudish about this!

Do they have it waxed off their tummies, Penny? I guess there's no reason not to, just might feel a bit weird pouring hot wax onto the bubba's head (although there is obviously plenty of muscle, fat and skin in between!).
THis grey weather and dark by 4 business is beginning to get me down.

. Any endorphin-generating tips out there (other than chocolate)? Am an expert on that one...

penny I've persisted with the waxing too, and by god it hurts. Although oddly the underarms and legs are less painful ... But even worse then the pain is my (normally very lovely waxing lady) watching me wince when she does my bikini line and telling me she's toughening me up for labour shock

- she's just mean!

CatDean and Veggiemummy - I have persisted with the bikini waxing all through pregnancy but must admit it hurts so much more than when not pregnant! My waxing lady said that most pregnant women have heaps of hair on their tummy.

I feel so spoilt at the moment with various baby presents arriving. Its so nice to know that people are thinking of us.

oh missed page 28 completely.

Trace- last night in the rough guide to pregnancy for week 36 (I read it to DH every sunday night as we turn the next week on the monday) they talked about 'breast-tails' that are something to do with getting ready to breast feed, she had hers in her armpits. I think it is worth seeing your GP or MW about it but it could be one of these 'breast-tails' things.

finally just felt like eating and as i was just in sainsbusrys i got some crusty white rolls and had them with mozzarella, tomato, avocado & pesto, yum not quite Giacobazzi's but still yummy my tummy feels better now.

Kayz-the cranberry tablets might be as good, but the raspberry & cranberry juice will do the job too. Also regulat water but don't skull large amounts of water or overdo the water drinking too much as your poor kidneys are a bit overworked at the moment just the usual 8 glasses spread evenly over the day or get a few bottles of water near you and sip them regularly.

oh Trace- you made me a bit teary then, and i'm not quite sure why, maybe because it made me remember one of the situations where i stepped back. I had been trying to settle DS to sleep for ages (he was about 9months) and he just kept crying he was a pretty settled baby so i wasn't used to not being able to settle him. I cuddled, rocked fed him did everything but he was just so unhappy. finally i said to DH (it was about 11pm by this time) thats it you take him i need a shower and some time away, i stormed off to the shower while DH held him and i just cried and cried in the shower i just didnt know what to do. Then i stopped crying and listened to his cry and realised that it was different to his usual cries and he sounded somehow to be in pain. So i got out of the shower and gave him some Calpol (that was before i discovered Pulsatilla) and sat in my nursing chair and cuddled him until he eventually stopped crying and fell asleep. the next day i took him to the GP and it turned out he had an ear infection, poor little man.

Foxytocin, that is such a sweet thing to say.

I have a fear that the MWs/ Drs etc will all recoil in horror and disbelief when they see my fandangle/nipples/ whatever, saying "well I've never seen one like that before"
a real medical query... I seem to have a kind of hardish lump kind of in the middle of my chest, just under the bottom of my bra...my bump seems quite high but i think the lump is above the uterus rather than in it - it feels like theres a loose Malteser beneath the skin! Is it my ziphisternum ?

Kayz: you can get cranberry tablets as well, not sure how effective they are.

A mw complemented my on my nipples while in hospital with DS blush

- not sure what is good or bad though! Sure all different shapes and sizes work...

Effie Cranberry juice is really good, but I hate it. I normally have Cranberry and Raspberry juice which is lovely and the GP said it will do the same job.

I've had a moment about nipples too. While I was waiting to see a MW at the labour ward I heard a lady telling the MW she can't BF as she doesn't have normal nipples. What are normal nipples?????

I was going to post something else but it has completely gone.

Hi all,

kayz poor you take it easy and I hope you start to feel better soon. Kidney infections are not good.

I'm now getting scared when I think of going in for my c-section next week. How will DD cope with a baby in the house? How will I cope with a baby and a toddler? I get in a right state if I dwell on it to much so have come on MN to take my mind off it.

As for nips....mine are almost black, weird hope they aren't about to drop off grin

For those who are going in for c-sections, do you plan to shave the required area before you go in? DD was emergency section so they did it but not sure if I should do it myself what with this one being planned hmm

. Although I can't see the area so may do more harm than good!!!!

Thank you Bisou

I am officially rubbish, just kind of snowed under, not doing a good job of keeping up! However you appear to be talking about sex so I'm going to go hide since a) dh is awway and b) I've moaned enough about the state of my bits. No way!

Hi everyone. Just a 'quickie' (pardon the pun in the light of the chat at the moment) to say I've emailed Indith about the pool message with the aid of EffiePerine's fab list

Good Morning Ladies!!!

Sorry I still haven't been able to properly keep up with what's been going on.

Thanks for all the sympathies! I am feeling much better.

Although... I must say I feel like being in the hospital has flipped some weird switch. All of the symptoms of pregnancy I hadn't had... I now have. I went from being fairly comfortable to totally uncomfortable! Went from being pretty rational emotionally to crying on a whim. But I guess I can't complain. I've made it this far without any problems... so I guess I'm due for some discomfort.

Totally sad though... I missed my breastfeeding class for being in the hospital. I'm hoping we can get re-scheduled for another one before the baby comes. If not... I guess I'd better find some good books. We do have Ante-Natal classes this weekend so maybe we'll get some good info out of those.

Sorry about the "me" post...

kayz Sorry to hear about you kidney infection! I hope you get on the mend quickly.

LT shock

about sex in hospital. Man I hope my sex drive comes back!! Although... not so sure about having sex in a hospital. ;) Also had a moment about my nipples as well. I liked the old ones much better. I'm hoping they'll go back to normal... but I'm thinking if I BF they probably won't.

Hope everyone is doing okay today.

re: sex after birth, think it was about 4 weeks with DS? Ii think 'when you're ready' is good advice, take your time and don't get too het up about it being the first time IYSWIM.

Trace: am also ratehr teary and stressed at the idea of a newborn shock

. I'm so used to dealing with a hardy toddler that I need to get my head around being responsible for a tiny fragile baby (hence today's shopping spree).

link from SIDS - seems to not be an issue if the baby is asleep on their back (also other useful tips on reducing risks)

www.sids.org.uk/editpics/File/Current%20topics%20Sept%2006.pdf

kayz poor you. Hope the antibiotics kick in quickly and do the job properly this time.

veggie your comments about instinctive parenting and taking a step back/ deep breath etc are really sensible and for some reason have made me cry!!! Didn't think I was wobbly today (emotionally that is, clearly am always wobbly in a weeble-fashion!) but it appears I am! Am now snuffling through everyone else's posts - people seem to be having such a hard time with illness and family problems - so sorry for everyone struggling.

I've read a few comments about DHs today (nipple examinations, comments on lady gardens...) and am feeling a bit alientated!!! My DH started sleeping in the other room weeks ago because I wriggle and get up so much in the night that he was struggling at work, so he abandoned me for the spare room. Don't think we've admired one anothers' naked forms for some time, and I can't even remember what sex is!! Am I the only one who has turned into an asexual being? Hopefully things will return to normal at some point (cue a few more irrational tears)

planning to wrap some Christmas pressies and watch crappy TV this afternoon while dd is at pre-school - a few hours of me-time! Yum!

if anyone sees indith tell her i have a pool for her.

also good luck everyone especially verso who i have a soft spot for in a non-lesbian kind of way.

Veggie: I find I get bad heartburn if I haven't eaten for a while - odd but true.

Have just ordered a couple of the sleeping suit things from Mothercare: here

www.mothercare.com/Owl-hedgehog-unisex-baby-bundlers/dp/B001C58BTO/sr=1-1/qid=1226923896/ref=sr_1_1/ 278-0349956-6320831?%5Fencoding=UTF8&m=A2LBKNDJ2KZUGQ&n=44484031&mcb=core

veggie am so sorry you're still suffering with heartburn. I don't know how you feel about taking medication but ranitidine (from GP) really helps me. I only take it when I really can't hack the acid anymore but it works like a dream (and my Dr thinks better to take this rather than lots of gaviscon at this stage in pg given quite a lot of salts in beloved 'scon)

Sorry you're feeling rough Kayz

. Is there anything you can do to help with the kidney infections? Veggiemummy might be able to help on alternative treatments...

WG: I think terminology vairies, but I would call the tings without legs vests or bodysuits, (sleeveless, short-sleeved or long-sleeved with poppers). The ones with legs and feet I'd call sleepsuits. Sometimes you get ones without feet called daysuits or rompers or something - all very confusing!

Re: sheepskins, we have one we used with DS and they are handy BUT you aren't supposed to use them to sleep on due to the cot death risk (though there is some contradictory research saying they help with regulating body temp - go figure). There was also a scare re: the chemicals used for curing them - try Googling for more info. So if you can, and you're worried about it, it might be worth getting an organic one as that disposes of the chemical issue. With DS we used it for his recliner and for him to play around on, then he slept on it for a while once he was older. You can handwash them as well. We have a (natural) dark brown one cos of worries about stains.

You poor thing kayz kidney infections really knock you out at the best of times. For what it's worth think you did the right thing in going to the labour ward if the GP suggested it. Hope you start to feel better soon.

wg we had fleece for DS that my M&D brought back from Australia. Absolutely loved it - put it on the floor and in his cradle for him to lie on when he was very small and he's now got it as a rug in his room (and loves snuggling into it). His was a natural white-ish one, which I used to wipe occasionally when we used it a lot (v easy to clean sick etc. out) and I've washed it in the bath with woolwash once (was filthy blush

but this was after he'd been using it as a rug). Brilliant thing about fleeces is that they are both cool and warm - and fell lovely against skin.

We've just got one for this baby - and I've gone for a black sheep one just to be different (not dyed - is more of a brown really). Didn't have a buggy one but may get one this time. They look really snuggly.

On terminology - tried to write helpful distinction and got really confused myself! basically babies wear a vest/bodysuit (poppers fastening underneath nappy and either long or short sleeves) and then a sleepsuit/babygro on top (this has legs and feet and long sleeves).

Hope that helps. I found M&S ones best last time - they washed really well and still look good for this time around.

sleepgown - sometimes instead of bodysuit/sleepsuit you can put baby in all in one thing that has arms but not legs - just a long skirt bit that you bunch or fold up Makes it easier to change nappies in the night (fewer poppers).

grobag - these are sleeping bags you use instead of sheets and blankets once baby is a bit bigger. They're great - but don't think you're supposed to use them on tiny babies as they can slip down into them. Swaddling worked well for us for first few weeks/months.

good afternoon all, sorry to all those with sic little ones, and poor you Kayz with infection and the health system run around. look after yourself and lots of cranberry juice.

Cat-thanks for the reassurance, that extra blood supply things sounds fair enough.

Turnip-this is sad but am jealous of you DS on behalf of my DS for your helicopter cose encounter.

jam- when DS is a little unwell and we are camped in front of the telly we watch his shows but everynow and then we turn on the paramount channels to watch 'mummys shows'.

had an amazingly good sleep and felt good when i woke up but then for some reason suddenlly got severe heartburn even though my tummy was empty and then vomited loads of stomach acid, it was like having morning sickness again. crazy child i don't know what it trying to do to it's mother i swear it is usng my stomach as a kicking bag.

Morning,

I hope everyone is ok.

I have another kidney infection. I rang the out of hours GP who told me I was in labour despite me saying that I wasn't so he said i had to go to the labour ward. I got there and apologised loads saying I didn't think I was in labour but the GP sent me. They quicky put me on the monitor and it showed I wasn't having contractions. So I was then sent to the emergency GP in the hospital who said I had an infection and gave me some anti-biotics. I was really annoyed about being sent round in circles and the labour ward was busy so I felt really bad that I had to go in when I didn't need too.

DS has given me his cold, I feel dreadful.

Flumpy Oooooh just a couple of days to go.

hello - a little bit of help needed with terminology:

what is the difference between a bodysuit/sleepsuit (short sleeve and long sleve)/sleepgown/grobag

also, i really want to get a sheepskin for sproglet to rest on, especially as my parents in law are from north wales and they could bring a proper welsh one with them. i remember having one when i was little and they are just gorgeous. however... surely they are the most impractical things? can you wash them? should i get one in black?

also, what about those sheepskins that seem to have holdes in them so you can fit the buggy/stroller straps through them?

any advice gratefully received.

Morning all! Have tried to catch up but you keep gettin ahead of me!

Cat: we've also just finished series 3 of the Wire and loved it. We may need to pace ourselves as there are only 2 series left shock

. My other recommendation, if you haven;t seen it, would be the West Wing (there is loads of that!).

Expressing colostrum: as everyone else has said, pointless unless you have feeding problems. The important thing is to get the baby latched on asap and feeding as much as possible in those first few days to stimulate your milk production.

Have been shamed by you all into getting my arse into gear and ordering essential new baby stuff from Mothercare - moses basket, new mattress for crib, maternity pads and breastpads, all that sort of stuff. More or less done (I think) except for sorting the buggy situation (which I've delegated to DH) and buying a few more vests and sleepsuits (Tescos or Primark) plus cheap nighties for hospital (Primark again).

Heop you all have a good week

Hiall,

just popping in to say many many thanks for my lovely secret stork present which has just arrived. I got some pulse point homeopathic remedies for use before and during labour. Thankyou secret stork. grin

Poor DS is poorly today he throw up all over the kitchen floor this morning, yeuch. Suppose we have been quite lucky to get to 17mth without any sick bugs. So no toddler yoga this morning instead we have had a bit of a cbeebies marathon but I have now cracked and put on This Morning for a bit of adult entertainment.

Morning all! Sorry not to have been on for ages, keep logging on to see how everyone is and by the time I've read a fraction of the messages I have no time to post!

DD's have apparently not got the pox but it seems to be a really nasty virus anyway with horrible symptoms - they've been breaking out in big hives all over their poor little faces, red eyes from conjunctivitis, upset tummies and high temperatures. Poor little mites - one has been poorly for over a week now and the other came down with it on Saturday.

So stroking brows and trying to find comfy positions to cuddle two big three year olds over my bump have been my life recently!

Has anyone else found their ribs feel like they're going to crack if they get stretched anymore? I seriously feel like baby hatty is like the incredible hulk in cartoons when he bends back prison bars to escape, except the prison bars are my ribs!

Poison hope your visit to your dad goes okay.

Kimberley ouch to the kidney stones, you poor thing!

LadyT amazed at the sex 2 days after section story.

I had a great book on twins when I was pregnant and one of the bits of advice they gave was to ahem try and treat your OH to some kind of physical relief in the first 6 weeks. Their logic was that even if you couldn't manage sex, doing err other things at least reassured them that they would one day have a sex life again! I followed this advice and it did work well! <blushes>

Can't find the original question about colostrum/syringes but the only thing that springs to mind is in my hospital if mums didn't want to breastfeed they would encourage them to express off the colostrum to be given to their babies by a syringe dripped into their mouths...

Can't believe some of our babies are due so soon! Is everyone ready? Our nursery is the most horrendous mess of bags of baby stuff and moses baskets balanced on the bed with boxes of old paper work everywhere

Hi All, I'm back online! Have been following you all for the last week and will try to start posting more regularly again now. Hope you all have wonderful Mondays.

Turnip, for a second I thought "nee naw" was a euphemism for "naked" then realised what you meant! grin

Quick one just to say hello.

Cat I would recommend "Damages" as a boxed set - Glenn Close in a very hardcore and quite scary legal drama - or "Entourage" for something much lighter and funny. Both Emmy award winning blah de blah

Kimberley I am so sorry about your kidney stones. My sis had em and found it so sore. Hopefully childbirth will seem easy by comparison grin

Can't wait for there to be SOME BABIES ON OUR BOARD...I can't help thinking that statistically there must be some out there from people who posted early on, that we don't know about. But am very pleased that everyone is heading towards fullterm or as near as dammit.

Like everyone else I have never heard that about the colostrum in any UK hospital. Can't see the rationale for it. I can only think you would do it if there was some real difficulty getting the baby on, the baby had no suck (due to being premature). I have heard the saying that colostrum is liquid gold - so maybe they were saying that they express it and give it by syringe in certain cases to emphasise this, rather than saying it was routine??
Anyhoo, the only time you might need your breast bump early on would be if you have very severe engorgement and you need to get some milk off so baby could latch on.

I am going back to bed for a bit of a kip - and then a fireman is coming to my house grin

for a fire safety check. Don't know if they come in the nee-naw but if they do DS will be SOOO happy.

He got to see the Royal London air ambulance helicopter right close up on saturday (very sad - it landed opp our house as apparently someone had fallen from a window a few streets away - but in terms of little boys - he couldn't have been more mesmerised...)

Hi everyone, I hope you’ve all enjoyed the weekend and between us achieved a reasonable amount of sleep. I was just reading a pregnancy book this morning and apparently next week I’ll start to need to wee more regularly and suffer with interrupted sleep – good grief, so what have I been doing til now if not either of those!!! shock

Thanks for all the advice on cord cutting/manual third stage etc – I’ve got my next appt with the MW next week (a different one as it happens) so will run those ideas by her – I think I’ve got a clearer idea of what to put in that section of my birth plan now.

ladyt I also had a nipple crisis this weekend, and spent ages enviously admiring DH’s lovely little pink nipples (which I’d never noticed he has before) – he just thought I was bonkers and went back to sleep and asked me to admire quietly!!

kmp another one here who’s email address is my boring old name.

penny I’ve read Gina Ford and liked some of the ideas too, but then I realised it didn’t really tell you how to cope if the routine didn’t work – I’m sure not all babies click so easily as it appears. I’ve recently read a review of Tracy Hogg, so I’m going to try her’s next (my MIL is a librarian) and keep reading until I find a combination of advice that sounds realistic. Of course, if babyZJ slides easily into Gina Ford then I’ll wish I’d started a family years ago …

veggie I thought my lady garden hair is getting longer too, and then thought how ridiculous, but maybe not if I’m not the only one … And cat I’ve got a nice downy belly now as well, showed it to my sis last week who was so shocked I think I’ve put her off children and now I’ll never be an auntie!

pd I’m pleased to hear you’ve had a good rest, you definitely need it as the emotions you must be going through really must be taking it out of you. Thinking of you and your family

And good luck to flumpybumpy - our first babe arriving this week! grin

(and

)

Hello everyone & thanks for all the kind words. Up at my mum's now - didn't come up till last night in the end. I basically put my feet up for 4 days solid and feel so much better for it. Am going to visit my dad later on.

Simmo sounds awful about your DP - is he okay now?

Kimberley kidney stones sounds hardcore - at least with childbirth you get a lovely baby at the end of it! Hope you're feeling better now.

Interesting point you made about over-egging breastfeeding difficulties in antenatal classes arti. Actually my experience was totally the opposite - the message I got from my (crap) hospital classes was that as long as you get the latch right then the rest will magically follow. That certainly wasn't the case for me, and there are a massive range of difficulties that you can encounter which they never even touched on. I kind of understand why they would want to downplay how hard it is for a lot of women, so as not to put people off even trying, but I feel strongly that they are setting us up for failure when they oversimplify things like they did at our classes. When things then do go awry you are left with the conclusion that it must be something you are doing wrong, which it wasn't in my case (although I didn't know that for several painful, exhausting and stressful weeks). I think if you are aware of the difficulties you may or may not encounter you are more likely to be able to recognise and deal with them. If midwives were able to offer decent support after the birth however then it wouldn't matter - for me though the post-natal support was worse than useless and I was very much on my own trying to figure out what was going wrong.

kmp1 the expressing colostrum thing sounds like madness! As far as I know babies only take in a teaspoon or two of colostrum at each feed - if you expressed that amount most of it would get lost in the inner workings of the pump & wouldn't actually make it into the bottle, surely! I wouldn't recommend trying to express colostrum, for your sanity's sake. I remember trying to express on day 3 or so, before my milk came in, and being very upset that I wasn't able to get even a drop. I was convinced that I wasn't producing anything and that DS was starving. Expressing is a technique which takes practice, and one you may not even need (or if you do, certainly not till later) - quite why they are asking you to master it when you ought to be getting to grips with breastfeeding (and bonding with your baby) I've no idea.

2 days to go (probably) till our first thread baby . How exciting! Hey, I hope those of you who are giving birth in November are not going to jump ship for the postnatal thread!

Morning ladies!!! Sounds like everyone had a nice weekend! Bill Bailey was really really funny but the auditorium was SO hot and stuffy I ended up wanting it to be finished....very annoying! But still well worth going to. And we treated ourselves to a cab home from London which made a huge difference as I was knackered by the end of the evening!
Yesterday we took DS to a farm in the morning and then had a lazy afternoon followed by a walk in the dark with a torch to feed ducks followed by tapas. Lovely! A walk with a torch is DS idea of heaven. I then fell asleep on the sofa and DH put DS to bed.
We got all the baby bits out of the loft (sooooo tiny!!!) I've just got to wash it all now hmm

. Need to go and get some non bio powder.

Colostrum in a syringe?? I haven't heard of that before. Seems a bit odd, surely you should be starting off with the tiddler learning to suckle? Unless there is an actual problem with feeding then it is a great way of getting the colostrum into them. Otherwise why interfere?

Feeling like a right old lump now. I am carrying the same way I did with my son...just a massive medicine ball stuck on my front. This is a killer on your back and ligaments (sp) and it is getting sooo heavy!
Oh well 6 weeks to go...feeling quite envy

of those of you popping sooner!!!

Haven't been able to see down there for months thanks to massive bump, god knows what I'm going to find after the birth! blush

But my belly itself has loads of little hairs on it which I'm feeling really self conscious about - I asked the MW about it and apparently when there's more blood flowing to the area it makes hair more likely to grow. If she's right, it could only be a temporary thing,Veggie....

h i hate the balloon face, i get such a shock when i look in the mirror, and see how puffy and jowly my face is, hate having photos taken at the moment as i look so overweight and like some frump women. not nice.

also down south is becoming concerning, i wasn't going to worry about getting any waxing done but i seem to have an ever expanding bikini line. I think it is scareing DH a little, i am fairly lucky as i am not too hairy down there but we are both worried this might be permanent. With DS my hair down there got longer (quite bizzare) but it did not cover a larger surface area. does anyone else have this???

My secret stork arrived - thank you so much stork, what lovely gifts, one for me and one for baby smile

waiting I am also forever dropping things and just generally being a proper butterfingers !

kimberely poor you, that sounds so painful.

penny I have a pile of baby books to read but 1 week into ML and I still haven't read any of them, I have started the Baby Whisperer but haven't got very far... blush

Verso I am also getting pains down below - like pressure right down low at the front, do you think that may mean my baby is engaging ?... and if it makes you feel any better my face has also become balloon-like in the last 2 weeks !

Beans I was starting to wonder if you had gone into labour....

hey there all went to a friends house for takeaway thai which was yum but ate too much and now really uncomfortable. Veggiebaby is lying on the rightside and using my stomach to rest his feet on i think.

Kmp-that expressing colostrum thing has no basis i think it was Arti who said the nose to nipple thing and nice straight body and let them open their mouth then pop just plug them in. This giving via a syring seems bizarre and since half the point of those 1st few feeds is for bonding and uterus contraction i don't see how expressing can help that. If it were me i would refuse it, or at least ask to have a go at latching you can try within minutes of them being born if you want (after they stop crying). Just be relaxed and if its going to happen it will. Really it is down to good support post birth, a relaxed unhurried attitude and if you have a nice calm environment and your mum there it will help a lot. There is so much to learn about breastfeeding but you have plenty of time to read up on it, i am still learning stuff now in the course i'm doing, it is actually quite amazing but i wouldn't be too hung up on trying to learn it all now. Our mums generation didnt know all they do now and they probably managed it better than we did.

also i would read parenting books but just take with you what works for you. I'm into instinctive parenting, i.e. what i believe works for me and baby is what is right for me and baby. It is helpful to get tips and ideas but you will always do what is best for your baby. the best advice i can give is if you ever feel overwhelmed and feel you can't make a decision to help comfort your baby, hand it over to DH, your mum or someone for a few minutes take a step back to breathe and compose yourself (or have a shower) and you will often find that you hear what is wrong in their cry and you can respond to it. But basically you will do what is right for them.

Have overdone it today and now having quite strong BHs and period-type pains shock

. Bit worried actually as I am still only part-way through sorting out the house! I'm not ready to have this baby yet! I think the baby has engaged as well, as it is really uncomfortable when I stand/walk around. Had a mini-meltdown earlier when I felt too awful to cook dinner. DH was an angel and has ordered pizza. Bless.

Photo session was great fun apart from my face looking like the moon/a potato/a space hopper. It is SO FAT!

Managed to pick a few photos to get printed up but most of them with me in looked terrible

. I'm not the most photogenic of individuals at the best of times, and I guess that's what you get for trying to have photos done the week before you give birth!

Oh, and Penny I read the Baby Whisperer after some recommendations from friends and it seems to be very sensible (general theory everything in moderation, and you go by the EASY acronym, which stands for Eating, Activity, Sleeping and You time). Still, I haven't had any real life experience of it so don't take my word for it!

Is "nesting" just another word for "doing all the housework"? If so, don't fancy it much...

With you on the BF expectations, artichokes. My mum keeps saying "we never had anything like the amount of information you have nowadays" but I think this has its pros and cons. It is great to know that certain things are normal, and to prepare myself for not everything being plain sailing, but I do feel like I know a lot about all the things that could go wrong. I'm trying to assume everything will be ok and deal with what isn't as it comes along, but don't always manage it!

Watching last episode of season 3 of The Wire tonight, can't wait. Anyone got any other good boxed set recommendations (go on ML on 28th)? After 6 ft under and the Sopranos I don't really know where to go for my home entertainment requirements....

Oh, keeping up with the messages here is such a mission!

Hugs to all having a time of it with colds, poor sleeping and work stress.

I am now on mat leave - yay! - and getting very excited about all the nice things I want to do in the next few weeks. Its a weird feeling though not knowing exactly how long I have exactly to do these nice things.

I am so glad to see that others are getting into the Christmas baby stuff. I thought today that if baby has arrived and I am up and about I could even go and get a baby photo with santa!

How is everyone's Christmas prep going? Any tips for getting organised appreciated.

Beans33 - where did you find your maternity nurse? I may be too late to organise something now but the idea of some help in those early days sounds great.

CatDean - I loved the Ina May book - so many positive birth stories. It made me feel more confident about what women (and hopefully me!) are capable of during labour.

Have the first time mums been reading much about looking after babies? I have read Gina Ford and I liked the ideas but at the same time it stressed me out a little. I plan to try out bits of it and not get stressed if none of it works like the book.

Does anyone have any suggestions for books on breastfeeding? I have had some help from NCT class and know that there is a drop in centre around me so wondering if I just see how I go or if preparation is needed?

Look forward to meeting some of you at the Clapham Junction meet up on Wed.

KMP - try not to worry about the BF thing. I've not heard of having to express colostrum and give it via a syringe - doesn't sound very natural! If it's any encouragement my dd couldn't BF initially as we were both in ICU, but one I was in HDU I started expressing and freezing milk for when she was allowed it. It was eventually given to her, first via a feeding tube, then orally. So in the day she fed from my breast then overnight she had expressed milk from a bottle by the staff - and she adapted really well and didn't show any confusion between bottle and nipple - which I know concerns a lot of people. After discharge from hospital I only kept it up a few more weeks, mainly due to her enormous apetite and my inability to keep up...but I'm really excited about BFing again this time. I guess you just have to be open minded - everyone will have opinions on what you should and shouldn't be doing - and I discovered that on the whole motherhood is full of guilt whatever options you choose - so do what feels right for you and your baby! For me, changing to bottles was better for the whole family's mental health, which probably benefited dd more than the breast milk would have! sorry for waffling on there!
Have had a nice day with my sister and family - decided to go for Chinese all you can eat buffet for lunch (easy for silly Atkins-diet family members!!!) which went down very well all round - although I now feel like I won't need to eat for a week (but will in reality no doubt wake up at 2am starving!!!)
wg - am pleased your burn is getting better and am v. impressed that you're gardening still!

kmp my email is just my name - if that helps.

With veggie on the tiredness. Keep thinking I should be nesting but can't be bothered to do anything.

Expressing colostrum sounds a bit mad to me too....is really hard to express at the beginning. Also I wouldn't worry too much about how much you eat whilst BF - especially at the beginning. I was absolutely starving and ate like a horse for first few months and still lost weight.

Err can't remember much else from what I've read. Apart from like everyone else am shock

at sex after 2 days. Took me a while to contemplate it - and was v nervous first time we tried afterwards (I think about 4/5 weeks) mainly because I was worried it would feel different but then all fine. Like riding a bike. Ho ho.

Am hoping to come along on Weds to meet up - but will have DS with me. Hope that's ok.

*Lady T* am glad was not the only one to find Q of S a bit hard to follow. Was worried that brain had completely turned to mush given couldn't keep track of Bond film. DC was v good - although have to say when I saw him in RL was a disappointment. Bit gnome-like. Heresy I know...

oooh, have received my secret stork - thank you SO much whoever it was.

pd - i am so sorry

kimberley ouch! poor you.

had b/f workshop on fri and nct antenatal classes this weekend - really enjoyed them both (although remembered loads more from nct than breastfeeding).

sorry to all those feeling rubbish.

my burn is much better, but now complimented by a blood blister from gardening, and i am continually dropping things - is that relaxin or am i just rubbish?

35 weeks today - can't quite believe some people will have babies by the end of the week. i think i will need the next 5 weeks to get used to it. still enjoying pregnancy and not quite ready for it to turn into motherhood yet.

Thanks! I do remember them mentioning that nipple / nose thing so baby latches at the underneath end or something... yeah the colostrum expressing thing was wierd to me too - they said something about needing to make sure all the colostrum gets out and to baby as the milk starts being produced only after this all gets out, and some inexperienced mums have had probs making milk due to this? Yes - everyone here has been invaluable to me!! Thanks oh and I asked effie a while back about that email list / address that I missed - I have only an email which is name, and I wondered if wnyone else has given out their email address if that is the case? Am I just being paranoid? Maybe I'll feel better after Wed if I get to meet a few of you! grin

KMP - sometimes I think those classes over-egg the difficulties of breastfeeding. I never quite understand why it is thought helpful to set everyone up to expect failure.

I was lucky because my DD took to breastfeeding like a duck to water. No problems at all. All I needed to know was that just before latching you place the nipple by the baby's nose - for DD that is all it took. She just latched on. I had a great cream called Lanisohl for the sore nipples for a couple of days and then I never felt sore again.

I am shock

at the colostrum in a syringe idea. My hospital never mentioned such a thing. If you can establish a good latch early on then I cannot imagine why you would need to express. I found expressing painful and a faff, I think I would have been quite put-off if that was my first exposure to breastfeeding.

If you want to BF and do find it difficult then I think MN is an amazing resource. Some of the women of the BF boards are amazing BF coaches smile

gosh my spelling / typing is awful!! - apologies! 'm super tired... blush

Evening,
well went to my BF class and now seem to be more confused / nervous about it than ever - sounds complicated! They discussed the colostrum quite a bit and that at my hospital they want us to manually express it into a syringe and then the hospital staff give it to baby? Is this normal precedure? Admitedly I glazed over a couple of times, especailly when the very bad early 80's Australian videos with the Kath and kim resemblance were shown, so perhaps I missed parts, but I still left feeling like it was quite complicated to get the latching on thing right hmm

Mum said she had issues too, but thankfully she'll be here and although can't do it for me, I guess will help get it right! One part I was wide awake for, was the bit about the fact of very fast weight loss in most cases (provided we don't eat like crazy but rather the calories we would pre-preg, and also that if we want a drink - red wine is the best option (in moderation of course) due to the iron - yay! Thant's my beverage of choice!!
Anyway, on a different issue - I was wondering re: baby clothes, how many / much pieces of each do I really need to get us up and running? I've got newborn and 0-3mth stuff. I'm guessing they mostly live in sleepsuits and bodysuits etc, but i'm a bit clueless as to how much I should get? I do have a tumble drier and tend to wash a lot...??
LT jealous of Fat Duck too -- DH has talked about it before and about going when we lived out in Henley, but I've never been.... sad

One day!

Oh dear - a few days away from this thread and I am totally lost. I am also so incredibly tired that a full personals list is beyond me. Sorry!

Let me just say to PD that I am so sorry about your brother and dad, what a time for you to have to deal with news like that. Also big hugs for Kimberley because kidney stones sound awful.

It seems we are all at the end of our patience with the physical side of pregnancy. I am 36+4 and this time next week I am starting a full scale campaign to kick start labour. I have already told DH there will be lots of sex (he is v excited, I lost all appetite about 6 weeks ago) and lots of curries (again DH is over the moon). I have evening primrose capsules to take orally and insert elsewhere blush

. I have an acupuncture session booked for a week on Monday and I will be abandoning the sofa for hours sat on my birthing ball. I suspect I will still be here in 5 weeks but I need this baby out sooner rather than later. I am soooooo tired and my digestive system has given up!

I hope everyone is having good weekends. We took DD to the Natural History Museum yesterday which she loves. I also finished my christmas shopping. Today I have done nothing. DH is baking his first ever cake (for his office rather than for me envy

, except not envy

because I just witnessed his attempts at egg seperation and I now have no desire to sample the final product smile

).

xx

i'm soooooooooooooooooooooooooo tired, is there anyone on this thread who feels awake? I am def not nesting anymore it is all i can do to keep upright on the couch. Movie was good last night but found sitting in the movie theatre seat really uncomfortable. Also thought cheesecake for a little dessert would be nice at the cinema bar but as usual my body decided to rail against it and i was up with heartburn all night.

Sex post baby i have to say we did it a grand total of about 3 times in 9months after ds, after being right up for it during pregnancy my libido plummeted straight after. Poor DH he was quite good about it but was difficult at first because he took it that i actually didnt find him attractive anymore, we ended up being very open and talking about it and it was all ok but can put a strain on things. The upside for me was that he figured the more sleep i got the more likely he was to get some so he took the lion share of night time settling for DS and well i guess it eventually paid off for him. bless.

LT- i used to have little nipples and was very concerned about what they would be like post birth, they never went back to the way they were but somehow afterwards it didnt bother me so much. They did go back to being the same colour though.

Rosmerta- that sounds like a good idea about cutting the cord. Is it for personal interest or research for your course?

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