so here it is, a new home for us newly updiffed ladies or still seeking that golden egg after a mc part 3

Thanks ladies, for your very kind words and lovely support.

Sparkly it sounds as though it's all systems go! My sister had her baby on Saturday night and the lead up was as follows: period pains on Wednesday, upset tummy on Thursday, a show on Friday morning, contractions started late Friday afternoon, continued through the night and baby arrived on Saturday evening. So according to that, the next step for you is contractions!

My sister's experienced reinforced for me not to have a birth plan at all, especially as her plan originally was a water birth at home and ended up being an epidural in hospital! She hadn't been at all keen on medical interventions but said the epidural was AMAZING and that she'd ask for it in a second next time.

Good luck to worm and harassed, exciting times for you soon too! worm I do hope that your next appointment is reassuring.

Has anyone had to buy a travel system for a tiny car? Mine is weeny so I'll need a compact system and was going to splash out on a bugaboo bee (as recommended by nice John Lewis lady) but I keep reading terrible reviews about problems with the wheels....

Agh worm - you shouldn't have sent that link - all I can think about now is chocolate and I was even tempted to lick the screen - the background color is so realistic! Sorry to hear you've been a bit down - the vid of your dd sounds a lovely way to help time pass.

Still typing one fingered in iPad at feeding time so I'll post in bits as i would be one grumpy wombat if I lost stuff as it takes an age!

so midwife went well.....she's really nice. She was quite shocked by my whole herpes drama (the notes hadn't made their way through the system yet) and thought I should complain to the surgery. Not sure I can be bothered tbh.

All good with me and baby, the head is engaged or down or something but she is slightly towards back to back so she told me to spend more time on my birthing ball and on all fours and less time laying on the sofa.....boo!

Sorry you are feeling down/tearful worm I think it's normal with all the hormones rushing around etc...it's almost the end of tues so you're getting towards Thursday. I guess you do need to focus on the fact that you are getting regular movements now. Big hug to you and here are some quality street in case you've had enough of the posh chocs.

sparkly that does sound like good progress, 2cm and soft sounds excellent. And you've got the back up on a date if you need it.....so exciting that you are now so close. I find it so odd how all hospitals have different policies, mine will be wanting to give me a sweep more or less on my due date and recommending induction at 40+10 at the latest.....it's all a bit random isn't it? Sorry to hear about your cold and DH failing his exam......I think eating and shopping are def the best cures for this kind of thing. I really want new boots too but my calves have swollen up (yes I'm hanging on to the extra fluid explanation rather than the extra fat explanation) and so my normal boots don't even fit now so I need to hold off on the shopping front.

You guys better come back and talk to me once you've popped or this thread is going to get very lonely!

again

Hey sparkly 2cm and soft sounds excellent to me! I was only 1 cm when I went in with full labour pains! I can't see you needing that induction, despite what the MW said. Did she say if Monts was engaged/effaced? Get twiddling!!
Sorry about DH's exam hope he not too disappointed.

All ok at the midwife yellow? The active birth workshop sounds fab.

wombat the chocolate party thing was a bit like a tupperware/Ann summers party depending on what kind of friends you have. Basically it in a friends house via a sales lady who has a catalogue filled with chocolaty goodies of the more induldgent kind. Not a mars bar in sight........... You get to pig out try lots of the stuff and they are put together in luxury boxes. http://www.chocolate-parties.com/ link

It sounds like you and DS are doing fabulously at BF, did you need to top up at all with formula when at the colostrum stage? I hear milk is sometimes slower to come in after a CS?

So I am having a down day today, no particular reason, baby is moving around fine, if a little less rigorous. I keep trying to tell myself that had I not gone in for the monitoring which turned out to be fine I wouldn't have had the scan and would still be bumbling along just fine. I was in tears this morning when DH went to work he asked why and all I could say was "I just wish it was thursday"
We had a nice night last night watching some of the home videos from when we had DD. I can't remember doing it but DH filmed this whole thing with music in the background showing the pregnancy test result and various different stages of pregnancy, decorating the nursery, until she was born. So sweet. DD loved it.

Right off to keep busy in the hope it fast forwards time.....

Still here, iron taste in mouth, heartburn raging, bump huge and tightening, and have a cold. Plus dh has just found out he has failed an important exam so sets him back six months waiting to resit and finally qualify.
Woe is me!

I have cheered myself up with some new Kurt Geiger boots in the sale, black bikery ones for winter. I'm looking forward to feeling attractive again, and have made a couple of new clothes purchases, as realised haven't looked at clothes for months unless they are elasticated!
Anyway, midwife was useful. It was the flaky lady ("Where's my trundly thingie?!") but she seemed a bit more sane qualified this time. She did a sweep quite reluctantly, as the policy is apparently to wait to 40+10 and I was 40+5 yesterday, but the Christmas period is creating a bottle-neck so she was keen to squeeze me through it. I am 2cm dilated and soft, but cervix is posterior, which essentially I take to mean in the wrong bloomin position. She said things were on their way but I have a long way to go, and she didn't seem confident that anything much would happen of it's own accord. I am booked in for induction on Friday 23rd, so highly likely that Monts will be a Christmas Eve or Day baby! Not bothered about the disruption to Christmas, I'd have been more stressed to leave things for +14-16 to be honest. Also, it's quite nice to have a date where something will definitely happen, gives me a bit more focus. Had a bit of a show this morning, rang Triage to describe my mucus and all seems normal, but it hasn't kick-started anything further.
So, looks like Wormy or Harassed or Mrsb may beat me to it! We're going to have a rush of little Christmas cuties, keep the tips coming Wombat, I'm relying on you to find things out the hard way and then pass on your wisdom to make my life easier Hey to Yellow, you are going to be super-prepared!
Right, off for a hot lemon and some toast and honey I think, then rethink the hospital bag (unpack the cocktail shaker and bikini, pack pads and granny nighties )

Morning all

Good to hear from you harassed sorry that you've been in so much pain but the finish line is in sight! Not a good time for a boiler malfunction, glad you are all cosy again.

wombat the whole course was v good, you should have seen the shock on DP's face when the teacher simulated a woman in labour, hilarious! He was indignant "she could have warned us!" we went through the different labour stages in detail with the model pelvis and baby and acted out different positions and massage techniques and noises (!) that might help with each stage. It really helped DP to see how he has an important role in supporting the positions, helping with breathing, massage, getting drinks etc. It has made it much clearer to us both what may actually happen.

Keep your tips coming, v handy!

worm glad you are getting movements and that the baby responds to pokes, thurs must seem ages away but I guess you can go in again sooner if you need reassurance.

My little one was more active than ever yesterday, not sure what that means if anything. I'm seeing the midwife today which I'm looking forward to as I haven't seen her for 6 weeks, just silly doctors who don't seem to know a great deal!

Yoo hoo sparkly give us a smiley if you're still hanging about. So exciting that the three of you could go at any time, place your bets!

.... Better all the time. We dont get the latch spot on every time but we are both learning still, Inc Jack who has got the hang of leaving his mouth open longer which makes life soooooo much easier.

One tip I read here on mn was to get the largest cotton wool pads you can for cleaning bottoms etc instead of those silly tiny cotton wool balls. Would whole heartedly agree. I have also found the boots organics rectangular ones are best for not leaving fluff behind. Annoying as they are more expensive but worth it IMHO.

Ooh - I think I would have thrown more than daggers at those selfish people worm and yellow.... I am intrigued though by a chocolate party worm - do tell more! Also, what was the best thing you learned at the active birth workshop yellow?

Getting v excited for you 3 who are soooooo close to the finish line although what a stress re the boiler harassed. I see from fb that you're now sorted.

Wondering is mw rummage was successful for our sparkles as she's been a bit quiet today - maybe this plate of white choc and cranberry cookies will draw her out....

Re b feeding - def getting

Morning,

I am so so very sorry for being MIA for so long. Really been struggling with my pelvis which left me down in the dump and anti-social, plus I can't MN on my phone very well so have been sticking to FB.

sparkly have you got clary sage essential oil?? V good stuff and I swear it got me going with dd when I was 10 days late. Also take EPO.

I'm due on Thursday! I can't believe it's actually here, and now I'm really tearful about it. I feel so guilty that dd won't have all our attention, and she's such a lovely age (although the cat won't agree!). So lots of hormonal tears here!! I have mw on Wednesday for a sweep. The consultant said I could be induced due to pelvis but I don't want that, but I can have the sweep early.

Oh and we have no heating!! Boiler broke down yesterday, waiting for plumber but it's flipping freezing. The fire in the living room in pants, so just have a little fan heater. Hopefully plumber will be out soon.

I hope you're all doing well, off for a huuuge catch up.

Why didn't my smiley work ?

Morning girls.
I hope you don't get the horrible cold. I hope eye daggers were thrown. I went to a chocolate party the other week and a stupid woman sat there and said her ds has viral menigitus. She got major daggers.
Not at the hosp until Thursday. It's gonna be a long week! Movements are ok, I had 2 lovely reassuring days of loads of movement, more than I have ever had. Now settled back into my original pattern . I keep giving it a poke to which I get poked back.
That sounds like excellent weight gain wombat, you must have gold top in your jugs. [Grin]
Waves as sparkly ........

Morning all

We def need some kind of tracking devices, it's all very stressful keeping an eye on both worm and sparkly

Hope midwife goes well today, sparkly if she does have a rummage she might be able to tell you if cervix is favorable etc. At the moment I wouldn't fancy her examining my cervix but I guess I may change my mind later.

worm how are the movements, when is your next appt?

wombat thanks for the sleep reassurance, I'm less keen on hearing acout projectile poo, sounds like the stuff of nightmares. How is bf going?

All good here, had an excellent active birth workshop yesterday, we both feel much more prepared now. One couple there had streaming colds and spent the day snorting and coughing and sneezing, how selfish in a roomful of pg people. I was not impressed. I know there are I'll people everywhere but I'm not normally locked in a room with them for a day. Bah!

Oops post too soon.... Re lack of sleep. This was something I was dreading too, somehow you just cope - never thought in would say that though. Make sure you sleep when they don- housework can and will wait.... That is what oh is for, amongst other stuff!

ALL Going well here although i am horrified at 3 am to discover that projectile poo really does exist and it goes everywhere!! Jack doing really well though and is up to 4.33 kg - not sure what that is in lbs but he was born at 3.9kg so it's good.

Love to you all and big squeeze and mountains of hot buttered toast for sparkly xx

Evening ladies! Sorry again about lack of posting. Rest assured I am thinking if you all and lurking if not posting. Do you remember badger watch they had on the beeb years ago when they had a camera trained on a pregnant badger? Can't help feeling there should be a sparklywatch as we pace nervously in anticipation of monts arrival! I have also heard of brandy and castor oil helping. A friend said that the castor oil for her certainly ensured a good clear out - might reduce the need for sieveage for dh sparkly!

Glad to hear mini worm is moving around - you're so right about not being happy with level of movements. Can sympathize re parents etc wanting to plan dates etc but stand firm and do whats right for you - you don't need any added stress now or later....

Good to read things are calming down in the nether regions yellow

No news, nowt!
DH is cooking duck breast, potato rosti and a cranberry jus tonight, inspired by Masterchef and spurred on by the thought of ready meals from hereonin due to lack of time!
Monts has been moving a lot again which is good, after a minor panic yesterday. One or two period-like twinges and some tightenings but nothing consistent. Midwife booked for Monday anyway and think she will offer a rummage, might go for it - if that doesn't work and nothing starts of it's own accord it's an induction on Boxing Day, joyous
Right, off to chill out and enjoy a nice glass of (MIL has recommended gin and castor oil, presumably not in the same glass, but I shall pass thanks)

Morning ladies

Thanks for all the advice, the couple of days of skirts/no tights/freezing knees and cream seems to have done the trick. I think I'll have to wear tights/trousers in the day and get everything out for an airing in the evening. Should probably attempt to trim the jungle too but it is tricky.

sparkly I also get v negative with a lack of sleep so have been a bit concerned about what will happen to my state of mind with a new baby and sleep depravation. I need at least 8 hours in the week and more at the weekend. Did you get your orgasm and curry as ordered requested? Have you been offered a rummage by the midwife yet? Must say I don't fancy that at all. I have nail varnish envy, am going shopping today to get some and some other essentials for my hospital bag such as cotton wool and glucose sweets and erm what else was it, straws?

worm v happy to hear that you are having increased movement, when is your next check-up? It must be frustrating not to be given a date but hopefully they can do that next week then you can relax and eat mince pies!

I've got my one day active birth workshop tomorrow, we apparently will be doing unladylike things on the floor, sounds like it will be good preparation! DP is not keen but I think he'll find it useful.

Those croissant were lovely worm I'll follow up with some bacon butties and freshly squeezed orange juice.

I will leave some croissants, danish' and nutella and jams out for you all.

Nothing to report here, baby was super active yesterday, must have been making up for the quietness on wednesday. Found myself stressing it was moving too much!...........poor thing is damned if it does damned if it doesn't!!
The rellies are all stressing about me not having a date for CS, seeing how they have all buggered off to retire to different ends of the country they need to be able to make plans, well tough titties! you made your choices our lives don't stop for you!!

How. Disgusting.

I think we all know who is most likely to have such a garment in her secret saucy drawer!

Glad you got some more definite information Worm, sorry you are in limbo for the next few days, it will be difficult I know if you are even more keyed up checking for movements and stressing about the outcome. Goodness, this is a difficult time! Wish I was out the other side like Wombat, who is probably at the beach, or getting a manicure or something
Ooh, speaking of which, bought some Barry M bright red glitter nail polish today, if I can reach my toes somehow I thought it would give me a festive boost, and it's one of the areas of my body still visible with some contorting

Cross posted with sparkly you were one step away from advising crotchless tights there............

Ahh sparkly I hope the dark moments are easing for you, as yellow said everyone has them, we wouldn't be human if we didn't. Yesterday when I was convinced it was all over I went into the nursery to get my hospital bag and through the wailing had the exact same thoughts about having to empty it out of baby stuff. Also planned that I would not go back to my old job as I couldnt bear the thought of telling all my 100 customers what had happened.
Nipple tweaking definately got me started with DS but I must warn you the contractions were a lot more brutal than they had been with DD.

Good that the cream is working yellow I bet wearing no knickers under that skirt would improve things even more and you could also stop people in their tracks by revealing that detail!

I'm sorry to hear your hubby is still very poorly kool if you ever need someone to let it all out to, then send me a PM and we can put our facebook chat on xxxx

So I saw the consultant and my googling was all correct. He didn't seem too panic-y about the results, but would like the placenta doppler scan to be repeated next week and didnt want to book my ELCS as it will depend on what next weeks scan says. If there is any down turn then a ELCS will be booked earlier than the 39 weeks he originally decided upon. He also did a blood test for GD to see if that is causing the extra fluid and told me to keep a close eye on movements.
I wish he had booked the CS for 39 weeks and then if it needs to be brought forward cancel it, as I can imagine any choice of days/times I have will vanish as time goes on 39 weeks is the 3rd Jan. Oh god that sounds bad like I'm a WAG or something.....

Thanks ladies, have had plenty of and chocolate, and a nap, and feel much better. Frightening how lack of sleep and junk food really affects my mood, I think I'm in for a rollercoaster few weeks, not to mention poor dh! I've issued him with orders to come home, shag (said I must orgasm, he sighed with irritation ) and then make me a curry, let's see if we can get some progress here! Realise they are wifey tales but are a way or retaining an element of control and who doesn't like a good, hot, saucy....curry
Worm, hope it went ok at the consultant?
Kool, say as much as you need, this isn't just a thread on whingeing babies, we're virtual friends now so feel free to unburden. Apologies for my appalling memory but do recall that your dh wasn't at all well, I had thought you were turning a corner so sincerely sorry to hear not, but we are here. I've eaten all the orange clubs but there's a minty one left I've been saving specially, you may have it x
Yellow, can you get some tights that breathe a bit, some M&S ones perhaps with a coolmax type of thing going on? If not maternity then XL and just hoick them up? Then pop in a panty liner that you've had in the freezer, with a bit of the cream on? Actually you will probably need proper tights, just get a low denier so your gusset doesn't get too heated.
Right, that has exhausted me, off for a raspberry leaf tea and to make myself alluring (hope dh doesn't notice I haven't shaved my legs for 3 months)

oooh orange club, I'll have one of them.

What time is appt worm hope everything is going well and that they are just being thorough....

sparkly don't be sorry for sharing darker moments, I know they are irrational but I have them too. Last night I woke up on my back and immediately thought that I had killed the baby due to lack of oxygen or some such. Moved onto my side but she wasn't moving so I started poking her frantically and woke her up. Poor thing, she was only sleeping. I also do have moments when I think about getting bad news at an appointment and having to tell everyone that my baby didn't make it.....it is really difficult to believe it will actually work out.

kool I'm really sorry you're going through such a hard time too. I appreciate you might not want to share on such a public forum but if you every do want to talk we're here to listen. It's lovely to feel them wiggle about isn't it?

The cream has improved things a lot but the dr did recommend not wearing stretchy maternity (synthetic) trousers nor tights. Bit tricky in this weather but I am wearing knee high boots that don't totally zip up any more and a skirt with no tights. Getting some funny looks and comments but just maintaining that the baby is making me feel hot. When in fact i'm v cold in the knee area! But it is such a relief not to have such swelling and terrible itching. I did try an ice pack!

Thinking of you lots today worm and hoping that more reassuring news comes your way today. "Peas on pussy" has got to make it to this thread's wall of fame by the way!!

Yellow I do hope that the cream is working, what a worrying couple of days you've had too.

And sparkly it sounds as though your hormones are going suitably topsy turvy to present you with an imminent Monty. I don't mean that flippantly, it's just that you always sound so cheery that I'd expect any change is probably significant . Hugs all the same, what with Juju worries too, sounds like its been a difficult few days for you too.

wombat hugs congrats again, you sound like a natural, what a lucky baby! It's so lovely to hear how it's, all going and never feel bad for coming on here and giving us tips, we're all going to need them!

I'm still reading the thread daily and so lovely following everyone's progress. I can't really add to the thread right now though as even though it's probably only us reading the thread it still feels a bit too open to spill my sorrowful guts . Everything great with bubba, 24 weeks yesterday with plenty of wriggling now, but I'm so worried about DH who is so poorly . xx

Hey Worm, how stressful for you! Sending you lots of positive vibes, come back and let us know what the consultant has to say - do you think they will move your cs date forward? Might be a relief to get bubs out safe and sound.

Tis a worrying time as we get so close, I am analysing every twinge and movement (or perceived lack of) and getting worked up that he is just not coming out as he's not going to make it - no foundation to this, and not so worried that I feel I need to be monitored even, it's totally irrational but because nothing is happening it now feels like it never will and it's all been a cruel hoax. Even wondered who would take down the cot and put it in the loft for me
Sorry, know this is nonsense, just being honest about the darker moments.
Might try some more nipple tweaks and raspberry leaf tea, and get a grip of myself!
Good news is that Juju is much better already, it was cystisis all four cats woke me up at 4am racing around and being complete pains, ended up getting up to give them breakfast and have a cuppa - they're all hunkered and sleepy now of course!
Worm, hugs again, stay away from evil Dr Google if you can, knowledge is power but reading about abnormailities and things at this stage will be really upsetting and have you spiral, see what the consultant says.
Lovely to have you back knowitall Wombat (the wet finger tip is a good one, think my mum used to do that with me but with vodka!), hi to Yellow and Kool and anyone else lurking x
and an orange club anyone?