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

Aw, if there's some love going round, I'm in . I know I've been a sporadic visitor but it's great to be back. Those dark days of last year brought together some real stars. Hugs to all Xx

Worm so happy for your little man, what a trooper! Also, I adore Violet

I had the flu jab a couple of weeks ago after doing lots of reading and should I/shouldn't I wondering. sparkly your GP friend's comment really reassured me. I'm glad I wasn't the only one whose arm hurt after....for 2 days! I thought I was being a real wimp

Yellow you have been productive! I'm not sure about hypobirthing now as I have a feeling that as soon as things start hurting I'll be ordering any drugs I can...

wellie it sounds really encouraging that your specialist isn't concerned about any of your results. There's no way she'd rose tint it to give you hope if there wasn't any, so it all sounds good. I'm sure it wont come to it but I can very much say that the thought of assisted conception is far worse than the actual process so try not to see it as the worst possible scenario. I know my circumstances are very different but without the people in white coats I wouldn't be where I am now. Will you get your amh and ultrasound soon?

wombat congrats on finishing work, is it feet up from here? I do hope so. Sorry about your worry, glad you were reassured and are planning to take it easy now.

I keep meaning to start yoga...have so far bought a pair of yoga bottoms which I've worn a lot, does that count?

wombatand yellow I'm on fb with wellie and worm now, I'm DM if you wanted to connect.

Aw worm and yellow - sloppy kisses all the way from Dubai too xx

Just a quick 'hurrah' from me for your little genius worm

Having friends for lunch and haven't been to the supermarket yet so have to run but just wanted to give a sloppy kiss to all. You're the best [wells up emotion]

Group hugs all around, I found myself on the old misc thread yesterday where we all came together . Had a little cry about how far we have all come in almost a year.
Happy Sunday girls x

Whoop whoop whoop wormds - you must be soooooo chuffed! Will you have a wee glass of something bubbly to celebrate? I hope you do get a restful afternoon.

Very impressed with your efforts on the breathing / hypnobirthing / pelvic floor stuff yellow and v interesting also about the conflicting views. We have the pain relief one this friday so will pass on any gems after that. Glad all is well with you though bar the non-multi tasking abilities of DP - he'll be a stormer when the time comes, I'm sure of that. Have heard lots of good things about Ina May.

Don't worry I will def be keeping tabs on all your progress when I'm through the other side (inshallah). I seem to say inshallah a lot these days - it's Arabic for "God willing" - I'm not particularly religious but it's quicker to say than "fingers crossed, all being well, where's the black cat when you need it?!" I would never have got this far without you lot

He passed He passed He passed He absolo-blooming-lutely stormed it!!! [proud mum emocion] AND his score beat his friends who had private tutors!!!!!

gloat over where was I?

Sorry to hear about your scare wombat but obviously glad everything is fine and that you were taken seriously and looked after. Take it easy............

yellow I had my flu jab and feel fine now............yesterday was a different story though, my arm absolutely killed and I could barely get out of bed the next day until about 10 and then I felt fine again. Bump was very quiet for a day though which totally freaked me out, but all good now.

I'm going to have a very restful afternoon, as I have been up since 130am stressing over the test result..........................still can't believe my ds, who would be in the year below if he had been born a week later, is going to go to the same school as Issac Newton!! (I may have just outed myself but don't actually give a toss) !!!

Hello all

Sorry for the silence, been v busy at work and with my classes. Don't know if pain relief in labour is new but it was with senior anesthetists and what was confusing interesting is that the advice and info was almost the opposite of the hypnobirthing course. At least i feel more informed. I have been listening to the cd every day and doing breathing exercises and pelvic floor [halo emotion]

wellie please do update, I want to know how it's going for you. wombat is correct, I did have the AMH test with terrible results. I believe it measures egg reserves and with other (I think) fsh results led the consultant to recommend ivf with donor eggs. And here I am at 24 weeks. Please feel free to ignore me but have you considered acupuncture and Chinese herbs? Not sure if it was that which did the trick for me but won't hurt.

I am still undecided on the flu jab. I generally don't get colds and stuff. DP wants me to have it, I asked acu guy for advice and he advised against it. I reckon if I ask midwife or dr they will say the opposite. I had it once when I was 21 and was v I'll for 3 days after. So difficult to decide. I also did mums net research which scared me.....argghhhh.

wombat you def did the right thing getting checked out, so glad everything is ok. I cannot believe you only have 6 weeks to go. Don't forget us on the other side will you?

worm I really like the name Violet, it is on my shortlist too. DP has made a list but won't let me see it until I've done a proper list too. the school thing does seem difficult, a number of people have spoken to me about considering schools already, I think it might be a bit soon to worry about that yet.

I've just started reading ina may's guide to childbirth and am liking it so far. Also my birthing ball was delivered this week, just waiting for DP to blow it up and I can get bouncing

DP has behaved himself in classes so far except for the uncontrollable laughter when he was meant to be reading a visualization and stoking my arm. It seems he cannot read and stroke at the same time. He was much more keen on the pain relief class so am a bit concerned he isn't actually going to be that supportive for the natural birth when the time comes.

Lovely sunshine here today so I'm off for a little walk. Please help yourselves to pain au raisin, still warm. Hope you are all having lovely weather too.

Helllloooooo? Anyone out there?! Tis very quiet round these parts!

In which case I'm going to make my post all about me! [hgrin]

So worm - in answer to your nag, I haven't booked the hosp tour yet, but got an unexpected inside view of the place yesterday..... woke up feeling absolutely fine but then got some cramps right across the middle of my belly that got worse over the morning. It felt digestive rather than baby related and junior was still kicking around, but I really didn't feel great and was beginning to wonder if junior was going to make an early appearance..... Friday here is like a Sunday in the UK so nothing was open so only option was to go to A&E and after an ultrasound, pee test, blood pressure etc. (all fine) then they directed us up to the maternity ward which was so unbelievably quiet! I think I may cross my legs and keep junior in until a friday! They put the tacograph thing on that measures heartbeat and contractions for about 40 mins and of course everything was absolutely fine. All a bit embarrassing really.... but as DH said, you just don't know so better safe than sorry. Midwife there and my ob/gyn (who they called) both said to take it easy for next 3 days but I really do feel fine. They put us in one of the labour and delivery 'rooms for the tacograph so we got a real life experience of what it would be like and it was very nice - room was enormous and all sorts of mod cons. Didn't get to see the maternity / post delivery rooms but will go back for a proper tour soon. I think because last week was soooo busy at work (plus 2 nights out), junior was just giving me a warning to take it a bit easier, which of course I will be now that I'm not working. Oddly, I wasn't too worried - I think as junior was moving around as normal - and then started thinking that perhaps I need to get things a bit more ready here.... starting this week!

Hope the rest of you are well and enjoying your weekends.

Fab to hear from you wellie and delighted that you are updating us. Glad she's not concerned about any of your results. I'm pretty sure our yellow had the AMH test so if you wanted any extra advice on that I'm sure she'd oblige. Great that she'll do the ultrasound too. Fingers tightly crossed that the next couple of months bring that bfp for you x

How did the flu jab go worm? Hope not too bad. I don't think I've seen it on offer here so at least I don't have that decision to make. Aaagh for DS - I have a friend going through the same thing for her DD and had no sensible advice to offer her at all... sorry....! Violet is gorgeous - can you get down to the registry office before DH?! [hgrin]

Glad all well with Monts sparkly - your DH sounds like mine - we are doing birthing positions on Monday and I dread to think what he's going to do.... he can't stop reciting our midwife from Mon's class who described crowning as "a bit stingy"..... ! I have a feeling it's a whole lot worse than that!

Well, final day of work today - lovely cake, card, flowers etc. I've actually had a really fantastic last few months - I think I actually made the most of it and so enjoyed it (just doing 4 days a week probably helped.....) and got some great feedback too on a project that went really well. The MD is entirely convinced I will be back in a year but I keep telling him that Í'll see how it goes first. Nice to be wanted though! So, due date is now 6 weeks to go - where the heck is the time going?!!

Waves to all and leaves lemon meringue pie! x

Good to hear from you wellie, and I am so please they are doing lots for you. Yes let's hope it doesn't come to needing other avenues. I'm sure it wont!

Sparkly, it a vaccination against the sexually transmitted infection hpv which can lead to cervical cancer. Which is great, I am just jittery about it as it has only been done for 6 years so this generation of teenagers are very much the guinea pigs. We don't know yet about any long term side effects or if it actually works!
All being ok I will allow dd to have it in a couple of years time.

Hello ladies!

Hope you are all doing ok and antenatal classes and painkillers are doing their job for those in need of them!

If no-one minds, just thought I would update as we managed to see the specialist yesterday - she is not concerned about any of our results, but wants me to get an AMH test and an ultrasound as well, just to check that everything looks normal - she offered to flush out my tubes if I wanted, but said it was unlikely that anything had changed in a year, and if I had a tube open then, it's likely that it's still fine.....

She basically said if we don't have any success in the next 6 months that we'll need to look at treatment options - just hoping it doesn't come to that....

So many decisions Worm! Have a pain au raisin to aid your thinking.....what's a HPV vaccination, sounds ominous!
I had my flu jab on Monday evening. Like you I had um'd and ah'd about it, and done some research on one mumsnet thread, in the end I texted a Dr friend and she came straight back saying "Yes yes yes yes, not a doubt in my mind", which decided me and made me happy with my decision. I've not taken so much as a paracetemol this pregnancy, but I do get laid low with an annual winter cold, and can't imagine tackling the flu either pregnant or with a newborn. Monts is still kicking away and I feel confident I've made the right decision for myself My arm did smart though, especially when Finky decided to tread up and down effectionately on it [hgrin]
Went to my 2nd antenatal class yesterday afternoon, dh managed to come along too this time. It was the physio, who gave some good tips on breathing and initial, more natural forms of pain relief. We practised panting, men included, and dh managed to embarrass me as usual. After some frantic role-playing, she asked if the panting had made anyone feel dizzy, and guess who put his hand up? [hgrin]

Good morning Ladies, I hope I find you well on the cold and dark morning.....

I am off for my flu jab today, am very paraniod about vaccinations but really think this is one I shouldn't avoid......... So paraniod in fact that I have not allowed DD12 her HPV vaccination yet. I figure I have another at least 10 3 years before she is going anywhere near a willy which means 3 more years for any negative long term side effects to come to light before I make the decision. Provided they don't I will let her have it. Well she is my PFB!

wombat have you booked your hospital tour yet? [nagging emocion] take a list of questions with you, I am sure you will get looked after a lot better post natally where you are, than we do here! I am going to be the patient from hell after I have this CS!

yellow how was the pain relief course? is that a new thing? I don't remember ever going on one of these.

As for names we have narrowed it down to 4 boys names and 4 girls names, DH has vetoed my absolute favourite girls name ......Violet what do you ladies think to it?

We are on countdown to saturday when DS gets the results of his 11+ and we have to choose his secondary school. I think he will pass, but unfortunately a pass isn't enough here, the school will only take the top 145 scores, which is an elitist attitude that is already putting me off the school!! There is an alternative school I really like, in fact prefer to the grammar, but it is out of county so also not a sure thing getting him in there either!! It's a mine field girls!

Ah well I suppose I better get ready for work....... only 17 more shifts to go til I finish work............

Hello to you all if you are lurking, hope you are well.

Fab news re: mrsb - now all she needs to do is get her phone sorted so she can join us!

Antenatal class was good and seemingly fairly normal other people there too. Our m/w was so sweet and while I don't think I learned loads that I hadn't already read, it was good to hear it from someone else and also to get to grips with what they really mean by first, second, third and fourth stage of labour and early and active labour.

We also got jammy dodgers at the break which made it even better

All is well with baby Mrs b pic is on Facebook.
I have added kool on facebook but not sure she's been on yet to accept wombat. Have fun at your class!

Woohoo emma - that's wonderful news! and how lovely that you and kool are nearly due date buddies. HAve you managed to hook up with worm yet on fb? If you wanted to connect, my initials are HL and my pic is me and DH - hopefully you'll find me!

Thanks for the washing tips worm - I did have a look in the Pregnancy Bible too and that said just water, but didn't say when to start using lotions etc. so good to hear it from you. Interesting re: them refusing you a cuppa! My dsil has recommended energy drinks.

Would have liked to have gone to your hypnobirthing yellow - they are very medically oriented here and I think intervene at every opportunity they can. Had heard that about stopping dilating when going into an unfamilar environment which is another good reason to book the hosp tour sooner rather than later ( I still haven't done this!) Names took us quite a while to get to - we're now happy with our choices but only in the last couple of weeks.... presumably it's doubly difficult with the French angle to consider too?

Off to our first antenatal class tonight - I'm a bit nervous..... don't know why though!

morning all

kool jury is still out on the dream genii, 50% of the time it ends up on the floor and the rest I think it's the most comfy thing ever! I don't really need anything to support my tum/between legs/hips etc yet so maybe I'll like it more when I do. My main problem is that I like sleeping on my back so much and am struggling to make the transition to sleeping on my side.

Hypnobirthing was ok....some very interesting concepts but I didn't really like the teacher and would have preferred more practical stuff. The stuff about what is often done as routine that you can object to/ask for more info on was v interesting. Such as the vitamin K injection, sweeps, vaginal inspections (or whatever they are called) Interesting on 'cascade' of interventions and inductions too. also talking about how the labour might be progressing well at home but stop or go into reverse when you get to the hospital as you don't feel so comfortable. Even a lady that went from 6 cms dilated back to 3cm! Didn't know that could happen. so learnt a lot but not sure that I've learnt enough to be able to do it.......going to a pain relief in labour course tomorrow so I guess I'll get the other side then.

How are you all getting on with choosing names? We don't seem to be making any progress here, seems an impossible task.

help yourself to a range of warm pastries and a couple of cheeky bacon sarnies.

Hi Girls
kool I'm sending you a mumsnet message with my facebook deets.

Excellent news on the 12 weeks scan emma and congratulations!! I hired a doppler through ebay it was a compan called doppler-hire, it was £9.95 a month for a basic one with no display. I didnt get the heartbeat until about 14 weeks, but could hear movements from when I got it at 12 weeks. I am sending mine back this weekend as now the movements are daily I havn't used it for ages.

I used just water for the first week wombat and then after that just added a small amount of Johnsons to the water. MrsB is just on her phone which can't post.

The whole no eating thing is silly, however when I was in labour with DD (27hours) I was sent for something to eat whilst in very early stages. It violently came back up again after an hour .
I was in the ward still and had no-where to do it and it filled up the small handwashing sink ! That could be some of the reason they make you avoid it!!
I remember about 18 hours in at about 4 in the morning a lady came in while and said would you like a cup of tea............I was elated "oh yes please that would be wonderful" I said through my knackered and epiduraled up haze, unfortunately she was asking DH and I wasnt even allowed a sip!

Aw, Emma we're almost DD buddies! I'm due 4th April, yay!

I've not posted for a bit either, glad the backaches are easing and the intimate massage conversations are still in full swing!

Sparkly really happy that all is well with Mr Wriggles .

Yellow so would you recommend the dream genii? Also, I was thinking of doing a hypnobirthing course later on, do you like it?

Erm...is it like inviting myself to a party if I asked to join you in Facebook? What do I do?

Wow congratulations Nurse, thats really happy news!

Sorry for the uge gap in posts but my work has been crazy and have not had a chance to do any posting...

My 12 week scan was fine, low Nuchal, active, right size and all the right bits! DH is really chilled now but I am still uncertain and worried how to get through to the 20 week scan... I know some of you hired a doppler - when does it work from?

I am now 13 weeks and showing so all at work know!

As for the massage, yes it's inside and out and i think i did it once last time and I did tear - maybe I will get round to it this time!! it is still not a pleasant thing to do!

Kool really glad that your nuchal is lower risk with the bloods - you can hopefully relax too, when in April are you due? I am the 12th.

I guess that makes a bit of sense about the food thing re: operations etc. I seem to remember that all births on American TV have the women eating ice chips - could never fathom that one and am still a bit

Had to also about you throwing your legs around worm - could only have been you or mrsb! Thanks for the update on her by the way - can she still not get on mn or is she just avoiding us?!

Will take a look at the AIMS website later yellow - thanks for that. Terrifying is probably more applicable to me than exciting at the moment, although I do feel slightly better for a big mothercare shop today and vaguely more prepared - spent much more time and money on cute baby items than on essentials like maternity and breast pads - how very unglamorous they are.... oh, did I read somewhere that you're not supposed to use anything other than water to clean newborns? If so, when do you start to use cleansing stuff and does that also extend to other stuff such as lotions etc? I think I need to do a bit more reading!

Bit scared to read the perineal massage thread sparkly - just look at the debate you've caused on our little thread but will do so at some point.....

Hello ladies

I'll have the pain au raisin, ta!

Ooh I must look at that thread. To clear up what I've been told both in my active yoga and hypnobirthing class is that the perineal massage is primarily inside but differing advicee about whether to use fingers or thumbs but not to go further than second knuckle. Should feel a slight 'stinging' when you're stretching correctly and then you hold for a minute or something. Both teachers were very adamant you should do it if you don't want a torn fanjo. I think I was also given a diagram.......but I don't need that as I know where my bits are.

Also interesting from my hypnobirthing course is that a lot of what they tell you is for their convenience or just cos it's always done like that rather than it being the right thing for you. Not being allowed to eat and induction were given as two examples. There is an organisation called AIMS which is an advocacy organisation for the improvement in maternity services and they produce all sorts of useful stats and literature. I've ordered a few of my leaflets so I can know the facts/my rights etc. And noone is coming between me and my food.....[greedy emotion] The booklets arrived today but I'm at work so cannot read them yet but glanced at one paragraph that said you need food/energy for labour and so should eat if you want to.

I've got 'pain relief in labour' class next week which sounds fun

I can't believe it's only 7 weeks to go for you wombat how terrifying exciting! have you bought everything you need yet?

So glad you've reduced the pain worm love your vivid 'throwing legs about' description.

Morning girls,

I think it is both in and out sparkly at your imagining using the hoover (and bragging abot your Meile) regarding the food, I know it's been yolks since I had mt DC's but I seen to remember you were ok to eat until you needed any pain relief and then it was a no no. Drinking was fine with gas and air I believe??? The anti-natal classes never really prepare you for anything, I used to find them an interesting way to people watch the ladies you may end up sharing a ward with/ bumping into in the baby section of John Lewis. I'm only going to go to the breast feeding one being that I am too posh to push and all.

So as for what I have done differently to stop the fanny pain. Well I just took everything alot easier and kept my knees together whenever standing up, getting in and out the car etc. Also not putting my weight on just one leg ever. I had to be a bit more boring restrained in the bedroom, thus laying in a worm-like fashion rather than allowing DH to sling my legs wherever he fancied

So wombat is on 7 week countdown hey...........it does seem to be flying by now are you ready???

mrsb says hello, I messaged her on FB as I was worried about a recent status update, baby wise all still seems fine, scan booked for monday, she has been suffering with bad MS and has been off work ill.

Waves to yellow wellie (have a wine for me) kool and anyone else I may have missed.

Thread in the Pregnancy section on perineal massage, ladies!
I am still confused as to whether it is meant to be external or internal - the thread seems to lean towards the former, Yellow was advocating something altogether more intimate as I seem to remember....

Illegal? Blimey, hardcore. I'd quite like a homebirth too, only I'm not sure which room to do it in (the Yves Delorme would never be the same again) and would worry about the cleaning up afterwards Say I needed Monty vacuumed out aswell for instance, I might panic I shall bear it in mind for the next one
I think they don't want you to eat incase you have to have surgery, in which case they like you to have an empty stomach. I don't know at what stage, didn't know there were stages actually (makes mental note to pay more attention in the next antenatal class!). I think it's from the moment you get to hospital, they're quite military here in Manchester
Anyone for a warmed through pain au raisin?