December 2010: Our Christmas Babies are growing but our energy levels are slowing!

[WhatWillSantaBring]

With thanks to the provider of the snappy title (it wasn't me - I think it was Strix)

Link to Stats thread (I hope)

Here

Miffster - definitely stay at home! No way can you plan to travel with a newborn, especially not without a car...and you may still be pregnant!

Hello everyone

I hope your all doing well, lots of posts on here ! I hope all of you not feeling well are feeling better, those that are moving good luck and everyone else keep grinning even though we are getting bigger and more and more anxious to meet our mini-me's

I wanted to ask, I have had a tight pulling feeling in the bottom of my bump and lots of pain around the pelvic area, now, I dont know if its because I went to pregnancy aquafit last week and over did it ? Or is it because I went to the baby show on the weekend walked around all day and then spent yesterday moving things around and opening boxes and setting up baby things and baby unit ? Or is it BH ? I am not sure they are coming and going?

Also has anyone bought a glider / rocking chair for nursery/bedrooms? I am getting rid of a lovely shelving unit to fit this in !

Any advice appreciated..

Thanks for the reasurrance about not trekking round the country like Eskimo Nell with a tiny baby in a papoose in the depths of winter to see relatives!

Christmas babies are a bit of an extra hassle though aren't they, because of so many people feeling you 'have' to have visitors or do social visits at the time of year

NidsC Sounds like you did a bit too much maybe? But maybe check with your midwife in case it is something that needs checking out?

I have to share this weird thing: yesterday i lay on my beanbag and the cat got onto my bump and started kneading it with her paws and the baby started kicking and kneading back, so the two of them were communicating with each other.

It was well bizarre.
But quite sweet.

pic here

That is very sweet Miffster
My cats are totally uninterested in the bump, they just have to lie on my legs now instead of my belly!

Been for a GP check up this morning. She THINKS bubs is head-down, but couldn't be sure the hard thing under my ribs was his bum. I'm having a scan in a couple of weeks to check the placenta position so hopefully it will show the position as well.

Hope your scan went well Cheryl

MrsS I have a hairdresser recomnendation for you! Rae Palmer. I only started going there a few months ago after trying out about 10 in the area and I love it. Going for my final cut and spruce up before the baby arrives in a couple of weeks and am already looking forward to the back massaging chairs they use!

Just a quickie, scan went well, really nice sonographer, she wasn't sure enough to say that placenta was out of the way but after an internal scan confirmed all is good, so hopefully hospital tour on Thurs will be the last time we have to go there.

She had to turn the screen away from us a few times so we didn't see the 'vital' parts, apparently she accidentally showed us something, not that we noticed! I've been getting inklings that we're having a boy lately and after the last 2 sonographers comments think maybe I'm right. (4d scan, she said she wouldn't show us the rest of baby as feet were tucked up by bum and we would "see everything")

Baby seems to be short and fat! All circumference measurements are high and length measurements are low, but all within normal range, and baby weighs approx 5lb.

Hi all, Christmas Im having at home this year, mam is cooking and she has invited 12 people round for dinner plus me my brother and step dad Im just planning on hiding somewhere with the baby if it all gets too much!

Went into hospital last night as I was bleeding and they put me on a monitor and did an internal...Its REALLY scared me and now my blase 'oh it'll be fine' approach to labour and delivery has gone out the window and I feel like crying whenever I think about it! All is fine by the way

Midwife app today went well...apart from I'm nearly ready for my 3 stone sticker baby is measuring a week and a half ahead still but she doesnt seem too concerned!

Aww, that's so sweet Miffster. I keep trying to get my dog to feel kicks, but he's never snuggled up to me at the right time. He thinks it's very weird when DH talks to my bump too!

NidsC - sounds like you've overdone it. If it doesn't ease soon, I'd ask for a physio referral. SPD issues get more likely the closer to the end we get (by full term it's normal to have some niggles at least!). But learning how not to move/how to move safely can help at any stage.

I think I've mentioned it already, but I was given a Tutti Bambini glider chair from Mothercare (the £200 model) and it's rubbish, completely useless. We're trying to sort having it sent back and replaced with a more expensive Dutalier model, but Mothercare are being a bit arsey about it needing to be packaged for shipping when 1, we've got rid of the original box and I don't think we should have to pay for packaging when it's actually not fit for use and 2, god only knows how they got it into such a small box in the first place! Going to our local store tonight where they are so helpful to see what they can do. Anyway, my point was, try before you buy and realise that it is worth paying the extra to get a very reliable brand like Dutalier.

I've not been coping today, what with still being tired from last week's excitements, then having to deal with Mothercare and getting very stroppy about The Sale of Goods Act and then cleaner issues.

I was supposed to be catching up on a load of work today after missing so much last week but I had to give up and go back to bed for a bit (I work from home and set my own hours). I think I'm going to have to just finish up a couple of bits that have to be done and then say I'm off on maternity leave. I don't have great cover - unpaid charity work, long story - but people will just have to cope without me as I can't do it now. Especially with the threat of baby coming early because of the OC hanging over me!

Anyone else struggling and stopping work soon?

Yes, Japh, I am very much struggling with work at the moment. i have an hour long drive into the office. Luckily I can work from home as well, or I would have stopped by now - but I am finding it all very wearing. Baby is breech and head is under my ribs so sitting at a computer is really quite uncomfortable. Also, I have really really stopped caring now - I just want to concentrate on me and this pregnancy, before I suddenly have a newborn!

I got a Hauck nursing chair last time as it was the best value and the most compact that I could find. This is it here It has since done the rounds of various pregnant friends, and I have to say I really liked it. Looking forward to getting it back again from my sister. For me (and for DH) it was definitely better than having to rearrange all the pillows in the middle of the night to get comfortable for a feed.

If you are buying one I would definitely recommend sitting in it first - I don't know that the arm height of my Hauck would suit everyone - and it does make a difference to how you can position baby for feeding.

Ouch note to self - don't try and take apart climbing frame in chilly garden when heavily pregnant! Need a bath now

Had cons today, another GTT booked for 35 weeks :( scan at 36 and take it from there, had +1 protein and +2 lukocyotes in urine so they've sent it off to be tested. Soo tired, was there for hours. Feeling better about things though as they reassured me things are OK for now and she is just looking big, over 9lb she predicts . She did say the diabetes could just be coming on hence the GTT booked again but have to wait and see.

laurenamium glad that you are both ok now.

C&G I've taken the weight estimate with a pinch of humour. My neice was predicted to be a gert chunker and she came in at just under 5lb, nephew was meant to be 7lb and ended up arriving at 11lb 3oz. Luckily SiL had a planned c-section. They've predicted a lighter baby for me, but it certainly feels big wallowing around in there. Head has descended and has bought new aches down there, but the feet alternate from tucked under and kicking below belly button to kicking my ribs and stomach. Fidget.

MrsS hindsight... I have a great big list of things I start and then wish I hadn't. I emptied the 'tin' cupboard last week to organise it a bit better, LO shifted and there was no way I could get in a comfy position to put it all back, so had to make sure DH put it all back correctly.

Slightlytired ikwym about chairs and comfort. I have a very old arm chair that is heaven, it's usually relegated to the conservatory, it's my reading chair, moved it up to the nursery [aka as my library] as I think it'll be perfect for BF the arms are low, but the back is high and supportive. Can't wait to try it out.

I'm back to short sleeping hours. Before I fell pregnant I hardly slept 4-6 hours was a good night. I can't seem to settle, switch off or stay asleep, I keep waking up with ideas or hungry. This LO's hiccups are really quite good, if I snuggle into DH he tells me to clear off as the hiccups are jiggling him. DH had his first night terror saturday night, he was completely out of it, but was screaming that someone stole his baby, and then he wanted to get up and run after them. Freaked me out, as he looked conscious but spaced. Managed to settle him down again, but he kept jolting up asking where his baby is. Bless, I have sympathy, the things my parents told me about my night terrors, I am so glad I grew out of them. I've asked him to see the GP as work is really stressful at the moment and I worry that the LO arriving just before we are closing down the workshop for a two week break over christmas/new year is getting to him.

I've recently got really hungry again. I buy the onken biopot [big ones] of yoghurt. I couldn't be arsed to get a dish out so grabbed a spoon and before I knew it all gone. Could have eaten it twice over. Supermarket shopped online this week, they come tomorrow afternoon, can't wait for all the goodies. Added some baby essentials to the shop as well.

Anyone else started stocking up on food, I'm feeling a bit like a squirrel at the moment.

Kellestar - what a way to wake up! Your DH's night terrors reminded me of how I used to wake up every night, at least once a night, when DD was only a few days old, thinking that she was somewhere in the bed and I was suffocating her. It was terrifying - I'd wake up and start throwing the sheets around looking for her. Of course she was in the moses basket next to me the whole time. I guess the responsibility of having a tiny person to look after might be starting to play on your DH's subconscious.

I meant to say to anyone who is looking for something cheap to labour in, I popped into Primark yesterday and picked up a couple of deeply unflattering nighties with buttons at the top for £3.50 each. They will definitely do the trick!

Kellestar sorry to hear about DH - I know have pushed this before but it has done wonders for me and I will continue to sing it's praises! Try Pzziz - google it! You can download it on iTunes for iPod or iPhone he could try the sleep one not the energiser one I use. It may help!

Lauren glad things are ok, must have been worrying though.

I almost fell asleep on the train this morning (something I've never done before) I was so tired I just couldn't be arsed all day. Of course, all my 'favourite' (not) clients crawled out of the woodwork to reward me for the mammoth task of getting in to work which was nice.

DH's PC is playing up which has given him a new reason to have the hump - he's got to reboot it or something but the keyboard isn't co-operating and it turns out that he seems to have thrown the other 2 keyboards he had away - I'm now panicking about what else he might have thrown away. I have sympathy with him as he's got all the work he's done for his revision on it, but I'm sure it'll be ok if only he had a keyboard that worked.

I'm sure it's pg hormones and tiredness but DH is managing to irritate me all the time at the mo. It doesn't help that my bump is soooo uncomfortable all the time.

Poor Kellestar's DH. I think it must be tough on men especially with them often having fewer outlets to share their worries.

Here is today's embarrassing topic of conversation.
PERINEAL MASSAGE

Anyone doing it/done it/thinking of giving it a go?

NHS Guide to perineal massage here.

I don't think it is very sexy at all, but DH seems keen to 'help' and I don't think I can reach to do it properly without getting into some kind of odd contortion.

I am very however keen to avoid tearing if at all possible. I assume after careful efforts stretching the ladyparts via the regular massage it all, erm, pings back into place as usual and the stretching doesn't affect it permanently, like, ahem, stretching the neckline of a jumper...

Well, I had to ask...

LOL Miffster. I have to say that if I let my DH help with that sort of thing I think it would be utterly counterproductive!! I haven't done it myself and after one baby I am apparently, ahem, back to normal down there. I read somewhere that the clinical evidence on perineal massage isn't conclusive and so, as I am lazy and like you, can no longer reach those parts of me, I will give it a miss. It's all a bit knit your own yoghurt for me, in any case. I would like to say that I will instead concentrate on my pelvic floor exercises which I really ought to be doing...but probably I will just sit on the sofa instead.

Can I join? or am I a bit late in the day? only just found the thread [hgrin]!!
Im due 26th Dec and I am strugglig big time with SPD, seen a physio who gave me a super large tubbi grip(I could wear it as a dress OMG but wont LOL! and it helps just a tiny bit, but walking is killing me agggghhh and had 4 weeks off sick, now on early mat leave as I could have done with being in work as money is tight(did not qualify for sick pay or SMP so waiting to see if I can get MA!! hope so cause selling my body is just not going to work at the mo LOL
have managed to get some great ebay bargins, high chair(bloom fresco) and a nursing chair(to help my SPD when sitting and it seems to work.
Due for another scan at 36 weeks as last baby 9 years ago was breech and transverse OUCH!

Miffster I bought some gel yesterday so I can start the Perineal Massage and also some raspberry leaf tea, which looks rather a lot like the smoking mix they give you in coffee bars in Amsterdam

I think I will try to do the massage thing myself, not keen to get DH involved to be honest.

SIL came over tonight (she's pregnant too) and talked about G*a F*d a lot! I am sure loads of people get on really well with those kinds of routines but it's not something I want to do. Set me to thinking about how differently we will probably do things. Ah weel, each to their own.

SIL also commented on how supple and mobile I am at 33 weeks and how she's finding it hard going at just over twenty. I wonder if I am taking enough care of myself and perhaps I shouldn't be twisting my body into the shapes I do!? I have a swollen right foot which is really painful so going to speak to the Midwife tomorrow.

kellestar I am stocking up on soup! Also trying to teach myself how to cook stuff that I can freeze.

CheeseandGherkins oh my, 9lbs! They can often be wrong though. Hope the next test goes ok.

Christmas for me is still up in the air. MIL is flying over on my due date and wants all her sons to have Christmas with her. I am remaining open minded as If the baby is late I won't want to be going anywhere.

lovely news about your scan CherylAnnTweedy

Hope things are ok Japh

wave to everyone else.

oh and I haven't had any braxton Hicks at all. I am quite disappointed.

DF I didn't have any BH first time round and I went overdue by 2 weeks, so sort of assumed I'd have had some post 40 weeks, but didn't.

welcome lee69

DF LOL snap! I bought raspberry leaf tea as well from Neal's yard and decided it looked just like ganja! My SIL is a Baby Whisperer devotee. So is one of my friends.

As long as everyone plays nice, I guess...

I fear it will be a minefield of unwanted advice round here but I have a plan to just say ' Thanks, I will bear that in mind' to absolutely every piece of advice I am 'offered'.

Hi lee69

miffster Im finding I cant say ANYTHING at the minute without a bombarding of advice and Im dreading it carrying on after Ive had LO!

kellestar I had a little chuckle at you cleaning out and reorganising the tin cupboard Scary stuff about your DH though! That would really freak me out!

Miffster - I need to buy lube so we can start doing this. DH will need to help as bump is so much in the way! He seems keen on anything practical he can help with, bless him. It doesn't exactly sound fun though, does it? I figure that if a little discomfort now can help avoid tearing then it's well worth it though. The idea is definitely to stretch the skin so it's more elastic so it can stretch with hopefully less/no tearing (and then return to normal!).

Also need to get some raspberry leaf tea!

laurenamium - the fear has hit me too! Am up now, despite being knackered earlier, because of itching and fretting. After my visit last week, I'm far less worried about the idea of having to have a hospital birth and even induction but I'm now stressing far more about labour and afterwards than I was when I was hoping for a HWB. I ordered the Natal Hypnotherapy CDs tonight so maybe they'll help - will let you know if they're any good!

I wish tomorrow's antenatal clinic appointment re the OC was done with as it's really stressing me out not knowing how well the doctors will deal with it and what that will mean for me.

kellestar - sorry your DH is having night terrors. My DH does sometimes too.

DF - if you're not injuring yourself, then stay moving. Restricting your mobility when you don't need to will only lead to loss of mobility.

SlightlyTired - thanks for the tip of something cheap to labour in. Still need to get that and big knickers!

Japh I think Primark had big knickers too. Ooh, big knickers and t-shirt shaped floral nighties. It's all glamour, girls.

Has anyone else started their Christmas shopping yet? I suddenly realised that there is no way I will want to trawl around the shops in December and so have started doing bits and pieces. Have also done Christmas cake and fruit mince so feeling very virtuous. (Nesting has been particularly bad this time around...)

MrsSN, a question about Pzizz. Do you think it would be the sort of thing to help you nap during the day when baby naps? This is something I always had problems with when DD was born. People would say - oh you must sleep when she sleeps...but I could not often manage it - particularly as I have tinnitus.

SlightlyTired I've got the DC's and DSD's christmas presents and that's about it. I have managed to convince DH to go shopping at the weekend without the kids so hopefully it'll all be done then. I've also got 11 birthdays (including DD, DS, DH and mine) between now and feb so hoping to get most of those pressies too as I don't want to be trailing two toddlers and a newborn round the shops in january.

I've started packing my hospital bag this morning. I want to make sure I've got everything ready so that I just have to put a change of clothes in before we leave for the hospital/MLU. All the baby's things for coming home are going in the changing bag so we don't end up having to take a huge bag in when we first get there. Saying that I tend to be one of those people that has to be ready for anything so DH will probably have to stop me from taking enough clothes for six babies like last time.

crazykat that is a lot of birthdays to cater for! It must be an expensive time of year in your household!

I am also trying to be more disciplined about the hospital bag thing than I was last time. I'm with you on the two bags idea - one small one for me and one small one for the baby (was a nightmare finding anything last time in my ginormous holdall). Am also bearing in mind that home is only a short drive away so should I need some more clothes/nappies for a longer stay, then DH is not completely incapable of going and getting them. (She says optimistically, trying to forget about the one time DH actually did any unsupervised packing and packed her cropped jeans for a February weekend in Devon... )