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

morning all...5 weeks left today not that im counting or anything!

Morning all. Miffster I get that sort of pain sometimes after eating. I find I get really thirsty at the moment as well. And I can't walk very far at all without getting full on BH.

OWO - needed to wee FIVE TIMES last night. Just not funny anymore!!

Anyone else really not enjoying their handover at work? I am handing half of my stuff over to a perfectionist workaholic and she keeps picking holes in the way I do things - even in team meetings she brings things up. The woman is like a dog with a bone. She is driving me CRAZY. I can't wait to leave - and then she'll realise how complicated and busy my role is! Mwahahahahaha!!!

It is 70 paces from my desk to the loo at work.
I have been 4 times in the last hour.
I have to get up and walk past all my colleagues in our open plan office.
I am getting a bit and about it now.

Thank God I start mat leave next week. :)

Gosh, everyone's been chatty this morning.

Button - six weeks old is if its a high budget US show. Some of the lower budget or UK shows, I swear the baby is two months old. I remember seeing my first actual newborn at age 19 and being at how tiny it was. Did anyone else make the mistake of watching The One Where Rachael Has Her Baby last night? 1) it made me blub like a little girl for about 20 mins (DH out so not there to laugh me out of it) and 2) made me cross that she wasn't moving around AT ALL during labour (is it really like that in the US???) 3) Made me scared that its going to be nothing nothing nothing at all like that. In fact, the only slightly realistic thing that they show that I have never seen before is the bit where Rachael winces as she sits down.

Just doubled the length of my hospital bag thanks to the chatter. But it was lengthened a bit anyway after an impromptu stay the other day - reduced movements had me panicking, and although the CTG came up really good, the naughty LO wouldn't wake up for the scan, so they wouldn't let me leave. Felt really silly and "panicky first timer" to begin with, but then heard a woman coming in on her way out of the postnatal ward with her LO to thank the staff on the DAU for spotting the problem and saving her LO's life.

All good now, but that was my first ever overnight stay in hospital, and I learnt a lot (like - fresh fruit and vegetables seem to be illegal substances, as do any foods containing fibre )

Well DH and I have been to last mums coffee morning with his harem as I have named them! Leaving presents for all of us, all landrover related! Off on train to see rheumatologist so left DD with a neighbour for playdate and DH with packers! House looks like a tornado has been through it

Now I'm on tube I need a wee so please stop talking about it as can't have one until Waterloo !

Hi all. Have just been reading and trying to catch up with everyone. Hope all ok and handovers at work and our various pg complaints are not playing up too much.

I'm really slowing down now. I am home today because I just couldn't manage work this morning. DD has been up a lot the last few nights and as DH has an ear infection/blocked ear I've been getting up with her, then I can't sleep/have heartburn/need wee etc so just feel shattered. DH took her off to nursery today to let me have a lie-in.

I have started my handover stuff for work. I am so relieved to be finishing even though I know the last few weeks will drag. We're cutting DD's nursery hours so I'll have her Wed-Fri at home with me. I think I'll need Mon-Tue for a rest.

For maternity bag the one thing I wished I'd taken after the event was my own pillow from home and/or a breastfeeding cushion. My hospital didn't have them and trying to learn to BF with two paper thin pillows as your only support is so tricky.

Has anyone thought about music in labour? I didn't bother last time, but this time round I was wondering about making up some CDs. Have no idea what I might want to listen to when the time comes though.

MrsS x-posts - keep your legs crossed!

Gosh - so sorry for everyone having pains and aches and general discomfort. I feel so lucky having skipped morning sickness, backache and most other pregnancy aches - so far. Still have one swollen foot at the moment but apart from that and the disrupted sleep I am counting myself lucky.

I have started training my replacement and it's going better than I thought. Just 3 and a half weeks left in work! Though, like slightlytired I have someone taking over who seems to want to do things differently. Plus my boss seems to want to use me not being here as an excuse to change a few things. I am determined not bite though.

I want to make up some music CDs for the labour but not sure what. I am a massive Bob Dylan fan but don't want to upset the midwives

WWSB - a night in hospital - not good but glad all is OK. Better to be a nervous first timer and get things checked out, I say. I hear you on the Rachel having her baby episode - the whole birth scene is SO unrealistic...but then I thought it was great that she winced when she sat down! And if I recall correctly she even had a bit of a belly for a while after the birth (stick-on, obviously). But having watched way more US baby birthing programs on Sky TV than is good for me, and of course Sky TV only ever shows the gospel truth, right?!, it seems that is the way they do it over there - no movement at all, flat on your back hooked up to monitors. They have a very high rate of C-section intervention, apparently. A Spanish friend told me it is like that in Spain - she said you are basically on your back with your legs in stirrups.

BTW you are totally right on the hospital food front. The stuff they gave me was barely edible - DH had to bring in some M&S food for me. They gave me a stale bread roll and a tiny sachet of marmalade for "breakfast" after labour, and then lectured me because I had some chocolate and that wasn't a good square meal to set me up properly for breastfeeding. DH still has a picture on his phone of "dinner" which looked like a dog had been sick on a plate.

One of the top tips I had was to ensure the DH/DP knows where the nearest 24hour Tesco (or equivalent) is for getting those urgent things... this seemingly includes food!

I need to investigate opening hours for shops over Christmas and whether its possible to get a taxi on Christmas Day - just in case DH has had a glass of wine and can't get me to hospital. I don't want to tell him he can't drink at all on Christmas Day "just in case" so would like to have a plan b.

I met the person I'm handing over to today, and found how much they're costing the company (they have to borrow someone from another company) - yikes! Its going to cost them something in the region of £200k. Ow ow ow - I'm feeling so guilty. (Just so you don't all go this has no relation to my salary at all - its just contractors in my field are terribly expensive)!

Just got out of six hours of meetings... I'm so bored I could cry!

DF I feel your pain. My project and direct headcounts are being transferred to another person and she already has started having one to ones with my people and asking me to consult her on projects before responding... that is just annoying as I am working till November 15th and she is not bloody responsible or boss of my team till then!!!!!! I am so sure that she will start saying that I didn't do things perfectly or the way I should once I am gone!!! Worse is that I ask one of my team members to do something and she writes back copying the new future boss and says that she actully had a discussion with her and there are couple of items that the new girl disagrees with...... It is my bloody project and team till i am here!!!!!! So I feel your pain... On the other note, my NCT teacher says that whatever music you will make for labour you will hate later so be aware of that. She suggests a long list on ipod as you will go through a lot of music and not listen to handful as otherwise she says you will hate those songs for rest of your life ... funny...

My baby is breech and if she stays like that till 36 week or come before that in this position then I am getting a section... so my hospital bag has everything for me and LO for 3 days and is more like hospital suitcase!

I went to GP today due to extreme itchiness that I have been having on belly and boobs. It kept me awake all night last night and I was desperate for it to stop so that I get some sleep..... Anyway, GP said it is allergy as I have tiny red dots and she prescribed a lovely bath oil and betametasone. I feel a bit better today with it and fingers crossed for tonight.

Last night was our last NCT class :( and something funny happened. In the loo I felt a bit wet but not that wet. Went back to my seat and noticed that exactly where I sit is a pile of water - like a cup of water poured on carpet. quietly asked DH if he thinks I broke my water but he said don't be silly... Not sure if your water can break and you can lose so much water without even noticing? Where did that damn water come from? it wasn't pee for sure as I have total control on it yet.

WhatWillSantaBring - sorry you had a night in hospital too, but its good they checked you out. Yep, food isn't great in NHS hospitals! Though it sounds like what I had was above par - edible at least (mostly). I'm planning to try and have some grapes/apples to add to my bag later on, or send DH to get some.

I was thinking about music too. My Natal Hypnotherapy CDs have arrived though (trying them out tonight!) so I may just take that if I get on with it.

Don't forget your DH/DP in all this bag packing ladies! He will also need mobile plus charger, money for car park, a packed lunch if he is staying with you and something to drink as they won't feed or water your man, his own music and book in case you doze off. - possible if you end up having an epidural or labour slows down - plus names and nos of those you want to phone first eg new grandparents
Spare clothes and towel if you want him very actively involved with pool birth , camera and charger , box of chocs for nurses?!

My hospital said we could go and get a take-away if we wanted! Not sure how likely that really is.

What are most people doing RE their husbands/partners having a drink? It's my MIL's birthday 3 days after my due date and so we may go out. If the baby isn't here yet I will want my DH to stay sober and if the baby is born I won't want to be the designated driver. Same too for Christmas, I'm not ferrying other people around just because I am not drinking.

MrsSnaplegs - Thanks for the reminder. I think DH will need his own bag! Might pack one for him and then just stow it in the car soon.

DF - I've said I'm not being designated driver for the time being (inc. after the birth) and I now need Dh to stay sober until after the birth so he can drive at any point. After our scare last week it's sunk in that he could be needed to drive me to hospital at any time. So one small drink is okay, but more isn't. And being tipsy would not help him be able to help me! He's got a work do in London in a couple of weeks and that'll be a test for him.

We're mostly just staying home now and people are coming to us so its easier anyway.

Remember that if you're still pregnant, making you the designated driver while everyone else drinks is just silly because if labour started or you had a scare while out, you'd not only need to call a taxi or ambulance to take you in, but the car would have to be abandoned wherever you were!

I've also said I'm not happy on my own at night now, so we need to ask my MIL if she will stay over so DH can stay in London after his work do (it goes on late). It was bad enough having to deal with the paramedics coming with the dog here, etc on my own last week when I knew DH was waiting for me at the hospital! Doing that alone knowing DH was a few hours away would be a nightmare.

FWIW I've listened to some of the Natal Hypnotherapy and really like it. Highly recommend it for anyone who's getting stressed/anxious/panicky now. And at £40 for the set of CDs, it's pretty good value IMO!

evening all,

re DH drinking, I banned him in the last couple of weeks last time round and will do the same this time round. TBH, we had a wedding to go to when DD was 20 days old and DH didn't even want a drink - the sleep deprivation was already taking it's toll, so DF you might find your DH draws his own conclusions on that front, if your DC arrives before MIL's bday.

Japh Im in that situation now and it is scary! Sunday really shocked me, first time Ive had any sorts of scares and my whole family are in Florida! I ended up ringing round my friends to find one that was awake and willing to take me to the hospital, then when they mentioned me staying in I panicked as Im solely in charge of the 2 dogs! Im counting the days down until they are home, I feel really vulnerable and I hate it!

i'm not quite minding being alone at nights at the moment because dh is stopping me from sleeping.. maybe i'm hyper sensitive but quite often I end up top and tail at the other end of the bed to get away from his loud breathing! Has only ever bothered me in this pregnancy, and he's already had to get me a bigger bed since April!

I am a bit nervous because he's going to Rome for 4 days randomly on 8th of nov - week 35. His friend is going to be proposing to my friend there, and DH is needed to help set up a treasure hunt for the girlfriend - who has no clue its coming (quite romantic) - and i guess moral support for his friend. My mum and sis will be on standby for early labour for me. I said yes to the scheme ages ago as was carried away by the romance.. bt now not so sure!

Df Pjen sympathy with awkward people and handover situations. I'm handing over to my friend (who I also line manage). She's very nice, but it is a bit strange as have only done this particular role since June, so she'll pretty much do the job as long as I have so far.

Also other Team lead to me is having some sort of personal crisis at the moment, feeling really insecure about herself and making lots of things a misery for the rest of team and for me. I've had to have a word with our boss about the fact that half of the people she line manages, and most of mine have complained to me about the way she is acting. Also the fact that she has since the summer been constantly referring to the fact that i'm 'going to be gone soon'. Feels like she can't wait to get me out of the way. Also didn't even bother to correct to some key council contacts who thought that my mat leave had started already - this was 1 1/2 months ago! V unprofessional

Four weeks to go for me.. though considering now using A/L to drop a day a week just to be sensible ..and because my energy is bound to run out probably sooner than later!

Button I am also super sensitive to the sound of my husband breathing at the moment. He doesn't snore, thankfully, but he does make a clicking noise at the back of his throat that makes me want to kill him!

Re drinking - no bans yet in this house but they're not far away. DH has been warned.

DP's birthday this weekend, and he wont be doing any heavy boozing after that really, but we're not big drinkers and I think he will cope (just) hha

Loads of work to do, so tired - how are you all doing today?

Im having my next MW appt at 36 weeks, she's coming to my house to discuss the "plan" (w0000000000000000000000) and DP and her can "plan" as much as they like!!

Im happy bobbing along :)

What things do you all think I should have here for a HB?

Morning all day 2 of move - they are packing garage and outside stuff now, feel like a spare part at the moment! DH never normally drinks so not an issue with that here! He may have a few at Xmas but lo will be here by then.
Disaster of day today is none functioning kettle! Blew last night and no idea where fuses are now!
Rheumatologist appt went well yesterday but very long day. Rehab plan in place for post birth starts in January - glad in a way I had to do all that walking and cycling to work! Hope everyone has a good day!

OWO my mw is coming to discuss HB with me at 34 weeks and I'm feeling quite excited about it now! I think there's a couple of threads on it if you do a search but basically I think the following:

Nice biscuits, tea, coffee and other snacks for MW (I understand this is essential!)
Plenty of old towels to wrap baby in
Bag with all the stuff in for you and baby in case you go to hospital (so nappies, clothes, maternity towels etc) - probably you'd want to have that on hand anyway
For the mess, I've read either cheapo shower curtains, plastic sheeting from Homebase or similar or even using those disposable changing mats
Nutritious snakcs and drink for you
Straws
Clean PJs and dressing gown to hand plus knickers and pads for afterwards
Nappy, vest, hat and sleepsuit for baby to hand plus blankets etc (both these could be at the top of your bag/s)
TENS if you are using one
Any music or other stuff to relax you

I think the midwife drops off a box of equipment or brings it all with them on the day.

It's very exciting! My doula is coming on Monday as well to chat about the birth so I'm really looking forward to that.

MrsS oh no, no kettle! Glad move going ok and your appt was ok.

PJen that must have been a bit worrying about the fluid, I guess if nothing since it is probably ok, but call up if you're worried.

Sorry for everyone struggling with handovers at work. I am not being replaced whilst I am gone which is a bit worrying given we know there are loads of redundancies around the corner, but I guess we'll have to wait and see. I am doing handover notes for my line manager although I have no confidence in him whatsoever. I only have 8 days left at work now as work p/t so I am definitely on wind down now.

Something for MW to eat and drink for HB - maybe ask her in advance how she takes her tea/ coffee so DH knows! There will be lots of hanging around, maybe a magazine for her to read or a film to watch! She could be there for hours with little to do, most come prepared but would be nice to check with her beforehand

It's my last day at work, woo hoo!

hello everyone, am excited to be meeting a fellow member of this thread for lunch today!
OWO, WLL and everyone else planning their HB - good luck! Am very excited about mine! Plan is to spend mat leave doing lots of yoga, walking, natal hypno Cds and generally looking after myself to be in best possible shape - like training for a marathon I guess. Or maybe more like training for a 10k, don't really think I am marathon material any more!

Sympathies to those with work handover stress, I did mine yesterday and am not being replaced so relatively easy for me.

Dunno what to do about boozing and OH, I think I said he could have a couple of pints or 2 glasses of wine a night if out (he won't be needed to drive, just be birth partner). But I am not sure he'll be able to stick to that during the festive season - I think him breathing alcohol fumes on me in labour will make me want to stab him though. Hmmm. Will worry about it later.

Hi everyone :)

it's all getting exciting with talk of hospital bags and start of maternity leave! Happy last day miffster! Thanks to everyone for the lists, I will end up with 3 suitcases by the time I'm done :)

I'm off work today and I've just washed all my baby clothes - good god I really have bought a stupid amount! no wonder I have no money in my account, thank god it's pay day tomorrow :) it was so nice putting all the tiny clothes out to dry, i had to peg the tiny socks to the drier as they are just too small to stay on themselves

also went to an auction yesterday to try and buy a chest of drawers but no luck :( i just don't want to pay loads for a chipboard and veneer one when there is loads of good old solid furniture that people no longer want, I will have to persevere.

I really am losing faith with GPs, after my own experiences and those like japhs. My friend had her booking in appt last week and bloods taken etc. and the usual we'll only call you if there's a problem then 2 days later a phone call saying we'd like to see you ASAP. So she and her DH get all anxious and she can't go to the docs till the following afternoon and ends up getting mega upset in front of her boss and having to tell him she's pg before she wanted to (she wanted to wait till after scan) then she goes to the docs and they say oh sorry it was a mistake, the person looking at your bloods didn't read your notes and used the normal ranges for a non pg person!! So she was fine and had been put through loads of worry for nothing

And to all those doing handovers - I feel your pain! I have to have my replacement 'shadowing' me until I leave so she sits in on all my appointments, it's ok but what with pg brain and the pressure of someone watching me I feel like I'm losing the plot sometimes. Also, the other day she asked if I was coming back

Right, i'm off to look at the tiny clothes drying, have a nice day xxx