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

DF I can understand your frustration. It seems really odd to separate the men and women - why not have all the discussion together? I sort of understand the reasons for wanting to show a positive side to BF with the biological nurturing as maybe the theory is it will give you more confidence, but maybe it ought to be balanced with discussion about practical support and potential difficulties. I think current theory might be around letting the baby find its own position as they generally know what they are doing, although I have to say it would depend on who is around/visitors because as I understand it, letting the baby find its own position in the early days is going to entail a lot of lying around semi naked!

c&g (was it you who asked? Sorry if not!) I am getting deligthful tarry black poo from the iron tablets too. I do get bunged up at times with it but not horrifically so.

miffster Ooh carrot cake, yum yum! I reckon at this stage just listen to your body and go with it. Anyway, surely two slices must count as at least one of your 5 a day fruit and veg?!

I am doing a few bits and pieces at home today for work. Still can't believe this is my last week. Feeling slightly sad as I know how much life will change and I'll miss some people at work, plus who knows if I will have a job to go back to.

miffster I have stuffed cake into my mouth all the way through though mostly more savoury varieties, I really hate icing and froth.

Wholelottalove I thought the biologiacal nurturing was lovely but completely agree that sitting about with my breasts exposed doing skin-to-skin isn't going to be possible over Christmas!

WLL it was indeed me, glad I'm not the only one and that it's normal!

I've eaten fair amounts of cake during this pregnancy, there's an amazing cake shop in Cambridge that sells wonderful cake that you just cannot resist :o Couldn't resist those shortbread biscuits with my tea, not even had breakfast yet!

Why am I watching Portland babies on sky? Just seen them do a c-section and spoke about being numb from toes to nipples, god that scares the life out of me, the thought of being numb and then feeling the pulling they describe when they get baby out. Whatever will be will be I just wish it was over and done with! I think the not knowing is one of the worst things about it. Ohh I didn't know I was pregnant is coming on now, bouncing on my ball, drinking tea with the laptop watching tv lol.

I feel so weird today, really antsy and soo restless but have no idea why. Very odd sensation. I think I'll have to wash the baby clothes once the load of washing's finished and pack my bags, not because I think something will happen but for something to do!

Urgh, just had horrible moment of guilt thinking about DD. I feel like we've told her too early about the pregnancy. She is so impatient for the baby to get here. She's started saying 'I want the baby'. She's only 2.7 so she has no concept of time. I feel guilty that we're about to turn her little world upside down and panicking about how to cope with two. Why oh why did I think this kind of age gap was a good idea? How am I going to manage BF and entertaining DD? What do I do when I am sleep deprived and DD is acting up? How am I going to give her all the extra attention she needs and cope with new baby and feeding and bloody Christmas and all my relatives' demands. Plus DH won't be able to take much time off for various long and complicated reasons.

Feel totally overwhelmed and like we've made a big mistake and very sad for DD too. :( :(

You'll be fine, really you will. My DD was 20 months when DS1 was born, their ages now are DD 8.9, DS1 7.1 and DS2 3.10. They all get on really well and when DS1 was born DD was absolutely fine. I think it's really good for them having the gaps that way. All born around the same time of year too.

Afternoon all and thanks for the posts.
Just got back from day unit, apparently the painful regular BH are nothing to worry about unless they don't stop and just because this is my third baby (fourth pregnancy).
She said that if I was leaking waters then I would be feeling more than just damp and I wouldn't have to force it to come out.
She was however concerned that I have been seeing stars so checking my bloods for pre-eclampsia, so I'm hoping not to hear from hear today as she will only ring with bad news. Bile acids still only 2 which is good thought he itching is persistant. LO was not up for monitoring at all and my back was killing me when on the ctg, I had tears running down my face and had to ask to come off it early.

C&G I have a serious addiction to the birth programmes on home and health even though the c-section/epidural/induction ones scare me to death, oh and I am never giving birh in the USA.

WLL I have been worrying that my age gaps are too big! I feel that DD (10) will end up having to help me too much and that DS (6)will just be spending endless days on the Wii. I also worry about finding time to help them with their school stuff as much as I should, I guess its natural to worry about your other DC whatever their ages.

I've just come back from the local second hand baby and toddler stuff store. I was disgusted at the price of it all. Maybe I'm just used to eBay and NCT sales. They wanted £15 for a grobag [original] that was well worn and stained and didn't smell too fresh. I've been picking them up for £3-5 on eBay in great condition and no stains.

They also had second hand travel systems and wanted to try them out and as the aisle was narrow asked if there was anyway they'd let me have a go and they said no. They wouldn't even let me try the car seat in the car, even though I was parked in front of the shop. This was mainly to save me a 4hr round trip to mothercare to try them out. Then asked how much they were looking for as it wasn't labelled. £195! And it was in a grubby condition and had the well used look. I've just checked online and it only costs £169 new, and they've got £40 off in the autumn sale!

Needless to say walked out without a thing. When to the green shop and picked up some more raspberry leaf tea. Found out it's actually a blend they made, which is probably why it's yummy, hibiscus, blueberry and something else.

Miffster I was going to have a nice sandwich for lunch when I got home, but spotted the chocolate cake I made for DH on the weekend and cut my self a generous slice. And it tastes fabulous. Seeing as I've been off chocolate and flavoured things since I became pregnant, I'm starting to think this thing is going to be coming soon. 4w5d to go. I'm so excited.

Been listening to the hypnobirthing CD everyday and put just the music on while crocheting last night and I was off with the fairies. DH thought it was funny.

WLL that's the gap between my neice and nephew. It was a little tricky for SiL at first, but she got a system in place. A play date with granny during the week and she started playgroup shortly after he arrived. She also had little tasks to do, and loved playing with him as well.

DF I start my classes tomorrow, NHS ones though. I must admit I'd be as miffed as you. DH has done some reading and has taken an active interest. But still wants some info and support. And I'd really like it if it was supportive. BF NCT person sounds like a complete flake and has probably caused more people to drop BF'ing through there exp differing from what she said. It's almost cruelty in a way and setting people up to fail.

The NHS BF peer supporter is one of my close friends and has three LO's and each was a different BF exp and she's very keen to support me. I've had tons of helpful advice. she's very fun and hands on with it as well. I crocheted her 30 boobies last year for her group, and both men and women get a boob to have a go on. I can see why our county hass one of the highest percentages of mums that start and continue BF'ing with her about.

Hi everyone,

another day off work for me (using up leave) - c&g can totally relate, I feel really weird like I want to be doing something but can't seem to get into gear/know what it is. I keep wandering in to various rooms and standing having a look around for a bit - wtf! also had a bit of a bad tummy since starting with the iron but haven't checked colour! will have a look next time :)

df my DH was the only man at the BF session, I don't know if the others had been told it was women only but the BF lady said it was good he was there. I'd agree they do focus a lot more on how it shouldn't hurt etc and I did come out reassured as I suppose I already had the negatives in my mind but you are right if you didn't have that preparation then you probably would leave the session with a rose tinted view of BF

I decided to broach the various issues with DH last night (housework, feeding me whilst i'm BF etc.) it wasn't particularly succesful, mainly as he was stood halfway out of the lounge door whilst I spoke to him as he was about to go upstairs to watch some film or something (I have no idea why I chose then to talk to him!) but basically if he'd said 'well we'll just have to see how it goes' or variations on that any more times I might have killed him! I said we need to talk about vistis etc too so he is prepped for the next chat!

Jesus - I read a few overbearing grandparents threads yesterday i'm not sure that was a good idea

wll sorry you are stressing about the age gap, thats the age gap between me and my brother and we get on really well - sorry that may not be reassuring whilst they are so young but it is a really good gap and I hope to have my second one at about that time too, i'm sure you haven't made a big mistake

miffster i had the exact same breakfast :) which is odd as I don't even like peanut butter! But unlike you I have scoffed cake throughout my pg mainly angel cake, god I really want some now!

Also just had some decaff coke and the baby went crazy! It felt like it was dancing in there - I hope DH did give me the decaff stuff!

Kittybump it's the sugar, I've been really healthy lately, so whenever I have sweeties or fizzy drinks LO goes bonkers on the sugar rush that I'm having. I ate a whole bag of jelly babies the other night and regretted it, DH was laughing at me as belly was really moving up, down round and round. It was so sore by the end of it and tender the next day whenever LO moved.

Hi kellestar my pg clumsiness meant i kicked over the rest of my glass of coke - which is probably for the best!

Thanks everyone. Feel better after a natal hypnotherapy session I actually managed to stay awake for! Feeling slightly guilty I haven't done much work but everything is pretty much done now and really I ought to be off sick as still feeling rough with sore throat, chest and blocked ears.

notso I suspect I'd end up stressing no matter what the gap. I do think in the long run it will be great for DD to have a sibling, it's just the next few months I am worried about.

kittybump coke has been a bit of an odd craving for me as I usually rarely drink the stuff but I have been having quite a bit this pregnancy - the full leaded full caffienated variety as well.

Hey everyone sorry I haven't posted in a few days I've been busy on overdrive with my nesting!

notso good news that its not the real thing yet but I can imagine it being a very stressful time still! I would be a nightmare!

Anyone having any problems with their grip? My hands hurt if I tighten my grip and I struggle to keep hold of things but Im not sure whether its just because Im getting quite a lot of fluid in my hands now

The hole got filled in today Im not sure why there was 3 council vans full of men to do it but at least no one else can be as dosey as me now!

Well I'm still feeling odd and now crampy.

Anyone else been following OWO thread today? Seems she's in labour :o www.mumsnet.com/Talk/_chat/1079651-any-1-want-to-keep-me-company/AllOnOnePage#22159441

WLL my dd is 2.9 and I have the same issues. I read a first weeks with LO thread last week - all the advice was "sleep, stay on the sofa etc" so that just worried me more - not likely to be much of that in my house! Anyway, my sister had her second two years ago and I'm going to take my lead from her. Partly I think you are a much more relaxed parent second time round so the newborn doesn't take so much of your time but she also used a sling a lot, got good at bf on the move and was much more relaxed about things like having the Telly on. (we are currently watching cbeebies for the first time in dd's life! But I am worn out

Glad to hear you are settling in well mrsl - still no move date for us but optimistic we'll move this month! I feel bad about how much dd will have to cope with in one go but this is so not how we planned it.

Anyway, hope things are generally ok for everyone, it's just so up and down these last few weeks I find. I'm also shocked how little of it feels familiar from last time. Have I just forgotten it all or is this time completely different?

So, so irritable today. DS2 driving me insane...at least the older two are behaving though. Just had dinner and now trying to settle. I'm on my ball again, much comfier than the sofa at the moment, feeling fairly swollen though. My hands feel puffy, does that make sense?

Woah!! C&G - just reading the OWO thread - so exciting!!! The babies seem to be coming thick and fast.

Has anyone else been having tons of BH? I had 6 in half an hour watching the X Factor on Saturday night and am now convinced that my LO is going to come early. Although hopefully not that early - I'm still only 32+6. Are lots of BH a sign of anything? This is my first and the other first time Mums I speak to don't seem to be having them.

laurenamium - I've got really sore hands too. They've been swelling up for weeks now (not PE though as the doc has checked my urine and BP) and look like big fast sausages. Can't get my rings on and they are very very sore in the mornings and hurt around the joints when I try to grip anything. Worth getting checked for PE if it's come on suddenly.

Got second NCT class this evening. Not very impressed so far as I have learnt a lot more on MN! But I guess the £200 will be worth it to have a good network of new mums to eat cake and drink coffee with. Maybe. !

Miffster, you've sold me on the beanbag thing! If it's really that comfortable to be propped up on, I will give it a go. God, I'm just spending money like water at the moment. (Comes of moving house and finding all those extra things you suddenly need.) Maybe ebay?

DF - most odd. I know that NCT bf counsellors have their different ways of approaching the subject, but I would personally not separate men and women. It sends out entirely the wrong messages, that it's for women-only and that men just need to worry about the sexual side of things. Terrible. I'm training as an NCT BFC and though I have no idea when I'll qualify, I know I wouldn't want to teach it like that. At least you did have a BFC - our antenatal classes didn't have one because the tutor is a bit odd and likes to do it all herself. So she doesn't invite a BFC to do a class. With the result that we got about half an hour, and it was all the old guff about 'tummy to mummy, nose to nipple' which has been shown to be not the most helpful way of explaining positioning. (And not helpful with biological nurturing either.)

WLL, when does your DD turn 3? She must be the same age as DS, who will be 3 at the start of march. I also feel very guilty, but remind myself that three years or just under is pretty much the most common age gap, and most people manage. I did! DS is very into the idea of the baby - we've explained he will come around Christmas but we don't know when. (I did say, when the leaves had all come off the trees, but that wasn't a good idea, given they're coming off right now!) He does say he wants the baby right now, sometimes.

Oh my God Looks like OnlyWantsOne is in labour! All alone in the house about from her small DD!

MrsC I've been getting loads of BH's, ranging from painless to really uncomfortable and quite painful. Only got a soft cervix to show for it so far though but I'm still not 34 weeks until Thursday so not time yet. Hoping it means another quick labour as I've had loads of BH's during my other pregnancies and had fast labours. My toes look like cocktail sausages some nights, really swollen.

Reshape I started my training with the ABM, have to take it up again when I can.

Miffster I posted that a few posts up, wondering if people have me on some sort of ignore that I don't know exists hmm...

Oh, and talking of puffiness, my oedema has come in with a vengance. I avoided it for the last couple of months by spending a couple of hours every afternoon (feckless SAHM) on the sofa, feet up. Not great for baby-positioning but hey. But the last couple of weeks have been hectic with the house move, and fatally, I've also been for a few NCT meetings (we're doing a Pamper Evening this week...) late into the evening, sitting at a table - terrible for ankles! My feet aren't too bad yet, but the ankles are pitting up the shins and horrible to behold. BP was fine last time, seeing MW tomorrow so will have to see. Fingers have been puffy for weeks - am now wearing my grandmother's wedding ring!

ReshapeIt's expensive, that beanbag but then again, I use it every single day and am likely to continue to do so for months so it works out as less than a pound a day, which is cheaper than many other things I have had to cough up for this pregnancy. Like crap ugly bras that fit for all of 3 weeks.
WLL sorry you are upset. I want to have another baby asap as I will be 40 in Feb and no doubt will have exactly the same worries. or will be worrying that it's too soon/too late.
C&G are yo ok? Do you think you are going into labour or just uncomfortable because of late pg?
93pjb sorry you are worn out. I am worn out and have no small children and am not at work so don't know how everyone is managing it!

Kittybump today seems to have been sponsored by banana and peanut butter sandwiches - OWO had one as well!

c&g I saw your post but have spent the last 20mins reading owo's thread as a result! Hence no response

I think I'm OK, just more late pregnancy niggles I think Miffster just so achy and crampy right now and everything is irritating me :( She's been a little quiet today as well, hopefully just her position as I have an anterior placenta which could be masking some movements. Totally fed up of being at that hospital though, I seem to live there lately...really wishing I'd gone for a homebirth right now.

Exciting isn't it 93pjp, wonder if she'll have her baby tonight?

I'll probably still be pregnant at 42 weeks knowing my luck and give birth to a 12 pounder!