April 2011 - back to back sex and other mysteries

[ILikeToMoveItMoveIt]

Here we go ladies, a brand new sparkly thread that should see us all into our 2nd trimester

Many thanks for the warm welcomes

I've felt lots of movements this evening, I was sitting in quite a twisted position which is why I think I felt it so much.

Just catching up on the news and wanted to say Mousecostume so sorry to hear you've lost your baby. I really hope you have lots of support and love around you and your family at this time.

Mousecostume really sorry to hear about your loss x

Have taken vitamins the whole way through, folic acid to start for the first 3 months then moved onto multi vits with Omega 3 can't remember the name but part of the 3 for 2 range in Boot's so have 6 months supply. My DH is vegetarian and I eat fish and chicken once every other month so not getting a full range of the nutrients required. I eat healthy and try to incorporate as much as I can but vits are the best way of ensuring baby gets everything it needs.

Kicks are really strong now DH can feel them which he loves, last night he had his head on bump listening for the heartbeat which ended in a game of kick daddy in the eye Still can't feel anything on the front where the placenta is still attached too low but fingers crossed it moves up before my 34 week scan, I really don't want the knife

Bought some spiders so I don't have to worry about falling over on he snow and ice, life savers and a real confidence boost since breaking my knee and living halfway up/down a VERY steep hill!! All helping to strengthen my leg again so I'll be so much fitter after baby is born.

Shocking heartburn nothing helps it's not nice when you wake at 3am and your throats on fire, taken to swigging the gaviscon from the bottle because it takes too long to measure it onto a spoon!
Guess my craving for hot vinegar is fighting back

Pick up new car on Friday yey! Only have cot bed and pram to choose and then, were ready.

Nappies have both I have re-usable for emergencies as we don't have a nappy laundry service here and with all the washing I do daily I'd not have time to sleep if I added nappies onto the baby's clothes as well as DH, DD2!

Check with your local council and check out the campaign for real nappies as many councils give vouchers to help set you up, ours gives £30 on a minimum £45 spend.

Ok super long again, sorry.

Take care in the snow xx

I'm planning on using reusables. Our council (Hackney) gives us a £54 voucher so that's a start, but the money saving looks like it will be huge. Plus I can buy nappies whilst I'm still on a wage, then save money on disposables whilst I'm on SMP and skint.

At the moment I'm a bit obsessed with the Wee Notions website where they'll custom design them for you - I have a friend who has a stock of the most beautiful nappies for her little girl, I am quite envious.

Plus there is a facebook gallery of people's really cute ones they've had made here

I'm tempted by washables but DP is so against them I'm not sure I can face the battle over it.

I've got my second attempt at the 20-week scan tomorrow morning. DP graciously asked my mum if she'd like to go and she's so excited it's unreal. Fingers crossed they'll be able to check his heart properly this time.

Am having a real low dip today, just feel overwhelmed by everything and want to cry all the time. Doesn't help that a constant freezing draft at work (office is a converted church) means that I'm typing this is gloves!

Aaargh! in gloves.

Cyclebump, by OH was a bit at first, but I won him round by going through the money savings with him! Plus I told him since I was going to be on ML I'd be doing the washing so it made bugger all difference to him anyway.

my OH, that should read...!

I've tried that but he's dubious. I'm hoping we'll be given some (have conspired with my mum), then we'll HAVE to use them.

I've also pointed out that me and my two sisters had to wear cloth nappies as we got hideous nappy rash from disposables if we had them every day.

I used FuzziBunz with both boys, DS1 more than DS2 it must be said. I did fade off after a while with both, but hey every little helps right?

They are American though and rather pricey so i wouldn't necessarily recommend them but they do come in fun colours :)
I have also tried the Mothercare Smart nappies but not got on terribly well with them.

Lots of people rate Bambino Mio.

And i love love those Wee Moments one, answers my Q of where a mum I saw at playgroup got her personalised ones.

Congratulations LisaMcA another boy! I've been getting really excited looking at cute things with boats/cars/trains on! Before I was pregnant I think I had a bit of a preference for girls but boys are so cool. I keep getting waves of excitement about meeting my little boy :)

On the subject of real nappies.. has anyone tried them and given up? I'm just wondering because I'm a bit worried that I'll buy them all and then realise it's a massive faff and end up using disposables anyway which is totally lose/lose. It's horrifying how much waste disposables generate and I love the idea of real nappies but I am just trying to be realistic.. DS will be my first and I have no idea how I'm going to find it (but I hear it's hard work!)

A good friend who's VERY eco-friendly used the green eco nappies sold by Waitrose when he DS was newborn and gradually integrated the washables until he used nothing but. They're planning the same with their DD who was born a couple of days ago

Her friend left one of the (clean) eco nappies on her compost heap just to see what happened and it melted away to nothing...

We found the Nappy Lady site also invaluable. We bought the motherease (a shaped towelling nappy) in size 1 and then size 2. For a tiny newborn we used muslins with a nappy gripper and a wrap (water proof nappy cover). Mine were nearly 7lbs and nearly 8lbs and they were too tiny to use any other washables until about 3-4 weeks. We used size 1 then size 2 from about 5 months.

I chose not to go for a nappy that needs folding or inserts and I would have found it too much hastle, with everything else. I did put in a fleece liner that didn't need of folding as this kept the babe dry (non absorbant etc). Additionally a paper liner is good for easy flushing of poo. (Otherwise you have to swish the nappy in the loo flush first).

Bear in mind that Newborns can poo a lot. Liquid poo. I remember doing 9 changes a day for one of mine, for a few weeks.

Lots of friends have bought either a birth to potty set, or a one size fits all. They didn't stick with them, mainly because a one size really doesn't fit all babies. Even if they are adjustable you end up with loads of bulk on a tiny baby or leaks. That seemed to be the main reason why they weren't used. There are lots of different makes now. I'd definitely recommend a shaped nappy that you buy in sizes. Believe it or not there is a secondhand market for them!

In my experience we were split between pros and cons. My DH saw no cons at all. I hated emptying dirty nappy bucket water - so he did it. There is a lot of washing and you can line dry them, but they are best finished in a tumble dryer to fluff up - for comfort. (Imagine an air dried towel on your bum). So if you don't have a local nappy service or a tumble dryer, I personally wouldn't bother. Otherwise it can be manageable. I think it just depends on how much you've got on your plate, and how much support/help you get with other aspects, IYSWIM.

I've got carried away. I'll answer any questions more succinctly!

Hi, I haven't posted for ages, but congratulations for all those exciting scans. Mine is tomorrow!

Luciloo I did start using real nappies with DD when she was about 6 months. I couldn't have coped with liquid poo in real nappies before she started on solid. It was OK during the summer months but as we do not have a tumble dryer I found them ennoying as soon as the weather got colder and wetter. There was constantly a drying rack in our living room.

A bit later they started leaking only a couple of hours after I put them on so I ditched them for a while. Used them a bit again last summer but again, got bother by the leakage.

Although I intend to use them again for potty training next summer, I cannot say that it's been a financial success. However, it has saved a few nappies from landfill and it better than nothing.

Agreed with MuffinMouse, if I'd had a tumble dryer it may have been a different story though.

Lucieloo I'm one of the ones who gave up. Like most baby gear we were incredibly lucky and were given masses of reusables of all brands so the cost of buying wasn't the issue. And OH did the washing etc.

BUT DD was a winter baby, born early February and we don't have a tumbledryer. It rained or snowed for the first 2 months of her life (it seemed) and it was impossible to dry them at the speed she was going through them. April borns should be a bit easier but if you don't have a tumble drier it is hard work and may feel like you're living in a laundry. She was self potty trained super early though so I think that was our pay back for her being such a prolific pisser and shitter in the early months.

I'm going straight to disposables this time around but good luck to everyone giving it a go.

Aaargh I'm so fucking frustrated!

I just ordered 3 pairs of trousers from Mothercare, online. Now my mother has posted one pair out to me and they're huuuuuuge. Absolutely massive. I need at least 2 sizes smaller it would seem...

So now I have to hope and pray she kept the original packaging and proof of purchase and that I can get to a mothercare store before the returns period is up.

On the plus side I've tried the 2 sets of sleep bras she sent and they're fab. Very generously sized but I need that at the moment anyway and I suspect there's room for expansion when milk comes in.

Oh dear Frakkin. Are they just too big in the bump area? maybe worth keeping 1 pair, hard to imagine how big you can get.
Also, maybe worth emailing Mothercare about your situ, they may let you extend the returns period.

I also gave up on reusables, can't remember how long i did them for, ages with DS1, even away on holidays. DS2 was shorter, then i changed to just the days that DS1 was at nursery, then gave up totally.

The first few nappies can be gross with meconium (or so DH tells me, they're his job ) so a few disposables handy for that bit.

The fuzzibunz did leak a bit i found, the mothercare smart ones didn't in the short time i used them. will give the fuzzis another go with DC3 and just see how we go.

Nope they're underbump, so it's around the hips/bum area that it's too big - I have no discernible bump but MW told me off for wearing normal trousers as apparently the button presses on the baby?

I'm planning on disposables for the first few weeks and then reusables but need to go and actually look at examples of reusables to see what they'l be like.

Your MW said what?! that's nuts. If you are comfy in your trousers then baby will be fine, it's not like it's right there by the button, there's fat skin, fluid, etc. before you reach baby.
And baby is still pretty small tbh plenty of room to move around so could get away from a tight waistband if it was bothered.
Later on you may find it kicks out at anything tight, DS2 esp used to hate the car seatbelt.

Morning!

SNOW UPDATE

I am now completely cut off from civilisation! You guys are my last link! The local shop hasn't had a delivery for 3 days so no bread or milk! They do however have pickled onion monster munch so not all is lost!

Work have tried to give me remote access to work from home, but they've only have thought it through. I have access, but no paperwork to work from! One without the other doesn't work! My bosses boss (who is snowed in herself BTW) told her she should drive work to me because she has a 4X4 (one of those jiminy thingies). The gritter couldn't get to us yesterday, I doubt my boss in her barbie jeep could! Sometime think management are on a different planet!

at your MW frak I must have squished my little one by now! He'll come out with a zip like mark accross his wee cheek!

I've done the Nappy Lady questionnaire and had back recommendations. So will look into those a bit more. My mother thinks I'm mad for even thinking about using real nappies, but I reminded her that she did with me because I had severe nappy rash with disposables. She then said, "LisMcA, you aren't the most organised person in the world how will you manage."

I'm having a baby, I will just have to surely! I not just going to leave him rolling about in his own poo while I watch This Morning!

It's great to know that my mother confidence in my ability!!! I feel like I have to justify every decision we make about baby to her because she thinks I'm being pie in the sky. AIBU?

Hi everyone! Finally some snow in London so we can join in the chat. Was going to pull the pregnancy card this morning but turned up at the station and everything running on time so got on the train, got about 5 yards from my station and then sat there for 45 mins. Hey ho. Not quite as extreme as you though LisaMcA.

Lots of talk about the nappies, all very useful, so thanks to those with the advice. I hadn't even started thinking about that yet (add to ever expanding list of things I haven't even started thinking about yet) but had been wondering about real nappies as husband is a bit Dave Angel Eco Warrior. That said we have a teeny tiny house and I'm really not sure I can be chuffed with having damp nappies hanging everywhere for months. The place already does my head in when it's messy and that's before we start collecting baby related accessories. The Waitrose eco ones sound interest so thanks for the tip cyclebump - and good luck with the scan. Hope you're feeling better today.

I've slightly lost track of all the scans but congrats to anyone who has news. We seem to have SO many boys. Also, hope you're ok Ladybird. I stopped taking any pregnancy vits after about 15 weeks. MW said to just finish the Folic Acid up and then not worry about taking more. I did read somewhere that taking FA later in pregnancy has been linked to asthma but that's probably bobbins anyway. Decided that I eat lots of healthy food so that should mean I get plenty of the right things. Though I am not sure pret bacon and cheese pastry for breakfast really backs that theory up. Is bacon a vitamin?!

LMAO LisMca we share the same mother lmao xx

I called her just to say hi as I was heading to the shops (sorry not rubbing it in it was a week ago before the snow, I too am stuck at home)!
Anyway she asked what I'd done that morning stupidly I said I'd written my birth plan

'what the hell is one of those' so I explained
'water birth', 'Natural', 'active labour'!!!!!!!!!!!!! then a gasp, I readied myself for the onslaught of a Mother knows best lecture, basically I grit my teeth and wax down my thick skin ready for attack.

'Why don't you just let the doctors get on with it instead of making stupid requests, it's a hospital not a health spa, they are there to do a job, bloody well let them get on with it and stop interfering with nature'!

That bit p'd me off a bit, nature....what having people suck the baby out with a dyson or worse break your waters with a crochet hook (had that done), no time to argue back here comes the second wave

'Take it from me, I had you and your sisters (4 of us). You won't care about what you've written on that sheet of paper, you'll be grateful for all the help and let everyone do whatever they want to get that baby out, you don't repay them with stupid spoilt requests and demands, GOD, your so selfish'!!!!

At this point I hang up and wait for her to calm down before I call her back to thank her for her advice and that I will take it on board along with the experience of already furnishing her with two granddaughters so I may have a tiny idea about what it's like to give birth and then I sigh arrrrgh! Which by now we both know means you've really pissed me off MOTHER!!!!

This morning chocolates have arrived, my favourites so maybe I'll call her later to let her know she's forgiven lol

Gosh, I'd be sooo angry with my mum if she said that. Hmmmm.

We had our second attempt at the 20-week scan this morning (am now 22+3). Baby behaved this time so they could check his heart's blood flow and all is well. Phew!

Mum came with me (DP asked if she'd like to go) and she was VERY excited by it all as he's the first grandchild.

I then had a reasonably quick journey across London as I had to go into work, mum was hoping we could go for lunch but boss had made clear I was needed straight away Annoying but hey ho.

Lol at the mum stories.. Saltedpretzels I'd have been livid!!

I think it was all a bit different in their day! It was all about medicine and that was that. Told my mum I was planning a homebirth and she said I was 'brave'. I wanted to explain why it's not 'brave' etcetc, but she didn't seem to want to listen and preferred to say 'yes, yes I know' over the top of me. Fair enough! I think some people (especially mothers) like to just offer their opinion/experience and this is not to be confused with actually wanting to have a two way conversation about it - shame really because I'd be interested to hear her experiences! She is lovely in every other way but there does sometimes seem to be a I AM YOUR MOTHER AND I KNOW BETTER THAN YOU attitude.

On the subject of nappies, those waitrose eco nappies may be a good solution. We don't have a tumble dryer and I'm probably not the most organised of people. Perhaps starting with disposables and seeing how manageable everything is and then making a decision is a good idea.

I came accross this company at a baby fair and think it looks quite promising, it's an extra cost, but at least they don't all go into landfill

www.gogreenbottom.com/domestic/domWelcome.htm

And congrats on the scan cyclebump must have been really lovely for your mum too!