Due in Nov 05 - Hooray for the third trimester - part VII

[Enthusia]

Right then here goes.

Whooopppsssssy - Londoner, need your help here. Just clicked on your link and this is the kind of nappy i'm interested in. The bamboozles look good but i'd like to know why you chose the fluffles - have no experience whatsoever!! Tessasmum and a few others gave some advice a while back but I can't really remember, can we go over it again?
What size do you order?

Also have another dumb question. How do i know what size of b/f bra to buy? Wont my boobs have gotten bigger by then (or is that just wishful thinking, lol)

Goldenoldie - I had a 2hr test on Wednesday morning & I got the result at 4:30 that day. The diabetic nurse rang me yesterday to make an appointment for today. I'm glad its happened quite quickly as I feel I'm now able to take the necessary measures to help my bubba.

LOL at the columbian drug baron comment!! Actually, I've seen some midwives who closely resemble South American men, complete with facial hair!!

Goldenoldie, no alternative, but they offer mobile epidurals as standard and recommend you have one as soon as you're in established labour so most women appear to go for that.

Karma, they said the same thing re: back pain and epidurals at my class on wednesday.

The kitten is being so cute - she's taken to sitting by my feet when I'm on MN

Just off out now so I'll catch up with this thread this evening.

ChaCha My best advice for labour is take each contraction one at a time, focus, and remember that each time you finish one you will never have to have that particular one again! But my most important advice is, if you can, stay on your feet, stay mobile, it really helps. HTH.

Chacha, what colour did you get in the end? You'll be surprised just how much you can fit in it.

Do you get to go through a birth plan with your m/w? Don't forget that anything can happen, so try not to panic about labour (I sense you may be getting worried??). However, the already mums out there may be able to offer better advice - I haven't done it yet either!!

I think they said it was best to get samples of re-usables first, try a few brands and see what you get on with best before spending out a lot of cash on one type. I've also been told to use disposables for the first week or two, and then going to re-usables if you want to.

I don't wear bras (I wear secret support vests), but you're right in that boobs do get bigger after birth. Not sure how you're supposed to judge that one, again that sounds like a question for the already mums out there.

ChaCha I'm new to washable nappies too, but have been reading amazing exp. mum reviews on these coming thick and fast. I just went on Ebay and found some Fluffles going cheaper than on Tots Bots site & with free post & packing & bought two size 2 because that's what they had.... and I read they dry more quickly than the Bamboozles. I should receive them next week when the first shipment arrives.. They both look good to me, I chose size 2 as it says you can fold it to smaller size for new borns, but as my babies have always been tiddlers so far I will get a few size 1's as well to be on the safe side. Best advice I felt I got as a newby to washables is.... everyone has different shape/size babies so perhaps different nappies will be better for different babes, so buy a selection & see which suit your baby, have some disposables in the wings in case you get in a muddle & until you've made your decision. Also, basically most all of these modern washable nappies are pretty fantastic so whichever ones you pick are probably going to be fine. The only universal thumbs up I see is that Motherese wraps win hands down over the rest.
HTH, sorry for unedited ramble but I can smell my baked potato is ready in the oven, mmmm.

Hiya Nova - Thanks for all the advice. I opted for the black in the end, foolishly thinking it mattered as it would match whatever I would be wearing to hospital Will probably be last thing on my mind when labour starts! Anyhow, is great to get another item ticked off list. Phew!

You are right Nova, I'm a bit worried, DH says that if i can go through two laparoscopies and all the pain of endometriosis i'll survive but it's not much consolation IYSWIM. I really believe that my problem as of late is that I just have too much time on my hands and I'm fretting/thinking way too much.

Kitten sounds too cute btw.

Oh, and bras.... go to John Lewis if you can, they're all so well trained and know the answers to all your questions inc. when to be measured for nursing bras... I can't remember the answer & was planning to go to John Lewis next week to find out myself. Good luck... they look like boulder holders in my exp. but that's prob. all changed by now....

BTW, IMHO, the worst thing about labour is anticipating it.... the waiting... once you start labour you are busy and it's just plain old exciting as you can get on with it and you know you're going to meet your baby very soon .

Thats exactly how I see it Londoner - I've had several friends this year who have seen their birth plans go out of the window, so I'm opting for the 'take it as it comes' approach.

Chacha, I can relate to the too much time = over thinking scenario, I'm just trying to keep myself occupied with other things. I'm quite enjoying being chilled out about it now but it's taken me a while. Maybe write a list of all the things you're worried about, post it on here, and everyone can offer their thoughts/experiences?? Once your worries are voiced they might not seem so bad

Hi all,

Thanks for wondering where I'd got to Chacha! Truth is I wrote a really long post yesterday and then my laptop turned itself off just as I was about to post and it took me ages to remember everyone's news!!

Went out with my best friend last night (who is 29wks pg), only for a couple of drinks (of sparkling water!) and have been overcome by tiredness this morning! I'm still not dressed even!

Anyway not really read any posts, have major catching up to do later, you lot have started chatting for England

33+2 x x x

Enthusia - meant to say that the 'injection you can have to speed up ousting of the placenta'......... don't know anyone who has been given a choice about this.

My experience is that midwife gives you the injection straight after delivery of baby as routine, and they don't even mention it at the time - let alone give you a choice!

Anyone had a MW who discussed the pros and cons of this and gave them the choice?

goldenoldie-you are entitled to say wether or not you would like synotocin(sp?) but you have to make it very very clear, best thing is to get your birth partner to make it known if you want/dont want it.
I had it last time but am opting out this time as i want to deliver placenta in my own time rather than it all being a rush, then being whisked off 20mins later to post natal ward!
They expect most women to have it, which is why not all m/w's rountinely ask you if you want it or not.

Thanks Nova - maybe i'll put pen to paper later in the afternoon. Good idea.

Rodeo - It's so frustrating when that happens! Glad you are well.

Have you all checked out the hospital bag thread? There really are some amazing tips on there. Think if i'm to take all that advice though will need 4 samsonites not 1!!!

Have family up later so off to relax (so she says but secretly logs on inbetween socalled 'checking emails') and NOT think about childbirth.

right sorry, just read my post back after posting and realised I used the wrong word, that is for speeding up/inducing labour, the injection for delivery of placenta is syntermetrine (SP?)sorry my heads somewhere else today!

SYNTOMETRINE

When the placenta is delivered during the third stage of labour, following the birth of your baby, Syntocinon or Syntometrine are routinely given to reduce the risk of excessive blood loss. Syntometrine is a combination of two drugs: synthetic oxytocin, which acts like naturally occurring oxytocin, ensuring strong enough contractions of the womb to expel the placenta; and ergometrine, which ensures that the contractions close the cervix.

It is usual for Syntometrine or Syntocinon to be given, by injection, after the delivery of the first shoulder of the baby, thereby allowing around 7 minutes for the delivery of the placenta, almost immediately after the birth of the baby, before the cervix closes. If administered in this way the umbliical cord will need to be cut immediately rather than leaving it until it has finished pulsating. Because of this, it is the policy in some maternity units to wait for 30 minutes after the birth before giving Syntometrine or Syntocinon. This gives more time for a less rushed third stage.

There is of course a choice about whether or not you receive Syntometrine or Syntocinon to assist you in delivering the placenta, and on the timing of when you receive it (you can ask to wait until the cord has stopped pulsating and then have the injection). The occasions when it is most likely to be unnecessary are if you have had a completely drug-free, 'natural' labour and delivery, when your third stage follows this same pattern. If you have had an epidural for pain relief, for example, this may mean that delivery of the placenta isn't straightforward and and that you will need help in order to complete the third stage successfully.

goldenoldie I've asked for and been allowed physiological or natural 3rd stage of labour last 2 times, but like you say, just had to mention it to each midwife and they would always write it down. I am hoping for the same experience this time and have got the agreement of my midwives on the understanding that if the need arises they can administer Syntometrin should they deem it necessary.

Appropo nothing in particular, I just caught sight of my eldest son's bookmark list and thought I'd share this site with you..... he uses it for witty come backs to his friends on MSN Messenger.... makes me laugh ... especially where it gives you the option to 'insult me again' Ha Ha LOL..

seidel/Shaker/

Hmm, not bad but that gets a different one, for my favourite you have to click on insult_me and you get the Shakespearean stuff.

ChaCha Thought you might be interested to see this review of new TotsBots(TB) nappies from a forum I use.

RE: FLUFFLES/BAMBOOZLES:
"I've just been testing these. The Fluffle is incredibly fast drying, and the first TB nappy where you can remove the booster, so I think it's going to prove a brilliant birth to potty option (the size 2).

The Bamboozle is incredibly soft, feels silky. Absorbency is comparable to normal TB but less bulky, great daytime nappy for my dd who is 2 and a heavy wetter, but at nights needs boosting. Drying time seems similar to the normal TB range (air drying).

Both nappies so far stay incredibly soft even when left to get over dry in the sun on a hot day (when other TBs can get a bit stiff). This may change over time but very positive first impressions."

Hmmm, hope this is helpful and not info overload!

Thanks girls - with CS I won't need Syntometrine - baby and bits will all be unpacked! But nice to know that those with vaginal delivery do get a discussion on the pros and cons of this, and are able to make an informed choice.

ChaCha - as no-one else has said anything about TENS I'll try and see what I remember.
Its a little battery pack linked to 4 little pads that you put either side of your spine when 1st contractions start. It delivers electrical pulses that are supposed to boost your body's natural production of endorphins. You have a push-button to press to administer it and can turn up the frequency, giving you a bigger buzz as contractions get more fierce.
I used it last time and although I have no idea if it made any difference, as I didn't take it off to see, it gave me something else to think about during the contractions and for that alone I'm going for it again. If you want a number I can post it on here. It's £22 for 6 weeks (3 weeks before and 3 weeks after the birth plus an extension if the baby doesn't turn up on time!)for the standard model which has single-use pads, plus a few spare to practice with, and £26 for the Deluxe model which has reusable pads.
Its all very small and compact and doesn't interfer with your mobility.

My take on Gas and Air is pretty similar to the other posts on here - I loved it and refused point-blank to let go of it throughout the whole time I used it, I even yelled at DH when he offered to hold the mouthpiece as I changed positions
The best advice I was given (from NCT class) was to take 2 or 3 breaths as the contraction comes on then STOP. That way it will carry you over the contraction but will be out of your system once the contraction is over, leaving you feeling in control. First few times I just gulped it throughout the contractions and felt rather pissed/woozy in between. DH remembered what I should have been doing and it was fine from there.

If anyone has tried scuba diving its just like using a DV, breath regularly and normally.

As for real nappies - I'm doing what we did last time and letting the nappy laundry service take care of the first 3 months We ended up using the same system as the laundry service (prefolds and Prorap wraps) as they worked brilliantly for us though I have a few Motherease wraps as well which are fine, I think the Proraps just fitted Tessa better.

Also used Tushies Eco-disposables which we got on really well with.

Better go as DH and Tessa have just come back from B&Q with paint and flooring for front bedroom - progress is being made!

Afternoon girls, all this talk of giving birth, anyone would think we were on the count down!!!!

Chacha thanks for asking after me, have been around reading the posts but have been feeling a bit moody and withdrawn lately so have only posted occasionally. It's made interesting reading though.

Nova did they say why they had stopped giving pethidine at the Portland? 99% have an epidural are we back to the too posh to push jokes again !!!

I've written on my birth plan that I don't want gas & air, I had one pull on it last time and thought I was going to be sick, which is something I hate much more than pain.
I had pethidine with Ben, can't say that it appeared to do much for me, dh says I was sleepier, but I would have said it made me more awake - we appear to have very different recollections of the same birth.
The best thing for me was definitely the tens machine and I'll be hiring one this time too as I felt in control of my own pain relief as I could turn it up and down as required.

Forgot to say girls if any of you have Tchibo(?sp) shop near you they are selling full length body pillows for £5.99 & £6.99 this week. I bought one yesterday and it's great.

Had to laugh yesterday as the mw told me that I'm having a long baby and to be grateful that it was head down now as it would probably need to be able to do a three point turn to turn around from now on in!!!

Hope you guys are all well & have a good weekend. I'm having a Ben free day tomorrow while I go wedding dress shopping with a friend, she's going for something really dramatic and is going to look fantastic. Speak to you all soon Beks (31+5)

Beks, i think it's just that the side effects for them out weigh any benefits.

They give mobile epidurals, so you can still have an active birth, nothing to do with being too posh to push. Still have to pay £600 for it though.