March 06 - more idle chat!

[desperatehousewife]

Here we go. Let's try and make this last til the 20 week scans are all out the way!!

Good luck every one - stay well.

hi all

mother in law downstairs so I'm hiding up here..!

zeph - I'd just say that going private doesn't guarantee no grumpiness - i had one for nuchal and she was late as she had flown in from new york so we got about 6 mins and she was really grumpy - not as grumpy as me to be fair. £130 ouch. I'd wait for the nhs 20-22 week one if i were you - you do get one don't you where you are?

got new preg swimsuit today - spotty from blooming marvellous - ok not up there with a new car but I like to add my bit!! looks quite nice apart from the flabby legs.

take care all!

Hi everyone sorry I've been on the missing list for a while - wow took me ages to scan all the messages! Been feeling much better and full of energy so been resuming normal activity such as cleaning, walking dogs and usual stuff, so not as much time sitting on sofa websurfing!

Congrats to everyone with little boy and girl bumps to talk to - had my scan but DH was adamant he did not want to know sex, so I agreed in the end and we didn't ask. Everything else was OK thankfully though apparently babe has long legs (as DH is a bit short he now thinks it must be the milkman LOL)

Started looking at buggies and all kinds of exciting stuff - and as a client spotted my bump in a meeting today I now have to bite the bullet and tell them at work that I am PG. Now that should be fun (not).

Ho hum, more choc biccies should help at least!

Hi everyone

I've not been about for a few days, had a dreadful stomach upset - DH had to take a couple of days off work to look after the kids. I think it was some kind of virus, although no one else in the family has it. I have literally had this thing for about the last 3 months, it goes in rotation - bunged up nose, followed by a sore throat, followed by a cough, followed by upset stomach. .over and over again . It's right that your immune system is surpressed in pregnancy, isn't it? Because I just can't shake this thing off.

ZC, so sorry to hear about your cr*ppy experience of Southampton antenatal care. Mine wasn't as good as it is here, but it certainly wasn't as bad as that. I hope things get better for you soon.

We're picking up our car tommorrow - yippee!

Hi everyone,
RP, hope you feel better.
Is anyone using cloth nappies with this baby?If so how much did they cost and which ones did you choose?
Any help would be great!!!

I've used cloth with all of mine, poppyh. I'm signing off this evening now, but I'll post tommorrow.

poppyh - I'll be reusing ds1's cotton bottom' nappies. They are OK but I think there are better ones out there. Try twinkleontheweb or thenappylady sites for brands and advice. I think you can book nappylady for demos of all the different brands at ante-natal get-togethers, which would be great. Wouldn't recommend investing in a birth-to-potty set like I did. You end up with more than you need and you're better off trying a few different types to see what suits.

I too, am enormous and have a distinctly flabby bump this time around. Baby is whirling like a dervish - does this mean I have no muscle tone left at all? How will I push it out?!

I've had a fall when pregnant and another when carrying baby - both times I hurt myself quite nastily but bump/baby was fine. Instinct takes over and you fall with arms wrapped around your precious load...and end up doing yourself a lot more damage than if you'd been bump/babyless. I think falls-when-pregnant really shake you up - hope you're OK lizzylou.

Thanks Spiker!

pop - i'm going cloth as well - with help from u girls on here - ie rosie and misdee (and jessic/rebecc's muumy) i've opted for totsbots - I have 15 fluffles (the nippa ones) 2 bamboozles (aplex) and 3 normal tot's aplex all size ones, and 4 wraps I got mine from the nappy lady - along with 12 boosters and 12 fleece liners - just so i'm all prepared! lol. will use them for this baby and any others we have so wanted to buy a good solid one. was £200 for the lot. (the one thing DH insisted I buy new on), also have a few packs of disposable nappys for the first 2/3 weeks.

(will be back again tomorrow for a full update!)

munzie - your nappy knowledge really puts me to shame - i had no idea there was so much choice.

23 weeks today - and still throwing up . anyone else still occasionally chucking? i am starting to feel very abnormal as no-one i know in RL has been this sick.

Rom don't worry about sickness, a friend of mine chucked all the way through, I on the other hand just chucked when in labour!

Newgirl lol at flabby legs, sure they're not that bad!

Poppy H sorry to hear you've been feeling so lousy, we seem to have had something similar, but without the throwing up (well dh and dd have anyway, I just have the orrible snots so far)

Piffy Hi, nice to see you on here again.

Well dd pulled her arm, messing about with me last night, so a rather sleepless one, went to hospital, but its fine, just sore.....was walking along holding both my hands messing about, when she lifted her legs up and click went her elbow.....she won't be doing that again in a hurry.....

Poppyh, I've tried most brands and kinds of nappies over the years, so if you want to ask any questions about particular kinds, I'll probably have tried them .

You've got Flat nappies ( terries and prefolds ) with waterproof wraps. Cheap, quick drying, but more prone to leaks, and you have to fiddle about folding them.

There's shaped nappies with waterproof wraps. These are probably best all around - great containment, easier to put on. They come either in 2 sizes ( more expensive ) or Onesize, which can be adjusted to fit from birth to potty ( more economical. Take longer to dry than flat nappies though, but fine if you have a tumble dryer.

There are All in Ones, where you don't need a seperate waterproof wrap - these are the most expensive kind, take forever to dry and aren't great at containing leaks. Also in this category are pocket nappies, which are like all in ones but you place a seperate absorbant insert inside a pocket, which can then be taken out to make washing/drying easier.

Confusing, isn't it?! I think there is just too much choice, to be honest. The most popular kinds in this country - ie the ones which work best, are Totsbots and Motherease Onesize. I'm using a mixture of these this time around. Actually, I'm using a brand almost identical to Motherease called Onelife - exactly same style, just different brand.

I reckon you should read a few websites, ask a few questions and don't panic about vast choice, lol! You can get a lollipop or a babykind nappy agent to come to your house so you can see the nappies in the flesh before you buy - that's a great idea. Here's a few websites to get you browsing:

www.babykind.co.uk
www.kittykins.co.uk
www.thenappylady.co.uk
www.twinkleontheweb.co.uk
www.theclothresource.co.uk. . this one lists most online nappies shops.

Have fun!

rosieposie - wish I'd had you to advise me before I'd invested!

poppyh, 2 general tips:

• if you can dry on a line, you'll find the sun magically removes the poo stains.

• when buying trousers etc, look for ones with a more generous cut to accommodate your little one's extra padding. Most stuff is OK but some brands are definitely only for disposables.

One the money side, munz has spent £200 which sounds about right. A birth-to-potty set costs £250-300, although it does include everything (inc. more nappies than you need!). Only worth doing if you're confident it's the brand for you. Or you're having twins.

Another alternative is a laundry service. You buy the wraps etc but the actual nappies are delivered and collected for you.

I would also say it's a good idea to wait until baby is here, try out a few different nappies to see which you like best before investing. However, munz has bought hers already - but I think she's made a good choice. Totsbots are pretty full-proof.

hiya all - this is gonna be a monster poat but i'll try to keep it brief - will serve me right for not checking in sooner! lol.

friz - yes the car seat's seperate as is the foot muff. it's £255 for ther three which is good. hope u don't forget ur next apt.

jen - hiya and welcome. don't knwo much about the PND, but I do know this house is gonna be mad as well with DH in work two dogs (eldest one is 3 youngest is 2.5 - or will be) and no fmaily within 250 mile radius! lol. oh what fun, so feel free to cat anytime hon and we can have a good old moan together! lol.

pop - we looked at a senic today - and a galexy but at the mo we have so much neg equity in our car we wouldn't be able to manage the repaymentys, so it will be a verso in 2/3 years once this car's been paid off and we have a reason (ie another child!) to get a new one! lol. hope your ep hasn't been back since. did u pick a nappy out? - I was thinking about it when we were TTC really - and tbh I was after a good quality make for a small amount if thaht mankes snece - I know we'll need size twos but i'm planning to reuse so see the money we've spent as an investment - althou there's no harm in buying a few others should the need take me! I hear that theres a camoflague one u can get forget the make now thou!

RP - I hear u on driving big cars - our first one was a fiesta (I learnt to drive in a micra) then moved to wales and finished lessons in an escort - I thoughtt hat was huge! lol - good job thou as we brought that and now have a megan - OMG buying that one I told the salesman nothing bigger than an escort! lol - my poor DH looked horrified! lol.Apperntly u're immune is lower in PG yes - and as I hear the placenta is treated as another organ?? how odd! lol. I did fancy those onelife's myself but hadn't heard too much about them but as u guys all rave about tot's I thugth that was a safer option - althou must admitt althou the fluffles look really nice and soft the bamboozles are looking a lot slimer/lighter.

Rom - I'm getting the backache/rib ache as well now - esp when jnr sees fit to either kick/move so I get a sharp pain under my rib - little monkey seeems to be able to get it right under the rib as well. hope work's given u a new chair thou. now see it's RP and Misdee u need to see about nappys! lol - i'm mearly being guided by their wisdom! lol - althou MIL doesn't think i'll stick to reusables - after spendin out this much I blinkin well will do! lol. (also I hear tot's hold there value so will be good when we have finished with them)

DHW - ah always something to worry about isn't there - LO's been quite here today as well - althou don't know about u but i've noticed if I do a lot (have done today) there's next to no movements.

Jack - how r u getting on with an automatic? lol@parking sensors - I think I need those! lol.

LL - I hope you're taking care of urself young lady!

Zeph - did u sort out another scan? did they giveu any idea on dates?

well girls - my strech marks so far seem to be staying away - althou i'm worryed aboutt he lack of bump - it's noticable now but it's still compact/v firm (am hoping this is cos the placenta's at the fron thou) and not cos I have a huge baby! lol. 28 weeks for the strech marks - well 4 to go - am 24 weks tomorrow so officially viable - YAY!!!

anyhow sorry it's so long gonna go watch Dr Who! hmmmmmm!

girls girls - quick, do any of u have leaky boobs yet OMG how embaressing - i've noticed it twice (this morning on the loo I spied a wet bit on the nipple (only a dot thou) but just spied another bit on the other boob) it's gone crystally if that makes sence - is it normal from 24 weeks? do any of u have it??

You lot all sound so organised already - choosing nappies, prams etc. Please tell me I'm not the only one who hasn't really made any preparations yet!

I had the repeat scan on Thursday. Would you believe that the little so-and-so was in exactly the same position and absolutely refused to move???! After half an hour of painful (for me) prodding from the sonographer they were eventually able to get a clear view of the heart and it was all okay.

Dh said he thought he could see something while the sonographer was measuring the legs and thinks we may be having another boy. He wasn't very sure though so we'll still be sticking to neutral colours for now.

Welcome to the thread, Jenny.

Sorry you had such a cr@p time of it, Zephyr. Hopefully you'll get better care at your next appointments.

No leaking here yet, but I'm just over 21 weeks so a little behind you, munz.

Hi everyone

Munz - I haven't had any leaks yet but I am on the lookout as I have a 'tingly' feeling that I used to get when they used to leak, so it could start soon! Poor old you - mind you maybe its fair as you have tiny bump and no stretchmarks!! You can get thin washable pads to pop in your normal bra if you get worried.

rosie/spiker/munz - fab advice on nappies - I think I am going to go for it this time. totsbots sounds good. I am going to do that maths and see what I spent on disposables last time - probably something horrific.

friz - poor little dd! these things are freakily easy to happen

rom - sorry you are feeling poorly - are you having pregnancy multi vits? I am now and I think they are helping to keep my colds to a bearable level.

spiker - I'm afraid wobbly legs are true!! And I could be going swimming now for essential toning but I am such a lazy bones! I feel like baking a cake... all well and good being in domestic goddess/nesting mode but not good for the thighs!!

ng! lol - i'd swop a big bump for no leaky boobs! lol- mum seems to think I may have over one it yesterday with loads of walking cleaning the car and a bit of lifitng about and that?? I did wonder what that feeling was - it's like ahem the nipple area goes dead cold and feels like they're pointy (god the things u talk about on here! lol) seems to only be in the mornings.

CT - glad everyhting went well with ur scan.

lol@ the thighs thingy. (mine were huge to begin with - please don't say they're gonna get flabbier! lol.)

was watching cronicals of riddick last night - how long do u think it would take me to get tonned like the girl on there after the baby's been she's like a size 6 or something lol. ooh also big kick last night - shame DH was on nights and didn't feel it.

Hi chicks.

Rosieposie- what a great summary of cloth nappy formats! I wish I'd read something like that first before having to trawl the web for hours to glean all the info. You've still managed to clear some things up for me.

I bought a multipack of Totsbots at the Olympia babyshow at a fantastically reduced price. It's not a birth to potty one though - thought it would be silly to commit myself without trying them first. They were given the top score on the Mumnet review, and are grogeously cute to boot! I do think I'd like to keep an eye out for some interesting wraps though - what's the point in having cute, fluffy, multi-coloured nappies if you're going to cover them in white plastic?!

Coppertop - don't worry, you're not the only one lacking in baby equipment! I have to hold off until we've successfully bought a house and moved in, especially as we're having to live temporarily with my in-laws. We're moving there this week, and storing all our furniture in their basement. I have however bought myself some first size babygrows and bodysuits through eBay. I was determined to not be forced into a) dressing my baby all in white for the first three months, or b) dressing my baby all in pink for the first three months!! I've been searching for bright colours, stripes etc. so that I have at least some kind of visual stimulation while babby is weeny!

Hey, my friend was on the totsbots stand - she might have served you! She did mention they were selling packs of the standard terry tots at great prices - you've got yourself a fantastic bargain!

I've tried many different wraps, and the only full-proof ones for me are the motherease ones. Nature Babies do some fabulous designs, and although they haven't really worked for me, I know many people get on well with them.

I keep hearing about these mother ease wraps - so far we've got 4 (2 tots fleece and 2 tots plasticy ones) do u know if they're any good? - i'm not right keen on the plasticy ones tbh. might get a couple of mother ease - in the intrests of science of course! lol - althou will a warp be vital in the summer as well?

In this country I think wraps are pretty much essential all year round. The actual cloth nappy bit gets very wet ( apart from maybe in the first weeks ) - its the waterproof wrap that keeps it all in and stops leaks. I think the tots wraps are fine - they work for most people, but I've heard of more people having leaks with them than with the motherease. They might not be very pretty, but they do the job - which is the most important thing! You'll find the fleece wraps might get a little damp sometimes, but that soon evaporates. Don't worry about it, munz - best thing to do is wait until baby is here and start using them - that's the easiest way to see what works for you, what you like and don't like. There is a thriving second hand nappy market, so if certain things don't work out for you, you can sell them on.

Hi all, glad your all well

Munz, Riddick, Vin Diesel, Yummy ohhh what I could get up to with that boy

Re the leaky boobs, loads of girls on the feb thread now leaking, looks like your the 1st on the march!! mine currently hanging in there....although had the odd bit of tingling too....

Well dd is now feeling lots better, her arm appears to be back to normal hurrah! hasn't tried any swinging today tho....

Hi all,
Just thought i would say, i have had leeky boos for a week now, with dd1 i started leeking at 16 weeks so ive done well to last this long. Also having braxton hicks already. Baby is realy active and keeps geting hicups.
Feeling realy run down, got a realy bad cold, dont know if i will be well enough to go to work tomorow but realy dont want to have any more time off ( had a week of with anemia week before last ) also have low blood presure. Apart from that i feel fine .
Hope you are all feeling beter than me.

marne - BH already? god. my leaking seems to be getting worse - althou must admit to having a bit of a squeeze just to see! lol - was still only a drop thou.

friz - ah yes what i'd get up to with him as well! didn't realise the bloke was 38 thou lol, looking mighty fine I must say! lol - do u know when the third film's coming out? - I wasked DH but he didn't know.

RP - thanks for the tips hon - think i'll wait - DH will go mad if I spend any more on nappies/wraps! and I guess it's all covered by clothes anyways!