DueJan 06 - third trimester and we're on a roll

[iris66]

Here we go then girls - a nice shiny new thread!!I was going to call it "backs, bumps & boobs" but that sounded like all we do is whinge about them! lol

Lyra - tell us more about induction via acupuncture, how does it work? - i am all ears!

Oh forgot to say, sorry you're feeling awful - I hope it passes

Sorry you're sick, Lyra - acupuncture apparently works wonders at inducing labour, so you might have a Christmas baby yet! Wow!

DS seems a bit better, but he's slept most of today - had 3 hours this afternoon in the end. He's got a throat infection - didn't look red yesterday, but the nurse said that often children who are prone to temps get them before they show any symptoms. Poor little boy - wish he could tell me where it hurts

Eshay - yes I know about Hollands fantastic homebirth record, think here people are just so narrowminded and theres an attitude that you must have a baby in a hospital. If homebirths were that bad none of us would be here! Picture of Thomas at 1 week old is lovely he is so tiny. Abbie is such a good baby as well I'm sure I'm doomed and no 2 will be a horror

Hunker - glad your DS is feeling a little better, have you decided on a name yet?

tickle - your children are lovely too, so sweet can't remember if you know what you are having this time is it a boy so you will be girl boy girl boy is that right?

Have found the missing camera lead so uploaded a few new pics inclusing one of me looking huge and one of DD 10 mins old looking all mushed up as newborns do.

Sorry to hear about people feeling rough - hope ds is better HM - it's horrid when they're ill, especially when they're so little that they can't really tell you what the problem is.

Just realised I am due 7 weeks today - OMG
Will have to get the babygros out soon, and sort out where I really want to have this baby. A homebirth appeals, and it's what we planned for dd2, but ended up having to go in. The hospital here on the island is such a sweet cottage hospital - 12 mins away unless we get stuck behind a tractor - that it might be just as relaxing to have the baby there. More peace & quiet than at home!!

Agree wholeheartedly with Rachey on relaxing over 2nd (and subsequent!) babies... I was so much more chilled with no2, and further additions to the family get ready made cabaret from older siblings

Playgroups are great - read a thing the other day that said something like:
you take your first baby to mother & baby group, baby music, baby gymnastics and the swingpark.
you take your second baby to mother & baby group and the swingpark.
you take your third baby to the supermarket and the dry cleaners.

So true

Sweetkitty - yup, we found out it's another boy so it's g,b,g,b! Clever ol' DH I say
Hunker, glad he's a bit better.
Right, off to look at new photos

SK, no, no name yet! Have one possible girls name! Some hilarious suggestions on the thread Miaou started for me though - ROFL!

Don't be too jealous girls of the weather it has rained on and off for the past 2 days, got soaked twice taking dd to the park.
HM what is involved with you controlling your blood sugar, they thought I might prone to it this time as I have had huge sugar cravings but haven't heard anything since my test last week so assume that it all came out normal. Surely it shouldn't make any difference to you having a water birth?
Off to try to find a car seat for dd. None of the ones listed on the reviews are for sale here and they don't seem to do the really cool boosters either so need to decide whether we go for a 9-18kg then get a bigger seat for dd when the baby is out of his rear facing one, or if we get a right through seat for dd and just buy another whole seat for the baby when he is about 1...oh decisions. Also we can't put a buggy board on our mountain buggy when it is in lie flat position so that has completely buggered up our plans for transport. Oh well back to the drawing board.
Well better go, sorry about the ds HM and lyra hope you feel better soon. I was going to be induced with dd by my acupuncturist and dd was born on the Sunday and had the appointment booked for the Monday.
Take care

morning all - what a lot to read up on today!

I went to a baby shower yesterday morning arranged by an American friend (had never been to one before - let alone a genuine American one!) It was really good fun , and the focus was very much on games: guess the baby's sex/weight/delivery date; see who can cut off a piece of string to the right girth measurement and writing various bizarre lists (what hubby needs to bring to hospital, what are you going to need on your first trip out etc) rather than being present orientated as I had previously thought. DH then decided to defrag the pc after reloading all our CDs onto it so I couldn't use it for a while - it took 9 hours!!!!! He's bought a removable hard drive to back everything up on so hopefully we shouldn't have this nause if it keels over again.
I'm really touched you missed me Lyra (God I must really rattle on!!)thanks for asking but I'm fine albeit busy. All the GD testing is starting to bruise my fingers but that's just my own fault as I'm testing much more than they asked - to try to demonstrate that my sugar is ok (thanks for your concern Rachey).
Hunkermunker - hope yours is still going swimmingly. How is DS today? has his fever broken?
There's loads of bugs around at the mo isn't there. I woke myself having a sneezing fit this morning (the baby did not approve and has made that very clear ever since!!) and am hoping it was just dust but have drunk gallons of water this morning already in the hope that I can flush anything through before it takes hold!

Lyra, i bet your acupuncturist was pleased with your reaction to the treatment (though pants for you, feeling poorly - hope you're better today) It shows how powerful it is doesn't it. I'd be interested to hear where she puts the needles to induce you (to compare to the ones I use in Reflexology)

Georgie - Hope you're feeling a bit better too. Do they take the stitch out at a particular point (36 weeks)? Hope the baby's turned a bit & stopped crotch kicking (know that one - ooooooh . Fab idea about meeting up next year and well done for volunteering to organise it

Horseshoe - you must have a mega run of good luck lining itself up hon!!! - and you've already managed to get a new kitchen, car, dog & 4 nice, safe, shiny new tyres on DH's car - but seriously, you must be just on tenterhooks all the time waiting for the next thing!? Good job you're and optimist though eh!

Tickle - CONGRATULATIONS - another blue one!! How lovely to have alternating flavours!

All the chat of having two (or more) little ones to cope with at once makes me feel really lucky. I hadn't given any thought to how people cope with trying to recover, sleep, feed, get a routine etc, as well as doing school/nursery runs!! I take my hat off to you! It's no wonder people struggle these days when so few have family nearby to help!

Anyway off to get dressed as the baby has just ensured I can't sit comfortably anymore! chat later

WaaHoooh! postie has just been and my birthing pool has arrived!! - off to blow it up and have a test loll about in it! (no comments please regarding GD/denial/consultant led care = hosp birth /potential waste of money & having to resell on MN!!)

Loving the idea of homebirths. They were not keen on me having one cause of complications with my last labour and now with the chances of prem labour....I cant wait to hear all the stories though. I watch discovery health constantly and have watched loads on there. My DD is getting very confused as the stalk delivers them in Dumbo.

Feeling generally tearful the last couple of days. Having braxton hicks and wondering whether things are not too far off. I had my cervix measured at 23mm at 24 weeks and under 25mm is in the danger zone but i could still go on. Does anyone know of anyone in the same situation.

With DD1 I felt very tearful a week or so before.But everything makes me cry at the moment. DD has been really understanding even though she is only 2 and keeps asking if Im OK and i'm getting loads of cuddles.

We went to hobbycraft yesterday and spent the afternoon making santa and today we are gonna make a snowman!!!!

Aww, Horseshoe, really empathise with the hormones - but we're nearly there! Everywhere I look I see stories about babies being born younger than ours - amazing to see them looking so good (anyone see the woman who miscarried twins at 8 wks and 21 wks and then found a triplet still alive? - delivered 3 months early and doing well). I am already 2 weeks past when my friend had triplets and the wife of a guy I work with. She is a week or so behind me this time and already past the date she had her little girl last year.

Iris - that shower sounded like fun. Hope you are having lots of fun in that pool I think it would be worth it just to float around in! I am jealous of you all planning home births - I would love to but think with my history of malpresentations, I'm asking for pain! I hope to go naturally (and quickly) but the first sign of any problems or if I'm induced I will be asking for an epidural!

Horseshoe I had a really tearful weekend last week - not like me at all, and as you say, just everything made me cry! Feeling much better now, and I always feel amazed when I think about what our bodies are coping with every day, so I suppose we're entitled to a few weepy moments

Went to the midwife for a check up this morning, and she says I should start 'encouraging' the baby to turn head down by lying down with my backside propped up on a big cushion! If he doesn't turn they have to send me off to the hospital on the mainland to manually turn him - got a few weeks before that, but she says it's time to start letting him know which way is UP (down??!!)
Hope everyone's feeling better with stitches and colds n such - lovely sunny windy day here but we were up almost all night with dd2 - kept waking and shouting for some reason, then just wanted to play... yawn! So instead of going for a walk I'm off for a nap
See you later xx

Hi all

Just got up from my nap and had lunch. Absolutely scrummy fresh spicy tomato and red lentil soup from m and s, a pork pie (not so healthy, but just fancied it) and a rhubarb yoghurt. This bug doesn't seem to be affecting my appetite then...Actually feeling quite a lot better, so think I'll be fit for work tomorrow.

Weather gorgeous here, very sunny and cold, so I think a bit of fresh air with the dog will be in order this pm.

Still not got my silver cross pram - keep missing them on ebay, I could do with a watch alarm to remind me when auctions are due to end.

Iris

Have you got your pool up yet? Hope you've got an electric pump, or you might be there all day. Do you have a combi boiler so that you can fill it with hot water? We have the old fashioned type of boiler, and dh doesn't think it would heat enough water to fill the pool. Which pool did you get, and how much was it? I'm still considering one. Suddently thought today that I could put it in the bathroom to save all the worry about wet floors when I get in and out to walk around. More private and intimate in there too. Where will you have yours?

Horseshoe

Your craft activities sound fun. do you post on the arts and craft threads here? I like crafty stuff too, but I have a tendency to start projects and never quite finish them, like the re-upholstering of the cream (now v.dirty) sofa bed, which is half done and I keep meaning to finish off..... I'm looking at it now, I used scraps of curtain fabric and patched it together onto the sofa, using a wall stapler, but most of the staples have fallen out and I've started sewing it by hand, it's a mammoth task. Maybe I'll do it when I'm in labour, it's the kind of thing i like to do to take my mind off things.
Hope your weepiness eases off.

Tickle

Did you get your birthing ball in the end? Sitting on them is supposed to be very good for encouraging babe to get into the right position. Mine's moved away from back to back in the last week, which I'm glad about, I don't fancy a back to back labour from what I've heard they're very painful. If no birthing ball, our yoga teacher recommends kneeling and leaning forwards with head on hands and bum in the air, then bringing one foot alongside hands and moving hips around as another good way of encouraging good positioning.

Lyra,
If you do watc item you will get an email telling you when it is due to end.....not that I ever use ebay of course ahem......My DP thinks that there will be self-help groups for ebay addicts springing up soon!!!

I hadn't thought of the arts and craft section as I only make things with DD for fun...we have an hour playtime where we do something each day like cakes or cards or something. I might get some good ideas there.

TICKLE.....heres an idea that I learned from discovery health when one of the portland m/w said they recommend that women put a bag of peas on their bumps as baby will shy away from the cold and hopefully turn round!!!! worth a try????

Lovely clear, crisp day here too. Just got back from antenatal appointment - all well thankfully, have to see physio to get a splint for my wrist which is bugging me at night. Apparently babe is head down and his back is to my left - honestly a back to back labour is horrible - longer and more painful (had one with ds2 who came out 'face to pubes' - little darling turned from anterior to posterior in labour - he never turned back).

Tickle - I read somewhere that to turn a breech baby you should dive down in a pool (I think from standing would do!) as the pull of gravity encourages the heaviest part of the babe (their head - sorry my physics not too good) to float upwards ie towards your cervix - worth a try! Alternatively I think arse in the air similar!

Lyra - if you are watching on ebay, I would literally set an alarm - I have missed so many things! Another tip - when you bid - don't use round numbers eg £10, go for £10.05 or something and you will outbid the opposition!

ok ball girls - I have found an exercise ball online, and need to know which size to get... there is a nice silver 65cm, but I'm not sure this is big enough, as I am 5'9"... the 75cm is a less subtle red, but I could live with it I suppose. Anyone any advice on sizing relative to height??

As for the frozen peas... I think I would shy away from the cold, let alone the babny . But will try all other suggestions first, then if all else fails...

Tickle

Definitely go for 75cm. Also pump it up with an electric pump if you've got one until it won't go any bigger (ours got to about 65cm), then let your dh finish it off with a bicycle pump. Worked for us.

I think the frozen peas approach sounds v. harsh! I find even a cool breeze sends my bump into spasms of Braxton Hicks.

Rachey and Horseshoe

Thanks for the tips on ebay, will do as you suggest.

Went back to boots today as I'd forgotten to use my Treat Yourself booklet, and got some fab honey bump butter AND some gorgeous expensive (£16) night cream from no. 7 for free. it's a good little number so far that parenting club isn't it?

Anyone going to see the new Harry Potter film this weekend? I'm a bit of fan, as are dd and ds, so we'll be there on Sat. It better be good, as it's very long and I've booked for 8pm, so I hope I can stay awake.

Also travelling to Derby to pick up my new (second hand) travel system on Friday. I just HOPE it fits in the boot of my tiny micra. I've measured up, and it should do in theory, but I'm not brilliant at that sort of thing.

Hooray

My belly bra has just arrived, and I've tried it on now. It's very comfy, hope it stops bump hurting . It's a kind of bra and vest in one with a big elasticky belt that goes under your bump and a special supportive panel at the back to transfer the weight of your bump to the back (or something).

hi ladies

Wow loads to read we are a chatty lot.

Tickle - I've got a 65cm silver ball I'm sitting on it right now as sitting at the pc on a chair was killing me. It's fine for me but I'm only 5'4". It's been great but needs pumping up again I think.

Horseshoe - I know what you mean about being emotional, poor DP doesn't know what to say right now.

Don't have any advice on how to turn a baby round, mine seem to like being head down, they both favour the same position though as well. back across my middle head to the right and bum under ribs on right hand side. Don't think they like the left hand side of my womb at all. Makes my bump look an odd shape though.

Been a nice sunny day today went food shopping myself for the first time in a long while, wasn't too bad but it took a lot out of me lugging it in and out the car. Decided to talk DD for a walk also 5 minute walk turned into 30 min walk as we had to stop to examine every hedge, gate, wall, puddle etc

Am feeling pretty sore today though it feels like my hips are falling out my pelvis. Heartburn is a nightmare too. Still suppose it could be worse.

PS how do you register for the Boots parenting club? I thought I had but haven't received anything yet?

sweetkitty

check that you're registered on the website www.boots.co.uk they do take ages to get going, but i think i emailed them to ask about the vouchers etc and that seemed to hurry them up a bit.

Tickle - I'm over six foot tall and I have a 65cm ball... it seems to be absolutely fine, so not sure that you really need to go for a 75cm one (I didn't as they all seemed to be more expensive!)... but I suspect that my ball is inflated to way more than 65cm in diameter - judging by eye - as DH pumped it up, and he has fearsome biceps... after all they are VERY stretchy, and alledgedly unburstable.

Iris, what kind of pool did you go for? I am still humming and ha-ing over whether to get one in for homebirth, and I could only really consider an inflatable one due to high cost of hiring a rigid one. I just don't know which make to go for? Any tips?

Lyra, I'll be interested to hear your opinion on new HP film. I've really enjoyed all the books, but find the films a bit of a let down TBH.

Good to see everyone posting so much - hang on in there ladies, we're on the downhill run now !

I still haven't got a ball - Sweetkitty n Lyra - did you get them from Argos in the end? Sorry, I know you've said before. Sweetkitty - there is a number for the parenting club somewhere because I couldn't get it to work online - try ringing and complaining (it did take ages) to make sure you get your preg freebies (you had to apply before 28 weeks for those). Lyra - don't forget your Soltan shimmery (light) fake tan for those xmas parties! Did you get the baby stuff? If you buy a pack of huggies you get a huge huggies changing bag n mat + more freebies + avent bottle + jar n freebies. (reminder to self - buy a breast pump!!). If anyone likes No7 makeup they have a good offer on - spend £15 and get £30 worth of nice bits (cream, makeup etc) in a little bag - nice xmas pressie for someone.

Lyra - the bellybra takes me back 10 years! I had one with ds2 (no idea what happened to it?) because he gave me a hernia - it really held everything in and the back is virtually solid rubber! We have pre-booked tickets to HP on Friday after school - it looks really good but yes nearly 3 hrs?! Unfortunately, it clashes with ds1's scout pedal car racing ceremony - I hope we can get there in time for his trophy!

OOooh hoo, I'm very excited now, I've bought my silver cross big bouncy pram!!!!
I've done a buy it now thing on ebay, and paid £99 for it, quite a bargain if it's in as good nick as the ad says (I hope so!!). THis is the address if anyone wants to look at it:

cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7725002507

Sorry can't do links yet.

Rach

Yes I did get mine from argos. their own brand one is 65cms and £3.99 - a real bargain. Apparently the important thing abt the ball is that your hips are above your knees when you're sitting on it (if you want the baby's head to drop down into the pelvis), and mine aren't on a 65cm ball, I@m 5'8".

Hi all - just a quickie. DD's nano arrived so she wants to get on the PC to get all her music on it.

Lyra did you get yourself a coach build SC in the end then??? - congrats!! Belly bra thing sounds really comfy. I bought a belt (thick elastic with velcro) which is pants. I'm very tempted to try a belly bra as my bump is starting to drag on my knees a bit!!

I just luuuuurve my pool!!! Only hope I can get to use it now but am thinking uber positively so all should be well.
Loomer - I bought it from someone on MN and it was soo lucky as it was exactly the one I wanted! It's a "made in water" one like this and came with an electric pump and thermometer. Have no idea how it rates in comparison to others - I think it's merely personal choice. I just liked the vertical pockets (seems more stable)and the fact that it's oval.

Lyra - We're having a new tank fitted on Fri (not a combi boiler in sight unfortunately) so hopefully it should have sufficient capacity for the pool. I'm hoping to deliver in my treatment room (it was a dining room once and has a handy couch just in case I decide to deliver strapped to it on my back!!(not!)) and hope to take advantage of all the calming vibes. Also handy that there's loads of nice fluffy towels in there

Sweetkitty - your description of your walk with DD really took me back - isn't their innocent wonder at the world just soo appealling (though granted, not quite so when you're trying to rush to do something else!!) It's the simplest little memories that you treasure most isn't it?

Rachey - I bought Huggies & didn't get any freebies but then I did use nearly all my vouchers in one go (including enough No7 stuff to get the red bag of goodies) so they probably thought I'd got far too much already!

Horseshoe - don't worry about the weepiness.... "just let it flow" (to be said in a hippy sylie drawl wearing a flowery shirt and yellow bell bottoms) I've been having bouts on and off for months and have been assured that it is perfectly normal (that phrase "perfectly normal" is really starting to grate btw - I'll stop using it I think!)

Tickle - I'd go for the bigger ball if you're tall. I'm only 5'3 and I've a 65cm. Someone said your knees are supposed to be lower than your hips (I think, - was it you Lyra?) and mine are - but only just.

got to go now - DD whining ( and I thought that that would stop one day !!lol night night girls!