April 2011 - nearly there, all set for dropping Mofo C bombs in the delivery room

[SnapFrakkleAndPop]

Executive decision that at 987 posts we're moving over!

New challenge - can we fill up 1000 posts before the first babies arrive, given that we managed to keep our legs crossed all through the last one?!

First babies are due, officially, next month but are there any in such a hurry to see the world that they can beat our chatting?

Aussiemum2be I've got perineal gel on my list but not sure whether to ask DH to help?! Is perineal massage easy to get the hang of??? Anyone else??

Sling wise I've been told the BabyBjorn Active is much better support-wise so that's what we've been looking at... haven't bought yet though.

Just back from the gym which has helped cheer me up as just having one of those totally irrationally feeling miserable type days. Eating huge portion of spinach before diving into chocolate brownies...

I think we all had rubbish sleeps last night, mine was awful, couldn't get comfortable and felt like I was writhing about all night messing with wees and cushions, horrid to feel so rubbish at work on a Monday.

Aussie I'm most admiring of the due date aim, I'm working until the 1st April and EDD is 25th April, keep pondering whether to move it forward. Initially I suppose I was thinking more paid time off after the baby is best, but it's such a hard slog now to do a full day with hardly any sleep that I can't imagine another five weeks of it.

In other news, I have my Gall Bladder full abdominal scan on Thursday - have had horrible pulling pains all weekend just below my right boob and is really getting me down now, just want to know what it is. Upside is that my little bean is a jumperoo and letting me know he/she is ok thank god.

Fat coke has the same effect on me/bean KIT and weirdly I found it far too sweet and hard to digest before, now I want it all the time, and am allowing myself one can per day as a guilty, caffiene laced pleasure.

No Baby shower for me either, though am under considerable pressure from sisters, sister in law and work girls to have one, but other than presents, I don't really know what they're for....

My TMI question of the day: Anyone else been getting infrequent runny bottom - to the extent of a trump once or twice a week is a little errrmmm....wet? Or is that just me and me weirdo aches, pains and suspect gall bladder? It is odd considering I've been swigging lactulose once a day fro the whole duration of my pregnancy....but once the runny trump has gone, the constipation is back. Sorry....

Hi everyone
Well, inspired by this thread I gave my boobs a quick squeeze this weekend and was HORRIFIED to see stuff come out. Really don't know why it freaked me out so much but it did. So now nobody's allowed to touch them in case they leak and I get squicked out. I say nobody. Really just me & DP are the only likely contenders. But we're both Hands Off.

sats1977 whilst I'm not you've got carpal tunnel, I'm glad to have someone that understands my misery. I've had it since about 20 weeks, and it's driving me nutso. Also getting progressively worse. It's by far my most painful and irritating pregnancy symptom. Have no strength of grip left, and now my thumb siezes up and I can't bend it if I don't move my fingers for half an hour or so. I read carpal tunnel is dead common, but haven't seemed to find many people on here suffering from it. But then I never got morning sickness, so swings and roundabouts I suppose.

Gym balls - yep, totally agree, I find it really comfy

And slings - my friend, who is a sling devotee is aghast at the baby bjorns. The Active one is more expensive and has better back support than the rest, but none of them support the baby very well - apparently they should be supported knee to knee not just at the groin. The 'rucksack' style carriers don't do that, whereas fabric slings will do (as well as being much better for the carrier because they spread the weight right over you, don't concentrate it on straps). I've got a Moby wrap ready and waiting. She swears it's not a problem for the back, but I'm sure everyone differs with that, and I have no experience myself. She's still carrying her 13mo, though, and she's never got around to buying a pushchair, although she had assumed she would by now. She reckons if you do it all the time then your muscles develop as your baby grows. She thinks if she went onto part time sling carrying now she'd lose the ability to do it, so it's all or nothing when they get a bit heavier. I think smaller babies are less of a problem, though.

Enough from me - off to pregnancy yoga to commune with the baby elephant. I am not sure about the hippydippy bit, but I like the bit at the end where we have a little lie down and she puts blankets over us and gives us a head massage! Not sure it's exercise, but I'm not complaining.

Hello Team April!

First day back after half term has me wishing I was on leave already!

I've had strong and painful BH all day. I can feel it in my lower back and cervix. Anyone know when they stop being BH and become 'real'.

I can't decide if there's anything actually going on, or I'm just being a wimp! Would feel a bit stupid to finish early, or take sick days for it, only to go 2 weeks overdue!

Lovely weekend in Devon for DH's 30th birthday. I (sort of) managed to keep up with everyone, although walking on a soft beach really aggrivated SPD. Hey-ho.

Re sleeping I have stumbled across something that has sort of changed my life...silky PJs! Apologies if you're all already up on this, but i'd read about it and SPD means I am virtually immobile in bed. A quick trip to M&S has literally changed my life. Makes turning, rolling and sliding so much easier. I love it.

Highly recommend to all.

Ecuse, sorry to hear you've got the carpal tunnel syndrome too, sounds worse than mine and the fact you've had it since 20 wks can't have been fun. Well, at least it should go away after the baby's arrived!

I'm very jealous of the head massage you get at the yoga, at my class we just lie down in the end and then the teacher brings us tea. But I enjoy the chats afterwards, the teacher tells us about other people's birth stories that have attended the classes, it's really interesting to hear.

We're off for a second antenatal class tomorrow night, missed last week's one as hubby was ill...

thanks :)

ooh

WTF didn't I think of that 3 months ago????

petalouda - I know this sounds patronising (but please believe me it's not meant to be) but you will know when you are having contractions rather than BH's. It is different for everyone, but contractions tend to start off feeling much like lower back period pains.

If it's any consolation, my BH's are painful and have had me rolling around huffing and puffing.

SarahJ - could the lactulose be the reason for the runny bum?

I don't have spd, but quite fancy some silky pj's.

I've also heard a good spd tip of sitting on a plastic bag in the car, it's then easier to swing round to get out.

And I've been meaning to put a plastic bag in the car for months, duh.

Sarahj - actually I've read multiple times that severe constipation often leads to 'leakage' as the more fluid-ey bit leak past the blockage. Might be worth seeing a doc re something stronger for the constipation?

My BHs often take my breath away, they can be quite painful, and as i didn't really have them before I've found myself wondering if I'll know the difference
The main thing is regularity & intensification :) i think so anyway.
My BHs are all over the shop and don't get any stronger.

bouncing away on my ball :)

I've just realised that NotAnother hasn't posted for ages - she had been back and forth to hospital a couple of times hadn't she? Hope you are ok NotAnother :)

I've just had a lovely stretch on my ball, back and sides feel much better :)

Ali ? It?s lovely to be missed!

Sorry I haven?t posted, I?m absolutely knackered with running around after DD and coping with the killer BHs. I turned into a bit of a lazy lurker, but my heart was in my mouth for kitstwins last night!

I had to waddle extremely fast to make it to my MW appt this morning. It was pouring with rain and poor DD wet herself on the way, as I hadn?t made time to put her on the potty before we left. When I got there, MW told me she wouldn?t be able to see me as she was just going out on her rounds and helpfully pointed out that my appt was actually for tomorrow . I cried, then DD and I went to get cake .

I have been looking at my birth plan tonight, I?m really hoping for a water birth in hospital ? but will see how I feel on the day with re pain relief. With DD1, I mainly used TENS and G&A, but I was very lucky that it was a fast labour (10hrs) and straight forward birth. If there are any complications (e.g. if DD2 is back to back or I need to be induced), then I will be tempted to go for an epidural.

Re slings: I inherited a Mothercare one but upgraded to a Baby Bjorn Active which was an absolute life saver. DD had reflux, which meant she hated lying flat and the only way she would get any peace was if DH/I walked the streets with her strapped to one of us all day. If any of you have a baby that seems to cry and cry for no reason, please remember to Google ACID REFLUX!!

Night all x

Morning April Ladies!

I'm up with the larks today! Just couldn't lie there any longer! I have my and raisin wheats for company!!

I've been wearing my silky PJs but only on the bottom half as the top half would get really twisted and threaten to cut off various parts of my torso! But they do help! I also find when turning to "turn under" rather than over puts less stress on my sore bits.

MW today! Double checked after NotAnother yesterday. Poor you! If it makes you feel any better I apparently had an appointment last week with the anethsitist (sp??). I had no idea at all, not even a "oh shit" moment when the letting "telling me off" for missing it came through. I called and they don't want to see me anymore, but will happily see me when I pitch up in labour! Great! I don't think I want an epidural anyway. Ina May has inspired me!

My friends mum is the supervisor of midwives in another area, so she has givien me some tips on how to get to use the birthing pool for pain relief. I was told that I couldn't use the pool because of my BMI initially, but if I say it's only for pain relief and I don't intend to birth there, they should be happier with that. I can only ask! There is no guarantee there will be a pool available anyway, so I have alternatives.

What do I need bedding wise? I have those sleeping bag things, but not sure if I need anything else. obviously will need sheets for the mattress (moses basket and cot), anything else?

Morning all.

I think I'm going to have to have some words with my Little Insect because it really doesn't get the 'having a lay in' thing! Leave the bladder alone baby, mummy wants to go back to sleep!

Notanother I'm hoping for a hospital water birth using G&A as well (if the pool is free when I need it!). I have an appt to meet the MWs at the MLU next week so should probably have some sort of birth plan written down to take with me to remind me of the questions I want to ask.

As for the appointment confusion if it makes you feel better I'm always turning up hours/days early/late for appointments. I'm dyslexic and not only have trouble with date/time formats but also struggle telling the time on analogue clocks. Has caused in the past!

Lis bedding wise I've got some blankets (cellular ones mostly and a couple of fleecy ones) to use until the baby is big enough to use the sleeping bags as their heads are a little small to use them to begin with. For the moses basket I just got some extra pillow cases instead of sheets.

Silky PJ's sound fab, though I will admit I've not been able to wear anything in bed for months, it's all just too uncomfy against my skin!

Morning all.

Slept well last night compared to the night before when like everyone else i was up for the loo, a dead hand and hip ache. We stayed at in laws, wont be doing that again this side of PG. Feel more tired today though.

cycle how's the kitchen?

Sassy I have a cot2tot sling. It looks like the kari me one. I got it on ebay brand new and cheaper but here's the link www.cot2tot.co.uk/products.php?cat=3 I had a go of it at the baby show last year. It looks more complicated than it is, leat i hope thats still the case when i go to use it! Also saw someone at an NTC sale wearing one and i said it looked like Origami and she swore it's fab.

Thaney i have never been known for my patience. How i am a receptionist i will never know, but my tolerance has hit rock bottom!

Sats enjoy your baby shower this weekend. Mine is on 19th march. Really looking forward to it. As yet all i know is the date as my SIL is organising it.

Sarah I have IBS and last week woke up in the night for a p and ended up emptying pure liquid from my bowels. Very odd. Normally i know it's coming but this surprised me. I am putting it down to the sultana bran i have been having every morning.

Notanother Did the cake help? Hope today is better!

Notanother and beetle i also want a pool birth if its free. What are you planning on wearing if anything? I am thinking bikini top at least to start with!

Well i spent the day with my MIL Sunday and she actually complimented me for once. You may remember she always asked me what my weight is doing! Well she said i have hardly gaines, and she said i hardly have stretch marks. so ner to her. She used to be a MW and as useful as that can be she's from the old school!
I start my mat leave 31st March. Feels like ages away though. I am using upcoming plans to count down. This weekend is busy. Then next weekend DH and his parents are decorating the nursery, the following week the new carpets coming, then the following weekend DH is building the furniture and it's my baby shower.

Hi everyone!

I had a fab night last night, which is bizarre as I basically threw out my fortress of pillows except one with goes under my waist and cushions the bump. No waking for the loo, no tossing amd turning, it was great.

kitty I know what you mean about patience. I think my students are getting scared of me...

Jealous of all of you with baby showers! Sadly I don't have many female friends here and it's not really the done thing anyway. I'd love to see all my girly friends one last time (and be fussed over!). I wouldn't want presents though. I'm being so picky about baby stuff it's unreal!

Hope the kitchen gets sorted soon cycle

beetle I'm the same about clothes in bed - have been sleeping in sift bra and knickers!

lis bedding-wise layers are your friend. I petsonally swaddle tinies in a muslin and cover with a blanket if necessary then move to sleeping bags as baby grows. You won't want anything too heavy so several blankets to go over a swaddle/light-tog gro-bag and you should be set.

I can't be bothered to do anything today - achieved coffee with a friend this morning but don't want to go book appointment with anaesthetist or go to antenatal class or anything. I actually just want to stay home and sort things. Maybe go to the supermarket and get some stackable boxes for baby stuff and a few nighties for hospital....

Forget lesson planning though!

Morning girls, unfortunately the kitchen is still in bits

I reckon he'll get it done but I would actually sell my soul for a washing machine right now!

Yesterday I was completely spaced out all day. My BHs don't hurt, they're just uncomfortable and stop me sleeping so I was zonked. I didn't sleep much last night either as DP was very restless and the SPD was playing up. Ouch!

Nearly cried watching OBEM last night. Watching the c-sections just made me even more conflicted about the birth.

My mode of delivery appt is 10 March and I have no idea what the decision will be.

Physiologically, my mum and I are very similar and she couldn't do natural birth as her pelvic cavity just wasn't big enough and we were all forehead presentation. But I'm bigger than her all over so I might be ok.

Then there's my congenital hip dysplasia, and the unknown quantity that is the development of my pelvic cavity. Can I get my legs back far enough to open my pelvis, is the pelvic cavity the right shape/size, is the baby enormous?

It might be fine, maybe I'll sail through and natural birth won't be a problem, but what if it isn't?

Aaaargh, am so confused. Part of me really wants a natural birth as the recovery time is generally better, it's what you imagine you'll have when you imagine birth etc, but then I worry I'm being selfish and it'll be safer to just go for a section. But they might not even let me have one!

Sorry ladies, as you can see, it's preying on my mind somewhat.

Ditto that cycle i was yelping at the c-sections! Hope your appointment goes well! Big hugs xx

Cycle - I cried watching OBEM last night too. If it helps, I don't think that those sections were 'typical'.
Mine was an EMCS, but the mood in theatre was much more lighthearted, we were all chatting and the radio was on! I've been told that for an elective I could choose some music if I wanted to. I think both those births were incredibly tense and emotional because of all the problems surrounding, but I don't think they were representative of having a section IYSWIM?

I am totally with you on the turmoil though - I've agreed a VBAC if I go into labour naturally, and I've got a section booked for 2 days after my due date. And I'm STILL going over it in my head and wondering whether if I go into labour I might just turn up and demand a section anyway!!
I have this huge fear that my scar from last time is going to rupture. I know it is rare, but it happened to one of my best friends, so it isn't just a remote statistic for me. My additional fear is that I am going to be so terrified about rupture, that it prevents my body from labouring properly and I shut down and need another EMCS.

Lis - definitely get some pram and cot sized blankets. Unless your baby is massive then you won't be able to use the sleeping bags right away because the baby has to be big enough that it's head won't slip down inside the bag.
Blankets are also v.useful for the pram, the car, cuddles! I used to wrap DS in one when I was feeding him so that I could then put him down in something warm - otherwise the change of temperature being laid down onto a sheet or whatever would invariably wake him up!

Morning - Is there a warning attached to the OBEM from last night? Was planning on watching it this lunchtime but not if it's traumatic.

Cycle poor you over all the decisions about labour. From what I understand very few women (less than 1%) have a pelvis too small to deliver their baby. And it's not selfish to consider your health and happiness as well as the baby's. The more comfortable and happy you are, the happier the baby's first few days will be.

kittycat also just had weekend at in-laws sleeping on a queensize sofa bed which is taking on the shape of a hammock. God it was like a horrific endurance test. Have never been so glad to get back to my own bed last night. DP's folks have always been so good to me but I have the patience of a feral cat at the moment so had to make myself scarce plenty of times so I didn't bite their heads off.

It is highly unlikely that there will be another child after this one is born as realistically we can only afford 2 and other half is turning 44 on my due date. So I really wanted to enjoy every minute of this pregnancy but... enough already. With 6 weeks to go the SPD is crippling, I will spare you the details of the constipation but the pain is not far off labour at times, and to top it all I've got thrush which feels like someone has filled my knickers with itching powder(apologies TMI). And I'm very crabby and a horror to be around. So 4 weeks from now I'll be trying every method known to get labour kick started as soon as.

DD at nursery today and I have a pile of IKEA furnite that has just arrived and needs building. All I want to do though is collapse in a bath with a book. Bath might win.

To totally change subject there was a bit of chat on here earlier about perineal massage. What oil can you use or do you have to buy specific tailor made oil? Have just googled and there seems to be a lot that you can order on-line but just wondered if Boots or wherever stocked it. Though I'm not sure I can face asking for it. I once asked a young lad working in Boots if they stocked mooncups. I had to explain what it was and the poor lad went crimson. Then I had to send him off and get a larger size as women have larger vaginas post labour. I'm sure he resigned later that day.

My best mates granny has knitted a beautiful shawl for kitten which will be one of his swaddled / cuddle blankets.

Alibaba 2 c sections. One of them with a v sad story and the other with twins, one of which had a tum prob. Both were very clinical and serious and emotional. I dont think i am squamish but c sections make me go a bit weak at the knees.

lol at the mooncup story

Jaylar - I had awful recurrent thrush when I was pg with ds1. The bloody MW's had no advice whatsoever and just suggested the cream which was a complete waste of time because it soothes the itch but doesn't treat the infection. I found that my trigger was (surprise surprise) yeast. I realised that I was having two slices of toast for breakfast, a sandwich at lunchtime, then sometimes something like garlic bread or pitta with my evening meal. Also the vagina has more glucose in when you are pregnant (something else the infection feeds on), so some people find that cutting out as much sugar as possible works for them. Also washing your underwear, towels and bedding at as higher temp. that you dare to kill the infection.

I have mothercare perineal gel. Apply it intermittently though!

Lis I've also got some swaddling by Grobag company. This one. It's shape makes it easier to swaddle the baby, but you can use any blanket and find online instructions on how to fold it. If you do decide to buy swaddle shape wrap in advance then I'd just advise buying one to start with as some babies hate being swaddled, others love it. Until DS was big enough to use the sleeping bags I swaddled him and put a cellular blanket over him to sleep at night...although that was December so we might not need the blanket too in April/May...

Oh and re sheets first time round I only bought 2 fitted sheets for the moses basket thinking 'one on bed, one in wash'. Was almost reduced to tears when by day 2 I had no sheet to put down as DS rudely spewed on one then shat on the other . This time round I'm having 4 minimum!

On the sling front, I have a Baby Bjorn which was great from about the 3mth point but before that I found DS kept rubbing his face on the side strap bits and generally flopping about. This time round I'm keenly listening to all your advice on which material wrap style one is best so I can use that for the earlier months. Keep the tips coming!