July 2011 we're entering the second half!

[confuddledDOTcom]

F1rstT1meMummy 25/6/11
Ickle: EDD 29/6 pg#1 age 31
Pesha: EDD 30/6 pg#4, age 32, (dd 10yrs, ds1 7yrs, ds2 3yrs)
Blueberryjam EDD 1/7 PG#5 AGE 27 ( 7,6,4 & 8 months)
Loueytbg EDD 1/7 PG#3 Age 37 (DS1&2 3.6, 1 mc)
Tebbles EDD 1/7 PG#1 Age 29 (No DC yet)
Orchid: EDD 1/7 pg#2 age 31 (DS 2)
WolfcubEm83: EDD 1/7 pg#1 age 27
Phlebas: EDD 2/7 PG#10, age 35 (dd1 10yrs, ds 4yrs, dd2 18mo)
Riddzy: EDD 3/7 PG1, Age 31
MadAboutTheBoys 3/7 PG#3 Age 34 (DS1 3yrs; DS2 17 months)
Emmylou30: EDD4/7 pg#1 age 30
Mitchell81: EDD 4/7 pg#4 age 29(dd 10 yrs,ds1 4yrs, ds2 2yrs)
Eglu: EDD 5/7 pg#3, age 33 (DS 7 & 3) - Girl
Twit: EDD 5/7 pg#6 age 35 (3 ds's 12,9,3 one dd 4)
Countrybunkin: EDD 6/7 pg#14 age 26
Miss Lolita: EDD7/7 pg#1 age 31 - girl
ScarIettOHara: EDD 8/7 pg#1 age 34
Oceanfox: EDD 08/07 pg1 age 37
Smiler80: EDD 08/07 pg#1 age 30
Fiatlux: EDD 08/07 pg#1 age 36
MeesaMum: EDD 9/7 pg#1 age 30
wolfhound, EDD 9 July pg#3 age 40 (DS1 is 3 and DS2 is 16 mths)
Mrsfarge: EDD 9/7, pg#4, age 34 (ds 9, dd 3, ds 2)
Scarthy: EDD 10/7 pg#2 age 35 (DS 3yrs)
SpannerPants: EDD 10/7 age 27 pg#1 - boy
emilyplus1: EDD 10/7 pg#2 age 25 (DD 17 months)
confuddledDOTcom: EDD 11/7/11 girl (expected to last until May, ELCS will be mid-June if I last that long and they get their own way) age 30 (3 girls: 1 angel and two amazing girls age 4 and 2)
Sweetiexxx: EDD 11/7 pg#2 age 32 (DD 17 months)
Highheelsandequations EDD 11/7 pg#2 age 30 (no DC yet)
Rarewelshbit: EDD 11/7 age 33 (no DC yet)
Scrivette: EDD 12/7 pg1, age 30 (no DC yet)
canny77 12/7/11
NNABAIW: EDD 13/7 pg#2 age 33 (DD 15 months)
Stottiecake: EDD 13/7 pg2, age 37 (ds 2)
StormBird: EDD 13/7 pg2, age 28 (no DC yet)
Squirrel007 EDD 13/7 PG#1 Age 29 (No DC yet)
BeatrixRotter: EDD 14/7 pg#2 age 34 (DD 2)
kalp12 14/7/11
Sues1974: EDD 15/7 pg#2 age 36 (DS 21 months)
filey1: EDD 16/7 pg#1 age 28 (no DC yet)
pennyly: EDD 16/7 pg#1 age 32 (no DC yet)
JazzS: EDD 16/7 pg#1 age 29 (no DC yet)
Nicolamumof3: EDD 17/7 pg4 age 33 (DS's aged 11.6, 4.11 and 3.3)
youpie: EDD 17/7 pg#2 age 34 (ds 16 months)
Nitnatnaboo: EDD 17/7 pg#2 age 38 (ds 5 yrs)
Highfibrediet EDD 17/7 pg#4 age 38 (ds1 8y, ds2 6y, ds3 2 1/2y)
Fraochsmum: EDD 17/7 pg2 age 33 (dd 11 months)
Hefner: EDD 17/7 pg#1 age 28
a11J: EDD 18/7 p#1 age 21
Stangirl: EDD 19/7 pg2 age 41 (DD 9 months)
Fab123: EDD 19/7 pg#1 age 29
Zanzicat: EDD 20/7 pg#1 age 30
Pregnant inParis: EDD 20/7 pg#1 age 30
isitreallythattime: EDD 20/07 pg#2 age 32
Dynababy: EDD 21/7 pg#1 age 34
FessaEst: EDD 21/7 pg#3 age 30 (mc & DD 13 months)
cara2244: EDD 21/7 pg#2 age 31 (DS 2 years)
FallingandLaughing: EDD 22/7 pg#1 age 33
Geordiemam4: EDD 23/7 pg#4 age 31 (DD age 13, DS age 11, DS age 8)
Brassicababe: EDD23/7 pg#1 age 37
Brightsideoflife: EDD23/7 pg#3 age 33 (DD 19 months)
PixieOnaLeaf EDD 23/7 pg#6 Age 44 (DD1 16, DD2 12, DS 9, DTD1 8 months, DTD2 8 months)
GruffaloMama EDD 23/7 pg2 age 35 (DS 2.1)
Inbetweener EDD 24/7 pg3 age 36 ( DD 8 DD 6 )
LadyGoneGaga: EDD 24/7 pg#3 age 32 (DS age 2.5, mc)
honeybabymoon EDD 24or 25/7 age 30 (no DCs)
Emmywoo: EDD 26/7. pg## age 33 dd 4 and mc
Chocoflakes: EDD 27/7 pg#3 age 37 (dd15,ds13)
Ivegotmrbitey: EDD27/7 pg#1 age 31
SelenaDoula 27/7/11
Sugargirl1: EDD 28/7 pg#2 age 32 (DD 13months)
Badgerwife: EDD 22/7 pg#1 age 30
Buttonmoon78: EDD 29/7 pg#5 age 32 (DCs 13, 10 & 3)
ddas: EDD 31/7 pg#1 age 26
sunshiney78: EDD 31/7 pg 1 age 31
ZuluWarrior: EDD ?/7 pg#3 age 32 (DS 20 months)
JimmyChoo17: EDD 16/07 P#1 Age 29

thanks christmas I'll check that out...initially I blamed the dog as thought he had picked up fleas but realise it's just me! Not with fleas mind ha ha! Itch itch itch....

This might be obvious and silly question but can you all tell easily what is what in your womb by poking about? When my midwife told me baby was head down I couldnt tell the difference between head and bum myself......personally I would have said bubs was the other way round! I do wonder if baby changes daily considering the large lumps moving about when I'm trying to concentrate on stuff at work!

Have got the price of my nct class down so am thinking will book them now. We might have covered this but did any of you ladies nct?

Jimmy I didn't because of the prices, same as you. Just went with the NHS (I hope I am still booked on it and they haven't lost me, little faith!) and the Gentle Birth one which I have next weekend. Also got sent that thing by Bounty but not sure if i'll sign up yet - will wait and see what the others are like first.

Fab that's really interesting re going nappy free at night due to the heat. The other thing I've heard that is different state side is that you don't need to sterilise bottles ? Is that the case ?

Jimmy I have absolutely no idea which bit is which either. I think the baby is lying across the way - transverse/oblique but that's based on kicks rather than anything else. Seeing the midwife tomorrow for my 28 week check so will be interested to see what she says about how the baby is lying..

evening all, think i have a UTI, weeing even more than normal and god is it painful. Hobbling alot tonight but then really been on the go today so to be expected. But have no choice to do things like school run, simple cooking and tidying up. Plus if i don't do washing and ironing then no one else will! HAve had to bring garden chair under washing line now to stand basket and pegs on as just can't get down to them if on ground. Feel about 90yrs old atm!!

On the plus side had my GTT results back they are negative so really pleased about that. Baby is moving loads too, i still have no idea what is what tho with regards to head, bum etc and this is no.4!!

Going to ask mw tomorrow about ante natal yoga as did that in last pg and not sure it helped with birth but think the general relaxing and stretching really really good, and so enjoyable having an hour focused on me and baby

Have restful evenings all. Seems weird all on the home stretch now!

runDMC - You need to sterilize, every bottle to start with (not sure for how long) and then only once a week if you use the sterilize cycle on your dishwasher. They sell sterilization bags which you put your bottles into, seal it and then pop it in the microwave. The bags are reusuable up to 20 times and cost $10 for a roll of 15. I have not seen these in the UK but then again I never looked at baby stuff 5 years ago!

nicola - I hear you on feeling like a 90 year old. I wouldn't know if I had a UTI as I pee every 30mins or so due to the copious amounts of water that I drink (I have a fear of getting a UTI). I have to go to a client tomorrow morning and have looked up places I can stop for a pee as the drive is more than 30mins.

Jimmy - I swear I felt a foot the other day. This rectangle popped up which was about 1.5"x1". The baby has been head down the whole time so I can only assume/hope this was a foot.

Has anyone had their belly button pop? Mine popped last night and I shoved it back in. So far it hasn't popped back out but it is about to go. I have a thing about belly buttons and when it popped last night it kinda freaked me out.

From all my prodding want2b I have no clue....am thinking I felt 2 bums and 1 head last week but there is only one critter in there. I have felt a foot once, tickled it and it retreated!

Belly button is stretching out but no pop yet. My linea negra only goes up to my belly button which I'm told is a girl sign...any truth to that with you ladies?

I have an anterior placenta so very hard to see which bit is which - I can feel the kicks though and assume the larger bump to be the head most times. Lucky I can feel anything I guess with the anterior! Anyone had what feels like scratching? I had a horrid 20 mins or so of her doing something that felt painful inside there about 4 days ago, and it hurt still the next day if she turned and brushed against the area...not sure if that's the explanation but it sure as hell felt like that

My BB popped on the weekend :( After weeks of it being merely slanty. Looks sooo much worse when I laugh and I've taken to covering it when I do, as you would cover your mouth when you cough

My linea nigra starts halfway up my belly and I wasn't sure if it even went under it as I can't see that bit anymore! Been assured that it does by a friend. I'm also having a girl so looks like a myth to me jimmy :)

Well Jimmy - I could swear I have an octopus in me today. The baby has been all over the place.

My belly button is so sensitive and I have been dreading all things belly button related (including the stump that I will have to deal with on the baby).

I am a rather hairy person with pale skin and dark hair. My linea nigra goes all the way up and my belly is furrier. This is supposed to signify a boy but given my disposition towards being hairy I don't think I can consider this a sign!

DH and I were talking about stem cells. He wants to donate our babies stem cells to research. Has anyone done this before? Trying to find out what it will involve as I think it is a great idea but I don't want to sign myself up for being a human guinea pig.

I have signed the form for stem cell research. I believe they cut the cord preserving enough for their use. I think this is due for discussion at my next appointment. It's wasted otherwise so well worth the donation.

fab I am expecting to birth a child with talons had some real scratchy sensations which feels awful! Was it this thread someone mentioned being scratched on the way out? [shudder]

Yes - I remember that - wasn't it button who suffered from the talons?

I really like the cord donation idea too. Here in the US the research is very limited so us donating makes a huge difference.

My linea Nigra is full length I think although quite faint and was with ds2 but never had it all with first 2 dc. And I also have a fluffy tummy, its all very pale, fine hairs except for 3 jet black, thick long hairs I discovered below my belly button the other day, typically the day after I'd seen the MW! I have plucked them out now!! Belly button has not popped nor has it ever, I have a very deep belly button and still not even close to being able to see the bottom of it!

Also have no idea whats what in my bump really. MW told me baby is head down and back along my right side which makes sense as most kicks are on the left side and top. I too have anterior placenta but couldn't really tell with any of the others either so don't think thats really made a difference to me.

Re the sterilising I have read threads on here (with links to evidence and research) about there being no need to sterilise bottles as long as they are well washed and left to air dry - washed in a dishwasher being best. Not sure I'd be brave enough to do that with a newborn if I were bottlefeeding but I don't think I'd bother past 6 months and don't think I did with ds2. Certainly have never bothered with sterilising spoons, bowls, teethers etc. But then I am very lazy and the ease of bfing is a big part of me doing it! Its hard enough waking up in the night to feed a baby, I can't imagine having to actually get up and come down and make bottles etc!!

Have been texting dp and turns out he's finding it quite hard that his brother has called his dd after their nan. Their dad died when dp was not quite 3 and his grandparents then became a very big part of their lives, more like extra parents than grandparents so he took it really hard when she died and it was only last March. Think its just too soon for him. And her name is Poppy so its not like its a name that they'll be using a different nickname for or anything. He won't say anything though and nor will his mum and not really any point as I don't think it will change anything I just feel for him and nothing I can say or do to help. Have suggested we just avoid them for a while!!!

Pesha - Sorry to hear that. One of the names on our list is similiar to a family member who screwed my brother and father when my grandmother passed away. We have spoken to both of them to ask if it is ok to consider this name. My father said it was ok and thanked us for asking him first.

I love America for the fact that they sell premade milk in bags that you insert into a special bottle. You have the 10 second electric bottle warmers too so no need to bother mucking around making bottles or warming them up in middle of the night! While it is quite wasteful and expensive it is genius.

pesha sorry to hear that news.

......today's find.....stretch marks :-(

The only part of my body without them pre pregnancy now has them (belly)

Unhappy pregnant jimmychoo today....wanting to throw the bio oil out the window....I knew would prob get them as it's genetic but I've got at least 10 weeks more to go and dreading getting more and even bigger ones.

Boo hoo....I know that prob sounds very vain in comparsison to getting my baby as a result but really dreading my post birth body. Think that will be the hardest thing with hubby too.

Never mind jimmy they'll fade after a while and you might not be able to see them.
MW appointment went fine, everything normal, bump still measuring big (33 instead of 31) BabyTwit is head down but still not kicking my ribs, so not sure how that works Was told to take the paracetamol regularly to keep me going. Meh.
How is everyone today? The school run was slow but not too bad in the end, and hopefully I'll sleep well tonight being more tired out.

Hope so twit am now avoiding scales and mirrors until baby is walking ;)

Glad your appointment went well. How do they determine your size, is that just by the measuring tape?

My maternity cover has been shortlisted now....got to admit I feel very wary about it!! Can't wait for baby to arrive so I can stop worrying about silky things!

Yes - twas me with the ds with great talons. I maintain to this day that it was revenge for putting him through ecv.

Speaking of which, I'm thinking we're heading that way with this one. I'm convinced he's breech as all the strong kicks are downwards. Some make you feel like you need a poo (!) some like they're going to pop out elsewhere! It's most odd and quite a unique sensation IME. It's been that way every day since I could feel movement TBH so I'm thinking this one's following family precedent and settling into place.

Pesha sounds like your outlaws have had a sensitivity bypass.

Nic have you spoken to someone about pain relief? I shall nag til you do!

My belly button is still stretching flat but not yet popped. I'm expecting it though. It did with dd1 but not with the others as I was smaller. Don't think I'm going to get away with it this time though!

Jimmy it is perfectly natural to worry about what this is doing to your body. My mum was ace and at about 8m with dd1 she sat me down and told me a few home truths which whilst they scared the life out of me meant I was a little prepared for afterwards. And some were not as bad as I expected - she said I'd probably still look pg for ages. I didn't, I just had this pouch which felt like it was swinging in the breeze! But it does become less important until you begin to feel like doing something about it at which point it's already become much less dramatic.

Hi all, sorry to hear about the pain you ladies are experiencing. For me I never recovered the energy I lost in fists trimester, and unlikely to now at 31 weeks! Feel constantly fatigued. Anyway, I feel the same as you jimmy re concerns over post baby body and dh. I already feel distinctly unattractive with the (nearly) 2st weight gain! Like you say tho, once the little bubba's safely in our arms that's all that matters. Feeling a bit flat today re an incident with an online company - baby mattresses online. I ordered a mattress for the cradle weeks ago and with their 'delivery in 7 working days' policy had expected to have received it by now. MAde some enquires re whereabouts of order only to receive an extremely sarcastic and rude response 'apologising' for the royal wedding and the 'inconvenience' this has caused to my delivery?! So unprofessional. V disappointed with the attitude of this company who were keen enough to accept my end of the contract, ie my money, but not so enthusiastic about providing the goods. Hmmm no repeat business here me thinks. RAnt over, grrr.

Morning all,

Im 29 weeks today its really going now ! I cant wait to be 30 weeks next week, I really feel like its some sort of milestone I need to pass lol.

Am at work today and I feel rubbish it has to be said. Im usually ok but I am feeling dizzier and sicker by the minute. Im not sure why, or what the problem is. Im off tommorrow so dont want to ask to go home, but I just feel so dizzy its horrible.

Hi everyone, sorry to hear so many of you are in pain. I've been really lucky so far, I've just had itchy ankles and lots of heartburn although I've really started to notice myself feeling heavier and more uncomfortable since I've hit the third trimester. I think my belly button will pop soon and I'm dreading it, for some reason the thought of it makes me feel really squeamish!

I can never tell which way up the baby is, it usually seems to kick near my ribs on the right but it can often kick several different places within a few minutes, maybe it's doing somersaults! I'm seeing the midwife tomorrow so hopefully she'll be able to tell me where it is.

I'm starting an NCT class this weekend and I'm quite nervous. I'm looking forward to meeting other people at a similar stage as none of our friends have got kids yet, but the course is in the next town and I'm quite shy so I'm a bit worried I won't find people to meet up with afterwards.

Hello all

Just marking my place really.

Also getting tired and achy, but enjoying the increased baby movements (despite anterior placenta).

Have to do a GTT next week due to +4 glucose in urine. That's despite having had glucose in my urine in all previous pregnancies and never having had gestational diabetes. My sister had the same in both of her pregnancies. I feel the midwife is trying to cover herself, rather than recommending something that is actually necessary. Even the GP said, "oh we haven't taken any notice of glucose in urine for about 25 years and I don't think you need a GTT but I will refer you if that's what the midwife wants".

So I'm a little pissed off about this, and wish I'd stuck my ground and just said I didn't believe it was necessary. But now I've booked the test I feel I will draw attention to myself if I back out!

I am, however, excited about having picked up quite a few cloth nappies on the Freecycle equivalent over here. I had given away loads before moving as this little one wasn't planned. I know it will add to the laundry but I really like cloth nappies :) and at least ds3 is dry during the day so it shouldn't be too much trouble.

I've put on nearly 2st too and feeling quite heffalumpy. Although I did find a top in a size 10 that still fits in Fat Face today! I was quite but it has an empire line and I think is long to go over leggings like a tunic top :) It cheered me up when they said they didn't have the shoes I wanted in a 41 and couldn't get them delivered, anyway. See, I was trying to be sensible and just get comfy shoes. Not my fault I walked away with a new top instead, honest guv'nor!

At the risk of sounding like a crazy hippy (which I can assure you I'm really not!) I decided to book in for a tarot card reading tomorrow. There's a shop in town and my friend cajoled me into one when I was 25. Found the tape from it last night and was quite surprised by how apt his palm reading was (baby at 28/29, lots of career changes around this time, going it alone for a bit etc, etc). At the time it didn't really register (was quite career minded back then) but now it seems to fit into place a bit. Anyway, rather than being stuck at home I thought I'd go out and see what he has to say now and try the cards instead. It's probably some psychological thing about feeling in control, but hey! I get it on tape and can play it to Fi when she's old enough if anything interesting is said!

Mortified to discover a dangleberry (sorry if that's TMI) in the shower this morning :( It's small and doesn't hurt but worried about it evolving and being painful. Any advice for these and do they go away/get sucked back in after birth?

Hi ladies - my sympathies to anyone struggling now with pains, heartburn etc. mine don't seem too bad at the moment but still got another 10 weeks to go!

Went to see midwife today and all is well - Iron levels have dropped a little but not enough to need supplements and she thought baby was lying horizontal (last scan was breech so he/she definitely doesn't know where to be at present) head definitely not down anyway. She said its nothing to worry about until 36 weeks. She's booked me again for 2 weeks as have another scan at 34 weeks.

Nursery is finally ready and I seem to be getting myself organised - kinda makes everything seem real now. DS is also getting excited and gives bump a kiss and cuddle everyday - bless.

Heres to the last few weeks for us all and hopefully it would be a long and painful time.

I can't wait for single figure countdown! 30 on Saturday. I'm working until 38 weeks health permitting.

Hefnerthat's my worry about nct...I got moved from my local course to the next town and even earlier than planned. I then thought what if everyone s local to that one...if I want to socialise I'll have to be driving too far when I am not earning as much so things like petrol/socialising are too much of extra expense! Too much to think about and weigh up am thinking as its not what i was originally offered i should just not bother! Would be nice to learn that bit more and get good support tho.....let me know how u get on!

Oooo Button I am sure this one has talons too. Ouch ouch ouch!!

My skins really itchy today so presume that's my stretch marks coming thru... :-(

Button share you stories prepare us first timers :-)

scotty have heard great things about that site if things go well but awful things if it goes wrong. Good luck getting sorted I was looking at ordering from there, I might avoid!

I guess it was a collection of reality checks and tips really. Things like:

• as already mentioned, you may well still look pg for some time
• if you breastfeed you'll probably smell of cottage cheese for a few weeks until it becomes more on demand
• if you have stitches, lean forwards when you wee or better still, wee in the bath
• taught me how to breastfeed lying down
• if you don't end up breastfeeding, it's not the end of the world (took me til #3 to accept this one though!)
• never, ever fail to do your pelvic floors
• swaddling a newborn is a skill to be learned (and once learned used a lot!)
• cheese and chocolate are full of calcium therefore a must if you're bf
• giving birth to a breech baby naturally is over-rated (I was breech, meant to be 3/4 but she stuck at 3!)

All sorts of things really. I'll add more as I remember them!

Pelvic floor exercises....I have to admit I have not been as good with them as I would have hoped...maybe because I get a really weird sensation in that region doing them now and it makes me feel weird in my fanjo!???! Anyone have any weird things like that?

I have a pelvicore DVD I need to watch that my friend gave me who worked at tena lady!