Jue in June 2011....... third trimesters here we come!!!!!

[Clarkiee]

Hello,
Started a new thread ladies, fingers crossed it works xx

Oh spg - how exciting - what is your thesis on?

What a surprise Moomin! Huge congratulations and it's a beautiful name. I must admit I'm slightly teary too. Come back and tell us all the details when you can.

Right, I'm off to think about hospital bags......

Oh my goodness me I can't believe it! Congratulations moomin I am thrilled for you, your DH and little Florence Ruby. I can't believe we've already got a little baby on this thread! So glad to hear she's doing well - that's a good, strong weight she's made it to as well :) My cousin had a baby at Christmas at 41 weeks and she was only 4lbs 1 oz! So Florence was doing brilliantly at 29 weeks!

Nobody asked what merlion was doing posting at that time in the morning

Moomin Congratulations! What a huge suprise for you both. Beautiful name for your gorgeous daughter. Take care of you and your little one and try to rest as much as possible while Florence gains her strength. Super chuffed for you and your dh

Wow Moomin, huge congratulations!. Florence sounds like she's doing very well, and I'm sure the NICU staff are taking great care of her.

If you need any advice at all please feel free to pm me. DD was prem (but not nearly as early as Florence) and I got huge amounts of support from a prem baby group. A lot of my friends from there had little ones around 28 - 31 weeks. It is a very stressful and emotional time, but you will be amazed at how you can cope, and how resilient the babies are.

Also, I contacted the breastfeeding counsellor who was a star and really helped me breastfeed.

Hope you're ok, despite the shock (and fast labour is one hell of a shock to the system too!). Massive congratulations again and keep us posted xxxxx

Mrs So far I've gained about 22lbs at 29 weeks but the last 2 pregnancies I gained 42lbs in total (3 stone). I have to say I am now feeling much better since I stopped weighing myself . The first time I lost the lot before dd was 10 months, didn't manage that second time but never mind! I have been told that it doesn't make a difference to the weight of the baby unless there is GD playing a role.

I've also found it easier to not pig out as much once I stopped worrying about what I was eating . . . I have a terrible habit of buying things like biscuits, starting to eat them and then finishing the packet claiming I won't be touching anything like that the next day so should get rid of them now. Obviously I buy another packet the next day and do the same !

Moomin - you get the honour of being the first person to add to the stats list of arrivals

at Moomin's news! Congratulations! What a lovely name! I hope you get to cuddle her very soon, and please keep us updated as much as possible. Right, need to start ticking things off that "To buy and to do list" everyone!

Sasamaxx can I ask have you every tried the baby bjorn baby carrier? I've been kindly given one brand new and am wondering what they are like?

Congratulations Moomin and MrMoomin and welcome to the world Florence Ruby. Enjoy cuddling your daughter, I'm off for a secret cry in the loo another wee.

Mrs I am 26+5 and have put on about a stone, but was a size 16 to begin with.

Crumble How do they tell the estimated baby weight from the bump? What did they measure/say?

I know Im going on and on and on about maternity leave (sorry!!) but prompted by supersunny (and *moomin's news today, despite the fact that Im really expecting a "late" baby given that my 2 were late), Im really starting to rethink my maternity leave plans.

As you know I started this new new job (transfer) after much kicking up/ meetings/ threats of submitting grievence after years of bullying in my old department (mostly pregnancy related). It took alot to get this position and I absolutely love it. I want to keep it. My contract is very vague and as Im public sector, I could be put/ redeployed anywhere upon my return (legit), including my old department . Because of this and the fact that we've a huge project in our department taking place this year and I wont be covered when on maternity leave, I've committed to coming back after the basic 26 weeks maternity - not taking any additional maternity leave (up to 16 weeks) or any of my accrued annual leave (although boss has kindly agreed to me having Christmas off with kids etc.. ). I was also going to work right up to the 38 week mark (when you have to go on maternity leave by statute here) in order to further secure my new position. I think Im being a bit silly really.

I've exams the first and second weeks of May (at 36/37 weeks pregnant) and will be working for another week after them. Im getting tired and have loads of nesting and cleaning and organising (and shopping!) to get done at home - hate the thoughts of leaving it all until the 2 weeks before due date. Would also love some time with my ds and dd with no college or work before arrival of new baby (particulary for poor ds as hes so little).

Im wondering if it would be unreasonable for me to ask to finish on Friday 29th April and take annual leave (as Ill have loads given Id usually save it to use at the end to spend with baby but am obliging by not). It means Ill be going about 2 and a half weeks before boss expected me to but with the bank holiday and the fact I would have had to book 3 days off in May to sit my exams anyway, its actually only 9 working days - seems very little but to me would mean the world as its 5 weeks and something away as opposed to 8 and I can say after next week that Im on leave "next month" .

Ill be 35 weeks and 2 days pregnant (but not finished college for 2 weeks after that so technically wont be on leave until 37 weeks)

Barbie You have so much on, and you want to be in a really good frame of mind when the new baby comes, and given it's only nine work days anyway, so yeah, give early maternity notice using your leave and don't look back.

You can't control the redeployment side of things, so get out as soon as is decent, put your feet up for at least five minutes, then give yourself the time you need for exams and nesting and just all the mental preparation I assume a new baby in the family will need. I can't believe how much you have on!

For those of you waiting to shop, like me - how long are you leaving it? I'm nearly 27 weeks and was thinking of about another eight before I bought anything, if not ten. Weirdly, Moomin's little bundle at 29 weeks just never seriously occurred to me, so drummed in is the 'first babies are always late' view. Should I be getting over superstition, and just be acting like a grown-up parent-to-be? I've inherited exactly nothing as I'm the first to go around, so everything will be bought. But things can happen so fast!

Barbie - yes I have had a baby bjorn.
After using Tomy carriers, I found a Bjorn a lot better - easier to get on, fool-proof and carries baby a bit higher. It kind of introduced me to carriers, so I do respect them in that sense. There is nothing particularly wrong with them, but I've since found much better carriers that hold the baby higher up, let them sit in a comfortable position - with their knees higher than their hips (rather than them dangling by their crotch), are useable for a far longer length of time, are more comfortable and supportive for the wearer, and can be used on the back as well as the front. There is also an issue with spinal compression with structured carriers as the fabric may be too rigid to mould to, and support the spine.
In saying all that, though, since they aren't the most supportive, you probably wouldn't wear it long enough for the hip placement and spinal compression issues to be a problem. There hasn't really been enough research done on these things anyway, but interestingly, Baby Bjorn have now launched a carrier which mimicks the positioning of the other carriers here - note the more seated position, but the baby is still quite low down.

Anyway - sorry for rambling - in a nutshell, they are good because they are sooooo easy to use, so are fab for introducing someone to carrying their baby in a carrier. There are, IMO, far better carriers out there, but if someone has given you one for free, it could be useful at the start, and if you enjoy carrying your baby, you could progress to another carrier after a while. They sell well on ebay too.

Hope that wasn't too rambly and confusing

Massive congratulations to Moomin, DH and beautiful Florence Ruby :) I love love love her name and I bet she's the most gorgeous little thing. What a shock that must have been! I'm sure she's having the very best of care and you'll be taking her home in no time.

Ohmigod! That's the weirdest thing! I was thinking yesterday it's a bit strange Moomin hasn't posted for a while and THIS IS WHY!!! Well that's it ladies, it has begun! Who had a tenner on Moomin then?

Mrs I've put on 3 stone/28lbs at 27+5. Am trying not to freak out about it, I eat healthily, I know my baby is getting all the nutrients she needs and if I eat too much cake on top of that, well it can be forgiven seeing as how I'm feeling so bloody crap!

Barbie I think you should take the extra time off personally. Your family is what counts and if you're getting stressed and tired it won't be doing them or you any good. Surely they can't send you off somewhere else because of maternity leave as you're legally entitled to it?

Barbie - yes I think using your AL in that way is a good idea. I don't blame you for being a bit concerned about the job but you need to look after yourself. As you boss has already agreed to let you have Xmas off, s/he sounds like they think highly of you :)

Barbie I also think you should take the leave; you have soooo much going on, and although you sound like Superwoman to me, what with your exams, and your job, and your little troop to look after, I think you will really appreciate that time off when you look back, all for the princely sum to your employer of 9 working days. Lecture over. Will get back to my cake frenzy .

thank you all so much for the obviously brilliant advice (in my favour ) I definately think Im going to ask. Need to get up the nerve now (am such an idiot!) ooh excited now! this means I've 5 weeks in work - not 8 (hold it barbie, dont count your chickens).

Sasamaxx thanks a million - thats excellent. I'll see how it goes but it will give us a trial run at least at how we like slings (we've never used one before). Im suspecting my DH will love it though. If it works out, I will definately be on to you (hopefully on our new baby group) seeking advice on another one .

The same fabulous cousin also gave us this double buggy www.mothercare.com/Mothercare-Hoxton-Tandem-Stroller-Stripes/dp/B002JE96NM?ie=UTF8&ref=sr_1_1&nodeId=42804041&sr=1-1&qid=1300813294&pf_rd_r=1AFAREDTHRHKHFTDRB7H&pf_rd_m=A2LBKNDJ2KZUGQ&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_i=42804041&pf_rd_p=231490867&pf_rd_s=related-tab-3-5 we really need one to be honest but were trying to convince ourselves we'd manage with ds's travel system and dds old maclaren stroller for ds - alot of faffing about. Buggy is still sealed in packaging . (Said cousin is ridiculously wealthy - buys things often then doesnt use them/ buys something different but is incredibly kind and generous). Tis my lucky day!!!!. Am going to send her something small in the post to thank her - anyone any ideas for someone who has everything?

This really is the start of it! wonder who'll be next?? (hopefully not for another good few weeks though). Have one born taped, was it any good this week?

Ooh not watched it this week barbie, will watch it tonight online. I wish they had more people not have epidurals so I could feel a bit more reassured that I won't need one.

Is anyone else planning a homebirth but me and motherofsnorts? I found this book really good. Very evidence based so it's not just militant-but-wishy-washy "oh yeah you should totally have a homebirth" kind of thing.

Also, anyone else thinking of natal hypnotherapy? I've just ordered a cd and book online. I'm not expecting to have NO PAIN as the blurb on the website promises but at the very least I'll hopefully feel a bit more relaxed about everything.

Can't remember who was going to pg yoga? How are you finding it?

No I have been thinking long and hard about it and I am leaning towards a hospital birth. However I may broach the subject with my MW when she comes to discuss my birth plan.

Supersunnyday,Jer79, Thats good to know that I have some company..

Jer79, am also thinking about leaving all superstitions behind and acting rationally..Planning to go to an NCT sale this weekend and if I can overcome my superstitions and/or if there are some tempting bargains perhaps, I am thinking I may actually buy something..But, as such, I was thinking of starting to buy stuff only towards end of April..And somewhere in the corner, am slightly worried that i will get totally drawn into the nesting thing once I start it and then my work will go totally into the background (particularly, when its being hard work to get motivated even now)

sasamaxx, my PhD thesis is in computer science. I remember someone saying that they were considering Phd, writing a research proposal during ML ?

What's going in your birthplan Kara, just out of interest? Probably getting ahead of myself here but I'd like to be prepared

Oooh spg that's not the sale in Cambridge is it? If so, I might see you there! I'll be the one stubbornly hobbling about in heels that make me look more old and wrecked than youthful and carefree now the bump and the aching bits and bobs have kicked in!

I'm going for a birth in a midwife-led birth unit, not a home birth, sorry nurse. The hospital delivery unit is on the floor above in case you need more intervention, but I think they only have gas and air at the birth unit itself.

I watched OBEM yesterday - DH and I are addicted to it. nurse they blatantly feature the more difficult births/families, don't they? Yesterday both couples were nice - one of the couples were obviously going to need quite a bit of help and support but they were very sweet and touching and had their hearts in the right place. Anyone else notice their interesting mode of transport? That is NOT how I'm planning on getting to the hospital!

sasamaxx what are those carriers you prefer to the Baby Bjorn? I remember some chat about this a thread or two ago but I've forgotten ...

barbie I agree with everyone else - you need to take your break and it sounds like you're doing loads to make sure you make your ML easy on everyone at work, so I'm sure they'll understand.

Good luck to whoever it is finishing your PhD thesis (sorry, I've forgotten)! I feel your pain! It will come together, all of a sudden, and the bits that made you want to throw yourself off a bridge will be the best bits! I promise!

jer what about easing yourself in gently with some non baby specific purchases that would not upset your superstitions - eg breast pads, maternity pads, something to wear in hospital ie all the things you are going to need whatever. See how you feel once youve got those?

clarkiee had my second doppler today. All a bit confusing because they did the placental one (which was ok anyway) but said they never redo the others if the placental one is ok and the bub is still growing...so I have no idea if there is still a problem with the other one, or what the implications are...but they seemed happy with the outcome. DS had legs akimbo and was defo still a DS! I have a follow up with the consultant on Thursday so will let you know if she says anything interesting about the artery thing

Nurse I do pg yoga. I love it...not as much as I love aquanatal but I do find it helps to stretch out a bit and then relax

Still feeling rubbish - I eat and I feel sick, dont eat and I feel faint. I'm uncomfortable, got a wizzy head and could sleep til June - getting a bit worried and might have to ask MW for a wee check.