Mad March in the PESH deli; in like a lion, out like a lamb?

[Medee]

BESH BAYBEES

dontrythisathome, girl born March 25.
Cheggers, twinz girlz, born April.
FannyPriceless, boy, born June 8.
CurlyCasper, girl, born June 24.
CUNextTuesday, boy, born June 29.
AlpinePony, boy, born 1 July.
Carrots, boy, born July.
IggyPiggy, girl, born July.
Cosmosis, boy, born Sept 5.
Backinthebox, boy, born Sept 7.
Skatergrrrl, girl, born Sept 10.
VAG, boy, born Oct 2.
Silversky, boy, born Nov 1
SomethingSuitablyWitty, girl born Nov 2
okiecokie, girl, born Nov 12
Honeymoo, boy, born Nov 11
ReginaMonologue, boy, born Nov 13
Maswera, boy, born Dec 24
PollyPoo, girl, born Jan 5
MrsFC, boy, born Jan 7
ChoChoSan, girl, born 6 Feb
Ginhag, boy born 11 Feb
Muser, girl, born 15 Feb
CluckyKate, boy, born 18 Feb
Perfect Dromedary, boy, born 23rd February

UPDIFFED

Medee, Gah! Top of the list! Was due March 12
Casserole, cracking open the sunroof on March 31
Scorpette, thinking of displaying her enorma-bump at freak shows, due 18th May.
Laurielou, the unmarried hussy with the "surprise" diff, due 31 May (ish)
Rocketleaf, sprouting out all over the place, due 1st June.
TwinkleToes, supergluing her fanjo shut, due 20 June.
Orchid, hoping for a zen like child, due 1st July
Ginfox, loving the new mega-boobs, due 12th July.
LadyGoneGaga, Has lost her waist, due 24 July
Ivegotmrbitey, appears to have eaten posh spice, due 27th July.
Milanomum, eating for 7, due Aug 6th
Owlbooty, suddenly weeble-shaped, due 7th August
Ocarina, there's a what in there?! due late August
Mountie, too shy to shine, due Autumn
Truffkin, growing a padawan, due 17th November

Thanks, Kat :) Am scared of the idea of a c-section (because who wouldn't be scared at the thought of major abdominal surgery performed whilst they're awake?!) but I think that a natural labour might end in an emergency one anyway or me having all sorts of intervention laid on my back with them cracking my legs wide open anyway. Also scared of the cs recovery but you can have a terrible time recovering from a nasty vb regardless and that's not including damage done due to SPD and leg-spreading. Waaaargh, why can no-one go forward in time and tell me what sort of natural labour I'll have then come back to advise me if I should go for it or get a cs?! Is time travel REALLY too much to ask for, FFS?! Bloody NHS!

PS Don't be worried about your pg, cos of my tales of woe (or anyone else's). I am a freak of nature and have just been unlucky with some pg health stuff - but also lucky with others: my morning sickness went away at 13 wks, perfect blood pressure, my allergies have calmed down, my skin has been flawless and glowing and baby is perfect and healthy (the most important thing).

Oooh, thanks HiHoSilverLining too :) Good to know. TYF is v supportive and my folks are brilliant, so I'll be luckier than many after a cs, if that's what happens.

If I were you I think I'd go elective Scorps. Recovery from an elective ought to be better than from an emergency. And when you're finding birthing positions difficult when not in labour it's not a good sign. Also with an elective you'll have a date so don't have the hideousness of going overdue or anything.

I'm relieved, Meds. Didn't want to be a scary stalker. Huge hugs to you.

Scorps I am about to give you the sum of my hard-won SPD wisdom
right now. I'm not much of a formatter so I hope this list comes out right!

1. REST. If you're like me, you'll think you have to just push in through. This is wrong. SPD responds to doing as little walking and standing as possible. And this sucks. I can just about walk from room

to room and stand for a few minutes.

1. Ice packs. The physio should have told you which bit of your pelvis is causing the problem. Ice as often as you want to - it keeps swelling down.

1. Sleep with a pillow between your legs.

1. The NHS is a bit lacking for most of us. There were mentions of chiros and osteos as I read through, and I can't remember if you're seeing one, but they're worth the money. My chiro is keeping me just about on the road.

1. Painkillers. I fought taking them because I was scared they would make me do things my body shouldn't, and I think I was a bit right about this when I was working. But keeping on top of the pain helps maintain some flexibility, even just paracetamol. And it helps you sleep.

1. The most helpful advice I've read is 'think of this as a period of temporary disability, during which you have to change your life to cope'. So it's not part of your normal life-let go of doing the things you would normally do as much as you can. That means Tesco!

You've probably heard much of this already. But you sound like me a few weeks ago and finally giving in to the idea that I had to just sit down (on a firm surface!) has made a big difference to how much I feel I'm coping. And I started a thread in Childbirth about positive stories about PGP and there are some encouraging things there.

Here endeth the lecture.

Yo PESHies, I'm glad to log on and see yet more positive updates from FamileMedee great news, still sending big luffs

Scorps am so sorry you have been through such a crap time health-wise and hope you can start to get your head round planning the most sensible birth in your circumstances. I can imagine you are looking forward to being more easily mobile once the lad is here

Kat seriously, DO NOT tempt fate WRT sickness. I did the whole 'but just a bit of nausea would at least reassure me' and good God am I regretting it now. I haven't managed a single day since 6+2 without vomming and I don't 'fancy' any food at all due to constant feeling like I'm about to puke. Now, don't get me wrong, I am more than willing to put up with this for the whole rest of the pregnancy if it gets us our longed for baybee (I may have to re-think how soon my mat leave starts if this is the case) but it still makes me feel like shite and I've only had it for 2 weeks!

I'm a little worried that I look pregnant already as well - oops! I didn't have a washboard stomach before but it it definitely sticking out more at the moment. As I'm not eating much, I feel this is a little unfair!

I sniggered a bit at the story of Lozzer's friend getting the Darth Vader cut out for the baybee and TGB asked me what I was laughing at. He then said 'I'd never get Vader for a baby' (smug grin from me) 'I'd be getting it for myself' (grinned too soon!) He's a huge Star Wars fan and has muchos memorabilia so I should imagine our sprog will be well and truly Jedi-d up early on. I don't really mind, TruffNeph had a mini Yoda outfit that I'm hoping we can snaffle borrow!

Yo PESHes. Just popping in to say I'm really sorry to hear about all of yous with SPD. I know from bitter experience just how horrible it is although I think Fanny definitely has the crown for worst ever SPD. Scorps your description of your trip around Tesco bought back painful memories of me trying to make it round Sainsbo's, thankfully with TG, but it took an age just to get a few things and like you, I couldn't lift my feet off the floor and had to shuffle tiny little footsteps. Even though I was on crutches I still had idiots trying to take me out with their trolleys. After that episode, I gave up trying to leave the house - food was delivered when TG was home to put it away, a neighbour took Boo to preschool and I pretty much lounged on the sofa doing feck all. I don't know if was that, or when BB's head engaged, but it did improve towards the end so I hope you lot all get some kind of respite too.

Medee I am very glad to hear of EA's continued improvements, she sounds like she has her mum's calm strength. I hope you and MrM are resting and eating well and taking good care of each other. Meltdowns sound healthy to me... better out than in. Big hugs to you three. xxx

Congratulations and welcome Kat. Don't worry, I'm sure given another week you will be throwing up and wishing you'd never mentioned the words 'morning sickness' or 'symptoms'.

Bitchslaps and tequila slammers to you all.

Mini-yoda outfit is utter genius; all babies look like yoda anyway.

I must have one.

Also; I had gnocchi for tea and all I could think of was Trufflet barfing. Joy.

Mini-Yoda outfit must I purchase for The Lad!

Thanks so much y'all for the advice and concern - snogs all round (ignore my thai curry breath, ahem)

Stiffy, great advice, cheers. I really should go to a chiro - there is a practice almost across the street, durr! But have no cash, waah!

I am already doing absolutely fuck-all 24-7; what with my other funtime probs and being a naturally lazy fucker, I spend most days sat around listlessly doing untaxing crap and dreaming of a day when I can wear nice shoes again The only times I really go out are if I need to go to a medical thang or to the NCT classes. This is what scares me - if I feel so shit NOW when I'm less active and mobile than my 91-yr old Gran (no exaggeration - saw her on Sunday and she's more sprightly and pain-free than me and she walks with a stick, so...), how am I going to cope with labour?! Have been getting everything via Ocado but stoopidly forgot a few things on today's order so thought I'd be okay to nip round Tesco (although 'nipping' is but a distant memory). I take paracetamol every day anyway cos of my daily headaches, so I dunno if my actual SPD pain levels are worse than I experience - hmm, should've mentioned this at the physio's yesterday, oops. I've always been really scared of the thought of a cs, but realistically, it is becoming increasingly more sensible. Have mentioned it before, but was poo-pooed, so hope my consultant will be a bit more open on Monday. TYF, pragmatic as ever, says I should go for whatever I and the docs think is the best option and not to worry about burdening him with doing everything after a cs (which I have been fretting about tonight) - he wants to do whatever he can for me and his son (awwwww).

Muse you also make an excellent point about the positions thing. Can I waddle into the consultant's room and say, 'Look, Matey, the ESH think I should get an elcs, so crack open the appointment book'?!
And Poo, I also get the whole 'cretins in my way' thang - what is it about a heavily pregnant woman taking tiny, mincing steps, clearly in a lot of pain that makes them think that I should get out of their way?!

Less about me now, more about EA - how has today been, Meds?

Morning all, just checking in to see how your night was Medear?

Scropes I'm so sorry you have had so many health issues during your pregnancy. I think if I were you I'd be going down the elcs route. Not trying to sway you either way of course, tis just my opinion. At least you have a good support network in TYF and your parents. If your mum is anything like mine she will love an excuse to be round at your place snuggling the lad helping you with the chrores! I hope the chat with the consultant goes well and you come away with a firm plan in place. Smooches my little choux fleur.

Sprocket how is your back?

Score sounds horribel. I've found some info...sorry if you have already seen this but some good info here. I have to say the Chiro really helped me. One leg was being quite a bit longer than the other due to my pelvis being all out of alignment and she has put it back. Given me some easy exercises to do as well. I know they're not cheap but you're in so much pain I think it would really be worth it, if only for the intial assessment/treatment.

How is EA doing today?

We had offer on house yesterday. Have turned it down as too cheeky. Hope I don't regret it later! Is a bit stressy

Thanks so much, Pol Am getting my head round idea an elcs might be the right route - I can't even wipe myself properly after going to the loo now cos I can't open my legs wide enough without pain to do so (and I don't have massive thighs, neever) so that's not good!

Tbh, my parents would be already round here all the time doing all the housework if I let them. But apart from independence, etc., they already do so much for me and they do loads for my Gran to let her keep living in her own home and my folks are both OAPs themselves (dad is 70) and I think they should be having some freedom and fun now, not caring for me.

Also, my Mum has an annoying habit of moving/rearranging things or putting things down momentarily in really random places and then completely forgetting where she put them and they never turn up again (she cries and loses her temper if you ask her nicely to try to recall!), so that's another reason to try to fend off their offers Seriously, she once moved my slippers when I was a teen and they never turned up... until I was at Uni and my Dad found them by some tins of wood sealant in the garage (wtf?!)!

I shall be just as bad, if not worse, I know it! And my Dad is so clumsy that he breaks something if he spends more than 5 mins in the flat. God, I bloody love them both so much! I foresee having to rely on them and TYF loads no matter how The Lad emerges, considering all me probs!

How's the back, Rocky? And how is little EA today, Medee? I keep looking at the lovely warm weather outside and thinking how fabulous it will be when Family M can be out in the sun together, all happy and healthy :)

X-post! Thanks for the link, GG, v helpful. Think I'll have to find some cash from somewhere :) Sorry to hear about the cheeky offer - hopefully you'll get a decent one v soon.

You know what I appreciate most about that, Booty? The idea that I am light enough to be 'scooped'

Now let's go steal some traffic cones - TALLY HO!

Lordy scorps! The advice you're getting about the elcs seems to make sense to me. Yes, you have to consider getting over the surgery but I think it sounds like you'd have even more problems going au naturel if you can't even wipe at the mo! Plus, the help you'd need from your parents is really only for the first couple of weeks - I found it totally bearable

Meds How's it going today? Thinking of little EA and sending you all lots of positive vibes.

LGG you did the right thing - if they really want it, they'll come back with a more decent offer. Resist! Sorry to hear about your SPD problems too - hope the chiro sorts it out.

Rocket how are you doing?

Truffs Pliz to send any food you can't manage to me.

Kat huzzah! :)

I'm doing a medical translation at the moment which isn't really appropriate for a pregnant woman. Sad things. . Am eating Galaxy Ripples to take my mind off it.

Tally ho indeed, missus

GG I bet they come back with a less cheeky offer; I think everyone is trying it on nowdays.

Meds Hope all three of you had a good night :)

Macca I think a family-sized crate of Cadbury's Heroes is in order. Stick your face in THAT

LGG good news on the offer, although sorry it was a cheeky one. Mr O works in the industry and would advise never to accept to first offers anyway, they are rarely a serious offer (in terms of the amount). You have to go through a few rounds of negotiating before you get their best and final. Fingers crossed they come up trumps in the end for you

Macaroony hope the ripple is easing things. Chocolate is always a good distractor.

Speaking of which, can I get in the trolley with Scropilicious and go on a chocolate inspired trolley dash, supermarket sweep stylee?

Meds hope you are ok my lovely. Big smooches to EA from us.

scrope You know what I think about the elcs question. And all this talk of shopping trollies is making me blanch! Has your physio not told you pushing a shopping trolley is the absolute worst thing you can do with SPD? Your options are: Internet shop, send TYF with a list, or (my favourite) hobble to customer services and ask for the electric disabled shopping trolley with the basket on front.

I had the same problem with the bum wiping too. Couldn't put trousers on either. I spent the last 3 months in nighties or this one voluminous t-shirt dress. Glamourous.

Are you using crutches? You should as much as you can. But as you've already discovered you will end up mostly doing nothing at all and resting at home, as everything that isn't essential to life and death just seems to much painful effort to be worth it.

If you go for the cs don't worry about afterwards. Even with the cs recovery I could do so much more after the birth compared to my SPD-hampered life beforehand. It will get better.

I regarded it as a temporary period of living the life of a disabled person. Fairly sobering. I lived then in an area with lots of elderly people. I was regularly tutted at by old ladies as I got in their way trying to get to the shops. And the day that a really old couple offered to carry my shopping to the car was a personal highlight! (I accepted, obv. It was hilarious.)

Booty, will you dress up in a Pony Girl outfit and let me whip you as you push me around? (Please note: my knowledge of such matters is due to having a friend who is into S&M. Honestly!)

Yahboosucks to the horrid translation, AyMacarena Would a full-on Afternoon Tea help? Do you prefer scones with or without sultanas, before I send? Thanks for the reassurance, too :)

Everyone is being so nice and concerned about me - is bringing tears to my already pathetically soppy eyes, so it is . You guys ROCK!

Fanny, I can't put trousers on either! I had to wait until my Mum arrived yesterday for the lift to get her to help me get my leggings on! Putting knickers on is a nightmare enough. And if I can't wear flip-flops then someone has to put my shoes on for me. Physio said they didn't have any sticks/crutches free to give me even though I need some My Granddad was disabled and I know my Dad kept his sticks, so I might see if he could dig those out for me (the sentimental factor would make using sticks feel not so crapulent too, IYKWIM). And that's the last shop I think I'm going to do. All internet or asking others from now on. Am lucky that my folks shop in the supermarket round the corner quite often so they're happy to get me things whilst there.

I tell you what, it's given me an insight into how shit it must be being a really old person! I am determined to try and get (and stay) as fit and healthy as possible once I get the all-clear to do more after birth (be that cs or vb). Am defo keeping my eyes on the prize now - 34 wks today, eep!

BTW, I like the fact that Vaginal Birth has the same initials as Posh Spice's name, as she is a massive cunt

PS Re: wiping - please no-one think of me as a stinking, piss-stained hobo (any more than you already do, I mean). I only pong a little bit. And you get used to the flies after a while

Buahahahaha NO I will not dress up, the outfit will not fit over my maternity gimp suit for starters.

You absolutely MUST get a ride on one of those old lady scooters. And video it for us.

I am also slightly hobbling as I have utterly fucked one hip clambering on and off chairs to take photos at the weekend. Needless to say I shall not be doing that again, oh no. I hope it is not the beginning of the SPD. My hips are shite anyway so I am a prime candidate for it all going pear-shaped at some point.

I can't even drive a car, so it'd a be a bloodbath if I did, Booty! It sounds like you've probably overdone as opposed to SPD (I bloody hope so, anyway).

I have existing mild arthritis in my knees from my dancing days (which currently seem as unreal as discovering I am an alien) and now they're playing up. And I also have sausage fingers. And hayfever, which hurts my womble every time I sneeze (I actually screamed after one belter in the night). I wonder how much Dr Gunter Von Hagen would pay for my body?! Or Dr Scary Von Killy-Hat, as I like to think of him.

PS I bet you can buy things like maternity gimp suits for real. People can be so WRONG. My pervy pal (male, btw) once had a thing about elastic bands. Please don't ask further.

Afternoon all,

Well, I've had a very informative & fun morning at the breastfeeding workshop. Still can't say I'm 100% sold on the idea, but there was a nice little group of 7 (5 of whom are going to be at ante-natal on Sat) & it was all very laid back. I was a bit embarrassed when they handed around fake boobs & dolls for us to practice positions for feeding, but it was still useful all the same. If nothing else it introduced me to a little family centre I had no idea about, & they seem to have umpteen support & drop in classes, so it was all good.

Scorps I'm sorry that you're suffering so badly. In my very limited experience maybe an elcs is the way to go. Especially as you found labouring positions tough enough now. It may also help you to rest up if the decision is made now, if that makes any sense.

I don't want to tempt fate, but I thank my lucky stars that my back has managed to cope so far - this was a huge concern of mine. Apart from a bit of sciatica in lower back & arse cheek I've been very proud of my back. Today however baybee is stretching & I think I have a foot in my ribs. At least its making me sit up straight .

Anyway, gin slings & fish slaps all round

Loz, did I mention t'other day that our breastfeeding tutor used a Kermit puppet to demonstrate latch?! At least I know how to BF frogs now. I think you said a while back that you would be open to at least trying the odd BF; a suck it and see (pun semi-intended) approach is the best for most things, I reckon. Whatever route you choose will be the right one for you and your baybee - you're v level-headed :) And am glad your back is holding out. A foot in the rib does work wonders for the posture, doesn't it?! Am glad you're having a smooth pg - you bloody deserve it after your TTC marathon