April 2011–Half in! Half out! On the grumpy couch...do the hokeycokey, breathe the baby out, that’s what it’s all about

[ILikeToMoveItMoveIt]

New thread here ladies.

Again, many thanks to Frakk for the inspired title

Do you think this thread will be the last ante-natal one for the April 11 crew? Or will I be the last one standing and having to start a new thread and talking to myself?!

TMI follows....

Okay well just had a serious show! It was actually about the size if my palm when I wiped, looked exactly like snot with bloody streaks and was quite fascinating in an icky way. Interesting to see what's been holding baby in

On another note the loo is a very comfy place to be - cx felt a lot less intense whilst simultaneously more productive. Now how to replicate that position without spending all of my labour on the porcelain throne...

Frakk You can stand using the back or end of the hospital bed to squat as deep as you want or you could ask your husband to stand behind you and provide some support under your arms whilst you find the right height you are best feeling in squat. Those would be possible at hospital.

You are going to be great. You're healthy and strong and just see this pain like a long run. Let your natural baby pushing reflex do the work if you possibly can. Make sure you get a big drink and keep popping to loo for as long as you can. Have you woke your husband up yet?

Wow, what an exciting day for Team April! I'll be popping in during the night, so do keep us posted!

Frak, wake your DH up. 6 hours is surely just indulgent and more than enough for anyone!

Good luck to everyone. x

Well it certainly looks like a good night for arrivals. I've scrubbed two floors today, that's pretty much it and yet I'm tired. I'm going to watch Red Dwarf with period pains to accompany me now.

Frakk will be thinking of you!

Well congratulations to JKS on baby Mary!!

And frakk good luck to you, sounds like you're well on your way!!

Ecuse Hope you get going soon too.

Will look forward to more baby news in the morning :)

Good point, Petal, I got caught feeling sorry for Mr Frakk then, not quite remembering that it's been MONTHS since I got 6 hours' sleep in one go. Wake the lazy bugger up, Frakk.

Thanks, arch, for the reassurance. Exciting! Although slightly bummed now as DP just said to cheer me up that he'd take me out on a 'date' tomorrow night to cheer me up (and because we haven't been out together in AGES cause he's been working like the clappers). Now torn between hoping I go into labour ASAP and hoping it can hold off until after we get to go out, cause Lord knows when we'll have the chance again once the baby arrives. Feeling more hopeful that I can avoid induction, though [touch wood emoticon]

Also, Congrats to JKS and little Mary!! Go Aprilites!

Also, Frakk, can't see any reason you shouldn't spend your whole labour sitting on the porcelain throne if that's what feels good to you!

Just popping in, at the start of my probable nightly marathon feeding session.
And noticed need to also check out JKS childbirth thread as there has been a result.

Frak exciting stuff too. I found holding on to something whilst squatting/standing during a contraction really helped, eg something chest height.

Wow a busy day for April babies.

Just had a panicked half hour. Woke DH, told him to call hospital to say I'm probably coming in soonish only to have duty MW say they were very full and can't guarantee space. Cue full on freaking withe refusing to have this baby and shrieking at it to stop. Result cx now closer than they were and a v irate DH telling MWs to read my file.

I think we're going to head there soon and just hope my head holds together.

Frak they will have to fit you in if you turn up there and are in obvious labour. Let your dh be your advocate and you just concentrate on getting through each contraction, each one is one step closer to a lovely baby.

Goodness me! I go out for dinner and come back to a baby and another well on the way!

Well Done JKS, hope everything goes ok at the hospital.

Go frak, hope you've woken Mr Frak now!

Had a lovely dinner with DH, then we went for a cross country drive in the hope the "whoop whoops" may encourage something along.

I also thought that since DH is now off work I might have company for my nightshift, but he's just buggered off to bed! So just me myself and the yoda ball for the foreseeable! Don't worry, he'll pay later .

Second attempt at a stretch and sweep with midwife tomorrow(later today). Hoping to be more favourable, this time, but not pinning all my hopes on it!

Oh Frak x-posts with you. It will all be ok, they aren't going to turn you away in obvious labour, let DH do his job of looking after you while you look afters yourself and the baby. Calm contented mum = calm contented baby.

Holding your hand Mrs, it will all be fine. Keep posting if it helps, I'll be here.

This is quite a bizarre experience! Holding out at home for now, discovered leaning over a table helps and I want to find the person who invented cherry pit bags and kiss them. Heat = instant pain relief :)

Cx approx 1 min long, just under 4 mins apart and getting stronger but it's not that painful, just a sensation which requires all my attention!

Are cherry pit bags like wheat bags you microwave, if so I agree with you!! I have had one strapped to my nether regions for the last 3 months constantly.

Have you got your TENS on? After the faff you had getting one you'd better use it :o

Have the hospital said when you should go in? Or are you just playing it by ear?

You are doing great! Take it one cx at a time, each one taking you closer to meeting your new baby!

Yep but they hold the heat better I find. And there's something weighty and comforting.

Don't ask about the TENS. Long story short we don't have one! But I might try the vibrator idea if/when it goes to the next level.

:o

TENS doesn't work for everyone anyway!! You probably are one of them with your muscles and core of iron!

Oooh its exciting!

hi frak and lis.
how's it going frak? I've got a totally unused hire TENS Iwill virtually send to you. Didn't get chance to use mine. typing one handed as George is plugged into boob.
How often are contractions now? I will be up probably for most of night so will keep an eye on thread if you want a distraction.

Hey Jen! I'll pass the support baton on to you then! Bedfordshire is calling!

Frak good luck, I'll check first thing for your announcement! Can't wait!

yes lis get thee to bed. enjoy the chance to sleep whilst you can. Although its not really good sleep when heavily preg.

all quiet from frak a good sign that something definitely happening!

F on boob here,

How's things going? I had a wheat bag under my bump for the first bit too, it was ace.

Just popping in on loo trip... Thinking of you frak

I nodded off there for a few hours. I'm wide awake now sending my prayers for Frakk :)

feeding again. George had slept for whole 1 and 1/2 hrs but I couldn't bloody sleep. ended up listening to a science programme on the radio with an Aussie scientist called Dr Karl, Iwas disappointed it wasn't Dr Karl Kennedy from neighbours.

Still no news from frak its looking good.!

Morning Jen sounds like you're doing well with George. Try to not worry about the emotional rollercoaster that you'll be on just now it's quite natural.

I used to have a soft spot for Dr Karl when I was growing up till he had that affair...oh then well he lost his status. Goodness that takes me back. I used to watch it with my Gran :)

I remember with Fraser that I used iPlayer a lot during the night feeds. Now I'm using iPlayer to distract from the SPD which seems to get sore after a few hours of sleep. I'm watching a series about life of the Island of Barra just now. Really beautiful place!

Also found this:

stores.ebay.co.uk/THE-GEDLING-CLOTHING-EMPORIUM/_i.html?rt=nc&_sid=72121990&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1581&_pgn=9

I tend to like handmade things for babies, but my knitting isn't up to much. This ladies seems to do some amusing pieces though.