November 2011. Bumps, kicks and less feeling sick.

[Missyraines]

Thought I'd take the plunge and go for it.

What did people do before the internet?? Its amazing how the world has changed really since we were growing up, our little ones will have a totally different experience with all this technology!

Been for my first maternity shop today which was fun and got a £79 winter maternity coat in Debenhams for £18! Feels a bit early to be buying such things but couldn't resist a bargin, lets hope everything goes well!! Very disappointed to find out the local Matalan has stopped doing a maternity range as it wasn't selling...some MNers (can't remember if it was this thread) were recommending it for basic stuff and waistband expander things which I can't find anywhere, the maternity trousers don't feel right yet but my current ones are so uncomfortable by the end of the day! Any tips?

sunshine I found trying to shop for clothes locally v demoralising, in spite of sheer number of pg women round here, so count yourself lucky that you found some things (whinging emoticon). My cheap & cheerful suggestion for carrying on wearing normal trousers until you need mat ones is to loop an elastic band thru the buttonhole and use that to button up, leave zip as undone as you need to and make sure your top covers the bit in the middle (or cover with a bump band)

Sunshine I bought my first pair of maternity jeans last week and I'm lovng wearing them. So comfy after feeling like I was being cut in two by end of day with normal jeans on. Do you just feel it's a bit early? I thought that but now I'm glad to have them, and they are keeping me warm on a very windy day today!

I didn't think to do the belly band thing but spose may well do with more worky type clothes. i'm lucky in that I can get away with a dress and leggings to work.

I started with the body butter and the oil at about 5 weeks I am prone to stretch marks though so it's all damage limitations...

hi ladies, back from the Babyshow in Birmingham. Was a nice afternoon and had a good look around, went with the idea to not buy anything as no pennies really... had free tickets so went for the freebies. Just there weren't a lot of them, well or we missed them all. But never mind it was a very nice afternoon. And I did buy some stuff bought a carseat protector for DD, as she is potty training, a Dutch-English book and flashcards. And I did a really good deal on a Close baby carrier. We had walked past it and I fell in love with it, I already have a baby carrier cloth type thing, but not too keen on it as it is really long and not easy to put outdoors and in the winter. So I saw this www.mothercare.com/Close-Parent-Baby-Carrier-Butterflies/dp/B00442CLAW and really liked it, but said no I won't buy it. When we walked past it again at the end of the show when they were packing up, I had a proper look at it tried it on. They were selling it for £48 at the Babyshow and I got the showmodel for £40! Really chuffed :)

oh and almost forgot, the friend who came with me, said just as we got out of the car, that she is expecting as well for half of December, so she is about 6 weeks behind me! So excited!

Thanks everyone! Oh I'll try and dig an elastic band out. Folic it does feel a little early, but mainly the styles I tried on felt like they were going to fall down and I daren't go down to a size 10 (ooh I wish!). Hitting the high street tomorrow for another go.

Blue thanks for the update on the baby show! Great news about your friend, lovely you have someone in RL to travel the journey with you!

Hey blue top marks for bargainous sling

sunshine try not to be too disappointed as I was when I first went maternity clothes shopping on the high street. It was always a rail or two only in every shop I went to. Pretty poor show I thought. Online may be the way to go for me for any more.

thanks folic very pleased with it, just realised it's the first thing I bought for this little one, can't stop smiling now

what caught my attention at the Babyshow as well is the numerous stands with reusable nappy systems... I'm just not convinced yet, been using the disposable ones with DD.
Is it really that more economical using reusable/washable ones? We have a really old washing machine, so don't have a clue how economical it is (probably not very). It is also extremely noisy and don't like having it on. But it will do for now, until it dies.
So are there any mums out here who have been using reusable nappies and can share their experiences?

Evening ladies, glad to hear people have had good weekends. I'm considering wrap sling type carriers, so was looking at a Close carrier. Is it really that easy? Anyone else got a wrap sling and has hints? I was thinking about a KariMe.

Feel a bit sad this evening - pregnancy hormones I guess plus I'm feeling like a crap mum today. My patience levels with DD are at an all time low and I get irritated with her really quickly. She is a little monkey atm, nothing I do seems to make a difference in her behaviour. I've tried consequences, time-out, taking toys away...nothing works but then she is only 2.9.
Problem is, with the hormones I've ended up really shouting at her today when she didn't really deserve it. She threw her lunch all over the floor cos she's got a spot on her tongue which is hurting her and I am so tired, I just completely lost it and really shouted at her :(
DP has been in Germany since Friday, so I'm just so tired. I feel ultra bad as I'm always having a go at DP when he is shouty dad, telling him it's not the way to deal with her.
I keep telling myself it's pg hormones, tiredness and I always apologise to her but I feel crap tonight.

Sorry for the rant - should probably post in parenting issues but too tired!

MrsArch I have a sling like a KariMe, which is I think very good for a summer baby, practically. The sling is just one piece of cloth, very long, in order to put it on, it is in contact with the floor, which is not very easy/nice to do outdoors. It is reasonably easy to put on once you've practiced a few times. The one I just bought the Close carrier works with rings and isn't so long, it is very easy to put on, and doesn't come in contact with the floor when putting on. I also have the feeling it gives more back support.

About your patience levels with your DD... same here! I also get irritated very quickly. I decided the other day to read a book about positive parenting and be more positive towards her, spending more quality time with her and listening to her when she asks for me attention. I work from home lots of the time, sitting on the sofa with the netbook, while she plays in the livingroom, she often comes up and asks me things or asks to put away the computer. I used to tell her off and tell her to go and play, but I've learned we both get along better if I do put the netbook away and spend some time with her.
I also try to explain to her that there is a baby growing in my belly and that it makes me tired and it is hard work. And that she can help me by listening to me and help me do things. She loves putting on my stretchmark cream and I hope it helps her to bond with the baby

MrsA I know exactly where you're coming from - DD is 2 & 7 mths and is really testing us with her bossiness and defiance. Had a shocker on Thur where I was a rubbish Mummy and felt really down but last few days have gone loads better so write today off and move on, overall you are doing a great job. And remember our children learn about the whole range of emotions from us so there is no harm in their seeing anger and upset once in a while

MrsA don't feel guilty about having a bad few days. It is difficult juggling DCs and pregnancy & must be hard with your DP away. Have you tried reward charts with your DD, I found it is the only thing that works with DS (alongside time-out) as it reminds me to praise him for things that he does. We have always made our own using paper and colours; even now with DS being 6yrs, as soon as his behaviour starts to go the wrong way up pops a new chart!!! We have just set up a new chart and routine with DS since being pg as I kept focusing on the bad things he did without remembering to praise and forgetting to do things we normally did (e.g. play games after school).

bluetink I used re-useable nappies with DS from about 3/4months until potty trained with the odd use of disposables. The initial outlay was costly but I found it was worth it (think it was about £150). I found the ones I brought were more absorbant than the disposables and often contained the soft poo better as well. The washing wasn't too bad - I soaked them in water and tended to wash them at the same time as my towel washes so didn't make any difference with washing costs. They largely got air-dried as well which didn't take too long either. I will definitely be using them again, and a friend is giving me the size to see me from newborn to the ones we have (she brought them, washed them ready to use but never did!!) There are pros and cons of both sides but I found in my situation reusables were really cost effective (even more so as my sister has also had use of them!!).

Bluetinkerbell I used washable nappies for DD and I can't recommend them enough, I thought they were fantastic, they saved me a fortune. There was no real inconvenience to them - changed nappy, threw into a bucket (with a lid!), then every second night before bed, put them in the washing machine and took them out in the morning (my washing machine is in the garage, I realise this might not be an option if its in your kitchen and might keep you awake). I am certain they saved me money, even though I often had to resort to tumble drying due to the fact that it pretty much rains all year round where I live (and I live in NI where electricity costs more per unit, and no alternative suppliers!)

I'm not some going to say 'ooh, you must use them', as its each to their own, but I honestly didn't find them any more inconvenient than disposables - its the changing the nappy that is the inconvenient bit, not what you do with it afterwards. The one exception would be when I went on holidays, and in that case, washables would frankly be madness in my eyes.

Just saw the MW - same rude stand-in as last time but at least she considered my baby "alive" this time, and worth her time.

Listened to the heartbeat - LO really doesn't like stuff poking at him/her - she shoved it quite deep to try and catch the hb, and LO just did a 360 twirl away from the doppler! DP was quite amazed and happy - it made it more real and alive to him to hear the hb (he should try feeling the movement in there!)

So, all well, all happy - 3 weeks 'til 20 week scan!

hello all - more good news from these parts. Just had full chromosome report back after CVS and everything is all fine - another big relief, so now can look forward to 16 week appt on weds and 20 week scan

Bad pain last night so back at docs. Been given antibiotics and have to go to hospital for detailed scan. So sore not sure if can face travelling to hospital as too sore to drive and so would have to be taxi. Not bleeding so that is a good sign. Been told to rest and signed off for two weeks. Work will go ballistic but have to put baby first. Dh is fab as called him and he is going to do everything so I can rest and get well. Hope everyone else is well and enjoying second trimester.
Caliphora glad scan went well even if lo is camera shy. My dh loved the scan and seeing baby moved especially when he/she seemed to sneeze!

I am 14 + 2 and I think my bump is coming... I am a little on the chubby side already however I noticed the last day or so that I cannot breathe in my belly anymore, there is still a little bump. It's my first, is it too early for a bump? Have I really eaten too many jammie dodgers...

H007 i'm a day behind you and i've definatley got a bump. Quite a few of my clothes don't fit - although i had put wait on before my bfp too, but there is no mistaking my little bump. I look like i've eaten way to many pies!! lol

ik great news re results.

What happens at your 16 wk mw apt anyone? Apart from hopefully hearing the hb on the doppler - but i've got my own so i get that treat at home!!

Hello all, been at my mums this weekend whose computer/internet is so slow I cannot be bothered to go online!

I also went to The Baby Show this weekend, it was really fun actually. I bought a sling too Bluetink I went for the Lifft sling as I already have a Kari-Me MrsA which I really loved when DS was really little (up to 3 months) as its lovely and snug and they are very secure but its a bit of a PITA (Pain in the Ass, in case thats not a normal acronym ) to put on all the time so I wanted something that would just go on.

Bluetink I used reusables for DS from birth but I was a bit scared about it all to begin with, alongside the fear of having a new little one so I used a nappy laundry service to begin with and then when DS was 3 months and I felt I could cope with my own I bought too many my own. I absolutely love Itti Bitti nappies - they are on sale here for Real Nappy Week at the moment for £11 each which is really good as they are usually £14 or so. I have bought 6 small ones already.

Collie at 16 week appointment I think they weigh you, take BP, do a urine sample and listen to the HB. Don't you have a list of what happens at each appointment? The MW gave me one. I have mine tomorrow.

Ik thats fantastic news on the CVS results, you must be so happy!

H007 on your "think my bump is coming" - I don't have to think, its there and its big! Although I haven't put on any weight yet I think its just all moved to my tummy!

Great news on the results IKtoday5 bet you are so relieved and can enjoy it a bit more now. Sorry to hear you are still in pain Cookie9, hope it all settles soon and sounds like you have great support from your DH.

H007 I am 13 weeks tomorrow with my first and my work trousers that just about fit on Friday don't do up at all today! I had to wear a pair I could keep up with just a belt :o I think I got away with it! I don't seem to have put on elsewhere so far (oh except my boobs!)

Shopping update... managed to find some great trousers in New Look ladies [sigh of relief] bought some black work ones with lots of internal buttons etc and some white linen ones that had loads of elastic round the top but weren't even maternity. Have gone a little crazy the last few days, may need to take some back! oops.

Terrys that lifft sling looks great too and simple to use. I'm tempted by a sling but don't want one that is too difficult for a newbie like me.

Sling users, did you tend to use them at home as well as outside?

terrys no i don't have a list - in fact i don't even have an appointment as she didn't give me one at my booking in apt. I'll probably ring next week as i'm only just 14weeks. I hope its better than the booking in - which i found hugely disappointing.

The Lifft Sling looks great and easy terrys did you get to try it at the show. The Kari-Me looks a bit complicated though.

sushine yay for the shopping. Well deserved for getting to the 2nd trimester. I bought a couple of 2nd hand things of ebay at the weekend - just for now while i get used to what i want/don't want....and also pluck up the courage to go shopping and try things on.

collie, this doc details what appointments should happen & when NICE, although my mw just went on about the doppler - the hb I am sure will be nice, but I'd quite like to know the results of my NT-related & other blood tests, actually! Am hoping someone would have told me by now (2.5 weeks since scan date) if I needed attention, but the not knowing is hard.

Sorry that post was (once more) utterly self-absorbed. I meant to say to collie if you book your appt now, you'll have more choice on scheduling, and if you're nice & early or the last one of the day, less likely that your appt will be squeezed & therefore that you'll get to ask all your questions. Although I find it all goes out of my mind when there - will have to bring diary or notepad with me next time.

H007 I am 15+1 and a lot of my clothes are no longer fitting. Getting dressed for work was getting tricky so I bought a new pair of trousers and skirt today from gap with a 25% off voucher from Grazia. Not maternity as I'm a size 6/8 and gap smallest size is usually too big for me but perfect at the moment! And the skirt is elasticated waist so it should last longer than the trousers which are just a stopgap until I get to some other shops to try on maternity. I feel a bit weird shopping for maternity because no one thinks I have a bump but to me it is def there! And I've put on 5lbs!

Collie my booking appt was a let down too and I wasn't given any info about what would happen at future appts - thank heavens for everyone on here who is full of info - but I have my 16 week appt on Thursday so I'll let you know how it goes.

Yay for some good mw appt news & lk for the good cvs news :o

jamama I would definitely take some bullet points with you to your appts as then you have something to refer to when your mind goes blank...until you walk out the room and remember every question you wanted to ask (happens to me all the time, bullet points are my best friend!!)

Good luck to everyone wit mw appts this week, I have mine friday!!! I got up today and shortly after asked DP if it could be friday already!!

Am 16weeks exactly today & I have to say I wouldn't be wearing anything if it wasn't for my mat clothers & larger size summer uniform (though even my elasticated summer uniform trousers felt tight today!!). Went for a large charity meet up and dog walk on sunday, loads of pics taken & put up on the charity forum, can definitely see a bump &other members commented on it!!

Had some good news at work today, one of my colleagues became a Nan to a new healthy boy last night so it was all baby talk today :)