Charters Anonymous Graduates Volume 2! – No more temping!

[Iwish]

A nice cosy place to accommodate our growing bumps and little wrigglers.

Your poor foot iwish! I guess you're hoping that your little man will arrive sooner rather than later so that the swelling goes down.

Fingers crossed for you getdown, hope that things start happening soon. And what about you pippa, anything happened or did you conclude that it was just an accident? It's so exciting!!!!

I have been coughing and sneezing so much over the last few days that I was starting to worry that the baby would decide to make an appearance!

I concluded that DH put his wet towel down on the bed when I got up to go and have a shower so that when I came back into the bedroom and saw the patch I massively over-reacted while he had popped out to the shop, and that when he got back and I told him about it he took the piss mercilessly.

mrsp I do hope he comes earlier rather than later, getting slightly fed up with fat feet and SPD now. I'm 37 weeks on Monday so he will be fully cooked
How are you feeling? Apart from thinking you may just sneeze the baby out lol. :)

at the wet patch on the bed pippa. My DP would do exactly the same by taking the p155 for weeks to come. I bought I mattress protector the other day, just a cheap one and he is taking the p155 for that. Told him he would be sorry if my waters broke and ruined the mattress.

Heartburn had been bad for the last few days and milk or gaviscon doesn't work any more so I'm trying peppermint tea... One word.... URGH!

I feel really odd today. Woke up at about 2 in the morning with horrible period pains, braxton hicks, feeling really sick and feeling like I was about to have diarrhoea. Also definitely leaking something, though who knows if it's amniotic fluid, normal discharge or urine-I have given up trying to work that one out after the towel incident the other day! Still have all these things this morning but thankfully no diarrhoea. DH thinks I should get checked to see if waters have broken but can't get hold of midwife and can't bring myself to call the hospital-I know they would take one look at me, laugh and send me straight back home. Feel really bleurgh.

Could be something happening pippa. With DD I leaked amniotic fluid the day before labour started - sometimes the waters break, but the baby's head acts as like a cork in a bottle and stops it gushing out, so it just leaks out slowly. Or you can just get a tiny break in the hind waters which also causes gradual leakage. I don't think you should hesitate at all to call the hospital - that's what they're there for, and they deal with it every day. They would certainly not laugh at you Sickness and diarrhorea is def a sign too. Hope things kick off for you soon!

I am still waiting Had three nights in a row now where I've had less than adequate sleep. Last night I was sooo uncomfortable. Had really bad pain under the ribs and had to get up to take paracetamol. Plus the usual numerous toilet trips. Have to say, I am getting a bit fed up now.

Also EVERYONE I meet says "still going then?!" Grrrrr.

Getdown you need a sign to hang round your neck - 'Yes, I'm still pregnant, No, I do not want any advice from you!' My friends are the same, it's driving me nuts. Hope the rib pain is better this morning?

I got through to the midwife and she told me to phone Triage, so on their advice I'm spending an hour lying down with a maternity pad on and have to call them back at midday. If they think its water they'll want me to go in and get checked 'so we can make a plan for induction'. Nooooo! I don't want to be induced. If this is it, these contractions had better start soon!

I know pippa!!! It's so annoying. At church yesterday a man came up to me who i've never even spoken to before, and launched straight into conversation about how he was just commenting to his wife how massive I was, and that surely it must be twins??!! He then went on to tell me how his son is partially deaf because his wife's placenta failed post 40 weeks so I should bear that in mind. Great. Thanks.

Glad you phoned the midwife, you did the right thing. Hopefully contractions will start soon, if it was your waters. Hope you don't have to be induced, but don't panic because you can ask for the lowest dose of the gel first, and that will hopefully get it going.

Pippa try to trust your body, it knows what it's doing and sounds like it's getting into 1st/2nd gear.
Obviously, listen to the midwives but as long as you aren't showing any signs of infection (eg a raised temperature - and I know you know all about taking your own ) , waters leaking or even breaking does not have to mean immediate induction.
You can wait a day or so to see what happens.

Or just ignore me, and go with your instincts.

I'm a bit off the wall at the moment - I got so upset with the NHS policies and risk factors and cats bum mouths that my wonderful DP did his sums and is selling a kidney on the black market (joke) and the upshot is yesterday we interviewed an independent midwife who is happy to work with me to achieve my homebirth, despite my potential risks (primarily VBAC and high BMI). She is wonderful, all my remaining antenatal appointments will be at home and even if I have to transfer into hospital (which, as she says, will only be a last resort and no other choice), she will come with me and be my 'constant' throughout labour.
So, I can tell the supposedly 'supportive' community midwife goodbye and hopefully won't need to see another consultant at all.

I got a massive hug as she left and I feel so much happier and feel I just might be able to achieve my mental picture of lying on my sofa, cuddling my new baby, seconds after giving birth.

Oh and I won a birth to potty set of unused Tots Bots bamboozle nappies incl liners, boosters, wraps and nappy bucket on ebay for the princely sum of £137!! The full set would be £300 normally, so I'm chuffed.

Today is a better day.

Oooh pippa sounds like it could be the start of things. How are you feeling now?

getdown don't you just want to tell people to sod off? Some people need to keep their opinions to themselves don't they??!

mrsa so glad you are happier about everything now. And fab bargain with the nappies!

Waves to everyone else.

37 weeks for me today woohoo! Likkle man is fully cooked.

Is is mean to wish my MIL would fall down a very deep hole?? Shes doing my head in.
Can't go anywhere or do anything without her wanting to know what we are doing. We went to the cinema for 2 hours 2 weeks ago and came home to a message wanting to know if we were ok because we hadn't rang her all day??!! WTF!! I don't speak to my own mum for a week sometimes! So DP rang her back and she went in a mood and wanted to know why we didn't tell her we are going to the cinema??!! I swear if she is expecting a call every day until the baby comes she has another thing coming!! We are not telling anyone when I go in labour because I know she will try and turn up and I want a few hours just me DP and little man!
And now so just texts me every other day presumably just to check on me!! I want her to leave me alone.

Good luck everyone at full term! I'm thinking about you all.

I'm sooooo exhausted. LO is refusing to nap in the day so I'm having afternoons of him crying and grizzling for hours. He must be teething cos I can see two white teeth underneath his lower gums, and he's dribbly and chewing everything.

getdown I'm sure your mind is on other things at the mo. but just spotted your q about the merino wool breast pads itching - no they don't - I'm also sensitive to wool next to my skin but they're so soft and silky and not itchy at all.

Glad you've got an independent MW now MrsA hopefully you will be a lot calmer and happier with her on board.

Iwish I sympathise re. your MIL, she sounds like a complete nightmare TBH. I would find that unbearably smothering. Is she nearby location wise? Hope she's not thinking she will be popping round every day after the baby arrives That would be hideous I'd imagine. Can you just tell her straight that you don't like the constant phone calls as it makes you feel like you are being watched? You could say you appreciate she is excited and concerned about you and the baby, but could she give you a bit of space and of course you will let her know the news as soon as there is any. It's really hard though. I have similar with my mum, though not as extreme. Called her yesterday and she immediately launches into all the annoying questions like "any twinges??!!" (I hate that phrase) and "shall I just come and stay anyway, so that I'm there ready??" Errrr...... NO! Wish I didn't have to depend on her, but we need her to have DD once the labour starts and I have no choice.

Thanks Newyears re. the breast pads, definitely something I will look into. As I'm planning to use washable nappies, bunging in some washable b/pads into the wash will be no extra hassle at all. And £10 a pair is not that much if you think about how much you'd spend overall on disposables. Sorry to hear you're going through some teething issues right now, hope he settles down soon.

Well it's my due date tomorrow and still nothing Am unprepared for this as DD arrived at 38 weeks Feel like I've been properly ready for quite a while now. Plus I freaked myself out this morning about failing placentas and so the worry never ends, even at full term!!!

Oh and MrsA I meant to say you did really well with getting those nappies!! You will probably even be able to sell them on for more than you paid for them. That's great. I've got 4 bamboozle nappies, but my main purchase was the bumgenius flips - mainly because they dry quicker. Planning on using the bamboozles at night as they are more absorbent and last longer I think. But of course this may all go out the window when reality hits!!! DH is still a bit at the whole washables idea, but I really want to make it work.

Ooh lots of exciting news coming up ..,,,,

Good luck to everyone here.,,

iWish my waters went slowly over a six hour period then just gushed. Pmsl at the towel.

Gd hood luck with the sweep...

Yey for I m Mrsa x

Waves... Trying to get things done.. Failing as c wants to permanently be in the sling rather than in m basket... Most of the time it's fine but today I have lots of chores!!! Feeding like a demon, weight who knows but he's a chunky monkey! 11.1 two weeks ago.. From7.15 at birth and is now 5 weeks old. Has chubby legs already ;)

NOT good Ar night though and struggling to know how to spin on his head. Feeds at 11 2-3 and wakes then st 5 and then gets up at half six...;( feeds two - two/half hourly during the day!

He's wonderful tho smiling away with bug dimples ;) and his brother is totally besotted!!

getdown she is about 15 mins drive away. If she thinks she is going to be popping round every day to see him she's got another thing coming! I wouldn't even want my own mum doing that.
DP has told her that he will tell her if anything happens but that was before the cinema incident so she clearly doesn't give a crap.
It must be hard depending on your mum for looking after your DD when you go into labour especially if you just want to sneak into hospital with no one knowing.
I keep hoping that I go into labour at 11pm so that we can go in quietly when everyone is in bed.
Are you fed up of waiting now? Might be time to try sex and pineapple lol.

Aww nix it's so fab that your DS just loves his little brother. The amount of children who get jealous or just don't bond with them strait away.
. Hope you can get on with your chores today.

I cannot be bothered getting dressed!!

Oh no iwish so she's pretty nearby!! Arrrghh. I would make yourself a sign for the front door that says "new baby and mummy sleeping, do not knock or ring". And just leave it on the front door all the time . I think it is also up to your DP to be your guardian - i.e. defend you against the unwanted attention of visitors. It's part of the role. Most labours start at night (apparently) so hopefully you can sneak off to the hospital without anyone knowing. You're right, the downside with having the older child to think of is that someone has to know you're in labour because you need childcare.

I am getting to the point of fed up. But slept better last night so not quite as grumpy as yesterday. I went to the shops yesterday and kept avoiding eye contact with everyone, and wanted a sign saying "don't talk to me I am very grumpy". A woman from Santander called me in the afternoon and she got the full brunt of my grumpiness, poor woman.

We are trying sex, but it's not worked yet! I also have EPO and am wondering whether to try that, but not sure. Am going to MW drop in tomorrow to beg ask for a sweep. Don't know if they will give one at exactly 40 weeks? Anyone know?

Hi to nix sorry you are so knackered, but you do sound like you are doing really well. Hang in there. xxx

Hi to spilt and lady and everyone else if you are still reading.

Just realised we haven't heard any more from pippa .... wonder how she is getting on.

The even worse thing is that she has a key getdown!! . Think I will just shut the blinds and leave my key in the door.
The good thing is that she still works but I REALLY. Hope she doesn't take time off to 'help'
Am I really mean? Im very independent and tbh a bit of a loner sometimes and just love the company of my DP. I want time with my little family - time that I will never get back.

Lol at your grumpiness! DP keeps telling me I'm getting moodier. I keep telling him he's getting more annoying
do you find that shop keepers/till assistants ask the same questions and it gets v annoying?
I went shopping with my mum last week and felt like I may swell hang a sign round my neck saying ' I have 3/4 weeks left, it's a boy, we are calling him Joshua, yeh I know I'm massive and yes I'm fed up'

There's no harm in asking for a sweep at 40 weeks. I think it's different in different areas as to when they offer it.

Oooh yeh pippa are you ok??

Depends on your MW GetDown. Mine said she wouldn't sweep until 41 weeks, but her colleague on the same community MW team said she would sweep from 40 weeks if the mum wanted.

Am still reading, just haven't often got the spare fingers to type!

DD is just lovely and has started smiling for us occasionally. She's also taken all of a sudden to explosive poos out the top of her nappy and copious vomiting. Went through 6 outfits and about 1000 muslins yesterday. I cannot believe how much laundry she generates!

iwish your poor foot, that looks appallingly uncomfortable.

pippa, Getdown and anyone else at term, I hope these babies come soon for you

mrsA fabulous that you've found a MW you are happy with. Fingers crossed it is all plain sailing from here for you.

Oooooh, I hope the fact that pippa is missing today means that mini pip is on the way.

I am feeling much better now thanks iwish, although still coughing loads. Sorry to hear about your MIL being a pain. Mine has been very good, no interfering at all yet but I am very glad about this and can understand why you are so annoyed! My own mum keeps offering to come and stay and help once the baby is here, and I can't think of anything worse. But then we'll see how I get on, I may be eating my words in a couple of months!

Poor getdown, I hope things get going soon. I can't get over the things that random people say to you, it's sooooo rude!

That's good news re the midwife MrsA, and also that sounds like an excellent bargain on the nappies. I am meant to be buying reusable nappies but haven't made up my mind which ones yet.

And finally, hello to you lovely ladies with babies. Lovely to hear how you're getting on.

She has a key Iwish??!! Flippin heck I would be changing the locks

Hi there spilt nice to hear from you. Thanks re. info on sweeps. Just hope the MW tomorrow is of the "40wks is ok" school of thought.... From friends locally I've heard there is one of the community MWs who is particularly "brutal" so hope it's not her - although maybe that will be more likely to get things going. Had to at your 1000 muslins. Know what you mean, DD was the same. We had muslins everywhere, draped over every radiator and every possible surface. It's amazing how much vomit and poo such a tiny person can produce.

Hi there MrsP glad you are feeling better, but it's a pain about the coughing. I find when I get a cough the pelvic floor situation becomes a bit more of an "issue" Hope your's is holding out ok!! Is your mum nearby or would she have to stay the night? Mine is a distance away which means she has to stay over when she comes. Makes it much more intense I think. I don't like feeling like I have a guest all the time, particularly with a tiny baby you just want to be in your pyjamas all the time and feel free to b/feed wherever.

My mum is about 20 miles away so visiting and going home is definitely do-able. The thing is that she has an idea in her head that she could come and stay here anyway for a while because thats what her mum did when she had me. I think we would fall out if she were to do that! We already had a big fall out a few months ago when we moved to where we are now because, even though its not that far away, it was further than the 10 minute walk it previously was. I'm pleased that she is excited and wants to be involved but I have my limits!

Oh, and pelvic floor is doing well at the moment thank you.

Hiya, sorry, still here and still up-duffed! Had a day in bed today as yesterday I ended up in Triage being monitored - having worried in the morning about waters (unnecessarily), in the afternoon Bean stopped moving for ages and I freaked out. Rang the hospital and they said have ice, lie down etc, which didn't work, so then they told me to go in. As we were turning into the car park the baby started kicking up a storm, so I was rather embarassed! But they took me in anyway and were a bit concerned as she was asleep for so long, but she eventually started kicking again so they let me go home at about 10pm. Hence today in bed trying not to be paranoid! They said she was probably just particularly sleepy yesterday, though I don't know why. Anyway, she's been reminding me she's here a lot today thank goodness! All my nausea etc has gone and I'm back to just feeling very pregnant rather than like anything exciting might happen anytime soon.

Had to smile at all the mother/mother in law stories - my mum is going to come and stay for a few days when DH goes back to work so I'm not on my own, which I'm partly grateful for and partly dreading! We get on very well when we don't have to see too much of each other...!

Those of you using disposable nappies how did you decide on brand and quantity? I did the nappylady questionnaire but she recommended so much it put me off a bit - the cost was massive. Am interested but not keen on buying before I really knew what I'm buying, and I'd like to see them first...might go on a hunt and see if any shops sell them locally. Boots sell terry nappies but they are basically small towels that you fold right? They look a bit complicated to me!

Good luck with your sweep Getdown - I share your readiness to have the baby now! Hope your midwife is sympathetic and it works well.

Excellent news on the independent midwife MrsA! Enjoy telling those who haven't been supportive where to go...

A wave at everyone else, especially those with babies! Fingers crossed over the next couple of weeks there will be one or two more Charters' babies...

Hi pippa sorry to hear you ended up being monitored but glad all was ok. I have similar worries - baby seems to not move for ages. But I think it's just because it is pretty cramped in there by this stage. Not many kicks at all, just the occasional squirm.

Re. the nappies, I have a friend who is a "Real nappy guru" with Fill Your Pants She came to my house and showed me all the different options. It really helped to see them in real life before committing to buy. I went for Bumgenuis Flips for during the day, as they are microfibre and quick drying, but bamboozle stretchies for nighttime as they are more absorbent and last longer before changing. It really depends on your own circumstances. E.g. I didn't really want to be using the dryer much, but some people that's not an issue. There are some online sites that offer advice over the phone. I think that Fill Your Pants one does too. TBH I wouldn't go with terries - too much effort for my liking with all the folding etc.

I am really very grumpy today Had a terrible night's sleep. Soooo uncomfortable. Really restless legs - couldn't keep them still, itchy all over etc. Also my shoulder started hurting in the night and was really bugging me. Plus I kept having the odd painful contraction . Not many but enough to keep me awake And typically there is nothing this morning. I am so tired and grumpy that I'm not going to go to the MW drop in for a sweep after all. Would like to try and get a better night's sleep tonight. DH has said he will take fri afternoon off so I can go to the drop in then, while he looks after DD.

Had a proper blood-streaked mucus show this morning though, so hopefully things are moving in the right direction.....

Hmmm yeh getdown she has a key, not the best thing we ever did lol!!
Oooh hope birth is getting closet for you. Bet you can't wait to meet your little one now. You dont know the flavour yet do you?

pippa thought we may have a birth story there. Sorry you ended up being monitored tho, our little ones do test us!

mrsp you are lucky your MIL leaves you alone. At least with your own mum pestering you you can tell her where to go, I can't really do that with DPs mum. I think I'll just ignore her texts... Blame it on baby brain lol.

split lovely to hear from you! Lol at the explosive poos and 1000 muslins! I only have 9 so I think I may invest in a few more!
Yeh my foot is awful, just can't do anything to bring it down. Been sat here with frozen peas strapped to it but no use.

Went for another check with the midwife this morning, bp is fine and little mans heartrate was good (woohoo). She also said that he's 4/5 engaged so my strange pain I had a few days ago must have been him moving down. Yey!