October 2011 Baby Bus... PART 4

[happymummytobe]

A new thread for the bus!

I assume you've got nappies, cotton wool/wipes, baby clothes and pram/car seat blanket.

Some cheap basic non wired nursing bras (can get remeasured after a couple of weeks for some nicer sturdier ones), nice new PJs as you want to spend a good amount of time in them to start with (MC did a nightie and dressing gown I really liked), chocolate, reading material (especially if BF). You'll want some really loose PJ tops or t-shirts for engorgement (just holding a towel after the shower hurt them) (plus a hot flannel, glass of water and something to hand express into if they are having trouble latching due suddenly massive breasts - obviously you'll probably have this stuff, but getting it together in one place could help)

can anyone join these chats?

of they can, although if you're not expecting a baby in Oct 2011 you may get some odd responses

I'm due 9th Oct, this will be my first.

I'm new to mumsnet, just looking to chat to people about the last minute panic getting things ready and the anticipation of whats about to happen

do you all know each other or just been posting on here, this post has been going a while :)

We're just a collection of strangers with a similar due date. A collection of first timers and people doing for the 2nd, 3rd.... time. We all tend to get out our panic moments online and kinda keep track of other peoples progress (to be honest I struggle to keep up). Generally we find solace in finding out we're not alone in our feelings, especially with things you can't talk about to real life (RL) and non pg friends

I think I joined mumsnet (MN) at about this point in my first pg.

Tallybear if you ask 10 different people you'll get 10 different opinions on whether your list is right or not.

There are a quite a few things on your list that I never used, or realised after I had perfect alternatives for already.

Mattress protector - came as part of the mattress so we didn't need a separate one. (Unless you mean for your bed.... I'm going to stick some of DD's drynite pads on my bed)

Waterproof sheet - Isn't this the same thing?

Sheets - we used a sheet for swaddling, DD was a summer baby... we'll probably use a blanket too for this one. So you may need some cellular blankets

Changing table - Expensive for the short amount of time you'll be able to use them (not safe once baby starts rolling.) Also they take up a lot of room. They are good if you have a CS though. We just put a changing mat on a blanket box which is now DD's toy box.

Bath - we were given one, which we used once, and it was a hassle to fill up. We just used the big bath after that.

Top and toe bath - tupperware bowls are fine

Room thermometer - Our baby monitor had one on.

Microwave steriliser - again we were given one, it was basically a large tupperware box that you put a bit of water in the bottom of, and had a valve.... but you could just put the lid on slightly wonky. :) Or a dishwasher works just as well.

I can't think of anything I'd add... except a water bottle for you. All too often when I was feeding DD I'd be desperate for a drink, but couldn't reach it on the table. SO I started filling a waterbottle that I could throw on the settee next to me without fear of it spilling.

Also as people have said, comfy clothes for you and baby. I loathed tracksuit bottoms before DD was born but ended up living in them. I started off wearing pyjamas, but you never know when you're going to get a shower, and I felt so embarrassed when neighbours dropped round and I wasn't dressed. I got some tracksuit bottoms so that I felt half presentable for random guests... or the postman. :o

I have to say we used our changing table until we left the US and so plan to get one once moved. However in our old place our dining table did the job. Neither of us get on well with changing on the floor (DH mainly due his bad back), so we needed something to use at standing level. You can get the side bars things to place on the top so it isn't just a flat surface. The changing table was also really good as we needed the shelves but obviously like most items depends on your needs and personal storage.

I didn't want to say what items I don't think are needed, but do have a think about each one to see if it applies to you or not.

tally i concur with bilbilo the mattreses have a waterproof wipeable cover on them, so dont think you'll need a protector or a water proof sheet. also, i agree that everyone is different. loads of people think top tail bowls are not needed as a washing up bowl or some equilvalent is just as good, but i love them and use them all the time. with 2 c sections my back is bad and its easier than lifting the baby bath or bending over the big bath. some people may like changing tables, but ive never met anyone who uses it more than a few times and then piles all the ironing on it!
only thing i can see that you've not put, is a play gym/mat. something to lay baby on, on its back to kick their little legs about. ive got 3! i got one for isobel and one for jacob and then i saw a butterfly one in argos that was big enough for both of them, so i got that too. they still use them as they lie on them when having their milk.
cheshire i have experience of both induction (not a sweep tho) and an elective c-section and epidural. the thing ive noticed about them interfering with nature is the more they interfere the more they have to. i had a pessary to start me off, then they decided my waters needed artificially breaking, then that i needed a drip to speed things up and then an emergency csection. some do have a natural birth after a sweep and induction but i think most end up with a c section. if you have a psychological fear of birth, which im deducing you do, i would definately agree to having an epidural. being tense and upset is more likely to make labour longer/ harder.
an elective c section is great in terms of labour and birth, you will have an epidural or spinal block, you'll know you won't tear, you'll probably be fairly relaxed etc. but the afterwards is harder. it takes longer to recover and even longer if you do what i did and do too much (lifting babies) and end up damaging the scar on the inside. i didnt spilt the outside scar but i did something to the inside one and it would literally burn whenever i had to get up for the toilet etc for about 3days.
so the choice is yours really. i think if you catergorically dont want the possibility of a natural birth, you'd be better going for the elc. have they said what would happen if you went into labour naturally earlier than the elc booking? would they still give you elc? i personally would stay away from induction, but thats cos i had such a bad experience. if this baby goes over, im just going straight for the c section. others may have had a good experience.
never know if my rambling helps/makes sense?! but hope it does .

Hi littlehamster welcome - how you getting on? Not long to go now... and my favourite question to ask all new mners - do you know what flavour you are having? I am living my own excitement through other people as we aren't finding out and it's always at this time that I REALLY WANT TO KNOW!!!

MN is like a place of solace (well not the aibu threads!!!) - where you can come and check you are not being crazy, escape the real world a bit and just chat with people in a similar situation with you. Some people meet up in RL but generally you are fairly anonymous online.

Tally agree with Bilblio, people will use different things.

Other things we got were various thicknesses of blankets / sheets. Fitted sheets for the pram, cotton wool pads, we use reusables so them and liners, non-bio washing powder, we got the baby grooming kit with little nail file / scissors but didn't use it til much later when the nails were stronger, sudocream, storage for the nursery (if you don't have it already) to put bedding / clothes in. I expressed a lot of milk to freeze from quite early on (it lasts for six months) so I got lots of ice cube bags. We got a big steraliser that came with bottles, breast pump and travel / microwave steraliser all in one box and was on sale - they do it a lot in babies r us. Baby clothes and carpet / sofa cleaner for the inevitable sick / poo leaks! Rain cover for pram (may come with) and a play mat of some kind.

I think Sassy put a great hospital bad list on here earlier as well.

That's all I can think of - as Penguin said maybe look through and see what you think you will need most. We didn't personally use mattress protectors, changing tables or the bath (although I did buy a bath, the sink and big bath were more practical for us).

Crossed posts with sassy

cheshire I was induced by drip with DS and it was fine but fast - by the time I had the epidural I was too far gone for it to work so if you do that then make sure they get it in you before you start. But have friends that have had the pess / waters broken that lasted much longer. But then ELC means longer recovery time. It's a really tough decision and one only you can decide on - you could do what I do and write a pro's and cons list for each one and then completely ignore your findings and go with your gut. Often when I do them I end up going with the one with the fewest pros because actually writing them down makes me realise that even though there are less, they are more important to me.

Hello all!

I'm a little late to this thread but thought I'd see if I could join anyway?

I'm due my first baby on 5th October, but the Dr now thinks he will put in an appearance a few weeks early as his head is already very low and it's all quite soft down there, apparently!

It's been very reassuring skimming through the past few pages of the thread and seeing that there are so many other people in the same position, with the same worries and experiencing the same complaints - we moved abroad a little while before I got pregnant so I haven't really had many people to talk to/compare notes with so this has been a fab read :)

LaterAlligator hello - ooh perhaps another September baby then?

How are you feeling? I remember this stage with DS and it's when the excitement / nervousness really kicked in (up until then, I had largely ignored the fact that I was pregnant!)

Do you know what flavour you are having? Can't believe we are all so close now - within 10 weeks it is likely that we will all have had our babies!

Ladies I can't remember who these messages about ELC's are for either but I am just going to pop my baby out whilst watching Desperate Housewives so it's def not me! :) I know I am deluded but humour me here.

It's usefully info s hopefully whoever needs to know will read them though.

Although that's what our Hypnobirthing lady seems to say sassy that once they start fiddling with you medically wise it seems to become a continual thing then though for that birth, it's sort of the road-you-end-up-going-down.

We had our last NHS Midwife class last night, this one was not as bad because it was about bf. Next week it's just a quick tour of the hospital (and me becoming disturbed probably!). I thought it was a bit of a shame though that there were 12 Mums and only 2 Husbands turned up (my DH and 1 other), just because it's bf why do they not think it's good to have the information too? I thought that was a bit sad :(

Welcome hamster. If you're anything like me you are on count-down now :)

Ooh, comedy comment from the MW last night "there are a couple more ladies just waddling in". How rude!

Welcome Alligator and your September/October baby too :)

Oh god, we haven't got anything organised yet and am starting to panic! Lots of you seem organised, and my NCT lot are getting that way too...I am struggling with finishing an assignment for my Masters (at work until 8.30 last night and still here now) and DH seems to be inviting everyone we know to visit over the next few weekends. I just want to have some peace and quiet and get organised...argghh!!

I have got a list of what I need though (amalgamation of stuff from MN threads on hospital bag and what you need for first baby, and advice from NCT), I just need to have time to go and get it! I saw that Boots have a 3 for 2 on baby stuff at the moment, and I've joined their parenting club, so that might help a bit...

I think in terms of birth choices, BB3 has it right: you've just got to go with your gut instincts - if you don't, you will be stressed and tense during the whole process, which is not good for labour, and not helpful for surgery (CS) either. It's good to get advice from those who have been there before, and from your medical team, but ultimately it's your body and your head and only you can decide what's right for you: no-one is in a position to judge your choice, and as long as the medical team agree it is safe for you and baby, you are completely entitled to make that choice.

Welcome to Alligator and Hamster: I am also due on 9th October with my first (we have a stats page somewhere: does anyone know how to do the link?) and have found this thread v reassuring and supportive throughout (been on it since about week 8!). Stay away from the AIBU threads though, except for a giggle - they can get a bit scary!!

Hope everyone has nice bank hol planned...I'll be writing my stupid masters...xx

sorry Cheshire they were meant for cheeky baby brain is definitely in full force here!!!

Welcome alligator and hamster and anyone else I've missed. I'm completely losing track of what is happening to who as we are getting busier, but I do know that it is me not cheshire asking about sweep/induction vs ELCS, so thanks to those who have replied! Have been thinking about nothing else and think I am just going to go with the flow and see what happens - if labour starts before my planned CS then I'll give it a go but beg for an epidural and if not then I'll go for the CS. My issue is kind of fear, but based on bad experience last time and a worry that bigger baby will make it worse, but that doesn't seem to be the case from what people have said. Thanks for info on induction BB3 and sassy - I think I will have the sweep but avoid actual induction, as it seems to make things worse!

Did last bits of shopping today - changing mats, (one for upstairs and down - I am def going to be lazier this time!) and some more clothes and a pink blanket. Am enjoying buying more than we probably need this time after not buying anything last time and making do. One thing maybe worth adding - we ended up using the carseat attached to the pram base as our pram a lot (ds found it comfier due to reflux) - and it took us a few weeks to realise that they make cosytoes and rain covers for the carseat - v useful! Maybe not worth buying in advance but keeping in mind if you have that type of pram.

Hope everyone has a good weekend planned despite the grotty weather. Try and have a break rebel - sounds like you are working too hard!

rebel there's plenty if time! I can't concentrate on more than one thing at the mo so all credit to you doing your MA on top of pregnancy!!!

Hi alligator and hamster I'm due 9/10/11 too wonder when we'll all actually end up having them?
Thank you all for kind messages about the funeral it was as lovely as something like that can be and I managed to waddle up and do a reading without breaking down in the middle so relieved about that.
Work still is insane but I can see a light at the end of the tunnel as after this and next weekend everyone will go back to school/ work and I'll be able to breathe a bit.
Trying to train my replacement at the moment and finding it hard, must just learn to let go! [control freak tendencies surfacing ]

rebel I was writing my PhD thesis this point with DD. At least we only have to do it once.

We basically did one week of getting ready. Got given most things due to our imminent move. We had a good sized wardrobe of Freecycle but had too much hanging space, so went to BnQ, brought a plank of wood and cut it down to make a load of shelves.

I do agree with the playmat, if it's something you might want to take to parents/ILs then look for ones that can be folded up easily.

I've had IBS trouble all day today (normally only mornings). Of course symptom spotting came into play but gave myself a metaphorical slap around the face . Have been sorting out DDs baby clothes today, I forgot how small they come at first.

Am looking forward to living with DH again, but not how I feel about sharing the bed. He had been kicked out at this point last time I think (he was allowed in for cuddles, but evicted once I wanted to sleep). I actually remember being really worried I would never want to share a bed again . In preparation for this, I am stealing my DMs single mattress

Cheeky Cheshire, it's all the same letters! Glad your words of wisdom found their way to the right home though :)

Quick question for repeat Mums, last night the MW said we should start using the Lansinoh on our nips already. Do you agree, or should I just save it for now?

Good luck Rebel, make sure you consume cake over the weekend and Haribo :)

not heard that one before and I've pretty well read with BF. I don't think you can get them ready, it's like when you get a sore bum when you haven't ridden a bike for a while.

sorry cheeky and cheshire for mixing you up!

i know from my sept 10 thread that it gets busy about now, cos of maternity leave, but then after the births loads of people drop off. so it does get easier to know who everyone is- although it is sad to lose them.

we have had visitors for last few hours and we didnt manage to eat our dinner beforehand, as we were running round tidying! so dp is out cruising the streets for a chippy. yum yum. starving.

Cheshire I've pondered starting using lansinoh early, but I don't know if it would work. I've never heard it suggested either, but I figured as I used less than half a tube in 9 months it may as well start early.
I think it's bound to hurt at first for most people... unless your nipples are used to being chewed on for several hours a day. :o
Last time I had about 2-3 weeks of toe-curling pain, but it got better each day and I never had cracked nipples. I used lansinoh religiously after each feed.

I've been looking for lansinoh on ebay, there's lots of unused tubes there from people who bought loads then realised how little you need.

So far with my weekend mission... I've half packed a bag for me, and found some of DD's newborn clothes and the reuseable nappies. I've been sorting through the boxes of DD's clothes this evening sorting them out by age. I wish I'd done it when I first boxed them away, it would have been sooooo much easier!

Hello all,

Another late comer to this thread, although not new to MN. My EDD is 14th October and I am comforted to see so may others experiencing similar niggles at this stage. For me the heartburn seems to be getting worse every day, alongside the various aches and pains. I am still sorting out the shopping and have not yet packed the hospital bag, so thank you for the various tips