September 2011 - a month or so to go, come here to share the joys and woes of the final stretch.

[100years]

Now I know the threads we were in weren't finished, but there were 3 threads for the September due dates, and I thought it would be nice to get everyone together and share their experiences.

Stats thread is here If you aren't on there, then get adding yourself.

Hopefully we can all get through the last stint together :)

I'm due 1st Sept, so one month to go, if the LO is punctual.

Well done 100years! Congratulations!!

I am still exhausted, struggling with bf a bit and also George doesn't seem to like me atm, he will settle fine for anyone else but not for me. :(

Aha! Wonderful news, and congratulations 100years, sounds like you did really well, hope you're having loads of snuggly cuddles with Edith!

Good luck to all tomorrow's inductees (if that is a real word?!), and hoping that things start kicking off again for those whose uteruses have gone quiet... It's going to be quite a weekend eh?!

Just a thought cake - it might be because he can smell the milk on you? They can get a bit frustrated by that, esp. if he's struggling to get it from you. So try not to take it to heart.

That makes sense (and makes me feel less unloved!), I am constantly worrying that he isn't getting enough milk, even though I have had loads of help and advice. So tempted to try topping him up with formula, but I have been scared off by my mum saying he wouldn't want my milk if he was having formula.

Was going to say the same as loomer, cake about smelling milk from you. Its hard not to take it to heart, but he probably just wonders why he's not eating when you hold him. Boys and their stomachs - all they can think about .

Minkyjj - sure you will be tucked up with a newborn long before me and the other end of monthers are - remind me - when is your due date (I cant see you on the stats thread) and I am losing track of everyone at the moment.

Hi cake my babe keeps getting hickcups in eve and I can't settle her but DH can and I think that is because she can smell my milk gets frustrated but with daddy happy to be cuddled and bounced on my big pink ball. My DH has spent many an hr this wk in eve bouncing away.... he says its for babe but I now starting to think maybe he just enjoys it :o

I bought some size 20 sleep bras off mothecare this wk 2for £20 they been really comfy which unusual for me big 40h milk overloaded sore baps so recommend if anyone in need of some comfy light support at night. They are on offer at mo.

Congratulations 100years!

Congratulations 100 !! Cant ea
Heres to u having a great 1st night together!
it to hear all about it!

Conker - my due date is actually 21st sept but I am having planned csection which is booked for wed 14th at 39 weeks. I know I am lucky in knowing the end is in sight but having been in pre-term contraction state on and off since 30 weeks it's felt like a very long haul. My other two dcs also arrived at 37 weeks so I was kind of expecting this to happen again but so far I have hung in and am now at 38.5.
Just wanted to give a tip with the breastfeeding as I managed it with first two dcs - they do smell the milk on you and that can unsettle them. The discomfort and effort of the first few weeks doesn't last long and settles around weeks four to six and sometimes alot sooner - you also reduce in size considerably and don't have the same leaking issues and it becomes very enjoyable and so much easier - trust me if you get through the first few weeks it becomes much easier than bottle feeding. Although it's tempting to top up with formulae initially if you can it's best to just let your body work up the supply at the right times for the baby or you can find that you struggle to produce enough milk when you need it. I always introduced a bottle of formulae at around 6 weeks when everything had settled so that I had the option if I wanted to get sleep or go out and I never had problems with either of mine taking a bottle if needed. All I would say is don't beat yourself up and get too stressed over it because it works differently for everyone.

Hi minkyjhope ur planned C-sec goes ok. Mine was a lot more positive and calm experience than the emerg C-ec I had with DD1. Id second what you said about BF. I got quite stressed about it with DD1 as it felt like the endless feeding took over my life. But it did settle down at 5wks and became a doddle after a tough start. I hoping the same this time. I'm 2wks in and feeling vtired from relentless at times, feeding and boobs vtender but a lot less stressed this time as I've taken all expectations off myself next few wks other than get through each day in one piece and if chores get done along the way that's a bonus! Main priority is feed, sleep &cuddle both my DDs :o

Tonight has gonebetter (so far) I've started using infacol as babe was gulping down milk in 10-15mins then end half hr + winding and crying. It appears to be helping....even though my DH is sceptical I'm hey ho it can't help!

With the breastfeeding, i bf our dd 4 about 7-8months and ds 4 6 or 7 months. I can completely understand y ppl do give up early, tho it seems such a shame. There r those few days (or is it a week or so?) where its sore & feels like ur just a feeding machine no-one can help u with, ur tired and sometimes feel stressed and lonely BUT it does pass so quickly and soon becomes an enjoyable and great bonding experience thats good 4 both mum and baby. Tho im sure many ppl disagree, last time around i found using nipple shields 4 a few days helpful (perhaps these should b added 2 lists of possible things 2 buy) and a good nipple cee, personally i found lansinoh amazing and already brought a tube. Its not the cheapest but i doubt u'll even use up 1 tube.
Dh had hand on my tummy last night so felt the bh iv been hiding from him, he started timing them then texting everyone that i was in labour! V. Embarassing as id told him i wasnt. Wen we'v dropped dd off @ party i plan i good walk around a nearby carboot. Walk that baby down :-)

ssmile, thanks for the tip about sleep bras - am very tempted to get some, as last time I slept in my nursing bras which isn't ideal. The Mothercare sizing is a bit odd though - they are only available in standard dress sizes, rather than actual bra/cup sizes... but you have obviously found them roomy enough (I don't really know what my current cup size is, but am guessing it must be around an E)?

I also like your description of your expectations for each day - that sounds very sensible, it is all too easy to get yourself wound up into thinking that you need to be keeping the house spic and span as well as conjuring up healthy family meals etc. etc. when, as you say, the most important thing is simply lots of cuddles for both the girls and plenty of rest for you. Everything else is secondary. How is your DD1 taking to being a big sister?

Wow, I spend one day in bed and then it takes me the best part of an hour to catch up with this thread!

Well done 100years, hope you are having a lovely relaxing time with baby Edith. And congrats for only using G&A and tens too; it is nice to be fully aware and in control of what's going on...

...And that's why I'm quite as, with DS, that was all I needed and so it was a bit of a shock when everything got out of hand this time round, So < deep breath> here goes:

Waters broke on Monday night as you know and then we had a nice, fairly active but crampy day on Tuesday after the MW swept and said I was 3cm. I spoke to the MWs again in the afternoon as my temp went up a bit and they and the local hospital were all in some disagreement as to whether I should go in as it could've been the beginnings of an infection. That was a bit irritating as everyone was saying different things and contradicting each other and questioning what the MW who saw me in the morning had said; I think that was the beginning of me getting a bit stressed and unsure about everything tbh. Anyway, they decided to wait and see what happened over night.

So mild contractions started at 1am on Weds and got more intense until 3am-ish when I posted from the bath. By then I was contracting for just over a minute and they were coming every 5-6 mins so we called the MW and started putting hot water in the pool. The MW took quite a while to call back - by which time I was contracting quite strongly and every 3 mins or so - and, when I asked her how long she thought she'd be she said "I couldn't tell you" Cue a bit more panic as I was really wanting some G&A by then.

Got in the pool which was too cold and we realised that clearly our ancient hot water tank wasn't up to the job so changed plans and decided we'd go to the local birthing unit. Phoned again and were told that the MW was on her way and to wait for her to come and assess me.

So by the time she arrived my contractions weren't really letting up; I was getting maybe a minute between them to get my breath and was generally using that minute to be violently sick! Silly cow left the G&A in her car and checked me, only to find that I was still only 3cm dilated! She then talked at me constantly about my options and whittered on about what she thought I should do, not giving me any chance to actually think until I actually told her to be quiet. I decided that, if I was in that much pain at only 3cm, I was going to need proper pain relief so opted to go to hospital. The idea of sitting in a car for 30 mins was terrifying so we went in an ambulance which meant I finally got some bloody G&A!

Got to hospital OK at 6am, everything progressed reasonably well for a couple of hours until at about 8.30 it all very very suddenly got incredibly painful - like way way more than it did with DS - and on checking I had gone very quickly to 8.5cm. I started to lose the plot completely at this point as they were telling me to let up on the G&A as DD wasn't getting enough oxygen but I really couldn't cope with the pain. I just about managed not to tell the MW to fuck off but that was only because I couldn't speak.

Then DD's heart rate dropped right off and didn't come back for 8 minutes and, somewhere in that time, I started screaming blue murder as I was really panicking by this time (not like me at all; last time DH said I was practically silent through my entire labour).

Alarms went, people came running, I was rushed into theatre and prepped for an emergency CS and then, thankfully, DD's heart rate suddenly came back up. I knew there was no way I was doing the rest of it by myself so had an epidural - my family are all allergic to pethidine so couldn't have that - and then 45 mins or so of still bloody painful pushing and forceps delivery. DD didn't turn so came out facing upwards which made it a bit harder but she got there in the end, albeit with a bit of facial palsy from the forceps (which has now gone).

DD latched on almost immediately after birth and we spent a nice peaceful night on the ward, getting lots of sleep and cuddles. She's been brilliant ever since and has rewarded me for all my hard work by being an absolute angel I feel very spoilt as I've had loads of sleep and BFing has been a breeze.

Sorry for the great big long essay but it's actually really good to get it all out like that. I know that, in the grand scheme of things, that wasn't nearly as bad a birth experience as it could've been but I was really down about how far removed the actuality was from what I'd planned.

Looking forward to hearing more from everyone else and good luck to you all. I'll hang about here and cheer you all on. Big love to you all and thanks for the congratulations and support

Gosh feralgirl sounds like you had a stressful time, vglad your Lo was ok in the end and is feeding well. Enjoy your cuddles x

We had better night which was gd as felt like a military op this morn to get everyone fed, dressed and out the door at 9.45am so we could take DD1 to dance class & daddy could have hrs walk with babe all fed, and meet up with DD1 friend for a play in the park. I managed (just about) my first public BF. But felt too nervous and babe fussed so did second bit of feed sitting in the car which went much better, so we went onto pub for lunch after. Gosh really felt back into world again after hibenating at home for most of last 2wks! Tum healing so could walk little further but will be much easier when I can drive again.

Hello everyone!
I've been lurking over the past few days as signal is poor over at my folks place, where I have stayed for a few days r&r (very nice too).
Belated CONGRATULATIONS to feral and to 100years - glasses were raised in rural Worcestershire to you both, and your brand new babies :o
Thank you for posting your birth story feral; I am sorry that it didn't go quite as planned and that you had to put up with some real pain as well as a difficult MW - but really happy to hear that your little one has taken to BF so well and it sounds like you will be allowed some rest to recover. Another lesson to me that you cannot predict what might happen - and that however it does, the end result is the point, not the journey!
Very exciting to hear of further progress with others - and I'm hoping that labour are kicking in properly, if not more babies being welcomed into the world - good luck y'all!
Nothing to report here of any magnitude, although I can definitely feel the baby is engaged in comparison to a week or so back. I am aiming for a walk every day plus some more getting organised (freezer is full now!) - I made damson jam yesterday with mum, which was lovely. I put labels on the jars and knew that one day I will look at the date and think of it in terms of X many days before baby was born!
Anyway, still 2 weeks before EDD, so trying to remain patient, hard as it is when there are cuddles happening all over this thread!
Enjoy those precious first days new mums - and yes please stay on to keep us all company and focussed for our arrivals!

p.s. just caught cat sharpening claws on new carpet - grrrrr!!

Ssmile and jimmijam - completely agree with your bf comments - this time around I am intending to just exist for a few weeks.
Feral - sounds like you had a very rough time - just glad that it all ended well.
Tiddly - your break away sounds idyllic - feeling very envious.
Sat here watching dh dismantle the huge trampoline and surround we have in the garden for winter - seriously hope he isn't expecting help from me - although that could definitely kick-start labour ! Why is it that they wait until the last minute to do jobs needing attention - I suggested he arrange help with a friend weeks ago - now three days before the birth he decides to do this. I am just waiting now for him to put his back out which he always manages just before we have a baby so that he can compete on the pain level with my csection pains. Oh - he now appears to be on the mobile requesting emergency assistance - trying not to be smug - just glad it's getting done as the darn thing is under a huge beech tree and becomes a big leaf net otherwise !

Ssmile - sounds a nice day and well done on getting out and about.

Feral - thank you for sharing experience with us all. Sounds like it was pretty traumatic, particularly not helpful midwives, but so pleased you are reaping the rewards now and enjoying lots of cuddles. Glad you managed some sleep after too!!

TP glad you've had a nice weekend and well done on sticking up!! I've been hopeless and haven't got that organised. Mind you only got tiny freezer!!

Minky glad trampoline is at least down now!

Had lots of BHs since sweep yesterday and even few twinges but that's it. Went for walk / waddle this afternoon which brought on major BH - definitely getting lots of practice in before the real thing kicks off!! Still, at least I get to watch Strictly launch live!!!

Hope all enjoy your Saturday night and looking forward to more news soon from those busy at the moment!!

TP meant stocking up not sticking up!!!!

Feral - thanks for sharing your story - sounds like you had a pretty traumatic time, and well done for not swearing at the mw, although she sounds like she really deserved it more than once. Very good to hear that once dd was born, it has been a fairly smooth ride so far - hopefully will make up a little for the birthing experience.

Tiddleypom- your trip away does sound lovely - especially the jam making.

Sebs - had a similar day to you with loads of BH and some mildly painful ones but nothing more. Trying not to get frustrated with it, as I really should remember that its all just practice. I was so determined not to get caught up in the' is it happening now' thoughts but I think its impossible not to hope a little that it wont go way over due.

Anyway waffling now. Nothing on the telly as usual. Might have to stick on a film.

Feral - sorry you had such a rough time.

With both DS1 and DS2 I went from not being in established labour to fully dilated really quickly so I know how painful that scenario is. Sounds like you handled a difficult experience well and the main thing is that you and the LO are both safe and well. At the end of the day the birth itself is not what it is all about. It's about you and your baby. I missed out on intended water birth both times but have 2 gorgeous boys. I expect I will miss out this time too but have my fingers firmly crossed!

40+4 and still nothing here. Planning reflexology on Monday if nothing by then. Still, in France you aren't considered overdue until after 42 weeks so by those standards still early days

Feral, I can't imagine how stressful it must have been for you, and scary when your baby's heart dropped. So pleased that everything was okay in the end though and that your DD is so wonderful :)

Congratulations 100years and hope you're enjoying lots of baby hugs too.

Welcome back Tiddley :)

I'm in the same boat as you Sebs, lots of BHs but nothing solid yet.

I thought I had a small show yesterday, bits of clear gloop, but it's stopped and I'm back to BHs. Due date is tomorrow but I think I'm going to go over it, sweeps booked for Monday and Wednesday though. I'm dreading the "have you not had that baby yet?" comments and FIL has posted a babywatch on his Twitter feed where he does a daily tweet reporting that I haven't had the baby yet. See my impressed face? He means well and he's excited which is sweet but the irrationally hormonal part of me wants to send him a Tweet that ends in the word "off".

I'm off for a take-away and a huge glass of icy cold pop, it's DH's 30th today so we're celebrating it in a laid back way with DS sleeping at my mam's and a quite night in :)

Sorry, I've been really bad at posting lately but have been lurking and catching up on all the exciting news of new arrivals. Huge congratulations to Bumpy, Summerpixie, Cake, Sewmuch, Feral and 100years on your beautiful new babies.

Really sorry you had a rough time during the birth Feral. Glad things post birth have been going better and hope you're enjoying lots of newborn cuddles with little Polly. Can't wait for them myself. That lovely newborn smell is just amazing.

Not much to report here. Have been getting more frequent and uncomfortable BH's but not much else. Due date a week tomorrow and after being convinced for a while that this baby would be a little early, now I'm not so sure. Ah well time will tell I guess. Trying to use these last days to get as much rest as possible so goodnight all and looking forward to news of more new arrivals soon. :)

Cbear - hope you have a lovely night in with your oh and that he has had a good 30th. I remember being heavily pregnant with dd1 when it was my 30th. Next summer it's my 40th - luckily I won't be pregnant but my hangover might have to take second place to a 10 month old !
Louplet - the French way of 42 weeks would be hard going. I think we just all set a date in our minds and don't realise that it's unlikely to happen on that day and that it can take a long time. Good for you at being so level headed.
Conkertree and sebs - I am sat here suffering the painful and regular branston pickles as my dh has named them and agree with you that they are truly annoying. They make me need the loo every five minutes too which is such a nuisance as I am really wobbling like a weeble now. Anyhoo off for another sleep deprived night