Nov 2011 - Mat B forms are in and time is flying not long now

[PamSco]

Sorry just went for a new thread as I couldn't see another.

Hope you are all well this morning

Hi Ladies!
A sunny day in Copenhagen for once, and I am getting over the stinky cold I have had. But for some odd reason, dd was tearful at me leaving her at kindergarten this morning and that made me well up. I thought she was settling in... Yesterday she told me to go cook something with a dismissive wave, I can't believe how feisty she is, at 3 years old. Shocking. And DH obviously needs to get his ass in the kitchen more often if its only me she associated with cooking.

Caz - when I read your post, I also thought about an elective CS. Maybe I am unusual but I personally think that its a valid birth choice for anyone, if you know the risks either way. I am sure you have checked it all out. Either which way, totally understand how you must feel.

Morning all. Why is it when I have some holiday I end up Ill? Been up all night with a bad tummy. Don't feel ill but my stomach has different ideas! Going to attempt to carry out our plans for a trip to town and the museum and art gallery. Have tO get off settee 1st!

chip size 22 bless, i bet they wouldn't even stay up.

tjuice yay for lovely weather, is gorgeous here as well. Glad your cold is going.

voodoo oh no, hope your stomach settles.

Physio went well. Lots of good tips to help me move around and exercises to help. Have another appointment next week and also been booked into ante natal pilates class which the physio runs.

Could do with a rest now but have to clean and tidy up as having my baby shower tomorrow.

Chip had to smile at the big knickers story!

ECS isn't something we've discussed with the consultant. Tbh I hadn't really thought about it as an option to discuss. Maybe we should next time we see her. I think I want to try for induction for a day or two first before going to CS though. I have nothing against ECS at all, but there is a big part of me that feels I pushed Belle out and want to try and do the same for Xander if I can. Can't quite articulate why I feel that way though. I guess I just want the pain to end with a screaming baby this time. Because that was the absolutely hardest part, even harder than the pain, the deafening silence when it was all over. On the other hand, it really isn't a big deal how he gets here as long as he does - a big part of my birth plan at the moment is "first sign of distress then CS". I will be stressing that time and time again all over it.

I think I want to get my consultant to agree to only try for induction for 48 hours maximum and then just do a CS? How hard do you think I would have to push for one if I did decide I wanted one, either planning one in advance, or agreeing a induction max timescale?

My husband needs to come to my next appointment really, he is much better at handling this sorta stuff than me. I find them hard enough as it is without having to be strong and forthright.

I'm shattered today, been out shopping for 2 hours and now I'm drained completely. And I'm back in work tomorrow. :(

4 weeks until mat leave starts.

Caz my other angel mummy friend was given option of an ELCS from the start and went with it - I'm pretty sure it was at 38 weeks following steroids to ensure baby's lungs were ready. She had previously had 2 natural deliveries. Any mother is entitled to request an ELCS and you have strong reasons so I am sure they will happily discuss it with you. With DD we discussed ELCS and I decided to go for VBAC but was told I could bail at any time and switch to CS. ELCS with no medical grounds are more likely to get bumped if the list is full, if they need to bump someone it is always based on who has the least urgent medical need - you obviously would have a medical need but it might be worth asking consultant about likelihood of you being pushed back as that could be very stressful. I think as you are happy to attempt induction they will be very supportive of you putting a time limit on it.

Caz, having had 5 CS's I am reluctant to recommend having even one to anybody but it's best to have considered all possible options. A lady near me in the antenatal ward had an ELCS because of a previous stillbirth. She had a healthy baby boy! I asked as even when I was in recovery I couldn't stop thinking about her.

Caz, been thinking about you a lot today, and your experience with Belle. I know you're scared, but I also think you're amazing for having been brave enough to embrace Xander and for having kept Belle in your life so fully. You're incredible and I know you have what ever you need to get through this pregnancy and this birth. I'm quite against ECS, in principle, but in actual fact, have never come accross a time I havent thought "fair enough" or even "probably a good idea". But I also hear how it would be important for you to go through a natural birth. I just cant see how a consultant could have a problem with your plan though, you may not have to push for it at all so much as just suggest it!
And I was so touched, Chip, about your mock breast feed with Sylvie-Rose. That must have been quite emotional for you. Bless her, I am so impressed with how our newborns and mummies, and I imagine daddies too, are doing. How amazing are human beings?!
Though I wish we didnt have to have bad tummies and so forth! Another headache day here. Hmph. Hope it is wearing off now. off on holiday tomorrow - a week in the cotswolds. Then seven weeks of work before maternity leave starts. Not really sure how the hell I am going to look after a two year old when very very pregnant and then with a baby. I know many of you have done it, but I remain convinced its impossible. Headaches dont help to be fair. And sadly they are not merely a pregnancy symptom, I get A LOT of headaches.

Oh wow, back from a week in France and another baby has been born. Many congratulations Poppet and family. Willow is gorgeous and I'm pleased she is making such good progress. Its so strange to see what's inside me now. I mean, I know its a baby but to see Willow all perfectly formed really brings it home.

Chip great to hear that Slyvie-Rose is doing so well too.

Well, now my holiday is over I have to stop putting off buying baby things and get on with it! Hubby has to get on with the house renovations as time is flying and we are in no way prepared for what's going to hit us in a couple of months.

Had a little scare last night and for the first time had to phone those numbers on the front of the yellow book. After dinner out with friends cane home late ready for tmi went for a wee and as I wiped I had a really pink discharge then went into panic mode! Phoned the number and spoke to MW for ages I couldn't remember if I'd felt bean move recently as I'd been so busy but I knee I'd felt her that day so MW decided I should try and get some sleep and if I had anymore or if it it went red I should go in. Led in bed feeling all sort of weird things never felt before and must have forced myself to go to the toilet about 10 times just to check. I've woken up this morning exhausted but feeling pretty normal, decided not to go into work today though and spend it instead sitting on the sofa and concentrating on Bean's movements.

I am slightly embarrassed though as when I phoned the random lady to report my absence I burst into tears :-S

Aww H007, think a snooze and a restful day may be in order. Sounds scary but you definitely did the right thing and staying off today is a good plan. Sometimes I think I forget how pregnant I am and do way too much and then worry at the end of the day. Am forcing myself to do less! Hope you feel better H007 and don't be afraid to ring them again if you need to!

I've been and sorted out my babyplan thing at Mothercare. Was one of those jobs I had been putting off but it's sorted now thankfully! Still got to sort a cot and mattress but I'm not too worried as have Moses basket sorted. Pram is coming October which am looking forward to! Oh hang on, that's next month!!! Arghh!!

Looking forward to a quiet weekend, kids at their dads so got no plans which is quite lovely. Hope everyone is well and our thread babies and mummies are keeping strong :-)

Morning all... well last day of a week of work (excluding the weekend of course) and I'm still in my dressing gown! Very pleased with myself as it's been a busy week.

Echo voodoo about forgetting i'm pg and doing too much, we spent all day weds when it was lovely and sunny in the garden, i was chopping bushes down and mowing etc, while dh was doing all the heavy digging and pulling, but still probs did too much! THen yesterday I was up ladders painting and havbe more to do today!

caz i agree that you probably only need to suggest a timelimit followed by CS if that's what you want and they'll be happy to accept it. I can't imagione it being something you have to fight for.

H007 enjoy a relaxing day at home concentrating on bubba... maybe a good time to get some lists written etc... so you feel like it's a good productive day without the stress of work!

Hope everyone has a nice weekend now, and looks after themselves! Love to Willow and Sylivia-Rose xx

Stace, you aren't the only one still in your dressing gown! Hope everything is ok H007, it is worrying, but pregnancy does funny things to us physically and emotionally, so I'm sure everything is fine. JustStarting, your post made me cry, it sums up what I would like to say, but couldn't really put into words. I think I'm a bit too practical, I wish I could be a bit more sensitive sometimes.

Is there anyone else who still hasn't put in their Mat B form? I only got mine yesterday, and my work isn't open until Monday (being a school). Everytime I open this thread I feel guilty!

Morning everyone,

H007 that must have been pretty scary, I hope you're ok, and having a proper rest. Get that decaf tea out and put those feet up :)

Getting through the massive pile of pre-baby washing (the reusable nappies are currently in the machine), though I wish it would stop raining up here for a few days so I could get things dry quickly

Picked up our car seat from Boots yesterday, yay! :o , and DH and I spent about a half hour working it out, and how to fit it into a car. Next trial is working out how the pram upstairs works - do they have to make everything so much like the krypton factor?!

Glad to hear that our babies are doing well, and it must have been lovely for you poppet to have your mock breast-feed with willow.

I hope you get your birth plan sorted out soon caz, and get the plan that you feel most comfortable with. I think the induction with time-limit and planned CS sounds like a good compromise. Best of luck :)

Off to hang-up nappies now, and hopefully moving about with encourage Modom to shift whatever limb she has jammed up against my ribs!

wish I was in my dressing gown!

H007 hope all is well today. Don't feel bad, I would freak out too. Anyone would. Hope its just one of those things.

Well, I have no real exciting news but must share that today is the first day in forever that I have actually worn a small heel. I bought these leopard boots in the sale when I was back in London this summer. Could turn out to be one of those well-dodgy pregnancy hormone purchases but I must say I am enjoying them today.

I also bought a black nursing top and some maternity tights from the extortionate Isabella Oliver last night, as they currently have a spree sale on.

Should have gone to bed but was up late watching toy research tests via Skype, as the trip to the US was cancelled due to the hurricane. Weird watching kids in a test room, watching adverts.
Next week I will go to Hamburg for one night and am kind of looking forward to it as its a lush hotel located in a shopping arcade in central Hamburg. Won't be exploring much but room service sounds like such a luxury right now.

Ooooo room service!!!! So jealous!! I've spent the morning making a spicy bolognese to go in slow cooker for a late supper for OH and I. Very much looking forward to it. Have been chowing down on fruit and fibre, spinach, broccoli etc to try to improve my iron levels as I hate iron tablets. It only occurred to me recently that when I had my 1st (ds) that I was meant to have a blood transfusion after delivery and I refused! Madness. Can't work out if it was just cos I was anaemic or what. I got iron tablets then when I was discharged and I remember vowing never again so am insisting that my food includes high iron content foods! Washed down with water or orange juice. Crossing fingers it works!

Washed loads today and it's all out on the line and am watching a very very grey cloud making it's way backgardenwards! Grrr.

Voodoo I think someone else mentioned it up-thread but I've been taking spatone iron sachets - liquid that you can mix with orange juice - and its not been having the horrible side effects of iron tablets. I can't believe how much better I have felt since taking it. No more wierd dizzy head!

Off to check out the Isabella Oliver sale, I have just come back from a wedding in France and managed to fit into a pre-pregnancy dress but have another wedding later this month and think I need something new.

afternoon ladies.

h007 how scary, glad things are ok now, definately put feet up and relax today.

i saw my consultant today, baby heartbeat fine, blood pressure fine, and gtt results absolutely normal. so relieved, all test coming back fine so i shouldn't have a problem going to the mlu.
Spoke to him about the birth pool, and he said that they never tell women they can't go in the birth pool as long as they understand any risks there may be. He said that there is a increased risk with being overweight but even still it's small, and as i laboured with ds in the birth pool and had a normal problem free birth last time i'm likely to this time as well.

i just wanted to make sure dh heard it so if when i got to the mlu they said no i and dh can fight them.

voodoo - can you recommend a recipe book for slow cooking? my mum got me a humungous one from TKMaxx, but I don't really have a clue how to use it. Do you just fry everything up normally (like beginning a curry/casserole etc) then dump it in there? I love the idea but right now it would still be a hassle to chop and prepare stuff in the morning before work.

oh, and I think Floradix is good at perking up iron levels. I am taking the tabs right now.

Mash ah yes it rings a bell! I shall look into the spatone. I just don't like the side effects of iron tablets! Thank you!
Cep I want your consultant! That's brill news, you must be really thrilled! Nice to hear of a common sense approach!
Tjuice I don't have a recipe book, I kind of just throw things in and hope for the best. Chilli, Bolognese, curry, beef casserole etc fry up as normal, add a bit extra water and turn it on. I do the frying up the night before and then add the sauce and leave it on low. If you lOok on here and on netmums and just general google searches you will find some lovely recipes! Pretty much anything that can be cooked in the oven can be cooked in the slow cooker! I absolutely love mine. There's a gammon/ham in cherry coke recipe that I intend to try at some point.

Offload whine: I crave biscuits so badly and I can't get to any - Tesco is too far to walk, and DP took the car for the day. Booo.

PMA: We bought so much baby stuff yesterday! 3 for 2 on our Eco-friendly starter nappies meant we got a great deal! Baby clothes galore, too, so now we're almost prepared for Sprout!

She's been doing so much wriggling around in there, and getting so big - when she moves my whole body twitches!

Cep Yay for good GTT results!

Just dropping in to say hello and great news re tests cep.

I'm not having such a great time atm - as i expected, pressure on me is remping up now I'm almost 30weeks and tbh, I'm fed up.
I know what I want and I know it doesn;t tally with NHS guidelines but that's my informed choice and I continue to believe in my body's ability to birth naturally.
I keep refusing stuff cos they are 'policy' driven and not specific to me.

Was there someone one here who is using an independent mw? I think there was and in my area too - I wasn't sure we can afford one but DP has seen the stress I am under.

My GTT results are back and I am 'mildly' high from the modified GTT. I believe that slightly increased sugar levels are a normal feature of any pregnancy, so i want a full GTT to see whether my body produces enough insulin to reduce the sugar levels back to a 'normal' level.

This involves another GTT but taking bloods every 30mins for at least 2 hrs. I had this with my first pregnancy and although my blood sugars were higher than ususal, the full test showed my body coped fine. Anyway, with this hospital, they don't offer the full GTT, so until they do, I have refused further intervention, except to say i will look at my diet again and increase my exercise, probably not a bad thing anyway.
As you might expect, this has not gone down well and so I have been so stressed out, DP is seeing if there is any way he can fund an independent mw.

Anyone??

Jumping back onto this thread (will catch up with posts over the weekend).

MrsA our independent MW is letting us pay by installments and the plan she proposed took us long past my due date.

I think you're near me (Cheshire) I can sed you her details if you want. She's costing us £1,500 for antenatal, some post natal and the birth - obviously.

If your due date is 2 weeks past mine you might be ok or she can suggest many other Indeps. I'm due 28th Oct - I really belong on another thread but hey.

Have you read the Henci Goer stuff on GTT? I found it useful in giving me confidence around my results (which were "normal" in the end).

(I just lurked around the May 2012 thread... Wow. I remember that!)

MrsArch so sorry the medical bods appear to be trying to follow their normal protocols by stealth. Not good, and you really don't need the stress. I'd look into an indie midwife if you can afford it and you're losing faith with your healthcare providers. Mine have been the only thing that have turned Willow's arrival into a positive event rather than a total trauma. Even now I get lots of hellos when I go into the hospital and midwifes coming up to say hi to her in the unit who were at the birth.
Caz I certainly understand your desire for a normal birth, I wanted one too, but I do think you might want to consider a cs for mental health reasons. I guess the big thing is how large you plan to make your family in the future? I've heard it said that a cs defers the risk of the current birth to any future ones, and it certainly ups the risk of a premmie baby which has been playing on my mind as one of the causes of Willow's early hello. But then I wonder was I doing too much, was it those tummy bugs, was I not eating well enough... you get the picture. I so understand why you are terrified about week 32. We've got our two little people now, so its irrelevant, but I don't think I could do another pregnancy ever again, even though I loved it with DS and didn't find this one too hard going either, but I know I wouldn't ever be at peace until the baby was here... preferably on time or late. I couldn't face a week 27 again.
Last thing from me is me and my girl had our first ever cuddle yesterday. She tucked her legs back in to her favourite bump position, closed her eyes like she was glad to be home and fell asleep for almost two hours and for me, well everything else just faded into nothing. I sniffed her head and gave her a kiss and quietly sang all the songs I used to sing during DS's bedtime that made her be still in my bump, and all was well with the world. Hugs to everyone.