Nov 2011 - Feathering our nests and buying baby vests

[PamSco]

Taking liberties again as there are only 5 posts to go on old thread. Hope everyone is well this morning!

alicat that all sounds a bit rubbish :( hope you get the MW to sort something out for you. Have you tried natural yoghurt - it can be quite soothing for a bit?

Had a completely pointless day yesterday, went all the way to Manchester to a cardiac appointment (which I couldn't understand as already seeing other specialists, but assumed I'd find out when I got there), to be asked by the consultant why I'd booked the appointment - I didn't, they SENT me one!! So I was an 'administrative error' - too many bloody cooks I think. So spend 4 hours in a boiling car, and 1.5 hours in a stuffy hospital waiting room for sweet FA ! DH not best pleased either, as he'd taken a day off work for it, and is desperately trying to get a report out before sproglette arrives. So it was all fun and games in our house last night .

Had 34wk MW appointment this morning. My BP and measurements are grand, but have positive proteins in my pee, so now have to see the obstetrician tomorrow just in case. She said she wouldn't have bothered normally, but as I have the dicky ticker..... Well it gives me a reason to get up at a reasonable time tomorrow morning :)

Still deciding on pjs and nursing bras at the moment. We're very skint though, so I think M&S for bras might be a good idea as they have 2 for 25 squids. Keep looking in TKMAXX for pjs, but everything seems to be for teenagers or old ladies :(

Anyone experiencing rib flare? I've started getting slight pains and aches across the base of my rib cage, especially when lying down. Any suggestions?

poppet, very glad to hear that Willow is on the mend - she's a real fighter. And hopefully you can have a very boring few weeks :)

And I'm reading everyone's stories re toddler sleep routines with trepidation!

Sorry for massive post!!

Hi all!

Well Willow had another settled night. Downside is now I have a sore throat, almost certainly from teh same bug DS had, and Willow picked up, so while I'll visit today I daren't pick her up for a cuddle just in case its a new one - although the mws had said she was well enough today for the first time in ages. Gutted. Chip can I ask how you're coping with bugs, small people and a premmie? I think the issue is DS is now at a childminders for three mornings a week for the first time ever so is catching everything. Its so hard though because between staying away from her when DS is ill, then not being able to pick her up when she is - we're really missing lots of contact.
Sleep issues I'm in Juststartings school when it comes to sleep. I literally couldn't bare to hear DS cry, it physically hurt me, never mind him, so no controlled crying for us. I also think it depends on the personality of the baby - some do 'cry down' and settle via that path, others like DS cry up and up and up and it makes matters much worse so controlled crying will never work. I was wondering about being tougher with Willow before she arrived, but now between her tough start and physical issues like her heart murmur and potential lung issues I will also avoid anything that involves tears and upset too. So I just have to be prepared to tough it out again. But it is such a personal contentious issue I wouldn't suggest anyone did or didn't take our path because it worked for us. That said I would be very wary of controlled crying for any child younger than a toddler. Like Chip says you need to be able to know when they're playing you and when they really need you. Gurus like Gina Ford give people unrealistic hopes, because things like thinking a 6 week old will fit to a schedule is unrealistic. I figure it takes time for them to learn to sleep, just like it does for them to learn to eat solids and walk and a whole host of other developmental steps. And certainly I wouldn't be happy about DS having to weep it out while he was learning to eat, or cry hysterically while he was learning to walk so I don't see why sleep should be 'learnt' with such hardship either. That said the non controlled crying path IS a long one and it is hard. We had 16 months of broken sleep before we did gentle night weaning with DS. THat took its toll on us and our relationship so there was a price to pay, but alot of things worth doing are hard. Now DS sleeps the whole night through every night and - unlike little ones of friends who tried controlled crying when they were very young, he looks forward to bed and has never ever fought bedtime or gotten stressed by it.

alicat that's awful, i hope the gp gets back to you quickly.

poppet glad to hear Willow is getting better.

chip grief 5am, good luck.

pam i'd say you at least need a bf bra (or normal if not bfing) otherwise you'll leak everywhere.

folic i've bought 1 bf top on sale from next, i plan to get 1 bf vest and leave it at that until i know for definate i'll be bfing this time. afterwards hoping to take the idea of the 2 layer look. can't remember if it was a bigger bottom layer or top layer though.

Afternoon all,

hope everyone is having a better day, glad to hear that Willow is getting better, but sorry that you aren't feeling too grand poppet and stripey, fingers crossed the midwife or doctor comes good and gets you something to make you feel better.

I've been feeling a bit low with a very painful shoulder for the last couple of weeks, went to work and finished up my hand over notes by lunchtime and then told my boss that I wasn't feeling well and have now headed home, feel a bit guilty about not being at work, but DH thinks my boss wont mind, have an appointment to see the gp on friday morning so hoping that she will sign me off for next week and then I start my maternity leave, not sure what I'll do if she wont :(

Off to make some dinner and potter about in the sun

Hi cep I've bought a bf bra that is more like a sports bra - y'know the vesty type ones. With pouches for the pads. I thought I'd use that if I was Leaky McMilky.

I hate wearing anything around my waist in bed so pjs not comfortable. The last time I wore a nighty (in hospital) it ended up wrapped around my head bearing me backside to the world.

Twojacks enjoy your free time - don't feel guilty at all. I'm sure you have given them free time in teh past - this is payback.

Folic great that you are feeling good about work. Hope the sleeplessness is banished for good.

alicat bug hugs - what a pain for you. Hope gp sorts you out. I'm on the hydrocortisone cream for my arm rashes that I've had since May. Dr was fine about it but pharmacy grumbled.

Poppet right now it is your turn - get that army of white blood cells marching! Another trick I swear wins. Stir into a mirror and focus on your sore/itchy throat or bunged up nose and say "NO" very very firmly. Repeat until you truly believe you can say no to a cold - don't put up with it. I reckon you can knock off a good day or two of suffering.

My back and neck is achey now - too long at my desk. I also think teasy Boy has gone back to being head down. Phew. I am wearing non-maternity trews today so he'd have the waistband on his head - so he has turned tail and started kicking the elastic. (It's not tight btw)

Poppet hope your throat better soon. Glad to hear willow is getting better. She is a real fighter.

Chip can't believe the 5am appointment.

34 week appointment went ok and bp back to normal. Booked in for a sweep at 38 +4 although said if Bishops low want to give it a miss.

Anyone else running out of things to wear? All maternity trousers apart from my joggers are a bit small.

Sending lots of pma to everyone

poppet, get well soon so you can have as many cuddles as you can squeeze in!
Stripey god that's annoying for you!
Folic ah man I pet you were ready to pummel the pharmacy staff!! Hope you have managed to get sorted now.
Pam glad to hear you think he has turned round!
Mw appt was with the practice based other MW. She was quite helpful re the home birth stuff and shocked at the hospital stuff. However still they spout risks and are unable to give me percentages/figures etc. Said the biggest risk is shoulder dystocia (sp?) but then admitted she wouldn't say it was a highrisk! I've lost so much weight she was amazed but very impressed! Bubs is great, turned around so is now cephalic (that's the right one isn't it?) and she has put down 4/5! I am resting as it is way too hot and I'm not prepared or used to it like I was and am worn out! Nice nap and then going to treat myself to bacon and chips. Yum!

Cookie, how come about the sweep and what is bishops? Sorry for being dim!

Thanks for support ladies :-) ending up having lovely lunch with pg friend so felt a lot calmer. MW was running v late so ended up having to make last minute arrangements for another mum to look after my son in the playground until I could get there. MW stuff all fine and got my prescription so have now shoved and smeared the various bits as appropriate and eagerly awaiting improvement. Did involve me contorting myself and an arrangement of mirrors to see bits of me I haven't seen for some time.

I've now forgotten everything I was going to say

Afternoon everyone!

Who said nightsweats? I'd forgotten about them! I had them terribly after giving birth last time, managed to sweat through pjs so much that you could wring the water out of them. In my exhausted haze I used to strip nearly naked in bed when it happened, and then wake up in the morning and not be able to remember stripping off! Ah, one more thing to look forward to, I suppose!

Oh no! snoozle I'm suffering my OH's nightsweats - we'll drown if I add to them..

Cali are you a wedding planner...? So so Jealous if you are!!!

Re sleeping in the nod or not... I never wear pjs, but have been warned about the whole leaky boob situation, so may need to invest in some sports style bras which will be comfy to sleep in. DH wont be impressed... but probably less so if I leak everywhere!!! Lol

Woke up after a couple of hours sleep last night and thought my waters were breaking! TMI alert Went to the loo and did a tiny pee like normal... about to get up and realised i wasn't finished... peed a bit more... then some more... then some more...! It wouldn't stop and I sat there for over 5 minutes!

Very odd!

All seems OK now though!

Stace I wish! I'm a costume designer/maker, so a friend hired me to do her wedding dress.

Had a really, really bad minute of absolutely crippling pain in my cervix - this baby is just too big! ("This Bump ain't big enough for the both of us!")

www.amazingpregnancy.com/pregnancy-articles/173.html

Above article explains a bit about bishops score. A sweep is done by mw to help induce labour. My understanding is that it isn't much use if low bishops score. Hoping I go into labour beforehand so can avoid it. I find even smear test sore so think likely to tense up with a sweep which will make it painful.

Little bookmark for posting later when DD is asleep.

Evening all,

Hope everyone feeling unwell feels better soon xx

sleep what is this thing that you speak off?? I now see 3.30am every morning and only start to go back off about 6 with DS getting up at 6.30 :( and night sweats have already started here - no duvet for me, just a thin blanket!!

stripey sorry for your wasted trip - communication really does need to improve between HCPs!!

voodoo yay for good MW appt, sounds positive for you having a homebirth; ali yay also for good MW appt.

cali I sympathise with the cervix pain. Baby has been having days when it feels as though baby is literally "screwing" it's head into my pelvis and bouncing on my cervix - very uncomfortable.

MW appt today went really well. She was happy with how things are going and commented about how nice it was to see me smile and relaxed - such a simple comment but actually made me feel so good as hadn't realised how bad I had been until now. Forgot that it was bloods today :( 3rd attempt and she was just about successful in filling the pot; also had to have MRSA screen, not pleasent. Due to meds I now need to see obs consultant (tick box exercise but she thinks they'll do a growth scan so don't mind going & having an extra peep at baby) MW sure that it will be a case of "yes, we've seen you all is well go back to MW". Have got a date for MW to come and do homebirth booking visit - she was really positive about it and also feels I would be more relaxed and have a better labour at home.

Baby is head down and 3/5ths engaged already, had braxton hicks contractions whilst she was trying to feel baby's position - discussed the amount that I am getting these & that there are times when they are becoming quite intense. MW stated that baby really was getting ready to come; she made a couple of comments to say that she felt that I wouldn't reach 40 weeks & even reiterated a little too much that if things happen before 37wks I would have to have hosp birth and that I need to have my bags ready to go (which they are).

Now I feel as though I have totally lost the plot...making myself some toast & butter ended up in the drawer when I wanted to get a knife out, I put a clean plate on the side & toast in the toaster then the clean plate ended up in the sink brought in the clean washing and rather than put it in the ironing pile I went to put it in the washing basket . Decided to give up and relax instead :)

Anyway, positive day here - sorry for the long post xx

Evening all. My we talk a lot.
I had things to say and my mind is empty. Bump, I too have been having serious dim momments. Found myself wandering about with the lid to the laudnry bin last night. Had a chuckle to myself wondering how long that had been going on, went back and put it in the right place and then proceeded to try and put a pair of knickers on. They were back to front. Rather than turn them round, I endeavoured to simply put my right leg all the way over to the other leg hole. NOT a dignified sight, a naked pregnant woman falling over sideways as she tries to put her pants on. Funny though.
I too had forgotten the night sweats. No one warned me about them, i found them kind of scarey at first. But boy did I drench the place. And yes, leaky boobs. I didnt wear anything in bed till I had my son, and then between needing to wear a bra to keep breast pads in place and spending half the night sitting up with a baby, and having never really gone back to a reliable sense that I am NOT going to have to spend long periods up in the night, I now do wear a t-shirt and pants or something. WAY too hot in pijama bottoms. I wear them around the house then take them off at bedtime. But I used lots of button down pijama tops. I had one breast feeding nightie but found it uncomfortable. Late ron, when it was les frequent and more adept, and warmer weather, I simply tucked a t-shirt up into my bra on the non-feeding side.
And also, i wanted to add about the controlled crying and some babies it working for and some not being so suited, when my son first went to childminders, he actually managed to cry for 8 hours a day. In fact, two very experienced childminders said they couldnt have him back after a couple of days. So I learnt he has the kind of crying stamina that isnt going to work with a leave them to cry it out method. He's an escalater. Just gets worse and worse. We wound up having to use a nanny for about 8 months before she left to start a business. Then we tried another nanny and the same thing happened. We tried a new childminder and its ok. Not perfect, but ok. Like the sleep I guess.
Speaking of which, sounds like I'm up.

Cookie you can refuse any sweeps that are suggested, it's your choice so don't do it if you don't fancy it. Your body, your baby, your choice

I'm just home from a choices for childbirth session on new birth centre- it looks like a boutique hotel. So small though and have strict guidelines that doubt I'll get in anyway but still, was good to go along and hear from midwives. Got a bit more insight into writing my birth preferences.

I'm also a bit of a spacer these days. I seem to have stopped locking the car. Fine perhaps when it's on our street, but on Monday I left it for ages in tesco carpark. Not great. Haven't owned up to OH though, will just do a 'I know nuthin' type response if we wake up one day to no car outside. Let's hope not though

Had a dream last night that my waters broke in Sainsburys haha

Hi everyone, feels like there's lots going on as we get closer to the end. Bump you sound like you're getting ready, and pleased you are feeling (or at least looking!) relaxed and calm!

Caz I hope you are well and resting. Your big day is just around the corner (feels that way to me, even if not for you - I hope time flies).

Poppet get well soon and I'm pleased things are going well for our two little ladies.

Can't remember anything else by this time of night but hope everyone else is well.

Baby has been super active today, all day which is quite unusual, kicks and scratches are getting painful this evening but I am can see the bright side in that its better than worrying about no movements.

I finally bought some baby clothes and am ordering the pram, cot and few more bits and bobs from John Lewis tomorrow so feeling a bit better here. The house is still a tip - especially the half ripped out bathroom, but hubby has painted the nursery - and we both have Friday and Saturday off work to crack on with some more DIY so PMA and we'll get there! I am desperate to get the house in better condition before our midwife comes to see us to prepare for homebirth or she might say no!

chip, you are right. I think it has started sinking in. Fortunately not in a mad dash, but nice and slowly :)
5am ! That is very early, but good that you?ll get to see the optometrist in person

I have read with interest about sleeping routines. Hope I can manage when the time comes

Folic Sorry about crappy week!
I have bought 2 nursing dresses from ASOS, so will be wearing those in hospital. They are sleeveless and knee-long. Easily accessible feeding equipment through the top.
At home...I sleep in the nude, as that?s the only way I am comfy, so maybe just a sleep nursing bra thing?

alicat hope you get some relief soon!

stripey Aargh! WHat a crappy day :(

Poppet hope you feel better soon! So glad Willow is on the up too!

TwoJack Hope the doctor will write you off so that you can recover.

cookie yay for good appointment

voodoo fantastic about your appointment. Fingers crossed you can get the birth you want

bump sounds like you are feeling much better :)

I?m still busy writing crappy documentation and just wish I could lock the PC and go for a swim, or sleep, or lie on the sofa :(
But I?m trying not to let my Manager down, so been forcing myself to write.
Really looking forward to being able to recover soon.

Caz I hope you and Xander are well!

Very active baby here too. He?s literally going all day and night. I have no idea how I will manage another 8 weeks to due date. I have such a sore bump from the vigorous movement and feel battered and bruised.

Hope everyone has some better sleep and a good Thursday

Poppet tbh, we have just been lucky with bugs and colds this year. Normally at this time of year we have cough, colds and tummy bugs to beat the band but this year, ds3 has had a small sniffle and none of the rest of us got it. Think it may be a "large family" thing. Over the years we have become immune.

Merl I've got 3 weeks left and those active days wear me out.

I'm seriously getting to the "Right, out we go" stage with this darling.
I keep thinking my water's have gone, but nothing at all - I guess it's all nerves now.
It's getting harder to sleep too - we've got a serious case of mould in our bedroom and I'm scared of phoning my landlord with ANOTHER problem with the house, so I'm going to clean and disinfect everything first, and then see how it goes. The mould makes me block up, so I wake myself up snoring every two or three hours :(

Anybody else having privacy issues now? If one more well-meaning friend touches my belly without asking I'll bloody well scream!

Gawd it is scorching. I'm on route to MW then twill be a wee sit in garden me thinks.

I'm the opposite to you Cali, pregnancy has made me really happy to have belly touched. Would have cut arms off pre pregnancy but feel like it is the baby they are touching not me. Also seem to have new confidence or summan.

right, I am officially WAY too hot. I could not stand being this pregnant in the actual summer. I want to go home. My brain is mush and I need to make sense as have so much work to do. :( motivation please!!