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!

Voodoo joining in with everyone sending you lots of love and support. Hope you can get to a place where you feel settled and comfortable to bring your new baby into the world.

Caz great news, it is a relief isn't it? Although I'm not measuring bug (keep getting 'you're so small' comments but I measured my bump at the weekend and it's spot on 30cm so I've reassured myself ) I was worried I'd not be giving my baby the best start if I'd developed GD.

I had a massage with the physio at work today as have been experiencing some sciatica pain and know from experience that this can be from a trapped nerve where I crushed a disc in my lower back last year. She seems to have done the trick but goodness me, it felt brutal! She is trained in pregnancy massage and did some nice relaxing massage on my arms and legs but the back and shoulder its hurt!

Am really tired this evening, which is worrying being only Tuesday. I'm off for a hen weekend to Chester on Friday too so need to find some energy from somewhere.

Voodoo I can only conclude that your MIL is a complete cow as although, of course your OH is her ds, how can she be nasty to you when you are pregnant? I am so sorry it has come to this. Glad your dcs are being supportive.

Poppet thinking of you and hoping that Willow is just feeling a bit exhausted rather than having anything sinister. Sylvie-Rose tends to desat after feeds, could it be that as her feeds increase, Willow is putting a lot of work into digesting and has less energy for the vital stuff.

Better day today. She did latch on a bit better and I think may have gotten some milk as she didn't want to finish the bottle I gave her afterwards. I also spoke to the lactation consultant and she told me that one of her hospital colleagues also does home visits and as she works in the NICU she knows all about preemies. So I have someone I can call if things go pear-shaped at home!

Was also told to bring in a coolbag and take home most of my breastmilk stash from the freezer as there is far too much of it and it is taking up too much room.

The other good news is that she is to be a model! An organisation here in Ireland who promote breastfeeding and a support for childbirth related issues generally asked the hospital if they could photograph a preemie for a leaflet they are making and the nurses suggested Sylvie-Rose! ( Because she is so gorgeous, dontcha know!) And if we do this the photographer will do family portraits for us. I am happy because they are a good organisation and a good source of support for mothers here.

Oh truffkin why did you just remind me it's only Tuesday! I'm shatered this week already!

voodoo i don't really know what to add, but just to echo everyone elses comments.

poppet you must at least be pleased to think that the doctors are there for Willow 24 hours a day to make sure she is doing OK, and it's good to hear that they are being cautious (even if it causes you to worry!!)

Re the BHs, I seem to get a combination of both types, the tigtening right accross my whole belly and the pain in my bladder (or what i assume is my bladder) area. I too am practicing my yoga breathing when they come.

Re moses basket/cot still not sure what to do! I want baby girl to know the difference between night and day sleeping. We're buying a cot for the nursary, but not sure what to do for the first few months. We need to by a travel cot, so thinking we could use that with a bassinette in our bedroom for the first couple of months, and maybe she could sleep in her carrycot (from the pushchair) in the day time???

Though after watching Doc Martin DH is suggesting that we could put her in a drawer to sleep in the day(!)

Sorry Chip x posts! How exciting about your beautiful little girl!!! x

I always had a Moses basket as I felt the big cot was too huge for a newborn. In fact, I remember putting ds1 into the big cot and being shocked at how tiny he was and he was certainly big enough to hav grown out of the Moses basket at the time!

We are buying a new one for Sylvie-Rose as the one we had finally gave up the ghost after ds4!

Twojackrussells you have hit the nail on the head when you say you like routine! I am exactly the same, not just with regard to babies, but for myself. If I don't have some sort of routine, I actually get a bit weepy and depressed - I can't even have a lie in on a Saturday morning, or lie round the house in my PJs because if I do, I find myself getting all stressed and upset, so its simpler and happier for me to just potter about in the same old routine - get up early(ish!), get dressed, put makeup on etc. I did this even when DD was only days old, and no matter how exhausted I felt, because I feared sinking into a downward spiral if I didn't. And thankfully it worked for me.

Voodoo I'm sorry your MIL has contributed to your hurt, although I think as others have said that its maybe a mother's instinct, and not necessarily out of spite. Although I don't know your MIL, so feel free to correct me!

snoozle and twojacks I think you're bang on - if you're a routine person pre baby then you'll need to be one after but if like me you are just not - I get everything done in really quite a chaotic way then its orob easier to go with the flow. I found too much of a routine with my babies and I would get stressed that I was late for stuff - I just had a sort of framework ie a rough wake up time, a rough bed time and feed as required in between. That said I had to have more of a routine with DC2 as I needed to keep DC1 on an even keel with his mealtimes and bedtimes so with 3 I'm sure I'll have less flexibility.

Voodoo just adding in my support - I think the hardest bit is over now whatever the outcome. My godson's parents split when she was about this pg & it was for the best - by the time be arrived the worst of the trauma was over and she had relative stability albeit so much more challenging being a single mum. With 2 months water under the bridge The Dad was able to attend the birth and ad they lived close he even came over a d did bathtimes as he was determined to have a relationship with his son - depends on your OH's attitude as I know this example is pretty exceptional. With a couple of weeks space I am sure you will be able to discuss pram etc - you could also look at freecycle as some lovely stuff gets given away.

Sorry to x-post, but after I told DP that in 3.5 weeks this baby is classed full term, I had the BEST/weirdest dream ever... I gave birth (painless and miraculous, obviously), and got to take lo home after a few hours. We changed her, gave her a bath, cuddled her on the bed, happy families! Then I realised that I'd not given birth to the placenta, when walking around the house and all of a sudden it just dropped on the floor (weirdest feeling ever - when I woke up I had to go check that I hadn't actually started labour...)
We then stressed around the house to find a bag to put it in, so we could take it to the hospital (me going "Ah, they need to examine this!"), and got in the car and half way there when I realised we'd forgotten the baby in the house...
Queue waking up and a) feeling stressed out about being a crap parent and forgetting my child somewhere and b) feeling strangely un-pregnant, and wondering if I'd actually given birth.

voodoo Hope you wake up today with more pluck and confidence!
I echo Freecycle - even eBay for bargains! Also, there are quite a few second hand baby shops now, as well as charity shops should you need a cheap, cheap get-out-cheap card.

LOL at Cali's stress dream.

Do look on freecycle voodoo. I have both given and received great stuff on it rather than eBay it.

Morning all. Again can I just say how wonderful you all are, thank you for all your support/suggestions and just general niceness! I very much appreciate it. Am sorry that this is a HUGE post before I start!

OH has been around and we had a very long talk. Not saying its all perfect but a lot of things are clearer. I hadnt realised for example how difficult he was finding it that I had been buying everything for bubs as he wasnt working and couldnt contribute! I ust took it as part and parcel of what had to be done and didnt even see it as an issue but now with a bit of reflection, I can see how this would particularly upset him. I am not saying that he is right for the way he behaved and I was wrong to feel upset or put out as this very much is not the case! However having a more level playing field is helpful and has allowed us to plan a bit more and I think it was really key that we both said that neither of us wanted to be apart or have our baby without both of us being her parent.

I did ask him about his mum and explained how hurtful I had found her comments, especially as some of them were directed at my dc's and her perceptions of how I am and the relationship between he and I and he and my dc's. He hadnt known as he was visibly shocked. I have asked that if this sort of stuff is being directed at him behind my back so to speak, that he nips it in the bud sharpish! I know he cares a great deal about the dc's and they him. Saying that both the dc's are a little chilly with him but he understands their reasoning and that he has to work a little to get back their faith which he will be more than willing to do. He is and always has been a fantastic step parent! Far better than their dad has been.

Fab news about the baby model! Very good and heartwarming news! Lol at the manic dreams.... I have a LOT of them. MW today, in prep for the hospital appointment where I tell them what birth I want.

Finally (and I promise to go back and catch up on the news) I scanned ebay for a pram etc - came across one advert for a double buggy in the listings - had to double take as it was entitled 'double buggers' :)

Afternoon!
Voodoo - so glad that you had a big old chat and got some things sorted...thinking of you and sending you hugs!
Pam Hope you are feeling better my sweet. That bug doesn't sound pleasant at all :(
Poppet Fingers crossed for you and I really hope it all goes well. I can only imagine how you feel. Incredible, rainbow covered, spangly good vibes to you and your family.
Chip Aww that's lovely - I bet she's gorgeous :)

PMA for today - I'm wearing my new isabella oliver dress and although I feel my belly is massive I have had a couple of nice comments so v pleased!

Well, my anaemia is much better, although still very pale. Have cut down on the iron pills because of the side effects, just taking 210mg a day instead of 630.

We have nearly everything we need for the LO so just cannot wait now! How old does it have to be for the pregnancy to be classed as full term?

37 weeks? I could be wrong...

voodoo pleased you and OH have made some solid progress!

I'm getting some very odd pains in my belly the last half hour, feels a bit like BHs but in different places and they hurt more. Think baby girl is just playing up as can feel her wriggling around! Just poking all my nerves or something! Will keep an eye on it though! Don't worry!

I've noticed the last week, people keep stopping me everytime im looking uncomfy or out of breath asking if i'm ok! It's really nice to know I'm not gonna be stuck in the middle of tescos if i go in to labour with no one to help me! lol
I must be looking much bigger now!

I think it's 37 weeks too, as its at that point that you no longer have to go into hospital when you go into labour. (I could also be wrong!)

Happy hump day everybody! x

Afternoon,

voodoo I'm glad you have made some good progress with OH and hopefully it is just one of those difficult patches that we all encounter from time to time but recover from. I will say his mother should know a lot better though!

Great news on the baby model chip how lovely.

Pam hope you;re feeling better and Cali your dream did make me chuckle. I have only had one birth dream, well if you can even call it that. it was just a tiny section of a dream where I gave birth to a baby boy but it all just happened really quickly and wasn't even a big deal. DH has been playing the game of asking baby to kick if it is a girl or boy - it kicked for girl so lets see how scientific that turns out to be.

We had out first nct class last night. It was really good although it has brought on a bit of a panic for me and DH - along the lines of oh my God we are actually about to have a baby. There are 6 other couples in the class who all seem very nice so I look forward to getting to know them better.

Yes, it is 37 weeks when you are classed as term, we were talking about it last night as quite a few of us are working past this point. Oh well, too late to do anything about it now!

Pregnancy yoga tonight, spending half my week with other preggers ladies!

voodoo so pleased for you :) sometimes we all just need a big blow out to settle the dust an rebuild best of luck.

Staceroo I know what you mean people mainly random stranger keep asking me if I am ok? I must be looking pretty rough haha

ziggy Have you tried swapping your tablets for floradix? It's a herbal iron safe in pregnancy and doesn't have the constipation side effect. You can get it from Holland and Barrett or online that's get I am going to start taking this as it's also veggie friendly.

Here all is ok the kitten is feeling a little poorly as he had his jabs yesterday and it does feel like a bit of a practice for when Bean comes along haha. My movement feelings have totally changed and I'm unsure about whether it's BH or wiggles.

Had breast clinic appointment yesterday he says this don't seem any worse so wants to see me in 5 weeks and then again after Bean is born as a bare minimum. So still inconclusive really.

voodoo so pleased to hear that there is positive news. It would have made me sad to think of you going it alone from here on in. Sounds like you have made huge steps in the right direction, well done you!! Hope you are feeling happier.

H007 sorry to hear things still inconclusive. I must say you seem to be doing a remarkable job at staying calm. Still - sounds like relatively good news in the scheme of what it could have been? (if that makes sense?)

On dreams I recently had a totally freaky one. Had spent most of day shopping online for baby stuff including one of those bouncy chairs - and then dreamt that night I had to give birth to a chair!!!!! Eurghm, seriously gross - but I think that is what you call a "panicking about giving birth dream"!!

Anyone else have seriously swollen hands and feet? My fingers are like sausages and stiff and a bit sore - have had to take my wedding & engagement ring off which is sad. Blood pressure still low though so not pre-eclampsia according to doc.

On the note of dreams the night before we collected the kitten I had a dream that I went into labour and gave birth to 3 kittens haha... Very weird!

voodoo oh i'm so pleased for you that he made the effort to come round and talk to you and was open with you. Is he moving back in or are you going to build back up to that? i am really happy for you.

caz yay for gtt results.

chip a little star already bless her. glad the bfing went better today.

poppet all the best wishes being sent your way. ds will get used to the childminder so don't worry, and hope dd soon picks up again.

h007 glad it doesn't seem any worse.

sorry if i've forgotten anyone.

voodoo glad to hear you managed a good chat with DH. hope things improve a lot for you both.

Well my consultant was fab today. CTG and scan were both fine. Baby boys weight was significantly lighter according to consultant, which just proves the whole estimating thing is such voodoo. According to her there had been no massive jump, but just the normal amount for the 2 weeks since last scan. So she was happy, as was I.

No tears were needed to talk about induction, I just simply said me and DH had chatted and having an extra week added has added to our anxieties the last couple of weeks and we'd both feel much happier with a 37 week induction because that had been the original plan and she just said 'ok' and said she'd do it at 37 weeks. I didn't even need to beg!!

So I've been booked in!! I'm over the moon! All written in the book and good to go now.

Induction is all set up for 18th October (Tuesday) which is 37 weeks exactly. I'll be admitted to the ward at 9.00am that morning and they'll start the process. I wonder how long he'll make us wait, hopefully not 5 days like his sister did!!

Consultant has also arranged that I'll be having steroid injections just to help Xander a little bit the Thursday and Sunday before induction starts.

A bed in SBCU will be reserved for Xander as a precaution incase he needs a bit of extra help being a teeny bit early. But she is hopeful it won't be needed, because 37 weekers are usually just fine, and especially given the steroid injections we're having too.

It is such a relief to have a date and I'm feeling much more together than I have been for a good few days.

H007 was trying not to look at it that way! Just nice friendly people! Sorry you're still left waiting re the boobie issue :(

Caz So pleased for you!! The countdown is now on! How exciting! That's almost a whole month before my baby girl will probs be here

voodoo Excellent - glad you've actually talked about it, and got to the bottom of the problem - just make sure you take it all at a pace you and dc's are happy with!

pandia Yup, swollen feet and hands, can't even fit into my sandals anymore! I've also lost feeling in the tip of my fingers, and I've got pins and needles in my hands constantly, because of the carpal tunnel swelling :(
Doctor said if it got worse, or if my face started swelling up, too, I needed to go in as an emergency (also if I had pain in my right side of my stomach - no idea why...)

So if this is the first baby are we supposed to read a book about how to look after it or can you just wing it. Will my natural instincts kick in?!

Voodoo - It wasn't that long ago when DP and I had a terrible time. There was I thinking I was going to have to do it on my own etc. It is a nightmare so I am really really glad that you may have things sorted. Even if it may take some time.

Caz! How brilliant!!!! Fantastic news, so good to hear you have been lifted with the news.

Has anyone tried goof bay? they list all misspelt items for sale on ebay etc. I'm surprised the double bugger wasn't on it voodoo. :)

I too have had a few twinges, I'm not sure if its indigestion or BH??

car insurance Has everyone checked that their insurance company covers them past 37 weeks? One lady at ante-natal last night said that direct line doesn't and she has her last week of freedom this week :( I'm just about to check mine with admiral.....

Just check my insurance and they said that as long as a doctor hasn't said that I couldn't drive then I'm fine. Great!

smilingcl I'd recommend finding some blogs or other accounts written by mums about their births/taking care of babies. I've found the books never seem to cover what you need them to (even the NHS book given to me this time had about 3 paragraphs for the third stage and mentioned none of the problems, details, and options and this is where I always get into difficulty).

Or just ask us 'pros' here (seriously got called a 'professional' by a new OB/GYN a few weeks ago...after she stuttered out the word 'fourth' a few times).