October Baby Bus - Part 5

[happymummytobe]

Another thread!

Congratulations to cheeky and Scheh. Looking forward to reading your birth stories when you post them.

Good luck to everyone else who can feel things moving along. DH keeps asking "it is an October thread isn't it?" I'll not be surprised if mine arrives in November, late babies run in my family

I'm shattered and in a terrible mood as DD was up some of the night and then woke for the day at 5.30 and nothing I could do would persuade her back to sleep That's just too early.

36+1 and eating biscuits like they are going out of fashion.

Penelope I don't envy you - is there no where else some of them can stay?!?

I'm sure LO will be here on plenty of time but still it's a lot to cope with - hope you have fully briefed DH on his need to make that time as stress free as possible for you!

I had my first post baby meltdown yesterday. I was just shattered, absolutely shattered (had only had 9 hours sleep since they arrived on Tuesday) and the house has been like piccadilly circus since we got home if it's not the phone it's lots of visitors (which i don't mind at all but wish people would call or book times in rather than just turning up and then staying for ages!!). Anyway yesterday we had my sister her husband and baby, cousin her mum and son and neighbours (family of five) all turn up together, all needed attention, bringing presents, all wanting cuddles, and I was trying desperately to be strict with twins feed and sleep times so I could crack their 11-4 play times in the middle of the night. Then DH and my dad decided it would be a good day to chop down the trees in the garden . Thankfully some other visitors phoned to cancel or it may have killed me). I was in an awful mood by the time they left and was taking it out on everyone. I snapped at my sister as she was going on about where something was she couldn't find and Then DH said to me that I was mean and had to stop being so angry with every anyway that was it I just sat and sobbed over the babies - i couldn't even pretend I wasn't when people were around I just sat with them on my lap and head down. I was cross with myself as i know I was unreasonable (i have apologised this morning) but I was also cross with DH for saying it and for saying it in front of others. And I've bloody well got a blocked duct thing in my right boob and I can still only fit trainers on my feet because of the swelling (and I'm the sort of person that believes trainers should be for gym use only!) can't even get uggs on as I feel claustrophobic!

On the plus side my dining room table looks like Christmas as the girls are being very spoilt and the girls slept in their Moses baskets all night, with minimal fussing around feed times so i got over 6 hours sleep and DS is going out for the day with my parents so going to try and get some power naps in today too. We have one lot of visitors at 2 but other than that I'm locking the door! Today will be a better day!

Hope everyone is ok!

scones biscuits are officially good for the baby!

Hello all - and HUGE congratulations to our 4 proud mummies, well done girls!

Penelope I can totally understand your stresses - like Pebble says, it's about wanting a bit of control when we really have very little at this stage. I know I'd feel so responsible for all these people coming a very long way to visit but they are all grown ups who know what the risks are and I'm sure are just as keen to see you, or they wouldn't bother and save their visit till Christmas!

BB3 I can't believe you've only had one meltdown! You are doing an amazing job with your three wee ones. You're right, today will be a better day, especially after 6 hours sleep - well done you and the girls!

Scones I hope you and DD get a nap at some point today - keep up the biscuits too ! I've no idea how all you girls with other children are doing it, I can barely cope with myself most days! I have a feeling that it may be a November baby for me too. I'm due on 29th Oct so I guess the latest I could go would be 8th November...that feels like a lifetime away!!!

I continue to be very jealous of those of you who've started maternity leave, I start on the 12th October and at the moment I feel like I'll never get there. I'm going to spend this morning writing reports (I'm a primary school teacher) and feel like I've barely been back at work long enough to write anything meaningful. My reports have to go out early because of me leaving - the supply teacher would only have had the class for about a week before the normal report deadline so she definitely wouldn't be able to do them. Between reports and a performance for the parents before I leave I may be on my knees by the time I get to the 12th.

Right, back to work - must stop using MN to procrastinate!!

Oh, and

35 +1

Oh, MrsHende, that sounds really crappy! I know nothing at all about how it works, but could they at least get a supply teacher in a little early to cover some of your classroom time before the official start of your ML? I'm 35+5 and couldn't bear the idea of sticking it out for that long - do make sure you look after yourself, first and foremost!

BB3, I'd be giving your DH an earful! 3 babies, two less than a week old, and how little sleep have you had this week?! You weren't being mean, you were being bloody exhausted! I hope today is better, but dammit, if you need to snap a bit because you're worn out then those closest to you should understand why!

Off to a gig this afternoon. Standing for an hour may not be a great idea. At least I'll be sober; the last time I saw this chap perform, I skidded in a puddle of beer and split my scalp.

Well done scheh..

BB3 your meltdown sounds perfectly reasonable to me. I don't have loads of family close by but I already worried about people overstaying their welcome and wanting to see bubs while he is newborn but forgetting that him, dh and I need as much time together as we can while dh is off work. I know I'm going to end up offending someone. My two sils have already booked time off work (not sure how they know when he will turn up!) and I just hope they don't expect to stay over or spend every day here for a week! Mum's been really lovely about it (she used to be an NCT teacher so possibly understands more than most) and said they would come over any time before or after to cook, clean or whatever and would not crowd us, particularly in the first two weeks but just come over when we wanted (and they are 1.5 hours away). Not sure my ils are so restrained. But we shall see - they may surprise me.

I finished work on Friday (yay) but still can't stop thinking about it (boo). I need to forget about it completely for 7 months. I had a busy final few days trying to finish things off. I had to leave some things for my cover but others I had to do myself before going. Stayed late on Thurs and no chance of finishing early on Friday as I wanted. I took in three big tins of chocs for everyone to share (it's a big team) and got a load of mothercare vouchers, a big box of milk tray, and a bottle of wine (for afterwards) from my current team (not bad as my manager and the others I work directly with are all blokes and admitted they didn't have a clue!) and a mum-to-be pampering box from my old team (moved 6 mths ago).

I'm also having even more trouble sleeping now. At least I will be able to nap during the day now.

36 today!

BB3 I think you had every right to snap. You must be shattered! That's the most frustrating thing about new babies, you want to show them off, but you also want some peace & quiet and sleep! DH should be entertaining them and sorting them out, not chopping down trees.

Penelope I think it's very normal to stress about random things... it's a good distraction. As others have said let everyone sort themselves out, they know the risks of not booking early.

Scones Biscuits are definitely good for babies. My SIL had lots of growth scans with DN3 and they she'd less than 5lb. She was actually 7lb 3oz. SIL puts it down to all the hobnobs she ate in the last month. :o

Buffy What medication are you on for your asthma? I've been on a steroid spray for a week but I'm still coughing loads and taking ventolin about 6 times a day (I was taking it 8-10 times) but you're only meant to have it 4 times. I've got a BNF (the book the doctors use) so I looked up my steroid spray and realised I can take double the amount. There's also a nice section on asthma in pregnancy and it says steroid spray are the safest option, and the important thing is to get asthma under control. I'm going to speak to the GP but I've started taking the steroid more often. It is helping but I still feel dreadful.
My bump hurts so much when I cough and I think I've pulled a muscle in my side too. :(

Ooh, just had a phone call from my Mum, they're going to come over in a bit so that Mum can go in the loft and get some things out for me. I would struggle to get up there now, and DH is a typical man and couldn't find the things unless they jumped out and said "Hello!!!" :o
She's also talking about taking DH shopping. We were going to do an online shop on Tuesday when I get paid, I struggle walking round the supermarket now. But Mum says she'll pay. They spoil me.... but I've very very grateful.

Oh and 35+6 today.

BB3 poor you with the no sleep and army of visitors, no wonder you had a meltdown. Hope your DH takes charge and controls the crowds so you get a bit of peace.

I'm working a few hours each day at my own pace so it's not so bad and they'll pay me as holiday days not taken so at least it's some extra cash. It's only because it's budget time and no-one else has a clue about the commercial costs.

Penelope I'm due on the 30th but I reckon it should be the 3rd. I was monitoring everything and according to the scan EDD I conceived before we had sex!

I know what you mean re stressing about visitors. My mum wants to stay for a week in our tiny 2 bed flat (read 1 bedroom, 1 office) and Martyn's family are all staying nearby. I'm worried about trying to BF with so may visitors and I know my Mum will stress me out. We've set a date for our wedding next year and she's already taking it over and harassing over details I really don't care about so I imagine she'll be harping on about that all week.

Bilbio I'm now on symbicort 400, 2 puffs 2 x a day. It's a combined inhaler so has the corticosteroids and bronchodilator to relax the airways. I've been able to reduce the ventolin use from about 8 puffs a day to 2 1st thing in the morning. My GP just kept upping the dose of the Beclometasone steroid inhaler so was taking ages to take and wasn't doing much to control my asthma through the night. My asthma is normally really mild and the specialist thinks it's only because my lungs are so squashed that I've needed the ventolin more. Hope you start feeling better soon, a bad cough must be so painful for you.

Thanks for the link to cupoftea's thread Punky and Bilblio. Beatrice is such a gorgeous looking baby too, such beautiful big eyes.

Pebble hope you and DP have made friends now . I have got a grip today and hopefully work will go by quickly anyway as will be really busy for these last 4 days.

Do we think Awen is in labour as we have not heard from her? Exciting!

Seasalt I think sleeping is RUBBISH this days, my bump is so front heavy, I do worry if I will ever have another night of unbroken sleep in my life again. I used to always sleep right though but not since being pregnant this whole year :(

Pene I think that is completely reasonable of you to feel stressed. Can they not just come Christmas/New Year instead?

BB3 I think you sound like you have been exceptionally restrained, I am planning on putting a cap on how long people can stay. Maybe I am being evil but honestly I don?t care I have already told my Mum it?s a 2 hour max visit and then she can bugger off because we want to get a routine, even if it?s theoretically too early for a baby to be in a routine I am going to use that as my excuse. Otherwise I know I will feel all tetchy and stressed and really I just want to chill out with DH and Porgey.

Oh and coincidentally BB3 DH and I were discussing tree pruning whilst outside this morning. Apparently it's not the right time of year Just thought you might want this for information in case they plan on coming back!

Buffyfairy I know what you mean about bfing in front of visitors. I personally think this is a private thing (anything that involves my bits is!) and don't really want to do it in front of anyone besides DH - which I've already told him. I'll just have to go upstairs or in our room, even if people are here they'll have to lump it. I know I'll get the arguments 'we don't mind' and 'it's perfectly natural' but 'I do' and 'so is sex and giving birth but I didn't do those in public either'.
I'm going to ask my mum to make a triangle thing to wear if I need to bf when out and about. I don't see the point in buying something that consists of a bit of material.

tally you'll be amazed how quickly you relax about BF in public and if you wear a vest with another top over you can lift top up pull vest down no one would see anything as baby covers your entire nipple and the top you've pulled up sort of pools on baby's cheek so covers the rest of your boob. So you'll prob find u don't need a cover up.

I got DS all ready to go a walk in the woods and look for pinecones to make a start on Xmas craft stuff, and hes fallen asleep in the car on the way and refuses to wake! :-/ so have been sitting in car on MN/eBay/FB waiting for him getting impatient now!

37 weeks tomorrow yay

I found going to bumps and babies classes whilst pg really good at normalising BF in public. I just went for it, DD was not a baby who could be covered up, but if she had been a 30 min feeder I might as done. Also you can build up to it, so I started in a bump and baby class, in the pub with my NCT buddies. However, don't feel bullied into it as it will only make you self conscious. Hopefully you'll get comfortable or at least find out where the baby feeding rooms are around town, e.g mothercare, john lewis.

For dressing gown I had this. Very comfy nightgown and dressing gown. Only used it for walking to and from toilets but used a lot at home. It was also (in my head) kind of flattering. Straps were like a nursing bra so not being fully undone, black and not having trousers was comfy. Although don't remember it being as pricey. Probably the only nice thing I brought from them.

The preventor steroids does take a while to fully take effect I'm afraid 4-8 weeks IIRC. Same when you come off them, so it can be a few months before asthma gets uncontrolled again. I would have thought you could do with something stronger to take for your current symptoms (with steroid use as well). If your still taking ventolin loads then make sure MWs know in labour how much your struggling and maybe ask if a nebuliser can be brought onto the ward just in case. You can't take your inhaler properly in the thoes of labour as you're breathing can already be shot.

scones you should have seen how many biscuits I ate last week. For some reason I thought you were still feeding DD

We've been taken out by lurgy the last few days so a bit achey and tired. DD has a good night but then a few bad ones, so we'll just see how it goes.

37+1

All pains settled down, so reckon body just practicing. Didnt feel like it was painful enough iykwim. I have no idea how to keep up with everything on here. Only go on thro iPhone so tiny screen

Re breastfeeding, this will me third so I'm quite gung-ho about nursing in public. I almost have a "come say something if you dare attitude " tho never had a comment at all with ds2.

Still not chosen names yet, not very organised.

Just got in from riding on steam trains. Lots of fun tho they were paranoid I was going to have baby on the ride lol.

Went to sainsburys for 1/3 baby off event. Utter crap as clothes not included

how ridiculous Awen were nappies and wipes included as these often aren't. Any one know where to get some cheap muslins atm?

Thank you for all your advice re. dressing gowns!
Fleecy I also like the look of your maternity nightie.

I'm a little apprehensive about BFing in public, but will do it with my NCT mums first I think and I'm sure it'll be fine. Luckily I live in Brighton, which apparantly has the highest rate of mums who breastfeed in the country (according to NCT BF counsellor).

MrsHende Hope your last couple of weeks at work fly by!

I've been fairly relaxed about the birth etc up until last night - I had some periody pains and I didn't think it was anything happening, but it did panic me, really hit me how soon it all is...felt really out of control and had a proper panic attack. Luckily DH was here and v supportive, but I was literally shaking uncontrollably and feeling awful :( I wonder if it's normal to have a moment of sheer panic like that?
mpops I don't know if this is anything like you are experiencing?

36+5 today

PenguinArmy I got my muslins in Boots, tho my pg friend has just bought hers on Amazon and they were pretty cheap.

Penguin

Have a look at the link below and the delivery was super fast

Ebay:

stores.ebay.co.uk/Amrutstore007?_trksid=p4340.l2563

Congratulation for new october babies!!!

37+7

stores.ebay.co.uk/Amrutstore007?_trksid=p4340.l2563

Jane, my experience was a bit like that, yes! Well, it was sudden more than anything else, because, like you, I've been quite relaxed recently - and out of nowhere I just became very wobbly and shaky and anxious. I guess it's to be expected. I have that natal hypnotherapy cd to listen to when things get a bit like that and it helps. Or I try to learn a favourite poem by heart...

Quick question re movement - baby had a regular pattern and would be very active in evening (foot sticking out etc). Since yesterday it's a fair bit quieter. Am still feel movement but it's not at strong, more like burrowing. It's squirming as I type this now. I'm 36+1 and at 34 was 2/5 and was told last week at growth scan baby at least 6lb3 and head was right down. Is anyone else getting leas strong movement?

jane this is my 3rd and I still got in a total flap when my contractions all kicked off the other day! I am now in two minds about whether I want the baby to come early or to wait until my scheduled section next Monday. Either way I will worry!

awen I am still getting a lot of moment. If you're worried, get checked, just to be on the safe side.

Arwen my baby's movements slowed down a lot about 36 weeks, was told it was due to lack of space! I still feel him of course, but it's not as strong as it was before - more wiggles than kicks. I hope it is burrowing! What you describe sounds the same though.

bb3 you've done well to only have one meltdown! I predict a few in the first week from me

Thanks for your advice about my wee rant about visitors - I feel much better after a big sleep and have perspective again! I was feeling really hormonal when I last logged in, with the cramps as well I felt like I had PMS!

I don't know how I feel about BF in public not having done it before - my sister gave me some great under tops with the boobs cut out so you don't need to show your entire belly that she swore by for some extra coverage. I certainly don't want to be doing it in front of my FIL though.