Flying mattress graduates - dock here!

[festiemum]

Hey chaps! Here's the space for us to witter on incessantly about our pregnancies!

20 week scan today and it was soooo fantastic! I'll post some pics on my profile later. The sonographer wasn't 100% sure, but thought that it was probably a girl, due to lack of visible meat and two veg!

Hope everyone's doing well! xxx

Rus, hope all is well and the induction is working. You'll have a daughter soon, how exciting! I know what you mean about the local, when I had my cyst cut out the anaesthetic needles going in were the worst. Yours sounds worse than mine tho if you need a GA. Anyway, good luck!

Festie, it does seem odd that the docs are desperate to have you in and on a certain dose of drugs one min and then out and on a half dose the next. Hopefully the new mess will do their job anyway.

Hope you are recovering from the tiredness after school Lil!

Drugs not mess! Dur.

Hi everyone. Just popped on to wish Rusulka all the best today!! Can't wait to hear the happy news

Hey all. Also rooting for rus today! I've also spent the day in hospital after cleetus decided to utterly troll me and get some fairly pokey contractions going. Of course, as soon as we got to hospital they disappeared. Still kept me in for 8 hours waiting for blood results etc though!!!

Come on rus!!! (sorry to hear about bum madness btw- that sounded very unpleasant) xxxx

Alas ladies, I am home again. The hospital rang back to say they had no beds, so could I come in for monitoring today, and come in for induction tomorrow.
I think you can probably guess what I wanted to say!!!
So Peanut has been listened to, I've been strapped up and she's had a wavy graph done, and the midwife bless her was ever so gently with me after I explained about the bum. I think they felt genuinely bad I couldn't be induced today.
She also offered a sweep, which I leapt at, and although it was still hard to reach, I think she did manage to get a finger in and at least give it a tickle.
A few tightenings this evening, but not much else. Ho hum.

They also gave me a leaflet on induction, which basically said that they'd give me the gel to soften my cervix one day, and only poke the crochet hook up there the next! Feeling pretty depressed about the whole thing. :(

So again, I have ring them in the morning, and tell them I was supposed to be induced today. Hopefully that will be enough to get their act in gear, but I guess we'll have to see.
There just aren't any beds!
They closed a maternity hospital in Maidstone and Queen Mary's in Sidcup, so now our hospital, which is supposed to operate at a capacity of 2000-2500, is at 5000+.

So, attempt #2 tomorrow...

Getting really frustrated! Meantime, if I even slightly knock it or sit at the wrong angle, it pulls my hole, which re-opens, and starts oozing everywhere.

I've explained to them that I have an open wound that won't be operated on until I've had Peanut, so them delaying in inducing me is basically leaving me at risk of further infection so hopefully I can be accommodated. They did say I was a priority. I know it's not their fault, but I'm just so annoyed!

Festie I bet when you go back to the hospital they're really angry that you didn't get the right dosage! Glad your ahem, ailments are better.

Lil sorry you're so tired at school!

Thanks for the best wishes Disco and Moo, hopefully something will happen tomorrow or else I'm ripping my hair out. Can't take much more of this!!!

Oh no rus - a frustrating day all round then!

Really hope they sort you tomorrow! xx

Oh no Rus you must be really hacked off by now. Hope more happens today x

Hoping Rus is curled up with peanut this morning and all is well with them x

Festie it sounds like things are getting ready at least. Did they let you home again? How were the blood results?

I keep waking up covered in sweat during the night - not very attractive or helpful when it comes to beating tiredness! Look a bit of a zombie this morning, oh well, only 10 weeks to go.

Yes, let's all do labour dancing for rus! Hope it's going/gone ok.

Yeah, my bloods were fine, apart from sightly raised while blood cells, so dr gave me some anti-biotics for a supposed water infection .

Didn't leave til 8.30pm. Bloods weren't taken til 4pm, despite the fact we'd been there since 11.30am! Bloody hacked off with it now. Off to midwife today and back in DAU on thurs. Dr we saw disagreed with everything, wondered why we were even there, thought my bP was fine once minute, then changed his mind and thought I should be on more drugs the next. In the end did nothing and sent me home with anti-biotics! Oh, and completely trashed any ideas early induction.

It's so variable depending on which dr we see.

Cleetus still grumbling with tightenings and pressure, but nothing definite since Saturday. Can see her keeping this up for weeks. Actually thinking about trying sex - desperate measures! :o

Sorry you're getting the night sweats, lil - they are evil, particularly when you've got to get up in the morning and do a full day's teaching. I found it so hard, and just counted down the days literally from your stage. Hope they're cutting you some slack at school.

UPDATE: As I was writing this, midwife rang. Got the slightly younger, spun kier midwife who was excellently arsed off on my behalf. She says this has gone on long enough and they can't keep me going up and down. We now have to INSIST on either 1. They leave me alone till baby comes; 2. They keep me in, sort out my drugs until baby comes; 3. They induce me. She said, it's time to stop being so compliant and make a fuss! I think I might love her!!!!

Just saying - Rus - all the best and I hope all will work out and baby will be delivered soon and then you can get well with open wound and enjoy your beautiful baby!!!!
Lil - 7 weeks will fly past and I hope the tiredness passes soon!
Festie - sounds like things are progressing and your being looked after!
Big wave to Moo and Disco - we r such thread hoppers!

Hi count. Good to see you round these parts! Hope your pregnancy is going well!

I have a bit of news! Went into hospital today. BP still high etc, but the midwife managed to speak to the consultant on my behalf and I am booked in for induction on Friday! The midwife also gave me a sweep and said my cervix was soft, ripe, partially effaced and 1cm dilated. Then on the way home I threw up all my lunch, so it may all kick off before Friday!!

So we'll see, but hoping for a baby by the weekend! :o

rus - still rooting for you and hoping you're enjoying lots of cuddles with your little girl! xxxx

Festie that's great news!!! And how exciting!! Hope all goes well for you on Friday!! Oooooh you'll be enjoying cuddles soon too

Rusulka hope all is ok with you and that Peanut is finally here and you are both doing well! Can't wait to hear all about her and what name you have chosen!!

Huge waves to Count, Disco and Lil

Thanks moo! How are you doing? Has that awful morning sickness eased off yet? You have my sympathy, it is the most horrendous thing ever.

So, still waiting with baited breath for news from rus! Hopefully she's enjoying lots of cuddles, baby gazing and (a bit of) sleep!

How are you lil? Managed to get back into your stride at work? Hope so. Keep that countdown going - every day that passes is a day closer!

I am.... OK I guess! Kinda tired (still on all the bP meds), and just waiting really! Doesn't look like the sweep did much, other than make me throw up and be a bit crampy, but that's ok, cos I'm all organised - kids off to their Dad's tomorrow evening and we have to report to ward 8am Friday! I'm just hoping for a reasonably straightforward induction and a healthy little girl! Must stop reading about induction now - it's compulsive!

Hope everyone is well though! xxx

Sorry for going MIA - we're changing internet provider and they cut off the original line before we had a hub for the new one, been going mad wondering what is going on!!

Wow Festie hope I catch you before tomorrow - I can't believe your going to have your little girl so soon! Hope all goes well and I'll be thinking of you x

Been thinking of you Rus wherever you are and hoping all is well with you and peanut x

Hi Moo, Disco and Count, how are you all getting on? Hope the sickness is subsiding and all your scans are going well.

It's nice to be back with the kids as it makes the days go quicker and I have been given groups of high ability maths kids to work with and push on for a couple of afternoons a week which is fab. (I love maths!) I was expecting to work with the children that are struggling so this is a lovely surprise and am really looking forward to it. I am finding myself shattered by the end of the day though so hope I can keep going.

Oh my goodness, Festie that is so exciting! All the best of luck and I hope it's a quick if relaxed labour (if that is possible). Are your children excited?

Moo, how is the sickness doing? Your scan is edging closer isn't it? Hope you are ok.

Lil, I'm finding going back to work tiring but it does make time pass more quickly thankfully. Woo hoo for higher ability maths, that is a nice job! I'm teaching year seven for the first time in two years and really enjoying it. We deliver a mix of science, maths, DT and ict as a team of three and today was maths. I was chuffed as I taught a boy to carry in addition, and I hate maths so I was delighted! Even if they do put the carried number in the wrong place these days . I'm finding my feet are killing me though...

Rus, I am on tenterhooks! Hope all is going ok and that you are recovering from a birth and a proper clean out of your cyst.

Well, I got a letter from the hospital saying we have a 1 in 8700 chance of having a baby with Downs, so that's a weight off our minds. It has also meant we've started spreading the news! Going public feels weird but nice. MIL and Gran said it was a shame we couldn't have waited (erm, bog off! It took a year to conceive this one, that'd be Aug 2014 if a year after the wedding so I'd be 35 by the time I gave birth and I do want two. Oh well...) My grandfather told me I was a clever little girl, not patronising honest! He was totally gleeful and his reaction made my mum cry, he was so happy. Interesting that the staunch Catholic 90 year old man recognises the value of a baby even before marriage .

In other news the sickness seems to have lessened considerably. It's only day 2 tho so I'm not getting too excited!

Thank you so much ladies! Well, here I am; awake at the crack of dawn, feeling a little bit sick, very nervous and hoping against hope for a nice straight-forward labour!

Will keep you all informed! xxxx ( disco - excited doesn't really cover it - thought they were going to pop yesterday! It was a relief to drop them off at their Dad's!! :o)

Hope you got some sleep Festie. Will be thinking of you today and so hope all goes well for you xxx

Great news about the downs test Disco and glad people are happy for you. I found it really hard telling people (no idea why!)

Hi to everyone else, still waitiing with anticipation to hear news from Rus!

Festie GOOOOOD LUUUUCK!!!! Can't wait to hear the news!! Xxxx

It's crappy news so far. Been waiting nearly 6 hours and it's looking like they may have changed their minds about the induction and want to continue monitoring me til term.

Dh is livid, I'm tearful. My Bp was 170/100 this morning - ffs! They shouldn't be allowed to do this to people. We can't afford to keep coming down- it's cost us a fortune in petrol and car parking so far. We've had to pull in so many favours to get all the kids looked after today. Including ex's parents who will have made a 200 mile round trip to help us out. I can't ask that of them again!

Hey ladies.

Good news, induction worked. Bad news, Peanut was so wriggly they kept me on the monitors way more than necessary, so not only was I on my sore bum, but she turned back to back in the process, and every time they stuck me on the monitor again it was agony.
Cue the worst pain I have ever experienced, no comfort in any position, and having to have pethidine before I was even 6cm dilated.
Waters broke at 8:45 Monday, before DH got there. Fortunately he made it in with about an hour and a half to spare, and Peanut was born at 11:25:25. I managed to only have gas and air, it's wonderful stuff!
They had to give me an episiotomy, as she needed ventouse assistance, and in the end they had to extend it, so it runs from my fanjo down, then off at an angle to stop level with my bum hole.
Very bruised.
Once she was on my chest it all vanished. She is perfect (apart from a snotty eye, but we've got antibiotics). And the first thing she did in my arms in the delivery room was poo on my hand.
We have named her Phoebe Florence Echo.
8lb 5oz (and a bit), 56.5cm, and apgar of 9@ 1min, 10@ 5mins.

Tuesday they had a last minute slot to properly fix my cyst/abscess, so that's done too, and came home Wednesday afternoon, straight to my sister and her BF being here. They've just gone home, so getting a rest.

Having a lot of problems with not being able to sit- feel very shaky, heartbeat erratic, pale and unsteady on my feet, but this should improve with rest, sleep, and food. I hope! I get tired just trying to climb up our stairs. Think I wouldn't feel so appalling if I hadn't been so sleep deprived for the 2 weeks before induction, and if it wasn't for the episiotomy stitches and cyst surgery, I'd be in no pain.

Will post more gory details (if anyone wants them) later, but am utterly exhausted.

Festie sorry you're being fucked about. Refuse to co-operate- they're making your blood pressure worse by dicking around with you like this.

Lil for the love of god spend as much time leaning forward as you can...

Oh rusulka - amazing news - congratulations!!!

Lovely name too! Sorry you were so manhandled though and you have had your bum to contend with as well as everything else! You're right though - rest, rest and more rest will sort you out!

Lots of love to you and your dh and little Phoebe. xx

Well I am in slightly better spirits having seen the dr. What happened was that the consultant agreed to my induction without seeing my notes and was therefore unaware of my previous c-section (double )

So, I have to bypass pessary and go straight up to delivery for waters breaking and drip. They needed my clear statement that I wished to proceed and was aware of the extra risks involved with induction vbac. Which obviously I gladly provided!

Now more waiting, delivery is choca block; we're probably talking tomorrow morning but they're letting me stay in so I can go up at the crack of dawn if there's a space!

xxxxxx and cuddly squidges to our first flying matress baby!!! I'm all emotional! :)

Oh and warm baths with lavender and tea tree (oils or original source do a bubble bath) are amazing for sore stitches and bruised bits rus... xxx

Glad to hear there's light at the end of the tunnel Festie. Remember to lean forwards as much as you can once you're off the drip and monitor, maybe lie on your side if you can during that. Don't want a scar twin!

They've got me soaking my hoo-ha in a bath with an egg cup of milk that's got a few drops of lavender oil in it.
Problem is, I can't get my bum dressings wet, so stitches taking longer to heal.

Aw, Peanut is smiling!
(...)
Guess I have a job to do.

Congratulations Rus so pleased for you and love the name. I can't believe our first mattress baby is finally here! (and another to follow soon). Sorry to hear about all the probs but keep up with the gory details, I'd rather be warned. Take care and make sure everyone is looking after you.

Festie sorry to hear they are still mucking you around, that is really taking the piss now. Hope things go better tomorrow and cleetus arrives soon.

Aww, feeling all emotional now for people I've never met, so happy for you all xx

Well here I am; brand new day and after the dr nearly refusing to break my waters last night, it was done at 10pm. After a bath, contractions started gently at 11pm. Drip was started which soon ramped things up and she was born at 2.10am!!!! Wow! Managed on gas and air and am so grateful it was so straight-forward.

She is beautiful (of course!) - 6lb 8oz and a dab hand at the old boob. I forgot just how achy it all feels afterwards. I did tear, but I don't think it was too bad and they didn't suture it. Dreading weeing - tried in the shower and it was so sting-y. Ow ow ow ow!

We think we're going to call her Esme River, but we're giving ourselves a day to settle on it.

Love to you all ! xxxxxxx