Due in October 2012 Part 6 - Third Trimester Trials and Tribulations

[YompingJo]

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Hi everyone, and welcome Freshfruitsalad.
Another week has flown by, as has this board...

Was going to be about your hol Yomping, as Centre Parcs can be a nice, relaxing place but, you're right, it sounds a bit rubbish! I hope you can stay away from the smoke and get some peace and quiet.
The picture of you in the "wedding" dress is great, it really suits you. Glad you had a good time in the end.

Happy birthday Mickey!! I'm only 10 years older than you!
Sorry your Olympic day didn't go to plan. I can't imagine how shit it must have been to trek all that way for nothing. I would have been fuming (and possibly crying). I would like to think your friend will offer you the money back of her own accord. If she doesn't, I'm not sure what I'd do.

Don't worry Angelico, your baby is definitely cute . I read a thread on here once about whether people who'd had a 4D scan reckoned that their baby looked like it after they were born, and the majority said they did. It's very tempting.

at looking like Borat, Midget! And also, how many Olympics tickets do you actually have???!! I'm really enjoying watching on TV, would have been so good to be able to go. It's all making me very homesick, as did the Jubilee earlier this Summer

Speaking of Olympics, did anyone get any equestrian tickets? That would have been my ultimate, as I love all things horse and I used to live in Greenwich. It's one of my fave places.

Wantan, so sorry about your friend's DH. A very close friend went through something similar last year (well still is going through it). The absolute unfairness of it is the worst thing. All you can do is be there.

Glad you are beginning to enjoy your maternity leave squid, it's bound to take you a while to wind down from such a high pressure job.

I had quite a busy weekend, including a family party at DH's mum's place. It was her town's (apparently the hottest place in Japan) Summer festival and she has a new apartment on the river which has a great view, so she had everyone over to watch the fireworks and as a kind of house-warming.
It was the first time we'd seen most people since announcing the pregnancy so of course there was a lot of bump-patting and "ooh haven't you got big!".
It was nice but quite stressful, as it's all in Japanese, I don't know people very well, not sure of the Japanese "politics" and I'm very much the centre of attention all the time as the token foreigner.
Spent most of the morning cooking stuff to take, to suck up make a good impression!! (still relatively new to the family, and traditionally Japanese D-I-Ls have a hard time, though my MIL is very nice) Fortunately, it all went down well.

Happily, I managed to fit in my aqua aerobics class, having missed the last 2. I love it, no sweating, but feels like it's really doing something. I'd really recommend it as pregnancy exercise. (Disclaimer - I am, by no means, in any way, shape or form, a healthcare professional .)

Not looking forward to this week as I'm doing a summer school on top of my usual classes, so loads more work. One day is a field trip out in the hot sun all day and another day is an outdoor class in the park. I will possibly melt, but, if I survive, I have 2 glorious weeks of holiday to follow, with pretty much nothing planned except a couple of days in Seoul with my friend. I'm looking forward to doing nothing on holiday for once

On the Hoarder Vs. Minimalist debate, I am definitely a minimalist!! I have regular clear outs and love throwing stuff away and recycling. It's almost a hobby. For those things we cant live without, storege is my best friend. But mainly, I'm really strict and careful about what I buy/bring home/acquire. DH, on the other has hoarder tendencies - luckily I'm very controlling! He gets it from his mother, who sends us home with bags of crap stuff every time we see her.

Been meaning to ask - anyone who has decided not to find out whether they're having a boy or girl...have you had any "feelings"? And if so, what are they based on? We're not finding out and I have no idea, but I'm sure when friends have been pregnant, I've had a vibe one way or the other. Anyone know any good old wives tales for determining sex? Of course I know it's all rubbish, but it's all part of the fun!

Well best go make dinner, ie. heat up the leftovers from yesterday's party.

Quick question ladies... am realising that D day is approaching and realising that I know absolutely NADA about breastfeeding. I'm doing NCT classes (starting next week) which should cover some of it (I hope) but are there any books that anyone can recommend?

thanks.

PS sorry if this was already covered some time ago and I missed it.

hi all

Still away on "holiday". Currently shut up in our room alone, lying on the world's smallest bed (my feet actually hang off the end when I lie down) while everyone else is out on an outing. I am so tired . Slept on a mattress on the floor last night in desperation, got a couple of hours in small snatches, maybe. Have to get up soon cos I'm in charge of cooking supper for everyone tonight...

Other people's kids?? GAAAAAAHHHHH SAVE ME FROM OTHER PEOPLE'S KIDS!!! We are here with: a 7yr old boy, 6 yr old girl, 5yr old boy, 4 yr old girl, 3 yr old boy, DS (21m) and 6m old boy. This place is NEVER quiet until after 8pm. The 5yr old wakes at 5am every day. They don't talk, they shout. And fight, and cry, and whine. And snatch stuff off DS and poke and prod him to see how he'll react, cos they know he can't say anything.

I know I'm being PFB but DS is so little and so innocent, he runs up to them really excitedly saying "heyo! Heyo!"; they stare at him, take his toy, and run away. He just doesn't understand it and it really upsets me One of the little girls was actually throwing stones at him on Saturday. He hasn't had a proper nap since being here because one of them always wakes him up, so he's overtired and struggling.

Not sure how much longer I can stick it out, but don't want to offend anyone by leaving early (I realise that sounds bloody stupid but I'm tired and irrational). Will just have to see how the next 24-48hrs pans out. I am just absolutely gutted that this is our last holiday before DC2 arrives I so wish we'd stuck with our original plan to go and stay at my Dad's on the continent, and have a nice, relaxing, peaceful family break away. Stupid nobbers we are.

I have just spent a relaxing hour catching up on everyone's news but can't remember much to namecheck, sorry.

squid hooray for work being over
yomping hooray for happy wedding endings after all
smorgs another vote for getting someone else to help with moving, what a pain!
freshfruit welcome! Finally I have an EDD buddy! Sounds like you're having a tough time but with an amazing attitude

Hello to everyone else, and sorry not to be more specific. I'm going to lie here and munch on (boots own-brand) Gaviscon (half the price of Gaviscon! Less tasty but just as effective!) and mop up any leakages that come out of my eyes...suffering with hysterical bouts of crying this afternoon...

londonlivvy My two top recommendations would be The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding (awful, awful title, but great book) and, if you like cartoons and an opposite-of-What-To-Expect approach, The Food of Love.

crazypaving That sounds like hell on earth. I can't believe the other parents don't notice or say anything about their DCs?! Can you suggest you and DH/DP have a 'family day' off somewhere on the premis that you want to spend some time alone with DS before the baby arrives and maybe DS can have a nap in the car in peace? I'm sending you lots of quiet, happy, peaceful, sleepy vibes!

Right, will read and catch up with everyone else...

cherrychopsticks Sounds like you're having a busy time, so well done for going to aqua aerobics! I really wanted to get into that and tried one specifically for pregnant women over here but it was a bit rubbish, all 'float in the water and feel the spiritual connection with your baby'. Also the woman was totally unconvinced I understood her French so she kept asking me if I understood at the exact moment my ears were underwater, meaning I had to stop and say 'comment?' reinforcing her view that I did not understand. Have a great holiday in Seoul, I'm so jealous you have such amazing places on your doorstep!

Kyyria another one not sleeping well. We need a sleeping tablet emoticon. I also keep waking up at 3am worrying about things and drenched in sweat. Hope it all goes well tomorrow.

Yomping Yay the wedding was great! I'm so happy for you! Center Parcs can be OK, although granted that's going to be difficult considering your fellow inmates guests. Which one are you going to? If it's Longleat then the spa is quite nice with a chill out room you can lie down in. And the forest around there is lovely for strolls or gentle biking.

Angelico your little one looks cute! We had a 3D picture at our 20 week scan but the umbilical cord was in the way for most of it, but you could just make out the face. Must try and learn how to post pictures on here...

MickeyTheShortOne Happy 21st Birthday!! I remember my 21st, just. I snogged 21 men. I had developed tonsilitis by number 17 shudder. I hope yours is a much more respectable affair

hufflepuffle Hope your day has improved. I seem to be having regular gritted teeth moments with my DH at the moment. (ps was it you who said you used to live out here when you were a nanny a while back? Sorry I forgot to reply!)

WantAnOrange Hope the mw apt went OK today and she's the 'right' way up. I know what you mean about the kicks - when I rest a book or magazine on my bump it's sometimes hard to read it's moving so much! Sorry to hear about your friend.

londonlivvy Guh! that's why I don't like cats! Hope you're feeling better.

Londondmrss Lol. My problem is not that, er, orifice but the other one. Today I lay down on my side in the anti-natal class during a relaxation bit and let's just say my digestion started up fairly quickly and I very nearly passed wind. It was good pelvic floor training to keep it in! God, I share way too much on this board....

Midget I thought twice about posting up about that article, because I didn't want anyone else who was working on later to feel bad. But in fact I think it says a lot of the evidence found it was worse for people lower down the socio-econ scale as they tend to do more manual/physically demanding work, so if you're desk-bound I don't think you need to worry too much.

Plankton I'm so sorry to hear about your friend. And I hope you were able to remember happier times with your sister yesterday xx

Freshfruit Welcome!

Squid Great to hear you're feeling a bit better. Love the description of your three pages of lists - remember you're meant to be relaxing now!!

OK, ok that's all I can manage for today. Nothing new to report here, other than that I have been in hysterics for 10 minutes reading the thread Mickey posted up the other day www.mumsnet.com/Talk/pregnancy/1526072-Ahem-Whispers-i-ate-the-bathroom-sponge?msgid=33219728#33219728

Hello all :)

Back in civilisation with flushing loos and showers etc. Nearly all the way through catching up with reading your posts but have to cook.

Thought I would just post my bump pic (29 weeks), taken at the cabin. Please, all those struggling with body issues, do take a look. I hope it will make some of you feel more compact and svelte and I'll admit to a little stretch mark 'fading' work on it , as I posted this pic on fb, due to familial demand and couldn't face judgement on a red-flecked as well as 'mahoosive for my dates' bump although you can see where they are if you look closely.

And now I know what British bump 'comments' go like... ... 'it's like one of those gym balls', 'you look ready to pop', 'wow!!', 'Jesus Christ!!', 'Mahoooooosive!!!', 'you're gigantic!' etc. etc.

Now I must heave my giant water-balloonesque self to the kitchen to do the barefoot/pregnant/kitchen/cooking thing and perhaps some other cliches while I'm there. Will post on all your news later. Ho hum...

Goodness me, Fjord, you certainly do have an impressive bump. Mine looks like a curry belly by comparison. Thank you for posting though - tis genuinely helpful to get a sense of the variety of bumps (thanks too yomping). I've now put mine up on my profile. I think I may have been shoving it out as it looks larger than usual to me.

I have just realised that I have 50 days left at work before maternity leave. EEEK. so much to do. Particularly as I have to leave a full paperwork handover as my replacement doesn't arrive until 2 weeks after I've left. I am a bit hacked off about it - there was another applicant who could have started before I went, but my boss went for the guy who's not around. Grr. I have volunteered to do an afternoon session at my house, to answer all his questions, after he starts, provided that the baby hasn't come yet (this is about 4 days before my due date). It's not that I worry particularly about being nice to my replacement, it's more that I really really want my clients to be well looked after.

Smorgs on the moving house thing, I'd hope there'd be some teenagers who want to earn some euros, surely? And GRR re aqua aerobics instructor.

Mickey. 21. Wow. That was a LONG time ago (I'm 37). Delighted that your bloke is being a star. So important to feel loved and appreciated on birthdays. I'm big on them and have been gradually training up DF so that he realises it's not about money spent, but about attention, love and feeling special.

crazypaving oh my that sounds tough. I like mickey's suggestion of a family day out.

Elpis thanks for the breastfeeding book suggestions. I will have a look.

Kyrria good luck with the return to work. I hope it's not too stressful and they make allowances for you / adapt as necessary.

cherry my DF was CONVINCED we were having a girl and he was right. I have no idea what made him think it though he was absolutely adamant.

tis very odd to have the flat to myself (and the murderous cat) with DF away, but quite nice in some ways :-)

Sleepy tonight. Boy taking me to bed in a minute.

First "proper" day of mat leave (well technically am on annual leave till 9 sept but you know what I mean)... I feel soooooo much more relaxed. honestly it is like a giant weight lifted away. Went swimming this morning, did 40 lengths not bad, watched the scarily good olympic synch swimmers practising, had a bit of a wander in the sun, ate lovely healthy food all day, started a book, had a sleep in the afternoon, made food with the boy when he came home from work, cuddled up with my cat now. Just.... just... have not had a day like that in ages, it feels like, without work and worries looming. Thanks for all your well wishes everyone... this feels scarily lazy and forbidden but it is so lovely! I am so sleepy...

Mickey happy birthday love. I am 32 and feel very young so don't worry it's not always down hill ;) Glad you were looked after.

fjordmor hello again! -waves- Whilst your bump may be measuring big, it is perfectly round and delightful! Could not be mistaken for anything other than pregnancy if you see what I mean. I had a long stage where I looked bigger but not really bump-like and felt crap about my appearance, now I definitely have bump I feel better really.

planktonette I am so very sorry about your sister. Take care of yourself eh. These things do seem to ease a bit with the passing of time, but. But, you know.

angelico the scan is crazy! Looks very cute but so strange to see in that detail.

midgetM as ever your energy levels leave me in awe! I think horse feeding sounds like a great job for the record...

londonmrs -shifty eyes- was about to ask the other day if everyone is doing pelvic floor exercises, I do about 25 ... most... days... other days ... not

londonlivvy you sound shattered sweetie... these active weekends in between work are pretty exhausting I find! take care of yourself. My cat has taken to eating plastic things and then vomiting... idiot

kyyria will be thinking of you at work tomorrow, sometimes when you are dreading something at least going back and getting the anticipation over with helps, I hope so anyway. Keep us posted. x

I know the trend is for self-deprecation, but today I have decided I really like my pregnant body - 32 weeks
(cannot promise will feel the same way tomorrow )

... bed.

Hi everyone :)
Thankyou for the birthday wishes, in my defence when I said "I feel old", I meant in regards to the SPD that has flared up hugely!!! I can barely walk! :( Otherwise I don't feel old at all, not mature enough to have a baby DP makes up for it . I've had a lovely day, Mum cooked me lunch and also walked in to her house to find lots of sunflowers :) They are my favourite and she bought me a huge bunch I haven't done anything today though as I am back at work tomorrow and I know I need to try and recover at least a little bit from this weekend, despite being told to "take it easy" its a bit difficult when you are trying to rescue a barbecue and a hog roast from the pouring rain!!
LOL at whoever it was (Sorry awful memory!) who said they snogged 21 men, I defs only snogged one and that was a private affair this morning before breakfast no birthday shag though, bloody sciatica

Anyway. I will stop going on now, but thankyou all again :) Here, have some virtual champagne (that my grampy bought me, and told me to drink it when the baby was here... err, i'm breastfeeding?!) and some cake. (I had to have two bits it was so yummy

plankton sorry to hear about your sister. I hope you had a peaceful day. Anniversaries can be awful and lovely at the same time. I found letting a chinese lantern off helped me put things to bed and now they're a more happy affair. My friend died two years ago (my age) and it was just tragic. So awful. Really feel for you. xx

crazypaving hope the holiday gets a bit better.. poor DC :(

Yomping Hope Centre Parcs turns out better than expected!!!

Lmao Smorgs, I still haven't stopped laughing. I told some friends yesterday (who had no idea that such a thing could happen) and the looks on their faces were a picture!!

Apologies to all those I've missed. So exhausted. Sleep time! xxx

Welcome freshfruitsalad! :)

wantanorange - good to hear about DH?s interview. My DP has one tomorrow and he wants it desperately.

lisbeth - you?re not being naughty. Sounds like you need to be off.

Midget Sorry to hear about the nosebleeds (and the cold ). I had a couple of bad ones early on and it?s not fun. Still loving your DD?s work :) She sounds like such an adorable character.

LondonMrs - great thread ? had a good all read and it warmed the cockles. I guess I?m not overly affected by these doom merchants anyway. Being ?older?, I haven?t put much store by a hectic ?social life? in years (I lost mine while caring for my sick dad 24/7) and I?m at that age where I?d really rather actually be at home with DP/family than out and about all the time. I miss the theatre & gigs sometimes but there isn?t much of that sort here in Stavanger anyway, so I won?t ever be missing it because of the baby. Btw ? that midwife sounds like a total tool. I second what everyone has said about complaining.

Angelico - Great scan photo! :) I really wanted one of those around now but we won?t have the money for it now. Will have to hope my 30 week scan on the 7th gives us a good look this time. The holiday was great thanks (apart from occasional drop jaw disbelief at DSD2?s behaviour and occasional head-do-in hyperactivity from the 3 sugared-up girls ? thanks grandfather for lining their pockets with silver for ice cream, fizzy drinks and sweets every day ? said the scrooge of kid?s holidays?). I got used to not showering, washing my hair with cold spring water and a bucket, and ?going? in a hole in the ground cunningly disguised as a ?normal-looking loo? . Had a long chat with DP about ?cock-nobber parenting? (much more tactfully than that obvs) and I think he understands where I?m coming from and that I?m on his side, not criticising him. Cherrychopsticks - your advice re him made perfect sense, and I think you?re right. He parents much more confidently when he feels we?re ?in it together?.

Mickey - a very happy belated birthday. I?m old enough to be your mum, and your LO?s grandmother but since I feel about 22 tops most days (other than physically, natch) I won?t dwell on that. I?m sorry to hear you?re suffering so much with SPD.

I'm going to split this post...

Yomping - I know you?re feeling a bit better but I can empathise with and relate to your body-issue woes. I still catch myself in windows/mirrors and baulk at how enormous I look. However, as long as I?m wearing the right clothes, I do look mostly pregnant rather than ?fat?. I mostly ?feel? limited; unfit, out of puff, achey and cumbersome. AND, to cap it all, DP is 'off' the conjugals and doesn?t seem to want to touch me. Think he has some ?pregnant woman not like real woman? issue or something. I?m trying to deal with it and not feel angry about him or shit about myself. Glad you enjoyed the wedding anyway :).

Thanks squid for your lovely comment about my bump photo ? that?s how I?m trying to frame it: I?m just pregnant. Not fat, not disgusting, just pregnant with an unfortunately large bump that is ?all bump? at least. I can?t do anything about it until after the baby is born and then I can do as much as I?m able/want to. Like you say, I think I felt worse when it was ambiguous as to whether I was pregnant or really fat. Now I feel like a whale; but a proud one. I?m so past worrying what anyone else thinks of me really ? anyone that isn?t at the centre of my life. Hope things are settling down and you?re getting used to a slower pace! :) And you are looking like one hot mamma! That is a super bump-shaped bump :). I wish I could still look half as hot in a body con dress! You look like a woman with a great figure with a perfect bump! Please stay feeling good!

smiley - so glad to hear all was ok with the heartbeat this time :).

Bella2012 - yes, I?m suffering from Carpal Tunnel ? have been since the start . Have bad and good days with it but do find it?s worse at night. Also I have bad pain and weakness in my wrists, especially my (good) right hand and certain movements are quite restricted. I get sympathetic nods every time I mention it to doctor/MW but I think this time I?m at the point where I?m going to have to insist they explore if there?s anything that can help. Empathy winging your way ? it?s a total bummer of a symptom (and making me so clumsy!!).

Plankton - sorry to hear about your sister. I can relate to what you say. I was suffering from trauma terribly following the death of my father when I became pregnant. My ?outlook?/feelings/symptoms whatever you want to call them, changed almost overnight, subconsciously, before I even knew for sure I was pregnant. Maybe you?re right about the new life/reconciliation thing. It wasn?t something I intellectually contemplated but the change was profound and unprompted. You never forget or don?t feel that gnawing longing inside but to be able to feel the pain less acutely is, like you say, an overwhelmingly peaceful feeling.

londonlivvy - sorry to hear you?re feeling poorly. (of the non gut-irritating kind ).

Sorry to hear about everyone?s property woes. My flat is not selling (not getting offers) despite apparently very good feedback and 14 viewings so far. Agent is talking price drop. I am thinking ?change agent?? (although I?m not averse to a price drop ? I understand there?s ?suddenly? twice as many sellers than buyers in London now the ?double dip? is well established. Drat!!)

Right, off to sit in front of fan with feet up. Busy day ahead tomorrow harassing agents, ferrying DP to and from important job interview, gathering in DSDs from various sleepovers and loads of boring ?business? that I?d rather hide and lounge around eating lollies/sorbet. Ah well?

Mickey, I had sunflowers on my 21st too! They're also my faves - great minds... Sounds like you had a good day.

Plankton, I didn't say yesterday, sorry about your sister. I was thinking of you. It must be an emotional time, but I'm glad pregnancy has allowed you a different, more positive perspective.

Love the bump Fjord! It is bigger than mine but I'm a couple of weeks behind you, and it is very neat and cute.

Definitely non pregnancy aqua aerobics, Smorgs, no relaxing floating for us! I feel quite knackered afterwards, but it's good because far less stress on the joints. Filled with old as the hills women though, who are all looking forward to the birth of my baby, and pat their own slightly protruding bellies and make jokes about also being due in October.

Well, off to start long, hot day 2 of hellish week.

Hey all, been off the radar but will catch up in a bit and read everyone's news...

Have to say a belated happppeeeee biiiiirrrtthhhhddaayy to Mickey and share 21st birthday memories which was even less respectable than Smorgs. I had a 'disco' & afterwards had excellent, rampant sex with the DJ ...those were the days! I do wonder as I'm having my 1st dc so much later in life than my friends, that it's probably just taken me longer to grown up, haha!!

Back soon

Ladies. I have come to make a recommendation.

We found this in John Lewis the other day. We own one now, and so should you: www.johnlewis.com/230911683/Product.aspx

Now I know what it says - 'toasted sandwich maker' or somesuch. But I am here to tell you, as an Australian, that it is not so.

That is a JAFFLE MAKER and it is for making JAFFLES.

The jaffle is similar to the toastie, apart from the edges of the bread are sealed to each, thus preventing cheese-splosions - thus, you can eat them one-handed. You get your bread, you butter it on the outside, you put cheese and something non-cheese (if you must) in the bread, you put the bread in the jaffle maker, and two minutes later you have food. It is a rare Australian kitchen that doesn't have a jaffle maker in it.

The jaffle is my national dish. And I promise you, there is no faster way to make a nutritious hot meal in the entire world. No, not even ramen noodles.

In the first few months after BS is born, it is highly likely I will eat nothing else.

JAFFLES! They're the breakfast (and lunch, and dinner) of champions!

Not BS! Oh my gosh! I meant DS!

Sorry little baby, I didn't mean to say you were bulls*. Mummy loves you.

Planktonette LOL!!! at BS

And I've got the exact same Jaffle maker, had it for ages and fill it with cheese, cheese & ham, baked beans, banana & honey, brie, all fantastic & delish. I was thinking the only way I was going to survive post-birth was cereal & beans on toast but you've given me another option - thanks

Well I googled 'jaffle' as have never heard of such a thing- Wikipedia seems to think it's the same as a toastie! Plankton, how about you take on the role of International Jaffle Ambassador?

I've been away all day and hardly anything has happened, what's wrong with you all ??!!

I'm exhausted. That is all.

I have a question. I'm doing a tour of my local birthing centre next weekend. It's for uncomplicated births, only G and A available. It looks absolutely lovely, with your own room / double bed / bathroom / pool etc. I am really hoping to give birth there (not only is it lovely, but it's a 10 minute walk from my flat).

I'm making a list of questions to ask them. My main concern is the baby's safety because any problems would mean a transfer to hospital. This would be 5-10 minutes by ambulance. Can you think of any questions you would ask on such a tour? This is my list so far:

1.  Can I transfer quickly to hospital if I just get scared and want to? Ie without medical justification?
   

2.  I know I can be transferred if I need additional pain relief. How fast is the transfer organised?
   

3.  What problems could arise that would present too late for transfer? Eg baby not breathing well, cord round neck, or needing oxygen etc. Can the birth centre cope with these? Are there any problems which wouldn?t present in advance that the birth centre cannot cope with? Ie is my baby compleyely safe? To put it another way, would any risk to safety of baby present with enough time to transfer to hospital?
   

4.  Is there parking available?
   

Have I missed anything stupid? Anything else you would ask?

Think I've got a pulled muscle under my bump! Keep getting pains when I walk too fast. Assume this means it's time to slow down...

Sugar - lost a long post.

Check this link if anyone is feeling philosophical
sourcesofinsight.com/stephen-covey-quotes/

I second 'The Womanly Art of BF' recommendation. It is by La Leche League who I also found helpful
Love the bump pics Fjordmor and Yomping

CrazyP Can you just go home - it sounds cruel . Other children are probably just over-stimulated and under rested.
I am on hols in the west of Ireland. 17 degrees, overcast, windy and showery. Ds runs around the beach in his tiny wetsuit chasing dogs. We wear coats. Other family and friends with children holiday here as well and the Atlantic is amazing for swims. Mahoosive waves and apparently kept warm by warm stream from Gulf of Mexico.
Had a swim today (in heated pool) and feel wonderful

Ah Lisbeth, I'm in love with the West Coast! Whereabouts are you? We had our honeymoon there around Kerry and then up to Galway and Connemara where I've got lots of family. Gorgeous. I want to live there one day. Hope you continue to have a lovely time!

LondonMrs They are probably used to those questions and I can't think of anything else to ask but I would think that they cannot answer 'yes' to the question 'is baby completely safe?'. Is the baby as safe as if he/she were born in a hospital - then perhaps yes. - but there is some element of risk.

Don't worry about the risk too much, we live every day with risk. When you leave your house in the morning you may not arrive safely at work but you probably don't give this a thought, as the risk of not arriving safely is very small.

Also, in my experience, the last few mins of labour, as the baby crowns and comes out are the hardest. I felt I was going to tear with the pressure, and I did a little. But it is too late then to have an epidural as that takes 10mins (???) to be effective once it is put in (another 10 mins??? to do) and baby cannot wait. So even if you are in hospital, there is a point too late for some types of pain relief. It is just a few pushes and then baby is there (for me anyway).
I am not a MW and you are right to have your questions ready for a MW, but if they get the vibe that you are very anxious and want zero risk they may think you are unsuited to a birthing centre - which was not an option for me, but I think sounds like a lovely option for low risk pregnancies.

Londonmrs We are in Ballybunion in Kerry. Thanks

Thanks Lisbeth, good point about not sounding too anxious! I mainly want reassurance that the birthing centre is no more risky for my baby than the hospital, and hopefully they'll be able to give me that.