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

[YompingJo]

Shiny new thread!

Ready?
Steady?
Go!

Sorry to make you all cry You can imagine how much I was sobbing...

WantAnOrange, I'm 37 and I quite often struggle with buttons

Huffle, lovely list. Can I add:

• we get to buy cool multi-tasking things like cots that convert to playpens, and travel systems that have a billion different settings

• It's amazing (and also a bit freaky) what our bodies can actually do

Mickey, my DH wasn't joking when he offered to suck the milk, and he wasn't offering for my benefit either . Here's me worrying about my body changing, and my breasts going from being playthings for DH to functional feeding machines, and worrying about DH not finding it very sexy any more, and his take on it is just that there are now new things to perve over explore! Gotta love men!

I HAVE A NEW NEPHEW!!! :o :o :o But my GOD!!! The drama!!!

Basically my sister was at home this morning, some pains overnight, waited for her 3 contractions in ten mins (which came on pretty quickly), then her waters went. The baby came so fast they had to phone ambulance and my mum (retired nurse, lives 5 mins away thankfully) flew up the road and almost had to deliver her own grandson!!! My poor sis was desperate to push but the 999 peeps wanted her to hold fire till midwife arrived in ambulance - and baby arrived in ambulance 5 mins later on way to hospital! She went from 3 in ten mins to baby in arms in under an hour!!!

Anyway mum and baby fine but probably all a bit of a shock. Ironically sis considered a home birth but decided against it, wanted a water birth at hospital - she was bloody close to having the homebirth but with none of the nice pool / gas and air / 2 midwives! :o

Anyway, hurrah for sister and the new bean!!! Think the whole thing took about 5 years off my mum's life mind you lol!!! She was having to clean up the bedroom because it had unexpectedly become delivery ward!

Congrats Angelico. What a dramatic time though. Was it her first?

Thanks Shell :) Her second thankfully but she was frightened understandably. Just got more details - baby is 8lbs 13!!! Ambulance had to pull in at a park when it became clear they weren't going to make it to hospital, BIL was on phone to dad and dad could hear the baby crying in the ambulance :) Sister might get home tonight all being well - let's face it, she did the hard bit before she got to the hospital so may as well sleep in her own bed in comfort! :)

Anyway her PFB (my nephew) is coming up here this afternoon after a visit to see his new brother :) He had a scary time but has been showered with devotion and treats and has been promised treats galore when he gets up here - and better yet (from his POV) - he gets to see our two cats! :)

congratulations Auntie Angelico! How wonderful xxx

Congrats Auntie Angelico!!! Lovely but eye-opening account!! for your lovely new newphew

Congratulations Angelico! Hope your sister is doing ok, what a story.

londonlivvy and hufflepuffle thanks for the yoga advice... I feel a bit nervous about finding a new class in truth, when I am now so hugely pregnant... we'll see, I have plenty of other exercise I can do and have been doing, and I do have a yoga nidri cd which is as you say blissful! Between that and hypnobirthing cd am really catching up on my sleep.

Yomping I'm glad the holiday was better than expected. Bisons and owls and woodpeckers, that's so cool! I often do things like burst into hysterical tears at the thought of me dying/baby dying / me in a coma after a car accident with boyfriend having to make daytime-tv-choices... boyfriend says I am silly though.
My tits haven't been leaking but I've been able to express small amounts of milk for a couple of months now. Of course I've tasted, who wouldn't! Hilariously, boyfriend desperately wanted to sample milk "from the teat" until I was actually able to produce some and almost ran out the room when I showed him. Hahaha.

Well maternity leave is still blissful, I really cannot understand people who find it boring. I'm spending most of my time relaxing, exercising, hanging out with friends, cooking, sketching, sleeping... I feel great that I really have TIME to do all the pregnancy related things I wanted to do - good food, good exercise, good relaxation, time "connecting" with baby squid... I have a gym ball which I sit on any time I'm on the computer or writing so that amounts to a few hours a day. I'm doing my pelvic floor exercises and have been reading about perineal massage, going to try that soon. I've started taking raspberry leaf tea (in tablets). I don't know if it will help but I don't think it can hurt. I read you should start taking it reasonably early so it can build up in your system.

Any thoughts on raspberry leaf tea?

I went to see some outdoor shakespeare yesterday, it was great. Had what I call a "growth spurt" yesterday (unreasonably tired and feeling heavier)... perhaps it was the walk up to the play, it was on top of a steep hill. Anyway just having a relaxing day today, went to the market for some food and been watching Jess Ennis kick arse at the Olympics, new girl crush. It's a big deal for me to be able to just ... take a day off, relax. I haven't done it in ages. I had to call my boyfriend at work to explain how to get the TV on the channel I wanted

hippie alert... I've bought a full set (20) of reusable nappies on ebay for £40... they may not work out but if they do what a HUGE saving that will be, for my pocket and environment. I am going to buy disposables for the first few weeks though as I've heard newborns are usually a bit small for reusables and it will save housework early on. I am planning to co-sleep and I'm worried about... not squashing the baby as I am a small, still, light sleeper and fully believe in that baby-radar, but about not sleeping too well due to WORRYING about squashing the baby! I do have a ridiculously overpriced and to my eyes unnecessary moses basket if it is difficult for any reason (my boyfriend's mum bought it for us, without asking if we needed one!)

I am 32+4 now and feel "properly" pregnant. People smile at my bump and let me use the toilet first and get doors for me and come round from behind the market stalls to hand me my shopping carefully, and a big issue seller smiled at me and said "can't be long now" and I smile back and say "just a few weeks." Babies are full term between 38 and 42 weeks so I will have a squid in 5-9 weeks - it is MADNESS when I think like that. I feel heavy but I look lovely, I love my bump. ("glowing", even? well my hair's very nice - I am using up all the ends of my crappest shampoos and my hair just looks nicer and nicer!) Third trimester > second trimester.

Holy moly Angelico!!!! That was some birth!! I keep telling DH how yoga teacher goes in about stage one labour at home, how long it will take, have a bath, blah blah blah. And he looks at me in fear saying what if it comes quicker?? We hav to go to hospital as soon as it starts..... And I say don't be silly they will send us home....... NOT telling him that story!!!!!

Bit of a shock, glad all went well, glad ur mum down the road!!!! Poor big brother, bless him!! Brilliant news however!!

So relieved about other DHs being fascinated by breast milk!!! Thought mine was being weird. Keeps calling them my 'milkers'! Wanted to get himself a prosthetic breast to fill with milk until realised that is only a prop on comedy shows!!!!!!! Says he wants to taste it, makes 'hilarious' sucking motions towards by boobs, finds the breast pump funniest thing........ The list goes on!!!! Must be a standard reaction then!!! Bet he runs a mile when I start leaking tho...... And based on your comments ladies I hav bought some breast pads, spose can happen anytime!!!

Word of info. Boots 3for2 nursery and accessories offer is on. Bit miffed I already got a steriliser, although ASDA price for it was bargain. So got the video monitor I wanted, fancy changing bag and in ear thermometer at £42 free!!! Did I really need the fancy changing bag??? But if you needing expensive items it can be a good saving, despite Boots generally higher prices!!

You're all weird. I've been breastfeeding for more than three years and I've NEVER tasted.

Thanks for good wishes :) Mum and new bean home already - got home about 4.30. Sister in state of disbelief that it all happened so quickly - she did find it traumatic tbh. One tip - she was dreaming all night that she was in labour, kept tossing and turning - with hindsight she probably was! lol She reckons no more babies as 'she would never put her body through it again' - but I reckon next time round would be a doddle after that! :) Apparently even MW cried in the ambulance, ahhhhhhh! Sis, BIL, MW and new bean all crying at same time lol! They're all in good form now, she can't believe she is home with newborn, squeeeeeee! Going to see them all tomorrow night :o

Huffle you are so organised about getting stuff, makes me We are getting a free Bugaboo Frog (old model) from friends next week and they had lost the 'apron' - so one came up on ebay last week and we pounced. Friends are brilliant - giving us Moses basket, steriliser, breast pump etc so going to check out the goodies next week before we buy anything else. Tbh all we probably need are some bottles and formula in case of diffs breastfeeding. Cot is nice but not an essential at first so we will leave it. Already have been given a few bags of old clothes and bought some nappies. So we actually have more stuff than I thought - but more thanks to the generosity of others! :)

On the boobs / milk front - my DH is a bit about it all, I keep winding him up about letting him have a slurp and he goes a bit green :o Haven't had anything like that yet and not in any hurry to BUT did read hilarious thing about grown men who pay to suck breast milk from the boob! In one of those waiting room magazines last year - a woman who charges about £70 for men to come to her house and breastfeed for 20 mins. They apparently find it relaxing rather than sexual and she has a few 'regulars'. DH reckons at that kind of money he would let me do it too :o

huffle you can buy prosthetic breasts for dads... Weird American Website The mind boggles

I am quite to find out I have now completely lost the ability to bend over...have been helping DH in the garden and feel nigh on useless!!

32, 27+6, #1

Oh dear Kyyria I have just clicked on that link and am totally freaked out!!! April fool?? Think is actually real!!!!!

It's been a while - too much to catch up on!

We survived the holiday!! Madly, we stayed right to the bitter end. It did get better. I had a meltdown on Monday, then a really unpleasant email from my Mum on Tuesday (in which she said she wished she was dead, in response to me saying that I didn't feel comfortable with her coming down to stay after the baby's born), followed by a slightly disastrous night out on Weds where DH accidentally massively upset one of my cousins. All fun and games... But DS ended up really enjoying the week, and has come on leaps and bounds just in one week. It was brilliant watching him have so much fun, but I am utterly exhausted (the sleep didn't improve) and I've gained masses of weight due to comfort eating Also, heartburn/reflux is OFF THE CHARTS argghhhh. I'm not sure if popping masses of Gaviscon is causing a feeling of something being stuck in my throat, but it's making me feel sick.

on the plus side, watched loads of exciting olympics which I really enjoyed. God it's depressing looking at all their fit, toned bods though.

Rant alert number 2; I have 2 close friends to whom I lent all my maternity clothes, one after the other, between my 2 pgs. They returned them all, but neither of them has offered any of their (really nice) maternity stuff to me for this pg. Neither of them is pg. AIBU to feel a bit miffed about this?

I'm cross-eyed with tiredness but have enjoyed keeping up with you lovely ladies all week.

yomping, glad you survived your week too. Those conversations are a surprise when they come up - I remember DH and I having a similar one.

Angelico, amazing news about your sister - huge congratulations to all! Sounds very similar to my DS's birth...scary stuff.

squid I drank raspberry leaf tea religiously from about 34wks last time. May have contributed to my scary fast birth experience?! Or not. Who the hell knows. Planning to do the same this time - partly just cos I like the stuff.

Co-sleeping - was totally against it last time, but in the end it was the only way I could get any sleep. Did it until about 8wks, I think. DS was an absolutely appalling sleeper, and if he was in our bed I did sleep lightly and therefore badly, but better than if he was elsewhere - then I couldn't sleep at all because I was worried he'd wake and I wouldn't. We carved out a space for him in our bed using a nursing pillow (the mw showed us on the first night) which meant that DH and I were ridiculously squashed, but it gave us both peace of mind. Of course, then there were the weeks when he would only sleep on me.... Feck me, I'd forgotten about that. Grim.

This time round, I'm going to play it by ear. It does make bfing much easier IMO. I'll probably just let DH sleep in the spare room in the early weeks if neccessary.

wantanorange don't worry!! Perhaps a bit of a surprise, but at least easily rectifiable

Sorry ladies that's about all I can manage with my fat puffy swollen sore fingers. Food time for this pregnant lady!

Just cooked & eaten squid and salsa for dinner and have remembered why it's the BEST FOOD IN THE WORLD and my namesake!! Also had a small glass of wine which made me feel giddy and settling down to cheer Jess Ennis! Woo! Dear god I am going to be such a lightweight after these 9 months.

Me and boyfriend just had a 10 minute laugh/horror over "Mr Milker", thanks for that link, awesome

I had a lovely glass of red wine last night and woke up feeling slightly fuzzy in the head and like someone had carpeted my mouth!

huffle, squid - only the Americans would come up with something like that! Asked DH if he'd be interested but as they didn't look like proper "boobies" then the answer was no...can you imagine if they were?? We'd never see the other halves again!!!

Congratulations to aunty Angelico! Has new bean got a name yet? Hope you enjoy your visit to them tomorrow. I can completely understand the midwife crying, I've felt teary at every single delivery I've ever seen, just something so utterly magical about a new life coming into the world and seeing a mum meet her new baby for the first time... Just amazing.
I really, really want a glass of wine tonight. Just one little one. But none in the house so will have to cope without! Might buy some for tomorrow, then I can be looking forward to it tonight .
Loving the Olympics and jess Ennis. I know what you mean about girl crush squid, think I might be joining you there!
crazy much sympathy re your mum and that email. Sounds horrid. Hope you are ok - just goes to show that you're doing the right thing by not having her around then.
Can't believe that my baby will be arriving so soon. 2 months is not long! Going to really enjoy this summer with dd, and then look forward to a lovely autumn getting to know new baby.
Right, back to watching fit toned people being amazing on the tv!

DH just asked me if he could see a nappy so we opened a newborn one. Holy moly it is tiny!!!!! And they have got so thin and light since I last changed any of my nieces' nappies!!!! SuppOse a bit like sanitary towels really, they have got thinner! DH wondering if we can get a doll now to practice with!!!!!! Aw bless him ......,

crazypaving I sometimes have that feeling of something stuck in my throat too, despite not getting any serious reflux. Maybe it happens when baby is pressing on the bottom of the oesophagus? I've no idea really but relieved to hear it's not just me!

Thank God for big exercise ball - sitting on it is the only thing that gets me through to DD's bedtime and the 7-9pm yawnfest. (DD needs very little sleep, especially if she has a nap.)

We're going to cosleep, sort of, from the beginning this time. DD slept in her cot upstairs from birth, and we were woken 4-5 times a night by crying. I'd go upstairs and feed her sitting upright in a chair, reading and propping my eyelids open. When I returned to work at 5.5 months this became utterly unsustainable, especially as she then fed more during the night to make up for my absence. Fortunately we had a spare bed so I just shared that with her, with occasional forays downstairs to see DH. She eventually slept through in her cot. Now the spare room is becoming the new baby's room. He'll sleep in the cot with one side partly down and I'll sleep in the bed next to it (which will eventually be his).

It's lovely to sleep next to them (some people don't want to feed to sleep, but I found it a huge help). You can both drift off without worrying about whether they're getting enough milk. But DH craves his sleep and it would never have worked in our bed. At least that means you have a baby-free space.

OOOO Squid what nappies did you get? That is such a good price, I spend way to much on nappies! (still cheaper than disposables in the long run though). I found them do-able on newborn DS but bulky (he was 6lb 5oz born) so this time round I've bought some Little Joey's which are tiny just in case.

I'm glad you are enjoying your maternity leave. I'm loving having the time with DS.

Congratulations Angelico, that is a very fast birth, I hope your Dsis is feeling well.

I got a pregnancy support pillow yesturday and have to ask, why do we wait until pregnancy to have these wonderful things?! It's so comfy! DH is jealous though.

Has anyone else got a birthing ball? I wanted to get one in Mothercare yesturday but they don't do them in store . The sales assistant said you can get them online and it only takes a couple days for delivery but I wanted to cry "but I'm uncomfortable NOW!" AIBU to think that Mothercare should stock less ugly Mylene Klass clothing and more birthing balls?

WantanOrange The nappies weren't branded ones and might be rubbish, but from reading online reviews people just seem to vary massively on which brands work for their babies, so I figure why not start with the cheapest? Also I love the simple dayglo colours (my baby is going to be a very multicoloured squid), also I have an irrational dislike of advertising

here's the link, plenty more, you can buy them in x5 and x10 sets as well

They take a couple of weeks for delivery but obviously that's not a problem right now. I think I may need to buy some more inserts for them.

I bought a gym ball in some sports shop the other day (decathlon I think?) I bet if they call it a "maternity" or "birthing" ball they double the price. £10 mine was, it's the same thing, any sports shop should do one. Agree on the ugly mothercare clothing, god, why is it all so loose and smocky? Loose and smocky things make me look like an elephant. Also I have never found anything in there small enough to fit me and I'm a size 10 so I'm not big, but I'm hardly the thinnest person out there either!

They look pretty good Squid. Very good price and adjustable size. I like the bright colours! My baby will be colourful too. I'm trying to avoid an overload of pink. It's not that I don't like feminine, pretty clothes but there are so many colours to choose from! I like making my own kids clothes too.

I feel like I'm getting my morning sickness back again - have completely gone off food, smells are yucky and feeling very green around the gills.

Anyone else suffering?

32, 28+0, #1, feeling pukey

Yep Kyyria me too. Felt sick most of yesterday, regretted eating any dinner as wanted to vomit all eve. Nauseous this morn, tiny breakfast and no lunch. Smells horrid again. Not good!! Think size of stomach has shrunk dramatically! Been like this all week but worse this wknd

huffle been suffering since about Thurs but had breakfast (cereal) and a biscuit today as can't face anything. DH cooking steak with rice and salad for tea - was looking forward to it until the smell has started wafting through... bleurgh

32, 28+0, #1

I feel your disgust......! Hoping it is temporary only!! X