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

[YompingJo]

Shiny new thread!

Ready?
Steady?
Go!

Good luck Cwest! xx

good luck cwest! And elpis! Let us know xxx

Good luck Cwest & Elpis. Everything crossed for you.

Well I have spent the past few days packing up boxes in 38 degree heat and my worldly goods are now sitting in a friends spare room and garage until we can move into the new place. Dh and I have hired a car and are now homeless travelling until the 30th.
I tried not to do too much lifting but even packing and cleaning seems to be difficult and my back is now in agony. Can actually barely walk properly! kyyria I totally sympathise on the hip pain too, sleeping is nigh on impossible at the moment. Don't know how you have the energy to work too! Anyway, the sun is still shining but it's less fierce and I'm going to treat myself to a massage, feel I deserve it :-)
squid try not to feel bad about your flat, I'm gutted to be leaving my city centre place. How will I be able to leave the baby with dh and go for a quick coffee with a friend and feel 'normal' again if it takes 40 mins to get into town??
Anyway posting from phone so hard to name check everyone but good luck today cwest and Elpis and lol at turn crazypaving!

Morning all! :) Loads going on today!

First of all good luck CWest and Elpis with scans - hope all is well!

Kyrria sympathy with hip pain :( Another bad morning here and taking ages to go away today, hurting when I walk today too grrr! I've been sleeping on a folded up duvet for a while and using big pillow between legs which has bought me a few more weeks pain free but the magic seems to be wearing off :( Any other bright ideas from anyone? Fjord you seemed to be using millions of pillows?

Huffle my bump hasn't gone cube-shaped but it does get a definite shelf some evenings - you could rest a pint on it :o Oh for a pint

Planktonette also good tips about the NCT stuff and the shirt stuff as DH will have bean while I am in recovery.

Squid so glad you have such a lovely supportive MW! I'm sure your homebirth will be a great experience and sounds like you'll be in very good hands but with the added reassurance of knowing you're within spitting distance of hospital. Also I went and when you said 'Anytime after 37 weeks is ok' - we are so bloody close now!!! :o

MrsC kudos on surviving the house full of children - respect! :o

Midget sorry to hear you are also in the not-so-exclusive hip pain club but LOVING the image of a heavily pregnant midget up a ladder in a bikini furiously painting :o :o :o If I put that in a book no one would believe it :o

Mickey love the bump - missed the link first time! :o I HATE people who are rude in shops, just no need for it

Crazy glad MW was nicer yesterday - an the bean is behvaing. "The inner voice is strong in this one!!!" :o

Really good to hear different birth experiences and see the whole range, also a big thank you to the people who gave positive info about CS recovery a few days back (think it was Squid, Beccus, Smiley sorry if I forgot anyone ).

Bean has been a bit quiet this morning so having to do some kick counting - don't normally bother as most days she's like a flea in there

Aaaagghhh, must go, have a lady coming out to talk about breastfeeding. Apparently she brings dolls so it must be a practical of sorts! Of course here in NI I doubt there'll be any of that French bosom grabbing stuff :o

Well done Smorgs! Enjoy your travels! :)

PS: On hip pain, popped for a nosey on the other Oct thread and asked about hip pain got this tip back - thank you Thumbwitch might try this:

Angelico - I'm getting the hideous hip pain now too - last time around, the thing that helped it was moving out of bed and onto my saggy ol' studio couch, on a doubled-over duvet, with pillows between knees and under bump. The reason I believe this helped the most was actually the back support - I could lean my back against the back of the studio couch, which took some of the pressure of the hips, I think. So maybe you could try sleeping against the wall?

Christ, my mum was horrible this weekend. We always get on well and are close- except when we are actually in the same room, she's always critical about how I look. This weekend was the first time she'd seen me since I was 12 weeks and she kept giving me talks about how hard it is to lose the baby weight, and did I think maybe my belly was growing a bit too much and the baby was going to be huge (I was measuring 27 at 28 weeks, so I don't bloody think so). At one point she even said for no reason 'that belly isn't pretty, you know'.
Why would you say that?! I'm fucking pregnant! She's obsessed with my weight! I'm a healthy fucking size 12! When I get pissed off, she says I'm being over sensitive.
Makes me so cross as I don't see why she feels the need to criticise me like that- it's been the same since I was a kid. She's great in every other way.
Anyway, rant over. At least I live 300 miles away- we get on much better when we're not in the same room.

Good luck Elpis and CWest today- hope all is grand and make sure you let us know.

Will catch up on everyone else a bit later.

For those with hip pain, I've just got this really nice pillow: www.duvetandpillowwarehouse.co.uk/product/Body-Pillow-With-Pillowcase/pc/PP6--B It's quite solid so nice support for sleeping after I decided I hated my stupid Dream Genie. The new one should be good for feeding too I reckon.

Speaking of feeding, I'm having daily boob leakage now- particularly when my husband has given them a bit attention. Slightly odd.

Plankton thanks for that NCT stuff, if anyone else hears any good points that they haven't thought of before, do share them!

27, 29 + 4, #1

Oh thanks angelico good advice. Here's going your lesson is less 'hands on' than mine!

Just reading back and saw bump pic mickey is gorge! Love it.
Also squid they do sling workshops over here to show you different ways of carrying, and presumably to help you avoid getting in a tangle à la Isabella Oliver tops. A friend has lent me her Baby Bjorn but am now wondering if it's the right size for newborn and if I need a sling for first few months?
Home births aren't an option here, neither is a birth plan. I asked if I had a choice whether I had an episiotomy or not and was told, firmly, no. Also discovered that although there are 5 birthing pools there is only one wireless foetal monitoring unit so if that's not free you have to use the normal monitoring machines which you can't take into the pool?! And they use the monitoring from the moment you come in to the clinic do not an option to whip it off and jump in the pool. Am suddenly realising why the epidural rate is so high in France.

Oh londonmrss cross posted but that is outrageous! Nothing like a bit of support from your nearest and dearest is there?!

Have a ... It's for the baby

Elpis I agree on all the kit advice except for the nappy bin - couldn't bear the thought of perfumed dirty nappies- I never bought that. I never used my changing bags - mini bag in handbag was perfect. I did not have a City Jogger but if I was now starting from scratch that is the brand I would go for. We had a Jane set like yourself - huge.
Also agree re epidurals and births generally - there are no olympic medals.
After a long labour (12 yrs ago) my SiL had an CS to deliver a 10lb baby, her first. My SiL is TINY, size 3-4 shoes, size 6-8 in clothes. I, on the other hand, am what is called here, a 'fine' girl. Size12-14 in clothes and size 7.5 in shoes. I am 5ft 8. My baby was 8 lbs. Shoe size I am told does matter in gauging the size of the pelvis. Her baby was 25% bigger from a what% smaller body. Thank god for modern medicine that we can all realistically look forward to the birth of healthy babies, and retain our own health in the process.

Smorgs are you now moving to the nicer apartment? Good luck with it.

Elpis & CWest good luck with scans. I have mine tomorrow morning and I am so looking forward to it

For all with aches Angelico, Kyria

Hi lisbethsopppsite yes we are indeed. Spoke to previous landlady and if she can rent it before sept 1 well get our money back... Although noticed she cashed our cheques immediately after that conversation. Can't blame her though we totally messed her around.
Good luck with the scan, we had our last one last week and they got a pretty good 3d image - totally convinced it looks like a girl now!

Crossed posts - LondonMrs I can so relate. I love my mum dearly and we are close. Like yours though she can come out with some clangers. I saw LOTs of family during hols and like you some distance and time will help things. Your mums bump comments do kinda take the .
We'll never be so insensitive to our children! - Right?

LondonMrs, grr, those comments were totally unnecessary. My mum can be pretty insensitive too, it's getting worse as she gets older, so I really sympathise. I tend to dread her visits these days. Like you, I live a reassuring distance away and will happily trade lack of help with baby for lack of interference and negative comments!

Regarding the stuff debate, I really like the idea of a changing bag and am hyper organised so would be the sort to keep it stocked and loaded by the front door. We wanted one that DH would be happy with too, and after looking at reviews on Mumsnet, we ordered the Baba Bing Deluxe. It arrived today and I LOVE it straight away. It seems very solid and well made and extremely well thought out, with labelled pockets for everything. DH is delighted, says he will happily cart it around. It's not one of the cheaper ones and it's one of the few things I decided to buy new instead of second hand as I think they probably get bashed around a bit, but I'm so pleased with it. Want to get it all stocked up with changing stuff right now!

LisbethsOpposite, what did you do with dirty disposable nappies then? Is there a way to throw them away without it smelling and without a perfumed bin? We want to use re-usables but are going to go with disposables to begin with as there will be quite enough to get our heads around. Am also feeling quite glad that I have size 7.5 feet as well, so hopefully my pelvis is the size of a water slide and the baby (pre-softened by copious eating of dates ) will slide right out! (I do know this is a bit unrealistic but a girl can dream...)

Yomping you are soo funny. Whenever I give a bit of advice (I can't help myself) I feel like putting in a caveat - this does apply to Yomping. Changing bags with labelled pockets are for you. I have had to buy nappies because I forgot to bring them out with me - I am at the opposite end of the organisation spectrum.
We throw the wet nappies in the bin, whatever room I'm changing in. The poopey ones are bagged and/or go straight out to the wheelie bin - or to the window sill by the back door if the door is locked and they go out pretty fast. That worked for us as we live in a house, not an apartment.

Yomping i bought that bag too!!!!!!!! Well actually I bought a lovely spotty cute one in Boots and DH nearly cried cos he said it looked so girly and he will be one pushing pram most of time when I have merrily tripped back to work!! Not that my 6'6" husband can look girly, but I felt his pain and returned it.......... So he is delighted with his butch black baby bag with labelled pockets. Altho sorry, but I got mine in TK Maxx..................!

Oh and we strive to be organised but this baby organisation may be rather difficult!

And gosh all, loads more posts today for me to seemingly ignore and not reply to..............sorry! Am I the only one at work?!

Good lord I am FED UP today. I have comments for like eight people but first - RANTING.

There's this one woman at my work who is terrifically difficult - she's been there longer than me, regards herself as my superior, and - this is the kicker - doesn't actually realise that her skills and my skills are different. She understands so little about what I do (it's 'technical' but it looks like common sense) that she assumes... I don't know how to describe it, it's like she isn't capable of valuing what I do because she doesn't understand it, and then actively goes out of her way to reject learning - as if, if she keeps not understanding, she gets to stay superior? Kind of like intentional incompetence? And then she makes decisions about things in my remit which I can see full well are going to fail, but she can't see that, so if I try to explain she interprets that as a challenge to her authority... oooh she is DIFFICULT!

And I have to go all the way to flipping Manchester to have her glare at me tomorrow... it's a five hour trip. GAH!

I think the key point is, I don't want to leave work. My poor little project, what will ever happen to it if I'm not there to protect it? It needs me! I don't want to go on maternity leave, I already HAVE a baby! My project baby! I can't let that incompetent woman near my project-baby, she'll feed it cow's milk and Ginster's pies and put it to sleep on it's tummy! Noooooooo!!!

Hi all,

Thanks for all the good wishes :)

Everything went really well today...saw my lil princess once again, kicking, moving yawning it was really lovely! She is measuring bang on target at 28 weeks, and apparently is 2lb 13oz although the midwife said later not to go by the scan weights as they are often wrong. She is also definatly a she, the lady looked twice, and I saw it with my own eyes this time.

Then they took about haf of my blood supply out of me haha, then I had to go and be monitored in the fetal health unit. Anyone else had this before? Basically they wired me up to 2 monitors, 1 to measure babys herat, and the other to count kicks, (which I had to do by pressing a button whenever I felt one) Of course she was being good for mummy and was kicking like mad until they took me off it - result!

They didnt give me the steroid injections for her lungs, they said the growth scan was so good and normal they are happy to await further instructions from the consultant when I see her in a weeks time.

They also monitored my blood pressure which again was completely normal. I have another scan booked for the 11 September but obviously will get one earlier if the consultant thinks it necessary.

All my bloods came back fine and after 5.5 hrs, I was free to go! Luckily they were really nice and gave me lunch!

So a really good check up. Am going to celebrate by going shopping tomorrow and buying loads of baby stuff, its getting so real now, cant wait, pink pink pink here I come!

Happy mummy 30, 28 wks 2 days :)

Great news CWest, really happy to hear all that- and nice to get such good treatment. Did they give an indication of when you might have to deliver, or will that be the consultants call later?

Awwww, CWest that is brilliant! Good little princess indeed!

Can I share another jaw dropping moment of OMG, we have so much to learn?? Somehow got round to discussion with DH on baby formula and making up bottles, even tho totally hope to BF. So he looks at me quizically, 'What, you dont just give them milk from the fridge?' After my initial laugh at his joke, i realised was serious........ which then led to a discussion on sterile things and all sorts. Oh GAWD!!!

CWest, brilliant that you got such great results, congratulations. I had one of those monitor things when I accidentally biffed the baby in the head with a handlebar stem fell on my bike at Center Parcs and we went to get me checked out to make sure it was OK. Loved how you could actually hear the movements as well as feel them, very reassuring.

Planktonette, sending you lots of sympathy, she sounds like a reet difficult bugger, but the way you write things makes me laugh lots. Project baby, hahhaha! And, it wouldn't keep you up at night demanding feeds, and you wouldn't need to change its nappy... sounds like a great sort of baby to have!

We have spent the day sorting, tidying, putting things in the loft, taking things to the charity shop, taking things to the tip, listing things on Freecycle (amazing what people will come and take off your hands) and generally making lots more space. It has been GREAT! The house feels so much more organised. Now we need to buy some more furniture for the nursery/spare room/office so that poor baby actually has somewhere for its clothes and stuff to live

great news cwest! So pleased for you!

planktonette that is rubbish about your co-worker. The whole mat leave thing is very difficult when you are passionate about your job. And everyone says to you 'Oh, you won't care about that once the baby is here' and you feel like screaming 'well I care about it now!!'

Well-my big news is that the nursery is done! All except for the border which I need DH to do as I am rubbish at that. So excited to get all the wee clothes washed and ready and the cot and various kit all in place. I have re-used all my nursery stuff from DH which is the gingerbread range from mamas and papas. I have bought a copy of the gingerbread man story which I plan to frame around the walls in bonny ikea frames. I figure telling that story might be a fun repetitive activity during the late nights joggling back to sleep etc. We got a cotbed last time which has worked really well as a wee toddler bed for ds until last night when he spent his first night in a BIG BOYS BED! It looked enormous but he was chuffed to bits about being in his 'buzz loghtyear bed!' If it wasn't for the baby on the way I would be sobbing about how quick he is growing up!

Changing bags etc, I am like you Yomping, I love having it all packed with everything we might need. Maybe it is because we are teachers that we love the planning aspect of all of this! Also, we both share a sense of urgency at getting it all done now before a few crazy weeks back at work in Sep!

Good luck with the move smorgs. Take it easy on your travels! Try and get some rest!

Sympathy to all the hip pain sufferers. Sounds ghastly! That is one thing I have escaped so far. It is my back that is bloody killing me!

God I am bloody boiling and a hot water bottle on my sore back is making me even hotter!

Love to you all,

bella age 29 30 weeks+5 EDD 18th Oct

Cwest Glad things are going well with the BP and the scans. I also had those traces quite regularly with DC1 - they get dull after a bit but are very reassuring.

Yomping very about your day. This is what I fancy doing but have had to bloody work instead. All I can think about is getting sorted and to do this I need to clear out a whole lot of crap.

Huffle maybe need to buy BF a baby book of his own me thinks.

Elpis Also agree on the list but like lisbeth not with the nappy bin. I was given one and took it back. I found it nicer to just put them out when you needed to and the cartridges are expensive and (here is me being a bit of a tosser) really environmentally unfriendly so made me feel even more bad for choosing disposables but not bad enough to actually use reusable nappies. Apart from that totally agree - the smaller the buggy the better in my opinion. My weapon of choice is the Mclaren but I don't know much of the city jogger but heard really good stuff about them. Like lisbeth says Yomping I just bagged them up. Pooh goes straight out and could normally cram a few nappies in a bag as a tokenistic nod to the environment. The perfumed bags hide a lot of bad smells when you just tie a knot in them but so do normal bags too. The perfumed bag are great to take out with you as you can't always dispose of things so even if you do carry it round with you you don't smell too badly. I also never had a changing bag. Just a bag with a rolled up matt in it (the mat had a pouch for nappies and wipes), rolled up nice and small and just stuck it in whatever bag I used. Although I am tempted to look at Yompings link I will resist as I convince myself I need one this time. Any excuse for a new bag.

LondonMrs your mum needs to engage her brain before she speaks. That is an awful thing to say to a pregnant lady. Getting bigger is inevitable. And natural and lovely even though if sometimes we feel like big old heffers there is no need for anyone to actually say that. Alas my mother also sometimes gets my back up when she doesn't think - I'd like to say I won't do it to DD but I know I already have said the wrong thing on more than one occasion and she is only bloody 4.

Planktonette Honestly when it comes to it you may just want to throw your projectbaby at the new recruit and run or waddle for your life when the time comes. I hope so anyway or you may be throwing yourself round the legs of your work colleagues and refusing to leave the building when your time comes to leave.

Smorgs Good news you could get some money back - here's hoping someone rents it out soon.

Just been the the hospital for a midwife app and it was all cordoned off because of a bomb scare - never seen so many police. Not a biggie but bit of a PITA as consultant wants my BP done regularly from now on. I am still knackered from Olympics and house painting. Still so much bleeding nesting to do. Have to recruit my replacement at work. Do I go for someone amazing to get lots of things done whilst I am gone or someone shit to make me look good? Decisions, decisions....

Have a lovely night lovely ladies.