Due in October 2012 Part 7 - towards the finish line, going for Gold!

[Planktonette]

On your marks...
Get set...

GO!

Cwest. Definately go for something cold and sugary. Hope al is well hun.

Kyyria, have you tried squeezing the pressure points between your thumb and fore finger? Oddly enough when I have a hormonal migrane, singing along with the radio provides some relief, but as soon as I stop "making noise" it comes back. Strange hey?

CWest sorry for all the stress. Do be assured that most people in professions like that couldn't organise a piss up in a brewery, but when it comes to medical procedures, they will be shit hot. That is very annoying though! Can you phone them again to ask about whether it will be GA or epi?

CWest, what a lot of unnecessary stress, glad its been cleared up a bit now and that baby is fine.
BTW, when I said "local" before, I meant epidural of course!

My experience of breastfeeding was that, in the early weeks, DS used to poo ALL THE TIME and very explosively. Middle of the night nappy changes are no fun at all! Neither are coffee shop outfit changes with poo running everywhere...ahh happy days.

Also, my nipples hurt like hell for weeks, cracked, bled, wept, and there was nothing wrong with my latch according to every expert I could find to help. I think for some people, it just takes your nipples a while to adjust to that level of attention. The whole eye-watering 10s countdown is a good tip, but be prepared for the possibility that those 10 seconds might be completely excruciating. It was for me. By the time DS was about 4-5 months we'd finally cracked it, but I am slightly unusual in that I had very uncommon problems. Most people have it dusted by 6 weeks from what i've heard.

Well I've been running round like a headless chicken all day. Really should rest a bit, I'm knackered

X-Post CWest what a load of idiots! Grrr, very annoyed for you. Communication in and from the NHS can be utterly appalling. What unnecessary stress to put you under

Hello ladies! So as usual I haven't posted for a few days and the thread has moved on so far I don't think I can name check everyone it would take forever. Sometimes I feel like I just come on here to winge about my own problems but offer no support to anyone else, sorry bout that.

Anyway, cwest sorry you had such stress but glad they've sorted it out. Hope the bean keeps wriggling away. And kyyria hope the headache improves, Ive never had migraines so other than saying 'keep drinking water' I have no advice, sorry.

So I've just seen my mum off back to the uk after spending a week here helping unpack, clean and organise things. Had a bit of a wobbly lip when I said goodbye and she said 'next time I see you, you'll have a little baby' - how am I supposed to look after a baby when I still feel so reliant on my own mum at 32?! The house is basically finished, such a relief, so just doing loads of washing, and putting off packing my hospital bag.

One thing that's really freaked me out is we had our last anti natal class, the only one dh had to come to, about the labour itself and I thought it was totally rubbish. It was in French obv but he got the jist of what the mw said, it's just that nothing was that useful to him. No real breathing exercises, only position demonstrated was the classic on your back legs in the air and she explained about delivering the placenta but didn't mention any oxytocin injection to bring on the third stage. When I asked she said 'oh yes don't worry we'll be giving you oxytocin injections throughout your labour'. Ummmm, what?! Do I have a choice? No apparently not. Feel like my very modern, natural labour promoting clinic is turning into the classic intervention heavy version everyone told me about. Also very about your measurements as I haven't been told what mine are. The gynae measures me when I see him but never tells me anything.

Suddenly feeling very scared about giving birth in a foreign country with a dh who knows next to nothing and is totally unprepared. Also keep having lots of period type pains - anyone else having these?

Smorgs, 35+2, dc1

Evening peeps :)

London the fact you are still having any nookie activity at all amazes me - I ain't doing any judging on the 'faking it' front! :o DH has admitted he would be nervous about doing anything now, probably because unlike most people we are trying to AVOID bringing on labour rather than all the people who will be shagging to get things going :) I'm sure things will get back on track post bean - have been checking out a few 'playthings' online that might help get things moving in the right direction... :o

Elpis thanks for that re bath and sling - good to know bean will be happy enough! I share your complete disbelief at impending baby - 12 days for us!!!

CWest glad you got sorted but not the kind of mixup you need this late on At least it has all been confirmed now so try and relax

Crazy eyes are watering at the BFing description lol. Hoping it's not total agony. I'm really keen to give it a go but am determined not to beat myself up if it doesn't work out - health visitor the other day really emphasized this as she sees women tying themselves in knots trying to force BFing long past the point they should have given up. You did well hanging in there!!!

Smorgs sounds totally natural to be a bit about birth in a foreign country - all you can really do is go with the flow and let things unfold. Hopefully your DH will step up on the big day :)

Just back from last consultant appt pre-bean. She only seems to have put on 1lb in last 2 weeks thank God so controlling bloods is working - she put on 1lb a week for a few weeks when blood was high. Her estimated birth weight is 9.5-10lbs so big but not HUGE!!! Didn't fancy lifting a 15lber with a section scar He seems quite happy with everything, said bloods are excellent and don't need to see him again until 25th - the big day :o I asked him about expressing colostrum and he didn't seem to think it was necessary because I should be reunited with her fairly quickly so even if she has a hypo can feed her fairly soon all being well. He also swabs you out before closing up so hopefully not too much bleeding. I'm having a spinal not an epidural all being well so should be able to get up and moving a bit sooner with a bit of luck :)

He also said not to worry about the palpitations and that body is working 50% harder just staying alive at the minute!

Thanks angelico, think maybe I'm just having the hormonal meltdown others had a few days ago. Glad your apt went well, sounds like you've done really well at keeping your blood sugar as stable as poss. Like you say 9.5 is big but not huge.

Now ladies! 20 posts since I last checked!! And off to yoga now so goodness knows how far u will get by tmrw!!! Hoping I don't miss anything too important, catch u all some time tmrw or Saturday!!!!

Happy chatting! X

Sorry to post and run but wanted to send hugs to CWest Kyria and Smorgs on hospital stresses and head pains and strains-of-being-abroad - and to everyone else struggling. I'm so full of admiration for you all! Kyria trying to work with a migraine will just make it stay longer, so do rest in a dark room with cool flannel on head (that was the only thing to make mine leave, used to get regularly although bizarrely not since pregnant).

Angelico and all, yes to the heart palpitations too, very scary at first and now just a bit annoying. I have to keep remembering how hard my body's working, and currently running on v little sleep (naughty hips and spine and bladded and bump and brain all conspiring to keep me awake).

Sorry to be me me me but - fanfare - I just have One More Day at work. Feel like I'm crawling on hands and knees towards the finish, interspersed by hormonal meltdowns, but nearly..... nearly.... there. Yomping and I think Mutley finish work tomorrow too? Definitely time for a collective

Then I can try to get my head, and body, ready to have this baby! Looking forward to redesigning my life a la squid (whose approach and lifestyle sound like how I wish I was...).

Right, must try to get some more emails cleared but sending lots of love to all you bean ovens, esp those nearly-baked!

MrsC, 33, 36+1, DC#1

lisbeth - mw was really chilled about sterilising - she said the syringe would be sealed, so just unseal, fill with colostrum and freeze...she also said that there's no need to sterilise the breast pump bits that attach to your boob, just wash with hot soapy water...she was militant about sterilising anything that comes into contact with formula, tho.

omg, babies in 12 days - amazing!!

LondonMrs, re faking it, I can totally understand what you said about it getting all a bit cerebral and you being unable to relax. This actually describes my experience of sex most of the time - I have a very over-active brain and find it really, really hard to let go control of anything, including my thoughts, and this makes sex, well, tricky most of the time, as you have to let go in order to be in the moment and experiencing it, and instead of letting go my brain is analysing everything. Does that gfeel good, am I turned on, am I enjoying this etc. It means that DH really has to relax me if we're going to get anywhere. Thankfully he doesn't mind that. It also means that I have to force myself to relax sometimes so that I can 'hear' my body's signals and realise that I feel sexy.

But the point of me saying this is that this is situation normal for me. If you are not normally like that then I reckon it's just stress at the moment and worry and having lots on your mind, and I don't think it will last. But if it does last for a while - well, I'm like it permanently and we managed to get me pregnant and are still managing sex about once a week, so it's possible to work with it! Don't get into the habit of faking it though, try explaining it instead and insisting that he really takes his time and gets you interested . When we get jiggy, I have to accept that sometimes it's just not going to go all the way for me but I can enjoy pleasing DH and feel close to him that way.

Today's new symptom for me: swollen feet. Suddenly, after them being fine for 36 weeks and 5 days, today, bam, swollen. Weird. Good job I only have one more day on them at work and can then spend 3 weeks with my feet up .

Last day tomorrow, and baby shower in the evening. Hope it's enjoyable and not grit-your-teeth awful!

Thank you all as usual for the support, wish we were able to meet in person, you are all amazing and I couldn't have got through this without you. Sending huge imaginary hampers of

[Biscuit] and all those forbidden things we've been deprived of over the last 8 months! Have already decided my first meal when I get discharged is going to be a HUGE plate of pate on toast!

Been thinking and discussing lots with my family about this general anaesthetic/epidural dilema. We really think now that whilst it would be amazing to witness the birth of my child, due to my spinal deformities an epidural is the wrong option. Does anyone know if I can refuse it and opt for the general?

Eeek 12 bleeding days!!!!!!

CWest I'm pretty sure you're allowed to refuse whatever you want, so if you've decided that's what's right for you, I would let them know as soon as possible. If you have a difficult consultant, I guess they might try to put pressure on you- but hopefully not. If they do, just stand your ground. It's your body and your baby, and you have the right to do what you want.

So glad you got that sorted out cwest. Lord knows you don't need the stress!

lisbeth ahdnt thought of the sleep time advantages of winter - cheers, you made me feel much better :)

smorgs yup, sounds pretty medical. Mind you, your mum probably saw more of that/was less informed, and here you are :) it might not be ideal, but it will be safe. (I would not be thrilled with what you're facing, just trying to find a bright side!)

As we heard someone say somewhere, 'babies are parent-proof'. Here's hoping they're doctor-proof too!

Just a quickie as on my phone. Just wanted to say to CWest that I have scoliosis and thought no way I could have epidural but had one with no problems at all. Of course it is your right to request whatever option you are most comfortable with but I was really surprised they were so fine with doing mine. My scoliosis is mild though unless you pay attention to my twatish dr. Got to go pass out. Big love to all. And high fives to anyone nearly finishing work. Very . I still have fecking ages. Stupid midget.

midget don't worry, I've still got 2 weeks to go at work too...

On the plus side my headache, although still very much there, seems to be easing off a bit

Day off today (woohoo!) - will have the.morning lounging around and taking it easy then will train over to other half at work before we toddle off to York for the weekend

Hope you all have a lovely day and sending hugs to all x

32, 33+5, #1

2 weeks at work left for me too, though am only working 3 days next week and then 4 mornings the week after. Struggling a bit though!
cwest I think what I would do if I were you is meet with the anaesthetist and just talk it all through. I really don't think they will push you into something you're uncomfortable with but you might just find they have good reasons for thinking they can do a safe epidural for you. Not trying to talk you into one thing or another but just get as much info as you can.
kyrria hope you have a wonderful weekend in York, any plans in particular or are you just going to potter and relax?
angelico yay for well controlled sugars and babies that are doing well. Can't have been easy, you've done really well.
Right off to work now. Sigh.

2 weeks at work left for me too. 3.5 days each week tho will prob run in to more. Seems eons away.......

Autumn has hit. All my pregnancy clothes are wholly inappropriate. Refuse to buy more at T minus 4 wks!!! Humph

smiley no plans as such, just having a relax

Usually we do various pub crawls but as much as DH would enjoy that I will be pining for a pint after a few pubs. I suppose 2 or 3 halves over the weekend wouldn't hurt.

Must admit I'm fine about having a drink behind closed doors (have averaged a glass of wine every 3-4 weeks throughout pregnancy) but feel a bit odd about drinking in public, especially now bump is obvious!

Think we will try and have some nice meals out...although maybe not too nice as have just weighed myself this morning and have put 2 stone on!

Will also have to avoid the cheese stall on the market...or just buy lots of nice pasteurised cheese instead of camembert and brie drool

Think my first meal after hosp will be paté, toast and camembert... Must admit I caught myself staring longingly at the bottles of spirits behind the counter when i popped into my local co-op yesterday. Was dreaming about the Malibu I could see, and that isn't even in my top ten spirits makes note t self to buy cointreau and baileys for after bean is born

Morning ladies! 37 weeks today - although bean is measuring 39+2! And that's just her leg length which is totally unaffected by GD!!! (She has always had long, frog-like legs from earliest scans, I have long legs and a shortarse torso too so probably from me :o)

Absolutely wild here last night and this morning - woke at 6 and lay for two hours listening to house getting battered. Beach has disappeared under waves and poor birds outside are getting flung about all over the place! It seems perfect excuse to stay in dressing gown for a couple of hours, drink tea and watch a box set! Has actually been a really busy week in a pleasant way so ready to do nothing for a few hours!

Sending a hug to all of you, especially those of you working / finishing work today.

Oh - and a lady on the GD thread is being induced today!!! There are actual babies arriving in the world! :o

Morning all, I just coutned my weeks left at work and it is 5 . Very few full weeks but still lots of meetings/courses/away day/death by power point days. Ok I need the money but I am mental.

Kyria I have had a glass of wine a week - bloody love it. Also have them out and I just fecking dare anyone to say anything to me.

Huffle I had to crack and get some new stuff this week as I was freezing. M&P have a really good sale on though so got some good stuff dirt cheap. Always thought I didn't like their stuff but some was ok and all good quality. Except one jumper which I think I will return as it was £32 in the sale but I will only get 5 weeks max out of it so keeping warm seems an expensive luxury - although I am sure I can flog it on ebay and get most of it back.

London Like Angelico I am also amazed you are managing nooky - I have never felt less like it in my life. Too uncomfortable and would feel too much like going through the motions for me. Angelico your BM's sound pretty good - thank god I don't have diabetes as looks like this baby will be about the same size as yours already. I must have the mightiest placenta is all of placenta land.

Right now I have depressed myself by counting my working weeks left I best go and do some work. I am taking my foot of the gas it has to be said. It is hard not to when you get on the home straight. Still have to decorate the nursery - have a huge clear out. Sort out all my old baby stuff, buy new mattresses for mosses basket and cot bed. Get baby stuff, pack bag, get stuff for bag, decide on birth options, get new furniture installed in DD's room. Have a car boot sale or ebay my entire life to make room. Oh fuck, I need a sit down.

Midget you sound like me a few weeks ago!!! 2 weekends of hard slog got us up to date in the house, feel so much better now!!! But u are few wks behind me anyway, so plenty time!!

Refuse to look at MP sale.... I will survive with cardigans!! 4 months unpaid off work has to be taken seriously!!!!!

Angelico your morning sounds perfect. Snuggled up while the weather's mad, watching boxsets...

I have spent this morning walking round the village whilst DS pointed out and named everything he could. Felt like my insides were going to fall out and had severe stitch-like pains down my right side. Think the baby's growing again, nooooooo!! Then came home and made Noah and the "ammals" climb "up up up" the "labber" and "down down down" the "labber". A lot. And read a lot of books.

Now DS is asleep (hurrah!!) and I had such an excessively appalling night's sleep last night I'm going to do the same. Wish I had a boxset to doze in front of

Kyyria enjoy York - sounds like a lovely weekend!

Midget at how many weeks you have left. Depressing indeed. Good luck with it...

huffle I'm with you on the clothes front. Am wearing some of DH's jumpers (he's not exactly delighted, and says I'm going to "stretch" them ) as he's 6'3" and there's PLENTY OF ROOM ALL RIGHT?? But I'm down to one useable pair of jeans...when am I supposed to wash the feckers?? I will not buy more clothes

Tired crazy, 31, 36+5, DC2

Morning kids

Feeling like I'm on the home run here even though realistically could have up to 3.5 more weeks. Period pain most of today and yesterday, lots and lots of tightenings all last night and this morning, sometimes close together sometimes not, soft poo multiple times a day for the first time this year!! No show or anything as yet and I am aware these signs, whilst encouraging, don't really mean baby is coming yet. I really shouldn't expect anything before my due date at least.... arggh! So hard when I'm getting excited. Silly squid.

I feel so ready, mentally - not scared at all, just happy. I think my biggest fear right now is labour just NOT HAPPENING and being 40+14 and feeling cheated. But I guess I'd be unlucky.

Still no pool, still waiting for that call. Oh well. It was never the thing I really wanted, the water birth, I just figured I should have all possible options available. Hopefully next week.

Nesting nesting nesting, doing all the jobs you never do like tidying your cutlery drawer, bought new bins as ours were stinky. Have designed a cleaning rota. This is not like me at all! I'm not sure I could claim it's really nesting, maybe it's just what happens when you finally have free time!

Walking, swimming, going to the market where they tell me off and say I should put my feet up and make my boyfriend go instead. But I like the banter and the vegetables and sausages. I make sure I have at least 2 hours a day walking/standing and when I do sit I sit on my ball.

My bump seems to be getting smaller not bigger, I don't feel like I look very pregnant at all for 38 weeks. However I feel monstrously heavy. Sleep and sex are hard work.

Doing a sponsored night hike for charity tomorrow. This is potentially a bit stupid, through a wood - but it's an organised event, I won't be alone or anything. I'm going to buy glow in the dark stars and write BABY on my top. I have promised my friends I will match all donations if I go into labour before/during the walk...

38+3