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

[Planktonette]

On your marks...
Get set...

GO!

CWest - 4 for sure ? possibly 6 or 7 (if Velo's symptoms bear fruit). I fall into the week after and yes, I am quite pleased as I think the angst might have set in much more if I?d had barely a week?s notice. 12 days I can get stuff done and get my head around things. Will I ever be ready? Probably not but there?s something about the ?certainty? now that?s calmed me. I say all this, there is a chance I?ll get a call after their MDT to come in next week instead (really hoping not?I like my date :)). Also wanted to say that the books you bought and the present idea for your DS sound lovely. I think he?s going to be fine ? sounds like you are being very sensitive with him. Your DH, on the other hand, was being a nobber so I am very glad he came in the end.

Midget - quite proud to share the accolade of ?queens of TMI? with you!

londonlivvy - sorry you?re feeling both gloomy and crap! Love the pic! Your bump still looks so neat and fabulous! :).

Elpis - I get that ?cystitis-like pressure? as well so you have my empathy. Peeing every hour and half through the night is no fun either. Walking can get really painful as it brings it on. And apparently I?m not fully engaged but baby is ?very far down in the pelvis?. I?m quite sure I will cease being able to walk altogether when she?s fully engaged if so?

velo - hope all?s ok and you?re not still so ?aarrgghh?? Do think something is afoot tonight then? ( :) exciting!! ?)

Yomping - kudos for the shags. I informed DP that we?d have to get at it lots before my induction date to try and pre-empt natural labour. He said nothing :-\ I think my pheremones must have worn off?

LondonMrs - Yay for last day at work!!

crazy - sorry to hear the SPD is still flaring up. Slightly in awe of you and Squid and yomping and your home births. I can?t imagine finding the courage for that but at the same time it sounds kind of lovely :). I am relieved to know a date. If only it could stay 12 days away for a few more days while I get used to the idea!!

squid - have also been having 1st trimester style tiredness but assumed it went along with this new hormonal surge bringing back other 1st trimester type symptoms? Exciting times though?what if it is all a sign? :) (says she who knows f* all!)

Liege - are you another with GD and did I miss it or are you just being careful with sugar? Am also craving sweet things occasionally and am stoked that endocrinologist says I should take orange juice in labour as it?s been one of my major cravings all along and I?ve been missing it like crazy!

Shell - your scones sound amazing! Well done on such a productive day. I?ll have to pull my finger out now?

Question to all: is it worth trying to start perineal massage/hardcore pelvic floor training now with 12 days to go, or will it make bugger all difference?

Oh and Huffle...my ante-natal teacher's answer to your question about breastfeeding is that it's all in the latch. I had a friend who 'failed' because she found it so sore and her breasts were always bleeding but my AN teacher swears that this phenomenon is caused by a poor latch. She gave us a lot of info on 'Biological Nurturing' which seems to do with getting good positions to encourage a natural good latch. She offers 'breastfeeding support' on-call at your home and I'm not going to hesitate to call her if I have trouble. She says most people fail because they either don't feel they have the support or don't know where to find it. She reckons no-one need fail with the right help. (Caveat...these views are hers, not mine - I know b**r all yet as a total novice).

Shell I'm another sugar monster at the mo It's all I want. Oh, and salt. Might as well sit with a pot of each and munch my way through with a teaspoon. God I've eaten so much sugary crap in the past few weeks - I'm going to be the size of a fully grown elephant by the time I get round to delivering, arrrrrggghhh

It happened again! Why do my posts keep disappearing?!

That last one seemed to work orange

Well I had my ante-natal class on breastfeeding today. It was quite informative really :) The teacher also reckoned it was all in the latch- apparently you get that right and you shouldn't have sore/cracked nipples because the babys mouth protects them from it, if that makes sense? The babys mouth should be wide open and almost taking in the entire of your aerola (ok, i know not how to spell that word)... Like Fjord there seems to be alot of breast-feeding support groups so I think I might take a trip down there if I get into trouble. From what I learned at the class though, I can totally see why some women get themselves into such a mess about breast feeding. There doesn't seem to be as much pressure to breast feed now but the fact that today was all on breast feeding and not a minute on formula feeding says it all really.
Having said that breast feeding is definately the option for me, but I'm determined to not get myself into a state if it doesnt happen like that. Whatever works, works!

Wow fJord and Lisbeth!!! Congratulations in advance!!! 4 babies in one weeek!!!!! And omgosh Squid.. If you ask me that sounds like early labour.. but then again maybe you've just caught a virus. I won't get your hopes up but I will check in tomorrow morning!!!!! and good luck to you too Velo!!!

Yay! Have successfully finished my last full day at work - just 4 mornings to go next week. 10 hr day though so worn out now but not working tomorrow or Friday so shall catch up on a bit of relaxing time then.
Sounds like we are going to be having loads of babies in the next week or so - between planned sections and inductions and exciting sounding symptoms. I am really looking forward to hearing everyone's stories and hearing all about the babies - also looking forward to postnatal club where we can swap tales of nights filled with blissfully sleeping babies and happiness (staying positive here!).
liege agree size of birthing ball depends on how tall you are. One useful tip I remember from last time is that you don't necessarily need to shell out for a special birthing ball - I think gym balls are basically the same thing but sometimes cheaper!
squid glad you've had a relaxing day. Does sound like something might be happening but who knows when - keep us posted! Have you got the pool yet?
velo also exciting! We need updates! Glad dh is at least making dinner, sure he will sort himself out soon....
cwest glad appt was ok, hope you aren't feeling stressed by anaesthetic issue, I know it can be really hard to deal with not knowing exactly what's going to happen sometimes so hope you're ok.
londonmrs yay for last day at work, I have no idea how you've been coping with the tube, I think it is hideous at the best of times and just now am certain I would not have managed it!
lisbeth don't blame you for feeling a bit wobbly and weepy but good that you can put your faith in your medical team and go with it. Am sure it will be fine, have seen some really good inductions.
fjord not long now! How are you feeling?
Right, off to eat some dinner now, then early bed for me I think. Take care all.

mickey glad breastfeeding class went well, I think you definitely have the right approach with giving it a good go but not beating yourself up if it doesn't work. With dd1 I got so so upset that she had some formula top ups - felt like a complete failure - in hindsight can see that it was definitely the right thing to do and went on to go back to exclusive breastfeeding from when she was 6 weeks old to over a year old. (did give her some solid food too after 6 months don't worry!) but I wish I hadn't felt so terrible about it and worried so much about giving some formula when she needed it.
Looking forward to breastfeeding this one though - once we got sorted I used to love feeding dd, felt so close and snuggly and special.

Sooooo excited at the prospect of all these babies next week (or maybe sooner for some!) Can everyone update when they feel up to it please?

Well the nobbering continues.....I won't bore you with it but it basically sums up as a fishing match for DH +12 day old baby potentially still in hospital= pissed off me. Nobber. Can't be bothered with it I have way more important things on my mind.

Strangly enough I am relatively calm tonight, which is quite unnerving in itself. Plenty of time left for panicking I guess, sure it will come!

Night lovely ladies, in anticipation of any arrivals overnight.......... Xxx

Still here, squid! Just reaaaaaaally slowing down.

I keep reading everyone's posts, writing down who I need to respond to about what, wandering away, and then when I get back everything has moved on... I have read everything, but my response times are rubbish :S

My mum got here today from Australia.. She's come to help with the baby, so, I guess that means I'm having a baby then...

Have checked my hospital bag and have done a double check on at what point I need to go to the hospital. Pains are still irregular so have taken a paracetamol and hopefully I'll be able to get some sleep tonight. This is my first labour and despite the classes I'm not too sure what to expect (frantically re-reading my notes!).

Hope everyone manages to get some zzzz's -

xx

Aaaaaaah!! Good luck Velo!!!! Really sounding like it all happening!!!!! We look forward to news!!

Just spent 20 odd mins in various all four positions, rolling cat etc. in answer to earlier question from ?? about slightly flat tum and ? Back to back? I asked MW in Monday as was bit soft at front. She said no, you get a definite depression. Well flip me, just had the weirdest..... Loads of moving then all of a sudden this mad flip and this diagonal tummy Depression with huge bump on either side and intensely eurgh!

So flipped myself on to all fours (ignoring pelvic screams) and got to moving. Thank heavens for yoga!!! Totally felt baba moving lots. We are round and rotund again. Phew. No more lying in back letting DH feel squiggles, that was not good!!

Watched a DVD from classes tonight with more on BF. made me cry!! Yes, seems all in the latch, that's what my teacher said too. But I just wonder, surely everyone got this advice?? Great big mouthful of aereola and nipple right to back of mouth so not rubbing on hard roof. Well fingers crossed.

Night all, sleep as well as possible! Xx

Velo
Try to sleep. Labour is like a sports event, so best approach rested. I cannot believe you worked up to the end - well done. This might be a false start, it would be nice for you to have a couple of days to yourself, but you might have no say in it.

I will chat more tomorrow, when I have some of my senses back

Aaaaggghhh, you turn your back for ten minutes and suddenly there are labour pains / twinges / induction dates a-go-go! :o Good luck Velo and Squid and Lisbeth and anyone else who is getting a possible surprise early arrival!!! :o

Feeling a bit guilty that I am really enjoying these last few baby free days - is that awful? I can feel her wiggling away so I know she's okay, just wish I could pop her on ice for a few weeks and chill out. Maternity leave has gone in so quickly, the days just disappear in a blur!

And hugs to all of you - so tired but triumphant at finished edits. Going to crash out here and try and get caught up tomorrow xo

Good luck Velo if this is it!
Hope you manage to get some rest before it all really kicks off.
How exciting!!

hello lovely friends! Remember me? I have been a bit awol since going back to my bloody all consuming job and had a weekend away in kent for my sil's 30th so have been a bit behind the times. However, despite furuous catching up each chance I get I am still 2 pages behind! So I wanted to check in and say hello and how much i am enjoying sharing the last lap together. Big love to all of you who are really nearly there! Will comment properly when i get through the mammoth catch-up!

One of my RL besties is having her baby by cs in the morning and i am so excited/nervous for her!

Anyone around? Fancy a ?

Oh my god, I can't believe we've potential babies a-hooley next week!! This makes me SQUEEEE but also EEEEK and there aren't even mine!!

Blimey Velo I thought I told you to take it easy yesterday ? Hope you're ok, I'm thinking of you lots x

to anyone else who's awake & doesn't want to be!!

Awake since before 5 - Cannot sleep. I have a sore throat now as well. I've been googling increased complications for older mums. It does not make for happy reading. Ignorance IS bliss.

Angelico you'll often hear mums say 'they are easier to mind inside than out'. I'm not sure if I agree this time but certainly enjoy your pre baby time,

Velo & Squid thinking of you.

So excited about all these babies turning up soon! I will get to benefit from all the shared wisdom being at the back of the pack

35 weeks tomorrow, and I finish work 3 weeks today . Being hugely busy at work helps the time go faster, at least!

Morning ladies. Is everyone still with us?! No ON beans?!

DH woke me to say boiler wasn't working again. Just went out to 'fix it' as I had to do it before and knew how, squatting in the drizzle in my Pjs. Are us pregnant ladies hardcore or what?! (Actual plumber coming tonight to hopefully fix it for good as it works perfectly, then crashes and burns every fortnight or so... Apparently all 'teething problems' because it's new. It better get its act together or I am going to go Basil Fawlty on its ass...)

Lisbeth those sound like wise words about enjoying last days of freedom! Strepsils extra saved me when I had chest infection with horrendous cough / sore throat and doc assured me they just have a topical anaesthetic which isn't absorbed. And step away from Google, you'll be grand a 'fine' girl like yourself :o!!! (I think that was the phrase, bit like my 'good-child-bearing hips)

Morning all

Virus has really kicked in and I am feeling beyond crappy. Just got to make it through the day - on annual leave tomorrow and just mornings next week.

I agree that all this imminent baby stuff is exciting but also scary! Hope everyone who currently has twinges is coping x

urrggghh I feel rough today. Think I've got a cold coming on. Dropped DS off at childminder, looks like all my grand plans for the day might just fail to happen...

velo............any news?!

Hello

Had a nice night with my friend last night - her shift finished at 5pm, she left the hospital at 7.45pm and got to mine at 8.30pm. This was her 10th day at work in a row and she worked 7 extra hours on top of the 13 hour shifts she was working at the weekend.

I think this is why everyone tells me newborns are hard work and it's awful, except doctors who go all misty-eyed and say "oh I remember maternity leave... it was bliss". Stupid bloody profession. Why is it necessary to work so many fucking hours? Half the country is unemployed! Can't they train more bloody doctors.

We had nice food and tea and catchup - she said I looked amazingly well - I feel it when I see people who haven't seen me in a while, even 39 and a half weeks pregnant I feel loads healthier then when I was working flat out! She thinks the home birth is a great idea (doctors often don't) and seemed really interested in my talking about labour as work rather than pain, ways to think about it positively.

She left at midnight and I went to bed and for the third night in the row had on-off deep abdominal pains, tightenings, back ache, diarrhoea etc... till about 3am, then it all stopped. I feel a bit stupid this morning for getting excited. I feel like I should leave this thread until I come back with a baby! I feel like a fraud when people have ACTUAL dates when they are having ACTUAL babies and I am probably just attention seeking with my lame symptoms... haha, I am a bit hormonal this morning.

Twinges and pains and things are my cervix preparing, even if they don't turn into labour right now... I keep telling myself this. It's still 5 days till my due date anyway.

Also thinking of velo and hope all is well!

Feel like crap over here too! Those of you with the colds/bad chest mine is still lingering 2 weeks on :(

Plus got a banging headache and morning sickness and first trimester symptoms are back with a view to kill!

Oh and its bloody freezing.

Anyone got any news from overnight?

Hope you all get through the day! Xxx

Here's the overnight news. Somehow managed to get some rest between pains during the night but by about 6:30 they were becoming a bit more frequent. Tried a cup of juice & tea but as soon as I get a contraction then I just puke it up so only water to keep hydrated. Just attached the TENS machine which is at least fun to play with!

Squidkid your symptoms describe exactly how I felt on Monday - my due date is still 2 weeks away but I think this little one has other ideas.

Hope that those of you with colds start to feel better soon.