Page 34 | Due in October 2012 Part 7 - towards the finish line, going for Gold!

Planktonette · 2012-08-30T19:39:06+00:00

On your marks... Get set... GO!

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

LoopyLa · 24/09/2012 07:14

CWest big , really hope you're ok. Look after yourself xx

Anyone wish at this moment, with all the babies coming in, we actually knew each other in real life? We'd be the best support group ever!!

Elpis · 24/09/2012 07:22

CWest30 I'm with you. Hit by a truly awful migraine yesterday, even by my standards - I guess my anti-migraine pills are struggling against a wave of hormonal changes. I have 'silent' migraines that don't cause pain. After a bout of nausea and weak limbs, incorporating a brief period of wanting my mother back NOW, why did she leave me to cope alone etc, I go into a state of agitation which I just can't convey but feels a bit like cold turkey in Trainspotting looks. I have to pee every 20 minutes and usually have diarrhoea, but in my current constipated state this became an unprecedented three poos in a single day. Finally got off to sleep at around 3am after going to cuddle DD while she slept. If I can just get her to preschool I can come back and tremble in bed for two and a half hours this morning.

I'm irrationally scared of the anaesthetic even though I've had it before. But last time I was barely capable of fearing anything - I was just doing what I was told. Pre-op nurse said c-section would probably be a 'much more enjoyable experience' this time but I can't even say I'm excited about meeting DS when he arrives. I worry I won't love him as much as I do DD. Christ, what a misery I am! We ladies shouldn't be left alone at 38 weeks. There should be a right to 24/7 mental and physical support. Thank God for this thread, eh?

Angelico You're absolutely right to be upset with DH about the name. In the same way, I was absolutely right to fear DH didn't want a child and wouldn't love her based on his (habitually) uncommunicative behaviour in the weeks leading up to DD's birth. I didn't speak to him for two days and at one point went off to the local woods and cried in a sort of attempt at running away. What I mean is that we overreact to the rubbish signals they often give off at this stage, and this is normal. We have fears they can't even imagine.

Thinking of everyone even if I'm rubbish at name checking because you can't scroll back when you're posting on an iPhone.

squidkid · 24/09/2012 08:06

7 hours of painful but manageable contractions last night, boyfriend didn't want to go to the gig, but I thought it was better to try and ignore them in the early stages and things rarely happen quickly and it's not very far away, so we went. They were about every 5-10 minutes apart, but a gig was a good place for them - dark, loud, no one looks at you, I just did my breathing. Then we came home and it all stopped around midnight. :( :( :(

This is going to just go on for weeks, isn't it... Due date tomorrow, but I've been having pains sporadically for over 10 days now... have stopped believing my body can naturally go into labour. :( :( It's wet and miserable and I know I need to write a list of things to do to distract myself this week (and probably next week too) and make sure I keep busy and active and give myself the best chance for this actually happen but I just feel like crying :(

squidkid · 24/09/2012 08:08

Pretty crap monday all round then :(
Sorry I have not been very supportive recently, all self-absorbed. I'll try and go do something constructive and come back to be better afterwards...

Original poster

Planktonette · 24/09/2012 08:50

squid! Hugs! Me too!

(sorry everyone I haven't read back yet, just jumping on squid's comments because I logged on and there they were...)

I know I know I know I know I know. I know. Due date is Wednesday. I am expending huge energy on analysing every twinge, hoping it is labour, hoping it isn't labour, it all starts then it all stops... if it was clear one way or another, that I could deal with, but this... Jeez Louise, the uncertainty! AAAAARGH

Especially fun is knowing that the real thing is going to hurt waaaay more. That's great, that is. Something to really dread. Yaaaay.

I was pretty calm before all these BHs started kicking in, now I'm on tenterhooks!

It's the lack of knowledge combined with the lack of control that is doing my head in - these are my two least favourite things at the best of times!

I think our best bet (you, me, everyone this affects) is to control absolutely as much as we can (bags packed, favourite clothes, unquestioned control of the remote control - I like your list idea, might go ahead and do that) so we can at least feel a bit on-top-of-things. Sure, we might be kidding ourselves, but the goal is 'feeling ok' over 'actually being in control'.

I have - after THREE WEEKS of maternity leave - almost got mine and DHs financial and administrative life (bills, bank accounts, etc) under control. That's basically three weeks full time unpaid work. My God I had no idea we were in such a mess. Cripes. But I'm almost done now (currently outstanding: my overdue tax, eeeeee) and... Then what?

For those looking for projects, might I recommend signing up with moneydashboard.com, it's excellent free budget/financial tracking software. You can spend many hours tagging your bank transactions and seeing how much you actually spend on e.g. Eating out, it feels productive but it requires almost no mental effort at all ;)

OP posts:

Angelico · 24/09/2012 08:52

Morning all :) Nearly D-Day - or should that be B-Day?! Lots to do today mostly faffy stuff. Doing some washing while I can still twist and slither down into our v inacessible post CS utility room. Getting hair blown dry at 11 which seems the height of vanity :o It's so bizarre - I am one of those people who spends about 20p a year on clothes, NEVER wears makeup except to formal dos (certainly not for work), generally look like some kind of mad tramp - and yet in the last 3 weeks I've turned into some kind of make up wearing vamp Think there's some bit of me has been thinking - do it while you can!!!

Off to hospital at 2 for jab and anatacid tab, then planning to try and finish my boxset - otherwise if anything goes wrong tomorrow my last thought would be, "But I never got to see how The 4400 ended!!!" Yes, I am that sad...

Elpis think you're right about the fear thing. DH is usually brilliantly empathetic etc but think he didn't realise the name thing would open the whole can of crazy. Everything calm again thankfully. You will adore your DS and in case you aren't back on wishing you well for Wed:)

Squid you are a hero going to the gig - you have totally the right attitude. I would have stayed home rocking in a corner and sucking my thumb :) Can totally understand how miserable and frustrating it is when things keep revving up and then slowing down :( It's okay to feel a bit shit - and it'll give you that extra burst of elation when it all kicks off - which it is going to very soon by sounds of things :o Sending a hug

Is anyone else feeling a bit sad that the beans are coming out? Please don't kill me if you're feeling wretched and uncomfortable! It's so weird - there were so many times that I have utterly hated being pregnant, but much moreso at the start (mostly from about 14-22 weeks when I had all the bizarre pelvic pressure and random spotting and was stressed to hell). The odd thing is since we've finished the renovation / move / book stuff life has just been so much easier. I've actually had time to finally enjoy being pregnant and I have less pelvic pressure and more comfort now than I did at 15 weeks So I guess I'm not at that 'evict the bean now!' stage. I'll miss feeling her squirm about - after all she's pretty easy to look after at the minute...

Sending a hug to everyone else - am supposed to be making breakfast here - bad wife! :o x

Angelico · 24/09/2012 08:53

X-posted with Planktonette! A hug for you too - and thanks for money site tip off :) x

YompingJo · 24/09/2012 08:55

A quick note about baby carriers, for MrsConfusion and for anyone else who has a Babybjorn - apparently they are not great for newborns, something about the way the baby ends up positioned in them is bad for little legs and hips as all baby's weight sits on its crotch. I'm not too clear about why this might bad, it is somethig to do with the developing hip socket and good natural poisitions for baby's legs and hips but I have read/been told it a few times, enough to make me concerned (as a Babybjorn is one of the first things we bought). I have since bought a Kari Me fabric sling as well which I love, it's just a very long strip of fabric that you tie around yourself then can turn into 5 different configurations for baby, one of which is baby cuddled to you with frogs legs. The instructions are pretty foolproof, with pics, and DH had a go with Big Ted in the sling and pronounced it very comfy. Wish I had taken a photo, he looked dead cute! If you are concerned about a sling you tie yourself, the Close Caboo baby carrier also has good reviews and you slip it on over your head like a t-shirt and pull the straps tight.

Elpis, one of my close friends said exactly the same thing when his DD2 was due - "I'm scared I won't love her - I love DD1 so much, and don't want to love her any less, but that means there's not enough love for another one". When I spoke to him a few weeks later about it, he said that as soon as DD2 was born, it was like this whole lot of extra love got delivered to him so there was plenty for them both and he needn't have worried - DD2 was (and still is!) very different from DD1 but he loves them both equally - the love just grows as his family does! This is extremely sweet coming from a hairy, beardy, sweary man who looks terrifying to people who don't know him! So I don't think you need to worry although I can understand why you would.

YompingJo · 24/09/2012 09:09

Doh, hadn't finished...

Squid, feeling for you, must be so damn frustrating to have it all starting then all stopping so many times. I guess your body is practising until it feels ready to go the final step? I think you are right to keep busy, I think you also need to try to keep relaxed as well. Feel free to repeat that back to me when I am going through exactly the same thing in a week or so, and remind me how unhelpful it probably is to hear!

Where oh where oh where is Velo? Am sure there is now a baby Velo too, which is so exciting, but am a bit worried and want to know mum and baby are both OK.

I have final NCT session this morning then we're all going out for lunch afterwards, then I have yoga tonight. Tomorrow, I have booked myself into a posh spa place in the New Forest for a pregnancy massage, a facial and a pedicure - this is the costly outcome of a general spaz out last week when I got really down about being such a lumbering whale in continual physical discomfort! Can't wait, it's going to be lovely. I am, obviously, dead hard, and get my kicks from climbing on exposed cliff faces, riding a motorbike, and getting beered up and rocking out to loud sweary music and the like, but since I can't really do any of that right now, I'm actually very excited about the prospect of a day of being pampered! Don't tell anyone who knows me in real life, my reputation as an adrenaline junkie will be in tatters! Then on Wednesday night we are going to see Stomp (dancy people who make music with metal bid lids, plungers etc) at the local theatre, Thursday evening drinks and pizza at a friend's house who has new tiny kittens swoon. And on Friday I'll be 39 weeks . But the baby is not allowed to come early, I'm too busy

In other news, we went to Mothercare last week to look at car seat bases (this was a separate visit to the one involving the left-boot-on-right-foot moment of shame) and DH wandered off, turns out he was buying tiny skate shoes for the baby! Typical, he buys the one thing the baby won't need after I have spent literally months kitting us out with baby clothes, nappy stuff, furniture for nursery etc - but they are very cute! look! - and so tiny!

Lisbethsopposite, sending you and and thinking of you today. Come back and let us know how it all went and then go and pop the ante natal thread's cherry, I'm sure you won't be the only one there for very long!

YompingJo · 24/09/2012 09:14

nobbing pregnancy brain. Pop the post natal thread's cherry, that should have said.

WantAnOrange · 24/09/2012 09:22

CWest I was up then too, I wish I'd come online now! I slept horribly last night, as in, not at all. Ended up on the sofa reading Little Women for hours.

There are babies arriving today arent there?! Squeal!

I'm really on edge waiting for labour. I can't wait but know I really should be hoping she holds on until I've been back to college for at least one week.

Am also looking forward to not wearing maternity clothes anymore! It's a bit hard to look like me if my only choices are from Mothercare. I feel like I can either dress like my mum (Mothercare) or and X Factor victim contestant (New Look Maternity)

WantAnOrange · 24/09/2012 09:23

I forgot to read the last page again!

Londonmrss · 24/09/2012 11:11

Crikey, I go away for one weekend and suddenly baby time is upon us. Well, some of us!
Good luck today Lisbeth and tomorrow Angelico and CWest. Very exciting! Give us news as soon as you can, we'll be thinking about you.

First day of maternity leave today. Have cleaned the flat and now going to put my feet up. Might go for a swim later. Anyone got any good maternity leave boxset recommendations?

Elpis · 24/09/2012 11:19

YompingJo I bought the KariMe too because a friend recommends it. Last time I used a Baba Sling which is quicker to put on and the baby can lie across your chest in the horizontal pouch, which was a lovely way to carry DD when she was small. But as she got older it didn't distribute weight brilliantly, and BabyBjorns do pull on your shoulders, so I'm looking forward to giving the KariMe a go. (The Baba Sling was great when she could sit up and I just wanted to pop out to the corner shop with her on my hip, though. ) Let's compare notes post-birth! I sense you're not a pushchair girl either. I do have one but I always feel so encumbered when I take it anywhere, as though I've nicked a shopping trolley.

Thanks for the reassurance about loving DS. I've heard the same thing from friends (although one did say it took her a week or two to really adore her DC3). It may have been a mistake to visit a newborn last week. He was peaceful and healthy, but... well... unattractive. DD loved him, of course, and cooed 'So cute! Lovely baby, Mummy!'

Elpis · 24/09/2012 11:21

Londonmrs Boxsets - I love MadMen. Of course you can play catchup on the BBC iPlayer if you have the kit. The Guardian has an occasional column called 'Your next boxset'. Could be worth Googling for inspiration.

LoopyLa · 24/09/2012 12:07

Wantanorange I was talking to my DH yesterday and saying that as soon as I hit maternity leave (2 WEEKS PEOPLE, 2 WEEKS!!!) I'm going to start filling the fridge with 'contraband' items - pate, smoked salmon & lots & lots & lots of lovely wine!!

I also look forward to wearing a pair of skinny jeans (ok, so maybe not immediately) & heels! I bought 2 pairs of gorgeous peep-toes at the beginning of the year and haven't yet worn them!

And although, yes we will have a newborn, squealy baby but also going to bed without pain, turning over in bed without having to simultaneously stop my legs cramping, keep hold of the pillows between my legs and not disturb the bloody duvet so much that it comes off DH!!

What is everyone else looking forward to?

NB - I shall, however, miss my bump dreadfully as love, love, love the movements - even when it causes me discomfort

Cherrychopsticks · 24/09/2012 12:15

Before I do my full catch up, (which I know you've all been hanging off the edge of your seats for...) I just have to say - I'll be a bit sad when baby's out too, Angelico, I don't think you're crazy!
I was saying the exact same thing to DH the other day - at least inside it's fairly easy to take care of, safe, comfortable, well fed doesn't cry... I love feeling my baby squirm around more than anything. I get this vibe that it's happy in there weirdo, whereas when I see newborns, they often seem so unhappy and uncomfortable.
But I feel I have been very lucky, and had such an easy pregnancy. (Sorry, I shouldn't go on about it too much, or speak too soon.) I'm sure if I'd had to go through what some of you have been through - pelvic pain, insomnia, headaches, GD, MS & the other MS, kids to take care of, stressful jobs and many other things, I'd be desperate for it to be out now!

Also, have been thinking that as Lisbeth is having an induction, there is a chance that her baby won't arrive today. I've heard it can sometimes take a while, so we shouldn't get our hopes up too much today.
Lisbeth, if you're reading this while you wait for it to kick in, I hope it goes quickly, smoothly and painlessly!