Jan 2013 part 4: the one where we are closer to the end than the beginning

[PricklyPickle]

Here we go!

Stats: 16 girls, 9 boys, 13 surprises

BuntyCollocks (29) DC2 EDD 28/12/12 She?s a girl!
Pmgkt (33) DC2 EDD 28/12/12 He?s a boy!
Birdies (33) DC2 EDD 30/12/12 She?s a girl!
Pascha (35) DC2 EDD 30/12/12 It?s a surprise!
PricklyPickle (31) DC1 EDD 31/12/12 It's a surprise!
LowLu (31) DC2 EDD 02/1/13
TootieMaroo (32) DC2 EDD 03/1/13
MarasmeAbsolu (31) DC2 EDD 03/01/13 She?s a girl!
Lora1982 (30) DC1 EDD 04/01/13 He?s a boy!
IsSpringSprangedYet (?) DC4 EDD 05/01/13
DollFisher (28) DC1 EDD 05/01/13 She?s a girl!
Allchik (30) DC1 EDD 06/01/13 It?s a surprise!
Pockemuchka DC3 EDD 06/01/13 It?s a surprise!
Happyhow (26) DC1 EDD 07/01/13 It?s a surprise!
EmilieFloge (38) DC? EDD 07/01/13
Complicated24 (44) DC1 EDD 07/01/13 It's a surprise!
Newbie6 (36) DC1 EDD 08/01/13 He?s a boy!
Norfolkinway (25) DC1 EDD 09/01/13
Octanegirl (34) DC1 EDD 09/01/13 He?s a boy!
BumgrapesofWrath (30) DC2 EDD 10/01/13
Kim222 (30) DC1 EDD 11/01/13
Lulabel27 (29) DC2&3 (twins) EDD 11/01/13
CraftyGirly (26) DC1 EDD 11/01/13 She?s a girl!
Cejay8 (32) DC2 EDD 12/01/13 It?s a surprise!
Tinyeyes123 (30) DC1 EDD 13/01/13 She?s a girl!
CreepyCrawly (22) DC1 EDD 13/01/13 She?s a girl!
PixelCarrier (37) DC1 EDD 13/01/13 It?s a surprise!
Shakemyhead (37) DC1 EDD 14/01/13 She's a girl!
Godzookey (35) DC1 EDD 14/01/13 He?s a boy!
PeshwariNaan (33) DC1 EDD 14/01/13
Hormonalhell (40) DC2 EDD 15/01/13 He?s a boy!
DoIgetastickerforthat (36) DC4 EDD 16/01/13 She?s a girl!
Theboutiquemummy (35) DC1 EDD 17/01/13
ChutesTooNarrow (33) DC2 EDD 18/01/13 She?s a girl!
Glorious (28) DC1 EDD 18/01/13
Tugstonia (33) DC1 EDD 18/01/13 It's a surprise!
SpringFlowers (39) DC4 EDD 18/01/13 It?s a surprise!
Eagleray (40) DC1 EDD 18/01/13
13mma (29) DC1 EDD 18/01/13 scan 13/09/12
LetThereBeCupcakes (30) DC1 EDD 20/01/13
Silversixpence (29) DC2 EDD 20/01/13
mulan07 (27) DC1 EDD 20/01/13 He?s a boy!
BadgerFace (34) DC1 EDD 21/01/13 She?s a girl!
PreggoFabulous (30) DC1 EDD 22/01/13 He?s a boy!
Bunny222 (31) DC1 EDD 22/01/13 It?s a surprise!
Bealos (34) DC2 EDD 22/01/13 She?s a girl!
AppleCrumples (??) DC4 EDD 22/01/13 It's a surprise!
Woody2313 (33) DC1 EDD 23/01/13
SigningGirl (?) DC1 EDD 24/01/13
Mrsbugsywugsy (34) DC1 EDD 25/01/13 She's a girl!
SquealyB (29) DC1 EDD 26/01/13 It?s a surprise!
knuckingfackered (39) DC2 EDD 26/1/13
Thinkingpositivethoughts (28) DC1 EDD 26/01/13
MrsMallard (35) DC1 EDD 26/01/13 She?s a girl!
Salt1 (38) DC1 EDD 27/01/13 She?s a girl!
Lilblondepessimist (33) DC4 EDD 28/01/13
MamaMary (31) DC2 EDD 28/01/13 She?s a girl!
Sebsmama (32) DC2 EDD 29/01/13
BionicEmu (26) DC2 EDD 29/01/13
Missymoo (32) DC2 EDD 30/01/13
DiscoDomina (31) DC1 EDD 30/1/13 He's a boy!
Brugmansia (35) DC1 EDD 31/01/13
Mummypud (32) DC3 EDD 31/01/13
PipIsOutNow (27) DC2 EDD 31/01/13 scan 19/09/12

[Birdies]

Don't anyone stress about birth plans though, still loads of time. I won't be doing mine until 30 weeks earliest. You can prob google it as well to get other ideas.

Oh one other book recommendation in case anyone's interested (can't remember if I already said) but I'm reading the Natal hypnotherapy birth preparation book and it's really good. They often come up cheaply 2nd hand on eBay too. I did hypnobirthing last time and it really worked for me, even though I didn't quite do the hypno bit I don't think (did the Marie Mongan version and a course) but thought I'd try the natal one this time for variety! It also includes lots of positive birth stories so you end up feeling excited about the birth rather than scared (which is nice!).

squealy thanks for the link, though I saw a little dress I loved and it's already gone :( can see I need to get online early to get the good stuff. Pea and cow suits are super cute.

[Pascha]

I may have put it on my amazon wishlist...

MrsBug I imagine MIL will take him back to hers which would be great but if it all kicks off at 3am I'm not sure it wouldn't be better for him to just stay asleep and let MIL deal with him in the morning. I'm just trying to deal with my uncomfortableness with anyone else being there at all really. Random midwives/medical staff etc - no problem. Family members - no way.

[SquealyB]

That is a shame birdies - I think the sales start at 8 every morning and last a couple of days. As you said the good stuff often goes early though.....

[Brugmansia]

I got my mat1B from the Midwife yesterday, but only because I asked her for it.

[BuntyCollocks]

Hi all, and welcome, sanam.

Back at work today and really, really can't be bothered. I wish it was december NOW so I could be on maternity leave. Ho hum.

My antenatal appts have been every four weeks, or thereabouts, even though I'm a second timer. Think it's because of the service I'm using (One 2 One midwives on the Wirral) - they're brilliant.

I've done my birth plan BUT! I am ridiculously organised. It helps me feel in control as well, which I need after last time. However, one word of advise - be prepared for it to go out of the window if things aren't perfect when you get there.

I've updated the list with sanam

BuntyCollocks (29) DC2 EDD 28/12/12 (NE Wales) She's a girl!
Pmgkt (33) DC2 EDD 28/12/12 He's a boy!
Birdies (33) DC2 EDD 30/12/12 She's a girl!
Pascha (35) DC2 EDD 30/12/12 (Kent)It's a surprise!
PricklyPickle (31) DC1 EDD 31/12/12 (SE London - Eltham)
sanam2012 (?) DC2 EDD 1/1/2013 She's a girl!
LowLu (31) DC2 EDD 02/1/2013
TootieMaroo (32) DC2 03/1/2013
MarasmeAbsolu (31) DC2 EDD 03/01/13 (Scotland - Central Belt) She's a girl!
Lora1982 (30) DC1 EDD 04/01/13 He's a boy!
IsSpringSprangedYet (?) DC4 EDD 5/01/2013
DollFisher (28) DC1 EDD 5/01/13 She's a girl!
Allchik (30) DC1 EDD 06/01/13 It's a surprise!
Pockemuchka DC3 EDD 06/01/13 It's a surprise!
Happyhow (26) DC1 EDD 07/01/13 (Scotland - Aberdeen) It's a surprise!
EmilieFloge (38) DC? EDD 07/01/13
Complicated24 (44) DC1 EDD 07/01/2013 It's a surprise!
Norfolkinway (25) DC1 EDD 09/01/13
Octanegirl (34) DC1 EDD 09/01/13 He's a boy!
BumgrapesofWrath (30) DC2 EDD 10/01/13
DoIgetastickerforthat (age) DC4 EDD 11/01/13
Kim222 (30) DC1 EDD 11/01/13
Lulabel27 (29) DC2&3 (twins) EDD 11/01/13
CraftyGirly (26) DC1 EDD 11/01/13 She's a girl!
Cejay8 (32) DC2 EDD 12/01/13 It's a surprise!
Tinyeyes123 (30) DC1 EDD 13/01/13 She's a girl!
CreepyCrawly (21) DC1 EDD 13/01/13 (West Wales) She's a girl!
PixelCarrier (?) DC? EDD 13/01/2013 It's a surprise!
Shakemyhead (37) DC1 EDD 14/1/13 (West Yorkshire - Wakefield) She's a girl!
Godzookey (35) DC1 EDD 14/01/13 He's a boy!
PeshwariNaan (33) DC1 EDD 14/01/13
Hormonalhell (40) DC2 EDD 15/01/13 He's a boy!
Theboutiquemummy (35) DC1 EDD 17/01/13 (Norfolk)
ChutesTooNarrow (33) DC2 EDD 18/01/13 She's a girl!
Glorious (28) DC1 EDD 18/01/13 (SE London - Hither Green)
Tugstonia (33) DC1 EDD 18/01/13 (SE London - Crystal Palace) It's a surprise!
SpringFlowers (39) DC4 EDD 18/01/13 It's a surprise!
Eagleray (40) DC1 EDD 18/01/13
13mma (29) DC1 18/01/13
LetThereBeCupcakes (30) DC1 EDD 20/01/13
Silversixpence (29) DC2 EDD 20/01/13
mulan07 (27) DC1 EDD 20/01/13 He's a boy!
BadgerFace (34) DC1 EDD 21/01/13 She's a girl!
Newbie6 (36) DC1 EDD 22/01/13 (Scotland - Ayrshire) He's a boy!
bealos (34) DC2 EDD 22/01/13 She's a girl!
AppleCrumples (?) DC4 EDD 22/01/13
PreggoFabulous (30) DC1 EDD 22/01/2012 (South West) He's a boy!
Bunny222 (31) DC1 EDD 22/01/13 It's a surprise!
Woody2313 (33) DC1 EDD 23/01/2013 (West Midlands - Shropshire)
SigningGirl (age) DC1 EDD 24/01/13
SquealyB (29) DC1 EDD 26/01/13 (SW London - Richmond) It's a surprise!
knuckingfackered (39) DC2 26/1/13
Mrsbugsywugsy (34) DC1 EDD 25/01/2013 (Sussex) She's a girl!
Thinkingpositivethoughts (28) DC1 EDD 26/01/13
MrsMallard (35) DC1 EDD 26/01/13 (Hertfordshire) She's a girl!
Salt1 (38) DC1 EDD 27/01/13 She's a girl!
Lilblondepessimist (33) DC4 EDD 28/01/13
MamaMary (31) DC2 EDD 28/01/13 She's a girl!
Sebsmama (32) DC2 EDD 29/01/13
BionicEmu (26) DC2 EDD 29/01/13
Missymoo (32) DC2 EDD 30/01/13
DiscoDomina (31) DC1 EDD 30/1/13 (West Midlands)
Brugmansia (35) DC1 EDD 31/01/13 (SE London - Kennington/Elephant and Castle)
Mummypud (32) DC3 EDD 31/01/13
PipIsOutNow (?) DC2 31/01/13
Deiciocho (32) DC1 EDD 31/01/13 It's a surprise!

[happyhow]

My birth plan currently consists of "do whatever the medical professionals decide needs to be done in order for the baby and me to be fine at the end of it!" I'm a fairly chilled out person anyway and being a first timer I'm happy to go with the flow. Also, I reckon these people are delivering babies several times a day so I'll listen to whatever they think is best. The only thing I don't want is diamorphine as I don't want to be spaced out and I don't want a dopey baby.

[theboutiquemummy]

happyhow that sounds like a great plan, I haven't got one at the moment as im cesar but i'm looking at it like you whatever they need to do x

On a plus note H & M have some great winter maternity coats and not too expensive thankfully

[pmgkt]

im with happy on the birth plan. With ds1 i had done nct and knew there were certain pain relief things that i didnt want but anything else was on their advice. I have had friends that did really in depth birth plan and when things didnt work out as planned it left them very upset and feeling like they had failed. so i would advise caution with being too in depth and just be informed of pain relief and what the procedures and risks are so that you arent feeling out of your depth when things change.

[newbie6]

Hi, buntycollocks thanks for list but due to my diabetes they induce me at 38 weeks so my due date is now 8th Jan

Thanks

X

[PricklyPickle]

Thanks birdies re the advice on the birth plan. You're right, if doing one however vague makes me feel more in control and relaxed then its worthwhile.

I like the idea of hypnobirthing, but really i think its the relaxation breathing techniques that i really want. Apparently they help with constitution pre birth as well

[Lora1982]

im interested in the breathing techniques too. apparently it can help with the pain and even help te baby come without pushing... (this maybe a lie!!)

i have a gtt test this morning.. i cant even have a cup of tea :( im hopeful il be fine cos il be distraught if rolo yoghurts are off my menu.

[octanegirl]

For the record H&M maternity jeans are great as they have BELT LOOPS! I've given up on my Gap ones as they constantly fell down.

On a sombre note - my DP's 1st cousin was one week away from her due day and her baby DIED in utero. She was induced yesterday to give birth to a dead baby. I can't think of anything more horrendous and am now even more paranoid than before. Does that kind of thing happen often? Poor, poor girl.

[pmgkt]

Octane the same thing happened to my step sister last year 3 weeks before due date. I cant imagine how you cope with that sort of loss. Will they be able to find out why? I know the idea of an autopsy sounds awful and my step sister didnt but now she has loads of questions and although they are trying again they have no idea if it will happen again.

[SquealyB]

How awful for those poor women octane and pgmt and their poor families. Impossible to imagine how that must feel. My understanding is that this is very rare, but obviously can still happen as with anything I am sure the NHS have statistics on this issue. It is so sad when you read about it or know someone who has gone through this....

[SquealyB]

On another slighlty happier note - had 22 week appointment with GP today. Heard our little one's heart beat which is always lovely. As usual, she/he was wriggling around like a good thing and GP kept finding heart beat and then the baby would move to the other side! Mischievious baby!

I now have no more appointments until 28 weeks with the Midwife which seems like a long time. I am going to try and have an idea of my birthplan before I go to that appointment so that I can discuss with the MW so grateful for all the comments on this!

Hope everyone is well.

[katolla]

happyhow and pmgkt, I'm glad not minding that much is an option.. I've been worried i'm supposed to write explicit instructions for the hospital. I'd quite like a water birth but I hear it doesn't always work out if you dont get there at the right time so I'm not going to be set on it.

*goes back to being completely underprepared

[Pascha]

Katolla you really don't have to write anything down at all and if you are fit for a waterbirth and a pool is free they will happily let you in it whether you have stated a preference beforehand or not. Sometimes I think its better to think of a birthplan as a list of things you don't want to forget when your mind is preoccupied, such as: 'Ask if the pool is free' and 'what about mobile monitoring' and notes for your birthpartner to remember like: 'ask me regularly if I need a drink/cereal bar' and 'don't let me OD too much on gas & air' and 'Get Green Day on the Ipod for the pushing stage'

[CreepyCrawly]

Hi all, I'mm just wondering if its normal to feel a slight decrease in movements at this stage? Until now, she's been moving around quite regularly and the movements have been quite obvious. But yesterday and today, she seems to have chilled out a bit. I have had some movements, but not as regular or as strong as they have been. Is it maybe she has changed her position and moved somewhere else?! I'm 24+4 and too afraid to google!

Hope everyone is well :)

[Lora1982]

i had that creepy but as soon as i had the llukazade for the test today he went crazy

[sanam2010]

Creepy crawly, exactly, maybe you should eat more chocolate, sugar always helps to get them moving :-). I think position can influence how much you feel, also i heard sometimes the placenta is between baby and wall so it dampens the impact of kicks.

Mine seems to be more active since about two weeks, I was really worried bc DD1 was such an active baby, she kicked so much from week 16 already that even then my husband could feel the kicks and one could see my belly moving and she was kicking all day all night basically (and is a pretty active toddler now I must say :-) ) but this one was so mellow I felt almost nothing till week 20 and now a little movement here and there a few times per day, but slightly picking up now. But I could do with a mellow baby number 2!!!

[CreepyCrawly]

Thank you ladies. She seems to be a bit more active this evening (after some malteasers and a curly wurly!) it could be because I've been back in work after 2 weeks off so not lazing about like I was.
Heard a healthy heartbeat on Tuesday, and I am getting some movements so I think I'm probably a little worried over nothing.

[AriNi31]

Hi ladies
Just wondering if I can join you. I've lurked and lurked and am finally brave enough, I think! My EDD is 06/01/13 and this will be my second child, I have a DS who is 4. The reason I've only been lurking is that I've had 6 miscarriages in total, the last was last year at 16 weeks so its only now at 25 weeks that I'm feeling brave enough to think hey, I'm actually having another baby! We haven't told DS yet, in case... it's his birthday in a few weeks so may tell him after that. I want to feel excited - and I think I am... just still a bit scared! I saw a statistic today that said there are only 12 Thursdays left til Christmas so I am feeling that I must start getting organised!!!
I agree about chocolate getting the baby wriggling or even something fizzy to drink.

[preggofabulous]

Hello AriNi31!

Talking of getting baby wiggling...

Has anyone else been playing music to bump?? I've been playing him bits and pieces at my desk in work, but went for a bigger selection today and discovered rap music makes him kick more. Not sure if he's dancing or trying to get me to switch it off.

[Birdies]

Welcome ariNi31!

creepy I've found (and midwife said this as well) that when busy I don't feel any movements - but it's actually being distracted that stops you noticing them. A bit like when you're ill and you carry on anyway and sometimes can be distracted to the point of not feeling ill for a bit. So maybe you being back at work distracted you from movements that you'd have otherwise felt if you'd been lazing about.

Any time I haven't noticed any for a while I drink a cold drink and/or eat chocolate and then lie on my left side - always works so far!

Night night everyone!

[Birdies]

Ps and welcome back bunty!