April 2013 part six...what does the third trimester have in store?

[edinfirst]

Link to stats thread

great to hear updates from Mama and Floss

wishful and birdbrain I am due date buddy too!

Facebook group sounds great to me. Think how lovely it'll be when we can upload all the baby pics as they arrive.

Lately I have been feeling sorry myself that I don't drive. Nor does DP and we simply can't afford lessons at the moment. Anyone else in the same situation? All the talk about car seats panicked me a bit. Will they let me go home from hospital in a taxi if I borrow one?!

Can't remember if we all knew this already, but Tesco is now having a baby event too... Started today...

Thank you so much everyone
Floss, glad to hear your at 29 weeks now am thinking of you.
I've just got wheeled back from visiting Alex, I got to have another cuddle. He wriggled like crazy as they moved him but when they put him on my chest and under my top I felt every muscle in his tiny body relax into me and his heart rate stabilised really quickly. I never wanted to let him go but he's doing so well they said he can come out of the incubator more often. He has a fierce little grip, you would never think something so tiny has so much strength I Had to prise his fingers off mine. Holding him my boobs starting leaking like crazy. The nurses have been expressing for me but it has to be thrown away because of the meds I'm on, being able t breast feed is a bit f a long shot but luckily for me they are totally supporting my desire to try at least. Does anyone know of anything natural I can take to help?
I'm due to see the physio later this afternoon to discuss my legs and hips. I am so envious u all talking about shopping but I am still getting paid (amazing boss triggered sick and maternity leave for me plus I have a phd grant which I am not planning to take too much more time off from-gonna kick my brain back into gear hopefully in the next week or two, well month but I'll give it my best shot sooner) so when I do get out of here I'm going to go crazy and buy everything! Does anyone know where my brother could go to buy tiny preemie clothes? Alex is wearing nothing but in the next month or so should be able to move out of the critical nicu but chances are even mother care neonatal will be big. He is all legs, arms and head, hardly any body at all bless him.
I hope everyone else is well will update soon xxx

mama it's so good to hear from you, and it sounds like Alex is going great guns. You should both be very proud of yourselves!

I've finally got some bits and bobs - don't need much as this is DC2, but MIL bought me a new Tummy Tub bath as the one we had before was borrowed (I really recommend these - DD LOVED it), blankets, vests and sleepsuits in neutral colours, new muslins and a pramsuit. DD is really excited and wants to unwrap them now (and presumably dress up her doll in them).

Baby was head up at my 28 week scan, but I think that it has moved as the kicks are now happening all over the place. Probbly not head down yet, but making its way down there!

29+1

Mama just WONDERFUL to hear from you & that Alexander is doing so well. What a little trooper! I would love to send you a little something, can you PM me your hospital address? Wrt breastfeeding does your hospital have a specialised infant feeding co-ordinator/BFC for Neo natal? It would be a good idea to meet them now & they can start getting to know you & wee Alex so they can help you in the upcoming weeks and months as you both get a bit stronger.

Floss 29 weeks well done you! Baby stands such a good chance now.

Great to hear from you mama. Alex sounds a very special little boy, just like his mum! Hope the physio goes well. Am not really sure about premmie clothes although I'm sure I've seen some in Mothercare?

Good luck floss, must be worrying, but as another poster has said you've done well to get to this stage. Keep us posted.

Only a quick post but will try again later!

Mama1980 hope you and your baby are ok

mama1980 just amazing to hear your story - am in tears esp about details like his heart rate slowing down and everything relaxing when you give him a cuddle. Little Alex sounds like one determined little boy and what a great mum he has. You will need to recover slowly and take your time - you deserve it.

I can't keep up with this thread (probably too old, I do better on the stately over-40s thread!) at all but your story shines through.

xxx

floss - all the best and very very good luck. You are in the best place and being looked after, so I am sure everything will be just fine.

Absolutely shattered here. Head practically on desk at 4pm!

28+5

oops - and mama - great to hear about you and Alexander, too. Sounds like he is getting stronger by the day.

WRT premmie clothes, my mum knits for a charity (bonnie babies I think it's called) which John Lewis supports. They (or someone like them) would be able to help with some stuff, but I totally get that what you really want is to buy some lovely stuff for your little man - I will keep my eyes peeled while I'm out and about...

Mama it's worth trying boots online as they do preemie with easy openings, very handy to fit around tubes. I think 3lbs is the smallest. Some big stores carry it in stock.

Mama - people bought me tons of prem clothes for DS but most of it was 5lb plus. The most gorgeous stuff was from Mamas and Papas (my v generous sister went and bought everything they had) but I also had bits from Mothercare and Tesco. I need to get it all out of the loft... well DH does.

There is tiny tiny baby stuff available online but some of it doubles as dolls clothes so check the materials aren't synthetic.

[mama] fab to hear from you and know that you and Alexander are doing so well. i had a quick google and came up with this site for preemie clothes and accessories (so cute!):
www.earlybaby.co.uk/Category-289/premature-baby-boy
[floss] really hope your little one hangs in there a bit longer, must be terribly difficult to see other Mums come and go, but good to know you are in absolutely the best place and getting the best of care for when bump does decide to land!
[jh] congrats on making, what must have been a very difficult decision. Hope you managed to tell your Mum and she was supportive of the decision that you and DH have made. if your health had deteriorated then it could've really adversely affected your study as well as potentially harming you and bump, so draw strength from knowing you are doing the right thing (if it is any consolation i am 41 and still scared to tell my Mum things for fear of feeling a failure!)
[Olli] in case you are still looking for a belt, I got mine from Amazon. It isn't pregnancy specific but fits comfortably under my bump and effectively holds my pelvis together, i can't recommend it highly enough:
www.amazon.co.uk/Health-and-Care-Serola-Sacroiliac/dp/B007K6CZOG/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1358181055&sr=8-2
[ratbag] count me in for FB providing I can stay private as I've not gone public on FB with the pregnancy! Not quite sure why, just don't think it is any business of the world and I guess i worry about jinxing things even now, so the people that matter to me know, but not the "casual associates" :)

dammit, used brackets instead of asterisks.

mama, floss, JH, Olli and ratbag see above :)

mama That's so wonderful. I am surreptitiously checking this at work and had to wipe away a few tears when I read about you finally getting to hug your son which was a bit embarrassing!

Had 28 week appointment this morning. Everything fine and baby's heart beating away. Got to see doc on Fri about the thrush that probably isn't thrush and will get whooping cough jab then too.

DH has job offer and another interview on Weds for something else.

Going out for curry tonight. All is good with the world.

28+3

Empress glad to hear about DH's job! Great news!

What a lovely day for this thread! Lovely news about Mama & our first April boy the precious alexander, floss got to 29 weeks, empress DH has a new job and my DH is 30 today and has had a white birthday! We took DD out in the snow, first time she's seen it, she is very cautious by nature like me & was happy to walk in it but not to touch it.

Also keen for a fb group.

28 + 3

I have almost caught up with all the posts from the last couple of days but just jumping on to talking about preemie clothes mama

Do have a look made to order baby clothes free charity as they are just fabulous.

I know Alexander is not wearing anything but before you know it you will go down to see him and he will be dressed. I remember when it happened with DD1 and I cried - she started to 'look' like a little baby and not a bundle of wires! The NICU staff were wonderful too as they know it is such a big moment for parents. Pop 'n' grow is a charity based here on the Isle of Wight but they send made-to-order clothes all over the world and they do this for FREE - they will take into account Alex's size and any medical needs as you will need clothes that can be put on him without dislodging his wires or tubes. Normal preemie clothes, even for tiny or early baby, will just be small versions of 'normal' clothes (and even DD1 had to grow into them.

Also our NICU has a selection of baby clothes for the babies to wear - and they wash them there too! We donated a lot of our old stuff once DD1 was too big (and then borrowed some again when DD2 was in a couple of years later!)

Hi all

Will defo do a private group, not public :)

I'm just fed up today, it's my 30th birthday which I've been dreading, but everyone has made it amazing for me. I couldn't sleep last night after waking up at two am, works mental and I came home to the boiler broken, so no heating or hot water until at least weds and it's snowed all day.

Having a woe me moment and a little cry :(

Ha I am an utter coward and very nearly bottled it!!!

I was at my Mum's for hours we were chatting about anything and everything...We have a lot to talk about at the moment as my little sister is also pregnant and due in March but sadly she has severe mental health difficulties and has been sectioned on more than one occassion and due to this and other ridiculous choices she has made her baby will be removed at birth against my sisters will and placed with my Mum who will then apply for special guardianship of the baby....So yes lots and lots to talk about.

I was very happy with all the chatter but DH kicked me once or twice under the table to try and make me say something but I just couldn't.

So just when I thought we had better get going and I had gotten away with it DS walks into the kitchen and innocently announces in responce to someone saying how busy we all are that 'Yes but it's going to be much better for Mummy now as she doesn't have to go back to uni until after next Christmas!!!!!!!!!!!!!'

My Mum laughed a lot and kept saying thank you George for letting us know as I don't think your Mummy was ever going to let us in on her decision. She was fine about it all, said she thought we had made the correct decision and that all I need to do is say I'm on maternity leave like every other normal person and not feel like a failure at all!

So worrying over nothing again!!! I have a few appointments at uni tomorrow where I should be able to finalise everything and officially begin relaxing.

It's so lovely to read your update mamma. It sounds like Alex is getting stronger and stronger, hope you get tons more cuddles.

floss, I'm thinking of you. It must be really tough being on the ward while others come and go with their babies. Well done on getting to 29 weeks, that's quite a milestone.

lutrinae, I don't drive either and DH is in the process of learning. I doubt he'll pass by the time baby arrives and even if he did not sure how we'd afford a car and all the expense that comes with it. My parents live nearby so they will probably give us a lift back from hospital but I'm beginning to realise that not driving presents some big logistical challenges. We have a wedding to attend in July up north not sure how we will manage to get there on public transport with baby and all the stuff baby needs.

empress, great news that your DH has a job offer, that was quick! Enjoy the curry.

JH out of the mouths of babes, eh? A relief, I am sure, for you. She sounds like she'll have her hands full.

Lutrinae & teapig it is possible... not me... but friends who have moved local [rural] have only just started learning to drive and their DD will be one soon. The lived in Manchester before and it was simply easier to get public transport everywhere. They still get about on trains with ease, they've practice now. Plenty of time to get your packing skills sorted by July :) You can go in taxi's without a car sear and they will let you leave the hospital. Friends did buy a car seat as it was easier to strap DD in securely/safely and when travelling on the train, though they'd book an extra seat for long journeys/busy trains. I am impressed really as I carry a car load of crap that I probably don't need.

KelleStar My Mum has always had her hands full, I'm one of 7!

She now has a 4yr old and the baby to come. She is 62! I don't actually know how she does it. It's definitely not the retirement her or my Dad expected to be having I'm sure!

Hi all, good to hear your updates jh well done for getting it out, so happy your mum is supportive. Had my 28 week appointment today, baby is measuring fine for dates and good heartbeat, I'm feeling really ill now though as had to have a blood test and anti-d injection. Bit upset as well as my midwife told me I won't be seeing her anymore as she's getting married at the end of the month and moving to surrey, really happy for her just upset that I won't be seeing her anymore she's great also they did a swab to check for thrush and a few other things but it came back all clear, which is good but now they don't know what the problem is

twinkle I think I've been getting braxton hicks but it's my first so not really sure what they are, I just keep getting a tightening right at the bottom of my bump and it's really uncomfortable for a few mins, I get it mostly if I'm walking around a lot or bending over. Is that braxton hicks?!

lutrinae Hi due date buddy hope you're doing well. I don't drive either, started learning but after I failed 2 tests we decided I should stop for a while as it was getting too expensive, hopefully after the baby is born I'll try again, it's so ridiculously expensive!!! where do you live?! do you have a good public transport network?

28+1