October 2013 - only 3 months to go!

[roxvox]

Baby due dates/sexes/name choices here

GT don't get me started, the other day on the train I was the only one to give up my seat to a woman on crutches, everyone else just kept their heads down. me and this lady then proceeded to discuss how people have no manors very loudly!!

Hi jelly yes they are at AMU. As far as I know they are limited to people who have a fear of childbirth/difficult birth previously. They have decided I had PTSD after DS's birth & that's why I got referred - that & the fact that I mentioned that I was looking into buying a dvd/book on it as couldn't afford classes I think.

I have no idea if you fit the criteria but if you wanted to contact AMU direct & ask to speak to a midwife called Donna Burns,I'm sure she would be able to discuss it with you. It is an award winning concept,the two midwives who set it up have won awards (astonishingly enough ;)) and limited in numbers because it is provided free of charge.

MoN thanks for the reassurance - I had such a difficult time last time that I think I'm starting to just panic randomly. Ended up with infection after infection & didn't feel like me for months. However,to hear that an elective makes for a better recovery makes me feel better! Even though I know it's logical that it should do!

Great news gt but sorry you didn't get a seat. If I was one of the pregnant women sitting already I would probably have offered you my seat even though I have pgp - I'm not on crutches yet so would have just assumed your need was greater than mine! However if I were there with DP & he didn't take it upon himself to stand up,I would have prompted him to remember his manners. Ridiculous.

good point about the gas and air tucking - It makes me sick!

Wicked hope all goes well for you today. I was quite excited too, and now there's another long wait for another 6 weeks until 34 weeks for the next appointment.

Had a lovely phone call this morning. The mw who was my mw with the last 2 saw my mw's case file yesterday when they were in the office and was thrilled that I am pg again - said she has been waiting for it
she missed ds3's birth as she wasn't on shift, and was running upstairs as dd2 arrived. She said 3rd time lucky she wants to deliver this one

Dc 4 &5 were arguing last night about what the baby will be as the mw said if it's heart beat sounds like a train it's a boy, and a horse a girl - very sweet, bless them

We also have a difficult dog Falcon.

She is a JRT - nearly 5 now. Hates all other dogs since getting bitten as a pup, by a random dog - now think she will get in there first iykwim, but had always been alright with our collie, but a few months ago, they decided to have a proper bust up - I yelled, collie stopped but JRT didn't and had to hit her with a broom to get her off then had a £200 vet bill for stitches to other dogs leg - vet said it may have been because the collie had been recently speyed?!

anyway, we now keep them apart - which can be tricky.

Also, she is fine with my kids, but really wouldn't trust her with anyone elses.

I think the problem is we got her from the local hunt, so she is a proper working terrier with that killing instinct and we just don't do enough of that kind of thing with her. She does go ratting occasionally, and then is no bother, and will just come home and sleep.

What she really needs is a home with a gamekeeper or something - but as soon as I mention she is bad with other dogs, no one is interested.

it's a shame, cos she is a sweet little thing really.

oh and glad all is well GT some men are arses!

Jelly I'm doing Hypnobirthing classes, two left to go. To be honest you only need the book and CD if you can't get on a class. The woman just goes over what I've already read in the book in class really.

You can get the book and CD from here:

www.heartandsoles.co.uk/index.php/our-products/product/487-hypnobirthing-the-mongan-method-book-uk-version-includes-rainbow-relaxation-cd

I am dyingggggg :(

Swollen glands, woolly head, no energy, headache etc and I'm feeling very sorry for myself.

Had to take an actual sick day for the first time in about a year so laying in bed watching TV and drinking lucozade, hoping it'll help!

Booo hoooo

The spray collar sounds like a good idea! She is obedient dog wont run away etc which is much more dangerous she has the basics of training its just Barking and separation she has deep rooted issue with which is no surprise as she was abandoned by the breeder as a pup in an Irish 5 day kill shelter Thus me rehoming her she is a smooth collie and its probably all because her ears are not tipped they stick up which i think is adorable she is adorable I am just scared that she may not get what she needs from me and I wont cope when Willow is here. I think we have decided to cross that bridge when we come to it. She may feel more settled when there is a baby around I suppose i just cant speculate atm. Thanks for all the help and understanding

Back to babies is anyones movements changed I think i still get as many but they are definitely less strong wondering if thats normal for being in my 30th week?

at the men Gt rude!! Glad scan went well

Sorry x-post caz That sound very difficult

untitled get well soon hun xxx

just back from 28 week mw app. all good. bump measuring bang on 28cm and heard a good little heartbeat. She said he's breech with his back to my front which is why I feel a lot of movement all over the place. didn't do bloods as will be having them with anti d injection at 30 weeks. seeing my mw again at 32 weeks, you do seem to see people lots in ur first pg!!!

great news gt and yes, I also remember that they are supposed to turn around 32-34 weeks. So you have lots of time for this.

tucking I also have a low anterior placenta and a scan at 32 weeks to check if it's moved... I'm absolutely petrified of C section and I'm such a believer in a natural birth. I know from my last experience that you should be flexible and go with the flow - I was planning a nice water birth but ended up with meconium in waters and being induced. I was so upset when they told me they would need to induce me to speed up the birth that I cried for an hour, but managed to avoid epidural or the dreaded C section. I really hope it moves... I've been reading a lot of online articles and some claim that it moves in 95% of cases, as the uterus grows. I also feel less movements with this one and I think my anterior placenta has a lot to do with it. Some days I feel a lot of strong movements, and some days hardly any. I think it depends what position the baby is in so I don't worry if it's just one day I don't feel much. When is your 32 weeks scan? Mine on 27th August so still a long wait...

And don't even get me started on people and seats on public transport... This morning I was almost pushed under the train by a teenage Italian school trip group on the tube as they were rushing to get on. They pushed everyone aside and then took all the available seats. None of the little bastards would get up for me but, thankfully, someone else did. I gave them a mouthful.

falcon I def wouldn't worry about the dog wakening the baby....ds1 never ever wakes when our dog barks as he has always been used to it when in the womb. Your collie is so young still and I def think it would be worth a shot at consulting a trainer for ideas. If you can work through it your LO and he will be great friends and grow up together. It makes my heart melt when I watch ds1 and the dog together as he just loves her and she often goes into his room and lies beside the cot when he's there. :) My biggest fear is that dc2 will have an allergy or hate her (which I know is unlikely) but he'd have to just learn to live with it as she's my baby too

GT glad growth scan went well. We are having one next Sunday (at 31 weeks)...trying not to think about it at the moment. The baby can turn any time so I wouldn't worry about it being feet down at the moment...maybe if he is still like that at 38 weeks but I think it's normaly for them to get into position around 32- 34 weeks.

GT glad scan went well. Echo everyone else, baby is still moving all over at the mo. what's gestimated weight?

Re giving up seats, I went in to be monitored the other week, small waiting room, 2x2seater sofas (and hard chairs) taken up by 1 preg lady(not the preg lady of the others on sofa), a husband, a mother and a sister. Husband gets up to use the mobile, a preg lady walks in, goes for sofa, no free hard chairs, wife tells her that the seat is taken!!! Seriously?? I thought I'd explode. I was glad when this family of four trooped out when called!

I wish we could have a pet, but it's a blessing we didn't before DS as would have had to get rid because of his excema and asthmatic bronchitis. I do wonder if a balcony rabbit would be ok though, guess the problem may come in the winter time- do they need to be inside?

Glad to hear the growth scan went well GT - I have one at 35 weeks (end of Aug) and I'm trying not to stress about it until nearer the time.

Had 28wk appt today, had anti-d (ouch), heard heartbeat, and had GTT results back (all fine). Next appt is at 31wks to see consultant, and hopefully get c-section date!

Oh, and I think we have finally settled on a name for dd2 - Thea. What does everyone think??

Tarlia my sister had severe asthma & regular hospitalisation due to bronchitis whilst growing up. We had cats,dogs,hamsters,guinea pigs,a rabbit eventually (although I think he did set her off asthma wise). I'm not saying it's worth attempting to have a pet unless you can try it out by borrowing from someone to see if your son reacts badly,I'm just giving you an anecdotal story that my sister wasn't affected adversely by the pets we had & she would agree that she gained from having animals in her life :)

clapham funny how we are terrified of opposites! Actually I think I am terrified of both options of giving birth but I guess she has to come out one way or another! If it weren't for the trauma last time we might be on number three by now not number two. I have my scan on 15th August & then a consultant appt on 22nd to discuss results. I only hope I'm not left wondering what's going on for that week... I also have to see the labour suite manager again in August as she wants to help.me write my birth plan so that it suits me & is sensible for me & the staff who will deal with me. I was basically ignored the last time & I am not prepared yo have that happen again. I had drips put in that I wasn't told about,various other things too but don't want to scare anyone! I've had pretty close to an apology & have been told that with a more senior staff none of it would have occurred.

falcon the collar we have is called "spray commander". It has a citronella refill. I'm going to investigate & find out if there are other scents available because citronella is not as effective on Rufus as I would hope.

it is funny tucking! A couple of my friend were absolutely petrified of natural birth, one had a terrible experience with her first 18 hours labour and 10.8lb baby (she is only 5'2'' and size 6... so you get the idea...) that she refused to have a natural labour with DC2 and had such a breakdown that they agreed to do selective CS on the grounds of her mental / emotional wellbeing. And then I also had a couple of friends who, like you, had awful experiences with CSs, infections that lasted for months etc... So I guess everyone is different and scared of different scenarios. I really hope the sonographer will tell me during the scan whether it has moved or not... even if he can't comment on me being able to have natural birth etc, I guess he can at least tell me if it's moved? I'm so anxious, I want to know NOW!!

I love the name Thea textbook - was also on my list before we knew it was a boy :-)

OMG - I really didn't mean to scare anyone with my post!! I was so preoccupied and engrossed in my exchange of comments with tucking, didn't mean to sound scary! I can testify that, despite being induced, I found birth to be a beautiful and amazing experience. The best thing ever! Honestly xxx

Back from my 28 week check......all good. For the first time ever, the anti-d didn't hurt at all which was a pleasant surprise.

Next check with be at 34 weeks.

Aww clapham I don't think your post is scary. I know I had read & read about birth stories/experiences first time round. I knew things didn't always go to plan & I'm sure the other ladies on here are the same.

I contracted for 18 hours,six of them on syntocinon,didn't dilate past 3cm,thought the registrar doing my epidural was going to paralyse me because of the shooting pains down my legs as she attempted to do it & ended up with crash section.

That might sound scary & it was throughout the labour part but once they decided c section was necessary it was still a bit scary but also a bloody enormous relief that they were finally going to do something proactive with regards to getting my distressed baby out. The operation itself wasn't scary & was the most positive part of my experience,the recovery was difficult because I am bad at not doing anything (housework etc) & my partner had to go back to work after a day or two so there was a lot less help than I could have expected if we could afford for him to take paternity leave. I also ended up with several infections which slowed my recovery.

I appreciate that I probably just sound like a scare merchant today,it's not my intention. I just wished I had been more prepared for the ways things could go. I felt there was a vast amount that my friends who were already mums could have told me but didn't. Like it was some huge conspiracy! But I really wasn't me for some time after the birth so perhaps that's the reason behind that particular paranoia! Can't be that bad since I'm doing it again & can clearly remember my mind boggling at the thought that anyone would choose to go through it all again.

Really sorry if my post upsets or scares anyone. Am in two minds about posting it,but I think I will & just hope I don't get flamed for being a doomsayer...

Sorry dudes...

Hey everyone, just catching up, lots happens when you log off for a day or two doesn't it?!

Congratulations on your bargains tucking especially the isofix, they are bloody pricey and I think we've been priced out of getting one. That's so sad about your friend's little girl, there are no words :-( It's good to hear your birth story, it's important to keep an open mind about labour I think. Having no idea what to expect is quite comforting for me, at least!

GT sorry none of the blokes gave you a seat, I don't think they think at all do they? Glad your scan went well. I think feet down is fine at this stage, are you feeling kicks low down? Mine are all very low so I suspect the same!

Thea is really pretty textbook I was at uni with a Thea pronounced Taya, would it be pronounced that way or theee-uh?

I'm really sorry to hear of the pet issues as well. It must be very hard to make those decisions.

I'm back in the UK and have been so busy preparing bits. BLIMEY it is hot here, I was hoping for some respite from the heat, but no!

I went to Boots yesterday with no list (stupid!) and got 3 packs of 10 maternity pads, 1 pack of 50 breast pads, lanisoh nipple cream, a medela swing hand pump (reduced!) and 2 packets of pampers newborn nappies. Also some big black knickers in M&S. I know I need loads more so what else should I buy? I haven't a clue about babies!! Do you need to buy the same brand bottles as the pump?!

Other new bits are the Maxicosi Pebble (picked up from FILs) and we used our wedding vouchers in M&S finally to get a new rug for the new place. And then the car broke down and cost us a fortune!! Grr!

Loving the different fears everyone has! I was induced with my first (as waters broke but no contractions for 24 hours) and I loved it as I'm a control freak.! I wanted to jsut get on with it and am terrified this time that it could happen at any time and take a long time. I was 7 hours from being induced to birth so quite quick for a first baby. I have a total fear of epidurals so def wouldn't want that and I'd be terrified at the thought of a section. Eek! I'm praying for a quick birth at around 37 weeks again .

umlauf I would also get some nice comfy (dark coloured) pjs for afterwards....prob a couple of pairs! Blood stains and visitors can get embarrassing! Also think about what you want to wear during. I had bought a maternity gown but ended up just wearing the hospital gown which was just as well as it gets pretty messy. A friend of mine wore one of her husbands' shirts which she keeps as a reminder

tucking I agree, there does seem to be a conspiracy. I think those that have the real stories to tell keep them to themselves as there are so many others who like a whinge. My labour was pretty manic and I think had I not been open minded then I would have freaked, but as I said yesterday, I got on with my induction with an open mind and ignored them all with my cold cloth.

Um def get some calpol, nurophen(baby), bonjella (though boots own brand great). Anything like here and they won't give under 2s pain relief :/. There is a nappy cream in a yellow box but I can't for the life of me remember the name - has a heart on too - hopefully someone else will come along and say or remind me to look later. It's a magic cream, apply to nappy rash at bedtime and you can almost be sure it'll be gone by morning.
Dairy milk, marmite etc the weird foods you crave when living abroad that you never do at home.
Mothercare packs of vests - wash fantastically. Here they don't sell at a decent price, good quality in bulk like that.
Happy shopping!

I'm terrified of going into labour because of the risk of rupture. It was agreed that I would have my c-section at 38 weeks to avoid this happening but according to my dates I will be closer to 39 weeks by the time I have my c-section.
I am certain my dates are right as I know when I ovulated and pregnancy test was positive the day before my period was due.

To clarify I think I am due on the 12th October. The hospital have given me a due date of the 17th.