Due in July 2013 - newborns to the left of me, big bumps to the right, here I am stuck in the middle with you babe!

[SlouchingPanda]

Hello shiny new thread!

esme I usually wear a vest and a t-shirt or second vest so I can pull the outer layer up and the vest down. Keeps my belly covered and doesn't expose the whole top of my boobage.

Just thought I'd mention for all the first time mums something that took me ages to figure out with DD1 - if your baby does a poonami, vests and gros can be removed downwards. You don't need to take them off over their heads because the necks stretch easily to remove clothing up or down. Makes dealing with the poonami so much easier, but it was a couple of months before I realised.

I finally got round to changing my name! I'm sure you can work out who I am!

esme very true re baby sizes, midwives thought M would be a bit smaller than others but she's my biggest by far

Totally, thank you for that gem, i'm on baby no 3 and i still hadnt twigged you could do that, now i know.
Already ending up in that old chestnut with dh of competing for who is most tired. Feel like he is stepping dangerously close to the precipice of hormonal sleep deprived mother rage. Obviously I know that i win because i sit feeding ds1 through night watching dh snoring. Slouching, can yours have a word with mine?

Good luck slouching! no need to push yourself to be active in the early stages, save your energy for later. Glad DH is being a star!

Princess - oh how easy it is to get into that competitive sleep deprivation thing. Huge hugs for you xxx

On phone so I'm afraid I can't remember other personals. Hope everyone is benefitting from the slightly more sane temperatures today!

No post from photographer today.... Fingers crossed for movement there?!

39+1

Thanks totally, have ordered some vests and loose tops from h&m, the maternity tops I saw were either v expensive or not very nice.

Princess yes, my husband does this too! Hes just sooo tired after his 7 hour non stop sleep! Never mind me feeding every hour through the whole night, poor thing must be knackered! Grrr...

Thanks totally for the clothing advice both for mums and babies, I've realised I have nothing suitable to wear out to breastfeed in so will have to fix that sharp ish so I don't become a recluse. Good to have tips for coping with poonamis too, it can only be a matter of time!

dinky for the stats list annabelle was 6lb 14 which presumably is one of the reasons I got off lightly.

mightbe great news that no cholestasis

Sympathies to all the innies especially phie, labour can come out of nowhere as many have shown so don't despair, however far away it seems, the newborn phase is very nearly here.

Due date list (Innies):

CottonSocks - 24th June
Skelosia - DC2 - 1st July
Badgerwife - DC2 - 1st July
Cutandstick - 2nd July
Glup - 3rd July
PenguinsInThePantry - 5th July
Efme - 8th July
GeorgieWilson - 9th July
TwoOfThree - DC1 - 10th July
Specialknickers - 11th July
SlouchingPanda - DC1 - 11th July
Reikimummy - 12th July (DC1)
Thundercatz - 12th July
Twirliedobbit - DC4 - 12th July
LittleFlower888 - 14th July
Beaditsback - dc2 14th July
Mizar - 15th July
photographerlady - 15th July
Pocopearl - 18th July - DC1
Boostar - 18th July - DC2
MrsWildermac - 18th July
SingingMomma - 18th July
GingerJulep - DC1 - 19th July
Niktasha - 19th July
whitedaffodil - 19th July
Grannyapple DC2 - 19th July
Thinking positive thoughts - 20th July
Icingthecake - 20th July
PhieEl06 - DC1 - 20th July
AmaDablam - DC1 - 21st July
Lancslass83 -dc1- 21st July
butterflyexperience - 22nd July
AllYoursBabooshka - 22nd July
Isitme1 - 23rd July
Scoutfinch - DC1 - 23rd July
MightBeMad - 26th July
Cantreachmytoes - 24th July
MrsRoss26 - 24th July
Camb79 - 25th July
Sashabella0 - 25th July
BoyMeetsWorld - 27th July
marimba - 27th July
JessicaMLH - DC2 - 27th July
Lizincornwall - 27th July
LorrieJ- 27 July
TomDaleysTrunks - DC2 - 27th July
Silver15 - DC3 - 28th July
Wavesandsmiles - DC3 - 30th July
Trickybarmby - 31st July

Arrivals List (Outies):

SuperShiv - DS, Oliver, aka the little fighter, born 13.04.13, 1 lb
Emblosion - DS, Oisin Michael, born 27.5.13, 6 lb 1 oz
Beginningofthejourney - DS, Theodore, born 28.05.13, 6 lb 11 oz
Elliejitny - DS, Ezekiel, born 3.6.13, 7 lb 2 oz
Paolocee/Donna - DDs, Leila Poppy and Caitlin Liv
Princessllama - DS, Humphrey, born 11.06.13, 7lb 4oz
Devilforasideboard - DS, Will
Schrosawmargerydaw - DS, born 21.6.13, Caspar Neil Ruaridh, 4 lb 8 oz
BB01 - DD Rosie, born 22.06.13, 4 lb 9 oz
Differentnow - DD Posy, born 22.06.13 8lb 4oz
OhGood - DS (no name yet)
NotprincessKate - Amy Rose, born 26.6.13, 8 lb 14 oz
Shelley72 - DD2, Florence, born 27.6.13
Twinklestarstwinklestars - DS, Max, born 27.6.13, 5lbs 3 oz
Gingerpanther27 - DS, Callum, born 27.6.13, 8 lb 4 oz
McKTastic - DS, Murray, born 29.6.13
Bigbelly4 - DD2, Constance Rose, born 30.6.13, 7 lb 4 oz
Chinainthegarden - DD, Clara Elizabeth, born 30.6.13, 7 lb 7 oz
TotallyEggFlipped - DD2, Naomi, born 1.7.13, 5 lb 8 oz
Vinegardrinker - DD, Bethan, born 2.7.13 (bang on her due date!), 7 lb 13 oz
Abz - DS, Joseph Robert, born 2.7.13, 8 lb 4 oz
Wifey6 - DS, Kyle, born 2.7.13
Cheeseandbread- DD, Juno Olivia, born 3.7.13, 7lb 2 oz
Tryitonforsize - DS, Gray Everett, born 5.7.13, 8 lb 6 oz
MarieKL - DS, Alexander, born 5.7.13, 8 lb 2 oz
MysteryMeg - DD, Edith, born 6.7.13, 8 lb 4.5oz
Pinkballetshoes - DD, Rachel Amelia, born 6.7.13
SundaySunshine - DS, Luca, born 6.7.13
CitizenOscar - DS2 (name to follow), born 7.7.13
Calmisthemantra - DS, Abraham John Anthony, born 7.7.13, 8 lb 5 oz
Dinkystinky - DS3, Jackson Rivan, born 7.7.13, 8 lb 7 oz
Marmitemad - DD2, Evelyn Grace, born 7.7.13, 7 lb 2 oz
Silverbirdie - DD, Edith Alice, born 8.7.13, 9 lb 1 oz
MrsMillions - DD, Abigail, born 8.7.13, 7 lb 1 oz
RunswithSquirrels - DD, Eden Rose, born 10.7.13, 9 lb 3 oz
BadmissM - Caspian Albert Sebastian Alexander, born 10.7.13, 7lbs or so (3.4kg)
Quinnandthem - DD, Sophia Isabella, born 10.7.13, 7 lb 14 oz
Tashtastic - DD, Georgia born 10.7.13
Guavasforbreakfast - DD, Lara Erin Ivory, 7 lbs 13 oz
Esme80 - DD, Abigail Marie, born 12.7.13, 11 lb 2 oz
Cheekbyjowl - DS, Joseph, born 12.7.13, 7 lb 13 oz
Andrea75 - DS,Joshua Timothy, born 14.7.13
Minipenguinmaker - DD, Maya Grace, born 14.7.13, 8 lb 14 oz
Persuasion - DD, Felicity, born 14.7.3, 6 lb 12 oz
Thinkingof4 - DD, Morven, born 15.7.13, 9 lb 5 oz
EvelynJ - DD, Florence Heather Rose, born 15.7.13, 8 lb 12 oz
MummyKanny - DD, Alice, born 15.7.13, 6 lb 6 oz
OrangeBubbles - DS, Harrison James, born 15.7.13, 8 lb 8 oz
Hai1988 - DD, Madison Alice, born 17.7.13, 9 lb 1 oz
lancslass - DD, Annabelle Grace, born 18.7.13, 6.lbs 14oz

Wonder who is next to pop...

princess - my DH is the same. Wakes briefly about 1in3 times that I'm up feeding, maybe does a nappy change, maybe not. Straight back to sleep, whilst I stay awake listening for N to settle. Constantly telling me how exhausted he is.

Hi everyone... Sorry for lack of personals, I'm just feeling too crappy to go back through the thead and think of positive things to say, but hope that all those with outie s are doing well.. Sounds like some sleep is being had and bfing (not easy, if you ask me. Anything but) is going well. I hope stitches are healing and assorted DHs and relatives are behaving themselves...

So I'm still pregnant. 11 days overdue and in so much pain now I can hardly walk (all pelvis suff, nothing helpful like contractions or anything!). I've had the most shocking cold for 8 days now and that shows no sign of shifting. My nose is literally dripping on the iPad as I type. I'm so run down now I'm terrified I'm going to get a cold sore next... No idea how that would work with a newborn but I know it's very dangerous. All in all, I'm in a right old state and need to moan. Dh has been great but he's doing all the childcare at the moment and doesn't need to hear any more of my self pity really, bless him.

Any tips on how to stay positive? Feel like I'm loosing the plot a bit here .

Shocking how utterly miserable - much sympathy. Summer colds seem so unfair! Sympathies also to Dinky who is also suffering. Moan away - sometimes just writing it down can make you feel better. Just keep thinking 'there can only be two more days' - the end is in sight and it will all seem worth it in the end.

I am still at home having a long latent phase and feeling sorry for my neighbours. I don't know how Kate Holmes did this without making a noise. I always suspected she may, in fact, be a robot. Contracting every 15 mins but too scared to try to ramp thembup by walking etc because I had a total meltdown when they were every 3 mins overnight. How do women do this? It hurts so much! I have a rocking chair so just rocking out on that.

41+2. And in paiiiiiiiin!

slouching, from everything i've heard, back to back labour is far more painful, so you are doing champion, especially to still manage to type at all. i wish i could do something to help you. i found some good aretha helped and a bit of tina turner (but then i didnt have back to back labour)
shocking it sounds shocking. any possibility of extra help? really sorry you're in a bad state too.

Having a feeding frenzy here. Unfortunately, also have guests for a BBQ.Hoping J will settle then I can use the new monitor and let him sleep (please) while I have some food. Quite hungry myself now...

Slouching DS was back to back and I was told that the pain is much worse when they present that way. Baths and paracetamol Etc did nothing for me, but gas and air was a real friend!!! Could you go and get checked again? DS went from 2-7cm really very quickly. Perhaps you're making more progress than you think?

Good luck!

Oh hang in there slouching. It's good that you are able to rest a bit, but sounds like this is tough going. Don't be affraid to ask for pain relief as and when you need it. Good luck! You're doing great

Knickers - moan away, summer colds are the pits. I've got one too and I've passed it on to L, the poor little thing can barely breath at night.

I'm another one with a DH suffering from sleep deprivation although he hardly wakes up at all during feeds, in fact he keeps everyone else awake with his snoring!

Re feeding in public I got some great tops last time that were like vest top but with boob holes which you wore underneath normal tops, I'll try and find the link. Might be a bit hot in this weather, but they were good for normal uk temps. At the moment I'm taking a shawl out with me and wrapping it around both of us as we still have a bit of a faff latching on.

Slouching just repeating everyone, have heard back to back is more painful. When your contractions become more frequent youll most probably be in hospital and can have stronger pain relief. You are doing so well!

Sorry shockingundercrakers just realised I called you knickers, knew it was underwear related but couldn't remember exactly (I'm on the phone)

Here's the link to bf tops rootitooti but the web page doesn't seem to be opening at the mo, but that might be my dodgy Internet.

Shocking that sounds pretty miserable. Try to rest as much as you can and maybe take a multivitamin or something like floradix and a probiotic to try to boost your immune system. Or whatever the summer equivalent of chicken soup is. Eat well and keep hydrated.

Slouching you're coping really well. I hope that baby is turning & it gets easier.

Hugs to shocking & slouching & dinky. I agree, any support of any kind that you can call in, do so. Music can be a great distraction for me or some crappy tv.

It's so hard when you feel rubbish but as someone already said, this will pass. I had an awful time yest with F as she wouldn't latch with my milk coming in-had to delete 2 messages & redo on midwives answer machine as couldn't talk for crying each time & felt utterly miserable. Today she has again latched ok without nipple shields & we've gotten to sit out in back garden & all's good again & I've never been so deliriously happy.

I know it works both ways & tomorrow could be a bad day but I know I'll carry today in my heart forever-all the pregnancy & childbirth pain is so worth it in the end :)

Hope everyone has good evenings and restful nights x

Thanks team - back in the bath after forcing down a bit of dinner. I have no appetite at all. Just feel sick with the pain. I am not good with codeine (had it twice, ended up preferring the wisdom tooth pain than to unwell it made me feel). So paracetamol, baths and back rubs it is.

Will see what pans out overnight...

Any news from Popcopearl?

Shocking - I had a horrific cold when 38 weeks pregnant with ds2 - and you know what, it literally just disappeared when I went into labour. Same thing happened to 2 other women on my Feb 09 thread.

Slouching - you're doing great, sounds like baby is still back to back but as soon as he/she shifts round things will go quickly. Hope you go in, are 4 cm and get your happydural v soon. I agree with princess llama - good music can help distract,also you could try crunching on ice cubes while having a hard shower on your back which my friend who had 3 back to back labours swore by.

Dh has been sleeping in the spare room but I feel so rough tonight I've asked him to sleep with j and me to help settle j for once. Suspect he will be back to the spare room by tomorrow morning! At least it avoids the competitive tiredness which always gives rise to a big row in our house.

Dragged myself out to ds2s footie class today and to a friends leaving London party this afternoon ( her two sons are friends with my two boys) at her house - was nice but resulted in 2 overtired boys crying about how much they love dh and I before bed ( ds2 got so distressed at the idea of us dying one day he made himself sick!) And one wide awake j as he slept most of the party away apart from waking for two feeds. So not looking forward to tonight...

Re bf clothes - am wearing my maternity maxis and some bf tops/vest tops and shorts or maxi skirts at the moment. I have some bf dresses from mamas and papas and babes with babies (terrible name but some pretty dresses and good value if you get them in the sale) which I'm hoping to slim down to in the not too distant future.

Slouching could u go in for some g and a even if cx are h
Far apart?

slouching you are doing great. Dd was back to back and it bloody hurt. Distraction was the key! I found standing up and rocking while holding onto DH helped. During my long latent stage I was offered an overnight stay on antenatal ward so could have morphine and sleep. I didn't go for it as preferred to stay at home but might be worth it if you feel you need it.

Hope all those with newborns get some rest and thinking of all us preggos.

Ooh I've neglected this a little for fb! Sorry about that!

slouching i hope things have progressed enough so you can have some pain relief now!

I keep waking up around this time every night, so im fully expecting a baby that won't sleep until 4 in the morning, just to clash with my sleep pattern

Hope everyone is okay! Was so much cooler yesterday was lovely! Cannot wait for the storm on Tuesday/Wednesday apparently it can cause your waters to go because of the sudden drop in air pressure?! A midwife said it but i don't know how true it is - i hope it is!!

40+1 officially overdue! Never thought I'd be this side of the line.

Since F arrived I'm also struggling to keep up.

Sounds like a few more babies will be on the way soon. Good luck! And don't be a martyr about pain relief, it does bloody hurt and if you need or want something stronger then ask for it!

Feeding itself seems to be going ok here now be last night and tonight she seems to be having colicky symptoms in the evening through until 3am. We've coped a bit better tonight in keeping her comfortable but would appreciate any tips as it's keeping us both awake and it's awful seeing her in pain.

Sorry posted early...

The only thing that we've found that helps so far is keeping her upright. We have noticed though that she goes most of the day without pooing but then has several large poos which seems to happen right before she settles. Any thoughts? At this point I'm open to any suggestions!