Babies due in May 2014 - is this the Definitelies final countdown?

[ClearlyMoo]

WELCOME! This thread is for all Mums-to-be expecting Maybies babies in (and around) May 2014! Please come and join the fun.

Put your feet up, get yourself a (decaf?) cuppa and settle in to hear the aches and pains, trials and tribulations, shopping excitement and hospital bag woes of those in their third trimester.

Hopefully you'll find a listening ear and a wealth of knowledge. Everyone welcome, especially if you're new to MN and are just peeking in as you start your maternity leave.

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Happy chatting Maybies!

Great to see little Gabriel Alyss. He is beautiful.

on the baby brain. I didn't get it on the first two pregnancies but seem to be making up for it this week. Put coffee in the machine and then remembered it needs a filter. Ordered a birthday presents off the internet for birthdays in April and thought I was late as it was convinced it was the 16th April today.

I'm very excited about the baby coming. And even with all the pain now, that adds to excitement as I will get my body back too!

Do we have a 'masterlist' for hospital bags anywhere yet? My brain is fried, so far I have: nappies and wipes 1 pack of each, cotton wool, three sleepsuits, vests, hats scratchmits, a cardi, two blankets, pajamas, slippers, cardi, toiletries - wash for baby, shower stuff for me , mat and breastpads, granny bloomers.....will get snacks, add charger and camera, change for parking nearer the time....what else? I had loads last time, i cant bloody remember!

That's baby brain, and ladies, sone of it is gone forever!

Hugs for our hormonal ladies. I don't feel emotional as such, only when I think of how exhausted i am really, and uncomfortable, and that i have seven weeks of it left!

today, I'm really breathless though, cant stand up even standing still for more than a few minutes, and my back hurts in my ribs, like one is popping out.

wtf?

I think mine is done... my bags are quite small so I've done one for me and one for baby, although I've seen people taking biiiig suitcases in with them.

Mine has -

Mini travel shampoo and conditioner
Mini body wash
Deodorant
Flannel
Toothbrush & toothpaste
Face and body wipes
Lip balm
Lansinoh stuff
Hair bobbles and slides
Mini hair brush
Breast pads
Maternity pads
Granny pants
Nursing bra
Thin dressing gown
Long vest (for giving birth in)
Big t-shirt/nightie (for afterwards)
Loose PJ bottoms
Flip flops (for the shower)
Slippers
Snacks (my mum got me a bag of Haribo and a bag of Pigs Mugs to go in, and OH has made me a big bag of orange swizzels lollies and Fizzers)
Phone charger
Clean socks (1 pair normal, 1 pair fluffy)
Towel
Dry shampoo
Make-up
Emery boards (ragged nails are my biggest pet peeve)
Water spray bottle (my mum suggested it, either to keep me cool or to throw at OH if I get sick of him spraying me )
Carrier bag for dirty clothes/wet towels, for OH to take home if staying in for very long.

Baby's has -

4 vests
3 sleepsuits
2 cardigans
2 blankets
A pack of nappies
A pack of wet wipes
A roll of nappy bags
Some cotton wool pads
Sudocrem
Socks & little soft baby slippers
Teddy
2 hats
1 pair of scratch mitts
Baby wash (do I need to put the shampoo in too?)

I'm leaving OH in charge of his own bag including camera and charger and memory cards, we've both got hi-spec cameras so I'm hoping he'll remember at least one of them and my mum is bringing hers too. OH's bag also includes his own snacks (because if he steals mine he'll be in massive trouble), clothes for me to go home in, baby's going home outfit - I've left him in charge of this, currently it's a batman babygro and a Winnie The Pooh jacket and some deodorant and face wipes for him.

I think that's everything... thankfully we're only 5 minutes from home and 2 minutes away from 24 hour supermarkets at the hospital!

Ooh moomin that's a great bag, and totally puts mine to shame considering I've bloody done it before!

No you don't need shampoo for baby, just that really gentle top to toe stuff is fine. As little added to their bath as poss is best. Ooh baby towels! Added to my list!

Water spray is a great shout. And fizzers!

Ahh yes baby towel is another thing I need to pop in! Family on both sides have got us well-stocked with hooded baby towels, just need to try and pick which one to put in

I panic-packed a couple of weeks ago after a few mad dashes to hospital, then as nesting has kicked in I've gradually re-packed and re-packed until finally I think I've got it

Closer to the day I'll also pop a couple of magazines in and my tablet, there's no WiFi in my hospital but I get signal on my mobile for FB and texting, and I have so many boredom-busting games on my tablet (can recommend Bejeweled Blitz, Tetris and Dumb Ways To Die if anyone is looking for some!)

Moomin so impressed with your organised bag, that's brilliant! I haven't started mine yet but I'll find your list useful to refer to - I'll start thinking about it this week.

I washed all the little teeny weeny clothes today - oh my god they're so cute! Also tried the car seat and base in the car and figured out how it works so we're not stressing at the time. DH has been doing a sort of blokey nesting and has been painting the hallway!

Big hugs for everyone with hormones going awry. So horrible isn't it. Mine were terrible earlier in the week. I think work stress doesn't help. I had the most awful stressful afternoon on Friday and someone was very rude to me (they were totally out of order and in the wrong). I came home really upset - I was so wound up I could barely sleep on Friday night and just kept thinking about what had happened - usually I'd be able to let things go but it just kept going round and round my head all night.

On a positive though we did day 1 of 2 of our hypnobirthing course yesterday and really enjoyed it. The instructor was great and the relaxation exercises were lovely - definitely felt a lot more chilled out when we came home than I had done on the way! DH and I both learned quite a lot about how the body works during birth and it was really interesting - he really enjoyed it too which was good (our NCT classes have not been that great so I was relieved!).

Moomin that's a very comprehensive bag! I've packed my stuff but I'm not going to bother packing the baby's bag until week 38/39 as I'm going by how big ds was and have bought only 0-3 month stuff. If he comes early, it will all be too big, so dh will have to pop out and buy some littler outfits.

Baby is definitely transverse again! Little bugger. The almost pain free day and a half was fun while it lasted! Maybe he'll shift again... Fingers crossed!

Hormonal solidarity to all the other criers today! Maybe it's because of the full moon, but I've been crying over EVERYTHING today. Even crying because I saw pics of pretty girls out in the pub and compared to them I'm a pregnant, hippo, hormonal mess! also I think I actually said "no one knows how I feeeeeel!" like a bloody teenager. I really hope dh doesn't remind me of this when I'm back to normal!

Great list moomin, I'm going to use that for putting mine together :) I've started stock piling but nothing gets packed til DH gets back later this week. Bump is under strict instructions to remain put ;)

My bump is also not head down, midwife said no need to worry at this stage (32 weeks). I think they can keep moving up until labour so I'm taking comfort in that.

Wonder how bushprincess is, having an amazing time I hope :)

Moomin great hospital bag! Mine is similar except less baby stuff I think, will pack more soon!

We did well at local NCT nearly new sale yesterday. For £12 got:
3 pairs 0-3 dungarees
Neutral Sleep nightie (with elastic open end for ease of night changing)
Stripy rainbow baby coat
Brand new change mat
6 new looking (or very clean) muslins
Mega blocks dumper (we couldn't resist)
Interactive farm puppet book

I was so pleased. Especially by changing mat as I know they aren't essential but was stressing me we didn't have one!

The sofa and armchair are not my friends at the moment. Ironic as I had imagined maternity leave (3 weeks to go) sitting with feet up knitting or crocheting. For me comfy is either a hard chair at a table (so I can lean on table), or birth ball at table, or lying on floor with my theraline beany pillow, or bed. That is it. Meant I fell asleep on the floor watching the Voice! I've never been comfy lying on floor OR sitting on hard chairs and now that's all I can do. So so weird!! I'm marginally more mobile at the mo, but still can't stand for very long. Back to swimming tomorrow I guess and keeping trying to keep moving! We had a friend stay this weekend and DH was a total star cleaning before she arrived, cooking and washing up whilst she was here and he even had bed linen from spare room in wags before I'd got back from dropping her at station!! I'm going to have to be a totally amazing wife forever to make up for this!!

Your DH sounds like a star clearly Try sitting the wrong way round on a dining chair too so that you can lean against the back. I watch tv like this and find it comfy. Happy swimming /bobbing :)

The swelling in myhands are getting so bad i can't bend my fingers

Morning all!
I'm still here but not managing to post much. Four days left at work for me and then off on a family holiday Friday! I do feel like work have been taking the piss, panicking a bit that I'm going and getting me to do far more than usual. Just when I don't need it. I was thinking of going back for a week or two after the holiday but I'm not doing them any favours. Plus I have four weeks annual leave to take before MAT starts, so screw then I'm having some quality time with DS before his little sis comes along. I can't wait!

Note to self; Pack hospital bag!! Your lists are very helpful I will defo be using them.

Have a lovely week everyone. I think I'll be posting more soon as work is finishing.

Quick question; woke up in pain last night. It was low down on my left side more so towards my back. Could it be a UTI? Is that where my liver is , a little clueless here?
I've taking pain killers through the night but it's still there.
Thanks in advance x x

31+3!

I've run out of cocodamol and I've got a big presentation at uni today, 50% of my final grade for one module rests on it but I couldn't get a GP appointment because I'm uni all day! Grrr

I'm already getting so nervous about the consultant tomorrow. They've been so dismissive before and I'm scared that I'll get in there and let them dismiss me again, and I just can't do that

Could be a UTI, vikks but more likely just baby laying in a funny position and pressing on nerves/stretching skin. Definitely not your liver which is up just under your ribs at the moment

Morning all. All this talk of hospital bags has made me feel very inadequate - I am going to take stock of what I have, then do some shopping for everything else I need.

moomin Just imagine that we are all there with you in the consultant's tomorrow, being Scary Assertive Pregnant Ladies and cheering you on! Just keep taking deep breaths and reminding yourself that you know your body best.

Been and done my 40 lengths of the pool this morning. Hung the washing out, had breakfast and just trying to motivate myself to start decorating. Or I might eat an ice lolly and spend some money online instead....

Wonderful to see Gabriel and hear how well he's doing, Alyss! What a strong little boy you have. :)

Sounds like you've got a good hospital bag arranged there, Moomin. Can you take someone with you to your consultant appointment tomorrow? It might give you a bit more confidence if you have someone else there to back you up and fight your corner with you. Hope your presentation goes well today!

Below is what I have in my hospital bag so far, which should easily cover 24-48 hours for most circumstances. My situation is a bit unusual though as I'm anticipating a home water birth, so I'm gathering things with that in mind and just have them ready in a bag in case I need to transfer.

A lot of stuff is placed into appropriately labelled freezer bags, as DH will almost certainly be the one told by the MWs to pass them a sleepsuit/hat/nappy/etc and I wouldn't put money on him finding the right item without a bit of assistance at the best of times - let alone if he's tired/stressed/etc!

3 x Newborn Vests and Sleepsuits
3 x 0-3 Months Vests and Sleepsuits
1 x Baby Jumper
3 x Newborn Hats
2 x Pairs of Newborn Socks/Booties
3 x Soft Bibs
3 x Muslin Squares
1 x Cotton Blanket
1 x Cellular Blanket
1 x Lovenest Pillow
12 x Stage 1 Nappies
1 x Starter Box of Aptimal Newborn Milk, 6 bottles and teats

1 x Maternity Mat
1 x Old Bikini
2 x Nursing Bras
1 x Black Breastfeeding Dress
2 x Front Buttoning Nighties
1 x Pair of Flipflops
3 x Large Tena Lady Pants
3 x Large Black Granny Pants
2 x 10 Pack of Maternity Pads
12 x Breast Pads

2 x Bottles of Pepsi
2 x Granola Bars
3 x Straws
1 x Large Towel
1 x Small Towel
1 x Large Pack of Wipes
Notepad and Pen
Pot of Change for Parking/Vending Machines
Phone Charger
Maternity Notes, inc two Birth Plans in a Plastic Wallet
Handful of Plastic Bags, Zip Lock Bags and Freezer Bags

In Washbag:
Hairbands and Hairbrush
Shampoo, Conditioner and Shower Gel
Toothbrush and Toothpaste
Lansinoh
Arnica Tablets
Witch Hazel
Tea Tree Oil
Coconut Oil
Pain Relief (Paracetamol, Ibuprofen & hopefully something prescribed in advance - TBC!)
Nail Clippers
Vaseline
Pack of Cotton Pads
Pack of Tissues
Newborn Dummy
Old Sports Bottle of/for Water (not for drinking...)

Other things I might grab on the day, depending on situation, include my camera, tablet, etc. Car seat is ready by the door to be grabbed if required. (i.e. if I'm only transferring for stitches and should be released within an few hours.)

I haven't bothered including anything to entertain me as I should be at home and last time everything happened far too quickly for me to even contemplate reading a magazine or even listening to music. If I'm going in for an arranged induction/CS or similar, then I'll add a few other bits. :)

Also, if I know or suspect that I'll be staying overnight, I'd probably grab a nice pillow and my breast feeding cushion. Maybe a dressing gown as well.

Waiting at home, I have a box with 8 different flavoured packets of naice biscuits to distribute to the MWs (I had 4 from the HB team last time around, plus the BFing specialist who dropped in and my community MW who popped in later as well.) in thanks, and/or to use as emergency rations!

I think that's all I have at present... I'll probably think of other things to add. I tend to be rather over-prepared! (You should see what I carry in the changing bags...)

Full of cold here, and feel pretty rotten. But, as it's only my second cold for the whole pregnancy I can't really complain that much. I seemed to have a constant stream of colds last time around-! Wish I wasn't at work, but I can't afford any more days off before maternity leave.

Good morning and happy Monday to all.

I'm also realising that I need to get my bum into gear with packing my hospital bag. I'm always on such a go slow, seems to take me weeks on end to get a task started or ended!

But will try and go shopping at some point this week to get the things I will want when we are in hospital. Gosh it's all getting so real.

33+5 today. 4 weeks and 2 days until maternity. I can't wait!!

I have just added mugs tea
And coffee to my list!!nhs tea is rank

Sounds like a good plan Kally, they won't dare dismiss me with the strength of my angry mob dead impressed with your 40 lengths, I'm managing about 15 on average when I go swimming lately

Think I'll ask OH to come Spirael, he's got tomorrow off uni thankfully. He can sometimes be a bit quiet but I think he knows how fed up and in pain I've been, I'm not sure he'll let them get away with writing it off as "just live with it"

I don't mind if they tell me, there's nothing that can be done about the pain, just keep taking painkillers... but I want them to promise me tomorrow that they won't let me go over my due date. I don't want this for a second longer than I have to! If I can walk out of there tomorrow with that promise I'll be a happy girl

I've heard a lot about arnica for bruising and pain, is it as good as they say?

Once I've spoken to midwife about it on Thursday I'm going to contact Boots, chase up my parenting club membership (I want my extra points!!!!) and then once that comes through I'll sign up to hire a TENS machine, and I'm also going to get to Holland and Barrett and start on some raspberry leaf capsules.

Then at 37 weeks let the curry (bleh)/walking/shag fest begin!

I can't wait for week 37! Hopefully the weather is nice and warm - I can see myself buying a dozen fresh pineapples to juice, having curry or chilli every evening, dh will think it's his birthday with the amount of times he'll be allowed to shag me!
Although I hate to burst anyone's bubble, but I also did all this the last time and was induced a week past my due date. Stubborn babies!

Our NHS midwife begged us not to eat curries in final few weeks. Her comments were "we are on the receiving end if it does work! So please don't!" She reckoned it was the most old wifey of all the "theories"! Nipple stimulation however is supposed to be a dead cert...

Oh I forgot about nipped stimulating. What do you do, just twiddle them? or do you use a breastpump or something?

Nipple stimulation even!

I heard just twiddle them...

Just wondering where you can rent a tens from? Any ideas?

Thanks for all the useful bag lists! Will try to get organised this week. Washed baby clothes at the weekend at least. DS is fascinated with them going "teeny teeny tiny, mummy!".
alyss, your Gabriel is lovely, so glad to hear he's making progress! I know how those weeks at neonatal/NICU drag on... But you will be home before you know it!
Had a growth scan today, all good, 50th centile-yay! Very chuffed since DS was well below the 5th at this stage. Baby stuck its tongue out and licked its lips- so cute! Bit of protein in my urine but nothing to worry about apparently.
Popped into IKEA on my way home and spontaneously got a draught excluder to use as a cushion between my legs in bed! :) Hormones make some interesting shopping choices...
Xo to those suffering with pains and mood swings! X