April 2015 Thread 15: Babies galore!

[BrixtonBunny]

Babies are now coming thick and fast... Let's see how many will come on this thread!

RL re contractions basically go with them. It can hurt. Breathe or grunt through them. Focus on the breathing or whatever noise type thing helps you. Also keep mobile. The contraction builds and then it fades. The breathing keeps you calmer. Focus. My mistake was I fought the pain. Looking back I shouldn't have. I panicked. Because DD was early I hadn't acquainted myself with what to do so all I could think was "stop this pain!". I should have been like "come on!" Once I started the proper breathing (as advised by MWs) I started to dilate. I was even able to go w/out g&a cos I was just staring at this picture of a pink flower on the wall and grunting lol (However ended up with epidural due to meconium and the drip).
Hope that helps!

Ha ha boo your last comment made me smile about boob drips! And nunkie so glad all is going well - yes the boobs bit is horrid!!!

You have all said such lovely things. Reading back I am a bit embarrassed about how much I've whingey and worried today. But it's been a very trying day!

RL that sounds like a BH to me. During my early ones there was just an awareness that something was going on... And an instinct to feel the bump and find it was hard. Now they make me go sort of fizzy - almost dizzy sometimes - and often accompanied by pressure, occasionally slightly uncomfy and definitely much more frequent than before.

Yep Lauren I'd guess more like early early prelabour business. It can last ages though can't it? Sorry, that doesn't sound encouraging of me! But no I didn't think BHs were supposed to have any pain like that. I am losing plug again this last couple days too, very thick, you wipe and it doesn't break eewww... And is yellower than the rest. I get more after fanny daggers!!!

Dh is home but although he told me he had work to do when he got home, I hadn't realised he meant til about 3am he therefore asked if I would be ok taking dd to nursery tomorrow when he is on annual leave because he will probably need to sleep. He can't understand why I'm upset!!! He's asked me to do "one thing"... I told him he doesn't realise I have nearly had a nervous breakdown today, am sore, and effectively he has come home and said "I might as well not be here in terms of helping with our daughter until tomorrow evening". He hasn't seemed at all impressed that his dinner was waiting either - admittedly is wasn't hard but some appreciation given how today has been wouldn't have gone amiss! We've made up a bit now but I'm still annoyed!

Omg ds is wriggling so much that I can hardly breathe with the Braxton Hicks it is causing, wow!!!! I hope he's ok...?! Incessant wiggly rolling for about a minute now, what is going on?! now it's causing my palpotatioms to start! Stop, I need to breathe little man!

Ok so I can type through it, I'm not dying

Also most irritated by stupid pharmacist. Had to go back today to collect inhalers for dd because she wouldn't dispense them on Monday since the dose was technically too high for hee age so she wanted to double check with GP first. Totally fine. I went and collected the rest of the prescription today to find she has dispensed spacers for her inhalers without masks on. They are just like an inhaler mouthpiece. I know it's her mistake since we have had the prescription before (with face mask...). As the pharmacist already pointed out to me, she is not even two. How on earth does she therefore think I am going to be able to get here to use an adult style mouthpiece?! I will double check prescription in GP tomorrow before getting grumpy with her but honestly... All I want is a spacer for her to take to nursery and to put in her "mummy is off to hospital" bag, I just want it sorted! Grrr...

Rant number #531 over

You ladies are all brilliant. It is so nice to know you can ask stupid questions and get a straight answer. I'm amazed at how everyone is coping with all the different situations and still has the energy to support everyone else.

Soppy message over, now to sleep before my last day!

Hi RL - here's the general advice that we were given with DD1 re. when to call the hospital etc...

There are 3 labour signs - loss of mucus plug, waters breaking and contractions.

Mucus plug - as others have said you can lose this at any point - several days or even weeks before you go into labour. So while it is a sign that things are happening you don't need to do anything in response.

Waters breaking - if your waters break you should phone the hospital. Some people's waters break but contractions don't start. If this happens, they will still want to know about it because they will think about inducing you (usually by 24 hrs afterwards) because there is a risk of infection once the baby doesn't have the protection of the waters.

Contractions - they will be interested in the time between contractions, how intense they are and how long each one lasts. If they get to 5 mins apart and are lasting 45-60 seconds you should call the hospital to discuss whether to go in.

Overall, my experience is that the people who work at the MAU (that's where you call here - is it the same with you?) are really helpful and happy to give advice over the phone. When I was in labour with DD1, my waters broke first and the contractions started pretty much straight away after that. We called them and they said to stay at home because first babies can take a long time. I stayed at home for about 12 hours but called them up every couple of hours just to discuss how things were going until eventually they said I should go in. So if you are unsure, just give them a ring. It's hard to know in advance what all your questions will be and to cover it all with the midwife.

In terms of coping with the pain, as others have said it is very much about trying to stay calm, breathing deeply during a contraction and not panicking. This really does make a difference. I'm not sure if you are into this kind of thing but I found it useful to listen to some CDs by Maggie Howell beforehand to try and prepare - she talks you through how to stay calm and breathe during contractions etc. www.amazon.co.uk/Effective-Birth-Preparation-Hospital-Centre/dp/1905220502/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

Hope that helps! x

Good advice roastpots. I wish I'd had that - I didn't have a clue what to do and I didn't realise the midwives would just leave you to it. OH and I were rabbit in headlights. My mum (ex-MW) would've been there but she had a terrible virus and could barely talk. Afterwards she said to me that when you are in the throes of it you might forget all the breathing rituals so make sure your OH reminds you

Boo as if on cue I just got the first leak, and initially assumed I'd dribbled on myself (well, from the mouth I mean! :0). Thanks for post natal thread - and for the reassurances about the boobs - I could have cried with the pain earlier. DD seems to have been deemed to have a good latch so far but I did always have very sensitive nipples so I guess they just need to toughen up a bit!

Cave Troll - I was 38 weeks on he money when I went in and had my first sweep. My plug dropped out a day or two later (as I struggled not gag at the sight of it :0). I then had some mild period-type pain after they put the shoelace pessary thing up for 24 hrs.
After that they ramped up to the 6 hour pessary. For 10 hours nothing happened, but just as I was writing it off I started getting some pretty solid contractions, which intensified overnight (resulting in me having to get on all fours one out of every four minutes and try to sleep thru the other three - limited success there as you can imagine - hah :0D) but these subsided by the following afternoon and I was still only 2cm dilated. However, when they did another sweep they saw my cervix had lowered enough that my waters could be broken, so that's when they did that with the big knitting needle thing and then drafted in the drip when nothing more had happened after 2 hours :0)

What I found really helpful actually was DP asking a load of questions as I initially felt a bit put-upon when the doctor bustled in and practically told me I was having an induction after the first day of tests when my BP and other test results hadn't looked too bad. So I would definitely say have them explain themselves if you feel pushed. They will always do it if you are insistent. And if you are the more passive sort (like me) draft in friends/family/doula who can do it on your behalf :0)

(Doh! I just leaked on myself again!)

Awake with a wheezing coughing dd Its horrid hearing her like this. Just did her 6 puffs of ventolin but she is still coughing. We stopped the tablets a week ago and now pretty much back to square one. Think we might have to give in to the steroid trial and I am gutted. I've given her these genes and I feel very responsible and sad. I know in the grand scheme of things its really a minor issue but it feels big right now. I just want her to sleep soundly and feel comfy and I can't fix it. And then the new baby wriggles inside and I feel annoyed with him that he is interrupting and making me uncomfy and taking my attention when dd is poorly, I feel like she needs me and I'm about to be taken away from her when she's not even better yet. I'm so sad and disappointed for my little girl. And I am feeling very unreasonably cross to my unborn baby!!!

Trying to get a doctor appointment just before bank holiday weekend should be fun...

I truly feel for parents with children who have bigger issues. Seeing your child unwell/suffering so much must be truly awful, I hate to imagine.

Now dh has come to bed and is snoring. What with my restless legs, Braxton hicks squeezing the breath out of me every 10-15 mins, dd coughing and generally feeling totally jittery I think I might as well get up. Kipping on the sofa after a cuppa and some therapeutic colouring in I think. Wonder if I'm the only one awake?

Still awake...

Oh no Squatting why do you feel like that? Do you think maybe because your due date isn't for a few weeks and some on here have already had their babies? I'm sure it's a panic that goes through everybody's mind at some stage in the pregnancy, and near the end it's always going to be emotionally harder to get through these last few weeks. Would you speak to your midwife about the anxieties? I'm an anxious person too (if nobody's already guessed!).

Daholster I agree with the others. All of us are on here looking for support in one way or another .
Sorry for your rubbish night, hope you've managed to get some sleep.
I was awake around 4.50am but tried to get back to sleep, which is hard when listening to the other half brushing his teeth, going to the toilet, coughing, getting dressed, turning all the lights on, etc. I've started to give in now and turn the tv on, get something to eat and post on here! After about half an hour usually it makes me tired again. So far this morning I've had a granola bar and a packet of crisps!
RE BH's, will keep an eye out then and see if I get any more!

Roastpots thanks for all of that, it's really helpful!
Will take a look at that link too, I'm open to most things that may help my anxieties! I just know though, that when it comes to it and I get some sort of symptom, I will be ringing up straight away, anyway!

FiRaffe I agree, and I really have asked some questions that sound silly to me! It's nice that you do get a non-judgemental answer though.

Thanks Chicken!
As said in an earlier post I had something which I wasn't sure whether it was BH or just baby sticking his bum out really far. Either way, my belly went hard and my first instinct was to get up! So I walked to the toilet. Obviously no idea whether or not I would be physically able to get up when having a real contraction but we'll see!
When I had some twinges last night, I was watching tv and wondered to myself what I could take to hospital as a distraction, like you said with the picture, because I was sort of using the tv for it as well as practicing my breathing techniques a little bit.

How are you feeling Lauren, did you manage to get any sleep?

Congratulations Nunkie, hope you're getting on ok . Love the way you described looking at your newborn for the first time .

I didn't get much sleep but not for any pain related reason. Strange dreams, heartburn and a DD octopus monster were enough to stop me sleeping.

Is it wrong that I want to put a lock on my bedroom door so she can't get in? Really must order her a big girl bed so I can at least get I that and leave her and DH to it.

Morning all... a rotten night's sleep here, although DH was sweet enough to say I didn't really disturb him (don't believe him for a minute, mind). Lots of hip pain and bone creaking/clicking, so shifting position and trying to get comfortable. Thankfully the red-hot wire underneath the bump seems to have calmed down (I think that may just be the skin stretching rather than anything ligament-y), but both hip 'points' (the bit you lie on when you lie down on your side and where most of the pressure falls, if that makes sense) are grumpy this morning and have been most of the night. Underbump is still a bit sore (between bottom of bump and top of the garden, as it were), but I'm assuming that's to do with the baby's head rather than anything else.

Quite a quiet baby this morning, but after yesterday's wriggle-fest I reckon a rest has been earned... I've felt some movement so I'm not too worried.

and to all those looking at trying to get hold of medical people over the next few days, and very best of luck.

I've said I'll be at the Maundy Thursday service this evening, in the choir. Let's see how that turns out...

Mine were like that with ds1 Nunkie! Dh thought it was great until he realised how miserable it made me. Couldn't cuddle him for days and had to go and buy a much softer bra than I had. Milk supply did settle down but I did wear breast pads until he was 8 months as I had so much and the midwife said I could easily be a wet nurse (which at the time really didn't amuse me!). Are you going to share your possible names?

Sorry to hear your dd is struggling daholster, my friend was very like you about steroids but sometimes it's the best thing and her dd is almost 7 and rarely uses her inhaler now and no steroids. Sorry dh is being an arse, if mines anything to go by he's been much more stressed than he's let on about how work will go when he's not there and is a lot more relaxed now he's got everything in place for him to be off. I can see that him saying HE needs sleep takes the p but perhaps he feels he needs to be able to support you by being fresh? Or maybe he's just beig an arse

I know you will have to pay but I would be inclined to Just go to the pharmacy for thrush treatment SquattingNeville, it's bloody miserable and better to sort it sooner than later. Sorry you're worrying about bringing baby home, have you discussed it with anyone? Dh, midwife?

Not a good night here either, ds1 poorly so up a couple of times, dh struggling to breathe so he was taking inhaler and nasal spray and periodically sitting up so disturbing me and only two wees last night. Ran with my friend this morning which was refreshing but now all sweaty and hungry and need to shower before my kids arrive in 15 mins . Breakfast then shower after the first one is here before other two arrive I think!

Squatting, in case it's any comfort I find myself going into doomsday scenarios about the actual birth without quite knowing why too. I think it's just because my brain wants to cover all possible eventualities (see hyper-organised birth plan) and is prepping for the absolute worst, even if the odds are miniscule. I agree with Cinnamon, talk to somebody about it (as I probably should too).

Cinnamon, I bought my nursing bras yesterday and opted for the softest, least structured ones that Mothercare had, so I'm now feeling vindicated by your experience!

Annia - good luck with choir. So jealous of you still being able to sing (although since baby has dropped I am finding singing along in the car easier!)

Squatting - hope you get a solution and feel more comfortable about everything soon. Not too long to go now!

Daholster - asthma can be nasty, but equally it can be controlled. You are doing the best for your DD and don't doubt that and I know you feel cross at DS but they can't tell yet, so don't worry! Your DH on the other hand will hopefully be better after a sleep and getting back into family routine!

Nursing bras are on my next week to do list....not looking forward to it, but at least it's done then. Any brand suggestions for those of us with bigger boobs to start with?

I know cinnamon he did nearly get a temp! He isn't very good with words and often puts his foot it in, but I laughed, and he still wanted to DTD so it obviously doesn't bother him that things feel different.
he's gone to work in the car today so that I have to stay home and rest. He's told me not to do anything, but has said it's ok if I want to replant my plant into its new plant pot but other than that he wants me to just relax. He's only been gone half an hour and I already feel bored. I don't think I know how to just do nothing. Sounds silly but I feel guilty about being off work doing nothing. Anyone else feel guilty?
Came downstairs this morning and candle on the side was still lit, it's been burning all night :/ oops

Lovely story nunkie
I'll look at the post natal thread once I've had ds otherwise I'll be needing to do more fear release relaxation! He better make an appearance by himself in the next 4 weeks!

Cinnamon I'm astounded that you're still running at 39+3. Surely that will be good for encouraging baby down as it's bound to be more effective than a gentle walk? Sorry you had a rough night, hope your DS feels better soon.

Daholster as others have said, moan away! You're doing fantastically and we're all amazed at how well you're coping despite a DH who is working away and your health complications.

My hands are so sore and swollen today. I'm torn between wanting baby to come soon and wanting baby to stay in for ever! I still feel in no way ready, but at the same time I am very excited for baby to come and to meet him or her. DTD properly for the first time in ages yesterday, it felt a bit less sore so hopefully things are starting to soften down there a bit.

39+1

Horrible night sleep here too. I got up to pee 7 times and have cramp in my back and lower bump, so body must be doing something. Starting to get a bit scared about it all.

Felt really sorry for DH as I must have kept him awake. Planning on going to my mum's for the weekend to give him a break.

Spent all day on the sofa yesterday and still needed to have a nap. Bloody exhausted! So feel I must do something productive. Might make Easter cakes for the family.

Im off bra shopping next week. Thinking of trying Debenhams.

Jealous of all you DTD. DH said he'll only do it if I go past my date. So now feel paranoid that he thinks I'm gross. Oh well.

37+4

kismac, some men are just worried about hurting their oh's or baby I'm sure he doesn't think you're gross. Perhaps just gently ask him to out your mind at rest. Mine fell asleep so we didn't dtd last night after all!

Morning all. Quick one cos dh is up with dd and I've said I'll come down in a sec I fell asleep on the sofa around 4am and woke at half 5 to dd coughing with no bed cover again, then crawled into bed. Woke at 06.45 sigh Still, 2.5 hrs sleep should do it right...?

Dd looks knackered poor thing but playing and coughing. Off to nursery shortly and Dr appt 14.30. Midwife for me at 15.00. Dh will be dragged along to Kaitlin sit given he is on annual leave!!!

Maybe dh will get a nap while I am out with work over lunch... Just sitting in a coffee shop for a couple of hrs so people can come and say hi if they like Hope some do or I'll be lonely!!!

38+2

PS thanks for comments about dd. Just have to get her well, however we get there.

Last day at work and I'm busy which is rubbish I want to sit and drink tea and eat cake

I'm tired as well needed to wee 3 times and bump is aching then I was awake from about 4am. We are out tonight with the PIL they have booked a table at an Indian restaurant I will need a bottle of gaviscon for desert!

Treated myself to a mcdonalds breakfast. At least I'm not moody anymore.

No idea what I'm going to do with DD this afternoon. Any suggestions ladies? Got to keep her entertained for about 3 hours then we can go shopping with DH.