The relaxed grads.

[lostindubai]

Joining from the relaxed TTC-ers. Hoping to see everyone here soon

My stats:
Age 36
DS 29 months old, still bf once a day at bedtime.
Currently 7 weeks pregnant.
History: had a mc at 9 weeks prior to DS - also had bleeding while pg with him but all was well.

Been feeling constantly ill for a week now! Last time I ate to feel better but it doesn't make any difference this time. Only actually been sick twice though. Had to fess up to the parents/PILs already as so off colour. Started taking spatone sachets today to try and increase my energy levels. Looking forward to speaking with a midwife to see what else I can do, if anything.

Hi again..

Yes Sally, those panic feelings are totally normal, and I'm kind of getting them again although I've "done it all before"...
Yes the movements and bump are increasingly uncomfortable all the time, but I will still miss them, I know it!

Luckily I don't have to run after DC1 except for a couple of hours in the morning and again in the evening, as my husband looks after her while I work. Am sad though because I can't read her to sleep anymore, she usually sits in between my legs on the bed, and bump is just too big now

That's great they gave you lots of BF information. I think from my experience, I would say that just don't have any expectations about how easy or hard it will be; you'll BOTH be learning. Get support as early as you can if it is painful (more than a bit uncomfortable), or leaves you with flat nipples, or 'lovebites' - all suggest bad latch. Don't be afraid to call a helpline (like La Leche League) or find a local BF peer supporter or group. Feeling that feeding is going wrong, when you are their sole source of nutrition (and want to avoid formula) is hugely stressful, so get help.

And biggest thing- don't let anyone tell you to have scheduled feeds or push formula on you in first few days while your milk is still coming in - just try at first feeding the baby whenever they start to signal to you, i.e. before they cry. These signals can be subtle things, like opening their mouth, sticking tongue out, touching their mouth with hands, "rooting" about with their head. Pay attention and you'll learn how they tell you they want to feed. If you are responsive from early on, it will help stimulate your supply, and get baby used to it too.
I found stroking the nipple down from nose to top lip to stimulate gaping reflex was a great tip for getting a really nice big open mouth for latching well.

Really recommend to everyone on this thread the "Womanly Art of Breastfeeding" book by La Leche League; title sounds old-fashioned but it 's totally practical, up-to-date advice and has a whole section on the first few days.

Now after all that, here's an embarrassing update: we actually FORGOT to go to our final scan last week I was away at work trying to focus, and DH was dealing with ill DC1... cannot believe it when I've been looking forward to it for so long... awful! Rescheduled for the day I hit 35 weeks! Crazy, but still so excited to see her again finally.

Getting close to D Day now isn't it?!

Am 34 weeks and it has flown by this time round. infrance can totally understand how you would miss a scan! relate to how busy it can be juggling many different plates.

At the moment focus is on winding down and getting finished at work, once that is over hope to get baby stuff out from loft etc...have a feeling am going to be very busy first week of maternity leave!

If baby comes very early we will have to go into hospital anyway as wouldn't be able to have a home birth but haven't packed anything like a hospital bag.

Sally that must be a nice feeling, having finished your antenatal classes. We have NCT refresher classes this month, which is a bit stressful as need to find someone to have our toddler etc..

The NCT breast feeding guide is another good breast feeding book, it deals with practical and emotional aspects. Found it helpful with DD. Have just read ' do birth / a gentle guide to labour and childbirth' by Caroline Flint, not a long book but simple and very positive.

Hello and happy mothers day to all you lovely mummies and mummies-to-be! I'm grabbing a few extra minutes in bed so thought I'd come and update and see how you all are.

So I've been continuing with my iron tablets (I don't think spatone would be enough on its own Sally) and my levels are doing well apparently. I was told at one consultant appointment that the anaemia means I'll need a blood test when I go into labour as they may need to prepare for excess bleeding during the birth, so they'd get extra bloods ready etc. I panicked as I really want a relaxed water birth this time as last time was so traumatic, but this can still happen apparently so I need to chill! I never thought the anaemia would affect the birth but there you go. At least they are taking care of me, and all I really need is nice people delivering my baby who will make sure I have adequate pain relief, unlike last time.

I've seen a physio this week as I have been struggling since Christmas with an oversize bump and had muscles pulling all over the place! Also thought I was getting SPD but the pelvic pain is actually something called sacroiliac joint dysfunction and the left side of my pelvis was an inch lower than the right so she fixed that and showed me how dp can fix it too if I need to. I also now have a massive tubigrip to support my bump, which has helped but it's impossible to scratch through it when bump gets itchy! I'm just glad it's not high summer as it's an extra layer on top of everything else. So glad I saw the physio though. She also explained the surface bump pain I've had is down to the muscles underneath separating and not to worry. She'll see me after the birth to assess how they're doing and help me repair them if necessary. She was super lovely and very reassuring (which is just what I need!)

I accidentally missed making my 34 week appointment with the midwife, quite embarrassing as it's my new one since I moved! (Hospital midwives have been checking me at every consultant appt though so could have been worse.) Saw her a week later though and she's also lovely so I'm rather pleased as hopefully I'll get some continuity of care now - at the last practice I seemed to get a new midwife every appointment - all nice but still prefer to get to know someone at times like this.

Sally - sorry for late response to this one re personal grooming. I'll admit I've become a bit of a hippy since my first pregnancy! Time just doesn't allow me to faff around down there any more. I'll trim with nail scissors every once in a while and if I go swimming I'll do a quick bikini line shave before hand, but I just don't care as much any more obviously a mirror comes in handy at this point, but it really isn't a priority for me any more. Luckily dp doesn't seem to mind!!

InFrance glad your trip away was good but sorry it was so cold! Thanks for the link about wrapping bump. It's amazing how something as simple as that can really help. I'll hopefully be using a similar wrap for babywearing when the time comes. Can't wait to find out more about that! I sympathise about the stabby cervical pains - this has happened a lot for me too. Baby is always head down when the midwives listen in, so seems to be comfortable there!

You're right - certainly not as relaxed now!! I'm incredibly tearful and the smallest thing sets me off. I feel so very unprepared this time and I know it's because we're in a new house that needs a fair bit of work. Ds' new room is almost ready and so we'll be moving him in there soon. I've decided to put off potty training him till after baby's here as I just don't think it's fair to rush him and I've already got enough to think about.

We're struggling with names a bit too. I've got a definite favourite girl's one, which I've just about convinced dp to like too (his favourite is the one of would have used for ds, but we both feel the moment has passed for that one). Still no idea for a boy's name though! I've been stalking the baby names board for inspiration.

Hope everyone's ok, Reebok, Decca, Blue, Rocksie, Apple and anyone else I've missed!

Oh meant to say - excellent breastfeeding advice from InFrance above. I had a lovely bf relationship with ds after a slightly rocky start, looking forward to starting that all again

Hey everyone it's gone rather quiet on here. Hope you are all doing ok. Is evryone finished preparing now? It's so exciting we are all gonna have our babies soon. I was thinking back to the TTC forum days I never expected to fall pregnant and now be here preparing for a baby so soon after joining

Thank you so much for all your advice and info on breastfeeding and everything else you have helped me with .I really appreciate you helping a new mummy to be out I feel really excited to start my BF journey with baby once she is here.

Are you guys on maternity leave now? I don't work (full time carer) so dunno how maternity leave works. how long do you get off work?

InFrance it's totally understandable missing an appointment you have a lot going on. My brain is like a sieve lately I think it's where I'm so focused on getting ready for baby that I've no room to remember or think about anything else I forget things I've been told almost instantly much to OH's annoyance lol

I Am currently in a little bit of a panic as I went to see my midwife a couple of weeks ago and was told my iron levels were a little low not dangerously or anything but that I needed to up them as baby would be taking more iron as she continues to grow which could make me Ill. She also said if my iron levels aren't up by my 36 weeks appointment/assessment then I could not give birth at the birth centre due to higher risk of blood loss. I'm really upset now she didn't give me iron tablets or anything as she said it was only a tiny bit low so I'm taking two spatone sachets every day and trying to eat iron rich foods do you think that will be enough to up my iron levels enough?

I have also had a few scares with pink discharge but I got hooked up to a monitor and checked over and everything was totally fine apparently spotting towards the end of pregnancy can occur because cervix gets irratated and also because of infections and hormones so at least I know now there's so much I'm learning.

I get a little scared she might come early but I know this is unlikely with your first baby.

Take care of yourselves and your beautiful bumps speak to you soon x

Hi Sally! Good to see you on here again. Sorry to hear about low iron levels. Strange that they haven't actually prescribed anything for you to fix that, particularly if it might affect your birthing options You'll see from my post above I had a similar conversation with my consultant a while back. I was told that the decision would be made depending on iron levels at the point of labour, not 36 weeks. Could you perhaps get a second opinion, from your GP maybe, or the birthing centre where you want to go? If it's upsetting you then I think you ought to really.

I am so not prepared! Although the new baby changing bag I ordered arrived today so at least I can pack it as my hospital bag now, and feel a little more ready.

I start my maternity in a week's time (but I only have a two day week next week!) and intend to take the maximum time I can. You get 52 weeks altogether (not all of it is paid) but I also accrue annual leave while away so it ends up around 13 months off. It's a lot of work to miss and I do value my job a lot but my babies are my priority! They are only tiny once. It's just dawning on me that my eldest will be spending more and more time away from me when his free childcare kicks in next month, and I'll miss him so much - and then I realise he's going to start school in 18 months and then he'll be gone all week I have been so close to him all this time and new baby's arrival will herald a lot of changes. So I'm tearful about ds but I also want to try and give new baby the same time and effort (although that will be impossible of course).

I'm glad you've been reassured after your scares. Not nice to have to go through. I think my little one is trying to make an early bid for freedom - lots of pains down below recently. But I've been overdoing it and I know it. Ds turned 3 last week so we've been really busy with his birthday as well as everything else. This morning I noticed I suddenly had swollen hands and feet (including ankles) so rang the midwife for reassurance and apparently I just need to take it easy. I was worried about pre eclampsia but have no other symptoms and baby is still moving ok etc. So need to relax and keep an eye on me.

Hope everyone's doing ok, take care Sally and I hope we can keep offering advice and support (if you require it of course!) after babies start to arrive

Hi Everyone,

Glad to hear that others are not yet ready as still not got things half way sorted..yikes! like you Lost still not on maternity leave so haven't had the mental space yet, my Boss had her waters break at work so praying that doesn't happen! Two weeks left at work now to go.

We have finished our NCT refresher course which has been helpful to remind you of all the birth, breast feeding & new baby stuff, some of which you forget. Useful to meet other couples who are having babies the same time in the local area. Some people we clicked with so hope we can keep in touch.

They also focused a lot on the older child as was for second time mums and this has made me a little sad thinking about our days as a family of 3 coming to an end and all the 121 time with DC1 coming to an end. I know we will all adapt but guess the reality is hitting me now.Guess these are similar feelings to you Lost re your son and how life is going to change for him soon and your relationship with him.

Am not sure about iron levels and advice re: delivery Sally but surprised if it that serious they didn't give you iron supplement tablets. Think it was you who suggested spatone sachets, and having been using them but haven't had any feedback if there is still something to worry about from most recent bloods.

Haven't got clear names in mind, we don't know what we are having and have a few ideas but we have quite different suggestions as we discovered last time

Hope everyone can enjoy these last few weeks of pregnancy, it is so exciting and can't wait to meet DC2 but think will also miss bump and of course sleep!

Hi everyone, great to see more chatting here!
Sorry about your worries with the discharge Sally that must have been very worrying indeed.
I'm also surprised about the iron thing. I asked for a different supplement to the bog standard tablets as I was having such trouble with the Pregnacare ones, and have been having something called Ferrostrane, it's a French medicine (www.medisite.fr/dictionnaire-des-medicaments-ferrostrane-068-pour-cent-sirop.602538.8028.html) but is a proper iron supplement. Had virtually no constipation issues, tastes ok, so would recommend maybe asking Dr for something similar?

Lost if they're worried about blood loss I believe you may not be able to have second stage in the pool, but you should be able to have first stage there.
Glad to see it's not just me missing appointments too
I'd advise buying a wrap ASAP and practicing, as I didn;t really the first time, and ended up not using it which I regretted a lot. Will make a big difference too with having a toddler to deal with at the same time!

Talking of which I'm having the same worries as all of you about how DC1 will cope, although she's used to me not being there during the day already, and DH will still be her 'primary carer', so that won't be new.
I've got a couple of books about new babies we've been reading, and she really likes those, plus I've been explaining how my boobs will make milk, and showing her photos of her breastfeeding. She tries to do it again, but has clearly forgotten how, and just kisses them!

Maybe those of us on 2nd pregnancies in the spirit of giving good advice could each come up with 'one thing we wish we'd known/done differently' to help those here who are first-timers?
Mine is: stress less about sleep. It was undeniably very tough and hard, but really I am trying to reverse how I feel this time, and its much easier knowing that even with a "bad" sleeper, things really do slowly improve over time, life becomes civilized again. Really they remain small for so long, that night-time wakings, cuddles and feeding back to sleep seem like precious opportunities for closeness to me now, rather than mountains to overcome!

My news- I was a bit quiet past few days as we had the 'final' scan on Friday, and while the baby was fine (and looking adorable, sleeping!), the sonographer (who is also one of the obstetricians) said that my placenta is a bit low, and went on to say I should think again about not wanting an epidural. Since then I've been completely freaking out about possible risks of haemorrage, need for manual extraction of placenta, and also being forced to labour in a way I know will be awful for me.
There's definitely an element of hyper-hormones kicking in here, and I am keeping in mind that I had the most important diagnosis of the baby being absolutely fine. However, I know this hospital is very risk-averse, and it's typical of them to ask for you to have an epidural "just in case" they need to do emergency surgery: they also put in a cannula to your hand at 7cm, and have a 'nil by mouth' policy on admittance in case of the vanishingly small risk of a general anaesthetic.
I REALLY do not want an epidural from the start (or at all!), as I did very well without pain relief last time (bar a TENS machine), and I worry that losing mobility could actually complicate the labour anyway.
On the other hand, they;ve now made me really worry about what my actual risks are. Have spoken to UK midwives and they tell me that the distance the placenta is from the cervix in my case is not serious, and might only require increased monitoring in UK. So.... I have an appointment this afternoon with my consultant obstetrician, and I'll be able to raise these questions.
Wish me luck!

Now back to work!!

After my appointment, I feel a bit better; Dr assured me I'm not being stupid by not wishing to have epidural from the start 'just in case' and was assured no risk to baby from all this either.
They won't do continuous monitoring unless I start to bleed, so that means I can be mobile for first stage, which really helped a lot last time. Only fly in the ointment is that if everything goes a bit wrong after 8cm, its too late for an epidural, and for some reason they can't do a spinal, so if I need manual extraction or some other haemorrage control, only pain relief option will be gas and air
Having looked at risks for my particular case and spoken to UK midwives, I don't think I have an especially huge likelihood of a dangerous bleed, so will cross my fingers and hope it's all ok for vaginal birth with no epidural needed.

Hi ladies

Sorry I've been quiet. Things have been crazy on my end. I started maternity leave at 32 weeks only to end up in hospital at 33 weeks for severe dehydration and contractions...had to stay in the high risk labour ward to be monitored just in case baby returned early. Am now 34 weeks and have had two hospital admissions in a week. Contractions have not stopped at all. It seems that if I do anything I get them which is making life really hard with dd. I'm pretty much housebound now. Fighting constantly with oh as I want to get everything sorted ASAP and he's not helping. Have had enough and I'm in tears constantly. So upset as the early Mat leave was taken so I could rest and enjoy myself but I haven't been able to.

Sally Re the iron, I'm surprised you haven't been put on anything. Maybe see your gp?? My levels are dangerously low at the moment which means birth centre is out for me but to be honest I can't have it anyway unless I manage to make it to 37 weeks regardless of the iron.

Infrance you are not being silly about the epidural. I'm a little confused though as with dd they gave me an epidural at 9cm as an emergency. Didn't think they could do that but apparently they can!

Hope you ladies are ok and managing more sleep than me. Spd and reflux is keeping me up!

Reebok what an awful time you're having. Massive hugs and sympathy to you. Please keep us updated and feel free to rant as much as you like about dp. Mine is also dragging his heels and I'm having to fight to get him to take a day off to decorate the baby's room. Apparently I should be "giving him more time at weekends" (even though ds is home at the weekends and I can barely look after him on my own these days )

I've had a lot of tears lately too, the slightest thing sets me off. I'm not feeling relaxed in this house as so much of it is undecorated and a complete mess from the move. We had our windows and doors done this week and it's laughable how rubbish it's been. We're still missing our new lounge window and front door, our new bedroom window is boarded up as the glass was damaged and they have to replace parts on another three windows which are damaged. It was all supposed to be finished Friday as I'm now 37+ weeks, but now looks like dragging on. Really unhappy customers here needless to say!

Re baby names we still haven't got final choices decided yet - just so disorganised this time around.

I do have my hospital bag almost ready though, just a few more bits to add like maternity pads and Lansinoh cream - oh that's my advice to first timers btw - get Lansinoh in stock before breastfeeding starts as I had to send dp out late at night last time after I got to the bleeding nipples/desperate crying stage. Could have saved myself a lot of grief by just having some already at home.

So my iron levels are good now and the consultant supports my plan to use the MLU when I go into labour. However I do now have to go for a growth scan on Tuesday as bump measurements have triggered this. I'm not overly worried and actually we'll take ds with us this time. Trying to get him more involved with baby plans to help him adjust. He's already picked out a couple of cute outfits.

Was going to do more shopping today but my legs and feet ache so much that I don't think I'm up to it really I'm usually less than 8 stone and I'm well over 10 now so my spindly legs can't cope! I also think I may have piles now although haven't been constipated so not sure why. Everything is swollen now it's just a joy to be this pregnant

We started our hypnobirthing classes last weekend and really enjoyed it. The others in the class and our teacher are lovely and even dp is getting on board. Hoping it will lead to a much more relaxed birth experience than last time.

InFrance will they offer you pain relief options such as meptid or pethidine if you need it? What about local anaesthetic injections if you need direct intervention (just make sure it kicks in before they do anything unlike the doctor who delivered my ds). Sorry to hear you're anxious about pain relief options. You need to feel properly prepared and confident before going in.

Oh, and I'm on mat leave now so going to book consultation with the babywearing lady shortly. Really looking forward to that

Home stretch now ladies!

Reebok I meant to add, can you see a physio about your SPD? It's amazing what they can do

Reebok really glad to hear from you, although not to hear about all the awful crap you've been dealing with. On top of the terrible hyperemesis, you really deserved a break from any other health issues.
Last time I had bad hip SPD at night, which was helped by having one of those long cushions between my knees. But I'm sleeping in another bed right now (to avoid being woken up by DC1!), and it turns out the firm mattress last time was majorly to blame too. Can you try sleeping on something soft like a duvet? It could make a difference.
I've also still got heartburn, as baby is high-up due to the placenta being in the way- no idea what will happen about engaging!
That's a real shame your DH isn't stepping up to help; I'd have thought being admitted to hospital multiple times might have made him a bit more keen to support you
While I know it's difficult, as I feel the same about needing to GET IT ALL DONE before baby arrives, try not to stress. You've done it before, you know what few things a newborn really needs, the most important of which is your love

Thanks for being nice about my epidural concerns. And I had to laugh at Dubai's kindly thoughts- the pain relief options here are ridiculously limited. There's only epidural as standard (80-90% of women in my hospital have one!), or gas and air, but you have to ask specifically for that, and it's in a huge cannister on wheels, not all built in to the delivery rooms like the UK. I think the French are suspicious of it for some reason. Otherwise, nothing else, no pethidine etc (not that I'm keen on that, too many people seem to find it nasty). This is also the hospital that gives you episiotomies WITH NO PAIN RELIEF because apparently "you won't feel it with all the pushing" - I most certainly f*-&ing did feel it last time . I also had to demand that they inform me before doing one as they weren't going to ask.
It's very different to the UK in so many ways, there's a general attitude of "why would you suffer", little discussion of the clinical reasons for avoiding epidural, and a lack of people taking an active part in their healthcare, asking questions etc. I got the impression last time that even having a birth plan was very outlandish, they had to have a special meeting to discuss my requests!

I also would have thought that it would be possible to get an epidural late on, but to be fair my first labour was fast (and very intense!), I went from 2-10cm in about 4 hours, so this time it could be even faster, and there might not be enough time for the epidural to take effect in an emergency haemorrage situation after the baby's out, which is what I'm most concerned about.

Dubai I really feel for you with the DIY stresses. It's bad enough the minor things that are bothering me at ours (a little bit of mould, dust under beds etc) and are provoking huge cleaning operation. Can't imagine how I'd cope with actual building stuff going on too
I understand bump measurements are very inaccurate, so your growth scan will most likely show all normal, will be thinking of you!
My DC1 (2 this week!) is quite excited, she asks to see the bump often which she kisses, we showed her photos of the 3D face from the 35 week scan and it was obvious she understood it is a baby. Going to buy her a Big Sister present "from the baby" as a welcome thing.

That's exciting about the babywearing consultation! Wish I could have one, have just been practising a lot by myself, wrapping bump has helped ligament strain a lot, and mde me confident with my woven wraps. I'll be interested to hear how it goes. I wish I'd just gone for woven last time and not bothered with stretchy, people encourage you to use those first, but I found them much more awkward to use. Don't be afraid to go straight to wovens if you like them, you can get nice thin, super soft ones for newborns (e.g. Firespiral 100% cotton ones are gorgeous, can PM you a facebook group for buying pre-loved if you want).

Cannot believe we are all so close now to the big events, just want to say that it's been lovely chatting if all communications break down somewhat after the new arrivals begin!
xxx

Hi everyone

I've not read all your posts yet but wanted to share my news with you. I had some difficulties and ended up being rushed to hospital. I gave birth to my little boy at 32 weeks. I was only discharged today due but he's still in special care. He's a little fighter and is doing well but mummy is exhausted. I'm dying to get back to the hospital but they've told me to go home for a few hours at least. Daddy is besotted by his little man and my heart overflows with joy every time I see them together. I'll pop back on when I can but I hope you are all doing well.

Rocksie sending you lots of and [tea], that sounds incredibly stressful and traumatic. Don't forget to look after yourself, although I can't imagine how hard it must be to leave him there while you are away.
Sending lots of positive vibes to you and your little boy

obviously I meant !

massive congrats Rocksie on your little boy! sorry to hear that it has been a tough start for you guys. I hope you feel better soon and that he is out of special care & home with you both ASAP

Sorry to hear about your hospital admissions too reebok this childbirth thing is not straightforward is it?! Hope you can get some rest and can get to 37 weeks and iron level improves.

Glad to hear doctors have reassured you Infrance the French system as you describe sounds quite different and it must add an extra dimension having to get your head around that. Like your big sister present idea may have to borrow that one.

Lost great news that your iron levels ok & can labour in MLU. Hope growth scan went ok.

Finally have 2 days left at work yay! Finding it rather challenging getting through the day and then home with a toddler. Really hoping that I can have a bit of rest before number 2 arrives. Unbelievably HR haven't signed off my mat leave request yet they seem to be clueless about shared parental leave & so slow grrr... Going to see them tomorrow to try & progress things.

We are getting there slowly with baby prep, have pool & did dummy run. Got baby stuff out of loft/ grandparents garage, washed clothes/ sheets etc. packed hospital bag. Midwife coming over tomorrow night suddenly it all feels very real!

Good luck everyone as things start to kick off, if communication does trail off, agree it has been great to chat to you all through this incredible time xxx

Hey everyone sorry have been ages getting back on here there's just so much left to do in just 6 weeks! (If she arrives on her due date)

Rocksie congrats on your little boy sorry to hear that there was problems I hope he is fighting fit and home with you and his daddy ASAP take care of yourself x

reebok It's lovely to hear from you sorry to hear about your hospital admission how you doing? Do the hospital think you can make it to full term? You have had such a tough time just a little while longer! I haven't managed to sleep properly for a while I struggle to get comfortable and have the worst heartburn that nothing seems to help. But I'm lucky because I can have a nap throughout the day so I'm not totally sleep deprived I honestly don't know how I would maybe if I had another little one to look after as well.

lost sorry to hear you have been tearful and stressed I know what it's like I feel like the house is nowhere near safe or ready for a baby there's clutter everywhere I feel like it needs to be deep cleaned and I have ended up shouting and crying at my parents to help me get things done as I feel like they aren't seeing the urgency.
I'm going out next week to get all the stuff for my hospital bag and a bag to put it in as my new changing bag I'm filling with baby's stuff. So glad to hear your iron levels are ok now . I'm the same I'm usually 8 stone and I haven't really put on any weight apart from bump so my legs hurt a lot especially if I have to walk a lot midwife said its just because of having to carry the extra weight.

Infrance sorry to hear about the stress over pain relief options it sounds very different in France to over here hope you are able to feel more relaxed about it and have it all sorted by the time of the birth

apple hope your work sorts everything out properly for you so you can have a bit of a rest you deserve it after all. Sounds like you are almost there with the baby prep well done!

I had my baby shower Sunday which was so much fun and everyone was very generous baby girl got spoilt lol I now have a few other bits and pieces to buy like breast pump ,nursing supplies and hospital bag stuff. Finally ordered the nursery furniture the other day and the spare room is sorted and being painted so I can finally start sorting out the nursery I wanted it done a lot quicker than this but better late than never I guess.

R.e my iron levels I have my midwife appointment Thursday where they will do another blood test to see if my iron levels have improved enough so will update you when I get the results of those

We have picked a name at last took so long to find the perfect name.

I also wanted to say from me particularly a big thank you to everyone on here as a first time mum I have had lots of things I didn't understand and advice being thrown at me left right a centre totally overwhelming me and it's been lovely knowing that I could post on here and you would all offer me help and advice when I really needed it I cannot express how greatful I am xx I am very lucky to have joined up and found a board with such lovely helpful people on it I have really enjoyed sharing our journey's together

As we all gear up for the big day I also want to say if communication does stop I hope everything goes well for each and every one of you and enjoy your beautiful new babies xx

Rocksie congratulations on the birth of your little boy! I'm sorry it didn't go to plan but I hope you're all doing well. Please update us when you can? I'm sure you're very busy and preoccupied so thank you for letting us know. Hugs to you x

Oh InFrance those options for pain relief are quite limited however episiotomy without pain relief can also happen here as I can testify, and was the primary reason why my first birth was a traumatic experience for me... I was given local anaesthetic but the procedure was carried out before it kicked in (I later found out there was time for this although at the time was told they were in too much of a hurry.) I was told to 'breathe through it' Maybe my doctor was French?!? I've been told he no longer works on obstetrics at my hospital which is reassuring. Have you got some breathing techniques to help you? I've just finished my hypnobirthing classes and many women using it don't request any pain relief as they are so 'in the zone' during labour and birth. It can also help women to cope if things don't go to plan. There is a lot I wish I'd known first time around (about the physiology of birth and the effect of different hormones as well as the relaxation etc) and I'm feeling much more positive now.

The growth scan was all normal and ds enjoyed seeing baby - well parts of baby anyway! I've never had such a late scan where you only see one foot or the heart or the face in any one view! Very quick but lovely too.

I'm going to receive a visit from the babywearing group representative after this one's born. Makes more sense really as I can try with the real thing rather than a doll! Yes please pm me that Facebook group if you don't mind InFrance?

I'm not so worried about the house now. As it's Easter weekend dp has had some time to do some decorating so feels a bit better, plus only the front door still to come in the way of 'big work'. I realise I need to chill a bit. I've also found all the newborn baby clothes I had packed away and they're all washed and freshened up. Still haven't packed my bag though....

Apple how are you enjoying mat leave? Did you get everything sorted out with HR before you left? Hope so, less stress the better!

Sally what colour nursery have you gone for? We're not quite at the painting stage (except for the ceiling) but close! How are your iron levels now? Glad you've decided on a name - we're still not 100% decided

Lovely words from everyone - I too have really enjoyed our conversations throughout and I do hope we can all report back on our little one's arrivals! I've got less than two weeks till my due date now but I have a sneaky feeling I'll be early. Lots and lots of stabbing pains down below and the appearance of some thicker discharge just lately (TMI alert!) Will just have to see what baby's plan is I guess.

Hope everyone else is doing well, including those we haven't heard from in a while. Thinking of you all x

Congratulations Rocksie! I hope your little boy is doing well.

Sorry I've not been quiet on here, I've been so busy at work and just wiped out and sleeping when not working. I was really looking forward to my maternity leave starting in a couple of weeks, but my baby had other ideas and turned up a few days ago 6 weeks early! He's doing really well and isnt in scbu yet, although it hasn't been ruled out. We were so unprepared we had to borrow baby clothes from the hospital and call on family to bring us things! Oh well, some things just don't go to plan :)

Wow, two babies here now, congratulations Bluepigoon! Sounds like an emotional rollercoaster, but glad to hear all is ok.

Lovely to hear from apple, sally and dubai too.
Apple how did the midwife visit go? I don't know anyone who's done homebirth, it's very exciting, fingers crossed all is smooth and you get a nice calm pool experience. What are you doing about your DC during the birth, will you let them see any of it?
Sally we are well into the Deep Clean Frenzy here, DH is really pulling his weight so I can't complain anymore! Just got a bit more to go and I'll feel that it's all fresh and ready. That's great that you've got the room nearly sorted now.
Dubai that's super that you've been able to get the house sorted a bit more, a lick of pain can make all the difference And great news about the growth scan too. It is funny having very late scans when you see them all squashed, poor little things! Will PM the wrap group. I'm still obsessing about mine, now I want a ringsling too...

My hospital bag is almost finished, but I still feel like I must be forgetting something. Got to test TENS machine again actually.
Only a bit more cleaning to do, then my parents arrive in a couple of weeks. I'm paranoid that things will kick off before then (especially given that two of you have already gone early!), because we don't have great childcare options for DD, really crossing my fingers we don't end up with a middle-of-the-night scenario where I end up going to hospital alone . It's a bit scary as last time labour was fast, so this time it could be even more so.
I had my anaesthetist appointment and he confirmed that if things don;t go well after the birth then it will have to be a general, which isn't good news, but I'm holding onto the very low probability that things will be serious enough to warrant that.
Otherwise I am totally getting into the "bring it on" zone, not worried about labour very much as it was ok last time (well, very painful but dealable-with!). I'm going to re-read both Juju Sundin's Birth Skills and the La Leche League breastfeeding book again in next fortnight to refresh myself!
Now back to work in office with very uncomfortable bump, perched on the edge of the chair!

Wowzwers another arrival congrats Blue on the safe arrival of your little boy, he must be a fighter 6 weeks early and not in SCIBU, must have taken you all by surprise. ..

Sounds like you are getting there Infrance with all your prep. Like you have got to test the tens machine again as found it helpful for a good chunk of the birth last time (early stage). Midwife appt went well just dealing with all the details of a home birth, enough towels, pool liner, sterilising liquid, but slowly coming together.

Hopefully a combination of sister and in-laws will cover DD childcare when it happens.

sally glad you are getting the nursery done, I remember frantically getting that done before DD was born, such a relief and so rewarding when it's sorted. Also lovley to hear you enjoyed your baby shower. Had a little thing at work combined with leaving do ( for mat leave) it's nice to mark these special events isn't it?

Lost glad scan went well and you are reunited with your baby clothes!

Have borrowed a book for OH on fathers and home births so he's getting more comfortable with the idea . Enjoying my first week of mat leave, although had to go in yesterday to hand in HR forms I work in public sector and they seem really thrown by parental leave request didn't realise we were doing something so revolutionary!

Gosh Blue what a surprise! Congratulations on your new arrival, can't believe there are now two very early babies on this fairly quiet thread! I think I had the first due date and that isn't until 7th April (admittedly not that far away now). So happy your boy is doing well fingers crossed it stays that way.

All is OK here except for some major stabbing pains down below. Worse in the evening and when I'm standing up. Also still having issues with our new windows and doors (terrible customer service and it's dragging on ridiculously now). But trying to remain positive and keep practicing the hypnobirthing every day.

InFrance thank you for sending me that link. I'm sure you're already thinking this but I reckon the power of positive thinking will help very much in your situation - our bodies were made for birthing, and let's not forget they've done it before so know what they're doing! Plus I'm sure baby will hold on until your family arrive. Your hormones will almost certainly make sure of that (you won't relax until you know something is in place apparently). How long till your maternity leave starts?

We've got the inlaws on standby for childcare and that frees up my mum to be at the hospital should I need her at any point, or dp needs a break during my labour (like last time!)

Apple, very much looking forward to hearing about your homebirth!

When are everyone's due dates again?

Hey everyone how we all doing?

First of all congratulations Blue that's must have been scary. But he sounds like a real fighter how is he doing now?

Rocksie how is your little boy doing? Seems like boys are impatient on this thread and want to be in the world ASAP.

lost glad the scan went ok not long left now your due date is the day I have my big assessment to check I'm still ok to give birth at the birth centre.

apple sounds like all the prep is almost done ready for your big day I don't know anybody who has had a home birth before like lost I can't wait to hear how it all goes.

Infrance are you on maternity leave yet? I think getting into the bring it on zone with positive thinking etc is really gonna help I'm trying to be that way myself but having never gone through labour before the closer my due date gets the more scared I'm getting.

I have had a bit of a hard day today I had a growth scan today everything with baby was totally fine but I was told I had excess fluid so now have to go to the hospital for another scan and for doctor to check everything is ok I'm really upset and scared now I was told it's probably nothing to worry about as in 60% of cases it means nothing but I hope everything is ok everything has been great up till now. I feel like everything is going tits up now with only 4 weeks left till she's due.

We decided the nursery was going to be lilac grey and black. Me and my partner are both Alternative so wanted something different and deffo not pink.

My due date is 30th April

I hope all you ladies are taking care of yourselves and I will wait patiently for the birth announcements

Congratulations Blue! That is so true to life sometimes things just don't go to plan. Glad he's doing well.

Hope everyone is doing ok. I know you are all getting closer to that special moment so hopefully you're all taking it easy
Sally Glad things are coming together with the nursery. The colours sound lovely. My OH finished the nursery very early on and I was really impressed. We went with a forest theme as we both love the outdoors. The furniture is very rustic to match & he painted trees and animals on the walls. It makes it feel so warm and cosy in there

I stopped by to give you a quick update on our little boy he's home now and doing really well. They were concerned about his breathing to start off with and that was the main reason he was in special care but they cleared him last week and we came home! They were so good to us on the maternity ward. You are encouraged to keep baby as close to you as possible and to try and breastfeed as soon as possible. He did struggle at first and was a very slow eater but he's certainly making up for it now. I feel very lucky so far and he sleeps through the night. OH it totally smitten. I think there is something so beautiful about watching a man hold this tiny little baby in his arms with so much love on his face.

If I'm not back on by the time the next announcements come in I just want to wish you all the best with your beautiful babies. You are never far from my thoughts