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February 2016 Halfway mark: Flutters into kicks into thwacks!

999 replies

haquoi123 · 06/10/2015 16:48

New thread, heeeeeeere we go!!

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jellypi3 · 07/10/2015 20:13

Oh smashley I've got no further advice but I'm so sorry for your friends.

RattyCatty · 07/10/2015 20:29

smashley how awful for them, I can't imagine what they are going through. If you choose not to go perhaps write a nice card?

TillITookAnArrowToTheKnee · 07/10/2015 20:35

DH once said to me, when people were tiptoeing around him because they were afraid of upsetting him, that he was upset because his son died, not because of anything anyone else did or did not do, and that the way people skirt around his sons birthday etc annoys him far more than those who text or call every year to remember his son on his birthday.

My Grandma also said a similar thing about her DS.

As did my friends sister.

It seems to a theme: people avoid discussing the baby, and parents get upset thinking people have forgotten the baby existed. But DH also knows that it's incredibly awkward for people to know what to say.

My Grandma said to me, years ago, that the worst thing about it all was that she couldn't even tell newly bereaved parents that it gets better/easier/etc, because it doesn't, because 54 years on she still has a gap on family photos where her son should be, and now she wonders if he would have had children/grandchildren by now Sad

XingXingFox · 07/10/2015 21:18

Thanks hacquoi I'll check with everyone on Facebook and then post, no problem! Thanks for doing the thread!

Sorry to all the hard times at the moment. It just makes you realise how precious it all is. I put DD2 (ha! Feels weird writing that but she will be) down for nursery today, there is a two year waiting list for the one I love, that DD goes to and would like her to start at 2. It freaked me out, as like others, feel so anxious now and for the first few months. But my deeply organised brain took over!

calypso I start on 18th Dec too! Am also self-employed and my current contract ends on 31st Dec, will be paid till then. So seems like good timing. I can't wait to chill out, this year of working nearly full-time with DD childcare and DH doing 60 hour weeks has left me exhausted!

TillITookAnArrowToTheKnee · 07/10/2015 21:31

I'm no longer using FB but I don't mind my stats being posted, if they're still there.

New Look just delivered. Jeans are awesome. Baggy on the waist but I'm only going to get bigger so that doesn't matter Grin However they are cut rather low at the back, they're like an inch above my ass crack. I'm used to high waisted jeans though, which aren't an option at the moment.

Rufus200 · 07/10/2015 21:38

My stupid body is having another IBS attack, I'm in agony with pain radiating up my right lumbar region, which only started after the IBS attack started. I can only think that my inflamed spasming intestines have got stuck behind my uterus and are going nuts or gas has got trapped in an inflamed loop, can barely breathe it is so bad. Going to have a bath and hope it calms down. Insanely checking for bleeding.

smashley I think there is excellent advice been given, I personally think even a very close pregnant friend would be distressing. I found with my fertility struggles seeing heavily pregnant ladies in the waiting room distressing.

SmashleyHop · 07/10/2015 22:36

Thanks ladies- I'll take everything said on board. Sorry to bring up such a downer subject I was just at a real loss as to what would be best. Good to get some insight.

Rufus Sorry you're suffering again. Hope everything calms down for you for a while. You deserve a rest.

jellypi3 · 08/10/2015 07:50

Sorry you are suffering again rufus :( hope it clears up soon.

24 weeks today :)

haquoi123 · 08/10/2015 07:59

smashley I know lots of people have given some fantastic advice but I thought I'd give from my perspective. My baby was 19 weeks but he was a baby, my son, and I consider him to have been stillborn.
We had a memorial service (we don't know what happened to his body) for him and only invited our parents and siblings. I was very clear about who was invited and asked family to disseminate this so we didn't have to deal with it too much. We also asked whoever we told to tell other people so we wouldn't have questions.

On pregnant women, it's only now that I'm pregnant that I don't hate/avoid/get shaky on seeing pregnant women. I had to attend my nans funeral with my pregnant aunt (who was due at my same due date) and that was horrible. However, it would have been better if she'd not ignored me and completely avoided the topic of my baby.

One thing also be aware of is that you won't necessarily get it right and that's not your fault. I lashed out at everyone who was trying to help and was so angry. And actually the best advice I was given is that it doesn't ever get better. I felt that person was telling the truth.

So what I'm saying is, check with their relatives whether you can attend - don't attend unless you know for certain (it's their day), but really really acknowledge the baby. Use her name. Send a card (all our cards are in his memory box) and some flowers whatever happens. Whatever you do don't sign 'from bump'. Don't talk about your baby. Maybe later on if the atmosphere is right ask about the baby, how much did she weigh, what did she look like, etc. The sadness is overwhelming but the joy is still there and most people don't realise that we've want to keep their memory alive.

OP posts:
clarabellski · 08/10/2015 09:15

Good morning everyone,

Flowers smashley that is so sad for your friends.

Congratulations on your milestone jelly Cake

Its official - sleeping is now actually a pain in the ass/hip/back. I wonder if that's your body's way of preparing for years of sleepless nights after birth? I feel shattered today...

MaisieDotes · 08/10/2015 09:49

smashley that's desperately sad.

Personally I wouldn't go. I would send DH to represent both of us and I'd send a card with a message I'd thought long and hard about.

But that is just my perspective. Also, I'm in Ireland not the UK, I know you asked for opinions from UK posters.

In Ireland funerals normally have a very social aspect to them and all and sundry can and do go. However the funeral of a tiny baby would be a totally different thing and I'd imagine a very very private ceremony with just family and close friends.

NorthernChinchilla · 08/10/2015 19:45

If there is any way you can find out in advance via a friend or relative I would smashley. It's such a personal thing that it's hard to call.

Had scan today, all fine with baby. Being utterly uncooperative, but with some energetic prodding from the sonographer to get it to open its legs, the apparent absence of bits equals Team Pink Grin Albeit we won't have any as she'll have all of DS's gender neutral clothes and toys!

Rufus200 · 08/10/2015 21:03

Northern congrats on your team pink addition.

Today I had a fly land in my eye and now it is all sore and red, seriously does something bad have to have happen every day at the moment.

I'm sat with my lullabelly band on for the 1st time playing classical music to baby. He is kicking like mad. I would highly recommend to anyone who is thinking of getting a music band, very comfortable, I bought direct from their website in USA and they very kindly put value was low so I didn't have to pay any import tax.

haquoi123 · 08/10/2015 21:58

Wonderful news chinchilla!

Bubs has been kicking nonstop this evening as well rufus, it's been lovely. Obv when DH is out!

OP posts:
Happytimes2 · 08/10/2015 22:23

Just marking place.

MaisieDotes · 08/10/2015 23:01

Congrats on the scan chinchilla Smile

Troika · 09/10/2015 06:32

Smashly what a horrible situation and so sorry for your friends. Hard to know what to do. I think personally I wouldn't go, as I would feel awkward and that would potentially make a difficult situation worse. I would however write them a heartfelt message, making sure to acknowledge their baby.

Dp has finally felt a couple of kicks Grin

Been quite uncomfortable the last few days, heartburn again and feel like she's right up under my ribs. Hopefully I'll expand outwards soon to ease the pressure on my innards.

NorthernChinchilla · 09/10/2015 07:35

We've got to start telling DS he'll be a big brother now; he's still in blissful ignorance of the large football on my stomach, somehow...
As it's my birthday next week we're taking the chance to take the day out and get loads of baby stuff (and have lunch out!) Most of it's massively practical- new mattresses, chest of drawers, etc, and flat winter boots for me, but will be nice to have a peaceful mooch.
Also getting the new boiler installed.

I'm really going to have to crack out the cocktails and dancing boys next year to balance out all this sensible Wink!

clarabellski · 09/10/2015 09:08

Congratulations on your scan chinchilla Cake

CalypsoLilt · 09/10/2015 10:43

Lovely scan and kicks news :)

I've got my solicitors appointment next week; it's a 30 minute free consultation to start to I need to be concise and get as much info as possible. Can you guys think of anything I need to ask? So far I've got pros/cons of having him on the birth certificate and what happens to child maintenance if he leaves the country? (I'm working on the basis of not hearing from/seeing him ever again or getting a penny from him but I want to know where I stand legally).

Thanks in advance

TillITookAnArrowToTheKnee · 09/10/2015 11:37

Calypso RE birth certificate: he doesn't need to be on there for you to claim child support. However in my bitter experience, even if he stays in the UK, they will be entirely fucking useless at getting any money from him. He can either sign the birth certificate in person, or by proxy. If he chooses not to, then bollocks to him.

Great news on kicks and scans.

Hormones in overdrive today. Had another IBS attack last night, plus a panic attack. Wonderful. One of my friends took DDs to school today, and I've been in floods of tears because I've missed their Harvest Festival assembly. Sad

CalypsoLilt · 09/10/2015 12:06

Thanks arrow, interesting that he doesn't need to be on the birth cert for me to claim CS.

Sorry to hear about the panic attacks, I suffered for many years and know how truly horrific they can be. Can you see your GP? I think someone was mentioning the other day about Beta Blockers (maybe that was you?!)? My trigger days were normally Fridays because I'm just so bloody exhausted. Try and rest if you can x x x

TillITookAnArrowToTheKnee · 09/10/2015 12:23

I have beta blockers, thankfully, they are my lifeline! I usually take 40mg a day, but took 80mg yesterday. GP prescribed me a few extra boxes to have in the house in case I needed to take extras. H is doing the afternoon school run, I'm watching Greys Anatomy again and looking up stuff to make for Christmas hampers. Grin

Rufus200 · 09/10/2015 18:05

Arrow does your IBS have triggers? Hope you feel better soon.

Kicks have turned really really painful, (like a knife) definitely kicks and not cramps. Kicks are directly at the front instead of at their usual off to the side. I'm guessing he has turned himself sideways. Has anyone else got this?

jellypi3 · 09/10/2015 18:30

My kicks aren't painful rufus just definite thuds. I can't remember if movements are still involuntary reflexes at this stage or if they can actually control them

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