Due in Feb 07. It's January its all getting a bit close now

[peachygirl]

Hi new year, new thread!

Morning all, off to have a scan at 11.40 to check the babys kidneys have sorted themselves out as at 20wk scan baby had renal pelvic dilation which means lo's kidneys has too much fluid around them. fingers crossed they've corrected themselves. hope all are feeling not to bad

oh and i got my second lot of vouchers while back and purchased the huggies changing bag which is really good and quite big to fit everything in. Its priced at £24.99 but if you buy huggies nappies and use the voucher you get it free!! Cadbury I would give them a ring or email to see if yours have been sent yet.

Hello all

Boots have been pretty useless in my experience. They managed to 'lose' my application for the Parenting Club because I hadn't updated the address on my advantage card from the last move and they couldn't match things up so they just gave up. When I hadn't heard from them for two months I e-mailed and was told to phone customer services and did it all over the phone. But by that point I had missed out on the 28 week book of treats. I complained and was offered 300 extra points which I thought wasn't good enough, so I complained again and was offered 2000 points only for these to be retracted because 'our records show that you had already discussed this issue with another colleague'. I think I have lost them all now. I know it is a litte issue but it annoyed me ? Anyway, I did get the next stage of things through and am now the proud owner of the Huggies changing bag, but am unimpressed with Boots!

Saw the midwife last night and she could feel 3/5 of the head, so 2/5 down. Am getting loads of 'tightenings' / Braxton Hicks which she was very pleased about. I asked her how I will know the difference between these and the first pangs of pre-labour and she just said that I will, that somehow they will feel different!

Can anyone recommend a good 'baby manual'? DH is keen that we have one, although I wasn't going to bother. The NCT girls have variously recommended 'her that shall not be mentioned on this site', the Baby Whisperer and the NCT's Babycalming. I am keen to establish a routine, but a flexible one.

Have a good weekend, all.
xxx

Titchy, hope all is well with scan.

Soundbites, OMG I nearly posted a very rude reply about "she who cannot be mentioned" and then realised that everyone would know who "she who can not be mentioned" is and I would prob be stuck off mumsnet all together!

Thanks for your encouragement with my request for a home birth - I'll see how I get on with protesting. However, apparently I don't have legal right to a home birth if there is 'genuinely' not enough staff to cover when I go into labour. I wonder how you argue with that when your contractions are 5-10 minutes apart.

Soundbites, we used a combination of 'What to expect in your first year' which is very good practical advice, She Who Must Not Be Named's book (not sure whether I'm allowed to give an opinion on it, but won't be so fixated on it this time), and The Best Friend's Guide to Pregnancy and Birth which made me laugh and was therefore a welcome addition.

Thanks Snugglebumnappies - copied your link into a new webpage and it worked fine - will have a look this weekend when I have a bit of free time.

DH mates coming down for a golfing weekend so have spent the whole morning spring cleaning the house - although it probably wasnt necessary to clean all the windows too - guess I'm having entering the "nesting" phase!! Also made a pot of veggie soup yesterday to freeze for when LO arrives so we dont spend too much time in the kitchen!

My Boots experience has been great! Got cool freebie vouchers with first pack - used ALL of them!! Didnt however get my voucher for Huggies bag (apparently these should be send out a month before due date). Simple enough to solve though - gave them a call and consultant said they were out of vouchers, but popped enough points on my card to buy the bag. Nice big size and waterproof ALL over - am using it for all LO's hospital things.

Phew- need to shut up now!! Off to make lunch!

I've got "What to Expect in the First Year", as well as the Baby Whisperer and She Who Cannot Be Mentioned. Have only skim-read them at this stage - had hoped to have a proper read once I start maternity leave.

Am also a bit anxious that baby might arrive early. Am 3/5 engaged according to the midwife at my last appointment (I still don't understand whether this means that 3/5 of the head could be felt, or that 3/5 of the head is in my pelvis and therefore 2/5 could be felt) and am getting quite a lot of Braxton-Hicks. These aren't really uncomfortable but they do feel weird! Bump just goes rock-hard. I can't always tell when I'm having them though, as my bump is very hard and tight in general, with baby's bum right behind my belly button, making it stick out even more!

Midwife said she wouldn't be surprised if baby arrived around 37/38 weeks, which could be awkward as I'm not planning to finish work until the end of week 37! Have decided to try and get everything done that I need to do within the next two weeks so I can coast the final week - and if I don't make thr final week it won't matter as everything will have been dealt with.

I liked Vicki Iovine's book - the Best Friend's Guide to Pregnancy and also the first year of motherhood - really funny but also gives some good tips. Apart from that I steer clear of them as with DS1 they all made me feel incredibly inadequate

Suis - I remember with Ds1 being really anxious about going into labour early and would not go out "just in case" - he was more than 2 weeks late in the end!

Go for your baby shower - it will be great fun

Sounds exactly like me CB, right down to the bum sticking out of my belly button, and it's to be wk 37, then that's anytime after Sunday. Gulp.

For books, we got "First Time Parents", which we are both reading. It's suitably basic for those without a clue like us. I also loved the Best Friend's guide to pregnancy, so I got the BF's guide to Motherhood as well, though I haven't started it yet, so I can't comment yet.I also got a wee book called " What to expect when you're breast-feeding.. and what if you can't" in an abridged version free with a magazine, and it's really detailed but seems to exude commonsense, which appeals to me. The mere fact that it accepts that BFing doesn't work for everyone (somthing that seems lost on my HV) makes me more inclined to listen to what it says about trying to make it work.

Snugglebum, I'm about to stick in an order with you.... did you ever get a discount code sorted out ?

Titchy77 - hope scan went ok.

Soundbites - I've got baby whisperer, she who must not be named and a miriam stoppard one which I cant remember the name of! I like the baby whisperer best as fairly sensible relaxed routine...not rigid, more about adapting and working out what your baby wants/needs as per his/her personality. Most libraries stock lots of baby books ike these so why not get them on loan and see what you think before you buy.

I am getting so fed up and uncomfortable...and I have 4 weeks to go still. Yesterday we had snow and ended up carrying dd (almost 2 but probably weighs the same as a small elephant!)...it was only a quick trip to the library but it killed me and by the evening my back and pelvis were in agony.

Anyone else getting bizarre dreams. I had one last night about giving birth to a rat but I dropped it and stood on its leg breaking it... what could that be all about!

Snugglebum... your link needs a backslash at the end, not a forwardslash.

soundbites - don't believe it! My BHs were painful (still are) and were NO different to labour. I was told that I was weeks off labour so still believed them to be BHs when I was 7cm dilated! Looking back I was a fool... but I couldn't tell you when false labour ended and real labour began!

Baby is really really really quiet here. Think it's becuase I've been on oral steroids for my asthma and I'm building up a bit of fluid too. But I keep a check in with the doppler if I haven't had a nudge in a while and she's fine. MW reckons she's quiet because I'm wheezy so we'll see what she's like when I'm well again. Getting plenty of BHs. Some quite painful and give me a small reminder of what's to come! Really freaks DH out - as he thinks she's going to be early and fast for some reason.

I bought a few books last time on pregnancy. But just took other ones out of the library. Can't say I found the miracle cures for a non-sleeping grumpy baby in any of the 'gurus'. And one such gurus bizarre thoughts on stopping night feeds by 'watering them down' really confused me as I have no idea how to water down my boobs . I say ditch them all and wing it. At least for the first few months. My expectations were far too high I think. I wanted a tiny bit of routine, normality, pattern. And didn't realise that you can't always have that! This time, I'm borrowing a couple of breastfeeding books for reference. I've trained as a peer supporter for a local project in the area, so the lady who is running that has a lot of books available. Figure I might need a refresher. hoping not to need a lot of help... but never say never as I know al babies are different. And I'm REALLY worried about fitting in breastfeeding with having DS running around! Any tips from 2nd/3rd timers?

Back from scan and baby still has large amount of fluid around kidneys so needs antibiotics when born and a couple of scans. also babys growth rate has slowed and only measuring 33wks rather than 36 so had to go along to daycare where they monitered me and have an appointment with consultant on wednesday, thou what for i dont know, all quite worrying but hopefully will turn out fine.

Am a bit miffed as blood results are back and iron levels are slightly lower than last time, so it's tablets as per next week.

Bookwise my main reference is an NCT publication called the birth year as it covers the nine months plus first three months after birth. I found the BF guide a bit American for both the medical info (use different drugs, antenatal care) and the advice on clothing was just hideous...

Baby is moving all over so it's getting hard to tell whether it is still breech or whether it has moved or whether is moving several times a day!!!

Snugglebumnappies - can you pls refresh my memory whether I need extra fleecy liners for Tots Bots? Thanks

I found the Vicki Iovine book good too. And it's actually true to life, unlike a lot of those medical books which say things like "you may experience some discomfort.."

I had my first refresher NCT class yesterday which was quite promising - there are 7 of us and it's nice to actually meet (as opposed to chatting online to) other women who are about to give birth! We had to debrief about our last birth which was quite illuminating, and it's amazing how different people's experiences are.

Been having lots of BH contractions so I just hope the baby doesn't come early, as we've got so much to do still. Dh has been away, and I have spent the last 2 evenings making curtains for ds's new room which I finally finished at 10pm last night. I also picked up the new baby's cot this morning from my sister's - will try to assemble it over the weekend.

Hang on in there everyone - I am just waiting to see who will be next after Plumpbump!

Hi girls,

I'm sorry that I can't catch up with you all and apologies for missing any important news - if anyone has the luxury of time on their hands then i'd love an update.

I was in hospital for a few days with what was diagnosed as severe SPD. I have a great physio and was sent home with crutches which really, really help and I'm just so glad that all my moaning and whining were not in vain. Being up on the maternity ward was a real wake up call and brought it all back - lots of 'must pack in hospital bag' came to mind and i've just stocked up on the old anti-bacterial wipes as well as flip flops (not just slippers), and other bits as a result of showering/moving around in hossie!!!

I have booked an elective section! Anyone else?

Titchy - I hope things are well with your LO. I hope they are being forthcoming with information and helping you to understand what they are doing and why.
Bienchen - maybe having the extra iron will give you the extra energy to get through your exams.

Talking about things happening early, I went today to get some raspberry leaf tea. The woman in the shop said that the tea tastes pretty horrid on its own (I think someone here said that too) so I got the capsules. I'm not a big fan of fruit tea anyway so thought this might be the best option. The packaging says one or two tablets a day but I've decided to start with one for a few days. I'm 38 weeks today and in one way would quite like things to happen but in another way I'm too scared!

I've got a few books that I've been given by friends - What to expect the first year is one of them and I've had a quick read. Going to an NCT session tomorrow so will prob get lots more literature then.

Currant bun, the amount engaged is how much is in your pelvis (3/5) and the amount palpable (sp?) is how much isn't in your pelvis (2/5). I think some MW report on one and some on the other which is why we're getting confused. I've been 4/5 engaged for the last two and a half weeks - so since 36 weeks. I know what you mean about having a bum making your belly button stick out. Does it go back in does anyone know?

Got a baby monitor on ebay yesterday. Went for a digital one after reading lots of reports of interference with non-digital ones.

I've finally ordered the pram

Kiddiecare had less than 20 in stock which made the decision easier and and after the naughty solicitors pretty much ruining my bringing home the baby to the new house image I don't think I could cope with not having the pram I wanted too.
I can hear you all breathing a sigh of relief especially as you don't have to listen to me harping on about it!!
I finally finished today and it feels lovely. I got several presents and was made to stand up in assembly.
I will miss everyone but I know I couldn't have lasted much longer. I don't envy you currentbun, although you may so a more 'static' job than me so it may be easier for you.
Book wise I've got the miriam stoppard child development book, a book on pregnancy and birth by her too. We also bought a 'trade secrets' on parenting book as it was in the sale. We have a couple of these already they have lots and lots of tips about all sorts of things.. best way to catch mice, unblock a sink etc. I also got the 'bestfeeding' book about breast feeding from a friend for my birthday. I now have to read them all!!

Suis, sorry posted earlier but it seems to have gone missing, had a bad week with DS so still not got round to the code, if you want to order anything (or have but I don't know it's you as you have used your "real" name!) drop me an email via the site and let me know what you want and your shipping address and I will knock 10% off myself and send you an invoice if that's ok.

Bienchen, if you have some size one cotton or regular tots they will have a stitched in fleece liner (Tots Bots are now fasing this out but any you already have should be ok) size two don't have an integral liner and Bamboozles also don't have one for either size. The Fluffles have a micro fleece lining so don't need one. A fleece liner draws the moisture away from your baby's bottom a bit like a disposable, I would prob wait and see how you get on with your nappies if they don't already have the fleece liner, if your baby looks like they have quite sensitive skin then buying some would be a good idea but many babies don't need them.

Forgot to say, am soooo happy today as the woman I visited for moxa on Tuesday night has been in touch to say baby moved to head down last night, was due to go and see consultant and for a scan today, so still went just to confirm. Midwives and Consultant were all really impressed and it looks like I might be getting some work put my way by this trust which would be great

Morning girlies! Thought I would update the stats list with the newbies! I am really surprised that we haven't had any other 'early babies' to join Plumpbump - it must be very lonely on the postnatal Feb thread! At my counting there are 35 babies waiting to be born - it will be interesting to see the split between boys and girls!

BABIES!

PLUMPBUMP Jacob 2nd Jan 5lb 1oz at 32 weeks!

BABIES IN WAITING!!

SALLYALLYALLY 1 Feb
SOUNDBITES 1 Feb
BABYDRIVER 1 Feb
SMUDGEMUM 2 Feb
SALLYN 3 Feb
BABYDRIVERTOO 3 Feb
SORKYCAKE 6 Feb
CADBURY 6 Feb
MUMMYTOJAKE 7 Feb
BUBBLEBELL1 8 Feb
LUCYB9384 9 Feb
SUZIS 11 Feb
PENGUINETTE 11 Feb
BABE 7 ? 14 Feb!
MARMITEMAD 14 Feb
DONTCALLMEYUMMY 14 Feb
DRJO 13 Feb
TITCHY77 15 Feb
THELITTLESTBOHO 15 Feb
TUTTIFRUTTI 16 Feb
HAIRYCATTERPILLAR 16 Feb
KATPOO 16 Feb
MOOSMA 16 Feb
SNUGGLEBUNNY 17 Feb
ALOCIN 18 Feb
PEACHYGIRL 19 Feb
JULEZBOO 19 Feb
TIME4TEA 19 Feb
TOMMY 22 Feb
MRSJOHNCUSACK 23 Feb
BIENCHEN 24 Feb
CHACHA 25 Feb
ANDYROBO237 26 Feb
CURRANTBUN 26 Feb
FORGOTTENFREETIME 27 Feb

Snugglebumnappies - so delighted for you and the lady concerned; it must be a weight off her shoulders. And thanks for the info re liners.

DP working all day today, so I'll catch up on exam prep for a few hours and will watch some daytime telly on all fours with bum in the air

Might go swimming as my gym has a fab pool but it is so much busier on a Sat/Sun and there will be more kids - nothing wrong with that in principle but now that I'm a hippo I prefer a bit more space and quiet in the water... Will try to convince DP to go for a meal tonight too, so we can both have time off from the kitchen.

Enjoy your w/end everybody

Ahhh..the weekend again. How lovely! Glad to have last week over...Rotten old week of arguments, no sleep, lots of work and ...wait for it....piles!! Hmmm...this very glamourous condition (is there ever an article on celebrity piles or are they immune?)Babes head is so low I have constant pressure on my nether regions and have developed one really painful pile sitting amongst a couple of friends!!! Basically felt like someone stabbing me in the bottom with a knife(or how I would imagine that feels as it's never actually happened!!!). After a week of witch hazel, ice, prep H , anusol, sitz baths and chanting barefoot round the dying embers of a ritual fire to the bottom God...I went to see my GP. Been prescribed an 'ointment' with local anaesthetic and mild topical steroidal effect...grilled pharmacist (with olive oil and garlic) to check on safety in pregmnancy and scoured mumsnet to find it is worshipped and works!!!. HURRAH. Never thought I would have so much to say about my bottom, but have even discussed it with our office girls!!! (DH has kept me away from the engineers in case I scare them!).
Braxton Hicks are most of the day now..heads been engaged for 3 weeks and frankly it would be nice to see some action! Taking DD swimming and to park to see if that might spur things along.

Me to the stats too please - I have posted back ealry in the pg but my very busy 18 mth old means I mostly lurk!

Due 16th Feb with little boy, Oscar Gabriel :-)
Good luck to all!

andyrobo273, please add me to the stats if that's ok. due feb 6.

smudgemum- re belly button mine's never been the same since but then i've had real problems getting my stomach muscles back together since ds1 and i'm on ds3 now. i hope to do pilates after this one to sort it all out. hope it works!

re the engaged thing i'm a bit confused too. i was told that 5/5 is not engaged, 4/5 means you're actually only 1/5 engaged, 3/5 means you're 2/5 engaged etc. so when it gets to 0/5 you're delivering. i might be wrong but that's always how i've understood it and am happy to be corrected!

Pool has arrived and feels wonderful. It's like not being pg again, such is the feeling of weightlessness!
My first was engaged fully at 35 weeks and I was told she may arrive early, but really I think they have no idea and it's a load of bollocks since she was a week late. They come when they come.
BH aren't painful or as frequent this time around which seem odd. Had my scan to confirm presentation and growth. Cephalic (LOA) and around 6lb 6 atm but this is also unreliable.
You absolutely do have a right to a home birth regardless of staffing issues, speak to the Radical Midwives Association. Trusts who do have staffing issues may have to pay for you to have a private independent m/w if they can't arrange suitable cover.
I took a leaf out of someone's book and dyed my nappy wraps blue, they're gorgeous again!
How do I get this Huggies bag? I'm still searching for a changing bag, and if it's free...well all the better.
I made the curtain for babies room today and they're fab if I do say my self, complete with black out lining (do make sure the nursery has fully blacked out curtains!) I'm going to try a pattern for a coorie sling that Soupdragon linked for me.
Hello to everyone new! and will someone have a word with their baby, I'm getting very impatient to hear whose next