July 2016 (7) We're halfway to meeting our little bubs

[allthegoodnamesalreadytaken]

Hi all started a new thread as the old one was getting almost to 1000. We're a very chatty bunch! Happy Friday

Mascara - great question. I have been thinking the same thing.

Sorry can't see back to see who asked but I've got a flat car seat/pram base thing which came with our Jane Rider pram. At that time it was the only lie flat car seat and was great altho heavy. DD always fell to sleep in the car and pram so we could just ferry her about without worrying how long she'd been in there. Only thing is it lays across 2 seats in the back so will only fit in the upright position now we've got another car seat (it clicks up to 2 positions or flat).

Hmmm what not to buy.

A nappy bin. Who wants a stinking bin in their house just use a nappy bag and throw it straight in the outside bin.

A sleepyhead- they don't last long apparently & I have the Moses basket downstairs anyway.

Scratch mitts- they fall off. If you don't have a sleepsuit with scratch mitts then use socks.

Lots of blankets- cellular blankets are advised so that baby can breathe if they accidentally cover the face.

I will try to think of more as I'm sure there are loads.

We have a nappy bin, it's great! It doesn't smell, it's a Korbell one and its very easy to use and empty with no fuss.

We also had a Sleepyhead - it was great! Truly saved my sanity during the sleep deprived early weeks, when DS wouldn't be put down. He hated the Moses basket with a passion - that was a total waste of money for us, he never ever slept in it. We got the Sleepyhead in desperation to be able to put him down for a nap, and miraculously he would sleep in it. It was expensive but worth it for us. I'll be trying it with DC2 to see if it works a second time!

It's really hard to predict what will be unnecessary, as babies are so different!

23 + 1

The most useless thing I bought was a slumber sound teddy bear. Plays music or white noise but it broke very quickly and we ended up using a free white noise app on our phones which was magic luckily bought it from amazon so got our money back easily.

I found the dribble bibs a bit pointless too as they don't soak up much before they're minging with dribble/puke!

You lot are so organised! I haven't bought my bump a single thing (although I have crocheted him a soft toy and I know my mum is busy making sleeping bags). DH and I are in the midst of a massive building project at home so are staying in a rented flat until around the mid/end April, so we don't want to buy stuff now that a) we have nowhere to keep and b) we would have to pack up and move in the next few months. Plus, my head is full of sourcing stuff for the house build and I can't even begin to think of lists of baby stuff. I don't think he will get anything bought for him until probably the end of May for these reasons, plus we are rapidly spending every penny we have on the house! He really will have to make do with the pure essentials and plenty of second hand stuff, despite being pfb.

Gnat are you feeling better? Take it easy and drink lots. Awful getting ill when pregnant.
Ha ha on the dr comment about the scar! They're obviously badges of honour for them!

I can't think of things I didn't use bar scratch mits. But I'm sure they'll be more! Just don't buy things till baby comes if you can. They only thing we had was clothes, a car seat, a temp monitor, changing bag, steriliser, buggy and bedding. Everything else we bought after I.e breast pump, Ewan the sheep, sleepyhead etc. I think all babies are so diff things that work for one don't for another. With online shopping and home delivery / click n collect you can have things straight away!

It's a way off but my top tip for prep would be batch cook and freeze it before baby comes. The first few weeks you'll be shattered but want some home cooked food. I'll be filling my freezer this time round!

I've lost my appetite today. Is super noodles ok for dinner?

hi - thanks for all the tips. I still haven't bought anything and now it looking we are going to be moving just before baby is born so more incentive not to. I will be getting the vests / sleep suits as suggested.
I was told by an estate agent today that my bump was so small and she was shocked that I was nearly 6 months pregnant. I immediately liked her!! I feel like it is huge. I will have to do a bump pic soon.
For others thinking of moving before the birth, how are you planning on doing it?

Talking of scars, I know this is probably a silly question... I have a 3 inch scar on my stomach from an appendectomy. I know scar tissue doesn't stretch very well - do you think it will go a bit funny or look weird later in pregnancy?

Ahh I'm being rubbish at keeping up!
I've bought quite a lot of clothes and added to what I've been given but second a mix of different vests and babygrows are main point of call. The built in scratch mittens of Next babygrows are absolutely fab-however they didn't fit my long legged babies very well :( you will find some brands fit the shape of your baby better than others. I would say you probably need more than you think.. As long as they weren't really expensive you won't regret it. Poo explosions, sick.. We had several changes a day and I didn't want to worry about washing every few days!
I second the nappy bin! Didn't bother with first but glad of it with second.
I bought a swinging crib and was a waste of money.
Outfits = no ... Shoes = no
Big muslins are great! You'll want quite a lot of muslins full stop. I had a swaddle pod for dd2 which is cotton and has Velcro so the little so and sos can't escape the swaddle. She was a Dec baby though.
lucia as a one off I wouldn't worry massively (personally). I would stop for breaks. You would need to anyway to feed and change so get baby out etc. I took one of mine on a 7 hr journey @ 6/7 weeks to an important family 90th. I haven't heard of these lie down ones but don't waste your money for one use.
Agree with beautician with washing in Non bio. They smell lovely and there are chemicals on new clothes. I also won't be using disposable for the same reason.
So much washing already!
gnat that sounds horrible, not fun at all. Make sure you rest up and have extra fluids. Take it easy don't work too hard
anna have you found any zip up babygrows recently ?! Ive been on the look out. I've bought one but it more of a daytime-looking-nice one from H&M

I'm can't keep up with you ladies!

I would definitely second buying sleepsuits with scratch mitts built in, Next were great and Matalan also used to do them but no idea if they still do...I've been out of the game for a while.

You will be amazed how much is gifted to you so I'd say but as little as possible to begin with and see what comes your way...also bear in mind how quickly they grow out of the first size!...literally weeks.

I personally stick to vests and sleepsuits for newborns...outfits are a faff and likely to be trashed poonami wise. At least vests and sleepsuits can be binned in such an event...not worth splashing out on them for that reason, supermarket ones are normally cheap and decent quality.

If you are blessed with a sicky baby you'll need a million muslin squares and bibs...fact.

What not to buy...personally I don't bother with a baby bath, I go straight into the big tub with an appropriate seat/support.

Anyone's else's crotch broken? I've literally woken up feeling like I've been kicked in the privates

Also to add- I had my 24 week app yesterday. (I'm only 23 but there wasn't a single available appointment so they said would see me this week)
Other than receiving my Mat1b for maternity pay was a total waste of time. I know not all areas offer one so to reassure you if you don't!
Scary though - booked my 28 week one, and my whooping cough vaccination which can also be done for 28 weeks. This scared me?!? How is 28 weeks only next month?!?

Hopes - I actually was kicked in the crotch by dd today. Oooooouchie!

Cookies time is really flying by!

Minie you poor thing! I'm definitely having sympathy pains for you.

Kaytee I'm in a similar position re: scars. I have a scar from diaphragmatic hernia surgery when I was 4. I was hoping that as it's an older scar (30 years!) that it'd be okay, but I have noticed it stretching a wee bit. No idea how it'll turn out. Has yours been itchy too?

Pulpi not been itchy yet but my whole stomach just feels like it's at bursting point. I had a hernia too but my scars a little lower down so not toI worried about that one. Presumably if it was a problem someone would have mentioned it by now...

Kaytee I have my scan today (21 weeks!) so I'll pop in and ask the midwives. And hopefully get that ever elusive MATB1.

Hopefully I'll be able to post a scan photo tonight!

Pulpi & Kaytee - I have a scar as well from appendectomy in my early 20s. I hadn't thought about it stretching. Mine is quite large as there was an issue. Great if you could ask.

Thanks for the advice re travel options- and yes it is vital. Three very big family events that I can only miss if in hospital! Otherwise I fear excommunication we will of course be taking lots of stops to feed, change etc so I think it'll be ok. Not ideal, but certainly not a problem. Especially as at the other end there will be a million family members wanting to meet him...
DH - who is loving pram/buggies research is talking to lots of friends and is watching some options on eBay (Jane system ones) and we have found a shop that sells them to go see if buying the whole thing is worth it. Though he is so keen on the icandy peach I doubt he'll change his mind!
Re reusables- I agree it's probably extra washing but used with disposables I still think it will work out so much cheaper. I'm going to research nappie libraries, great idea whoever suggested!
22 weeks

Good luck with your scan today Pulpi. I have mine tomorrow, I'll be 20+6, feeling very anxious about it and also have a really big project in work today that I'm stressing over as I type.

Lucia my DH is very keen on the icandy peach too. It's expensive though!

Hi I also have a few small scars from my ectopic my belly button 1 is a bit sore and itchy sometimes they aren't even a year old yet.

Oh my life, I am busy for two days and look what happens! The thread has doubled in length!

Allthegood thanks so much for the months of pregnancy chart! However, ladies, I'm sorry but I think everyone has been misreading it!!! You are 5 months pregnant at 22 weeks, and 6 months pregnant at 27 weeks. The chart is a little confusing because it tells you which month of pregnancy you are in, not how many months pregnant you have completed. For example, when you are one week pregnant, you are in your first month of pregnancy, but you are not yet one month pregnant. You are only one month pregnant when you start week 5. It's a bit like a baby being in their first year of life when they are born, but not being one until they reach their first birthday. Hope that helps :)

Vickie, Lula, MrsRolly and Thistle congratulations on the scans. Lula, DH and I were also both convinced we were having a girl, and we are having a boy. It wasn't until that moment that I realised that I had only ever imagined myself with female children - girl kids, girl teenagers, young women... However, I realised quite quickly that was just because I am female, and now I am really excited about my little boy and think I would be initially miffed if it turned out the sonographer had got it wrong!

Becks hope your daughter is feeling better.

Beautician, LOVE the list. Exactly what I needed, thank you.

gnat that sounds truly grim - hope you are feeling better.

Hopes I had shooting pains high in my vagina (lovely) a week or so ago, on and off. Midwife thought it was probably thrush but I'm damn sure it's not (I know what thrush feels like!!!) so I didn't go to the GP for a swab. Thought it had gone away but I just got them again when I started reading this thread! Grr! I will have to see the GP. (In my ever-blossoming hypochondriacal state, I have of course started worrying a bit about cervical cancer.) They are going to be so sick of the sight of me! :)

I'm a bit worried about you all talking about 24 week appointments. I think it's 25 weeks here, and mine was booked in for next week, but I've had to rearrange it to the following week - so I will be 26 weeks! Midwife said it was fine, though, so I shall put it out of my head. Does mean I won't get my MAT1B until 26 weeks though, so I will have to speak to work about that.

In terms of stopping work, I have several jobs. I am stopping my long commute job at 30 weeks, because I can - I'm only a temporary member of staff and I could choose when to finish my contract. They want me to freelance from home afterwards, which I can then do as long as I like - ideal. My freelance editing work I will do up until about 37 or 38 weeks - I wouldn't want to take on a book that I couldn't finish due to giving birth in the middle of it! And then my teaching work (primary I am a teacher too) is only one day a week, so I will do that until 39 weeks - but the 39th week is an Inset day which I have off because I did an extra Inset earlier in the year, so really I will only be working until 38 weeks.

Phew guys, that thread took some going through!

Hope the scan goes well, pulpi.

Bluebell I just text my midwife who left my matB1 at reception at the health centre a couple of weeks ago, As this baby is my second I don't get an appointment until 28 weeks. Maybe give the office a call.

Anyone else doing exercise how are your hips & thighs?

I've been doing my usual Davina dvd 3 times a week and then a pregnancy Pilates one twice a week. I'm fine with the jumping around, squats and lunges just out of breath. However, I'm really struggling with floor work. Side leg lifts and back leg kicks really ache. I've never struggled before & can barely do any reps.

beautician my thighs are ok. Although some weighted lunges I'm starting to find don't feel great. What floor work have you been doing? Things on your back or twisty things really aren't advisable. Sometimes when pregnant you need to position your feet differently during some movements to be mindful of your hips. Also the high intensity stuff - the extra blood etc so your heart is working harder. Sometimes I do just have to lower the intensity of what I'm doing. If something is too much I would listen to your body rather than push it. Not to scare anyone off but I have a friend (who is a PT) and her stomach muscles split (she realised this a year post baby when still had a bump despite training her arse off and following a strict diet)
agree with becks on the mat1b bluebell if you need it, they can just fill it in and get the surgery to stamp it I think? I'm dreading sorting out maternity pay, I feel like you'll be the one to ask bluebell with your many jobs.. If you are both employed and self employed do you know how it works? Agree with you on the months preggo thing.
hopes and bluebell I've also had that shooting vagina thing. Increasingly in last few weeks. Had it in both pregnancies before. It's just one of those things I'm sure of it. Also feels like I've been kicked up the foof

Good luck on your scan today pulpi
lucia you're lucky to have a DH who wants to be involved /research etc. DH has never paid any interest what-so-ever! I would suggest trying out the icandys.. I had my heart set on one last time and when I tried it out In J.L i really changed my mind personally. But it's such a personal thing