July 2016 Babies (8) - 3rd trimester here we come

[Ellizardo]

Hoping this works as total techno-luddite! Happy Saturdays all.

mar what thom says is right. It's completely understandable that you're anxious and concerned. I'm finding myself becoming more impatient as time goes on (particularly wondering what we're going to have). I can't imagine what it's like when you've got concerns based on past experience too. Whatever you need to talk about/vent about/share, feel free - I'm sure there'll always be support and good advice on here.

Ladies can I have your opinion on something please? I bought the car seat and pram package from Peppermint at the baby show in February and the items have finally been delivered this week. I'm a bit concerned about the condition of some of the items. The first thing is the car seat which is allegedly "brand new". There are a couple of marks at the bottom of it (pictured) which makes me think it has been used or been on display? It's got tags on it but the packaging wasn't sealed. It's made me worry that maybe it has been used and I should return it? On the other hand I feel like maybe I'm being a bit precious and its the way all car seats arrive because it's been tested before? (is that even a thing). The pram and carrycot packaging was also unsealed - just in loose plastic packaging. I expected it all to be in brand new sealed packaging. Is this normal? Can anyone else remember how their pram and car seats arrived and was it all sealed?

sorry photos attached now

All the good. I don't think my car seat/pram/carry cot were in 'sealed' plastic when delivered and we got them from mothercare. The only one I'd be potentially worried about would be the car seat, because of the marks not the unsealed plastic. Might be worth contacting them and seeing if they will do an exchange?

Because I haven't posted a photo lately, here's me at 28+1. The baby is all in the front, with his head resting comfortably (for him, at least) on my bladder. I've only gained around 7kg thus far and yet everyone is making comments about how big I already am with 12 weeks left to go.

Must. Not. Shout. Abuse. At. Coworkers.

The bastards.

Loving everyone's bump pics! DH still referring to me as tubs. My dad is saying I'm getting bigger every day (er...obviously yes...)! Mine is pretty much all out front too. No pics though so can't post!

Allthegood if you're worried give the manufacturer or retailer a ring. When my maxi cosi stuff arrived it was pristine.

My friend has given birth today. We went for afternoon tea on Wednesday and she had two weeks to go. She went into hospital at 9am and had her baby by 1230, all very easy! I can only hope for similar...

Maternity pads and bed pads arrived today. Least exciting parcels ever. But at least I'm feeling more prepared!

I'm feeling sorry for myself today as I fell down the stairs this morning. Luckily landed on my bum so baby is fine but I'm so sore. I'm in loads of pain with PGP/SPD already and now it's all down my right hand side and in my lower back

becks &* bel* thank you for the responses. what annoys me about the car seat is the first one arrived in exactly the same condition on Tuesday, I complained and they sent a replacement today but with exactly the same marks - that's why I was wondering if it's a normal thing. I'm not entirely comfortable so I think I will probably just return it and ask for a refund. It's a good thing it came early I'd hate to be stressing about all this close to the birth. I think I will keep the pram and carrycot based on what you've said becks about your stuff from mothercare
*
Sorry to hear about your back becks put your feet up for the weekend, have a soak in the bath and have some treats to offset the pain*

pulpi that's a lovely bump. I know what you mean about co workers I had someone ask if it was twins today 😡

becks I hope you are ok, are you sure you don't need to see someone to check you over and make sure you're ok?

pulpi you look great! Slim and neat if you ask me!!

allthegood I think my bits have arrived like that (although years ago) but the car seat I might be a little more picky over? When my maxi cosi arrived it was immaculate in a box etc. And that was just from a seller on Amazon.

mar it's completely 100% understandable to have times of worry and wobbles but I think you're doing a fantastic job. We are always here to support/ hand hold. so please don't feel you don't have anyone to talk to

mrsrolly pregnancy always sends me a bit like that! Just so forgetful and putting things in stupid places.

pulpi glad to hear your pillow is bringing you lots of happiness you literally can't put a price on comfort!

I didn't bother with a baby bath for DD2 and won't this time.. I just dunked her in a bit of bath water of DD1.. Pretty sure she was also washed in the washing up bowl...

So I had my chiropractor appointment today and she was incredible . She did some work on my pelvis which she thinks is contributing to my bad lower back pain as well as previous sciatica. (Which I can feel is on its return) so clever! I've never seen one before but I'm really hopeful as she seemed to really know her stuff

allthegoodnames the nerve of some people, eh? I quite like my bump, but the sudden barrage of comments has me thinking that maybe I've gained quite a bit more weight than I thought. But then I have to stop and remind myself that everyone carries differently and - in the case of women who have never had children and men - they don't know what they're talking about.

Hope your feel better soon, becks!

Hola everyone! Just returned from Mallorca-land of no wifi-but had a lovely time despite so so weather. Missed you all! Just caught up, I think, on the posts. Glad to hear everyone is generally doing well and looking bloomin blooming.

Julfin - re changing bag; we had pacapod backpack and it was crap. Straps not fit for purpose. But the actual pods you use interchangeably inside - one for feeding and one for changing - are great so just get them and put them in whatever bag suits. I splashed out on an Ally Capellino backpack that both me and OH and now two kids would use for YEARS, bought half price in her Xmas sale.

Have midwife appt tmw and consultant anaesthetist on tues, be good Roger heartbeat at29+6, it feels like ages!

Jem- cool idea re show. Think oh far too shy to contemplate!

Night night all.

*Roger? To hear!

Sausage fingers...

allthegood could the marks have come from the seat being on the floor in a warehouse or something? Don't think my packages were sealed either but if you aren't happy it's definitely worth asking the suppliers a few questions or asking for a refund. You need to feel comfortable with the car seat and pram.

pulpi lovely pic!

becks did you go to get checked over after your fall? Hope the soreness doesn't last too long.

elliz glad you've had a lovely holiday. Hope you're feeling nice and relaxed now.

becks you poor thing, falling down the stairs. It's always such a shock. Definitely get checked over if you're in any new pain, hope you're ok.

pulpi your bump is LUSH and you look great - weight gain, my arse is far bigger

mar absolutely understands you'd be feeling anxious at this point. It would almost be weird if you weren't. Did they know what caused your first baby to be stillborn? Talking to your DH would maybe be more reassuring than you think. Sometimes better to get these things out there. You're doing brilliantly, sending hugs!

Elliz welcome back! Glad you had a lovely hol, what did you get up to? Did you get a chance to relax?

Bluebell ever since I read you'd be able to crochet in your holiday cottage I've been well jel That is my idea of perfect bliss. Laughing Hens have got free shipping this weekend so I'm hopefully going to order some blanket yarn...

YouAndMe glad your appt went ok and they think you're doing well, nice one!

Lucia gorgeous puff quilt! You're so productive, I'm hoping it will shame me into action!

allthegood my pram/car seat didn't come in sealed bags, either. I wouldn't be worried by those scuffs now, but I may have been at the time - def do whatever gives you peace of mind.

GoingLoopy hooray for continued plan of homebirth!

Is anyone else planning a homebirth or has had one and can offer an insight? I'm definitely swayed towards it because both poss hospitals are 40min away/second baby meant to be quicker and first was only 14h from waters to delivery which is fairly quick. Also childcare and DP visiting etc. But I do have some reservations. Well one, really: pain! Not having access to epidural - eventhough I didn't have one last time.

Re. bathing: like everything else, really depends on your setup. We got a basic bath and would put it on the kitchen worktop next to the sink because we were in a small flat. But one of my favourite purchases in that it gave me confidence to bath her on my own - which felt like such a massive deal at the time - was a baby-shaped foam bath insert so I had both hands free and she couldn't slide down under the water. This time around, I'm not sure yet but we might get a similar thing that can go in the big bath with DD. CRIKEY I'M GOING TO HAVE TO BATH TWO WHAT WAS I THINKING???!

Ahem.

I'm currently sitting up in bed listening to a lovely Thom Yorke song on 6 Music with a coffee. Really should get up, we're over ambitiously going to try to decorate DD's bedroom this weekend and I also want to go to a local baby shop and look at cotbeds. Want to move DD into a bigger bed but not ready for potential escaping in the night! And need to get my prescription Gaviscon from the pharmacy as GP sent it to the wrong one and I couldn't get it yesterday!

Happy bank hol weekend!!! Hope you have sunshine

dats 28+5

Has anyone else stopped getting emails when there's a new post? Any idea how I'd set them back up?

Missing great bump pic. Sorry work is rubbish but at least the end is in sight now. Not long left.

Allthegood I bought a second hand pushchair this time around. However, had I bought new I would expect brand new. I would call them and complain. In the past when I've had new pushchairs they have always come in a box well packaged with foam and tape around everything.

Pulpi such a neat bump. I don't know what your co workers are going on about. I'm an absolute whale in comparison. Luckily I haven't really any bump size comments but then I don't really know many people where we live as I haven't been here long.

Becks you poor thing. I hope you are ok after your fall. I would be inclined to go and get checked over anyway.

Elizarado glad you had a good holiday. I'm so jealous. We are thinking about booking a holiday in Malta next April. We were supposed to be saving every spare penny but we love our holidays.

Dats I would have liked a home birth but DH wasn't keen. He's worried about the children being in the way. I understand his concerns as he won't want to be running around after our toddler. He would hate to miss anything so we are sticking to a hospital.

Rubbish weather here expected for most of the bank holiday but next weeks weather looks to be hotting up. I think I will do a day of baby clothes washing during the week when it can line dry.

30+1

I didn't get checked out as i definitely only landed on my bum. I'm still sore but I think it's a bit better today. Baby is moving lots in the same pattern as before so I'm not too worried if things change I'll get checked over. Thank you all for your concern. Just feel like a bit of a wally now!

Dats. I had DS at home and pain was not an issue, ish. My waters went at 3pm. I had my first contraction at 4pm and I pulled DS up for his first cuddle at 1:09am. So 10 hours from start to finish. I started with paracetamol and a TENS machine but my contractions were coming too quickly for me to recover and they were only 30 seconds long (only ha. That it is a joke). I was really suffering but the mw wouldn't let me in the bath until I got to 4cm dilated. Which is the same as when they let you go to hospital. So I figure I would have to cope whether I was at home or not. She did suggest a bath but with nothing to hold on to and hard surfaces I would say it was the worst part of the whole thing. I might add O did take the TENs off for the bath and pool! Lol.

The mw was trying to get me into a labour ward for pethedine to get me to 4cm, but here was no room at any of the hospitals (thank goodness) and when I was close enough to 4cm the mw let me into the pool and it was almost instant relief. I won't say it was comfortable but much more akin to really bad period pain. I stayed in there for most of the time until the baby came. Except for about 45 minutes when my temperature peaked a bit and I was told to come out to cool down. But went straight back in as soon as I could. When DS crowned (the second most uncomfortable moment but woudl have been in or out of hospital) I touched his soft soft head. And because he was in water I was the only one allowed to touch him. This is so the mw don't trigger the breathing response too early. So when he was almost out, the mw talked me through supporting him and bringing him up. We then sat in the water and cuddled until the placenta stopped throbbing, DP cut the cord, DS was taken away to be checked and dried and I finished off the labour with the placenta etc. When the mw happy it was all out and clear I got out and dried off, they checked and stitched me up and then they helped DS latch on. Then I had a shower and went to bed with my newborn squishy leaving DP to clear up. I had G&A at the end and for my stitches and paracetamol the whole way through. I would love number two to be as great as that but am also preparing myself for all eventuality. It may not work out that way. If I am lucky enough to be able to go ahead with a hb again. I will plan ot a bit better so DP can spend some time with us before clearing up. The poor man didn't stop until 6am and was shattered.

I am making plans for DS to stay with friends regardless of whether we are at home or not. Unless it is an overnight. In which case we will pack him off for a sleep over the next day. If we can keep him around we will, but if there is any need to get into hospital quickly O don't want him trampled on. He will be 2year 7months so wouldn't really understand what is going on.

I also accept not everyone's hb are as "fairytale" as mine. And i might have been lucky. But it is worth a try. Plus there is such a bonus to having two mw there just for you. Being at home and in familair surroundings and sleeping in your own bed afterwards.

As for "nesting"; it has started here. I am writing a list and checking it twice. I am starting to collect bits and peices and plan the accommodation. 11 weeks to go before I get to DS delivery date.

27+2

Allthegood- where did you get the car seat from? I know you said a baby show (if thats right) but whose the provider?

puzzle the car seat itself is a maxi cosi pebble plus. It was a supplier called "peppermint" at the baby show - we were directed to them by Stokke as they stock all their pushchairs - they were the main suppliers there and have good online reviews. I'm not sure whether my experience is just bad luck? Either way I'm not happy and feel like just returning the whole lot to be honest.

tams I've stopped getting new post notifications too. No idea how to set it back up

dats haven't had a home birth but I've heard it can be quite calming and relaxing which gives you more oxytocin and makes labour happen a bit faster (no idea if it's true) just make sure you have a good water supply to keep up a decent temperature in the birthing pool and an outlet to get rid of the water afterwards

I had my third NCT session today. It's very light on "useful" information and is pretty much a repetition of everything you already know but it's been quite good to meet other people locally who are due at the same time. We've got quite a lovely group so I think we'll definitely stay in touch with a few of the couples there.

Had my whooping cough vaccine last week and it made me feel sooo drowsy I literally slept for the whole weekend. Did anyone else have any side effects from theirs?

Can't remember who asked about baths but we got the Schnuggle

dats, tams, beautician - we didn't have a particularly baby friendly villa so explored the island quite a bit and ate lots of tapas! I would really recommend Mallorca as destination though, very friendly locals and baby friendly shallow calm beaches like Pollenca and Soller. Only 2 sunny days though, rest were overcast/rainy.

becks - hope you're ok. landing on one's derriere isn't quite the cushion you'd hope is it?!

allthegood - you can get pebbles everywhere so i agree, if you're not happy and think it might be a ex-display model/whatever, shop around and get a good deal at mothercare/JL/halfords etc. what a pain though...

goingloopy - your birth story sounds absolutely amazing. wow. a lesson in awareness and control.

midwife appointment went well today. bloods/pee/fundal height/heartbeat all present and correct. looks like my c-section may even be during week 38 ....argh!

I have been thinking about baby baths. We had a plastic bath seat with DS when he was very little but I had to warm it up under the tap first. Then we got a summer seat which was much better. I am thinking of using a separate baby bath when dd is new alongside bathtime with DS and then when DD is a little bigger she will go in the summer seat in the bath with DS. I figure wash them both. A bit of playtime and then I will take DD out and let DS splash about while I cream up and dress DD. That is the plan anyway. Watch it all go wrong!

Allthegood- oh okay, I panicked a little bit coz mummas and pappas are asking for certain seats to be sent back coz theyre deemed unsafe Ill try find it

Hello all,

Hope your all well and having nice weekends?

going thank you for your lovely message, so kind of you. You're right I do question if I'm a good mum as she doesn't sleep when all around me others do. We've started very gentle controlled crying and she has slept through till 5 the last two nights so I'm hoping we are getting there!!

I can't remember who asked about the baby bath but I'll post a pic of ours. I really liked it but there are lots of good ones.

I think it was mrs who asked about the daft things. I got into the car the other morning with my slippers still on! Ha ha! I've lost it totally.

beautucian I'm sure you look lovely and I'm loving all the bump pics. Can't believe the comments people are getting! It's so rude! Although my hairdresser told me the other day 'I looked ready to pop' I said oh no, I've got three months left!!!

dats if you want a home birth then you should go for it! I think it's lovely that you get to sleep in your bed.

eliz glad you had a fab holiday. Sounds lovely! That's exciteabout the date!!! They're letting me go to 40 weeks because I was so overdue last time and can't seem to dilate so they're not worried and I'm staying laid back about it

Got my brothers Wedding tomorrow so been beautifying tonight in an effort to look hot decent. Got a gorgeous dress for it so I'm feeling happy. Luckily I'll have to leave earlyish with DD and got to look after my nieces and nephews too with a pizza supper. I love weddings but I get to the point where people are drunk and annoying so I'm glad for the excuse to leave!

Finally bought a little something for baby today. Have a added a little pic.

Just waiting for DH to bring home Chinese

Anna. The way I see it now is that you are the person who dd wants in the night and she will do what she knows works to get you. Even if she doesn't 'need' you. And that is a reflection of a good mum, not a bad mum. Once they have that assurance you are not far away, they don't even wake up in the night. I love the way Christine taught me how to provide ds with that security without feeling like I was abandoning him. Not only did he sleep better almost immediately but he actually likes going to bed (unless he is playing of course). I get the most amazing cuddle from him in the morning when I wake him up (if he doesn't get up first). It is just so much better. DP even does regular get up now leaving me to have a lie in because 8 is so much more accetable than 5:30. I was so close to a breakdown I had to do something. I just don't want anyone else to go on as long as I did when there is help available. Keep me/us posted on progress. I will hold your hand through it.