June #9, The ABSOLUTELY FINAL stretch! The one where the little ones start arriving. Here's to sleepless nights and lots of cuddles.

[nehagarg]

Will we make it to the end of this one with all the babies here?

Here is the latest one people.

And a link to the stats.

docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1oTx71GeTR-ilVPTpIhNhutAwZPqNyYNEyIDwO80PmKQ/edit#gid=0

Enjoy!

chilli they're beautiful! And you're doing a fab job expressing and breast feeding... their stomachs are only teeny to start with anyway so they only need a small amount.

I have a cabin luggage sized wheelie suitcase with all mine and the baby's stuff in. We also have a separate bag of food- snacks for me and DH plus I've put in some stuff I can eat for dinner and breakfast if needed (I'm gluten and lactose free and I'm not sure whether the hospital provisions will manage that!!). We're going to look like we're going away for a couple of weeks on holiday! It is pretty filled up with maternity pads, nappies and a couple of towels for me though.

I've been really struggling with horrible period-type pains the last few days. And it's so painful to sit down by the afternoon for some reason- when I do it sends an awful heavy ache up through between my legs and into my bump- so painful. Added to which the baby keeps grinding his head on my cervix and the pain of that takes my breath away. I'm beginning to doubt how able I'll be to cope with actual labour if I'm struggling this much pain-wise in the last couple of weeks of pregnancy!

chilli they're beautiful and well done on expressing. We're all thinking of you as your babies get stronger. How is your recovery going?

I'm so glad some of you have cabin sized wheeled suitcases too, the thought of turning up at the hospital wheeling my cabin bag looking like cabin crew keeps making me laugh!! Mine will be packed for the labour and an overnight stay but may pack a second bag for a longer stay to keep at home for DH to bring if need be. I travel quite frequently for work so used to packing what I need into a small ish bag so hopefully I have what I need.

Hi ladies, was sure I had posted an update but it seems to have disappeared!

So I'm on day 8 in hospital and my pre eclampsia has got worse so they are inducing me tonight (eek) I'm 34+4 weeks so we managed to keep him in for an extra week. Am feeling surprisingly calm about it as its now best for both of us for baby to be born ( his growth has slowed this week) I will keep you updated with photos when I can !

congratulations to everyone who has their little bundles already

Good luck insise hope it's a nice smooth induction, great that you managed to keep him in for an extra week too!

Well done julie it does make such a difference. I passed my test when DS had just turned a year old - wish I'd done it sooner tbh, can't imagine being without it now!

Good luck inside thinking of you, and I hope all goes well!
I literally have a small holdall bag for me & the babies changing bag! Now feel like I haven't packed enough.

I just think if I have to stay in DP won't be able to stay so he can pick anything else I need.

mollie sorry to hear you're struggling have you got a hot water bottle to help at all?

Good luck inside, hope things get moving quickly for you.

Good luck inside you've done well to keep him in for that extra week

For those of you concerned about GBS there are some interesting articles out there and there is a reason it is not routinely tested for in the UK - many people have GBS anyway but that doesn't mean it will cause a problem with yiur baby. However so long as baby is monitored properly after birth then any sign of GBS should be noticed and treated immediately.

I actually think more mums should be concerned about vaginal thrush at the end of pregnancy. Certainly caused us no end of issues last time - incl thrush in baby and my boobs. Was horrific. Nearly ended our fledgling breastfeeding relationship.

So. As a result I have been reducing my sugar intake, taking 2 capsules garlic, 2000 mg vitamin c and 2 capsules of probiotic daily for the last few weeks; I am about to increase the probiotic dose and I may start using raw garlic (ahem) internally to really ensure it doesn't come back for the birth!!!!. Anyway, Thrush seems to have gone so am hopeful of it staying away.... & thus reducing our problems this time round.

I actually read an article which referenced a MW in the US that said NONE of her mums suffer with GBS because they follow this protocol too.
These blog articles might be of interest:

http://holisticsquid.com/alternative-treatment-for-gbs/

http://wellnessmama.com/8680/avoid-gbs/

Gorgeous girls chilli, I'm so glad they are doing well. Well done with the feeding/expressing - anything you can give them is a bonus.

Good luck for tonight inside, will be thinking of you.

Sorry you are in pain mollie, sounds life your body is gearing up!

Good luck inside!!!!

I've had similar pain mollie and similar concerns... Really hope I can cope with labour pains, at least there is a range of pain telecon options available to us!

Very cute babies chilli. Best wishes inside hope it goes as smoothly as possible.

Ps inside and jelly labour pain does feel different, in that it feels quite purposeful, unlike just crummy pains which make life tricky...

Good luck inside how very exciting!!! Thinking of you and can't wait to see your photos x

Iamdivergent I was a bit like that about hazard perception but there's a few free online ones to practice with plus there's a tutorial before it starts which help. strawberry & Ilovepies I've never really bothered with driving before but the thought of going back to work and not seeing the baby due to not being able to pick it up after makes me sad. Bigger motivation now
inside good luck with the induction! Fx it works quickly.*
Mollie* I know what you mean about the head it's really uncomfortable thankfully baby moves sometime to give me a break.
Been getting cramps too but I've heard like others have said labour pain feels different and people cope better with it, try not to worry she saysI'm sure you'll be fine X

chilli - what beautiful girls you have xx

insideout - wishing you all the best. Brilliant that you are feeling calm.

julie - good for you! Being able to drive is so handy with kids and their hectic schedules/appointments!

Inside good luck for today! Brilliant that you've hung on for another week.

ILove I haven't used a hot water bottle as I wasn't sure whether it would be too hot for the baby? Is that ridiculous?! And how have you managed to keep it down to a small hold all? I don't feel like I've actually got that much stuff, but it seems to take up a lot of space!

Good to hear that labour pain feels different and more purposeful. I was in such pain the other day I ended up in tears, I didn't know whether to sit, stand, lie down, walk or what to do with myself- everything hurt. I'm beginning to see how women get so fed up towards the end of pregnancy they just want the baby out- we still have so much to do before he comes that I'm hoping he hangs on in there till at least his due date, but perhaps I'll start changing my mind!

Yesterday I was feeling really tired and fed up - no clothes were comfy so I was in my nighty all day!
Don't feel as bad today thankfully. I think I can cope with another 2 weeks, but if it's 4 then I'm going to be miserable!

36wks today, hopefully no more than 4 to go. Just waiting on mw appearing for homebirth chat, have the heartburn from hell currently.

Hope it all goes well for you inside

mollie I'm sure a hot water bottle will be fine, it won't be much warmer than getting in a hot bath. You could always try those bean bags that you heat up in the microwave? :)
Not sure how I've kept it down! Just have the essentials!!

iam i hope the chat goes well & heartburn eases off!

I swear by the bean bag hear things, particularly this week when I've been in pain. I also think they're really good for the start of labour.

Good luck inside and soon you get to meet your little one.

I'm 39 weeks on Monday and on Friday I get my induction if this one hasn't turned up naturally. Busy bouncing, walking and just trying anything to get things started. Any tips? Coz my doc will induce at 40wks not any later.

The girls are absolutely gorgeous chilli congratulations.
Inside I hope everything goes ok must be horrible having pre eclampsia but defo for best getting baby out.

Can't believe so many babies from this thread have already appeared wonder who will be next

She's just left. Really informative chat and DH def had to be there. He wasn't aware of all the risks so think he feels better now he is fully informed. Bp was up at the start but had lowered when she took it again before she left. She just did my 36wk check as she was here anyway. Bump measuring about 1/2 a week over, he's still head down but not engaged.

Thanks for the Strep B info Mindful Bear will take a look :)