July 2016 Babies (9) - let the babies commence!

[Ellizardo]

Nearly there folks.

thom sounds like you've got an idea of where you stand until a plan has been put together. My dh was worried about voting too in case I went into labour early (I was in denial). We both applied for postal votes and have sent them off already. You can apply for an emergency proxy as long as the form to apply for the proxy arrives at your electoral registration office before 5pm on the day of the referendum. I know it's not the same as turning up to vote but at least your vote would be counted.

Changing bag wise, we've gone with the Bababing paternity bag. Dh chose it because he didn't want to have to carry around a girly one (I'm not that girly anyway). We've packed it to take to the hospital. Looks good and seems practical but we'll see what it's really like when it's properly in use!

Thom definitely look into emergency proxy voting if you are going to be still in hospital. This is exactly what it is for!

I have also already voted by post. I'll be annoyed if I am perfectly fine to go along to the polling station on Thursday as it isn't the same, but I didn't want to risk it, especially as I was originally expecting to be induced around the day of the poll.

you&me : tams - great advice, I hadbt thought about that. I will use some of the free time I have been given by being in hospital to do it. I would rather do it in person but like you say it is better to have voted somehow than not at all.
I am just waiting for my MRSA swab to be done, all very glamorous!

Hi Thom sorry your still in hospital but it sounds like your being well looked after.

I'm hoping things are gearing up for labour. Loosing mucous plug and I've a had an 'upset stomach' over night. Thought I was having some contractions in the early hours but things stopped so maybe Braxton hicks?? Hope it means labour won't be too far off.

39 + 2 today!!!

Cookies I did try olive oil (nuked in microwave first to kill off any bacteria) for the perineal massage, as recommended by NCT, but the thought of putting oil up there really did not sit well with me! I've ended up using Woohoo organic water-based lube, which I'm much more comfortable with. I can't reach with both hands at once, but I can do it with one hand which I figure is better than nothing, right?
Also, my boobs have not leaked at all yet. Is that normal?

Jem hope all is going well with you.

Speak glad you've been allowed out - hope everything stays nice and level for you!

Beaut I have a mini Prosecco too - very excited about that! Sorry about your hair removal escapade. Hopefully it will all calm down down there before you go into labour! I am just doing a haphazard shaving job at the moment, enough to keep it all in check so that I can go swimming!

julfin I hope you enjoyed Coldplay!

GoingLoopy I hope the baby turns for you!

Thom I spent bloody hours looking for changing bags. I ended up getting the SkipHop Forma Backpack because I specifically wanted a rucksack style one, and I wanted it reasonably plain (I got black) so that DH could carry it without looking silly.

Definitely apply for a proxy! DH and I applied for postal votes as the referendum is really close to my due date, and we sent ours back this week. We're in the Remain camp and I must say, I care more about this referendum than I have about any general election, so it's a relief to know that our votes have gone off!

DH was a bit grumpy this morning because he wishes I had helped out more with gardening earlier in the year, when I could actually move around and do stuff. He thinks I took on too much freelance work - which I did, but it was really hard to turn down. I do understand his frustration, but it's not the most helpful thing to hear right at this moment in time when I can't even get up out of bed without huffing and puffing! He did acknowledge (without any prompting from me) that I am the person who keeps on top of the cleaning in the house, which was good. We didn't actually argue about it, but I didn't really know what to say! Yeah, I could have done more in the garden, but he hasn't done much either. And it's not like I've been doing nothing. And it's not like I can do anything about it at the moment! So I feel bad, but... Now is really not the time to be bringing it up, because I can't fix it! Agh.

Whoops, posted before I meant to!

I actually think that we're both suffering from the frustration of my now not being able to do anything much. Is anyone else finding that the lack of physical mobility is driving them mad? I can't even collect the bloody eggs from the chickens because bending down to reach into their hutch is just too much!

Thank you for all the comments on my poor lady garden. I've been to the GP today as its so bad. I can't sleep or sit very well. Anyway I'm embarrassed to say but I'm going to as its something that's not my fault and I shouldn't be ashamed. My ex left me with a nasty std from cheating and apparently I'm having an outbreak. It means I may have to have a c section now as its so close to birth. I'm panicking a bit as I don't know a great deal about sections as I've not had one.

Bluebell DH told me off for over doing it earlier. Only because I told him this morning that I struggled to get up from the floor at ds3s pre school and one of the nursery staff had to give me a hand. He said he forgets I'm so close to the due date as I do so much.

Becks ooh sounds promising. Keeping fingers crossed for you.

Thom I have our changing bag it's the babymel Cara. I like it as it doesn't look like a change bag. I've packed it ready for hospital and it's very roomy. Also comes with a bottle holder and a change may. I'm really funny about changing baby in baby change units as some are pretty grim so I like to have a change may to put down and then I wipe with steriliser wipes.

Cookies your poor dd. I think ds would cry he is very sensitive. I had lots of braxton Hicks/false starts with ds3. It's very common in a third pregnancy. Do a search on mn. Number three is known for being awkward. I didn't mind as I felt like it was my body prepping for labour and my third labour was the shorter my far only 5 hours. My boobs aren't leaking too bad but they are very lumpy I have to keep massaging them or applying warm flannels.

Julfin baby has developed regular hiccoughing here too. It's an odd sensation.

Sorry to anyone I've missed. I'm in pain

36+6

speak glad BP is down and you're out. I hope you're feeling better?

thom hope you're doing ok too. Sounds like they're on it.

juflin wow how scary for you! Thank you for sharing that with me it does give me hope.

dats I thought about sling and just using bugaboo but DD is still really little and can't walk very far. She also runs off a lot so want her strapped in when we are in shops etc! I will be doing it though for short trips out.

beautician you've nothing to be embarrassed about lovely. That sounds awful though you poor thing. Not what you want as you approach childbirth. Please don't worry about a c section. It's honestly fine you just need to be aware you can't do anything for the first two weeks to ensure you get a good recovery. If you think it may happen batch cook and get online shopping set up. Try get help with the other kids sorted too for a few weeks as much as you can as you won't be able to care for them. A few of us here have had them so can provide advice for you!

Re hair removal as I was being wheeled In they checked me to see if I was 'hairy.'lol! Luckily I wasn't as I love a good wax! I did bleed a lot afterwards and having no hair down there made me feel a bit cleaner. But it's very very personal. A compromise may be to do just the top bit where the scar will be.

becks sounds promising!!!! Keeps us posted and good luck it it's the start!

kaytee all sounds familiar and normal I'm afraid. This last bit is tough but we're nearly there! I find a cake and tea helps when I feel shit!

We are due to finally exchange today!! Then we will sort completion date which will be in the next two weeks. I'm so excited to get in nest. It's also a great distraction from my mum. We are hoping to find out more today re cancer. We've not heard from my parents yet so I'm just giving them space in case they've had bad news.

Anyone else not give a hoot about the football??? Everyone at work has gone to the pub. I decided to work from home and do some housework lol

eliz how is your mum? Xx

Oh beaut you poor thing. The last thing you need. I think the last 6 weeks they do like you to have a section. Which I totally understand isn't what you want to hear but it isn't the end of the world. Trying to find the positives for you -at least you're hair free! So no razor! Have they given you an action plan of any sort?
I've had a lot of BH, and I had several false starts last time too, went on and off for quite a few days. Then one day my waters went at home and within 1hr 30 she was born! I think my body is going to 'practice' quite a bit again.

bluebell yep I am with your logic! Also, I find that I feel better for having tried with these things. I really should make an effort with this, I tore with both of mine. But I'm painting my nails .. Again. Priorities Oh and in my first pregnancy I didn't get any leakage, so I wouldn't worry! I would be frustrated with DH also, this seems rather negative and unhelpful.

becks that all sounds very exciting! Eekk!! Come on baby!

going oh wow so baby turned itself ?! Good luck for your appointment on Monday! Hope he turns and you get your water birth still.

Re: the referendum, this is exactly why I applied for a postal vote. I would be livid if I had gone into labour and missed my vote. I have sent mine off already so one less thing to worry about. Agree with the emergency proxy vote, definitely look into it.

My appetite has increased again, and I keep inhaling carbs. I was really hoping to avoid anymore weight gain in these last couple of weeks!

Beaut - what an arse. And I'm referring to your ex more than the c section. Let's hope it clears up in time and you can go VBAC but c section, as Anna says, really isn't bad...focus on your lovely fourth boy being healthy.

Ma is out of hospital today! Many thanks for your good wishes which I passed on to her and she was really touched. The worst thing she said was lack of sleep and the lady with dementia next to her who thought she was called Doreen and kept calling out to her at 3am. It would be funny if it wasn't all so sad. Fingers crossed neither of us are back until the 6th!

Can't believe how close we all are now. No leaking nips here but plenty of undercarriage pressure and the usual late preg indignities.

Anna did you exchange in the end today? Fingers crossed!

Have shed a few tears over that poor MP today. We are all so close to creating life and some sick man destroys it...

BeauticianNotMagician81 I am a bit sensitive with my DD right now as I know the baby is going to be such a difference experience for her. I think I struggling slightly on how to not push her or the new baby aside. So many of my friends and family say the second one just slots in and the second just misses out on a lot of that focus that your first baby had. I think maybe I am naive but really hoping to do both. Still have my babymoon and still be there for my DD1. We will see how the first few weeks go.

julfin hope the last couple of weeks at work fly by.

SpeakNoWords glad to hear you are home and hope its all going ok.

GoingLoopyQuickly have you had a look at the spinning babies website for tips on getting LO out of the breech position?

Thom80 hope things turn around soon and you are getting loads of rest.

beckslovestimmy oh good to hear about the plug, never lost mine last time so hoping its a good sign (if you are ready for it to be)

Bluebell20 yeah the lack of energy and movement it hitting me hard as well.

AnnaT45 good luck!

Cookiesandcoffee I have been terrible for carbs this week, mine however are in the form of biscuits and cake

Well I had a bit of a embarrassing morning. It’s been so rainy so after seeing that the forecast was going to be clear I got my DD ready and confidently went out for the 35-45 minute waddle into town through the country paths to the playpark. Halfway there I thought I was going to die or have the baby, Felt so much pain and heaviness.. poor daughter was getting bored with how slow I was moving. Thought to myself I am going to either have a baby in this field or have to call a cab and beg them to take me and my daughter home. In the end we got to town and it was just a dodgy tummy. Emergency potty break later I felt fine. Little tmi but these are the glowing experiences I get in pregnancy

Feeling really sick today - just threw up my breakfast . Maybe a sign that things might start moving soon? That's probably wishful thinking though!

Fingers crossed for all those who think things might be starting soon. I can't believe we've got to the stage where more babies are going to start arriving soon and little Luca will have some company on the thread. Hope everything is going well with the two of you fifi.

Had my 36 week midwife appointment yesterday and baby is head down and 1/5 engaged so still a little way to go yet! Very sore legs and belly this morning though after chasing my bus slowly past two bus stops. In retrospect chasing the bus at 36 weeks pregnant wearing Birkenstocks because nothing else will fit on your fat feet might have been a bit optimistic.

Morning all, just checking in on this thread, not been on MN for ages but been trying to keep up with bumps on facebook. Hope you are all well, will try to catch up on the thread, not sure I'll manage all 15 pages tho so if anyone wants to do a summary then feel free!!!!

Today is my last day at work. So glad. I've planned a busy week of looking at nurseries next week then full steam ahead to get fit, clean the house and rest up before baby arrives.

35+3

Hey All, am so relieved to have finished work, not sure that my body ever wants to move again it's so tired and achy. On the plus side, work gave me a lovely goody bag with a pedicure voucher among other things :)

Have a HUGE amount of respect for all of you with other children right now, I have no idea how you are doing this and finding the energy.

So many of you getting close to having your babies, am looking forward to having time to keep up to date and join in the celebrations as they start to arrive.

To those who keep falling asleep during hypnobirthing CDs, me too, but the lady who ran the course that I did says that it doesn't really matter as subconsciously it'll be sinking in. Have you got the book too?

Will catch up more over the weekend, take care ladies x

Beautician what a stinker of an ex - no of course you shouldn't be ashamed of it! God that makes my blood boil for you. I hope things have eased up a bit and that you're feeling more comfortable. As others have said, a C-section isn't the end of the world - lots of people would rather have one!

Anna I hope that the exchange happened! And I really hope that the news for your mum was what you were hoping for.

Cookies ha, priorities, yep! I can't be bothered to paint my nails - no point, as I'm doing so much cleaning at the moment it would be chipped off again in seconds! Actually a pedicure is the one thing I think I might treat myself to once the baby is here and big enough for me to be able to leave him with DH for half an hour...

Elliz so glad your mum is out. I was really upset by the news about Jo Cox as well - she seemed like an absolutely outstanding human being. What an absolute tragedy.

photographer, I was convinced I was having a contraction a couple of nights ago, but it turned out I just REALLY needed a wee!

tams I take it you didn't make the bus?!

Sunny hooray, you are now officially on maternity leave!

Ruby funnily enough, I didn't think any of the hypnobirthing had gone in, but then DH asked me what was on the CD and I found I could remember quite a few bits, so I must have been semi-listening in my sleep... Glad to know that I may not be totally wasting my time!

I've finished the baby blanket! Despite the ruddy carpal tunnel syndrome! It looks really cute; I've just finished weaving in the ends. Tomorrow I will wash it and block it so that it's flat and hopefully beautiful (it's a bit, er, wibbly in places at the moment) and then I will show you pics :)

Last couple of days I've developed a sore spot on my spine, just about where my bra strap joins. Can't work out if the bra is causing it or the baby. It feels bruised!

And the baby has definitely dropped. I was inspecting my side profile in the mirror and breathed in, and HOLY CRAP there is suddenly an awful lot of space between my boobs and the baby! I will try and take a picture of it this evening to show you - it looks really outlandish!

38 + 3

I did make the bus bluebell. Traffic was fairly slow but not slow enough for me to just have to go one extra stop. Really pleased that you've got the blanket finished. Looking forward to seeing a picture once you've put the final touches to it.

What do you usually do when you've knitted something for a baby? I've washed all the clothes, bedding and the bits that I've knitted (because they're not very good and I didn't mind if the machine ruined them). We've been given a box of things that dh's auntie has knitted and they're beautiful! Not entirely sure how best to wash them because I don't want to risk ruining anything - particularly the stunning shawl.

Ooo wow tams, sounds like you've been busy! What have you knitted? Any pattern recommendations?

If they're wool then I would soak them in warmish water with a bit of wool wash. Squeeze each garment out gently. For newborn baby stuff I would also give a second soak in clean water and gently squeeze again so that there is no detergent left on. Then I would lie them on a towel, roll the towel up and squeeze it / lean on it to get as much of the water out as possible. Finally I would lay them out to dry flat (I do this on a new dry towel), smoothing and patting them into shape first so that they dry nicely. It's pretty quick and easy to do for stuff like baby hats and cardigans.

If your DH's auntie has knitted a really beautiful lacy shawl though, you will probably find she's washed it already because she will need to have washed it in order to block it. Lace needs blocking every time it is washed, so that it dries with the pattern spread out properly. It might be worth asking auntie if she's already washed it, as it's quite a lot of effort to wash and block a shawl (you have to pin it out so that it dries right) - if she's already done it you could save yourself a lot of bother!!!!

Thanks for the advice bluebell. I'd only knitted a toddler sized scarf which has gone up the attic, a couple of pairs of booties and a hat that I ended up giving to my sister because it was so big! I only started knitting in January though so I'm working my way through a beginner's book. Dh's auntie has sent some cardis, the fine knitted shawl and some booties. I'll try to find out whether anything has been washed already but will have a go at washing the cardis the way you've suggested next time we get a dry, warmish day.

Anna yay for moving soon. I hope your mum gets some better news.
Not bothered about football here either. Luckily I have a DH who isn't either. It's messing with my soap watching.

Cookies I can't stop eating either. Although it's more ice lollies than anything else.
*
Photographer* I get a really sore tummy too if I need the loo. Well done for getting out with dd. I had hoped to spend lots of time doing fun things with Ds but in reality I'm just too tired.

Anna Eliz Cookies Bluebell thank you for the kind messages. Yes my ex was an arse. I don't know if I've said before that he is the biological father to my eldest two. He was abusive physically & mentally. Ds1 & 2 don't see him and they call DH dad & he deserves that title as he would do anything for them he treats them no different to ds3.
Re a c section. I know it isn't the end of the world but I really don't want one. I have never understood why the celebs think it's the easier option. I have never struggled with pain after birth really which I know I would with a section. Plus how I would recover with ds3 about is anyone's guess. I'll see what the midwife says on Monday.

My baby isn't playing ball right now. He's moved up. I think he missed out on the memo reminding him he's supposed to be going the other way. Since about 20 weeks I've had a nice firm bump now I've got a squidgy flabby layer at the bottom and instead it's quite hard under my boobs. Great I'm going to have a right jelly belly after birth.

37+0 full term

Hi,

anna - congratulations on exchanging, it is so exciting. I hope the move goes smoothly. I have been thinking of you and your mum and really hoping that there is some positive news.
bluebell - congratulations on finishing the blanket. Can you post a picture? My mum. Is desperately trying to finish off a cardigan she has knitted for the baby in case she comes before 36 weeks.
elliz - I am so pleased that your mum is out of hospital and on the mend.
beautician - I agree with others, your ex sounds like a complete arsehole.
cookies & beautician - I have developed an addition to lion bars. I am know hiding them from myself which is pathetic!
It is so exciting, it sounds like so many of the peeps on the thread are ready to give birth.
I didn't have great news today, I am going to be kept in over the weekend and Tuesday is looking like the earliest discharge day, if at all: the aim of the game is to keep the baby in for as long as possible and try & get to 36. We have been told to prepare for delivery from tomorrow, but at 34 weeks I am keeping my legs crossed! I am still convinced that she is going to be nearer 36wks but that might just be wishful thinking.

Hello all - not keeping up at all!

Thom - hope that baby stays put for a bit! Having said that, one of my NCT ladies just had her little girl at 34 weeks and both Mum and baby are doing just great - even out for tea yesterday

Right mega post - here we go! Apologies if I've missed lots, we just got rid of builders and work reared it's head last week so all a bit hectic!

Beaut - what a horrible ex you have - so glad you're with a good partner now but how awful for you that the ex still effecting you. Hope you're in less pain now and that both you and baby are ok. You sound like a very strong, not to mention very organised lady, so no double you will make it all work c-section or no.

Anna - brilliant news on house, hope it's all smooth sailing from now on! Been thinking of your Mum and your family a lot. Cancer is a bitch, no way around it. The treatment is so much better though now and it sounds like you have a great family support which makes all the difference. A new grandchild will do wonders too. Really hoping you get some positive news soon. x

Eliz - glad your Mum is on the mend, brilliant news. It is so sad about Jo Cox - it just sounds like a crazy, awful incident but so, so sad.

Cookies - inhaling carbs here too! It's carbo-loading for birth right…? I mean that's what you do ahead of a marathon so I reckon it's fine! That's what I'm telling myself anyway

Bluebell - so impressed with your industriousness (is that a word?) - crochet with carpel tunnel = amazing in my book. I have two unstarted cross stitch kits that I'm thinking now will remain that way. Ah well, it's the thought that counts right..? i know what you mean about feeling physically hampered. I've been swimming twice a week but now it's really wiping me out fro the whole day so I"m not sure whether to keep it up or rest up. Last time, baby was really quiet for day afterwards and I'm worried I'd over done it.

becks and youandme - exciting! Keep us posted. So excited that the babies are a-coming.

Ruby - good to know it goes in - I've been falling asleep to the hypo-birthing CD for weeks now. So has DH, not sure what we'll do without it!

Photographer - I had a contraction last week and turned out I just needed a big poo! Ah the glamour!

Speak - glad you're home and all is well.

GoingLoopy - I second spinning babies website for great pregnancy yoga generally.

I'm getting all knickers-in-a-twisty with the monitoring movement - baby has quiet days and freaks me out!! Especially as it's the last thing the MW says to you as you leave an appointment. I'm finding it difficult to know what they mean as it's all a bit woolley. Anyway, that's what I'm worrying about today clearly. Also was crampy and back achy all day yesterday which was lovely too!

Anyway happy Saturday all - apologies if I've missed anyone.

Another massive post, sorry!

Thom / bluebell - the Coldplay concert was really good thanks. Great show. We're trying to do nice fun things now while we can.

Thom - sorry to hear that you're having to stay in hospital longer. Keeping my fingers crossed for you that the baby stays put for a little while. But having said that, at 34 weeks the baby should be absolutely fine. A friend also had her baby at 34 weeks and all was well. Are you managing to get some internet shopping done while you're in hospital? I've done some click-clicking recently and every time a box arrives in the post I feel a little bit more comfortable about the baby arriving - I was feeling quite unprepared before. Your EU referendum conundrum reminded me of that story about ill and aged Peers being wheeled into the HoL in order to tip the balance in a really tight vote. Is that just urban myth?

Becks - hope things are going ok with you. Exciting that people are getting so close!

Bluebell - no boob leakage here yet either. Hope your DH's mood has improved. Mine has been pretty grumpy too - struggling to adjust to the imminent change.

Beaut - really sorry to hear what you've been through / are going through, and that you're in pain. Hope it dies down soon.

Anna - did you exchange? Hope all went well. And any news from your parents? Keeping fingers crossed for good news. No interest in the football here either! Looking forward to Wimbledon and Olympics though.

Cookies - I don't think you need to worry about inhaling carbs if you're still hitting the gym! I'm just eating what I want now.

Ellizardo - so pleased re your mum! Great news. I'm in shock re the MP too. It didn't sound very quick and clean either, poor lady.

Photog - I love a good bowel movement story 😉 I tend to get Braxton hicks when I need a wee really badly.

Ha ha Tams - great image re the bus!

You&Me - how are you feeling now?

Sunnyscot / Ruby - enjoy being on mat leave!

Sunny (and others) - What's your strategy re nurseries? I've only just started thinking about this properly and have just realised how quickly I need to act. I'd signed up for the nursery at work back in November/December, but have recently learnt that there's a fair chance we won't make it to the top of the waiting list by March (which is when I'm planning to go back to work) so am panic-researching other childcare options near here. Have now got my head round the difference between day nurseries and nursery schools. Do you know (when they're older) whether the government childcare vouchers work for both, or is it just for nursery schools? Apparently for lots of the nursery schools in our area, if you don't get your name on the list on the day your baby's born, then your chances of getting a place are pretty slim 😳 Literally, fathers are packed off straight from the birth to drop off the application form - absurd. So now I'm really hoping the baby doesn't come early as I need time to research them all! Will try to get some visits lined up for when I'm on mat leave. Also not sure what we'll do about wraparound care if we put the baby into nursery school rather than a day nursery later on, given that nursery schools just seem to be 9-3pm or similar (and we can't really escape work at that time). Has anyone else already grappled with all this stuff and got any good advice? Thanks.