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

[Ellizardo]

Nearly there folks.

YouAndMe that sounds rather rough - I hope things go smoothly from here on in.

Ellizardo the Benny Hill melons cracked me up... I do think maybe my upper back pain is due to the fact that I now have boobs where once there were none!

Beaut I'm sooo glad things down under are calming down! Fingers crossed for that vaginal birth.

Thanks everyone for your well wishes on the scan. I do feel quite relaxed about it. At the end of the day, if there is actually a problem, then he will just need to come out - and as I'm already 39 weeks, it shouldn't be a difficult decision to make.

Well, after banging on about this bloody blanket for weeks I hope it vaguely lives up to people's expectations! It's a tad wonky in places, but I am just so pleased that I have managed to finish it in time to welcome my little boy to the world!

Ah Youandme you have my sympathies. When induced with DS I felt like I'd been through the mill before labour got going. I found the examinations and pessaries worse than labour itself. Don't be afraid to ask for pain relief if you need it, the pessaries caused me a lot of cramping but I didn't think to ask for anything because I wasn't even in labour yet...and they didn't offer anything. Good luck, not long until you meet your little one!

Wow bluebell! The blanket is beautiful. I can't see any wonky bits on the pictures and the important thing is that it's used.

youandme it sounds like a bit of an ordeal already. Keeping everything crossed that the pessary does its job so you don't have to go through that again.

Eagerly waiting for more baby news now!

Oh wow you, what a day you've had! Hope you're resting up a bit now.

Bluebell well done on the crocheted blanket! I've never got my head around crochet at all, so I'm knitting instead. But oh, to make a lovely granny square blanket with all these odds and ends I have about!

Good luck youandme! Hope you are induced and things get going.

Wow, it's such a waiting game now and I'm only 36+1 so I can't imagine how some of you are feeling at 38/39+ weeks. So lovely to see babies arriving.

Finally saw a midwife, only 8 weeks later. Now they can't fit me in at 38 weeks, I give up! I'll have my scan by that point.

Becks - "I wonder if she can be bribed with chocolate, wine, money???" - ha! Are those three items ranked in the order that you'd personally find most convincing?! 😉

You&Me - looking forward to positive news soon. Hope you get some rest and feel better in the meantime.

Anna - thank you - yesterday wasn't much fun, but nothing like everything that you've been going through. Thinking of you. Hope you enjoy your spa day - you deserve it.

Elliz - made me chuckle re "'alright love I think we can handle it' blah blah blah"!

Beaut - thanks for the heads-up re JL sale. Unfortunately the things I wanted were either sold out or not in the sale 😕 Hope you get better clarity/care on Friday if you go - I think there's no harm in going along just to see what they say. Re pushchair, it's one that you can run with and which can be used (but not for running straightaway) for a newborn. It's the out&about nipper sport v4. I couldn't really justify the cost (nor do we have the space) for two different pushchairs/pram, and this one hopefully ticks all the boxes - apparently it's relatively manoeuvrable for round town/shops as well as running. So glad you've added baby names to your fabulous spreadsheet - really nice to have them all recorded 😊 (particularly as everyone seems to have such good taste!) And thanks for updating my details.

Thom - thanks for the nice wishes. Emilia Cerys is a beautiful name! Congratulations! I'm sorry that you're finding it tough on the ward. I think it's very normal to cry lots after birth, even when you aren't being separated from your baby. Hugs to you.

Speak - lovely pic! I'm sorry you're finding things difficult too. Fingers crossed for the transition ward. You and Thom and Fifi all sound so strong.

Cookies - "Whoever mentioned sex we've been having lots" - ha, no need to brag about it! 😉

Bluebell - sorry you're so uncomfortable, and hope the scan goes well on Thursday. Either you're being super-modest about the blanket or you've done some very nifty camera work, because I certainly can't see any wonky bits!

I was at a friend's house at the weekend. Her 6 month old baby girl only breastfed for a bit and since then has been on the bottle. But when I was holding her, she kept face-planting in my boobs! I guess she could smell them. I haven't even been leaking, but I guess babies just know. (Still, less embarrassing than when a dog keeps sniffing your crotch.) Beaut - the same little girl's big brother absolutely adores her because when she was born she gave him a fire engine 😉

36w (and only 8 days left at work)

I'm currently at that beautiful stage of pregnancy where my belly button looks like a cat's bumhole. Anyone else?

Juflin, DH says mine looks like a flux capacitor. He's convinced I'm about to give birth Marty McFly.

Ha ha pulpi, brilliant!

Please can I have some advice from those who already have little ones? Re bouncers. How long did your little ones use the bouncer for? I'm trying to decide whether it's worth getting one that can be used up until 2yrs. Most of them are just for up to 6 months / 20lbs. The ones up to 2yrs are more expensive and I'm wondering whether it's worth the investment or not really. Also, I've been looking at the seat-style ones, but has anyone used the swing-style ones instead? What would you recommend? Thank you!

Julfin I don't think it's worth getting one that goes up to 2 yrs. they will be walking by then and no way will they sit still in a bouncer. I would get one that lies quite flat for the very early days. I think the bouncer chairs are better than the swings. DD slept in hers quite a bit in the day in the first few months. I also recommend a play mat too.

Def not to 2 years have you tried to stop them climbing out of stuff when they walk and climb and try to kill themselves on stuff it's not worth it imo. The boucy lie back ones are great tho

bluebell the blanket is 100% a huge success!!! Definitely lived up to the hype and then some! It is absolutely beautiful and perfect - I have no doubt you will get many many compliments when out and about. You clever clogs!

julfin similar belly button but mine is more and more flat by the day I've never bothered with an 'up to 2 years' bouncy chair personally. I've also never bothered with a fancy swing. Due to gender/DH not wanting to put DS in a pink one, we sold our old one and bought a new one this time round. I do get one with vibrations - was only £25 on offer in mothercare. Mine never laid in the Moses basket for long and I do think it's really useful to have somewhere else to put them - where they can also see the world a bit more.

For the record- the sex was not to be enjoyed (on my behalf anyway!!) It was done purely for the 'greater good' and surprisingly DH was happy to oblige!

beaut all I bought in the JL sale was a pack of babygrows - £8 for 3 though (and they fit my children well). Did finally buy my changing bag! Typically the one I went for wasn't in the sale... Went for a Pacapod.. Some of them were in the sale but I wanted a more neutral one as apposed to patterned. And a more handbag style one. (DH will never use it)
Has your pampering commenced yet?! I've had to postpone mine thanks to the pox!

Thinking of you youandme. Come on baby! Come on pessary!

Bought some evening primrose today whilst stocking up quickly for more calamine. DD has really handled the Pox well. Better than me! I've got the worst cabin fever. It's resulting in biscuit eating...

38+2 must do my bump pic for the week!!! MW appointment this afternoon..

They are putting me on a trace because I wasn't confident enough with movements. I think I've been too busy to notice them which I what I told them, but as I was already at the hospital they've sent me to DAU. Also tummy is 42 and that was the third attempt - it did come up at 45 first time I really don't pay too much attention but they do want me to see a doctor so will be back here again tomorrow.

Sorry it's not an exciting baby update!

Eagerly waiting for more baby news. Can't keep up with everyone but I enjoy the news.
Love the baby blanket. Really beautiful. I've been knitting cardigans. Got 3 done and nearly done another 2. It's the sewing them at the end that takes the time and bores me.
Midwife appointment this morning to discuss my birth plan. My thoughts: have baby, both be safe and well!!!! Lowered my expectations due to mrsa and strep b, ultimately I want little boy to be ok, can't ask for more.
Car seat and base paid for and ready to collect. Getting there now. Just a nursery room to sort out!! Xx

At least your midwife is discussing a birth plan with you birchy

Also awaiting baby news....

Sorry that I have dropped off the board but have been trying to catch up this afternoon.....

Firstly, CONGRATULATIONS on your babies to Fifi, Thom and Speak..... I really hope you get to have them next to you or even better have them home soon. Sounds like they are all being well looked after, I hope you are also being well looked after....

Eliz - I know how you feel.... too tired to do much, however really quite bored with not doing much..... except waiting for baby to arrive.....

Ive been to the Maternity Triage Unit twice in the last week as I had swollen feet, Protein + in my urine and raised blood pressure, so there was talk of perhaps needing to deliver my baby if things didn't settle....They reckon it was due to the pressures of my job, once I got signed off work early, everything settled. I then had 2 days where I was having painful irregular contractions..... again this settled and Ive only had non-painful tightening over the last couple of days.

Im only 37+5 so strictly speaking Im not expecting my baby to make an entrance just yet, but I had been told that I could expect to go into labour slightly early due to hyper mobility (hence being advised to try and hand express colostrum from 36 weeks by midwife, in case baby was early). Ive certainly had the cervix pain/pressure and baby is very low, that would suggest that I am not far off (according to midwife-but she has said this since 32 weeks) I just have a feeling that now I've prepared to have my baby between 36-40 weeks..... I will now go over due!!

Also Ive been informed that there is a shortage of community midwives locally and the local hospital has had to closes its doors a number of times in the last few weeks due to not having enough beds for women delivering.... apparently they even had unwell women delivering on trollies in the Triage Unit (Im a nurse, so midwife has been quite honest about the situation) So, no home birth or being able to deliver at local hospital if this happens again or there is no community midwife to come out to me... apparently last Friday the next nearest 3 hospitals were also closed, so women were traveling just over an hour across 2 counties. We've prepared for all eventualities..... but so much for being encouraged to have a home birth and a slight stressful prospect that i wont know where i am going to give birth until I am actually in labour.

Anyway how is everyone else feeling?

Bluebell your blanket is beautiful, you're very clever!

Cookies, well done on the sex front, hope it works for you! And a big well done for yours and all those other dp's and dh's who are selflessly shagging all for the greater good Hope the trace is ok and you're on your way home soon, keep us posted.

Birchybaby your birth plan sounds very similar to mine! Mascara no one has mentioned birth plan to me either but I'm happy to go with the flow. This time round no mention of hospital tour or parenting classes, I think they think I've had my share of antenatal funding with this being DC3!

I'm too anxiously awaiting baby news!

Oh birdandbee sounds stressful. My feet and ankles are swollen, not sure if I should be concerned or not. Hopesandreams, no mention of a hospital tour either, they have been really rubbish. Just a good job I did nct and I'm also sort of laid back about it all! This is dc1 so thought I'd be a bit more informed, maybe I'm wrong! Birdandbee, we have heard similar stories about hospitals shutting their doors.

birchy totally get you re:sewing bits of cardigan together! Any recommendations for cute free patterns? Pinterest seems to be lacking in the free patterns in newborn or 0-3 size!

cookies hope baby is all ok - i find traces both reassuring and unreassuring in equal measure depending on how active baby is at that moment in time.. i always make sure i eat and drink just before hand now!

Bump is really really low down now - im bloody fed up and just want baby here. Im such a miserable sod! 37+3 (is that it?!?!?! )

Primary you're a week ahead of me, so your closer to the finish line than you think! I'm trying to keep busy hoping time will fly by and I'll got into labour off guard haha

Mascara Swollen feet on their own is just the heat, with being pregnant. Coupled with Headaches, Visual disturbances, High BP, Protein in your urine.... can be a sign of pre-eclampsia.... but I imagine you just have hot pregnant feet . Im trying not to stress about where i will end up giving birth, as long as its not half way up the motorway, on a trolley in a corridor or in my bathroom unattended, I'll be happy (sorry, its my attempt at humour about the situation!)

Thanks primary yes it was kind of reassuring but I knew full well he would move on the monitor, as I had just led down with a cup of tea and biscuits! And he did! Little bugger even had hiccups so movements were constant- so embarrassing.

mascara my feet/ankles/hands are very swollen but just as a symptom on its own its very normal. If BP and protein in wee then obviously a concern. That's my understanding.

bird that's really scary about hospitals. Hopefully it will be ok for you. Am glad for you everything has calmed down though, shows our bodies are telling us to take it easy sometimes. I think there is a community midwife issue- I've still never met mine, and won't now. And they've cut the clinics at my surgery - hense why I was at the hospital for appointment today. And when making my 40+ appointment I noticed her diary said 'clinic closed due to staffing' on a date next week

Little bit nervous about the appointment tomorrow but telling myself I'm being silly

38+2

cookies my little monkey got about 2 minutes in to my first ctg (which was for me panicing about reduced movement rather than my weekly organised ones!) And got crazy hiccups right on one of the little circles! I was mortified . But at the end of the day id rather be mortified 100000000 times than something go wrong!

I also have horrific cankles - my midwife almost pinned me down to get the bp monitor on me asap as she was so concerned about their size.. but as others have said if you have no other symptoms its usually just one of those pregnant things! (Arent we a sexy bunch now)

Hope our july babies and mums are doing ok - i cant imagine what its like for you having to be separated from your babies BUT hopefully they will be on the mend all the quicker for it and it will be a distant memory as you have snuggles after snuggles on your sofas at home! :)

You how are you? Any news yet.

Bluebell the blanket is amazing. I would be so proud of that. I would buy one of those from you. Just gorgeous.

Julfin wow you are committed buying a pushchair you can run with. I don't do running as I just look like a tomato but I will definitely be fitting in some exercise this time around. Knowing its my last I just want my body back and to get back to my pre ds3 weight.
Good to know that a present worked for your friends children. I'm thinking play doh, sweets and a baby boy doll so ds3 can copy me with his baby.
Max time I've used a bouncer 4 is 9 months. Like others have said they can tip easily. I will mostly use ours for when I'm in the shower so baby can come up to the bathroom with me as I'm not sure I trust little toddler hands.

Cookies my pampering was fab thanks for asking. I now have curled and tinted eyelashes and lovely soft feet. I'm booking a bikini wax and massage as soon as possible and then Tuesday I have my hair appt. I thought all along I may have him early but I think he will just come right near my due date like the others.
Hope everything goes ok tomorrow. Is it possible they may induce if they think he's big? What weights were your other two. It's probably nothing they are known for getting measurements very wrong.

Birchy I had completely forgotten about writing my birth plan. It's now on the to do list for tomorrow. I have strict instructions. I bet they hate me. But it's my fourth and I know what I want haha.

Bird how stressful. Unfortunately lots of hospitals are like that. Ours is the same. I hope I don't get sent anywhere else as its a 40 minute drive as it is.
I have visions of giving birth in the car. Added stress here of finding childcare for the other 3. If DH is at work it's a 45-60 minute drive back and if the childminder can't have children or they aren't at school it's 30 minutes to mil. Aargh

Well pampering was lovely. Until the next client came in and commented on my huge ankles/ legs. I could have cried. Water retention sucks.

37+5

Ok I feel better that I'm not the only swollen one! No other symptoms so it's just pregnancy then! Beautician I'd love some pampering, I've been trying to find somewhere for most the evening. Not sure what to have done though...