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

[Ellizardo]

Nearly there folks.

Dats Arse Bandits . Definitely my problem area well that and thunder thighs and bingo wings.

Kaytee I always get really veiny during pregnancy. Lots of little broken veins but they seem to disappear as the weight comes off. I have stretch marks but they are old from ds2. I was huge with him and the only one I've had stretch marks with.
I'm sure you will be fine for the christening. I have a wedding to attend 3 weeks after the birth. It's DHs best friend and it's going to be a huge event. No children are invited. Not even sure I can go yet as I need childcare although I can take the baby. I dread to think what I will look and no idea what I will wear.

Mrsrolly enjoy the wedding sounds great. It's been really cold here in fact I've had the heating on a few times this week. However, the hot weather is set to return for the weekend.

Mar I ordered my open front nighties from Mothercare. They have lots of nightwear reduced at the moment.

Primary I think if swelling leaves an indent like that then you should call your midwife ASAP. I wouldn't wait until Monday.

Only 5 weeks left. I got a few more snacks for hospital bag today. Pretty much ready just going to wash the Moses basket bedding today. Eek

35+0

Gx91 - I've got my c section date for 6 July when I'll be 39+4...personally pleased I can plan with Ted (15 month old) and house move etc. Good luck with your appt.

Woke up with an incredibly painful left side, like the bastard love child of a trapped nerve and sciatica. Paracetamol makes no difference and can't pick up Ted let alone anything else. Have booked to see a specialist preg massage therapist at 3pm as couldn't get an appt with anyone else at such short notice. Any other rec?

Bluebell/julfin - glad you like the fabric!

Where are you based Eliz? My friend is a fantastic oesteopath here in East London - she's great on pregnancy too. She really helped me when I had a trapped rib earlier on in pregnancy...

House is really stinky after floors varnished yesterday - fumes making me feel a bit crappy :( Do we think it's anything to worry about? Baby moving around, just more sensitive to smell I think.....

Thanks ellizardo , not long for u at all now !! How exciting !! I agree quite glad to get a date to sort out our DD cover while I'm in hospital ! One less thing to stress about how many weeks wer u when they gave u ur date ? I'm worried they may not tell me at this appointment ( will b 34weeks) X

Primary - u poor thing , all the swelling sounds very uncomfortable ! I would see the midwife just to check everything's ok , she may even have tips to help u reduce swelling X
Got a good giggle at the lady garden trimming! Iv been trying to just keep it all shaved off lol no idea if Iv been successful bcoz I can't see anything lol doctors and midwives at the hospital will get a good giggle i suppose ,bet they see a lot of funny trimmings ( poor us ) lol X

Julfin - that made me laugh out loud! I was typing in bed or mistyping! - it was meant to be pack my bag! I am not sure about turning my back into a piece of art..
I had the same issue with my OH. I had to break the news that we had two all day NCT sessions at weekends plus a 3 hr breastfeeding class. To make matters worse there was no time to have dinner before the breast feeding class & it went on for three hours! So much moaning. I broke the news after giving him a beer!
Gx91 - I am having a planned c-section. Date booked in for second week of July. They said that if they need to they will bring it forward for health reasons but at the moment it is at 38 weeks. They said they will make the final decision at 36 weeks.
Primary - I hope you got it checked out and it is all ok.
Elliz - that sounds incredibly painful. Hope you have found some relief.
I am looking forward to the sun coming out this weekend. I am currently still wearing my winter coat and it is now officially summer!

Cheery - am SELondon/Greenwich so cld get to east easily. The preg massage woman wasn't bad but have supplemented with frozen peas..in other words, getting her deets would be fab (think it's muscular vs. Bone tho?). Thanks for your recs cheery - first polly now bone gurus!

Gx- think I was 33 wks when they booked me so you'll be fine.

And thom, that cracked me up too. I think getting pablo'ed has to be the new craze in town!

Thanks ellizardo and thorn, hopefully find out soon I'm itching to know the date ! Lol X
Indians - nursery looking lovely !
Sadly our DD and newborn will b sharing so we r missing out on decorating a nice fresh bedroom , I do enjoy looking at everyone else's tho ! X
Hope everyone with aches and pains r getting plenty rest ! I also am suffering from very sore back pain and sciatica , really is hard work running around after a toddler but keep thinking of the finish line !
On the upside Bought a nursing bra ( no wires ) from m&s today 2 for £32 , and I can honestly say I wish I'd bought them sooner , it's so comfy !!! X
Can't wait to hear all the birthing stories and see all these babies soon ! xx

We aim to please Elizardo! Bone guru is Kirstie at Leytonstone Osteopathy - she is great, if she's busy she'll be able to recommend another osteo who is experienced at treating pregnant ladies. Hope you're out of pain soon - total rubbish is back pain!
In other news builders have finish but bill is quite a bit more than originally quoted. Argh!!!!!! I just would love to be thinking about packing bag and nursery rather than negotiating with pesky builders! Much needed yoga tomorrow!

G so sorry you've got pain too. Really hope that eases off. No fun x

I just typed an epic post and my app crashed!! Agghhhh

I'll be quick.

Mum is doing the same. We don't know much more but hoping to next week and then we can get her home. I'm getting my head round it all but I'm exhausted from running around all week. Luckily my brothers are home this weekend so they're taking over! I've just said I'll take eldest bro out for brunch on Sunday to give dad a break. I wanted to thank you all so much for your kind messages. I really appreciate it. X

eliz love love love the blind!!! Great choice

indians nursery is looking so stunning!!

thom lu how is moving going??? We are about to confirm 30 June when I'll be almost 36 weeks. Getting movers and mates to help us!!! Going to visit new house this afternoon for first time. So looking forward to it after this week just want to be there now!

dats I need an Arse and thigh bandit! I'm lucky that I don't carry weight around my middle generally but my Arse and thighs are another story!!!! Can't wait to get exercising again... With two little ones that will be a quarter past never!!!

C section girls_ the bigger the pant the better! And over the bump leggings will be your saviour those first few weeks. I also used to stick a mat pad in my pants over my scar to cushion it. Really helped!
My date was booked at 20 weeks. Going to be 40+ 1 due to be due at weekend. I'm cool with that. DD had to be dragged out so confident i won't go into labour before. If I do then I go straight it and unless fully dilated I'll be taken for a section.

I need to go through and properly catch up but for now ok going back to sleep! Thanks so much for your lovely support again, you guys are fab xx

Ah Anna - sounds like your family are all pulling together brilliantly. Not always the case alas. That'll help your Mum no end. Sending love to you and hope your Mum is able to get home soon - that'll make everything better too x

Indians - nursery in gorgeous!

Hiya Everyone
Sorry long time so post.... i broke my iphone and it seems more difficult to get to the laptop to check posts.... Im totally out of touch with whats going on with everyone.... no one has had their baby yet?? Im assuming not as i should " in theory" be one of the first (due 8th July).

Is anyone else getting a lot of low down pressure? Carrying low now? Producing Colostrum? - My usual midwife doesn't seem to have much to say about anything i tell her i am feeling.....

Im thinking of collecting the Colostrum / antenatal expressing- anyone have any experience of this? any tips? Anyone else thinking of doing this?

35 + 2 - Feeling massive!!

I probably should be trying to harvest colostrum (I've seen it recommended for diabetic mothers in case baby has low blood sugar and needs topping up) but tbh I'm scared to try in case it doesn't work

I'm starting to worry about going into labour early. There's not any real reason to think I will, but I'm worried about where the baby will sleep if I do! We're hiring a bedside crib, and it won't be delivered until 15th June (I'll be 38+2). I can't move the delivery any earlier as they have no slots. If I have baby before then, where the hell will it sleep? We do have a cot ready, but there is no room for me to sleep in the nursery with the baby, and I'm not sure how practical it would be to get the cot into our room either. We don't have a carrycot for the pram (but could get one same day delivery from Amazon). But it claims not to be suitable for overnight sleeping. We also have one of these:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Tiny-Love-3--Rocker-Napper/dp/B008VU3A1C/ref=sr111aait?ie=UTF8&qid=1465070922&sr=8-1&keywords=tiny+love+rocker+napper

But it also claims to be unsuitable for overnight sleeping. Would I really have to emergency purchase a Moses basket just for a few days or would baby actually be fine in one of these? Of course it would be totally the wrong height and we'd have nothing to stand it on! Better hope he/she just stays put!

Attempting to catch up!

dats I need a full body bandit from top to toe! Wish I didn't gain so much weight/size in pregnancy. Last time I stopped looking at 4 1/2 stone..

anna glad family are pulling together in this difficult time. I hope your mum is home soon my best friend swore by a maternity pad over her c section wound too!

indians I know I've already said on FB but your nursery really is lovely. FINALLY got DH to put the cot up today.. Was so over joyed.. Until I realised he's done it wrong

elliz I am in love with your blind fabric! I ordered mine today.. But nowhere near as lovely as yours. Have gone for a tasteful star pattern. Re your aches and pains- definitely get in touch with an osteopath/chiro, and one who you feel comfortable treating you. Mine had lots of experience treating pregnant ladies and had children herself. Best money I've ever spent. Really hope you get some relief soon

primary poor you. The swelling does not sound fun. I would get it checked sooner to be safe. Especially if you have any shooting pains in the legs, and obviously for your wee/blood pressure to be checked ASAP. Rest up!

bluebell good trimming efforts! I've started to think now I can't let it get too out of hand 'just incase'. Do please share your babygrow efforts! Sounds very creative I'm most intrigued. Also being constantly harassed here by super market checkout ladies- a million and one questions, comments on when he'll come, all sorts. Mostly just 'I can't believe you have a month to go'

gx hope you got your hospital bag bits ok. I've bought a few bits but no organisation it's kinda just chucked on top of a suitcase in a pile.

youandme Yey to maternity leave! I'm technically on mine now!

kaytee that's very organised of you re christening. I can't see us doing it this year. You really won't look like a 'dogs dinner' and sod what they think anyway. I can't believe the weight question - can't think of anything more rude. My thighs are also massive if that brings you any comfort. Honestly they are vile and cause great chafing when I wear anything other than leggings. I tell myself a lot of its water I've got a pair of hareemy type trousers (that I'm now too fat for) but hoping they'll do post baby. And a pack of 2 nursing camis from H&M as they were reasonable.

mascara never say no to help!!! Hope all went well at the trace.

mar glad to hear you are resting. I bought my nighties from Primark and they had one that unbuttoned the whole way. If ordering online I would maybe have a look at Matalan or a supermarket website like George @ Asda? I didn't even want to pay mothercare prices cheapskate. I do want to buy a nicer one for once I'm at home and we have visitors.

Been shattered the last few days- dd2 home from nursery with a high temp yesterday and have struggled to bring it down since. And extra water I've been trying to give her have resulted in bed wetting in the night. Changing sheets at 3am with a belly this size really wasn't ideal last night. Been trying to get on with bits for baby's room. As I said the cot is finally up but built incorrectly I think all the decorating has also taken its toll- off to bed now. To think all my best friends are out tonight (separate occasions) all telling me how drunk they are etc. They're mums too so I'm completely happy for them as its a rare occasion but starting to feel like a social recluse now.
I think I'm pretty jealous of you with booked dates for sections. The anxiety of two children and a history of quick labours worries me more so than the actual labour itself!

35+5

Anna - glad your brothers are there now. Keeping fingers crossed for good news next week.

Sympathies to those who are suffering pain or builder/removal woes.

Bird - we've already had our first Team Baby - you'll have to head back to thread 8 to catch up! 😄

Fifi - how are you doing?

Beaut/Mar - can you explain the concept of open-front nighties to me? Genuine question!

Bluebell - your lady garden account made me laugh!

Thom - your DH sounds rather like mine - who'd infinitely rather be watching west wing or discussing politics over a drink, than going to NCT. He managed to limit himself to only a handful of inappropriate jokes/comments all day today... More generally I thought today's inaugural NCT session was quite useful and balanced - I was pleasantly surprised as I've heard pretty mixed reviews. Nice to meet some local parents-to-be, too. Some of them live within 10 mins walk 😊

You&Me - no you wouldn't need to buy emergency bed solutions if the baby arrived before the crib. What you'd do is lay down some blankets on top of each other on the floor, so baby has a nice soft mattress-equivalent to lie on. Then you'd fashion a "sleepyhead"/bolster-equivalent from a rolled-up towel (I think there's a video link for this on a MN thread somewhere - even if not I'm sure you can find it on t'internet) so the baby feels nicely cocooned and won't roll anywhere. That's literally all you'd need to do. I also know people who've (as a one-off) used the car seat overnight, and nothing bad whatsoever happened.

I had a sling delivered today, and a bath seat/insert thingummyjiggy (which I've learnt today isn't needed for the first few weeks). Expecting some baby clothes next week. Getting this show on the road! And tomorrow I'm seeing an old school-friend and her new baby, so will get some practice in...

33+5

Ypuandme - what julfin said OR have them sleep with you. That's what ended up happening for the first few days anyway. Or if you have a laundry basket? Pad that out as per Julfin. We were putting Ted in sinks, sofa-cushion nests etc and actually v rarely in his Moses basket! Good luck but am sure it won't come to that!

Indians - your nursery is a delight. And v restful on the eye.

Beaut & bluebell - off for a Nct girlie reunion at Cowshed this morning : pedi, massage and bikini so being professionally tended to for the first time in months.

Back is feeling so much better, thanks cheery & cookies xx

Youandme, Moses baskets are so cheap.
Mine was like £15 from Aldi with everything. I've got it for downstairs so I don't have to cart something up and down the steps. Asda have cheap ones, as do Amazon. Or could someone lend you a basket and buy a new matress? We've been give two Moses baskets and new matresses for them are £5 from Amazon.

Had some painful Braxton hicks last night, lasted a good few hours. I've just been reading about all the positions I shouldn't be in such as sitting reclined in bed looks like I need to start encouraging this baby to engage from 34 weeks.

Loving the nursery pics indi, and I think the birthing ball needs to make an appearance - will a gym ball do? DH has one?

Julfin, love getting new baby things. I'm pretty much done. What are people doing for rockers/playmats? I've got everything practical and nothing sensory! I realise they won't be bothered at first but I'm concerned that I'll need to put baby down at some point and not necessarily in the Moses basket??

Trace went fine Friday thanks Cookies, it was over pretty quickly as he was wriggly anyway which was good.

Enjoy the sunshine all.

Eliz I would love to be able to plan childcare for my 3 it's going to be difficult. Pampering sounds great. I can't wait for my massage later in the week. I'm getting my feet done too. Pretty embarrassed about my dry skin.

Gx91 I'm the same with the bikini situation. I've just been spraying hair removal cream at it and hoping for the best . We don't have a nursery either as baby will eventually share with ds3 but we have done up ds3s room. I'll try and get some pics later.

Indians gorgeous nursery. You look very well prepared.

Anna pleased to hear that your brothers are taking some of the strain. Thinking of you.

Bird Fifi has had her baby. We haven't heard for a while but I think both mum and baby are doing well.
Whatever you do don't express while pregnant as any nipple stimulation can bring on an early labour. My boobs have been leaking since about 25 weeks.
*
You* I really wouldn't worry about the crib. There's no reason to think baby will arrive early and if that does happen as Julfin said you can put baby on floor or I'm a drawer that's what they used to do. Obviously padded out with blankets. That rocker looks perfect lied flat for baby to sleep in.

Cookies I feel the same about those booked for induction/section. I would love to know a date. With 3 it would make life so much easier. But at the same time I really want a water birth this time as its my last chance.

Julfin open front nighties are for ease with breast feeding. At 3am I don't want to be faffing with taking a nightie off or struggling to pull a vest down. Also great for skin to skin contact with baby.

Mascara I already have the Playmat and rocker. I like to have somewhere different to lie them in the day. I also have an Ewan the dream sheep. Great for helping a fussy baby to sleep.

I really don't have much left to do now. I've washed pretty much everything. Just need to set up the Moses basket and pram ready. No idea where the huge bugaboo is going to live.
I have a midwife appt tomorrow. Every two weeks now until the birth. Can't quite believe that means only 2 more appts before I have a new baby.

35+2

You I co slept with DD for the first couple of weeks as she just wouldn't settle in her Moses basket. We managed in a double bed with me her and DH. I'd be wary of layering blankets on the floor as its reccomend they sleep on a firm mattress so if they do manage to roll they don't suffocate. Is there anyone you could borrow a Moses basket, travel cot from if your not comfortable co sleeping?

primary yup, swelling with indentations that stay should mean you call midwife/hospital immediately. Hope all is okay.

Ellizardo gutted about the pain. Glad you are feeling a bit better now. Extremely envious of the beauty treatment - I've never had a professional bikini done and to be honest I'm a bit too scared!

Indians your nursery is looking luuuush. I am intending to do bunting for mine as well, but I think that will have to wait until after the babe is here!

Anna thanks for all the C-section tips. I am making careful note, just in case.

Cookies yep, I'm getting a lot of 'I can't believe...' comments from strangers, too. And my bump is measuring under! Pffft. At least I don't have strangers rubbing my tummy. Small mercies.

A friend of mine came round a couple of days ago, bearing a baby hamper that she has literally spent months putting together for me. It includes a pack of baby vests, a gorgeous teddy, a set of socks, various baby creams and moisturisers, a hand and footprint keepsake kit, little personalised wooden blocks, a teething necklace that you wear and baby chews on, and some baby milestone cards that you lay beside baby to take photographs at significant points in development. Oh, and a bottle of Prosecco. Seriously the cutest gift I have ever received in my life.

I spent part of yesterday devising a daily/weekly/monthly cleaning schedule to laminate and put up in the kitchen, in an effort to keep on top of the house now that I've pretty much deep-cleaned it. I know it's going to piss off DH (who will think I've done it to nag at him) so I haven't shown it to him yet, but it's for me really, not for him - I have got to be tidier with a baby around. I'm such a scuzz-monkey naturally - things need to change!

I woke up yesterday with slightly swollen hands and feet, which was a little uncomfortable. I don't know how some of you ladies have coped with the swelling you've had. I read a bit about it online, and I made sure that every time I woke up last night (at least four or five times), I rotated my ankles both ways 8 times. My feet are a lot less swollen today so it seems to have had a positive effect.

Attaching the pics of my babygros. The silly captions are 'Owl Right?', 'Beary Cute' and 'Fox'. I couldn't think of a good pun for Fox that wasn't rude...