Thread #8 - TTC#1 Grads - stripy bump photos ahoy!

[PotatosMum]

Welcome to yet another instalment of TTC#1 grads. Warning! This thread moves fast so blink and you may miss a page or three!

All are welcomed with open arms and TMI whether you come from our sister thread TTC#1 or just want a safe and friendly place to share your journey.

we have ladies from all stages of pregnancy from T1ers, trying to go cold turkey on their POAS addiction, to T2ers wondering where the heck their pregnancy glow got to, to T3ers wondering if that funny feeling is the start of labour or just a fart building.

So jump on the boat, join the pink or blue baby battle and enjoy TTC#1 Grads thread #8!

Team P - 8
Team B - 8
Team V - 6

August
11 Mor (Team Vanilla)
13 Bunch (Team Blue)
16 New (Team Vanilla)
27 Potato (Team Pink)
30 Pink (Team Pink)

September
1 Shelb (Team Pink)
2 Taz (Team Blue)
4 Nev (Team Blue)
8 DrWhy
12 Danni (Team Blue)
14 Soda (Team Vanilla)
28 Leonie (Team Blue)
29 Laurenrl (Team Pink)

October
3 Lisa (Team Vanilla)
6 Irregular (Team Pink)
8 Miley (Team Vanilla)
12 Indi (Team Pink)
13 Co5mo (Team Blue)
15 Planet (Team Pink)
23 Lillian (Team Pink)
26 Lara (Team Blue)
30 First

November
19 Canters (Team Blue)
20 Jam
25 Stark!!!!!
29 Elle

December
12 Feef

January 17
4 May
13 Ni (Team Vanilla)

February 17
15 Evergreen

Amazon have multi packs of water wipes avaliable! And I've been doing research on bum cream and I've found two which are apparently fantastic (can't remember then off the top of my head but will link later on). We're using disposable nappies (which I felt terrible about until I did some reading up about my area and how they're now stuck in a furnace instead of a landfill, but my council had a whole incentive scheme with free/cheap reusable nappy service that we were going to use and they've just had to ditch it because of budget stuff!) I've already got two peer support breast feeding helpers who have been appointed to me (don't ask lol) I've got some of the terry towelling squares my dps used for me in the loft so ill get them down and use them in one way or another. And I'm creating my own version of cheeky wipes (dh doesn't get it at all!)

Bought the changing table the other day, just need to get the cot now, and start decorating and then I can really get going with buying stuff and being excited!

Today has started really well - I've had a poo!! Hooray! First movement of any kind in 6 days. I feel like a new and half a stone lighter woman

Thanks pink. We wanted to do a shorter weekly class as thought it might be good for trying to socialise after whereas I'll probably be too tired after a full day! But there weren't any available so have just signed up for 2 long days - 10 til 5. I'd heard that NCT are all about the natural birth / breastfeeding etc. To be honest I'm going to try and make some pals so will be open minded with the info! Like others I do really want to breastfeed but I've seen friends really struggling and if it doesn't work it doesn't work.

From friends info - they encourage you to use cotton wool and water from birth and that's what they'll provide at hospital but once you're home my friends have used water wipes so will probably stock up on them.

Another day with quite a few sorting out chores but will settle down for the Wimbledon final.

I only get to see OH on weekends these days, so it's always hard to catch up!

Fantastic scan Audrey/Stark; congratulations! And what a beautiful pram - did you manage to sneak your dog in it yet??

Indie she's so cute! And Nev, such a cutie!! How amazing to see baby's features so clearly.

I'm so sorry for your loss Co5mo. Even if it's expected, it's never easy to say goodbye

Such a lovely neat bump Miley! You look fantastic!

Bunch get out your dyes again! You did such a lovely job already. Or can you get covers for the nappies you'll be using? I'm hoping to use reusables eventually, but perhaps not for the first couple of months while we get used to everything. I have the feeling we're biting off a little more than we can chew already.. Plus OH freaks out when he thinks of them getting washed in our machine. I think he'll change his tune once baby arrives though!

Went to Babies R Us to look at travel systems again yesterday. I'm glad there's no rush, as it's a big decision! We're thinking about staying vanilla, but looking around at decor and clothing it's going to be a little bland.. OH is allergic to red and yellow clothing dyes which is an added hurdle for us

Thank you! And I agree maya, there's just far too much choice. I wish there was a way you could give someone an idea of your lifestyle and whether you're blue/pink/vanilla and they just put everything together that you'd need. I live baby shopping but it can be so overwhelming.

audrey I'm so excited that you're starting to feel like you can get excited!

Annoyingly done my first wash of baby's clothes for hospital bag and found my changing bag still has the bloody security tag on it. I was all excited to pack it, too. Anyway, OH got up early so he took me for a carvery and I'm so full I can't move. For those who wanted it, here is my cousins list of what she said I'd need to pack:

Would help if I actually pasted it...

Hospital bag:

10 nappies
3 vests
3 bibs
3 sleep suits/all in ones (need socks)
4 muslins
Going home outfit
Cotton wool
Hat
Mittens
Cardigan
Baby blanket
Car seat (and base if needed)

20 Breast pads
AT LEAST 20 maternity pads
Pack of 5 disposable knickers
2x normal knickers
2x night dress/pyjamas with buttons on the front
2x nursing bras
Slippers
Dressing gown
Snacks
Drinks
Change for parking
Mobile charger
Loose clothes for going home

You will probably need some toddler sheets for when you're home and in your bed too!

Miley I have a horrible suspicion middle child syndrome is already starting
Totally second the sentiment of being glad we all found each other. I don't know what I would have done if I hadn't had you ladies to talk to

I've got cotton wool for the first couple of days then when I've no longer got nurses watching I've got baby wipes.

Pink how was today's class? I've got the NHS parenting class on Tuesday. I'm going on my own as OH can't get the time off work. Slightly worried people will assume I'm a single parent

Indi I packed all my normal clothes ages ago, they were just depressing me

Really struggling today with tummy cramps... OH keeps thinking I'm going into labour every time I wince I think I just overdid it yesterday and didn't get enough sleep last night.

Thanks for that list, Miley. I've got a day off tomorrow to relax as I've been really stressed about DH. I'm going to set the nursery up as much as I can and start packing my hospital bags. I need to do some washing and shopping first.

Hi everyone

So pleased Andy won

Miley, thanks for the list!

Potato, the class was good. I didn't learn anything more than I did at NCT but if it's the first/only one you are going to it should be helpful. There was a fair amount that was hospital specific today, which was good too.

Today's course leader, a midwife, asked if we'd all packed our hospital bags. We were all around the 33 week mark and most of us hadn't - she was a bit horrified at that, which made me panic! I'm going to do my bag next weekend now. I'm going to leave all the washing until I'm on maternity leave.

I'm planning on using cotton wool for the first few days/ week and then switching to baby wipes.

For those who are getting nipple cream, the lanishoh one is on offer is sainsbury's reduced from £10 to £8.

Also, yippee for the poo Soda! 6 days is a long time!

I'm not a tennis fan at all, and I find Murray a tad boring but good for British sport! Thanks for the nipple cream update pink I do love me some nipple cream!

leonie I think it's definitely a well deserved day off! I find washing and tidying therapeutic at the moment so hopefully you'll get some fun out of it!!

soda sorry to hear you have poo woes! Can I suggest you try a handful of dried apricots and an actimel every morning? I haven't been constipated since I started this routine!

Couple more bits of advice:

Have some cough syrup in for after labour as gas and air can irritate your throat.

Also, take music. Make a play list on your phone of something because sometimes you can hear other women delivering just to drown out the noise.

Sorry to hear your sad news cosmo

Thanks for the list and tips miley

Sunday blues have well and truely kicked in... 4 weeks to goooo!

www.instagram.com/p/BGbIS6lFugA/

So true xxx

Evening all.

Tennis was ace. Just had a slap in the face realisation that on Saturday in officially 9 months pregnant and pregnancy will soon be over. I'm quite sad that Pip and I won't have this private relationship anymore. I'm going to miss my squirmy wormy in my tum. Obviously I'm stupidly excited but still I could have cried when I realised. It's 33 days until my due date.

bunch bloody hell! When you put it like that it's ridiculously close. I get what you mean though, but you get to meet him soon plus you get to dress him in his amazing outfits when he's here!!!

Scary Bunch but very exciting too!

Great list Miley, I've screenshotted it for future reference.

Bunch that is SO exciting! I know what you mean about missing your special relationship with the baby though, I said the same to DH the other night. I feel like me and Beanie have our own secret club.

Just wondering if anyone else has had really sore stomach muscles? I feel like I've done a million sit ups, I thought it may have been from the sonographer at my 4D scan as he was pressing quite hard at some points to get her in position but it's not gone away. It hurts especially in my lower tummy and my sides, I don't know whether it's just my insides stretching but it's bloody sore and I now have to roll on to my side before I can get up off the couch/bed. Anyone else had this? It also doesn't help that Beanie likes to kick/punch the shit out of those areas too which is probably making me more aware of the pain..

Miley oops! I missed your last past. Fantastic hospital bag list and roughly what I have in mine

Leonie enjoy your day off

Pink thanks for the review of the NHS class. I'm looking forward to mine tomorrow

Bunch aww, I'm sure you'll be far too busy cuddling your baby to miss being pregnant with her.
Can't believe you've only got a week until 9 months! as I'm only two weeks behind you you're my barometer of what's to come. I won't be missing being pregnant though

So, paranoia has kicked in. I spent ages last night googling early labour symptoms because I've been having period pains, back ache and foof ache all weekend and the period pains seem to be coming in waves. Apparently all of these are symptoms of very early stage labour... They're all also symptoms of being in late stage pregnancy it's the period symptoms or pregnancy symptoms conundrum all over again!
I think Potato has just moved a bit lower over the weekend really but it's certainly worrying.

Glad it's not just me having a melt down about old clothes, I have so many lovely things and am sad at having to put them all away and worried I'll never fit into them again. Also getting really concerned I'm going to get a ton of stretchmarks. Grrrr. My appetite has really rocketed over the last couple of days, which has really made me feel as though ive lost control- ive not really put on any weight yet but clearly now is going to be the start.

We've got the keys to our new house, and it's lovely! Can't wait to get moved in!

I have done nothing this weekend apart from sleep. CBA with work today, roll on mat leave!

Omg bunch I can't believe youre so close to the end! Crazy!

cosmo I'm really sorry for your loss. Look after yourself.

Canters yay! For getting the keys to your house. So exciting!!!!

Morning!

Yeah for getting the keys Canters! Are you moving in this week? Does the house need work or is it good to go?

Potato, did they give any indication as to how early baby may arrive because of your fibroid? Hopefully it's all just body stretching and preparing and not actual labour.

Is anyone else starting to panic a bit about having a baby? Not the birth, but actually having a baby afterwards?! I've just had a bit of a stress about it this weekend - how we are going to cope with the sleep deprivation, the fact that our lives will never be the same again etc I know we will all adapt, but it's a scary thought.

I also weighed myself this morning. I've put on a stone from my booking in weight, but I'm pretty sure my booking in weight on the midwife scales was half a stone heavier than on my scales, so it looks like I've put on about 1.5 stone in total, which I'm not to horrified with. I am starting to worry about getting the weight off afterwards though and fitting into old clothes. My body shape has definitely changed (not just bump!).

Canters from about week 28-31 my appetite really increased but it's gone down now - I think as baby is growing there is less room for food!

Canters yay for keys!!

Potato is it worth phoning the midwife? They can do a check. I was stood if you get any symptoms of labour before 37 weeks to phone as its best to be safe.
DH said the same thing "but Pip will be in your arms". I can't explain the feeling, and as much as being pregnant has hurt like a bitch I'm really sad it's coming to an end. Also fast realising it's the last few weeks of my life as I know it and just me DH and the dog. We have very little time left on our own, only evenings as all our weekends are booked up with family visits.

Jesus, I really don't have a free weekend until my due date now.
Okay currently in a mild state of panic. Where have the last 9 months gone?!!! I'm ready for Pips arrival, I've been certainly getting organised enough for it but I don't think I'm mentally there yet. I could be a mum in as little as 1.5 weeks. What the actual f?!

Congrats canters!!

I know exactly what you mean pink, I often think about how much life is going to change, are we going to be able to cope? But like you said we'll adapt in time.

Really looking forward to my NHS class next Monday.. Hope yours goes well tomorrow potato

Wow bunch can't believe how quick it's coming round, having things to do each weekend is a good thing- keep busy I say

Thanks for list and tips miley. Also thanks for poo advice. I've already tried the apricots and pretty much everything else. Think I'm just resigned to poo problems - not that much longer to go now!

pink - eek at the packing of hospital bag. I haven't done anything like that. Need to get on it! Also interesting what you say about appetite 28-31 weeks. I'm 30+5 and have been completely starving the last couple of weeks but have definitely noticed it easing off. Went out for dinner on Saturday night and struggled to finish my main course which is very unlike me - pregnant or unpregnant!!

bunch really funny you should say about missing baby inside you - I was saying exact thing to DH! I feel like me and baby have got a real little bond, it'll be a bit sad to share it!! I'm another one with so many plans over next few weekends. We're away the next 3 weekends, then home for 2 weekends when we've got our NCT course, then we're away for 2 weddings (I'll be taking car seat and hospital bag!) and then it's September and baby can come at any time - argh! When I see it written down its a bit stressful, need to start getting more organised!

Have you phoned midwife potato? Might be worth it just to get their thoughts?

indi - yes I'm the same with stomach muscles - need to roll off bed in undignified sideways movement!

Urgh to it being Monday. I've got another big event this week in Cardiff and once it's over I can relax and just look forward to mat leave.