Thread #9 - TTC#1 grads thread - it's the final countdown

[PotatosMum]

Welcome to thread 9 of TTC#1 grads. Warning this thread moves fast!

Time is passing and our first few grads are nearly ready to pop! Nesting is in full swing and everyone is in awe of Bunch's epic organisation.

Anyone is welcome to join the journey regardless of stage, no TMI is TMI, no question is too silly, we're all in it together so just pop in and say hello

Team P - 8
Team B - 8
Team V - 7

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 Audrey (Stark) (Team Vanilla)
29 Elle

December
12 Feef

January 17
4 May
13 Ni (Team Vanilla)

February 17
15 Evergreen

Soda I'm nearly 31w so I'm hoping its just that she has no room like you say. I'm just resting today as this morning I've just felt so stressed and tired.
I think I was more aware as I already felt hormonal when I woke up and I think I worked myself up a bit. I'm keeping an eye on it and will phone the hospital again if I need to.

Leonie your GP knows what's best, I'm sure you'll feel a lot better having time off and looking after yourself. Try not to feel guilty, work will be able to cope for a few extra weeks I'm sure.

Does anyone have the hospital bag list? I haven't really thought about it yet but may start getting bits together in the next couple of weeks

indi my cousin put one together for me after her stay when her baby was born in Feb. I'll find it and copy it over ☺

soda apart from the working from home option that pretty much sounds like me. I think I'll just man up and muddle through. One thing I have learnt though, is that I definitely never want a paperwork at my desk type job!

indi this is the list I was sent!

For Baby
• cotton wool (they prefer this to wipes for the 1st few weeks)
• wipes (anyway, they're good for you to freshen up with as well)
• nappies (about 10-12)
• sleeps suits (about 3 will do)
• vests (again about 3)
• a cardi and hat
• a blanket
• a muslin square (if you're planning on breastfeeding so you can cover up when visitors come)
. Scratch mittens

For you;
• A nightie to deliver in
• PJs (possibly 2 pairs incase you bleed a lot afterwards)
• your own toiletries (non scented shower gel)
• I took my own towel
• slippers
• phone charger
• breast pads (3 or 4 pairs should be plenty)
• maternity pads (take plenty cause you don't know how often you'll have to change)
• big granny knickers (take a few pairs incase you need to change)
• hair bobbles
• an outfit for coming home (comfy and easy to get on!!)
• maternity notes

Mark will need a few bits too, something to change into after cause if your labour is anything like mine he'll be hot and sweaty! Something to sleep in, not that he'll get much cause the sofa bed is awful!! His own toiletries and also Michael says snacks cause if it's a long labour he'll be scranny!!

It's also useful to have a few extra bits ready at home in an easy place for Mark to find in case for any reason you have to stop in, extra PJs, maternity pads etc and outfits for the baby.

Also, I know you're planning on breastfeeding, if you can't for any reason they'll provide milk in the hospital but it might be handy to have a few of those ready made bottles of milk and some sterilised bottles in the house to get you through the 1st night when you come home... Just in case! I'd also have a dummy in, we didn't with Oliver cause I didn't want him to have one... Big mistake!!

Also, sorry to say... Hopefully you won't need them but have a few bed pads in!! Like the toddler ones from asda, just in case you bleed heavy to protect your mattress!

Sorry for spam spam spam but she also suggested taking in music to play on a loop because sometimes you can hear the other women and it can be a bit off putting. She also said that having cough medicine was handy because the gas and air really dried out her throat and made her cough which wasn't ideal for her stitches!

OMG look at everything I'm missing.

Bunch can I get my pom poms out to cheer you on yet. So excited for you.

Indi I have seem to have days when I feel a lot less in the way of jab type movements, and more less noticable rolls. From what I can tell it depends on babies position. If he's lying at 45 degree angle to my spine (his usual spot) I get lots of jabs on my left side but if he's facing my spine I feel a lot less. Always get checked out if you're worried though.

Leonie it's easy for us to say but it's now time to stop worrying about work and start looking out for number 1. There are very few times in life you have a right to be selfish - this is one of them IMO. I have what my midwife and GP are calling 'the start' of SPD and I can seriously tell the difference after I've been resting with my feet up rather than being sat on an uncomfortable chair at work. Don't go back to work unless you're really certain the co-codamol is really helping when it's bad.

Miley I'm finishing on 6th September, due date 13th October (mat leave officially starts 9th October but I've got annual leave and bank holidays to use). That's possible the best and most sensible list I've seen. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks Miley that's a great list. I've copied and pasted it in to my phone so will get started on it soon. Are you all packed for the hospital? You're only a few days ahead of me and seem so much more organised!

I'm pretty sure I'm going to go ahead for the c section so will just adjust things for a 2/3night stay if needs be.

indi yeah, I have everything packed except snacks for OH. I'm annoyingly organised we have the car seat in the car already (had it fitted last week and just aren't bothering to take it out). All clothes/bedding/teddies etc washed, dried, ironed and put away. We have the moses basket set up in our bedroom, too. All I need to do is get some new curtains for nursery because I really don't like the ones we have.

You're welcome for the list, ladies! hope it helps

I'm sure you're not a misery indi moan away here it's a good outlet!! The classes might help to settle your mind a bit? Glad she's moving more and keep in touch with them on the phone, I work in the NHS (not a midwife) and people always seem to worry about phoning but honestly no one minds! I would always much rather someone phone and put their mind at rest rather than worry unnecessarily.

Glad you have such a supportive GP leonie and I'm sure she would not make that descion without good reason! I know they say to avoid any unnecessary medications in pregnancy but I used to work with a patient group who all had a genetic condition which meant lots of medications and some ended up on morphine pumps (and multiple other medications) for the end of their pregnancies we had only healthy babies in our group. Try not to worry too much.

There is no NCT group for the area of Glasgow we're moving not too so I might give it a miss if it's very expensive as wont get the benefit of close friends/other mums. Did anyone find anything else particularly worthwhile in it?

Stealing that list as well miley! Thanks.

Have booked a day off as annual leave today, trying to plan a few here and there to try and minimise stress as work can be very intense, although getting better, we had nearly a 40% vacancy rate and now posts slowly filling. Had lots of phonecalls to make re renting out flat etc as well and cleaning before the estate agents come around so pleased that I've managed to get stuff done for once!!!

Feef My GP has an 18-month-old and had similar in her pregnancy so was able to tell me what would happen at the physiotherapy referral in both her professional and personal opinion. She was very kind - I'd not met her before - and that clearly set me off. I think she could tell that I am worn out - I was very tearful. I have been going to work, struggling to concentrate (feeling very inadequate and like I am doing a terrible job), and then lying down on the sofa miserable until dinner before going to lie in bed at 8:30. I wake up five or six times a night - sometimes to go to the loo, like we all do, but sometimes just because I need to roll over and it's painful. I have had a few anxiety-type attacks too where I've suddenly got very, very upset and not been able to think straight. That's the main reason I've convinced myself to take the co-codamol because if it can help me manage the physical stuff to the extent that my emotions are in check, that'll be better for the baby in the long run.

I have had one co-codamol tablet so far (I probably should have taken two, in hindsight) and baby has moved a lot so I feel OK about taking them. The GP said they can make the baby drowsy and they aren't recommended close to delivery. All seems to be fine in the womb though.

Shelb Yes, solicitor here. Feeling awful about not being in work to do a handover but I have spent about two and half hours sorting through emails (in two sittings, with a long break in between) and I am already uncomfortable. How I think I can record 70 chargeable units a day like this, I don't know.

As the GP is happy to see me again if the co-codamol and physio works, I might be going back in - I'm only 32+5 and I'm not due to start annual leave until 36+1 (with maternity leave following at 39+5). I think I will need to go in for a couple of hours to sort through my files before I go off but I will think about doing that next week once I'm in a better place with the pain and my emotions! I have felt better reading about the emotional impact of PGP on Pelvic Partnership (www.pelvicpartnership.org.uk/emotional-impact-of-pgp) and realising lots of other women feel like this too.

Indi Glad Beanie is moving about. :)

Bunch How are you getting on?

Miley Thank you for the list. And glad you had good experiences with the monitoring. At my NCT class, I think all of the other women had been in for one reason or another - and they all seem to have been treated well.

Hi all,

I'm still reading the thread. Surging like a trooper over here (hypno speak for contractions) no regularity to them yet but they go between 15 and 4 mins apart and 15 seconds to 1.5 mins long. Delightful they are. I'm still able to talk through some of them generally at DH to put the timer on or "fucks sake this is going on forever". Seriously this plug is huge, it's still going strong, but now only blood streaked and mostly snot like.

I keep shaking as though freezing. I've managed an hours sleep, and dreamt of surges the whole time so good I can sleep through them.
Back to my birthing ball and eating now. I've cleaned a bathroom and we're off to waddle the dog through the woods which could be interesting.

Glad movements have picked up Indi.
Leonie totally with you on the pain and being teary. I finally cried to my GP at 18 weeks when my pubic pain got so horrific, I finally got somewhere with them. Take the time, rest and learn how to deal with your pain as it won't get easier until baby is here unfortunately. Look online how to get in and out of bed and rolling etc. It really helps. Have you got a physio yet?

Bunch must have been scary waking up to blood but it's so exciting that you're nearly there!

Lisa congrats on 32 weeks. Sorry you have a funeral, hope it goes well.

Shelb congrats on 37 weeks

Pink you just reminded me to put sweeties in my hospital bag

New, Indi the list of crap jobs is a good idea... I think the problem is one of his friends daughters just had a baby and he's running around doing DIY for her, I on the other had have always done things for myself and enjoy being capable/independent so he wants to be running around feeling useful and telling his friends everything he's done for us and I'm not cooperating by being girly enough lol.
I've been sawing the wooden slats of blinds to size today, if he knew he'd have kittens

Feef yay to 22 weeks sounds like you've had a busy and productive day!

Indi Potato's movements changed in the same way. I've found that the further along I've got the less kicks and fidgeting there is and more plain old movement but you did the right thing calling and as others have said, they never mind checking reduced movement and are really nice about it. The pelvic pains are also normal.
I think most people have gone through the OMG what the hell have I done I'm not ready to be a mum, stage. But it does pass and eventually turns into, oh well sod all I can do about it now so may as well get on with it and hope for the best... I personally haven't got to excited yet

Leonie glad you've been signed off. It sounds like it's the right thing so don't feel guilty at all. Also, I had to take cocodamol earlier in my pregnancy, it appears to have had absolutely no effect on Potato if that makes you feel any better.

After his dad's visit yesterday OH has been mocking me all day saying "don't over do it" every time I do something. He's going to get a clip round the ear soon

Well done Bunch, my MIL told me she had the shakes when she had DH. All these symptoms no one tells us about!
Sounds like everything is progressing nicely. Good luck with the walk!

Aww leonie i really feel for you! Im a day behind you and feel exactly the same. I sit uncomfortable in work all day come home and feel like ive done a terrible job, get upset, have some more pain eat sleep (badly) and repeat.

I know youve had ither stuff to deal with as well and that really wont have helped. I think the gp made the right call and you should stop thinking aboutgfoing back and start enjoying your leave by resting up!

In the last 3 weeks ive had to find a house to rent 200 miles away, rent my house i own out, plan the move, not have any baby stuff in the house until we move as its all at my parents & start a 6 week handover with a terrible replacement on about 50% more money than me for my leave. So dont think ill be far behind you and expect ill be leaving early, im an emotional wreck!! (Oh and ive cried at the docs before so dont be embarassed by that!)

BUNCH This is so exciting, i bet we have our first thread baby by the weekend (latest)!! So excited for you, 7 weeks seems like a milenia away!

Lauren hiii! Feel like I haven't spoke to you in ages.

I think we'll be having the first thread baby by tomorrow. Surges 9 mins apart for the last hour and 1min long. Just got to get to 5 mins for 1 hour then water pool time woohoo. DH is being amazing and hypno breathing really helping.

Dog walk didn't happen I could barely walk to the loo.

I had an attack of "I'm not ready" whilst
On the way home from the hospital today. But I really can't wait meet him.

Watching the Princess Bride now. INCONCEIVABLE!!

That's amazing! Nice and regular. Good job uterus! Sounds like DH is bing a star.

You sound like you're doing so well bunch, I hope I'm as calm and collected as you. So bloody exciting- can't wait to hear the full birth story

I know bunch im usually reading but not posting, had a busy month, 14 working days and ill be bugging you all again with posts once im on leave.

Keep going, you're doing amazing! Cant wait to see his little face on instagram (sorry, i shouldnt assume youll be posting! Hoping you do though your pics always make me laugh!) Maybe you can carry on the obscure sizing reference pictures but with him instead of your bump- next to one of those huge toblerone for example :)

Oh bunch! This is so exciting! And if there's prepared for the arrival of a baby, it's you! you're doing amazing by the sounds of things, I'm very proud good luck!!!!!!!

Hahah Lauren! He'll definitely show his face on here and IG don't worry.

Thanks Danni it's definitely the hypno helping and DH.

Thanks Miley
I haven't finished my embroidery or my sewing but it'll get done eventually.

Bunch! I'm so so excited for you, you sound like you're doing so well so far. I can't wait to see your little arrival

Omg bunch!!! This is too exciting, I can't believe you're actually going into labour! Hope all goes well, I'm sure you'll cope beautifully.

Girls I am exhausted. Just started a new job (August dr changeover time), it's quite a bit busier then the last and I'm on my feet a lot more, plus it's quite an emotive area. Feeling really worn out but also pathetic as job is much better then some of the jobs I had in my first doctoring years, I've just been spoilt with the last 6 months.

indi lovely I think I have a fair idea how you're feeling, I too am still getting the panic about being a mum. I don't feel as low as I did last week, but I'm still very much in two minds about whether we have done the right thing in having a baby or not. I am also quite scared that I am repeating the past (parent issues) so putting a lot of pressure on myself because I have to love this child, and he has to believe he is loved.....wah. One foot in front of the other I suppose!

Yikes, its been busy today!

Bunch, this is so exciting. Hopefully the contractions will get more frequent now and Pip will make a speedy entrance. I hope the shaking has died down a bit. Thanks for the hospital bags snack suggestions too. I LOVE the Princess Bride

Lauren, that does sound stressful. How come you are moving?

Canters, good luck in the new job. Hopefully it won't be too tiring. I think we all just have to take each day as it comes in this pregnancy and baby malarky.

Congratulations on 37 weeks Shelb. I'll be joining you tomorrow. Congrats on 22 weeks too feefs!

Miley, i am finishing work at 38 weeks - a weeks annual leave and then mat leave starting at 39 weeks. I want as much maternity leave post birth as possible.

Leonie, you've got to do what's best for you and baby. I'm a solicitor too and its stressful having to handover all of my cases, but I don't think i'll ever be ready, no matter how much I prepare handover notes etc. You can only do what you can. Make sure you rest and don't overdo it.

I'm really struggling with hip pain at night now. Waking up at about 3/3.30pm in pain and struggling to get back to sleep.

My consultant appointment was fine. Basically i'm still classed as low risk, but if my platelet levels drop below a certain figure, i can't have an epidural and would have to have a general anaesthetic for a c section, ventouse or forceps delivery. I hope to avoid that!

Good luck bunch!!!!! X

Good luck bunch ! How completely wonderful and exciting!