Thread 13. TTC #1 Grads. Some of us still remember that thing called "a full nights sleep" for most, it's a mere memory.

[AudreyBradshaw]

Behold, the wonder of birth! Members from 6 weeks bfp to post-partum wonder Mamas! No question to grotty or minging.

We've come full circle from obsessing about cervical mucus to now obsessing if it's our vagina baby plug going! What larks!

Lots of talk about poo, ours and now babies too! Baby brain is REAL! From morning sickness in the first trimester to the third trimester struggle of getting out of bed ( "walrus-ing"in our house), to actual real babies who are growing so fast! Discussion on the merits of sleepyhead and Ewan the dream sheep.

Sooo many gorgeous babies now! And equally lovely Mummy's! We are amazing! What a year! Can you believe it's been a year since our first tentative TTC thread!? Look how far we've come!

Roll up, literally, in my case, cause I'm practically rotund! for TTC #1 Grads!

may haha! Sorry, I may have giggled at your crd getting stopped. It always amazes me how something so tiddly needs so much stuff! And I've also found maternity leave fuels the spending

feefs stand your ground! Let people visit on your terms! It doesn't sound as though you're close anyway so definitely do not give in. I can't stress enough how annoying it is when people are at your house who you don't want there.

I have mastitis I feel like I've got a hideous dose of flu and my boob is ridiculously sore and burning up. I'm expressing constantly and taking paracetamol and ibuprofen until I can get antibiotics. OH is back at work on Monday and I have no idea where I'm going to get the energy from to cope.

Hope everyone is well, Harrison's reflux seems to be worse the poor little mite he's vomiting a lot more with it. Bad day all round, today. I've also asked OH to call off the little party we were going to have tonight. I feel awful about it but all I want to do is cuddle and sleep.

First sorry they couldn't do the stretch and sweep hopefully things will move along a bit over the next couple of days.

Miley that outfit is adorable.
Sorry you're poorly and poor little Harrison with his reflux. Fingers crossed things get better soon.

Indi well done on having a night out

Feef stick to your guns with your sister. Mine can be the same and if you give them an inch they'll take a mile!!

So my blog is up and running you can visit it at www.grumpymum.co.uk I'm just a bit excited and have loads of things to review.
Thanks for all the offers to do reviews, I really appreciate it. If there's anything you particularly want to review you can email me at [email protected]

OH has next week off so we're going to collect the new car on Monday... So excited!!!

Grumpy mum now also has Facebook and Twitter... Not that I need followers or anything

The blog is fab Potato. Really informative review and I like your writing style a lot.

Will have a think about what to review myself...

Miley I hope Harrison improves soon. He's on the Gaviscon isn't he? Not sure what dosage you're giving, but we find Tam usually needs the max to keep her comfortable.

feefs your sister sounds a nightmare. Definitely stand your ground, you need to put yourself first and quite frankly I think it's incredibly big of you to allow her to come to stay at all. Much like you I haven't a clue re small babies. I'm not having anyone 'experienced with babies' around me in the first few weeks- we will learn very quickly and the last thing either of us need is some know it all trying to tell us what to do! I do think it's different when it's your own too.

Miley sorry Harrison's reflux is worse. And sorry about your mastitis, you poor thing! Sounds like cancelling the party was the right decision.

Yay for blog potato!

Jan all hail the big knickers! I realised they were the one thing missing from my hospital bag so made a dash to asda a couple of days ago.

Just had breakfast in bed courtesy of dh. Crazy to think that this time next week it will be my last day before I become a mummy. So excited!

irregular he's on 4 doses a day but he's allowed 6 so will definitely increase bless him!

For mums who's babies have been for first vacs - did you give your little ones calpol before their injections? My HV advised me to an hour before he had them but NHS guidelines recommend leaving it until there's a need for it (high temp etc)

canters breakfast in bed sounds lovely! OH made me pancakes which are my total guilty pleasure! I can't believe you're almost done with pregnancy - I know to you it most certainly will not feel it, but I feel like it's flown over! Same with Audrey!

Well, mastitis is an absolute bitch and I feel like hell on earth. Luckily, Harrison is dishing out plenty cuddles today

Canters - I'm oddly looking forward to wearing them. I'm so fed up of being uncomfortable. I have 2 pairs of trousers that fit, and a pair of tights. All of my baggy tops are no longer baggy and getting too short at the front. I'm reluctant to buy anything really because I've only got 2 months to go now but I also feel like I'm squishing myself into things.

Did anyone else suffer from terrible body image during pregnancy? I love this baby and I do quite like my bump (especially now I don't look fat but actually look pregnant) but I feel so frumpy and old in everything I wear. I used to do a lot of exercise but I'm slowing down (cut my workout schedule in half and it takes me twice as long to walk anywhere) and I am eating terribly because all I want is chocolate. Blergh.

Also, Canters - what else is in your hospital bag?

I did buy some baby vests today. Plain white. All of the vanilla baby clothing is white. I think first priority when I get back from hospital with baby will be online shopping for more clothes.

Miley i gave Bodhi his an hour before and he never got a temperature or acted as though he had had anything done to him at all! Cried for maybe 30 seconds at actual injections and thats it.

Feefs yes I will take a picture of his bed set up tonight sorry we have been at my parents last couple days and I haven't remembered!

Canters one week left!!!

We have had a lovely few days. Had my parents up for a trial run of my contributions to christmas day (chicken liver parfait will now be coming from marks and spencers not the nevlet kitchen but the triple chocolate terrine was an absolute winner). Sofa day with Bods yesterday then over to my mum and dads for food and fireworks and they took him overnight we had 11 hours undisturbed sleep! Been to the pier and bowling with another NCT couple this morning and then for a pub lunch where another couple joined too. Home for x factor catch up then waking to village pub to watch a musician and have dinner!!

Soda I'll PM you this week about meeting on Friday. Eek so excited

Re tipis, also in love here. Hobby craft sell plain ones for £35. Much cheaper to get that and do a DIY job to snazz them up.

Co5mo I can't seem to find your personal account but I'm metomama on IG.

Maya throughout pregnancy I regularly disappeared to the nursery for quiet time (also home alone throughout the day so made no sense). It was my favourite place to be.

Great news about the car Potato.

Miley you have the most gorgeous clothes for Harrison. I love knitted rompers. I've bought some Christmas ones from eBay but where do you get yours from? So sorry to hear you're poorly. I hope the mastitis clears up soon. I gave Atticus his calpol immefiately after the jabs. He never got a temp. I wouldn't wait for it to be honest. It's a godsend and really helps them sleep

Miley/maya maternity leave and night feeds definitely fuel the spending. 3 months in and if still hasn't really calmed down. Little A has 15 different Christmas outfits for December. I mean really, what am I like?!

Wow nev. Sounds like you've had an amazing weekend. How did yare u feel after the sleep, superhuman or supergroggy? When A has slept over 4 hours I wake feeling far worse than after 2.

Atticus is getting much more alert these days and tracks me across a room. He wakes up every morning smiling and gooing at me which is just gorgeous and both DH and I can get chuckles rather than just DM . We've discovered he does have a neck as now holds his head up all the time you have him upright (punctuated with head banging and threatened whiplash of course), he looks like a turtle when he does it haha. We've also had 5 poos in 3 days. I don't know how you mums with regular pooers do it!

Hope all Mamas and preggos are doing well.

My favourite place to be is sat in the baby's room too. I just like sitting in there being quiet and anticipating

Sorry about your mastitis miley you poor thing, that sounds awful for you. Take it as easy as you can. I'm just excited/so ready to not be pregnant anymore now! I want to know what I've got in there!

canters one week! How super exciting! potato grumpy mum sounds awesome. Once I've got my sense ofhumour back I'm hoping to get back on the blog, it didn't feel like something I could do whilst pregnant.

Miley With Men B, give at time of vaccination or as soon as possible afterwards. Then two more doses. I think with other jabs there's no need unless fever. How is your mastitis?

Well done on the blog, potato. I'm finding writing mine quite therapeutic. It's at thislonelymum.wordpress.com. I'm not sure what my niche is yet. I've found it enormously helpful to start writing about my birth experience, etc. Turns out I was more upset about it than I thought.

Dh has gone on and on about me not sleeping enough, I have a cold and am knackered. He fell asleep at about 11:30. It took me 3 hours to actually get comfortable, I'd been asleep maybe 10 minutes and he shakes me awake telling me I'm snoring! I'm so tired I can't even be angry I'm just upset. And I'm wide awake again because I've got stinking heartburn and my hips hurt. Best bit is, I don't think he was even awake when he woke me up!

I'm now actually glad he's got to get up at 5 am to go to work! arsehole

One week one week one week!! I am so excited! I'm feeling a little nervous about the after effects of the c section but overall feel it has been the right decision- not least because I couldn't bear the idea of another four weeks of potentially being pregnant. Those of you who have had c sections, any good recovery tips/anything you have found helpful? How long did it take to be up for decent walks with the pram? I am keen to start some sort of exercise as soon as is feasible.

jan for me I have packed:
Breastfeeding nightie with matching dressing gown and slippers
Baggy short pjs
2 X breastfeeding vests
2 X large mat leggings (didn't wear during pregnancy at all as overestimated my size, but think they'll be ideal post section)
2 X baggy long sleeve light knits
2 X nursing bras plus 2 x sleeping bras
Pack of large knickers plus pack of disposable knickers
Maternity pads and breast pads
Flip flops
Toiletries, bit of makeup (hahaha) etc
Lansinoh

I have a separate bag for baby with nappies and a selection of vests, hats and baby gros, plus couple of muslins and baby blankets. Will also pop some snacks in before we go.

I've definitely struggled with body image. I love fashion and have found it really difficult to look like a frump in maternity wear (not saying everyone does, but I resented spending money on things I was only going to wear for a short while so my wardrobe is a long way from what it used to be).

I have found it helpful to buy a few things that I can put together to feel like the old me (so for example during this pregnancy I bought a beautiful tailored black blazer, a biker jacket, a new handbag, an Alexander McQueen scarf I'd been coverting for a long time, and a couple of lovely pairs of flats). I wear them all with mat jeans and t shirt. I also bought a lovely asos mat dress that has done for weddings and fancy meals out. I have found that looking decent when it counts has made me feel at better about the way I look the rest of the time.

What has also helped: getting more pregnant (I felt my worst looks wise from 20-30 weeks), now at 38 weeks I've realised I'm not going to put on 200000 stone, throwing myself into doing things for baby and trying to appreciate that this is a fleeting and precious time, even if I'm desperate to be back in my skinnies!

Phew that was an epic. Hope some of it helps.

Lovely blog leonie. I can't imagine how difficult having a SCBU baby must have been, I think you are coping wonderfully. Have you spoken to anyone about feeling low/tearful etc?

Your last blog post brought a tear to my eye Leonie. I'll never forget the panic of my waters breaking at 36+2 and arriving at the hospital and hour later to be told I was already 5cm and would need an emcs for undiagnosed breech. Going through that at 35w and then Theodore needing special care... I can't imagine what you went through. I'm pleased writing about it is helping you come to terms with it all.

well woke up with period pain with tightenings every 5 or so mins, but have gone off the boil since i got up. bit more pinky mucus..... still all heading the right way, but not quite there yet!

Sorry to hear that Stardrey. I'd be kicking DH out of the bedroom so it doesn't happen again. That way you can both get some sleep. My DH resorted to earplugs, would that help him and therefore you?Preggo snoring does vanish quickly after birth at least.

Thanks May I hope your week isn't too stressful and you should definitely charge the overtime!! I am comforting myself with the fact I am clocking up lots of time in lieu to take back which will come in useful down the line in the new year (if we ever get less busy..)
Sounds like you got some exciting baby bits ordered!

The in-laws were ok at the weekend. No one really commented on the pregnancy or asked me how I was or anything but that's just how they are... I was really hoping this would be an opportunity to finally bond and form more of a relationship with MIL and SiL who has kids, but it's not looking like its going to turn out that way.

Well done on date night Indi must be so hard leaving them even just for a few hours. Glad you enjoyed the time together.

Feefs that sounds really frustrating with your sister. I know how annoyed I've been getting with hearing nothing from DH's husband family during this pregnancy so far. You should definitely stand your ground about when having visitors suits you, don't let her dictate it on her terms, you'll be the one who has just had a baby!

Oh Miley sorry to hear about the mastitis and Harrison's reflux, hope you both feel better really soon.

That is exciting Potato I'll have to check your blog out!

Sounds like a lovely few days Nev!

Atticus sounds gorgeous Bunch

Urgh Audrey I'd be fuming too

Those are some good mat wear tips thanks Canters for someone at the start of the bump journey and trying to figure out what to wear that still feels like 'me' and nice without, as you say, spending a small fortune!

Going back to pregnancy yoga for the second time tonight, it sounds silly but I still feel a bit nervous!

Mum is getting very excited now, she's been done to the wool shop and is going to start knitting again for the first time in many years, bless her!

nev, bunch glad to hear it wasn't too traumatic for you ladies! I'm absolutely dreading it.

bunch that romper is from next! They've got some really lovely knitted ones in at the moment and not too pricey.

Thank you for the advice on when to give calpol, I'm going to give him it right before we leave. Had the worst night so far he decided to sleep at half 7 til 11 (I went to sleep at 10ish) then wouldn't settle at all until half 4!!! I now feel your pain nev. Nocturnal babies are no fun at all although Harrison would disagree as he was having a great time

audrey kill him. You are allowed to snore. Hell, if you were to tapdance in your sleep that's fine too! Being pregnant is hard enough without someone actually waking you up from sleep you struggle so hard to get. Men are jerks.

jan yup. I was very active until I got hyperemesis and I was floored so did nothing for about 5 months! Believe me when I say you will get your body back! I still have a stone or so to lose but I still love chocolate too much. The habit is hard to kick

Mastitis is awful, but I think it's clearing without the need for antibiotics is that possible? it felt like I had flu with the added bonus of a raging hot, sore patch on my left boob! I expressed a lot from it and got Harrison to nurse that side more often which I read on the Internet helps hello Dr Google

OK so I hasn't updated and seen the new posts...

canters one week is amazing I'm so excited for you!

first everything crossed this is the start for you!!!

irregular I was the exact same. I had a fleeting moment of excitement before the sudden realisation he was going to be premature (if only by 4 weeks) and it broke me when they brought in the special equipment just incase so leonie you did so so well. You should be so proud of yourself. I will read your blog a little later but just look at how far little man has come and that's all down to you.

marmite I'm sorry your in laws are being this way with you. They don't deserve your bond with them if that's how they're going to be.

thanks miley that's what I needed to hear. I'm quite bad when it comes to family I always end up giving in. The reality is that she might not even come. Hope your mastitis is improving and you and Harrison are feeling better. Sounds miserable.

Mine is exactly the same potato! Well done on getting all that set up! I'll get following now!!

Thanks canters feeling better people are on my side! She doesn't have children either so is talking about time spent with friends children etc .
Hope you enjoyed your breakfast in bed!! Only a week (less now!) to go so exciting!!! I agree too I felt my worst 20-30 weeks.

Thanks marmite I thinks it's the interest only when it suits her that's particularly bothering me.

Sounds like a lovely weekend nevlet!

Atticus sounds like he's doing fab bunch the giggles and smiles sounds amazing

Sounds like a miserable sleep stardrey! I'm also snoring but I woke myself up rather than DH

35 weeks today!! Getting excited now that it's 2-5(7??) weeks to go but also very antsy about getting the rest of the house ready!! We bought our tumble drier, oven and dishwasher yesterday (thank god!!) and the flat is up for rent. Need to get my hospital bag ready and get the nursery finished, DH has stripped the textured wallpaper now just need to get the room skimmed and painted and furniture built!!

Hi ladies,
Haven't really had chance to do a proper post as my friend is staying with me for a few days and after Autumn's massive screaming fit this morning (overtiredness strikes again), I'm desperate to get out the house for a little bit and go for lunch while she's settled down.

Miley I'm sorry about mastitis that's so shit! I thought I was getting it at the beginning as I had the hot, sore, rock hard boobs but i think it was just a blocked duct. I hope you're feeling better soon. Doesn't help that Harrison had a bad night too I guess?! Autumn hasn't been too bad but definitely not as good as the early newborn stage..I miss my sleepy angel baby, she's been replaced by a beautiful but whingey and wide awake little demon

Canters I'm so so excited for you!! Please don't worry about post surgery, my best advice is get up as soon as you can (slowly and safely) and get a nice hot shower. Also drink LOADS of water the day before and day of the c section, I was nervous about constipation setting in but I was back to normal the day after and I put it down to me drink loads of water before and after.
I was going for a big ( slow but big) walk down at the prom by day 4. I was out of hospital 24 hours post op and felt well enough for 30/40min fast-ish paced walk by day 10. I've been very lucky recovery wise and I'm sure you'll be great too. Do rest as much as possible though and take it easy when you need to. Your body will tell you if you're doing too much as you'll bleed more. You'll be fine! Also my scar is pretty small and just on my bikini line. I have a small swollen pouch (a bit like a thin sausage) just above the scar which i don't really like but I'm sure will go once I start exercising properly again.
Only negative with my c section was the morphine/anisethic made me itch all over my body like CRAZY! They kept having to give me injections to stop the itch but would wear off after a couple of hours. It does stop after a day or so and you may not have that reaction to it like I did.

Leonie your blog made me well up, I can't imagine how tough that was for you but thank god everything is ok now and you have your healthy gorgeous boy for lots of cuddles.

Audrey I can't believe you didn't smother him with a pillow!!

Marmite I'm sorry your in laws are acting this way. At least you have your family and I'd be thinking bugger your in-laws. They don't deserve your time or energy.

Hi to everyone else, I am trying to read through when I can. Hope you're all keeping well x

Hehe you've all cheered me up 😊 he hasn't escaped murder just yet but he's redeemed himself somewhat by going to work so I managed a couple of hours of nap.

Now if only I could concentrate for long enough to read/take in/reply.

Leonie

Hi Canters. No, I've not spoken to anyone other than DH about feeling a bit low. I think it's just caused by tiredness and loneliness, and I really hope that both of these things start to improve soon. He told me he was worried about me on Friday and we looked up the symptoms of PND. If I'm honest, I have quite a lot of the symptoms but generally only when I've had a bad night's sleep and not had much adult company during the day. He's going to keep an eye on me and I've promised to talk to him more about how I'm feeling. I do feel quite guilty for not enjoying my days at home with T more.

Thank you for your kind comments on my blog too. I think our birth experiences were very similar, Irregular. I consider myself fortunate that I only had to deal with SCBU for 3 days; some mums of very premature babies have to endure a lot longer than that. I am a bit worried about what will happen if we go on to have another baby though. My cousin's wife had her first at 35 weeks and her second at 35+6 weeks so I'm aware that these things can happen again. There was no reason for my premature birth - my waters just broke spontaneously. Was that the case for you and Miley too?

Lisa, thank you for your comment too! It means a lot! I am finding writing about things to be an excellent way of passing the time when I'm at home alone and I think it does make me appreciate T more. I've just written about baby massage today. I probably won't write again this week as we have baby classes to go to from Tuesday until Thursday and then DH is probably off work on Friday. :D

I'm off out now to fetch our new bath seat. We were using a baby bath and then he started having a bath with DH (too cute!) but my sister recommended the Angelcare seat to me so I thought I'd get one to make life a bit easier. Potato - I could write something about it for your blog if you want? Let me know! I love your Orla Kiely Grobags - they look great. I have one I picked up from eBay, a Mamas and Papas one, and I just picked up two more (in a twin pack) from TK Maxx yesterday. My patterns aren't nearly as nice as yours!

Indi, Audrey - sorry, I missed your posts! Thank you both. I am going to try to do a better job of keeping up with the posts here!

Have managed to be awol for ages somehow. Just bookmarking the page and will be settling in for a proper catch up later. Hope everyone is well xxx