September #4

[Frillyhorseyknickers]

I couldn't see one - hopefully I haven't duplicated...

A weekend of centerparcs and I'm marshmallowed out!!

This is probably a daft question but I notice a lot of the hospital bag lists include both sleepsuits and bodysuits. Does this mean that you choose one or the other depending on how warm it is or is the expectation that they will wear one under the other? Also, are you taking a couple of different sizes?

I'm guessing some of this will be clarified at antenatal classes but just wondering now

spring I'm not sure and frankly antenatal classes didn't cover it (and I forgot to ask) - my understanding is that I'll be dressing her in a bodysuit (short sleeve) with a sleepsuit (long sleeve, with feet and "gloves"), and a hat.

I'm baffled by the various sizes but have bought 5x the above in newborn size, and 5x in 0-3 months. I think I may buy more closer to the birth, since I can then return them if she goes straight into 0-3.

Bodysuits is a confusing word, they're just vests so they go underneath the sleepsuit (babygro).

My son was big (9lb 7 and 99% for length) so he didn't really wear newborn but that's unusual. Even for him some of the 0-3 looked big to start off with. Most are in them for a few weeks and you need quite a few because of poo/vomit.

That's really helpful thanks. It's so often the small stuff I realise I am clueless about! I think I might need to buy a few little sleepsuits then. Unexpectedly, I've found one of the easiest places to understand sizes is Sainsbury's because they label by weight rather than age.

Boots is also very good for clothes (surprisingly), with ages and weights marked. I'm trying to buy more gender-neutral stuff and they're great, and fairly good price-wise.

I was advised - mentioning in case it helps others - to get sleepsuits with built-in scratch mitts and feet, to avoid extra faffing with gloves and socks.

Primark also have the weight range on the labels they also do 'up to one month' size so I believe that's up to 10lbs.

Anybody packed their hospital bags yet? I know it's early but I think I might just get it done.

I'm packing two hospital bags, if I decide on a VBAC. One smaller one will be my 'one night max' bag and one will be my 'extended stay' bag. I had EMCS with my first and trying to explain to another person what I needed bought in for us was exhausting when I really didn't want to be focusing on that.

I'm hoping to pack light (haha!) so in my small bag it'll just be a change of (dark) clothes for me, a set of clothes for baby, one pack of wipes, a couple of muslins, several nappies, snacks, basic wash bag.... I'm not sure what else now I think about it.

real I was hoping to pack mine soon, since we're moving house she hopes and I don't want to be scrabbling through boxes looking for stuff. The suitcase is there, but so far it only contains breast pads and Lansinoh! I wanted to arrange clothes into husband-proof Ziploc bags of suit+vest+hat.

Quite keen to take my own pillow too, apparently Lewisham Hospital has a pillow problem(??).

Dropped off of this thread for a while somehow. I'm getting together my bits for the hospital bag and will probably pack once I finish work in a few weeks. Essentials for me, aside from the clothes etc are a big black towel, flip flops for the shower and more maternity pads than I think I could ever need. There really is nothing glamorous about this pregnancy lark hey?

Regarding hospital bags, I'll probably pack a few newborn vests, sleepsuits and a couple of hats for baby. My DD was born on the 1st percentile so very tiny and I had to send my mum on an emergency dash to get some prem clothes (despite the fact she was 2 weeks overdue!) moral of the story is, you never really know what size they'll be but if you have shops near by then no need to worry.

I'll pack two bags, one for me and one for baby. I second taking your own pillow, but put it in a coloured/obvious pillow case so you know it's yours.

The other crucial part of the hospital bag for me was snacks!!! It's just nice to have them available even if there is an onsite shop. Cereal bars, fruit, sweets etc!

30+1 today and off for a weeks holiday, so desperate for a rest - hoping my toddler gets the memo!!

Oh and Sainsbury's is brilliant for clothes, I buy loads there but they do come up big - my 2.5 yr old (50th percentile) is usually in 18-24 month stuff from there. No idea why they come up so big!

Starting to read about hospital bags so will make a start on mine soon too. Babycentre app had some good examples this week.
Spent a small fortune in mothercare, the sale was too much to resist!
There is nothing glamorous about it What as I've been reminded today with the return of my pesky pile. Ouch!

I sympathise Grumpy, I feel like I'm playing annoying and unpleasant pregnancy symptoms bingo!

Boots have had 3 for 2 on maternity pads, breast pads and also deals on some nappies if anyone is stocking up.

Most of this pregnancy I've been totally fine but then the odd thing hits and brings me back to earth! I'm terrified to go to the loo
Thanks for the tip re boots, I've only got a few samples so far so may as well take advantage of 3 for 2!

I sympathise too grumpy. I suffered really badly last time and eventually had to have surgery. Go to the GP if OTC stuff doesn't help.

Had a MW appointment today. Looks like I'm having another big baby which is not great. I'm really surprised how few appointments I have this time. It's been 16 weeks, 28 and now not until 36 plus a consultant one at 34. I don't see how they can monitor his growth with so few appointments.

Midwife & Consultant as well as growth scan today, I have a big baby too Lules though I'm not surprised as DS was 90th+ centile when he was born. Baby has a big tummy and rather large head!

Consultant has approved my request for ELCS as had EMCS after failed induction of labour last time, and she was concerned with history repeating itself as much as I was. So no date confirmed yet, they'll call me a few days before, but probably baby's birthday will be 4th or 5th September - so exciting to know almost when he's coming!

Another growth scan in 4 weeks time too, I'll be interested to see if he sticks to the 1/2lb per week he's supposed to be packing on from now (estimated at just over 3lbs at the moment)..

Thanks Lules I'm stocked up on all sorts and will see if any improvements over the next few days. So uncomfortable.
That does seem few appts- any chance you've slipped through the net somehow?
Very exciting Oliver it must be starting to feel real!

Lules just to say, as a 2nd baby, those are the appointments I should have had with my midwife, but she has always said, I could come in whenever I wanted, so I booked myself in for the 1st baby appointments too, as 16 - 28 weeks just seemed too long! I'm sure yours won't turn you away if you go and see her again before 36 weeks?

Lules one thing I can say is that you are your only real advocate. I wasn't due to have any more scans after my anomaly scan at 22 weeks (different doctor this time) but as I had a history of my first being IUGR and then taking aspirin for my second I rang up and demanded a growth scan at 30 weeks. (30-32 is when changes in growth are usually picked up) I've had appointments in between where they measured my tummy but tbh I don't have time for that crap, there's so much leeway with those measurements and you don't get a 'do over' for baby, it has to be right the first time. If you want to see your midwife or if you have concerns then call them and tell them what you want. They can only say no and tbh if it is documented that a mother made specific requests and then something is found to have gone wrong they will be liable, so they will be more likely to act on your concerns than you might think.

I've started getting a bad twinge in my back... making it very uncomfy to walk and sleep which is no fun. Count down to maternity leave now... so over the tube!

Exciting to have it confirmed a olivers.

Given how many times I've been to the MDAU this pregnancy I can't imagine I'll suddenly be fine in future so I probably will get some checks anyway. Fainted repeatedly yesterday in an incredibly embarrassing situation. Feeling so sick too. I hate HG. Seriously considering starting ML early.

When do you start yours london?

Oops, dropped off the thread for a few days.
Interesting to hear what you're all packing in your hospital bags. I feel like I haven't even got my head around what I or baby might need and I'm completely clueless about baby dressing (bodysuits/sleepsuits/swaddles). As I'm due end of Aug/start of Sept I'm worried it'll be really hot. Essential I like your idea of husband proof ziploc bags.

Hi lules. In our area unless it's your first baby or you are high risk you are seen at booking, 16, 28, 34, 36, 38, 41 and 42 weeks. I saw my midwife last Thursday for 28 week check, and again yesterday as I had high blood pressure. Although BP was OK yesterday she wants to see me at 31 weeks to keep an eye on it. Considering how I'll you've been and the fainting etc I'm surprised that she hasn't asked to see you more often!!! If I was you I'd give her a call and ask for additional appointments as you really haven't been well!!

Tbf the baby is absolutely fine and MWs can't really anything about HG apart from check for ketones.

WhatwouldRuthdo thanks for the heads up on 3 for 2- I bought two packs of 10 maternity pads and some breast pads for my hospital bag.
Everywhere I read it says have more than you think you'll need though- how many are we talking?!
It's been a bad day today. Feeling shattered and TMI coming up I think one of my piles popped this morning- there was fresh blood and stinging.
I feel sore and sad and very unfeminine at the moment