July 2017 #6 - labour here we come

[nat2311]

I think this is how you make one?

Apparently I'm not technically "overdue"

Just joined my local positive birth movement group on Facebook to get a bit of clarity ehh answers and I'm not seeing a lot of positives about the big hospital either.

Apparently I can self refer to the other hospital for induction and I've got a friend who works there so I'll have a word with her.

The mlu isn't staffed after 6pm so they have to send two midwives from the big hospital to open it up. Which obviously takes away from them but they have bigger, brighter rooms, there's only two delivery suites and you all stay together and are discharged as a unit rather than dh getting shoved out of its past 9.

Mawita: woo! Keep us posted

Glitters: it all sounds stressful. I'm sorry they're making it so complicated and upsetting for you.

DS and I have been poorly all weekend, though I an much improved, which turns out to be a good thing because he got a rash today which the dr is pretty sure is measles. He's going to be at home with me all week and we're waiting to hear if my blood shows an immunity to it or not (it should as I've had all my vaccinations but then DS has had his too). Got the midwife's tomorrow for my 36 week appt and to find out if I need a growth scan. Dh is going to work from home so I don't need to take DS with me.

Does anyone else have the feeling of intense pressure in the bump like it's trying to burst outwards? Not sure how to explain it but its not the feeling of baby actively pushing outwards, though I've had lots of that too.

Oh @HaichM what a weekend!!!!

Yep lots of "I'm going to pop" sensation here. I think it might be braxton Hicks x

@glitterglitters you have to be over 40 weeks to have a sweep unfortunately. Its their guidlines i believe (i had one at 40+1 with ds but purely luck because my due date was a sunday). Prob doesnt make you feel anybetter but theres actually very little evidence that sweeps work. You have to already be "favourable" to have any impact and even then jts hard to say if a sweep helps or if things woukd have happened anyway. I was already 2cm when i had my sweep and baby still didnt come until i was 42+2
Now i think iunderstand re hospital and mlu. Is your mlu a stand alone unit?
Our mlu is in the hospital so any probs and they can just take you upstairs to labour ward of needed. Seems like a waste of money to buod such a unit and then not be able to use it. Have baby at home 😉 then they have to send a mw to you and you get one to one care. That'll piss em off haha.
Only joking. I know home births arent everyonescup of tea.
I dont understand how they could possibly send a birth partner home when youre in labour. Thats just stupid and counter productive.
God i feel all angry on your behalf.

Sorry to hear you've been poorly @HaichM I've had the pushing/bursting feeling and only realised when hooked up to the monitors on Friday that it's a BH contraction as the TOCO number went right up!

I can't believe they would send your DH home after 9 if you're in labour @glitterglitters that's outrageous!! How on earth is such a thing allowed to happen. I know you will stand firm and insist on the MLU, as you rightly should.

I'm being offered sweeps from 38 weeks 🤷🏼‍♀️ I guess it just depends on where you go and who you're dealing with.

@HaichM you poor things being unwell, and measles for your DS?! 😰 gosh how awful. Really not great timing either - not that it's ever a good time of course.

Still haven't had my whooping cough vaccination as I've been trying to get an appointment at my GP surgery for the past 2 weeks - they don't do it at the hospital apparently. Finally got a glimmer of hope of being able to do it tomorrow at 8:30am but I have to call the surgery again first thing in the morning to confirm.

Thanks everyone. I did wonder if it was linked to BH - if so then this is the 4th day in a row where I've had tightenings, back pain, BH and/or this bursting pressure. I hope I'm not going to have weeks of this. Really sore today but at least baby is active and DS is coping well so far with being poorly, though that might due to watching lots of Tom and Jerry.

I'm not sure I've heard of MLUs. Where I am you have home births or go to the hospital but OHs and birthing partners stay throughout the whole labour. He did have to leave later during the day after DS was born but came back for visiting hours.

We have a "birthing centre" in our hospital which I assume is the same as a MLU?? They're very large rooms with pools and double beds so your OH can stay but you have to go up to the delivery ward if your labour is complicated, you get induced or want an epidural I believe.

My bump really hurts. Around and below my belly button is really sore - not sure if this is normal or not?

I must point out that If you're in active Labour they can stay but pre 5cm he gets sent away. And after the baby is born and they move you to post natal they kick him out. My most painful part of labour was getting to 4cm though which is what scares me.

We have two mlu, one standalone and one in the hospital. The hospital mlu has a high amount of interventions though.

They're really giving you the runaround @glitterglitters, if you just turn up at the MLU in labour surely they have to take you? I can't believe they'd send partners away when you're in labour- that's awful! I was labouring on an antenatal ward for a couple of hours on my own and it was horrible! I was only allowed have DH with me when I was actually in the delivery suite.

Best of luck getting the whooping cough vaccine @ButterflyFree, just in the nick of time! But if you don't get it, don't stress as i think the likelihood of your baby getting whooping cough in the first 6 weeks is quite slim.

@HaichM measles?! Oh no, that's awful!

Nothing really to report here, didn't get through nearly as many of my pottering jobs today and I feel like I'll be a bit stressed tomorrow trying to get through it all. Fingers crossed my toddler sleeps a bit longer tomorrow...apparently he slept over 3 hours in crèche today! We kept him up til 8 hoping he goes a bit longer tomorrow morning but who knows...

I guess it's different depending on the hospital or MLU you go to. I couldn't stay in the hospital until actually in active labour at 5cm last time. Even sent me home at 4.5cm. The hospital I'll be going to may be different this time as it has an antenatal ward as well as the birthing suite but I'm not sure so will make sure to ask the mw tomorrow so I know more.

Glitters: I hated the early bit too and can't imagine going through it without DH.

Thanks everybody. I feel a bit calmer now and less unhinged worried about everything.

Cannot sleep for the life of me. Baby is pushing and kicking like mad.

Hopefully it won't be too long till they show up now

Please can I ask for help and a couple of kind words.
Due to DH having only 1 week of fully paid paternity leave and some holidays and me working 90 miles away with no friends, we decided for me to give birth in my home country to get my parents' support. I have a c-section booked for this Friday for medical reasons, with hospital admission on Thursday. No flights for him on Weds so supposed to fly today Tues in the afternoon. Yesterday I was having an afternoon nap as I can't sleep anymore in the night and was woken up by a call from his workplace - he had an epileptic fit (as it happens every few years under particular stress, he was rushing to finish work before leaving). He recovered pretty quickly compared to other times and went home alone to sleep. Woke uo for dinner and claimed he's ok he's going to get into work tomorrow morning to submit the lasr bit and then leave to the airport. I have cried the whole night so far and can't sleep a single minute. He could change the ticket toThursday but he doesn't want to and I just can't breath at the idea for him of a bus, a flight and another 2hours bus alone. I have the mobile of his landlady for the morning and colleagues promised to get in touch with me if they don't see him in at usual time but the travel bit is killing me

oh Glitter that is rubbish. I got sent away home twice bse I was officially not in established labour. They would only admit me if I was 4cm minimum. I was sent home at 3cm! Like you, the transition from 3cm to 4cm was a very painful 4hrs of labouring at home. That pethidine injection on arrival was a very welcome pain relief. Sorry no words of comfort but I understand what you are going through. I was always intending on going to the hospital as I wanted access to drugs. And also both our Birthing centres are double the distance from my home compared to the hospital with potholed country roads thrown in. And if anything changes you are then blue lighted to the hospital anyway. Fuff!

I think the silence from Luci is a good sign. Fingers crossed we get some news.

BabyNotyet is doing well. She only cries if feeding or changing is needed Sometimes trapped wind makes her cry but once it passes she is ok. She has started to smile which is nice to see. I dont know whether she knows she is smiling though. We registered her on Friday and Picked up her birth certificate. We will send off the child benefit forms sometime today.

I think I have conquered my breastfeeding challenges for now. I am still using shields till my nipples fully recover but baby seems not to have a problem with them. I once in a while feed without them but nipples not fully toughened yet so still get tender afterwards. I also finally mastered the hand pump; if I tilt the funnel slightly downwards it doesn't pull on the nipples too badly that I am in discomfort. I managed to pump 80ml on Sunday after I noticed the errant left breast was starting engorge with a lump but baby was fed to her fill. I have stashed it in the freezer with labels on when it will expire. I used the free storage bags of lansinoh that came in the bounty pack. They are good that I have ordered more for future use.
As for me, things were looking up with stitches healing nicely. Still slightly sore but I can tell that all is as should be. But then I was struck with I thought was the start of a stroke yesterday morning. Soap got into my left eye and I found that I could close that eye properly. I then found that I couldn't blink it properly either. I could not lift my brow or purse my lips on that side too. It wasn't droopy but the muscles had stopped working. I called 111 who sent over an ambulance. They reckoned it was an inflammation pressing on a facial nerve in the inner ear but couldn't rule out a stroke so they took me to hospital for a ct scan. Scan was clear so it was confirmed as Bells palsy. Apparently your chances of getting it increase when pregnant. I am now on a high dose of steroids for 5 days then gradually lower the dosage down to nothing for another 5 days. Doctor is ok for me to continue breastfeeding as it is over a short period but nonetheless I won't be keeping any milk expressed while on the steroids.

I was at hospital 10am to 4pm so baby had her first formula at home with SIL. I borrowed the hospital electric breast pump (I think Ardo calypso) to help relieve the engorgement. It was a really good pump. And fast. The shape of the funnel was that It drew in the aerioli and breast tissue beyond so no suction or vacuum on the nipples. It was very comfortable to use. I pumped 150ml in 20mins from both breasts combined. A friend is visiting baby tomorrow and she is giving me her medela swing so I will compare and see if it is any better. If not I am buying an Ardo. Whilst I go back to work at 6 months, I intend to have baby on breast milk till at least 9 months or as long as my breasts continue to produce enough milk. My colleague successfully expressed at work for 4 months so I intend to do the same.

When it rains it pours! Feeling sorry for myself at the moment with my wonky face. In the meantime, I am drawing comfort in this cute little one. She reminds me that it is all worth it though. I hope her cuteness brings on 'proper' Labour for those of you with what feels like it is impending or are overdue.

Sorry for the epic post!

@Notyetthere oh my gosh!! Are you ok? My friend had Bells Palsy and it was totally out of the blue. I'm glad that they were able to look after you so quickly and bubs is ok.

Gorgeous picture by the way.

I've had a good sleep and seen a few photos of other rooms at the big hospital so if I do go there I am a bit more confident of what to ask for. I'm sure it won't come to it. I think I was just feeling a bit emotional yesterday. Need to pull myself together.

Also I bought a tube of Lansinoh with number 1 and I've still got 3/4 of a tube so it does last really well.

@AnnaL82 bless you. I've seen your other thread and I know that you've been having a hard time of it lately, especially given all the other factors. Although he won't be travelling with anybody there will be people there and there's always someone trained etc. Plus he will be heading to be with you and your new baby so I'm sure that will help spur him on. Try not to worry and make the most of the last couple of days of peace if you can.

I hope the silence from @LuciBee231015 is good news. I've been there and it was so miserable waiting for a baby and there being a clock over it. Fingers crossed.

I'm going to try and smash out a load of work today. I've had my editor tell me they got a replacement for my time off, when I'd actually planned to submit all my work and not have any gaps (need the cash!!!) so need to try and get ahead as far as possible. Wish me luck!!!

@Notyetthere What a scare!! Must have been awful... I'm so glad you got looked after swiftly and the CT scan was all clear. I remember my grandfather getting Bell's Palsy and it was seemingly completely random but the specialist later told him it was likely due to sitting in a draught..? Anyway he made a full recovery from the droopiness, which hopefully you will do very soon too 🤞🏻

Your little princess is absolutely beautiful. Such a cute photo. Glad to hear you're getting into the swing of things with BF and pumping, and yes please do give us your review of the Medela in due course.

@AnnaL82 So sorry to hear about your DH; of course you will be feeling worried about him but as @glitterglitters said, at least you can be reassured by the fact that there will be plenty of people around, some with training/expertise, along each step of the journey. It's a good sign that he recovered quickly from the incident and I'm sure there's absolutely nothing that he would let stop him from getting to you in time for Friday's big day!

I've barely slept - DH was up at 6am his time (3am here) to go to the military hospital for all his medical assessments, and is still there now 5.5hrs later, waiting to see a cardiologist. The specialist he saw about his previous knee surgeries and current ankle injury graded him for Level 5 military service (office-based rather than field based), so if the cardiologist suggests the same then their recommendations will be put to the committee when they convene NEXT Tuesday. Ugh everything is just being so drawn out. I want a conclusion NOW, so I can deal with it and process it either way. But at least things seem on track for getting Level 5, which is the best possible outcome.

Meanwhile I've been on hold to my GP surgery since 8 trying to get a slot with the nurse to do my WC vaccination sometime today... not holding my breath 🙄 but I think I'll just show up at the surgery and annoy them in person if they don't confirm anything over the phone because this is getting silly now.

@Notyetthere how scary that must have been for you! I'm glad you got seen and treated quickly and hopefully the steroids will do the trick! Your daughter is gorgeous so cute!

Im also hoping the silence from
@LuciBee231015 means things are on the move! Fingers crossed!!

@AnnaL82 my OH also has epilepsy and it's a constant fear that something would happen when I'm not around. Like the others have said his journey will be with others and at each point
There will be people who are medically trained- not that they will be needed!

I've run out of steam today. I've done some work and I've amused the toddler who now just keeps demanding "snacks".
Any ideas of things I can do now. 🙈🙊

I just had my 38 week check (actually 38+6) - all fine until mw asked how I was emotionally and I burst into tears 😂 perfect timing!

Apparently he's fully engaged though and is hopeful we won't get to the induction process. Apparently sweeps aren't done until 40+7 and then repeated 40+9 and +12. The induction would also be booked for the day of the 3rd sweep +12.

Oooh @nat2311 that's good. He's your first isn't he? So he'll stay locked and loaded for you. 👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼

And don't worry, I've done so much ugly crying lately (full on snots and wailing)

@glitterglitters yeah he's my first so it's all new to me! I've always been an emotional person but the amount of crying I've done recently is crazy! And
for no reason at all 😂

You'll cry a lot after he's born too. I've never cried as hard in my life as I did on day three after dd was born.

You get really sensitive about stuff in general, particularly anything with kids. Can't watch the news anymore 😓

But you also laugh harder and smile so much your face hurts. You get a massive excuse to behave like a giant child as well which is AWESOMEEE. Nothing quite like the smug smile on my husband's face as he helps dd down the huge slide at softplay for the fourth time. 😂

DD and I got readmitted on day 3 (because she'd lost so much weight). It's all a bit of a haze but oh my goodness I cried a lot!

glitter I'm glad you're felling more positive. I'm choosing to have midwife-led care in a consultant-led unit, because it's a five minute taxi ride from my house (the nearest MLU is about 30 mins in a taxi).

Notyet I've been wondering how you were. Glad to hear you're getting feeding sorted but oh my! that sounds like a very scary few days!

Anna I hope all goes well with your DH's travel.

Nat I practically cried all day on day 3 postpartum. I also cried loads yesterday at the hospital. I am crying now; no reason at all. Just random crying.