August 2018 #4

[bobcat85]

Thought I'd start up a new thread as the old one has run out of space.

I don't really have an order in mind, I just wanted to sort which pram and car seat we wanted by about 15 weeks so I could keep an eye out for sales and discounts. My deadline to buy/order if we haven't already is 34 weeks.

I'm looking at any second hand sales and picking up stuff as and when which gets offered on local groups or when people ask me if we need things. So we've already got a baby bath, changing table, play gym thing, a few clothes in random sizes, some towels someone gave me. Then SIL has bought us a baby front carrier and a bumbo, a changing mat, another bath (!!) and about 10000 toys which I was a little bit overwhelmed/sad about all of, but I am feeling better about today. DH is going to use the cheapo carrier and I'll get my fabric sling and we'll go and find a structured one we like when our individual ones get too uncomfortable. Other SIL offered to buy us a particular bedside cot which I wasn't sure about but we've now said yes to.

Only other timescales I've estimated are:
Weeks 22-24: Properly plan + cost room - furniture, colour scheme, curtains etc.
Weeks 25-30: Decorate room (We're only doing this because we've just moved so we HAVE a room to decorate - and want to get it done before baby arrives because it will be easier.)
Week 30: Choose hospital (relevant for what to bring?)
Weeks 33-34: Find out and buy any remaining contents of hospital bag/needed supplies
Week 36: Pack hospital bag
Weeks 34-36: Work out if we've got enough clothes and if not: SHOP!!!

These are arranged around paydays and likely maternity leave start plus school holidays so adjust as necessary. I think I'm doing all of this planning as a displacement activity

I think - somewhere to sleep, car seat, random bits like towel/bath/changing mat, blanket or two and enough clothes to wash are basically what we need for the first few days and everything else - nappies, wipes, muslin cloths, maternity pads, breast pads/BF bras - all of this will be covered by the hospital bag list so I don't think anything is going to be left out? It seems like we're going to have a few unnecessary but nice extras as well with the way things are going so I think we should be good.

@peterpanwendy Baby's really don't need that much really, for the first few weeks anyway. I'd say you'd need:

• Moses Basket with fitted sheet
• Cellular blanket
• vests, sleepsuits, hat
• Pram and/ or sling
• nappies, wipes, changing mat
• bottles, formula, steriliser if bottle feeding.
• Baby bath or bath support

For you:

• maternity pads
• Breast pads and Lanolin if breastfeeding

Anything else can be Amazon Primed so don't worry about having to get everything straight away.
They really don't do anything apart from sleep, feed and poo for the first few weeks.

In my thoughts @birdy xxxx

Thinking of you @birdy xxx

Hope all is ok @birdy1978 x

@bobcat85 that's such a handy list thank you!

@BertieBotts we've just moved too so have a room to do up, very exciting!

I had my appointment with the Fetal Medicine specialist today and was thoroughly re-scanned. Same results unfortunately so it looks like the tiny twin will probably not make it. I had the Iona test to determine if it’s a genetic cause and will be rescanned every two weeks. I’ve been told that they will find only one heartbeat at some stage, and to focus on getting the larger twin as close to term as possible before delivery which will be ELCS as they’re both breech and the tiny twin is nearest the exit. A long way to go yet, but trying to stay positive and realistic.

Sorry to read that @birdy1978

Hope you're looking after yourself too.

Awww birdy I’m really really sorry. Hopefully everything will be ok for the other twin :( xx

@birdy I was so hoping for it to be a different outcome. I can't imagine how you must feel. Please look after yourself and your well-being mentally, ask for that support when you need it most.
Sending massive hugs your way xx

@birdy I’m so sorry to read this update. I’ve been thinking of you so much. When the time is right you may like to consider accessing support from SANDS. My youngest was stillborn at 32 weeks last year and I have found both the meetings and the online forum a huge support. I’ve also met 3 other twin mums where one baby survived and one did not so you won’t be alone there if you would like to share your story or read any others, either in person or online. Please DM me if you would like to talk more. Sending you love.

@birdy very sorry to hear this. It seems so unfair for things to go wrong at this stage. Sending hugs and all the best wishes for your other twin.

Birdy so sorry to hear that how awfully unfair. I hope all is well with the other twin and that the Iona results are clear. Be kind to yourself and hope you have all the support that you need

I’ve only ordered one baby item so far which is a new mattress for our bedside crib (dd used it then we loaned it out and I’ve done too much “new baby new mattress” reading!). I still kinda feel it’s too early to buy stuff but need to start getting sorted!

Birdy how far do you have to go until 24 weeks? Will they need to get the bigger twin out once the smaller one has passed away? I'm sorry, this must be incredibly hard.

Birdy I'm so sorry to hear that

I'm very sorry to read your update, Birdy. It sounds like you are being well looked after. I will keep my fingers crossed the the caesarean is still a long way off.

So sorry to hear that @birdy1978.

I’m so sorry birdy, I really hope it goes smoothly with no complications xx

Sorry to hear your news Birdy.

Thanks for your kind words and thoughts everyone. My next appointment is the week after next so I’m just going to try to put it to the back of my mind and get on with life. Off for a mini-break in the sun (without the toddler!) which i’m really excited about. Hope everyone has a lovely Easter and eats lots of chocolate (I think we deserve it!) xx

Good for you @birdy. Have a great time. I’m fully stocked on chocs and hot cross buns 😂

Way ahead of you @birdy have smashed two eggs already ;) enjoy your weekend away! Xx

Have a good break, birdy and indeed everyone. I've been chocolate straight through since my birthday last month and have no intention of stopping any time soon.

Off on holiday soon, and feeling very unplanned. All my toddler's summer clothes are in the loft and I have no idea if they will fit. And my summer maternity clothes are a similar story!

We have come away for the weekend, had it booked since before I was pregnant! Last time we came here we were TTC and desperately hoped we'd be pregnant when we next came.. well we are and next time we come we'll be joined by our baby! I've been using this as a mini milestone because it means so much, I made it past 12 weeks, I know if it's a boy/girl, I am so close to half way, the MS should have almost/stopped and also I made it through another gruelling term at work! Well all of those things have happened and so I'm feeling extremely content right now lying in bed after a fab day feeling baby girl jab me from the inside!

Hope you all have really lovely Easter weekends and get a nice rest x

Enjoy your time away @birdy1978 I have everything crossed that you have a smooth journey for the rest of your pregnancy. Hopefully the bigger baby will be just fine and you can carry to term

Aww wendy that's lovely :)