Due in June - TA your baby WILL be here soon!

[bumperlicious]

Just in case we get locked out without realising!

Hi Pingu,

Am glad to hear things are getting better. Post-labour in hospital is, to be frank, fucking shite and a waste of time IME. So please don't worry about it.

Your community MW is obviously much better and doing a good job, fantastic that Isla is feeding well and you've had some sleep! Well done you!

My DP and I weren't together when DS1 was born (and look at us now!) and it absolutely made no difference to their bonding. He was around, but not full-time and didn't take anytime off work. Its made no difference they have a very strong, loving relationship and always have done. A lot of fathers back-off at this time because they feel unable to deal with a tiny baby - all big and clumsy and fingers & thumbs. They'll be fine, really they will. And nearly all of them go on a bender til 4 am because they panic about the responsibility fatherhood brings!

You've not done this before, but I think its shite for all of us. My advice, if you don't mind me giving it, is to sit on the sofa, watch crappy made-4-tv films on Channel 5 and wait for it to pass. You ARE doing well, but it is hard and all new. xx

Also sometimes think theres a bit of an anticlimax feeling after the birth. Me & DH sat there looking at each other as if to say - now what!! Thank crunchie its Friday eh!!

mumof4- you're so right, I do have the shakes, and I've no appetite. It's sheer anxiety- I know that.

TBH, I feel nervous about taking her out- is that silly? my MIL is trying to get me to go out this afternoon for a walk with her and the LO, and I can't explain it, but I'd rather not....?

foxy

You're so wise- it was you who convinced me I was in labour!
I'm glad you're saying what I feel is normal. you hear so may people (celebrities mainly?)blethering on about how fucking 'spiritual' giving birth was, and their connection with their new child is 'like no other', and to be honest, all I kept thinking was' can someone please take her away now'. I know that makes me sound dreadful, but I'm being honest. I feel stacks better about her now though, and she's so precious. I just wish I had know that it wasn't all going to be as instant as they say it is.

Foxy, I'm assured by your dp's relationship with the kids.

There is something daunting about getting them out into the big wide world. It will probably do you some good, but if you don't feel ready, you can always do it tomorrow.

Pingu - I found it best to be left on my own to bond & get used to the baby without people watching over me. You might be best left to it?

Agree with foxy that men can take longer. I have pre-eclampsia in late pg so was in hosp for the last week before delivery so My DH had to take his paternity to look after the other 3 so the day I came home with DS4 he went back to work & I was on the school run. He bonded in no time at all though. They need to be throown in at deep end - book to have your hair done or something. Dont forget you have got to know the baby a bit over the lst 9 months. Be patient - its very early days. You have a lifetime together xx

Wise old bird, me

My birth plan always states (and I have a slight guilt about it) - take them away and clean them up before handing them over. I just need some time to pull myself together. None of this, hand over the slippery little bundle immediately whilst still attached. Besides, when you do have them you don't want to hand them back whilst you deliver the placenta, get cleaned up etc.

Nothing wrong with taking some time to pull yourself together!!

It was a priviledge to be there convincing you of your labour! Made being up at that ridiculous time worthwhile!

TBH I was more worried about getting dog shit on the wheels of my sparkly new pram on my 1st trip out!

LOL foxy - im the same - also - take em to the maternity nursery at night please!! My hosp has seperate rooms you can ask for instead of the 3/4 bed bays and they are much better. Cant be doin with other peoples visitors gaupin at me laid on me bed!

mumof4

Just burst my fucking stitches laughing at your last post!

about the dog shit, that is

I think you have to remind yourself (and its not necessarily when they are newborns) that they have their own relationship with their father and they have to find their own way together. (That was hard for me, I'm such a bloody dictator!).

I am convinced that there is a different bond with Fathers and Daughters - the whole Daddy's girl thing - that is theirs and theirs alone. I have the same with my boys, but when DD was born he (and I!) felt it was different straight away. She was also the only birth he's been there for, he had the first cuddle, got her dressed.

'course she's a right madam now and sticks the knife in saying "I hate you Daddy". Oh how we laugh

and the little bugger has just tried to bite me!!

My dd is daddy's little princess! 3 boys for him, then alice, now another boy! She will always be the most precious I'm sure! He always gets a massive hug when he gets home and she always runs to him when I tell her off! I think it's coz he gives her sweets and I don't!

Dads bond differently with their children, they get all the fun stuff and mums get the boring everyday stuff and tantrums!

Yep, and they get to go to the pub and watch sport. We get mother & toddlers and Cbeebies

Yawn, I think it's nap time! Napping is a constructive activity isn't it?

Essential - if you can get it.

Fucking cbeebies! I think we might have to start watching a different channel soon before my brain turns to mush! I just hate those crappy american shows though with the screeching kids, at least cbeebies is sort of educational!

I WAAAANT MY BAAAAABYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY

Right off to nap!

Wow! Massive thunder clap, oooo how exciting! Gonna go upstairs and look at the lightning before napping! Now that is a constructive activity !

Dora on Nick Jr. She can learn spanish. Both of mine were repeating spanish words after watching it*. Wonder if there's a Japanese equivalent....?

(*whilst eating their lunch - Bad Mommy of the Day Award to Foxy, please!).

And LazyTown is made in Iceland and promotes a healthy diet and active lifestyle

LOL Foxy, what does Peppa Pig do??? (DC had toast for dinner last night - may need that bad mother badge)

Been out walking all day in an attempt to move this little bugger out! I'm the last to go in the June thread and I'm getting soooo bored with being pg. I'm 38+2 today - the longest I've ever gone and MY GOD IT IS BORING. I was awake at 5am with BHs, then NOTHING grrrrrr.

Anyway, moan over, don't really think I have a leg to stand on anyway.

Who was asking about post natal vitamins - the best I've found are Zita West (here). You take the omega oils (vital dsa) and the vitamins (revital essence).

HUGE congrats to Bumper and TA - well done guys!

Can't watch Peppa Pig - too many mentions of custart doughnuts and chocolate cake