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Connect with mums-to-be with similar due dates to share experiences and support.

35+ TTC #1 Graduates!

296 replies

Kescilly · 03/04/2019 17:52

This thread is for those of us over 35 who are pregnant with our first! It’s a continuation of a great group of people from the TTC thread. Doesn’t matter how far along you are, come on in!

OP posts:
Weathergirl1 · 25/07/2019 12:21

Hi @Kescilly good to hear from you!

I'm doing ok. The heat isn't really affecting me any worse than it would be normally (I don't do heat well when not pregnant!) but it's still a bit grim. How's your little one coping?

I guess if you have any tips on newborn clothes that would be handy as I have no clue. I mean in terms of how much of various items you're finding yourself using?

Also, do you use reusable nappies? I'm not quite at the stage of looking at those yet, but feel a bit bamboozled about the sheer number of options out there!

Blondcat · 25/07/2019 13:07

@weathergirl1 just jumping in with what we did in regards to clothes. Our dd was 6lb 6.5oz when born so wore tiny baby clothes for about a week as newborn were a bit large we just got 3 sleepsuits in that size. We then did newborn /first size until 6 weeks when she was just a smidge under 9lb (she is long though rather than round) then moved to 0-3mths mainly for the length. We had about 7 sleepsuits (Long sleeved with feet ) and 3 short sleeved babygrow (vest) and a couple of other outfits though we did a load of washing each day with muslin and clothes so you may want more if not washing daily (or you have a very messy baby). We were told if you think you have enough Muslims but more! Very true we get through a minimum of 3/4 a day. Recommend the primark ones they are really soft good size and very reasonable price.
Nappies we are using disposables for now as she was so small that the birth to potty reusables were too large (bambino mio solo) plus didn't want to worry about extra washing while trying to get to grips with newborn. We plan to use some disposables but try to use reusables to cut down the usage.
I can recommend reusable wipes though we are getting on really well with these (cheeky wipes) they clean better than disposables and so easy to wash and dry. Also better for baby's skin can be used for whole body too.

Weathergirl1 · 25/07/2019 14:29

@Blondcat that's super useful 👍 I'm already on it with Cheeky Wipes. We've got them in our bathroom already & I am planning to look at washable panty liners too, shortly, to keep me going (sweaty knickers really getting rather unpleasant at the moment 😲)

Kescilly · 26/07/2019 10:16

@Weathergirl1 she’s been fussy all week, but it didn’t help that she also got her first set of jabs! Glad you’re coping okay. I hate when I feel too warm, I get so cranky.

We didn’t do reusable nappies so I’m afraid I’m no help there. I have stopped breastfeeding now, but I did really like the reusable breast pads I bought, if that’s something you’re interested in. They were from LittleLamb and they do nappies as well so might be worth checking out?

In terms of clothes, it was difficult. They kept telling us the baby was large so we didn’t get many newborn things in. Just a few that were hand me downs or gifts. Then she came out a totally normal size and we didn’t have enough!

I personally like having enough vests for the week, so a pack of seven suits us well. Maybe a smaller set of five in newborn? Babygrows in a similar amount. Keep in mind the vests they can wear a bit longer but the babygrows are limited when they grow because of the feet. Now that she’s bigger we have more which is also handy because it means laundry is less urgent. She’s also more likely to spit up now and need a change. Bibs have been very useful since we switched to bottles!

We didn’t buy a single muslin but must have about twenty and I love them all. They are so useful for cleaning up, but also just for things like a light blanket.

I think you have to be prepared to adapt as well. We don’t dress the baby that warmly because we have to wear her most of the day so we are now going through far more vests than babygrows.

If anyone is thinking about noise machines, I’d recommend getting a dedicated white noise machine. We have Ollie the Owl and loved him at first but the auto shutoff eventually became annoying. We were creeping over to turn him on again and again!

OP posts:
Weathergirl1 · 26/07/2019 14:10

Well I wasn't doing too badly until last night when some inconsiderate morons in one of the flats behind our house decided to have an extended party on their patio balcony until at least 2am... We have a courtyard carpark out the back and noise just echoes off all the buildings so needing the window open for the heat meant I couldn't sleep... Finally dropped off at 2am when DH insisted on folding out the sofa bed for me in the front bedroom. So currently surviving on just 3 hours as bladder/stomach woke me up just after 5am... I guess I should get used to this for the future! (If they do it again tonight I am seriously considering lobbing balloons full of water over their fence from our car park! 🤣

Definitely interested in reusable breast pads @Kescilly - I'm starting to put together a spreadsheet with a list of the various different clothes we're going to need so this information is all really helpful.

Also feeling pretty pleased that I've picked up a Snuzpod3 on eBay for £77. I just collected it this morning and it's spotless - the seller said it only had about three months' use 😀 - wasn't expecting to get one this soon but we started looking as mostly they're collect only and not having a car hampers that quite a bit but this one was in the next town to us and a friend offered to drive me over so we didn't have to hire a car - it just cost me a fry up when we got back 🤣

LauraLooDerby · 26/07/2019 21:20

I'm loving these clothing and bits and bobs hints - thank you!

I had my 20 week scan today and thankfully all is absolutely fine so my mind is at rest to an extent. Although.... abdominal circumference is in the 95th percentile.... eeeek! Big baby?!

Seren1979 · 01/08/2019 06:41

Hi, can i slowly pop in and say hi*.. Had the shock of my life yesterday and here I am. Shock

Weathergirl1 · 01/08/2019 07:41

Hi @Seren1979 👋 welcome!

@LauraLooDerby congrats on the 20 week scan. Try not to worry about the abdominal circumference - yours might just be one that grows out first and then in length later when it does a growth spurt!

We've now got our pram! It's currently taking up space in our living room but I think I'm going to put it all back in the boxes and then work out where to store it! We got a complete bargain so I'm really pleased - will need to wash all the fabric parts and make sure it's all clean, but I'm really pleased! It's practically spotless and the wheels have hardly any wear at all on them!

So relieved it's cooled down this week. How is everyone else doing? @birdbybird are you ok?

Weathergirl1 · 01/08/2019 07:46

@oxted2018 and @pinkywoo are you two both okay too?

Oxted2018 · 01/08/2019 07:56

Hi all. We had our 20 week scan and all is well Smile. We got sent away for a fizsy drink and a walk as baby was so curled up it was hard to get measurements at first! Felt quite mean waking them up!!

@lauraloo - we also look to have a big baby!! In 95th percentile for leg length and head size and off the chart for abdominal size!! But then I am 6ft and my DH is 6ft 5 so I suppose we were never going to produce petite children.

Felt really excited after yesterday and we have now ordered a cot - the first significant purchase- as it was on sale!

Glad to hear everyone else is doing well and welcome and congratulations @Seren1979!

Weathergirl1 · 01/08/2019 08:05

@Oxted2018 I just checked average height and for a man it's 5'9 and a woman it's 5'3 🤣🤣🤣

Glad your scan went well 👍

LauraLooDerby · 01/08/2019 11:23

@Oxted2018 Goodness me! Ha yes - DP and I are both rugby players so we also are expecting similar - although we're more average height at 5'8" and 5'11" so maybe not as off the chart as you! We were in the middle for leg length and head so @Weathergirl1 I hope you're right!

We've bought our pram but have opted not to have it delivered until November but that was our first big purchase too... and then this weekend I think we're going to Ikea to buy the cot and changing table and stuff like that! (Overly keen?! maybe... I like to think organised...!!)

Glad everyone is well Smile

And congrats @Seren1979 - and welcome!

Seren1979 · 01/08/2019 11:30

Thank you ladies, zero idea how far. Still shocked, OH loving the idea more than me

LauraLooDerby · 01/08/2019 11:42

@Seren1979 Ha - I was exactly the same! In fact, my first message on here was:

All a bit weird, this 'being pregnant' malarky. We weren't not trying, but certainly thought it'd take longer than it did. So when the test came back, it was more shock and "ooooh bugger, it's actually happening" than being over the moon. And since then I'm just generally miffed that I can't do things, especially since it's not "real" yet - I've not had a scan or anything, got my first midwife appt next week - so at the moment it's just stopping me doing things that I love in life, like red wine, the occasional ciggy, delicious cheese and pate, and rare steaks!!

I'm still not 100% convinced, and still in mourning for my former life, but trying to see this as a next step onto more exciting things rather than losing everything I hold dear! Also, the little kicks/movements make it all a bit more exciting and real...

Kescilly · 01/08/2019 14:39

They kept telling me my baby was large. First it was the AC, then the legs, then the whole baby. A million glucose tests and a c-section later, she came out totally average. In fact everyone who sees her says she is quite petite!

OP posts:
Weathergirl1 · 01/08/2019 17:35

@Kescilly I have zero confidence in any of these scan measurements... Your experience just makes me even less convinced! I fear I will have another 'discussion' about this next week at my 24 week 25 week by immaculate conception appointment 🙄

Pinkywoo · 01/08/2019 21:03

I'm good thanks @Weathergirl1, I had my 28 week midwife appointment today and am measuring big (I knew she was going to say that!) so having a growth scan tomorrow. I think he's going to be a fairly big baby, DH is 5'10 but built like a brick shithouse (pardon my French Wink). What with also having a GD test next week and had physio yesterday, I might as well camp at the hospital at this rate!

Kescilly · 02/08/2019 12:46

Ahh I can’t believe how far along you ladies are!! Does it feel real yet?

OP posts:
Pinkywoo · 03/08/2019 18:37

It's starting to! I start maternity leave in a week (I know it's early but I can't manage being on my feet all day for much longer) and then have 10 weeks to everything ready! 😱

Weathergirl1 · 04/08/2019 17:43

@Pinkywoo 🤣🤣 at your french! Hope the growth scan went ok. I think whatever works for you with maternity leave start dates - everyone has different circumstances 👍

It's starting to feel a bit more real. We've told a few more people as I'm not going to be hiding it much longer and I don't want closer friends to find out via the grape vine.

Just finished reading (well the relevant parts) of Cribsheet which is the new Emily Oster book and it gets another 👍 from me. Also have discovered the baby sleeping bags have a reason for existing (thought they were just another 'thing' up to now but they apparently reduce the risk of SIDS) so now i adding those to the list of items...

Weathergirl1 · 07/08/2019 14:46

Update from me - just back from my 25 week (24 +1) appointment and saw a lovely more senior midwife who put us at ease and listened toy concerns over things that haven't been properly sorted yet. She's changed my EDD on the system to match my ovulation date - finally feel I can relax about that, so I am now having my 28 week appointment in 4 weeks' time when I will be 28+1. I feel so much happier about that. Finally someone is listening to me. She also measured my fundal height and it came out at 23cm which is obviously at the lower end (yes I know it's not accurate either!) which amused me that kiddo has a huge head but isn't sticking out much 🤷

Having listened to my anxiety issues, I'm also getting a referral to speak to someone at the hospital about ELCS - I don't know if I will choose that or not, but she recommended that it would be good to kick off the process to keep my options open.

Phew, hope everyone else is good?

birdbybird · 07/08/2019 16:33

Sorry for not responding to your nudge earlier @Weathergirl1 ... BTW the hypnobirth book by Siobhan Miller you mentioned on the other thread sounds interesting.

I use the laptop to post on the forum and have been without WIFI for what feels like ages due to storms in the area and a delay getting wifi fixed.

Also, I last was sick 1.5 weeks ago, so feel like I've had nausea/vomiting longer than average which has been draining, but seems to have finally gone.... still feel the excess saliva but better than before.

I was 22 weeks on Monday... I bought some black maternity jeans in the local Jojo Maman Bebe store. For now they are pretty loose, but better than wearing work trousers and needing to unbutton and unzip by the afternoon. I loathe Amazon... and partner doesn't like Ebay (both for ethical reasons), so we try to buy locally from stores where we can.
We're also getting some useful freebies (e.g. a co-sleeper) from other half's colleague who's children are now a bit older.

My tokophobia for now has taken a back seat. A colleague passed on a book by an author called Natalie Meddings called "how to have a baby". Natalie happens to run a local yoga class too and is a doula. The colleague's sister-in-law gave birth without any drugs (not even a panadol according to her) and recommended the book. I'm looking for a doula - won't be Ms Meddings as she's already booked!

birdbybird · 07/08/2019 16:36

By the way... not definitely getting a doula... just looking into it for now.

birdbybird · 07/08/2019 16:37

@Weathergirl1 great they managed to sort your EDD!

birdbybird · 07/08/2019 16:42

Am going to see if I can avoid buying any other maternity clothes other than the jeans. I wear loose clothes anyway... just that the usual work jeans/trousers were getting a bit tight around the middle. Maternity jeans should see me through autumn and till december hopefully.