June 2019 - Part 8

[coastergirl]

I couldn't see a new thread so started one, hope that's OK.

Massive congratulations @swiftfox. So exciting to have our first baby!

I had my consultant and diabetes joint appointment yesterday. They are happy with my sugars and are going to leave me to manage it now, just have to call if they go funny. Had a discussion about the birth and I now have my repeat ELCS booked in for 19th June! If I go into labour before then I'm going to give it a good go, and will probably try all the old wives tricks to try and start it off, but not yet. Starting to feel real now. Had a nightmare week with my little boy so I'm exhausted and worried about coping with two

Sending love to all those struggling with various issues.

What's everyone's current mucus plug situation? (Sorry if TMI) I wiped this morning and there was a big bit of it, and I've been having BH every half hour for the past few days. Wonder if it means anything?

37+4 today

Ooo @fee1234 that's a promising sign! I'm 38+4 and nothing...

@allfurcoatnoknickers After researching yesterday I have to say I don't really like the sound of it, especially with the % of success rate and the risks.

@HoneyPea Right. Exactly, 50% success rate didn't appeal to me. And I've been desperate to avoid an emergency section, so it made sense to me to have a planned section. ESPECIALLY as my consultant was dubious it would work on me anyway.

Is anyone else’s bump changing shape? I’ve woken today significantly smaller than I was a few days ago . I’m 36 weeks today and always measured small but this is crazy. I’m thinking maybe baby has changed position? But it also makes me worry about low fluid levels (happened with ds1) and baby not growing as he should.

The dress picture is a week ago whether the trousers one is today

@Napssavelives Happens to me all the time - I've also measured small for my whole pregnancy. Some days my bump sticks way out and some days it's much flatter.

I had a scan yesterday, and according to my doctor everything looks great - baby growing exactly as he should even though the bump is still small. She thinks I just have good stomach muscles.

I'd get it checked out if you're worried though, at least then you can put your mind at rest.

I have a scan Monday but it’s just to check placenta site but seeing the dr afterwards so will mention it.

@Heyha I officially start my maternity leave on 3rd June, so finish on 24th may for half term but not start using any money until new term. Cheeky cheeky! I’ve had enough now.

Consultant was good, he’s confident I am able to deliver this baby normally as I’ve done it before. He is following his brother to be another 10lber ish. I might be crazy but I feel much calmer with this advice!

Had a growth scan today and baby slightly smaller than is predicted. Heartbeat and blood to placental all fine though. I’m not overly concerned but happy enough that they’ve brought my section forward to 5 June. It’s only a week less but it’s a week less of pregnancy so I’ll take it. Also arranged for weekly scans to monitor. I kinda think they are being dramatic as at last scan baby wasn’t playing ball and they said they do t have accurate measurements.
Looks like they are all on the way!! xxx

Oh man I've missed so many messages because I didn't realise there was a new thread! Congratulations on your baby @swiftfox, I'm glad it all went well and I hope your little boy is doing okay!

I am 38+2 today and feel so huge, I really don't know if I can take another potentially 4 weeks haha! My main fear is being induced though so I'm going to put that off for as long as physically possible. I have been eating all the dates and drinking all the raspberry leaf tea.

So, a little update - my lovely little boy is utterly perfect and four days old today. We were meant to be discharged this morning, because it looked like his jaundice had well and truly cleared out. But last night's rebound test showed it was back up, by quite a lot, and this afternoon's test even more so. I cried my eyes out. I haven't left the hospital since Saturday and feel totally cooped up. So we are still here, and I can only take him off from under the blue UV light for half an hour at a time, which isn't much. I'm desperate to cuddle him more. He's being strictly monitored for the amount he eats, so I'm expressing milk instead of breastfeeding, which I'd love to do. But at least he's getting breastmilk and I'm able to produce it ok.

DH is running between home and hospital taking laundry, bringing fresh clothes, snacks and drinks and all the stuff I need. He's slept on the floor for three nights in my yoga mat, so I've sent him to sleep at home. It'll be my first night alone with the baby, with strict instructions on how often and how much to feed him. I'm terrified. And incredibly sleep deprived.

But I keep looking at the baby and marvelling how lovely he is. It's kinda been the best and most stressful week all rolled into one.

Aww @swiftfox sounds so lovely and so hard at the same time. Sorry you are still in hospital. I’m sure you and the baby will be out really soon, and just think how wonderful it will be to take him home. At least you know he is safe and getting all the best care. Hang on in there!

Hi @swiftfox, I’ve been there with the jaundice and not being able to cuddle my baby ❤️ I don’t know if this helps but my baby latched for the first time on day 6 and from then on was exclusively breastfed, and we went on for 19 months. Those first 5 days of constant expressing and having to keep him under the lights were so tough but fundamentally short lived and I really hope it’s the same for you. If breastfeeding is something that is really important to you I really encourage you to access all the support you can when he’s able to get it ‘from the source’, especially while you’re still in hospital. You’re a superstar. Good luck.

Ah @swiftfox I hope you're holding up ok. Keep talking to us about how you're feeling. I bet he's gorgeous. Feel free to share a photo if you want to!

Oh swiftfox that really does sound so stressful. Please look after yourself. You will be home as a family soon your little one just needs some extra help. When I had my DD my milk didn't come in for over a week and so I had to wean her off of combination feeding (mostly bottle with her suckling to stimulate my milk to come in) on to breast but we worked together and I loved breast feeding for the next 12 months. It will all work out

@swiftfox so sorry you're going through this, hoping you and your baby can go home soon x

I had my second sweep this morning and I've just lost my mucus plug. Contractions have started too although not sure they're regular enough. Eeek I'm excited and scared at the same time! But more scared! 😱

Anyone considering an ECV, the risk of needing an emergency csection is really low and they monitor baby before, during and after. They check where the cord is which was something I was nervous about. My baby is breech and I had a failed ECV Thursday. I immediately booked in a second one for Tuesday but the chances of it working is even lower second go (and baby was not budging) so I think I’m going to cancel and book a csection. Although I’m trying spinning babies and moxibustion in the meantime just incase baby turns naturally! My doctor actually recommended moxibustion as there is apparently some evidence behind it! I’m sat in my garden right now doing it as I stank out the house yesterday with it 😆

@swiftfox congratulations (if I didn’t say on the other thread already!) and I’m sure you’ll be home in no time with lots of time for cuddles

I’m sorry I haven’t been keeping up or responding to people who have posted kind responses to me. My dad had another stroke tonight. He’s doing okay for now, but I’m so worried about recurrent strokes.

I’m worried about never being able to see him again. It sounds dramatic but I’m worried that history is going to repeat itself and I’ll lose a parent while pregnant and living in another country, just like my mom and MIL.

On a less emotional and more practical note, does anyone have tips for coping after a c-section? My husband will be able to take two weeks and then I might be on my own. We were relying on my parents’ help but I want to start mentally preparing to go it alone now.

Stellarfox I had two ECVSs last pregnancy and tried the moxibustion too as well as yoga type moves and all the recommended things. Unfortunately he was far too comfortable where he was and didn't move an inch. He'd been breech since the 20 week scan and never moved. This one is also breech, although seems to be trying out didn't kinds of breech. I think it's just something that happens with me, the shape of my womb or something. Personally, if you want to give it another go, just so you know you tried everything, fo for it, but if you don't mind the section, just save the stress and go for that instead. I won't be having any ECVs this time. But only because I just don't think my babies like to go head down!

@Kimbishop86 Yeah I think sometimes there’s a reason baby might be breech as it’s the safest position for them so I want to encourage baby to move but not force it. Apparently with ECVs they go really easily or not at all so I’m thinking a second will be a bit pointless. It might be you’ve got a slight heart shaped uterus or a short cord? Who knows! I am not keen on the idea of a section but I’m thinking if I book it for maybe 39 weeks baby will have a bit of time to move before then if they want to!

@Kescilly sorry to hear that! Try not to worry too much. Not been through a section (yet) but the people I know that have do seem to have recovered quite quickly. I think they encourage you to get up as soon as you can as that speeds up recovery

Hey ladies just a little update from me. I am in hospital on the antenatal ward after my 36w mw appointment on Friday bp was high and trace of protein in my pee. After 9hrs on mau (hospital very busy and on divert) I was admitted at 2am yesterday and looks like I am in until delivery due to pre-eclampsia risk as well as baby position (scan yesterday shows she is now transverse which coupled with the high BP means now too high risk to go home as risk of cord prolapse). I am fine with this as know I am in the best place and whatever happens we will get to meet her in the next 3 weeks. If she turns I will be induced otherwise c section (neither are the water birth I wanted but as long as we are both safe and well that is all that matters). I have a side room with ensuite so not too bad if I am here for few weeks.

Thanks @stellarfox.

@Blondcat, sorry you’re stuck on bed rest but at least you have a decent room!

I think baby might have turned into a breech position but as I’m already scheduled for a c-section, I’m not sure it matters.

I went to visit friends with a newborn today and it’s totally freaked me out. How the hell am I going to do this on my own with 2 other kids