September 2019 #10.

[Karigan195]

New thread so we can leave #9 as a type of condolence book for little Roy and Twittlebee. Sleep in peace little man

Also is it sensible to pack baby outfits into little freezer size bags so someone can just pick one up and have everything
Or it’s better not to once they’re washed?

@Hsunshine I've thrown two packs of 12 maternity pads in, assume I won't get through them all but they don't take up that much space. Opened the pack of breast pads from the baby box and I think I've put in 8 pairs, I didn't leak at all with the older two though.

I've not bothered with putting outfits in separate plastic bags, can see why folk would but bar the first outfit after my section I'm sure it will be me who's dressing her anyways and even if it's not I'm not that bothered about what goes with what or dp seeing my knickers in the case.

@easterbuns1 thank you
I’m only thinking of seperating clothes as planning to take 2 diff sizes then I don’t have to worry I have a vest and sleepsuit in same size

I’ve put hats and scratch mits together in a freezer bag as they are going to get lost in the bag. I was just planning on putting the newborn sleepsuits and vests in the bag together and then the bigger size to stay in car unless needed

@megan2018 what was the birth injury? A tear?

The radiology boss had to come in and repeat my scan - dropping in "oh we can't tell if your placenta is overlying the cervix or not as the head's very low, but we'll assume it isn't and leave it as your routine scans have been ok so far". Luckily I have a 36 week scan booked. Hopefully I would have symptoms if I truly had placenta praevia? Otherwise the C/S vs VD argument in my head will be settled for me!

@TheCraicDealer speak to your MW about your concerns. My cousin has had a baby recently and needed forceps but both she and her husband flat out refused and said it wasn't happening, she would be having a c section. It took some negotiating but she got the c section.

My greatest fear about birth with DD was any sort of instrumental delivery. As it happened I ended up having forceps in theatre (a last ditch effort before a c section) - my recovery was absolutely fine and I have had no long term issues whatsoever. I know this is just anecdotal but definitely talk through your concerns with your MW. I bounced back extremely quickly and was back to walking dogs, pushing pram and driving within about 5 - 7 days basically pain free.

@moxarella
I don’t know all the details, but multiple tears, muscle damage I believe and a prolapse. She’s had several lots of corrective surgery so far and still not quite right although I think the fecal incontinence is largely better but that’s 7 years on! Her subsequent babies were elcs as a result. It makes me shudder (I know its very rare!).

@thecraicdealer I had No Forceps in big writing on my birth plan. I think that I would have reconsidered if they suggested it, but I needed the midwife to know not to just spring it on me!

It's so hard not to worry when there's so many birth stories out there.

Just checking in to ask those who were feeling trembly movements from the womb - have you asked your midwife about it? Did they reassure you? I'm a bit freaked out as I've had quite a few more and really thought it was the baby having a seizure. I know thinking the worst is not helpful but my whole stomach trembles then normal movements resume. I've never had it before in any pregnancy so any advice is appreciated.

Oh, good timing @challengeyourreality

I felt them this morning while being monitored and the midwife said they were hiccups.

But, that could just be me. If you are concerned at all, please bring it up with your midwife or triage

Thanks @Stroan I will call them tomorrow morning and see what they advise, will hope that it's hiccuping.

@Moraxella if your placenta wasnt covering your cervix before it won't have suddenly dropped down now- so if it didn't come up at previous scans I wouldn't worry. Great bedside manner there...

True, it is very unlikely. I have taken leave of my senses and can feel my brain rotting. Can't wait to get back to work :(

I also had a forceps delivery with DD and had a fairly easy recovery - although knowing now what I do about risks of instrumental delivery perhaps I wouldn’t have been so calm about it! I also had an episiotomy which I want again if there is any risk of tearing. I know superficial tears heal well but I’m terrified of 3rd/4th degree tear.

Actually although I say a fairly easy recovery I will say that while pelvic floor and everything is fine (looks fine, feels the same according to DH although he could be being kind!), using tampons has never quite been the same since last labour.

@bridget I've heard that, can you still use them or are they useless?

Hsunshine

I am planning to go into birth in blissful ignorance about all these terrible things that can happen

Me too. I've not attended any classes etc I'll just go with the flow!

Every night I lie down to go to bed and that’s when tigger starts living up to his name! Why can’t he bounce around like a lunatic during day time? Why does it have to be at sleep time!!

@Moraxella I can and do still use them but they don’t absorb in the same way they used to - I’ve tried lots of different brands and sizes but none absorb quite right. They’re not uncomfortable or anything but I have to use a light pad as well. I’m fortunate that my periods are relatively short and light though. Slightly dreading what the vaginal situation could be like after no.2.... I might just have to persevere with a moon cup!

@Moraxella I use tampons with no issues. I mean, I won't lie, things are not the same down there as they were pre birth. And I can still feel the faint line of my sizeable episiotomy but neither have caused me issues.

I still managed to use tampons after too, no issues. My episiotomy scar was pretty much invisible but it has become a bit more noticeable during this pregnancy, guessing due to the extra blood flow and swelling that happens!

I had DD vaginally with just a graze, and I have had literally no problems- can use tampons easily, everything seemed to go back to where it should be. However I was 18, so I'm not expecting quite so much elastic in my body this time!

I've been using mooncups for 20 years and have had to change brands since having children, the fit is definitely different (still haven't found the perfect one, but I also haven't had that many periods, mine take ages to come back between children...).
I tore quite badly (3rd degree tears both time, and an hour in theatre being stitched after DC1), but healed very easily. I'm not aware of any issues although I guess maybe that's the cause of the mooncup not fitting right anymore!

Tampon wise i am fine as long as i use either green or orange Tampax and i have had four vaginal births, but no cuts / tears / stitches

Hang on, people get rid of the massive granny knickers after baby? No one tell DH, I'm still wearing apple catchers 7 years after DS was born...

I've bought some very fetching ~enormous~ short type ones from Primark this time. They almost tuck into my bra. I even did a sexy dance for DH in the red ones but he did not seem aroused. I think he is blind.

Dennis snurk! Nearly as alluring as my saggy baggy raggedy ones...