Due May 2020 (thread 5)

[sao81]

Carrying on from thread 4!

@Raindancer411
Yep
Mine are like this at the end of every day
My socks proper cut into me today when I got home I had deep ridges

@Lifesforlivingandloving It's horrible isn't it? I had a lot of water retention with my last pregnancy too

@november90 ha, not a bad idea! Could order one from John Lewis week before due date or so - their return period is a generous 35 days! 🤓

@november90 the first 3 months were hell for me. i LOVED breastfeeding despite its challenges ( nipple cracks/ low supply etc) once baby grew the jaw and muscles got better at latching and it was heavenly after- i bought the breast pump b4 i had baby as it was on offer and most mums need it at some point ( i have a second pump that my friend handed down in its box if anyone wants to have it). one thing we regretted not buying was the bottle maker and bottle steriliser ( we did still use bottles at times when i was out / away) but some mums never have issues so they say just borrow a bump from your bf nurse and if u really need it u can just order one on amazon prime to arrive next day- most things u can order for next day delivery

mums please don't stress about this

nipple cream and breast pads are a must x

I haven't used them so far but I had compression socks in my last pregnancy which were great! They'll help with the ankle/calf swelling and help keep things moving in your legs

@facevalue agree definitely don't stress! The shops will still be open after baby is born

Disagree about the nipple cream and breast pads though. I used neither

@almostalwyn waw u r a superwoman i've never heard of any mum (me, friends, family, colleagues etc) who breastfed not needing a nipple cream or pads at all x i salute you ( u must have superb genes) 😍🤞🏼

True, I never had cracked nipples, but the leakage... Maybe I just didn't care. I wore black a lot!

@Raindancer411 yes mine look like that at the end of the day too! I wasn’t sure if it’s water retention or general weight gain... I used to run a lot and had quite toned legs but they’re very wobbly these days 😔

Had a real down day today. It’s the first time I’ve not been excited about the whole thing. In fact I started to doubt everything - why we were doing this, was it a good idea, are we up to it, do I really want my life to change? I imagined myself giving birth and being handed my baby at the end of it and I just couldn’t get my head round it at all. I feel so guilty for thinking that way, I know how lucky I am, I’ve had a lovely pregnancy so far and I’m sure tomorrow I’ll be back to being excited again. I’m putting it down to first time nerves, I like to be organised and in control and I guess I’m just panicking about stepping into the unknown.

We put the Snuzpod up today - I love it!

So I have a question - some friends want to throw me a baby shower but I am a bit uncomfortable as I don’t want people spending money. People were so generous first time around and although I’d like to have a little celebration I really don’t want gifts. Do you think saying presence not presents is enough? Don’t want to be ungrateful x

@GinUnicorn - could you maybe say you have most essentials now due to it being second child, but if anyone wants to bring a gift please bring their favourite children's book so you can build up a lovely collection over time with messages inside who they are from.

Midwife just called to say my bloods from my 28 week appointment are in. I am showing as anemic so need to get a prescription for iron. Apparently cut off is 105 and I am 104.

@sazzlerazzle I've had a couple of wobbles recently and I'm 32 weeks. Most days I feel great but I have off days where I feel completely and utterly overwhelmed by the enormity of it all. I'm putting it down to 1. Hormones and 2. It is factually huge and life changing! When I feel emotional I try to reach out to someone for a chat just to get any worries off my chest

@sazzlerazzle totally normal to feel all those things! I didn't really feel much connection before my first was born, which I was a bit worried about as I kept reading about people who really loved their unborn baby already and couldn't wait to meet them - and I couldn't even imagine what having a baby would be like! I'm kind of struggling to imagine having another baby now too! It's all pretty abstract when they're still inside.

But the answer is YES you are up to it! Your life will change, but you adjust and make a new life. You're going to be a great mum

@Caspianberg I could try that. I’d prefer no gifts really but it’s better than people spending lots x

@GinUnicorn What about saying you have what you need but inviting people to donate to a charity of your choice related to babies or struggling families? You won't know if they've donated or not so those who can't afford it won't feel under pressure and you won't have a pile of gifts you don't need.

@AlmostAlwyn @Pastnowfuture thank you both for the reassurance and kind words ❤️ I’m feeling better today although still with the niggles in the back of my mind. I think I’ll talk to my husband about it at the weekend when we’ve got some quality time together, it’s a hectic week so that’s not probably helping either! My pregnancy hormones are coming for me hard these last few weeks!!

@GinUnicorn I don’t think it would be rude at all to tell people that it’s not necessary to bring gifts - some people may even be relieved that it’s not expected! Still, I’m sure some people will want to bring something, see it as a reminder of how loved you and your little one are 😊 @Caspianberg the book idea is fantastic and inexpensive too.

@sazzlerazzle I've been feeling the same quite often recently, I think everyone has their down days especially the further along you get you feel more fed up, and start to feel anxious about things too. Don't feel bad for having an off day, but make sure you dont bottle it all up either! Xx
@Raindancer411 its good that its been picked up on now, so you can build your iron levels up before delivery! I always used to take my iron tabs with some fresh orange juice, as its supposed to help absorbation. I'd also check the leaflet/research in regards to dairy products when taking iron, as this can apparently decrease absorption

@Pastnowfuture @sazzlerazzle thanks for the ideas. I’ll do a combination of the two of them

@mintbear ooo we’re in the same boat then! Isn’t it crazy that we thought we were having May babies and now they’ll be April! How are you feeling? I’m seeing my consultant tomorrow and saw the midwives today and they’ve booked me in for all the classes early as I’m delivering early x

i'm so jealous of you ladies that are looking forward to mat leave and stopping work.

i love working and it keeps my mental health stable. when i'm off then the dark thoughts creep up on me and i feel very lonely ..

i hate the weekends for the same reason

it's my birthday on monday and i'm already thinking to cancel the booked sunday meal- i can't be bothered to go and pretend to be excited 😂 ... all i want is a complete day off ALONE ..

first time mums please enjoy every moment of silence and being carefree ( i miss that feeling) ... i can't be bothered with holidays because it's all chores so why bother 😌 dramatic much ! yep! that's how crappy i'm feeling

@facevalue, aww that made me feel sad reading your post. I feel completely the opposite. I am struggling with work so much and spend most days in tears. I honestly couldn’t finish soon enough. I’m also not great in my own company but i would rather be on my own at home than at work. Besides I have a ton of things I want to sort out and am impatient for mat leave and having the time to start!!

@facevalue I hear you. I like the idea of being at home in theory, but as soon as I decide to work from home for a day or two, I start feeling really isolated. I really enjoy being at work and interacting with colleagues. I think it helps with my self worth too. However, with Coronavirus fears growing, the company is starting to suggest that people work from home if they want to, and I think that will be more encouraged in the upcoming weeks :-S

Just been for a growth scan, 28+1 and babs is weighing in at 2lb15oz, little chunk already! All his measurements are bang on where they should be so no concerns, GTT also came back clear, and will finally be seeing a consultant regarding my immune system/spleen, so feeling positive for once 😂