Due June 2020: Thread 5

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New thread ready! x

Me too @Pegase - I had a really bad headache the afternoon/evening after my GTT and convinced I was ill with Covid symptoms I had to take my temp - 36.5 in the end so it was nothing must have been low blood sugar and I felt fine the next day.

@Babybird20 I have an obstetrician appointment in 2 weeks and I'm going to ask for an ELCS as well. I'm trying to research a lot and be 100% sure I want ELCS before that appointment as I'm afraid if I'm only half hearted about wanting one they will somehow convince me to have a VB.

@sarahlounich mine is the same! I can feel movement throughout the day in and off while I keep busy and pot around but as soon as I sit and recline and especially when I am on my side it turns into party central in there! I figure he is mainly in my middle/pelvis when I'm upright but when I go on my side he moves forward into the bump and I can feel everything!

@LillianFullStop do you mind me asking why you want a ELCS? I'm curious as never thought you got the choice for c-section?

@newbyxx I had a 3rd degree tear with my DD - she was back to back and got stuck and distressed so they had to get her out ASAP with episiotomy and forceps. Quite a tough recovery afterwards and needed pelvic floor physio. When I spoke to midwife she said main aim for me is to avoid another instrumental birth as I may not be as lucky not to have long term issues this time. Esp as I'm also now 40 and no spring chicken!

Best case is senior midwife to assist VB instead of a junior midwife to avoid a bad outcome again or an ELCS. I'm not confident I'll have the senior midwife I need to attempt VB safely considering the resourcing issues so I think ELCS could be more straightforward for me. Don't get me wrong an ELCS scares the hell out of me and my ideal is still a straightforward VB - but I'm also scared of the risks of further damage to my pelvic floor. DD was only 2.7kg so less than 6lb so a tiny baby but I am quite petite (not even 5') so hoping this one isn't much bigger!

@LillianFullStop thankyou for setting out the spreadsheet, I'm really sorry but I can't work out how to add myself I'm due a boy on the 15th June.

Feeling very blessed to live by the beach with weather like this today just a shame can only go for one walk.

@LillianFullStop I'm also going for ELCS. Spoken with obstetrician already who was quite brutal - basically asked if I would be happy ending up with a colostomy bag as that was a possible outcome of a CS. Wish I had asked for stats on that one as very scaremongering but was too upset at the time.
She also claimed I could have a VB in an operating theatre if I was worried - as if that would happen with resourcing!

Have consultant midwife phone call tomorrow to discuss further.

I am worried about recovery (mostly in hospital when will have to be alone now rather than once home) but my recovery was not great last time after PPH, blood transfusions and the rest so I'd be surprised if it could be much worse.

For anyone worrying about episiotomy by the way, for my own part that was the least worrying part of it all. Obviously it meant I avoided tearing and the recovery from that was relatively pain free with no lasting issues

That’s good to hear re: episiotomy thanks @Pegase do they give you an injection down there first before cutting? I assumed they did but whenever I’ve read birth stories and an episiotomy was needed, they don’t say one way or the other.

I'm not sure on anaesthesia I'm afraid- I already had an epidural in because I was on an induction drip which is hellish.

Epidural was great for me though - was hoping to avoid but it was necessary and actually it was fine. You can stop the top ups before starting to push so you can still feel the pressure of bearing down. I also gave birth in a seated position which was a trial the hospital was doing to see if it made things easier. Don't give birth on your back!!

@Cornishbumpkin added you -  looks like 3 of you on 15th! So lucky being by the beach with this weather! I would find the view, sounds and smell of the open sea so relaxing!

@Pegase thanks for the tip - not sure if that would make it easier or harder over the phone vs in person. If they can guarantee senior midwife with a very low threshold for EMCS so under no circumstances would I do forceps again I would probably try a VB. I think I need to be 100% certain I want it when I come into that chat though as it seems like their aim is to scare and convince you otherwise.

I agree episiotomy healing and pain didn't bother me at all it was more the 3rd degree from the forceps that I want to avoid. I also already had an epidural as I was in theatre (if forceps trial didn't work it would have been an EMCS)

Thankyou @LillianFullStop, the 15th is a popular date it is lovely and relaxing.

@LillianFullStop and @pegase thank you for sharing, I'm worried that they will try and talk me out of a Elcs but unless they can guarantee baby won't get stuck I think I'm going to push for it! My sisters both ended up with emcs too so we don't have a good track record in the family with big heads!! 😬😬

@Cornishbumpkin I thought there was someone else on the 15th!! 😍💙😍

Hey @BabyBird20 it's nice having due date buddies don't know why but I've started to worry about the little things this week like breastfeeding (whether to have emergency formula in the house incase it doesn't work) and knowing how many clothes/ layers to put baby in. FTM problems

@Cornishbumpkin I am exactly the same! Suddenly feels very close and I'm panicking I have nothing ready! Ordering bits off amazon but still not really sure what I definitely need before and soon after he comes!

Has anyone got nursing bras and clothes yet? Watching breastfeeding video from the positive birth company this eve and realised I have nothing with easy access!!

@BabyBird20 I've got lots of bits coming in this week and I was feeling prepared. But then I thought oh crap what do I do once the baby is ACTUALLY here??? An actual living little human. Aghhh lol 😆

I'm so happy. I just found out that my hubby can stay with my after the birth of my baby. My maternity hospital has recently been rebuilt and now, unless you have had to have a CS, you get your own room so birth partners can stay with you and baby!! Once there, they're not allowed to leave and come back so it says to bring clothes and food for partners. I'm so happy. I did not expect that at all. My DH is made up too!

They even said that even if you have had a CS, they will try and accommodate you with a side room if you want your birth partner there. I'm so glad I chose this hospital!

@rinoa that's a whole new level of panic isn't it!! We just cancelled our nct classes S can't justify the cost at the moment, specially with them now being virtual! Hoping to learn lots from the positive birth company stuff but the postnatal bit all seems a bit of a mystery to me at the moment!!

@APD1981 that's great news!! V happy for you, that must relieve a lot of the anxiety! The rules for my hospital seem to change every time I read anything about it! Who knows what's going to be like by the time he actually comes!!

I didn't see who was asking about episiotomy but mine also healed perfectly after birth and i definitely think its a better choice than tearing as the cut is controlled if that makes sense. The way it was described to me is if you want a piece of paper in half would you tear it or cut it for a neater result?
However I had also had an epidural by this point but it was a direct epidural not administered by drip so maybe thats the protocol for episiotomy? I'll ask my midwife friend and come back to you all.

Still haven't packed my bag and im 34 weeks today 🤦‍♀️ husband has been working crazy hours with coronavirus and 3 year old is being really clingy which i think is a combination of complete routine change, knowing the baby is coming, not seeing family etc.

My friend who is a midwife has just replied saying you would be given a local anaesthetic before an episiotomy unless you're already numb from an epidural. Hope that helps xx

@Cornishbumpkin this is round 2 for me and I'm the same! I have a list of things to buy but not actually pulled the trigger on them yet but I'm 32w on Friday so I suppose I should soon with deliveries and stock being a concern. I've got a 6-pack or ready made formula in the cupboard for just in case. They drink so little when they are born I figure a week's supply should be enough?

@APD1981 that's great news! You must be so relieved especially with all the extra restrictions being enforced.

@AndddddHerewegoagain I hope this weekend is restful for you - clingy toddlers are hard! But I do feel sorry for them as their routines have been turned upside down.

@BabyBird20 nursing bras are bloody expensive which is really annoying. The best one I had from before was by Bravado.

Have just ordered sleep bras as have started leaking colostrum.

Thanks @LillianFullStop my husband is actually home this weekend as well (shift worker) which is exciting. Ive ordered Sunday lunch from the local pub who are doing a cook and collect system. Cant wait! Hoping to also make a final push on the nursery not looking like a dumping ground but she will be in our room for the first 6 months so not too worried about it to be honest!!

Thanks @BabyBird20 and @LillianFullStop glad it's not just me. I'm torn between ordering everything and leaving a few bits incase family want to buy us anything

@Pegase I'm leaking too have been for a few weeks but only out of one nipple are you leaking from both x

Hi all, been lurking for a while but not posted. Due with little girl 9th June. Though as I've had reduced movement x5 saw a doctor yesterday who said they'll probably want to induce at 38 weeks! I'm 31+2 now so suddenly got the fear!
Not of labour, just of omg do I have everything (no).
Do you think I should pack a hospital bag now?
Anyone been induced before? Is it awful?