Due June 2020: thread 7. The one where babies appear

[AndddddHerewegoagain]

Hi everyone. Starting another thread!! Hoping we start having babies appear very soon!!

Anyone else with intense pain on standing and starting to walk low down in pelvis? I feel it sharply on the left side only. Don't know if it's part of baby (head/shoulder) trapping a nerve? It's not at the front and it's not random 'lightening crotch' I don't think. Much worse this week as baby's head is more engaged. Stretching helps a bit - unlike PGP/SPD I can open legs and hips, roll over ok etc. so have been doing exercises to release hip tension. Still takes my breath away when I stand up though!

@umabb I've only got 4 syringes from my MW so not sure how often I'll collect the colostrum into them but think I'll at least stimulate my boobs once a day in case it does actually help with labour. I'm so done being pregnant now and desperate for my baby to come! X

38+0

@APD1981 I'll try to collect once a day (up to 3 times a day we can do apparently) at least just to stimulate as you say in case it works hehe. The husband got 100 of syringes from Amazon - I just questioned him whether he plans to produce some milk himself too to use all these up lol

@UKtoSK glad all is fine x I also wanted a natural birth but now I'm actually quite jealous of an elected section because baby's head has grown huge. Gonna be a battle to get him out if still to have a natural birth x

@newbyxx how is it possible to reach the baby but not the cervix? x

@umabb she said she could feel it through my vaginal wall, also apparently the babies head can sit lower and the cerix stay high behind babies head 🤷🏼‍♀️ x

@newbyxx I see what you mean. Baby's head is engaged. Should be quite soon now. You are a week ahead of me. I can't wait really. x

@umabb yeah she said head is fully engaged but that doesn't mean a lot apparently, I have 6 days untill I'm being induced so I'm really hoping he comes before then on his own x

@newbyxx ahh yes you did mention! I'm hoping sitting on a fitness ball bouncing helps things speed up which I've just started doing today! Hopefully little man hears mummy and starts action within 6 days ! xx

Ah I’m jealous of everyone who got given syringes! I asked midwife about it and she said to just sterilise a small container, freeze colostrum in that and the hospital will give me syringes if I need them after I give birth. I think I’ll start tonight (36 weeks), if I am managing to get something out I’ll order some from amazon.

I’ve an embarrassing case of a bleeding pile so that is a bit sore and hoping it can recover a bit before labour!! Also had a big snot like blob of discharge earlier... a bit of mucus plug maybe? I’ve read it can come away over a few weeks and doesn’t necessarily mean start of labour so hoping it doesn’t mean baby will come JUST yet. Another week or two and he can crack on but not quite yet please!

I got syringes from Amazon too, wasn't given any. Got a pack of 1ml and, feeling ambitious, also got some 5ml!
Glad everything is ok @UKtoSK

www.amazon.co.uk/Sterifeed-Sterile-Colostrum-Collector-Pack/dp/B07S344TS8/ref=pd_gwm_ci_mcx_mr_hp_m_1?pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_p=18c9def1-6bdc-4356-baaf-918f928ba45c&pd_rd_wg=fEWkc&pf_rd_r=YNXTA94DGB1ZCPGJV1WE&pf_rd_s=grid-3&pf_rd_t=Gateway&pd_rd_i=B07S344TS8&pd_rd_w=6vDQy&tag=mumsnetforu03-21&pf_rd_i=mobile&pd_rd_r=YNXTA94DGB1ZCPGJV1WE

These are the ones I got. Have handy little caps on them. Don't forget to label the syringes with your details and date of collection.

Thanks @MissisBee!

Thanks all for the induction stories, keep them coming, especially if you had an induction on your 2nd after a spontaneous vaginal birth with your first. I can't find any info on that scenario at all!

I've decided not to breastfeed but I think I might give the colostrum collection a try as DC1 had low sugars and I know it can help with that. Thanks for the link to syringes @MissisBee :)

I've been having similar pelvic and crotch pains to everyone. Some days I can hardly stand up straight. My bump has been having tightenings for ages now, assuming that's BH as that's what I had last time. I also have a patch of skin on my right thigh which varies between numbness, feeling like it's on fire and electric shock type feelings. Apparently very normal as baby/uterus squishing a nerve.

I'm totally knackered these days. Been having afternoon naps and long lies for the past few days and sitting here in my jim jams already!

Ready to have this baby now as feel as though I'm falling to bits!

@SerBrienneOfHouseTarth my work colleague/friend went in on Friday at 8pm for induction, she gave birth at 3:30am Saturday, and home Saturday afternoon!

@SerBrienneOfHouseTarth I'm with you on falling to bits! I'm feeling like every day is worse than the last with the pain and discomfort now ... lots of BH and cramping and they are just getting more intense (but no pattern whatsoever). I would love to nap but I get so uncomfortable lying down and if I sleep I wake more sore than I was before I fell asleep! Lose-lose-lose situation

@LillianFullStop I've had those lightning crotch sensations too, if you mean the sharp, shooting pain ones? I get them standing or sitting every now and again as she seems to either actually get her head in or be quite low a lot at the moment. They are not pleasant! I also have hip/lower back ache and some cramping over the last couple of days, which starts me wondering if things are starting and then it eases. I'm making sure to take my lactulose so I know it's not that.

Someone mentioned feeling like a whale but I feel like an elephant. I am large, though not feeling whale-like at the moment, but I definitely feel slow, heavy and cumbersome.

I haven't tried colostrum collecting. I managed to breastfeed my toddler for about 8-10 weeks without much issue but could never get the hang of hand expressing, so not sure whether it would work for me. Might give it a go though, especially if it encourages things.

I've no doubt guaranteed she doesn't come
I'm 37+2 now.

Oops pressed post by accident.

...she doesn't come for at least 2 weeks because I've had a little tidy with some hair removal cream today.

@LillianFullStop also waking in worse shape than when I went to sleep. Those night time wees are so much fun for me for this reason. I also have no real pattern to them and some are pretty strong and then others aren't. Complete empathy here.

Also, can I just check what others are putting in their hospital bag, please? I'm convinced I'm forgetting something!

I have:
Clothes for me (jogging bottoms, long loose top and a nursing strappy vest, as well as 3 pairs of knickers and a pair of socks)
Flip flops
Hair brush
Bobble
Tissues
Toiletries (hand cream, moisturiser, shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, mini toothpaste, smelly spray, deodorant - I need lip balm and a toothbrush maybe?)
A pack of disposable maternity pads and 2 extra large reusable ones with a wet bag
A squeezy mini-cordial bottle
Some cereal bars
An eye mask
Clothes for baby (2x newborn sleepsuits and 1x newborn baby grow, 1x 0-3 sleepsuit and baby grow, 2x hats, 1x scratch mitts)
5x disposable nappies
5x reuseable nappies
Small bag with 5x reuseable wipes, cotton wool balls and cotton wool pads
2x muslins for breastfeeding/blanket

Do I need a towel for baby or a blanket?
I know my phone charger needs to go in as well.

We live 20mins drive away so trying not to pack too much as DH should be able to drop off/bring more if an extended stay is needed.

@HaichMal looks like a good list! I personally have put in more pants for me, maternity pads, nappies and baby clothes.

Haven’t packed a towel for baby but have taken two lightweight blankets - a jersey one that I’m leaving in the car seat and a cellular one. Also 3 x little jersey hats for baby.

I would def take toothbrush

I’ve brought a black towel for me - I don’t think the hospital gave me one for my shower after DD1.

Other things I’ve got in my bag:

Nipple cream
Nappy cream for baby
Anti bac hand gel
Pen and notepad
Water with sports cap
Snacks - cereal bars, nuts and jelly babies
Change of t shirt for dh - dd1 did a poo on him as soon as she was born so I thought it best!

In the car I am keeping:
Maternity mats to protect the seat on journey to hospital
Sick bag (been sick al the way through this pregnancy and was very sick through labour last time so I know it will probably happen again!)

Ooh also don’t forget your maternity notes. I’ve put a little note on top of the bag saying what needs adding at last minute. I am a bit of an over preparer though!

Whoever said it feels like we are falling apart now has got it spot on. Feel like I just want to sleep and wake up when it is time for the baby to come out!

I have suspected gestational diabetes so having to test my blood sugar on one of those little machines. Is making me feel pretty down and also it bloody stings!

I've probably packed waay too many clothes in my hospital bag. I was in for 16 days last time, so can't really get my head around only needing stuff for a day or two. Also, DS did a big poo over his supposed-to-be coming home sleepsuit while I was changing him. (He also did a big wee over the midwife I didn't like while she was weighing him 😂).
I've got a towel for me and a blanket. Who said socks? Thanks - I think I forgot socks!!
@HaichMal are you planning to use reusable pads postnatal? I use them for periods, and had got some mega big ones for postnatal lochia, then suddenly had doubts and wondered if that's a step too far?

My Braxton Hicks have suddenly got a bit painful since yesterday, but no more frequent. I'm guessing this is just a warm up and could be ages before anything happens?
And, TMI, sorry. Anyone else feeling like their body is having a bit of a clear out? I've been constipated for months, and suddenly, I'm very much NOT...

@MissisBee

I've had to take fybogel twice a day since I was 20 weeks or so for constipation and even then I could still go days without going. The last 4 days I've got twice a day and I even forgot to take both doses of the fybogel yesterday! Definitely clearing out and gearing up, I think. Plusbtue tiredness is unreal again. Like I'm back in the first trimester. An unplanned 2.5 hour nap on the couch today. I've just allowed myself a hot bath, instead of a warm one, because I'm at the stage where I'll be quite happy if it puts me into labour. I've really had enough now. I cried before to hubby because I just want baby out now x

@ADP1981 I'm so done now too. Even though I'm still 36+. Once I hit 37 weeks, and get my knitting finished, baby eviction will begin in earnest!!

@HaichMal that list sounds great but I would go with 3 for baby as I remember the first couple of days of either the baby spitting up or an explosive poo would ruin at least one outfit! Although bibs and muslin squares might help with this.

Also antibac handgel and also some hand cream! I find the hand soaps in hospitals quite harsh and drying on the hands.

Good call on the socks I hadn't packed those! I haven't packed a towel as at the moment I don't see how it will fit!

Those night time wees are so comical I come out of bed walking like I'm 100 years old with aching hips! lightning crotch yes stops me in my tracks and holding my breath DH looks at me like I'm about to drop the baby there and then!

I packed my bag last weekend at 37 weeks, under duress from husband. I've got a large backpack and not filled it - I've aimed for 48 hours of "stuff" which includes bulky cloth nappies so I'm amazed it's not bursting at the seams (though I am someone who can go on holiday with nothing more than a good size handbag). I must admit I haven't packed a huge amount of clothes for baby as we didn't have problems with explosive poo in the first week with DD. She was a very messy feeder though (still is...) so have lots of muslins - including enough to use as nappies with a nappi-nippa. Might chuck another sleepsuit in on the way out the door! And notes; I've put a note, about my notes, on top of the bag.

Really hoping for a quick in and out at midwife unit this time. No birth partner so least I haven't got to worry about packing for hubby. One bit of advice I did give my sister in law the other day is to have a bag/box/whatever of "spares" for dad to bring in if needed. Found ourselves in this position before as daughter and I were in for a week; husband didn't have a clue what all the baby and maternity-esque stuff was that I'd asked for. This time I have packed a second bag for another 48 hours that he could bring me (if I need that it's because something has happened and I've ended up being taken to the next county). It's almost a duplicate of bag one, minus organic vegetarian jelly babies (yum ) and energy gels for labour. And a pack of eco-disposable nappies rather than more cloth as he might not be able to pick up and drop off washing frequently enough in that situation. He might find it easier now he has experienced one baby, but I don't think he even knew what a muslin was before when I said "please bring more muslins!" She was drip fed for half the time we were in too and still got through loads of sicky, milky, muslins... Her clothes never needed changing though.

Those with cloth pads, I like the Natracare disposable ones as an alternative to full time cloth post birth as they're much softer and closer to what I'm used to (I also don't have enough cloth for full time post-birth)

Oh and @HaichMal - breastpads, breastpads, breastpads! Then add in some more breastpads.